Principal’s Message

IRE Families,
As we approach state testing, we want to share a balanced perspective. These assessments are one way we measure student progress and help us understand how well we are supporting learning across our school. While they are important, they are just one piece of the bigger picture of your child’s growth and success.
What matters most are the daily experiences students have at school and the support they receive at home. Strong attendance, encouragement, reading together, and conversations about learning all play a powerful role in helping students do their best, not just on a test, but over time.
We are proud of the progress we are making as a district in partnership with the middle and high school. This growth reflects the hard work of our students, the partnership of our families, and the dedication of our staff. At Irene Reither Elementary, we remain deeply committed to the educational excellence of every child.
Thank you for your continued support. There are some great suggestions below.
Lastly, it is that time of year where we start getting our class placement process started. You will find the survey below.
Best,
Tyler Dockins, Principal
Nate Beede, Assistant Principal
Rebecca Kratzig, Dean of Instruction

Dismissal Reminders

Arrive between 3:30 – 3:40 p.m.
Our dismissal process begins at 3:30. If you arrive before then, please find a spot to park in the gravel lot. This helps keep fire lines open and our campus safe. Please ensure that you scan in using the SDM app upon arrival. There are scan stations in at the parking lot entrance, gravel lot, and front doors of building A.

Spring Testing is Coming Up!

Our annual spring assessments are just around the corner! Students in grades 3–5 will take the Smarter Balanced Assessment (SBA), 5th graders will also take the Washington Comprehensive Assessment of Science (WCAS), and all students in grades K–5 will complete i-Ready testing.
Testing Dates:
  • ELA (Grades 3–5): April 27–30
  • Math (Grades 3–5): May 11–13
  • i-Ready (Grades K–5): May 18–21
  • WCAS (Grade 5 only): May 27–28
You can help your child feel confident and prepared by:
  • Encouraging them to try their best
  • Making sure they bring a fully charged Chromebook each day
  • Providing a healthy breakfast
  • Helping them get plenty of rest
We are proud of the hard work our students have shown all year and look forward to seeing them shine during testing!

Class Placement Input Survey

We invite families to share input that may help us create the best possible learning environment for your child next year. Our team thoughtfully builds balanced classrooms that support both academic growth and social-emotional needs.

While we cannot honor specific teacher requests, your insights about your child are valuable in this process.

Please note that many of our teachers and staff review these comments as part of the placement process. If you have private or sensitive information, we encourage you to share that directly with our school counselor.

Helpful information may include:

  • Important peer relationships
  • Educational history or experiences
  • Any other relevant information about your child

The survey will close Friday, May 1st.

Class Placement Input Survey

District Art Show ~ April 27

Join us for our District Art Show April 27, 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. at Meridian High School.
Student artwork from all Meridian schools will be on display in the commons, showcasing the creativity and talent of our young artists. Enjoy an evening of the arts, including musical performances by our students.
This free event is open to the entire community. We kindly ask that children remain supervised by a parent or guardian throughout the evening. We look forward to seeing you there!

Blue Skies Little Wishes

  • Applications accepted April 1st – April 30th, 2026
  • A One-Time Little Wish is a single, one-time award designed to support a specific wish or enrichment opportunity (like camp, after-school enrichment, or equipment fees) for a child. Each Little Wish request is tailored to meet the unique interests or needs of the child.
  • One-Time Little Wishes are limited in number and may not cover the full request. Little Wishes granted generally range from $50.00 – $150.00. Wishes are awarded through a lottery System.
  • More Information & Applications: https://www.blueskiesforchildren.org/one-time-little-wishes.html

Register for Kindergarten

Kindergarten registration for the 2026-27 school year is underway. Children must be 5-years-old before Sept. 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.
Questions about registration? Contact Irene Reither Elementary School at 360-398-2111.
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.
Learn more about our early childhood programs.