The first day of school may still be a few weeks away, but leaders in the Moses Lake School District are already hard at work laying the groundwork for a successful year.

On Tuesday, August 5th, more than 40 district administrators and department heads gathered for a full-day leadership workshop at the MLSD Learning Services Center. The event, themed “Under Construction,” focused on strengthening systems, aligning goals, and preparing for the 2025–2026 school year.

The workshop centered around the district’s Strategic Plan, which guides long-term priorities and day-to-day decisions. That plan is built on four core pillars: Teaching and Learning, Collaborating Together, Investing in People, and Managing the Whole.

Strategic Focus, Practical Planning

Each of the four pillars was explored in depth throughout the day:

• Teaching and Learning: Administrators worked on instructional improvement strategies and professional learning communities (PLCs), building consistent frameworks for school success.

• Managing the Whole: Safety leaders facilitated sessions on crisis planning, digital safety tools, and HIB (harassment, intimidation, and bullying) compliance to ensure safe learning environments.

• Investing in People: Staff engagement and support took center stage as leaders discussed employee recognition, mental health resources, bargaining updates, and the newly updated administrator handbook.

• Collaborating Together: Participants examined strategies to build stronger community ties through advisory groups, coordinated meetings, and intentional communication with families.

In addition to the strategic sessions, district departments—including finance, special services, communications, technology, transportation, nutrition services, and maintenance—shared key updates to ensure operational readiness for the start of school.

Building Culture, Too

While the day focused on systems and strategy, there was also time for connection, celebration, and collaboration. A team-building activity and informal moments throughout the day gave leaders space to reflect and reconnect.

As summer winds down, Moses Lake schools are preparing to welcome students back to classrooms beginning on Wednesday, August 27. The district has a staggered start to the beginning of the academic year, so make sure to check the 2025-2026 calendar for the correct start day for each grade level. The leadership workshop, district officials say, was a key step in making sure every school is ready—academically, operationally, and culturally.

For back-to-school information, including calendars, supply lists, and registration dates, families can visit the wBack to School Hub.