It has been a great first full week of school as we welcomed back nearly 11,000 students to our classrooms and schools. Teaching and learning is in full swing and we couldn't be more excited for a new year of growing panthers, where every student is connected, challenged, and celebrated.
This back-to-school season, I will continue to share information regarding school funding and the operating referendum renewal question on the ballot for the November 3 election. Please make sure that you are registered to vote.
Did You Know…
- Indiana Public Schools are expected to lose over $770 million in property tax revenue over the next three years.
- Indiana Public Schools and Local Municipalities have lost $4.1 BILLION since 2009 due to the imposition of tax caps.
- Indiana ranks 37th in the nation on per pupil education spending.
- Indiana ranks 45th in the nation for local public education support.
- Washington Township Schools is one of the largest employers on the north side of Indianapolis with nearly 1,800 employees.
- Washington Township Schools has approximately 1,000 employees who live in our school district.
The operating referendum renewal is an important matter that will impact the future funding of Washington Township schools. We encourage you to review the facts and stay informed as additional information becomes available.
Resources, including the answers to frequently asked questions about school funding, property taxes, and the potential impact on our schools, are available on the District website.
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Last year was another special chapter for Unified Sports at North Central High School, as our Panthers continued to show what it means to compete, connect, and grow together. Through Unified Bocce Ball, Unified Bowling, and the inaugural season of IHSAA-sanctioned Unified Track & Field, students with and without intellectual disabilities competed side by side while building friendships, teamwork, confidence, and a true sense of belonging. More than 50 student-athletes and partners represented North Central across these programs, demonstrating tremendous sportsmanship, determination, and Panther Pride. Beyond last year's impressive results, Unified Sports continue to remind us what being a Panther is all about: everyone has a role, everyone has a place, and everyone has an opportunity to shine. Together, we are Growing Panthers! |
Skyward Parent Notifications for 26-27 School Year
During this school year, families can expect regular communication about both academic progress and attendance through Skyward notifications:
- Families in Grades 3-12 will receive monthly academic progress reports.
- Families of students in Grades 3-12 receiving below a 60% will receive a weekly progress report.
- Attendance letters will be sent at 5,8, and 10 total absences regardless of absence type. This aligns with new state accountability expectations.
Action Required - Student Contact Information/Skyward Access ✅
To foster the most effective school-home communications experience and for the safety of your student(s), please ensure we have the most up-to-date and accurate contact information on file. All families are asked to log into Skyward Family Access and complete the data cleanup process. When adding your information, PLEASE INCLUDE AT LEAST ONE functional email address and phone number, as this is our source for sending important ParentSquare communications throughout the school year.
NOTE: You will be prompted to change your password (if you haven’t already done so) to meet current security standards. As you update your contact information, you will have the option to save and come back later ( step-by-step directions) have been provided to help guide you through this process). If you encounter difficulty accessing or logging into Skyward, please email skyward@msdwt.k12.in.us.
Thank you for being an essential partner in your child’s education. Together, we can ensure every student is present, progressing, and positioned for success.
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We are excited to begin another school year and look forward to serving our students with nutritious, high-quality meals that support learning and success every day.
As you prepare for the 2026–2027 school year, we encourage all families to review the 2026-2027 Meal Guide. It contains important information about school meal programs, eligibility, meal pricing, payment options, account management, special dietary accommodations, and other helpful resources to ensure your student is ready for a successful start to the school year.
We look forward to serving your family and wish everyone a healthy, happy, and successful school year!
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Enrollment and Transportation Schedule:
Newly Enrolled Students from August 7–August 14
➝ Transportation will be arranged as information is received from schools
➝ Students may begin riding August 20
Please note that the times listed on your child’s bus schedule in Skyward are approximate times.
- Buses may arrive to bus stops at least 10-minute before or 10-minutes after the scheduled stop time. In the event that a bus will be more than 10-minutes late, families will be notified.
- At the beginning of the school year, inconsistencies in route timings are often experienced. Fortunately, the weather during that time of the year is usually quite pleasant, and we appreciate your patience as drivers become familiar with their routes and riders. As the year progresses, the times should be more consistent.
- We make every attempt to notify you if the bus will be more than 15 minutes late for non-weather related reasons.
- Your student’s bus pick-up/drop-off time and location are available in Skyward. The Here Comes the Bus app is also available for you to track your student’s bus.
- It is important that all families, including those already riding the bus and those newly added, check Skyward for updated busing information on August 13. The addition of students to routes may result in changes to bus stop pick-up and drop-off times.
Bus Transportation Status Form:
If you submitted a Bus Transportation Status Form, the same enrollment timelines apply.
Families may provide one AM pick-up address and one PM drop-off address, as long as both are within the student’s school boundaries.
Note: All requested permanent transportation changes, additions, and deletions must be submitted to your student’s school. Time is needed to process the many applications and changes that the Transportation Department receives. Requests submitted from parents/guardians at the beginning of the school year may take longer to process due to back-to-school adjustments. Parents are responsible for transporting students until the transportation request has been received and processed (requests may take up to five (5) school days during the school year). If a request cannot be granted, you will be notified by your student’s school.
Limited Choice/Out of District Information
- Only MSDWT students living within district boundaries will be assigned bus routes.
- Limited Choice and Out of District students must provide their own transportation.
PARENT RESPONSIBILITY
It is the responsibility of parents/guardians to make sure that their student is at the school of choice on time in the AM and picked up on time in the PM.
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Washington Township Online Academy Is Still Accepting Applications
Washington Township Schools is still accepting applications for the Washington Township Online Academy for the Fall 2026 semester. We encourage our Washington Township families to share this opportunity with other prospective families who may be looking for a high-quality virtual learning option for their high school student. Visit our webpage to learn more.
Your goals. Your way. Your future. Applications being accepted for the 2026–27 school year.
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New Electronic Volunteer Background Check Process
We're making it easier than ever for parents, guardians, and community members to volunteer in Washington Township Schools! Beginning this school year, all volunteer background checks are completed electronically through our district website. Simply visit https://www.msdwt.k12.in.us/volunteer-requirements, select Students & Families, then Volunteer Requirements to complete your application. Please allow at least 14 business days for processing before your volunteer activity.
Volunteers now have two background check options:
- Limited Criminal History Check – Free, valid for one year, and renewed annually.
- Expanded Criminal History Check – Volunteer-paid, valid for three years, providing a convenient option for families and community members who volunteer frequently. (An Expanded Criminal History Check is also required for volunteers serving in roles involving the sole care, custody, or control of students or overnight supervision.)
Thank you for partnering with us to help keep our students safe while supporting our schools!
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DEADLINE EXTENDED!
Submit your designs by August 16th, Washington Township Student Artists!
The Washington Township Schools Foundation is inviting all PreK–12 students to participate in a fun Student Sticker Design Challenge to help promote BASH ’26, Washington Township’s biggest night!
This year's BASH theme, "The Art of Community," celebrates the creativity, connection, and school spirit that make Washington Township special. We're looking for up to seven original student designs to be featured as stickers on the official BASH '26 invitation postcard and other event materials.
Students can create their design using any medium—from crayons and markers to paint or digital art—as long as it can be reproduced as a 1-inch sticker.
Deadline: August 16th
Selected artists will have their work showcased as part of WTSF’s largest fundraising event and receive special recognition.
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Panther Spiritwear!
Get ready for the new school year and show your Panther Pride!
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Currently Accepting Applications for the Following Positions
Position: Kindergarten Instructional Assistant
Location: Clearwater Elementary, Nora Elementary and Spring Mill Elementary
Calendar: 185 Days/School Year
Hours: Monday - Friday, 6 Hours per day average
Pay Rate: $17.00 per hour - additional compensation given for college degree or teaching license
Perks: Step Pay Increases, Paid Time Off, Holiday Pay, Retirement
Position: Bus Drivers
Location: Transportation
Calendar: 185 Days/School Year
Hours: Monday - Friday, 6.5 Hours per day average
Salary: $27.00 per hour starting rate ($32,468 annually) - additional compensation given for college degree
Perks: Sign On Bonus, Step Pay Increases, Paid Leave Days, Paid Holidays, Healthcare, Retirement
Position: School Resource Officer (School Year)
Location: District-wide
Calendar: 205 Days/School Year
Hours: Monday - Friday, Day Shift (Hours Vary)
Salary: $29.00 per hour starting rate ($47,560 annually) - additional compensation given for college degree
Perks: Step Pay Increases, Paid Leave Days, Paid Holidays, Healthcare, Retirement
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Each day we teach our students the importance of civic education. The general election is November 3. Make sure to check your registration status, register to vote, or update your information by visiting www.IndianaVoters.com by the October 5 deadline. Register To Vote
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