The first day of school for students across Clark County is right around the corner, and there are a few things to keep in mind before the bell rings.
The county’s two largest school districts, Evergreen Public Schools and Vancouver Public Schools, each made shifts to their bell schedules this year. The changes were made based on research showing later start times for older students benefited mental health and could alleviate district-wide transportation struggles.
Ongoing contract negotiations with teachers’ unions in Evergreen, Battle Ground and Camas may still impact the respective first days of school in each district. The Columbian will provide updates in the coming days regarding these negotiations.
Evergreen bell schedules
The first day of school in Evergreen is Wednesday, barring a potential strike amid stalled contract negotiations with the Evergreen Education Association.
There are “early” elementary schools and “late” elementary schools. “Early” elementary schools will begin at 7:50 a.m. and let out at 2:25 p.m. “Late” elementary schools will begin at 8:40 a.m. and let out at 3:15 p.m. To check which elementary schedule your child’s school follows, visit https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Ve8ZvR5EGNupISYoJZIcFdzUBKHVikycR8Ttq8SCN0c/edit.
Middle schools will now start at 9:35 a.m. and let out at 4:05 p.m.
High schools will start at 8:45 a.m. and let out at 3:15 p.m. The exception is Henrietta Lacks Health and Bioscience High School, which will start at 7: 55 a.m. and let out at 2:25 p.m.
Vancouver bell schedules
The first day of school in Vancouver Public Schools is also Wednesday.
Elementary schools will begin at 8 a.m. and let out at 2:30 p.m. Exceptions are Ruth Bader Ginsburg Elementary School and the Vancouver Innovation, Technology and Arts Elementary School, which begin at 8:40 a.m. and let out at 3:10 p.m.
Middle schools will begin at 9:20 a.m. and let out at 3:50 p.m.
High schools will begin at 8:35 a.m. and let out at 3:10 p.m.
Flex Academy, iTech Preparatory, and the Vancouver School of Arts and Academics will each start at 9:20 a.m. and let out at 3:50 p.m.
Gateway to Adult Transition Education will start at 8:45 a.m. and end at 1:45 p.m. The Jim Tangeman Center will open at 9 a.m. and close at 3 p.m.
Other districts
The Camas School District’s first day of school is set for Monday. Camas’ teachers’ union, however, issued a warning to the district Thursday that if a deal on a new contract is not reached by Monday, it will go on strike.
The district and the union are scheduled to bargain today and Sunday, if necessary. Notice of any potential work stoppage will be provided Sunday at the latest.
Woodland Public Schools’ first day of school is Monday.
Battle Ground Public Schools’ and the Ridgefield, Hockinson and La Center school districts’ first day of school is Wednesday.
The Washougal School District’s first day of classes is Sept. 5.
