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Westlane Middle School

Every Wildcat Every Day Connected | Challenged | Celebrated

District Updates

Posted Date: 7/25/25 (9:00 PM)

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District Updates

July 25, 2025

A Message from Superintendent Taylor

Dear Washington Township Staff and Families,
As the new Superintendent of Washington Township Schools, it is with great excitement and deep purpose that I welcome you to the 2025–2026 school year.

We begin this year with immense pride in the achievements of our students and educators—and a bold commitment to reach even greater heights. Together, we will continue to raise expectations, deliver rigorous instruction, and work for every student’s access to opportunities that prepare them for lifelong success.
Superintendent Dr. Sean Taylor smiles.
At the same time, we acknowledge the challenges some in our community have experienced due to increased violence across our city this summer. We are firmly committed to ensuring our schools are safe, welcoming spaces where every student and staff member can thrive. This means we will uphold our conduct expectations. Unsafe and disruptive conduct simply will not have a place in our schools.  

Our vision is rooted in both excellence and belonging. As we move forward, we will celebrate high achievement, challenge one another to grow, and value connection and voice in shaping the future of our district.

We are Washington Township and We Grow Panthers.

With pride and partnership,
Dr. Sean Taylor
Superintendent
Washington Township Schools
Graphic depicting a cell phone reminding that the first day of school is July 31

First Day of School - Thursday, July 31

Students return to school on Thursday, July 31. We look forward to having our scholars back on campus for the 2025-26 school year.

The table below outlines hours of operation for all WTS schools. Please prioritize attendance and on-time arrival this school year! Access the District calendar here.
Attend-Engage-Achieve
Graphic table noting the start times for each level of learning:
Early Learning Center:
8:35 AM - 11:35 AM & 12:25 PM -3:25 PM
Elementary School: 7:40 AM – 2:25 PM 
Middle School:  9:30 AM – 4:25 PM 
High School:  8:35 AM – 3:25 PM
 

DSP Webinar for all Stakeholders

Join us for this webinar for an in depth review of the new District Strategic Plan. We are excited to share the culmination of community input collected over last semester. 

August 19
6-7:30 PM
Register in advance for this webinar here.
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
Image promoting a webinar opportunity with a laptop displaying a video call.
 
Graphic log for Skyward

Skyward Cleanup

Action Required - Student Contact Information/Skyward Access  
To foster the most effective school-home communications experience and for the safety of your student(s), please ensure we have the most up-to-date and accurate contact information on file. All families are asked to log into Skyward Family Access and complete the data cleanup process. When adding your information, PLEASE INCLUDE AT LEAST ONE functional email address and phone number, as this is our source for sending important ParentSquare communications throughout the school year. 
NOTE: You will be prompted to change your password (if you haven’t already done so) to meet current security standards. As you update your contact information, you will have the option to save and come back later (step-by-step directions) have been provided to help guide you through this process). If you encounter difficulty accessing or logging into Skyward, please email skyward@msdwt.k12.in.us.
 

A Message from Our Academic Team

Welcome Back!
The WTS Teaching and Learning Department is excited to embark on the new academic year with our students and their families. Our primary focus remains the same: improved academic outcomes for all students through collaboration with our Washington Township families and community and equitable, affirming, and responsive practices.
Image promoting teaching and learning with a checklist and pencil.
Each member of the Teaching and Learning and Student Services Departments is committed to making this year a successful and enriching experience for every PK-12 student. As we kick off the 2025-2026 school year, we encourage our families to connect with teachers and administrators, attend school functions, and engage with our instructional and social initiatives and programs. We are proud of the work that our schools continue to do to ensure school is a place where every student feels seen, heard, and valued.
We are looking forward to an exciting year.

Elementary

Our elementary schools are coming back to life as many teachers have already returned to their classrooms and are preparing for the start of the school year! Every WTS elementary school will be hosting their Ice Cream Socials on Tuesday, July 29. For the specific time for your child’s school, be on the lookout for messages coming from the principal and follow the school’s social media accounts. 

Middle

Welcome middle school families! We are excited for the new school year to begin. Please mark your calendars! On Tuesday, July 29, from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM, Eastwood MS will host the Eagle Quest; Northview MS will host the Falcon Quest, and Westlane MS will host the Wildcat Safari in their respective buildings.  This is a night for both students and families. Your child can get their schedule, walk the building, and test out their lockers. We hope to see you there! Coming up - Back to School Night on August 12, 2025, from 6:30 to 8:00 at each middle school. We look forward to serving our amazing students and families!

High School

Welcome back to a brand-new school year! We’re looking forward to seeing all of our high school students and families back on central campus. Please watch this video that will inform you of the new traffic pattern we are implementing this year. We are asking that everyone adhere to this plan to keep our students and community safe. Also, be sure to mark your calendars for Back-to-School Night on August 18, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.—we can't wait to connect with you and kick off the year together!
 

Free Immunization Clinic

The district is hosting a free immunization clinic on Aug 6th at CEC from 3-7:30pm. Families can register ahead of time here.
Enrollment code is IN65942

Please see the attached documents (at the bottom of this email) outlining required vaccines.
An informational graphic for a vaccination clinic with a syringe illustration.
 
Close-up of a bright yellow school bus against a clear blue sky.

Transportation Information

All students enrolled in Washington Township Schools by July 21 will have bus transportation set up in time for the start of school. Families who meet this deadline may begin checking Skyward for bus information starting July 26. Our routing team will continue to add students to routes as enrollment progresses.

Enrollment and Transportation Schedule:

  • Enrolled by July 21
  • ➝ Bus information available in Skyward beginning July 26.
  • ➝ Students may ride the bus starting the first day of school.
  • Enrolled July 22–30
  • ➝ Transportation will be arranged.
  • ➝ Students may begin riding August 7.
  • Enrolled July 31–August 8
  • ➝ Transportation will be arranged.
  • ➝ Students may begin riding August 14.

Alternate Address Form:

If you submitted an Alternate Address form, the same enrollment timelines apply.
Families may provide one AM pick-up address and one PM drop-off address, as long as both are within the student’s school boundaries.
Additional Reminders:
  • Out-of-district students and in-district limited choice students must arrange their own transportation.
  • Bus stops are determined based on safety and efficiency. Changes will only be made for verified safety concerns.
  • Bus stop locations may vary from year to year, but will continue to follow our walking distance guidelines.
Thank you for your patience and cooperation as we prepare for the new school year. Additional transportation updates will be shared as we get closer to the first day.
 

Communications

ParentSquare Set Up/Access

WT uses ParentSquare to streamline all family communications through email, text, and app notifications. ParentSquare automatically generates an account for parents/guardians, which includes the preferred email address and phone number, which are housed in Skyward. It is important to ensure that preferred email addresses and phone numbers are updated and accurate each year.
​We encourage families to access their ParentSquare accounts and download the mobile app for a more streamlined experience with ParentSquare. Settings can also be set to determine language preference and when and how families are notified. Please see more information for downloading the app here, and if you need further assistance, please contact your school office.
Graphic image of the ParentSquare logo
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Social Media

Our district and schools maintain robust social feeds that provide families with important updates and a glimpse into the amazing opportunities afforded to our students. We encourage all families to follow our district accounts and the accounts for their child’s school! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and X/Twitter.
 
Image promoting Child Nutrition Services with a mission statement and a link to school meals.
We’re so excited to welcome our students back to the cafeteria for a fresh new school year!
At Washington Township, our Child Nutrition Department proudly serves nutritious, delicious meals every day as part of the USDA’s National School Breakfast and Lunch Programs. Each meal includes:
•Fruit
•Vegetables
•Grains
•Protein
•Milk
Students are encouraged to enjoy all five meal components, but they must choose at least three—and one must be at least ½ cup of fruit or vegetables.

Great News for Elementary & Middle School Families!

All K–8 students will continue to receive FREE breakfast and lunch daily through the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) for the 2025–2026 school year—no meal application needed!

High School Meal Prices

If you have a high school student, here’s the pricing:
•Breakfast: $2.25 (Reduced: $0.30)
•Lunch: $3.25 (Reduced: $0.40)
•Milk Only (All Grades): $0.50
Note: Students must have a positive account balance to purchase snacks, extras, or à la carte items.
If you need help with meal costs, please complete a Meal Assistance Application (see instructions below). If
you received a notice of Direct Certification, no action is needed.

Student ID Cards Are Important!

All students must scan their ID card at checkout. This helps us:
• Move lines quickly so students have more time to eat and play
• Stay informed about food allergies
• Protect student privacy
• Ensure each student receives a meal
Please remind your child to bring their ID card every day!

Cashless Cafeterias – Fast, Easy, and Secure!

All school cafeterias operate using a cashless payment system to ensure a smooth and efficient lunch experience for every student.
To make things even easier, we highly recommend setting up a free MyPaymentsPlus account. This convenient tool lets you deposit funds directly into your student’s account, helping to ensure quick checkouts and accurate transactions every time. Set it up today for peace of mind and a hassle-free lunch!
If sending in money:
• Use an envelope labeled with your student’s full name, ID number, and amount enclosed
• High school & middle school: Drop envelopes in the cafeteria’s cash box
• Elementary: Turn in envelopes to the cafeteria or homeroom teacher
• Cash given at lunch lines will be added to the account—no change will be given

Need Help with Meals? Apply for Assistance

If your child attends high school and is not eligible through CEP or Direct Certification, you may qualify for Free or Reduced-Price Meals.
One application per family is needed, and it must be completed each year. You can apply in 4 easy ways:
1. Online (Fastest!): Meal Assistance Application– Results in 48 hours
2. Download & Print: Visit our Child Nutrition Services - MSD Washington Township for application
and detailed instructions
3. Pick Up: From North Central High School
4. Call Us: Request an application by mail-Call 317.845-9400 extension 77211
Still have questions? Call the Child Nutrition Office for help at 317.845.9400 ext. 77211

Charge Policy Reminder

Per USDA rules, Washington Township cannot cover unpaid meal charges. Please review our district’s Charge Policy on the Child Nutrition Services - MSD Washington Township webpage or in the student handbook.

Special Dietary Needs?

If your child has allergies, intolerances, or medical dietary needs, we’re here to help! A medical form may be required for special meal accommodations. Contact your school nurse for more info.

Questions or Need Support?

Visit: Child Nutrition Services - MSD Washington Township
Phone: 317.205.3332 Fax: 317.205.3385
*USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender

Download all Child Nutrition information by clicking on the attachment at the end of this email.
 

Safety Reporting Platform

Available to WTS Students, Staff, and Families 
Washington Township Schools is proud to partner with STOPit Solutions to bring HELPme, a 24/7/365 mental health and safety monitoring platform, into our schools. It offers a private and accessible way to access a wide array of resources and support. HELPme empowers students, parents, and staff to ask for and receive the help they need with dignity and privacy. 

For more information about this tool, how to download the app, and video tutorials, please visit our HELPme website.
Logo with the words 'HELP me' and a handshake graphic.
 

Join Our Team!

Position:  Bus Driver
Location:   Transportation
Calendar: 185 Days/School Year
Hours:    Monday - Friday, 6.5 Hours per day average
Pay Rate: $25.65 - $27.21//hour starting rate ($30,844 - $32,720 annually)
Perks:    Signing Bonus, Paid Time Off, Holiday Pay, Health Benefits, Retirement, Summers Off
A woman stands in front of a whiteboard, with a 'We're Hiring' sign.
Position:  Administrative Assistant to Director of Teaching and Learning
Location:    Community & Education Center
Calendar: 260 Days/School Year
Hours:    Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm
Pay Rate: $21.32/hour ($44,346 annually)
Perks:    Paid Time Off, Holiday Pay, Retirement, Healthcare Benefits, Summers Off

Position:  Clerical Instructional Assistant
Location:   Crooked Creek
Calendar: 185 Days/School Year
Hours:   Monday - Friday 
Pay Rate: $18.20/hour ($28,683 annually)
Perks:  Paid Time Off, Holiday Pay, Retirement, Healthcare Benefits, Summers Off

Connect With Us

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