{"id":8238,"date":"2026-09-08T17:51:28","date_gmt":"2026-09-09T00:51:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/senatedemocrats.wa.gov\/nobles\/?p=8238"},"modified":"2026-09-08T17:51:28","modified_gmt":"2026-09-09T00:51:28","slug":"a-strong-start-to-the-school-year","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/senatedemocrats.wa.gov\/nobles\/2026\/09\/08\/a-strong-start-to-the-school-year\/","title":{"rendered":"A Strong Start to the School Year"},"content":{"rendered":"

Dear friends and neighbors,<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Back-to-school season brings fresh starts, new friendships and so much possibility. As a mom and educator, I also know it can bring questions, added expenses and a little uncertainty. Every student deserves to begin the year feeling welcomed,\u00a0supported\u00a0and ready to learn \u2014 and every family deserves to know they have a community behind them.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

As chair of the Senate Higher Education & Workforce Development Committee and vice chair of the Senate Early Learning & K-12 Education Committee, I carry those expectations into my work in Olympia. Supporting students means listening to their experiences and addressing the challenges they face, from their first classroom to whatever comes after graduation.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Below,\u00a0you\u2019ll\u00a0find encouragement for the year ahead, resources for families, financial aid\u00a0information\u00a0and a reminder to help keep our students safe.<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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A Message to Students and Families<\/b><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

To our students: You belong here. Your questions,\u00a0ideas\u00a0and experiences matter. Whether\u00a0you\u2019re\u00a0starting kindergarten, walking into a new\u00a0school\u00a0or preparing for your senior year, you\u00a0don\u2019t\u00a0have to have everything figured out today.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

To our families: Thank you for all you do to support your children. The routines you build, conversations you have and encouragement you offer make a difference, even when the days feel challenging.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

I shared more in my\u00a0<\/span>back-to-school letter to students and families<\/span><\/b><\/a>, including my commitment to supporting you throughout the year.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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A Little Advice for the Year Ahead<\/b><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Come ready to learn, keep an open mind and give yourself room to grow. Introduce yourself to someone new. Include the classmate who might be feeling left out. Ask questions, try something unfamiliar and remember that asking for help is a strength.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

School is also where we learn to build community. Educators, counselors,\u00a0coaches\u00a0and other trusted adults are there to support you. You deserve to feel safe and valued, and\u00a0I\u2019ll\u00a0continue advocating for the student supports and inclusive learning environments that help make that possible.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Resources to Help Families Get Started<\/b><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

School supplies,\u00a0clothing\u00a0and health needs can put\u00a0additional\u00a0pressure on family budgets. My office gathered local events, school supply\u00a0information\u00a0and community\u00a0assistance\u00a0in\u00a0our\u00a0<\/span>2026 Back-to-School Resource Guide<\/span><\/b><\/a>.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Please share it with a neighbor or family who could use\u00a0it and\u00a0check individual event dates and availability. If\u00a0you\u2019re\u00a0still looking for support, my office can help connect you with resources.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Your Future, Funded<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

This interim, my FAFSA Completion Tour brought me together with students and families at Harrison Prep and Steilacoom High School to talk about financial aid and the steps toward education after graduation. These conversations build on my years helping students with college and career preparation \u2014 and reinforce why accessible, personal guidance matters. You can\u00a0<\/span>read more about the tour here<\/span><\/b><\/a>.<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If\u00a0you\u2019re\u00a0attending college or career training this fall and\u00a0haven\u2019t\u00a0completed your\u00a0<\/span>2026-27\u00a0<\/span><\/b>FAFSA<\/span><\/b><\/a>\u00a0or\u00a0<\/span><\/b>WASFA<\/span><\/b><\/a>, make it a priority. The FAFSA considers students for federal and state aid. The WASFA provides a route to state and some college aid for people who cannot or choose not to complete the FAFSA. You only need to complete one.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

For students beginning their senior year, now is\u00a0a good time\u00a0to connect with your school counselor, explore your options and prepare for the financial aid application for the year\u00a0you\u2019ll\u00a0attend.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Don\u2019t\u00a0assume education is out of reach before exploring the help available. Visit the\u00a0<\/span>Washington Student Achievement Council\u2019s financial aid page<\/span><\/b><\/a>\u00a0to find the right application and help completing it.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Stop for School Buses<\/b><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Every student deserves a safe trip to and from school, and we all have a role in making that happen.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

According to the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), Washington school bus drivers reported\u00a0<\/span>960 illegal passes in a single day<\/span><\/b>\u00a0during a 2026 survey. If that pace continued throughout a 180-day school year, it would add up to\u00a0<\/span>more than 172,000 violations<\/span><\/b>. Each one puts students at risk.\u00a0<\/span>Read OSPI\u2019s safety reminder here<\/span><\/b><\/a>.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

When a school bus activates its red flashing lights and\u00a0stop\u00a0sign:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n