Bells will sound and students will take their seats for the first time Thursday when the new school year starts for the Washington School District. The summer has been filled projects including safety improvements at Stewart Elementary. New Washington School District Superintendent Willie Stone spoke with KCII news about the preparation and what has him most excited about a new year. “I’m always excited about the relationships. I’m a big person on building relationships. I want to build them with kids, staff members, and with the community. As people start coming into the building, it gives me more opportunities to meet people and try to build those relationships to get an understanding of where we’re at as Washington. I’ve heard of all the great things that are going on and I want to see those things.” 

This week will welcome students back with open houses at Stewart and Lincoln Elementaries, the middle school and the computer roll-out and freshman orientation at the high school. The first day of school in the Washington District is Thursday, August 23rd.