It's time to go back to school!

The Washington-Wilkes Primary School will open its doors to approximately 520 students on Friday, August 5. The building opens for breakfast at 7:30 each morning and students report to class at 7:50. Classes will dismiss at 3 p.m.

"We're really looking forward to another great year at the Primary School," says Dr. Rosemary Caddell, principal. "There are many exciting opportunities planned for children this year. Our theme is 'Excellence Without Exception' and that is really the bar by which we gauge ourselves and our programs - We expect excellence from each other and from all of our students - without exception."

Washington-Wilkes Primary School (W-WPS) is celebrating its eighth year as a Distinguished Title I School of Excellence. Each year since records have been kept, WWPS has achieved Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) and Absolute Bar standings in the school reviews conducted by the state.

"We are very proud of our school," says Dr. Caddell. "We have great students, well-trained teachers, and supportive parents in a community that supports education and expects excellence from its schools. There is no place better than WWPS to build a firm foundation for academic success."

W-WPS is both a Georgia School of Excellence and a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence. Excellence here is a constant - driven to higher standards each year.

Dr. Caddell invites all students and their parents to participate in visitation at the school on Thursday, August 3. Parents and students may drop-in between 2 and 4 p.m. "This is a time to meet your child's teacher and help your child become acquainted with his classroom and its location," Caddell said, "and it's a good time to let your child's teacher know about your child's bus or other transportation information."

A parent orientation meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, August 8. This is a very important time for parents to learn about expectations for the school year. It is also a time to learn about the specific expectations of your child's teacher and grade. All parents are strongly encouraged to attend.

Student supply lists are posted with all local merchants who sell school supplies. Parents and students may also drop by the school between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. to pick up a list.

Kindergarten students will need a 2006 hearing, vision, and dental (HVD) screening certificate. This is new this year. A current immunization certificate must also be on file before your child can attend school. The Wilkes County Health Department is conducting free immunizations for children and providing access to school hearing, vision, and dental screenings. Call the Health Department at 706-678-2622 for more information.

Parents and other interested individuals are encouraged to become part of the exciting things happening at the W-WPS. Anyone who would like to volunteer in any way is asked to contact the school at 706678-2633.