Washougal school year moves to August start date

School will start earlier for Washougal students this year, as the district moves its start day to Aug. 28, prior to Labor Day weekend.

According to a district announcement Wednesday, because Labor Day is late, the first week of September, the district opted to go for the earlier start day.

The district also announced that kindergarten through fifth grade students will now have a 40-minute early release every Wednesday, reduced from the two-hour early release currently in place. The district has hired additional art, music, physical education and reading teachers, allowing teachers to have preparation periods during those elective times.

According to the district, the change will give students about three extra school weeks worth of instruction time.

“The change will also allow students to have a consistent daily routine, and more consistent schedules for families,” the district said in its statement.

The district will soon publish the new calendar, start times and other information for students as the year ends. The last day of school this year is June 20. Back-to-school pages will also be published in the coming weeks.