School Restructuring at WHS

So much talk is going on about the current state of Washington High School and the possible changes in the years to come. To help you separate fact from fiction, here is a brief explanation of what's really happening at Washington HS.

Washington has been selected as one of the high schools to go through a 'restructuring' process. In this process, Washington will still remain a high school campus, but the building will be divided amongst three or four specialty schools. We are planning to use the academies that already exist within the school and build on them to strengthen them. For example, the Academy of Information Technology will become the basis for a new High Tech High School. This will allow the school to design its own curriculum, maintain a separate budget, and operate within its own guidelines.

Each school within the Washington High School Campus will have its own expectations and procedures. Students who currently attend Washington HS will be able to choose which school to enroll in. Each school will have its own requirements for acceptance, but the primary criteria will be a strong desire to attend, along with a commitment to receiving a quality education.

The 2004-2005 school year will be a planning year. Washington will still be open and will run as it is run now, but teachers and administrators will be working to develop curricula for the new schools. In the 2005-2006 school year, students will have the option to enroll in one of the new schools on the Washington Campus.

Studies show that smaller schools with stronger programs work better. They provide students with a better connection to teachers and staff of the school, and they allow students to gain more skills and competencies which will help to prepare them for a better future. Yes, there are going to be a lot of changes happening at Washington High School in the next few years. But all of these changes can only help to provide students with a better chance for a better education, especially with the help and commitment of you, the parents, alumni and community supporters of Washington High School.

Than you for all of your support

Your WHS School Council

Questions or concerns? Please attend our school council meetings on the first Monday of every month from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

For more information email: webmaster@whs.edu