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MLSD welcomes back most students Wednesday

NANCE BESTON | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 8 months AGO
by NANCE BESTON
Staff Writer | August 28, 2025 3:30 AM

MOSES LAKE – The Moses Lake School District welcomed back first through sixth graders and freshmen for the first day of school Wednesday. The seventh, eighth, 10th, 11th and 12th graders return to school today.  

“We are having a blast. We are very fortunate to welcome sixth graders by themselves today,” Columbia Middle School Principal Scott Petersen said. “It helps them get the lay of the land. You wouldn’t think it would be that stressful trying to work lockers, but it really is that stressful. So, we get the opportunity to walk them through their day.”  

The freshman at the high school also had the same opportunity to get to learn their new school before all four grades were present at the school.  

The elementary schools had all students present, except for kindergarten, which starts next week.  

“Teachers are really working on building relationships with kids and helping them to know here is what you need to know about Garden Heights,” Garden Heights Principal Michelle Johnstone said. “We are also welcoming Groff students, and it is such an awesome opportunity to pull together everyone and create one giant family for the next year.”  

Both principals said they were excited to see students back in the schools.

“I kid you not, it gives me goosebumps to see kids coming back through these doors, see them here, hear them, just know that we get to play such a major part in their lives. That is just so awesome,” Johnstone said. 

Petersen said that he is excited to get to know all of the students, as this is his first year at Columbia Middle School. 

“I think the best thing about being a leader in the building is just having a great team, it takes a village to make sure we are providing a warm and safe environment for our kiddos. I mean, we have the world’s best sixth graders in the building today. They are rocking it so far, and I am excited to see them rock it for the rest of the year.”  

    Photographers take freshman student’s pictures for their student ID on the first day of school at Moses Lake High School Wednesday. Sophomores through seniors will start school Thursday.
 
 
    Three food services employees, Sidney Clark, Samantha Lopez and Maria Osorio work to prepare lunch at Garden Heights Elementary School on the first day of school Wednesday.
    Two sixth grade students walk down the Columbia Middle School hallway on the first day of school.
 
 
    Kim Hittinger teaches her students sign language for “stand-up", “walk back to their seat” and “come to the carpet” on the first day of school Wednesday.
 
 
    A Garden Heights student works on an assignment during the first day of school Wednesday.
 
 


  


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