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As the countdown begins for the first day of school—August 11 for most WCSD schools and August 18 for Incline Village schools and Kindergarten—educators and staff across the Washoe County School District (WCSD) are hard at work preparing to welcome students back with open arms, ready classrooms, and a united commitment to student success.

Earlier this month, school leaders from across the district gathered for the Principals’ Academy, where the focus was squarely on student outcomes, school culture, and leading with purpose. In a room filled with passionate educators, many schools were recognized for their progress in academic growth and improved attendance, two pillars that continue to drive the district forward.

While site leaders were finalizing preparations at the district level, WCSD welcomed its newest educators at the New Educator Luncheon on Tuesday, August 5. The event, hosted by the Washoe Education Association (WEA), the WCSD Education Alliance, and the district, was generously sponsored by Atlantis and American Fidelity. New hires had the opportunity to meet WCSD Trustees, connect with colleagues, win raffle prizes, and participate in SEL (Social-Emotional Learning) activities—building relationships and resilience before the school year begins.

On the same day, WCSD counselors came together for a Back-to-School Counselor Training. The sessions focused on academic planning, wellness supports, and the critical role counselors play in building safe, inclusive school environments. Learn more by visiting the WCSD Counselor Resources page.

While each event served a different audience, they were united by one shared foundation: the WCSD Guiding Principles. These ten principles—Integrity, Stewardship, Trust, Respect, Accountability, Collaboration, Humility, Knowledge, Continuous Improvement, and Appreciation—define how the district operates and serve as the understructure for every action and decision.

Superintendent Joe Ernst spoke at all three events, reminding staff that these values are not just words—they are the standard for how we lead, teach, and support one another. Whether welcoming new teachers, preparing counselors, or aligning school leaders, the Guiding Principles were at the heart of every conversation, reinforcing WCSD’s commitment to academic and operational excellence.

From school buildings to boardrooms, the message is clear: WCSD staff are ready—and they’re leading with purpose. Through teamwork, dedication, and a shared belief in the power of public education, WCSD is setting the tone for a year grounded in growth, connection, and community.
 

All WCSD students may now ride RTC buses for free! The Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) Youth Pass program provides free, year-round public transportation to WCSD students.

Students may use their Youth Passes to travel to work, school, free summer meal programs, libraries, and events throughout the area. Anywhere RTC serves throughout the community are places students can access. They can enroll by providing information from their WCSD student ID and will be able to ride any RTC bus for free within 24 hours after enrolling, using their smart phone or paper passes, which can be provided upon request.

“We are grateful for this partnership with the Regional Transportation Commission, and excited to offer this free service to our students across the district,” said WCSD Superintendent Joe Ernst. “Thanks to this new program, they will have the ability to ride RTC buses to school, work, museums, theaters, libraries, and recreational facilities beginning this summer and continuing through the upcoming school year. We hope this will help reduce absenteeism while offering easy access to events and amenities in the community our students may never have been able to explore before, and at no cost to them or their families.”

Students who are age 6 and younger must ride with a fare-paying adult, and RTC buses are not supervised like school buses, so students must know where and when to get on and off the bus. For more information and to enroll in the program, please visit www.washoeschools.net/youthridefree.