* Congratulations to Christian Vasu who won the spelling bee! Aubyn Boyce was runner-up. All of the candidates did a great job!

* Our scrapbook fundraiser for amp units for the classrooms is nearing. These units will assist students in hearing instructions from anywhere in the classroom. They run about $1,000 each. PO has purchased 4 units and this fundraiser will assist in purchasing more. Our goal is for all of our classrooms to have one. If you do not scrapbook but can make a financial donation, then we would appreciate it.

* Groundhog Day is coming up! We will see what Buckeye Chuck has to say.

Welcome back to Washington as we are getting geared up for another fantastic year! Also, we would like to 'welcome' our new parents and students to the Washington family.

* ODE has reported that Washington Elementary has received a rating of "EXCELLENT" for the fourth year in a row! A super job by our staff and students.

* We have stark county fair tickets! The Fair Board has donated 1 ticket per student. Please stop by the main office to get a ticket.

* Please take the time to "thank" our custodial staff for getting the building to shine for opening day.

** OPEN HOUSE: Don't forget - it is Sept. 1 from 6:00 - 7:30 for grades 1 - 5. It's a great way to meet your teacher before school starts.

* The PTO provided a great week Feb. 28 - March 4 with the celebration of of Reading! The weekly theme was Dr. Suess and the students were provided with a variety of activities, contests and assemblies to encourage them to read. "Thank You" to the many helping hands. I would like to compliment our staff on a wonderful reading night with the kids too! They dressed up as the Cat in the Hat and the Grinch as other staff members read to the kids.

* March 30 - is spring picture day! ( 9:00 - 11:00 )

* We are starting to GEAR UP for the Ohio Achievement tests coming up in April. Again, we are looking forward to another possible EXCELLENT rating by the state of Ohio. The PTO will be providing fruit for the kids before the tests along with bottled water. We will be taking the practice OAA tests March 7 - 11. Students who may need intervention will be provided after school tutoring at no cost. A letter will be sent home for your consent.

* Massive amounts of snow or water ! Washington keeps on rolling :)

* On February 19, the PTO sponsored a country style dance for the kids and the community. Mrs. Gray sang camp songs with the kids and was presented by the PTO with a bench that will be placed along the walkway. Music, food and fun were in order and I would like to "thank" everyone who attended.

* February 24, parent/teacher conferences will be held from 3:30-8:30.

* Cornhole tournament will be on March 12 at 10:00am in the gym. All entry money is due March 9 to Mr. Viscounte.
It is $20 per team. Winning team receives $60 and second place receives $40. We must have at least 5 teams.
* March 21 - The kindergarten staff will be working with Park Farms on hatching baby chicks in their rooms.