2803 Road 88
2025-26 Welcome letter
August 7, 2025
Dear McLoughlin Students and Families,
We are excited to welcome each of you to the 2025–2026 school year! At McLoughlin, our vision is to ensure every student feels a strong sense of belonging, is supported socially and academically, and is empowered to grow into their full potential. As we prepare for a strong start, we want to share some important updates below. We look forward to seeing you at the end of August and hope you're enjoying these final days of summer break!
Essential Information |
Important Dates
- Athletics Parent Meeting: Monday, August 18 at 6 pm on Zoom. You must register on FamilyID to receive the zoom link.
- Open House: Monday, August 25, 4-7 pm.
- First Day of School Grade 6: Tuesday, August 26
- First Day of School Grade 7-8: Wednesday, August 27
- Picture Day: Wednesday, September 10
The District Calendar for the 2025-2026 School Year can be found here.
School Hours and Start Dates
School opens each day at 7:10 AM. Class begins each day at 7:40 AM and ends at 2:22 PM. On Thursdays, students are released early at 1:35 PM.
- Sixth grade students begin on Tuesday, August 26.
- Seventh and eighth grade students begin on Wednesday, August 27.
Meals and Breakfast Access
All students receive free breakfast and lunch each day. If a student arrives late, breakfast is available until the first lunch begins.
Student Schedules
We are still actively working to develop student schedules. Schedules will be available on PowerSchool August 18. Please access the district’s PowerSchool Parent Portal to review your schedule and complete the required Annual Information Update.
Open house will be on Monday, August 25 from 4-7 pm. Students will have the opportunity to learn about athletics and activities, receive their class schedule and meet their teachers.
First Day for 6th Graders
The first day of school will be dedicated to sixth graders only, giving them a special opportunity to ease into middle school. Watch ParentSquare for more information!
Below is a suggested supply list for middle school students. If you need support with supplies for your student, please contact their school counselor.
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To ensure comfort, hygiene, and safety during physical activity, all students are expected to dress down for PE. The required attire includes black, grey or dark-colored bottoms and a white or gray T-shirt. Families are welcome to provide their own PE clothing that meets these guidelines, or official PE uniforms will be available for purchase at the front office for $20. |
Lockers
Most students do not need a locker for daily use. However, if your child would like one, they can request it at the front office. Students will be issued a lock and given the combination. Once they demonstrate that they can open the lock confidently, a locker will be assigned to them.
Transportation
Middle school has a two-mile walking boundary. Families who live within two miles of the school are not eligible for bus transportation. Bus routes for eligible students will be shared in the coming weeks, and we will provide additional information as it becomes available.
Daily Attendance |
Every Day Counts
Attending school every day helps students feel connected, confident, and successful. Missing just two days each month adds up to 18 days over the school year. That is nearly a full month of lost instruction. These absences can have a significant impact on learning, relationships, and long-term success. When students are absent, they miss valuable classroom experiences that cannot always be replicated. If your student will be absent, please call our attendance line at 509 547 4542 or respond through ParentSquare to excuse the absence.
Supporting Regular Attendance
We understand that students may face challenges getting to school. If your student is struggling with attendance due to transportation, health, or other concerns, please reach out to their school counselor or assistant principal. We are here to work with you and find solutions that support your child’s success.
Plan Ahead to Avoid Missed Learning
We strongly encourage families to avoid scheduling vacations or trips during the school year. To help prevent missed class time, please use early release days for appointments such as dental visits or checkups. The following dates are early release days: September 24, October 22, November 26, December 17, January 28, February 25, March 25, May 27.
School Expectations |
Our school expectations center on being safe, respectful and responsible. Below are some key policies every parent/guardian should know.
We ask that cell phones and wireless headphones are away in student backpacks from the moment they step on campus to the dismissal bell. If a cell phone is visible, it will be confiscated and turned into the office.
- First offense: student can pick up phone at end of day, parent/guardian will be notified.
- All other offenses: An adult must pick up phone from the office.
We have a district dress code to provide guidance as to appropriate attire for school.
- Please do not allow your student to come to school with any clothing referencing drugs, alcohol, or weapons.
- Please make sure your student’s undergarments and private areas are covered by their clothing. This means we do not want to see sagging pants, bra straps or any visible undergarments.
- Please do not allow your student to wear any clothing or items that display gang affiliation. We follow guidance from Pasco Police to determine what attire shows gang affiliation.
Below are some other important policies to help us maintain an environment focused on learning.
- We do not accept Door Dash or UberEats deliveries for students for safety reasons. Families or those on student contacts are able to drop items off for their student.
- Energy drinks, coffee, and highly caffeinated beverages are not allowed.
- Stuffed animals and blankets are not allowed as they are not appropriate for middle school.
Reporting Bullying and Safety Concerns |
We are committed to creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for every student. Bullying is not tolerated, and we take all concerns seriously. In order to respond effectively, it is essential that any bullying or safety concern is reported as soon as possible.
Students and families can report safety concerns in the following ways:
- Filling out a student statement "blue slip" in the main office
- Completing the safety reporting form on Minga
- Emailing their counselor or grade level administrator
- Telling a trusted adult
It is important to provide enough information that we can determine who is in need of intervention or support. Please encourage your student to provide names, location, times and any other details every if they are reporting anonymously.
It's important to understand the difference between peer conflict and bullying:
- Peer conflict is a mutual disagreement or argument between individuals of similar power. While it can be upsetting, it can often be resolved with support.
- Bullying is unwanted, aggressive behavior that involves a real or perceived power imbalance. It is repeated over time and intended to hurt, intimidate, or control another person.
When concerns are reported, our team works quickly to investigate and provide support to everyone involved. We believe in educating students, repairing harm, and taking proactive steps to ensure all students feel safe and valued.
Our assistant principals partner closely with their grade-level counselor to support student success. This team works collaboratively to ensure that every student feels safe, supported, and connected at school. Together, they monitor academic progress, attendance, behavior, and social-emotional needs, providing proactive support and timely interventions and supports. If your student needs support please reach out by email, ParentSquare or leaving a phone message and we will get back to your promptly. Our staff are available to meet by appointment but often cannot accommodate walk ins.
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We believe that families are a vital part of your child’s education and success. Please be sure to complete your annual update to ensure you receive this information. Last year, we launched the Parent Advisory Team (PAT) and we’re excited to continue this important work! This group will meet four times a year to provide input and help lead our school community. Meetings will occur in the evening each quarter. We are seeking interested parents/guardians who would like to be part of this Team. Stay up to date on meeting dates and news by joining our ParentSquare group : Parent Advisory Team |
Back to School Giveaway During our Open House, be sure to stop by Room 125 to visit Mrs. French, our school social worker. She will be hosting a back-to-school giveaway for all Mac students and their families. You are welcome to pick out clothes, school supplies, and other helpful household items to start the year off strong. Panther Pantry The Panther Pantry is available to students during the school day with no barriers. If a student needs clothing or hygiene items, they are encouraged to access the pantry when needed. We gratefully accept donations to keep the pantry stocked for our Mac community. If your family has gently used clothes or shoes to donate, please bring them to the main office. We also welcome non-perishable food, hygiene products, and school supplies. Every donation directly supports McLoughlin students and families. |
Athletics |
We offer 4 sports seasons for seventh and eighth grade students:
- Fall Sports: Football, Volleyball, Cross Country, Boys & Girls Soccer
- Winter 1 Sports: Dance, Boys Basketball
- Winter 2 Sports: Wrestling, Girls Basketball
- Spring Sports: Track and Field, Softball, Baseball, Tennis
To sign up for fall sports, student athletes will need:
- Be in seventh or eighth grade.
- A current Sports Physical: Physicals are valid for 24 months. If your student athlete participated in athletics at McLoughlin last year, their physical is still on file. A current physical is required before your student can participate in practice.
- Register on Family ID: Physicals can be uploaded or dropped off in the office.
- Athletics Parent Meeting on Zoom: A link for the meeting will be sent to the email provided on Family ID.
All Athletes, other than football athletes, will need to have 8 practices before competing in any competition. Football athletes will need to have 12 practices before competing in any competition.
For more information, please contact our Athletic Director, Andrew Traver, atraver@psd1.org.
We look forward to seeing you and your student at the end of August. Enjoy these last days of summer!
Sincerely,
Julia Dudley
Principal