IRE Families,
Each year, the CEE Survey gives us one of the most important lenses into how we’re doing as a school, input directly from our families. Your feedback helps us assess our progress, understand how connected and supported families feel at Irene Reither Elementary, and identify what’s working well and where we need to grow.
We use this information not just for reflection, but for action. With this data we make immediate adjustments this spring and also plan meaningful shifts for the 2026–2027 school year. This year, we’ve also streamlined the survey to reduce the number of questions and make it quicker to complete.
Please take a few minutes to share your voice. Your input truly shapes our next steps as a school. The survey is due March 6th.
Best,
Tyler Dockins, Principal
Nate Beede, Assistant Principal
Rebecca Kratzig, Dean of Instruction
Lockdown Drill This Week
This week, our school will conduct a lockdown drill as part of our regular safety practices.
These drills help students and staff know what to do in case we ever need to secure the building. We approach these drills calmly and in an age-appropriate way—much like we do with fire drills—to help students feel prepared and safe, not scared.
You can support your child by talking together about the drill. Here are a few age-appropriate discussion questions you might use:
What did you do during the drill?
How did you feel before, during, and after?
What helps you feel safe at school?
Who are adults at school you can go to if you ever feel worried?
Thank you for helping us keep our school a safe and supportive place for everyone.
Winter Panorama Student Survey
Thank you for your continued partnership and support in your child’s education. In Meridian, part of our
commitment to learning is helping students develop academic and personal skills for life.
To support this, we will be asking for students in grades 3-5 to reflect on their own mindsets and approaches to learning via an online survey they will be completing by February 20. The survey shouldn’t take more than 20-30 minutes to complete.
The survey content will ask students to self-reflect on overall learning experiences at school and in life, their behavior and how they respond to different situations, how they experience emotions at school and in life, and how other people help them.
Their responses will provide invaluable insights into their experiences and how we can improve and adapt our district to their needs. If a student doesn’t feel like they have enough information to answer a question, they will be able to skip the item altogether.
If you have any questions about the survey, please let us know.
Register for Kindergarten
Kindergarten registration for the 2026-27 school year begins Tuesday, February 17. Children must be 5-years-old before September 1, 2026 to be eligible.
Research shows that high-quality early learning programs increase graduation rates, reduce disparities in early literacy and language development, and support long-term emotional well-being. Students who begin kindergarten ready to learn are more likely to stay on track academically.
Daily learning for our youngest students includes morning meetings for social development, two recesses, structured play, and enrichment classes. IRE uses Creative Curriculum, a research-based program that blends literacy and math into hands-on, interest-driven units of study.
Early Childhood Programs at Irene Reither Elementary
Pre-Kindergarten Programs (PK)
In addition to kindergarten, IRE offers a full-day preschool experience for eligible three and four-year-olds. The Pre-Kindergarten (PK) Program, brings together Transitional Kindergarten (TK) and Early Childhood Education Assistance Program (ECEAP, pronounced e-cap). Each program is designed to help children build a strong foundation for school and life.
This blended model creates an inclusive setting where children learn through play, exploration, and connection with peers. Teachers emphasize early literacy, math concepts, problem-solving, language development, social-emotional skills, and kindergarten readiness. Families also receive support through strong collaboration between school staff and community partners. Eligibility is based on age, need and family circumstances following TK and ECEAP guidelines.
Developmental Preschool
Developmental Preschool serves children ages three to five whose families have concerns about their child’s development or learning. Students may experience speech or language delays, motor or adaptive skill challenges, social-emotional or behavioral needs, or may have a diagnosed disability or chronic health condition. Through specialized instruction and individualized support, the program centers each child’s strengths. Children qualify through a free evaluation which families can request throughout the school year.
Comprehensive sexual health education lessons begin March 25
Students in fourth and fifth grade will be taking part in comprehensive sexual health education lessons beginning March 25.
Families may review materials on the
Puberty: The Wonder Years website, which includes the following information for grades 4 and 5:
Parents and guardians may remove their children from these lessons with a written request. (
RCW 28A.300.475). Families who wish to opt their children out of these lessons must turn in an opt-out form before the first day of lessons. Opt-out forms are available in the school office or
on our website. Students who opt-out of the lessons will spend time on classroom projects and/or work on their i-Ready goals in the library.
Curriculum materials are available for families to review at the District Office, 214 W. Laurel Road, Bellingham, WA , during business hours 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. If families are unable to review materials during business hours, please call 360-318-2170 to schedule an appointment.
We appreciate your continued partnership in your student’s learning. If you have any questions please contact your teacher.
PTA Meeting
Please join us at our next PTA meeting:
Thursday, February 26th
6:00-7:30pm
IRE Library
