We are so excited to welcome our Millers back to in-person learning for Quarter 4! This space will continue to be updated with information as we know it, so you can always find the latest accurate info right here. We also support those who make the decision to stay with distance learning. 

We understand there are a lot of questions about the return to in-person learning. Some information needs to come from the district and other information is specific to Washburn. We are doing are best to provide as many answers as we can prior to the survey deadline of March 9th. (Here is the MPS survey asking families to make a choice about staying in distance learning or returning to in-person learning at the school.) Thank you for your patience as we navigate uncharted territories!

Here are a few key links:

Welcome Back Video describing in-person learning
What We Know Right Now (updated 3-1-21)
Q&A Sessions for Students & Families next week
Submit Questions Form (for submitting questions in advance of sessions)

Click the title above for much more info!

Per MPS Senior Leadership, the ACT-for-All has been rescheduled to Tuesday, April 27, 2021. All students in the Class of 2022 are still invited to take this school-day administration of the ACT. This test was originally scheduled for Tuesday, March 30. Students and families are encouraged to check their emails and the Family Newsletter for further updates about the ACT-for-All.

THINK SPRING! Yes, it’s hard to imagine gardening during a polar vortex, but it’s a hopeful exercise, so let’s all use our imaginations! The annual Washburn plant sale will open on Monday, February 22. Plants will be delivered to Washburn on Thursday, May 6, and delivered to your home in a COVID-friendly manner. Proceeds benefit current and future senior parties. Order now! 

Order your 2021 yearbook • More yearbook info

Congratulations to Ebba Nordstrom who won the conference Poetry Out Loud competition and is heading to state in March! Congratulations also to Olivia Samaha and Leo Kocher who along with Ebba were the three Washburn High School finalists and represented Washburn at the regionals. The following Washburn semifinalists also made outstanding performances: Ava Vischer, Cecelia Percy, Elliana Loesch, Kasbaye Couch, Marcella Slade, Marcus Williams, Paige Selberg, Veronica Brown, Xander Kleckner, and Zara Huntington. All of these students are 10th graders from Mr. Rice's and Ms. Mulvaney’s English classes. View photos on Facebook

Youth entering grades Kindergarten-5th grade are invited to attend Washburn's Youth Soccer Camp! Register here 
When: Monday, June 21 – Thursday, June 24, 2021
Time: 9:00 am – 11:00 am
Where: Washburn High School Stadium
Cost: $80.00 (Price includes camp registration, camp T-shirt and soccer ball)
Deadline: Friday, May 28, 2021 *Early Registration Recommended  as camp limited to 130 participants

Would you like to get a peek into the IB Visual Art Classroom?  Although the physical classroom is empty (except for Ms. Cassidy and class mascot Crunch, the dino-dragon) our virtual classroom is full of art and ideas! In place of our usual Winter Art Show, IB Visual Art students have opted to share their artwork in a web-based Mid-Year IB Art Show. • More information

Washburn's competition one act play came in first place at the 6AA region sub-sections last week. Because the plays had to be recorded and sent in, sisters Mary Bair (junior) and Catie Bair (freshman) represented Washburn with a two woman play entitled, 'Night Mother. Our recording, along with three other schools, will be sent to a new panel of judges this week to decide who will represent 6AA in the state competition. Congratulations to Mr. Lynn and the cast of 'Night Mother! View photos on Facebook or Google Photos.

View our National Signing Day event for eleven athletes at Washburn, Wed, February 3 @ 2:00pm live on our YouTube channel. 
View Signing Day Video Here  
View Photos
More info

Washburn 11th grader, Helen Hedge, has been appointed to the Governor's Young Women Initiative Cabinet working to achieve equity in opportunities and improve the lives of young Black, Indigenous, and women of color. The Executive Council includes leaders from business, academic, non-profit, and government sectors. The Cabinet is composed of young leaders from communities across the state that experience some of the greatest disparities in opportunities and outcomes. Thank you for your leadership, Helen!

Starting on Monday, February 8, food box pick-up will be available at Washburn Monday through Friday. Come to Door #3 on 49th St. between 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. We will be offering one food box with a week’s worth of nutritious, convenient breakfast and lunch items. Food boxes are free for all youth 18 & under, and all families are welcome to participate in this program.

Right now we are living in really tough times. Students (and families!) - please reach out for help when you need it!  Emall any of the following people: 

Washburn offered a Virtual Open House on December 9, 2020 for prospective 8th grade families. Watch these videos to learn more about Washburn:

• Welcome to Washburn Video Overview
• Informational Department Videos
• Virtual Tour Video
• Open House Event Dec. 9, 2020
• Zoom Q&A Sessions with Current Students (12/16, 1/13, 1/28, 2/2)

Click here for more info, including course offerings & options in multiple languages
Click here for Placement Information & Timelines

The student portal will be open through 4 pm on Wednesday, Feb. 24 to continue course registration for next year. Keep trying when the system is down. Thank you! 

Course selection for the 2021-2022 school year is upon us (for current 9th, 10th & 11th grade students -- current 8th grade students will use a different process). Our goal is to have students select classes prior to budget tie-out allowing student’s course choices inform our budget and teacher staffing. This year, we are moving to a digital course selection process and students are going to be able to enter their course selections into their student portal. Students were given time in their classes Thursday, 2/18 and Friday, 2/19 to enter their selections. Read more here! 

We are so excited to welcome our Millers to the new school year! Since we can't be together in person, our staff are sending a welcome by video. You can click on individual teachers & staff, or watch them all. Go to this Flipgrid link and enter guest code MeetWHSStaff. Enjoy!

During Black History Month, we encourage students to explore Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCU's.) Click here to view to the top 20 HBCU's according to US News, and spend some time exploring these fantastic college options!

There are also lots of black-owned businesses to support in our area. Check out this article with a great list!

Welcome Video for New Families
Meet Our Staff
Review Distance Learning Schedule & Calendars here! 
New parents can set up parent portal accounts at https://sisportal.mpls.k12.mn.us

The Washburn Student Council has published a statement about racial justice. Please click to see the full statement.

"We not only demand that community leaders address social injustices through systemic changes in the areas of police reform, voting rights & access, and economic disparities in our city, but we call on our whole school community do the following:

• Commit to practicing anti-racism work at school and in our own personal lives;

• Acknowledge and address the systematic problems in our own school system that create divisions and separations between white students and students of color;

• Listen to and uplift the voices of students of color."