The countdown is on for prepping kids to go back to school within the Washoe County School District (WCSD). Most schools open for the 2023-24 school year next Monday, August 14, except for kindergarten, Gerlach, and Incline Village students who will start school on August 21.
The WCSD is holding its first District kickoff event for employees on Wednesday, August 9, which will include Superintendent Susan Enfield welcoming staff back for the new school year, student performances, staff recognition, and the launch of the District’s Strategic Plan. Contracted employees may board school buses at their worksites headed to the Reno Livestock Events Center on Wednesday morning where they will be greeted by the McQueen High School band and vendors handing out swag bags for staff members. More than 5,000 WCSD employees are expected to attend the first-ever District kickoff event.
Then this Saturday, August 12, the District is hosting a Back to School Expo for families at the Washoe County Health District Immunization Clinic on 1001 E. 9th Street Building B in Reno. Held from 8am-noon, students can receive free or low-cost vaccinations and information about the new school year covering transportation, school meals, special education services, and more. Insurance is not required for those who wish to receive vaccinations, and appointments can be made online through the WCSD website. Parent University, Family Resource Center, and other local agencies will be on hand to answer questions, and a job fair will also be going on.
Free Student Meals are Back
Free meals for students are also back for the 2023-24 school year. Families are encouraged to fill out meal applications on the WCSD website so that the District can receive proper funding to support the program and the recipients may also receive additional benefits like Wi-Fi assistance and subsidized SAT/ACT test fees. WCSD’s Nutrition Services team is proud of serving nourishing, balanced meals to its students with items that include low and nonfat dairy products; lean protein choices; fruits and vegetables options; low sodium foods; 100 percent juice and bottled water; whole grain products and legumes. Check out the Nutrition Services webpage on the WCSD website to view the menus.
The Bus Schedule is Out
Close to 360 yellow school buses will be out in full force on Aug. 14, and bus schedules are available on the WCSD website. Plug in your grade and street address to see when the bus comes through your neighborhood to ensure that your student gets to school on time.
WCSD Partners with Care Solace
Also new this year, the WCSD has teamed up with Care Solace to provide free mental health support services to students, staff, and families 24/7. For those suffering from depression, stress, anxiety, or substance issues, Care Solace can find an available mental health provider who can offer completely free and confidential support. Care Solace is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year in more than 200 languages. For more information, visit https://www.caresolace.com/site/washoe.
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