• Rainier Elementary Cougars

    Principal Medrum's Welcome Back to School Letter 

    August 18, 2023

    Dear Rainier Elementary Families,

    Welcome back! I hope you all had an incredible summer filled with unforgettable adventures that allowed you to spend time together. As we approach this new school year, I am excited and can barely wait to see each and every one of you.

    Building strong relationships is at the heart of my role as Rainier Elementary’s principal. I am dedicated to getting to know your child(ren) personally, whether in the hallways, classrooms, lunchroom, or playground. I believe in investing in our students and being fair in decision-making because they deserve nothing less.

    Your child's safety is our top priority. If you ever have a concern or question about anything, please don't hesitate to reach out to me. Communication is key; I am always here to listen and support you. Feel free to contact your child's teacher, my office staff, or me directly.

    I am thrilled to introduce our new staff members who are joining our Rainier family this year. Let's give a warm welcome to Shanna Martin (Kindergarten), Katy Sharp (1st Grade), Peyton Poler (2nd Grade), Ethan Clary (4th Grade), Amy Holcombe (music), Alicia Weiser (SPED), and Hannah Woll (Nurse). They bring fresh perspectives and expertise that will contribute to an exceptional learning environment.

    Mark your calendars for our upcoming K-5 Open House on Wednesday, August 30th. This event is an opportunity for you and your child to meet their teacher, explore the classrooms, and connect with our dedicated specialist team, office staff, SPED teachers, and counselor. We will also be hosting a BBQ hotdog feed on the football field to celebrate the start of a fantastic year together.

    I can hardly wait for the first day of school. I am eager to hear all about your summer adventures and, of course, meet our new students and families. Rainier Elementary is a community we can be proud of, with exceptional teachers, staff, students, families, and volunteers. Working with your child(ren) daily is an honor.

    Below, you will find important information for the 2023-2024 school year. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to me via email at meldrumr@rainier.wednet.edu or by phone at 360.446.4020. Our office is open from 7:30 am to 3:30 pm.

    Sincerely, 

     
     

    Rita Meldrum, Principal
    Rainier Elementary School

    End of Day Release

    All students will be released at 2:50 pm

    Start Dates:

    • Office opens: Monday, August 21st 7:30 – 3:30 pm
    • 1st - 5th grade begins on Tuesday, September 5th
    • Kindergarten begins on Friday, September 8th

    Student Supply List:

    Please click link for our RES School Supplies

    District Calendar:

    Please click link for our District Calendar

    Elementary Webpage:

    Please click the link for our Rainier Elementary webpage

    Mark Your Calendar:

    • August 23rd: Kindergarten Orientation & Scavenger Hunt
    • August 24th: Kindergarten Cougar Camp
    • September 18th: School Pictures

    Breakfast and Lunch

    Breakfast and lunch will be free for all K-5 students this year. Breakfast will be available from 8:00 am to 8:20 am. Don't forget to fill out the Free and Reduced-Price Meal Application so the elementary school doesn’t lose this benefit.

    Morning Drop Off

    • The school is open for drop-off as early as 8:00 am. If you arrive before 8:00 am you will need to keep your child in your vehicle until a visual signal from school personnel at 8:00 am.
    • At 8:00, your child will enter our building through our front doors.
    • Our parking lot is one way. Please pull into the lane nearest the curb and exit by driving around to the left.
    • To keep traffic moving please pull forward.
    • It would be helpful if students are prepared with backpacks and coats ready to be dropped off quickly in this right lane.
    • For your child’s safety, please have them exit the vehicle on the passenger side closest to the sidewalk.
    • Please do not stop on the crosswalk or exit your vehicle.
    • After dropping off your student, please take care pulling away from the curb as other cars will be passing through.

    Afternoon Pick Up

    • Please do not park and get out of your vehicle to pick up your child.
    • If you choose to walk to come and pick up your child, please wait over by the flag pole area and we will release your child to you.
    • Our parking lot is one way. Please pull into the lane closest to the school on the curb and exit by driving around to the left, through the back of the parking lot.
    • Please continue to pull forward as other cars exit the pick-up zone. Our pick-up line runs more smoothly if the cars advance forward as far as possible when space opens up. Please pick up your child quickly to prevent a traffic back-up.
    • For your child’s safety, we will have them enter the vehicle on the passenger side closest to the sidewalk.
    • Please do not stop on the crosswalk or exit your vehicle.
    • Please have your passenger side window down so we can communicate with you regarding pick-up.