Principal's Welcome

Principal's Welcome Letter (PDF provided for Translation)

Dear Washington High School Families and Community,

Welcome to the 2026–2027 school year!

There is something special about the beginning of a new school year. It brings renewed energy, new possibilities, and an opportunity for our entire community to reconnect around what matters most: helping every student learn, grow, and thrive.

At Washington High School, we remain committed to providing a high-quality educational experience grounded in equity, inclusion, and care for the whole student. Our mission, WE CARE, is our shared commitment to creating a learning community where every student feels welcomed, supported, challenged, and empowered to reach their fullest potential.

A special welcome to the Class of 2030 and to all students and families who are new to Washington! We are excited for you to become part of the Eagle community. Our vision is to develop lifelong learners, critical thinkers, and engaged citizens while supporting students’ mental, physical, social, and emotional well-being. Together, we will help our students develop the knowledge, confidence, and character to contribute meaningfully to their communities.

Please review the following important information as we prepare for the start of the school year:

The first day of school is Monday, August 17th. There is NOT a special schedule for the first week of school. 

Bell Schedule: Please click on the following link to see our bell schedule: 2026-2027 bell schedule

Advisory is every Wednesday morning and everyone is expected to attend. Please click on the following link to see the advisory FAQ document: Advisory FAQ Document

Class Schedules: Student schedules will be officially available to view next week on Friday August 14th.  StudentVUE is the official source for student schedules. Schedules have not been finalized and will continue to change until then. Academic counselors will be available next week and can be emailed for academic/class related questions. They are prioritizing students without schedules and will respond to change requests as soon as possible. Please be patient.

Early Class Scheduling for New to Wash students- grades 10-12 only: Visit our counseling office in room 117 on Thursday August 13th, 1pm-3pm. Bring your transcripts for review so we ensure you are in the correct classes. 

9th Grade and new to Wash orientation: This event will happen on Friday, August 14th from 9:00am-11:15am starting in the auditorium. The finishing touches on our new football field are expected to be complete by Monday 8/17.  Otherwise, we would be there!

Dropoff/Pickup: It is strongly encouraged for students to be dropped off at one of the four corners in either the east or west direction: 30th/Balboa, 30th/Balboa-Geary or 32nd/Balboa-Geary, and walk to the front stairs by Anza or the back gate by Anza.  The front stairs and back gate of the school by Anza is for student crossing at crosswalks and buses. Please respect our neighbors and avoid double parking or blocking driveways! 

Academics: All teachers will engage students with classroom instruction aligned to the SFUSD core instructional rubric, standards based curriculum, varied assessment, provide feedback to students/families, and assign grades via StudentVUE and ParentVUE. Google classroom will also be used to deliver curriculum and instruction. Here is the SFUSD student and family handbook: 

Student/Family Handbooks

Lockers: All students will be assigned a locker in their advisory by their advisory teacher. 

Attendance:   Please review the Procedure for Reporting Absences: Absence Reporting Procedure 

Partnership:  Partnership begins in the classroom. Our school’s Coordinated Care Team (CCT)  will collaborate with the student, teachers, and family to identify supports, reduce barriers, and continue to develop innovative ways to ensure student learning. The main focus of this team is to reduce absenteeism and increased sense of school belonging to improve student learning. 

PTSA Welcome: The PTSA (Parent, Teacher, Student Association) creates community and supports education at GWHS by connecting families to each other, helping parents and students navigate high school, providing volunteers, supporting our teachers/staff, and raising money. Link to Quick Guide (Coming soon) 

Information Forms: All of the forms that we have used/mailed to you historically, including Free and Reduced Lunch Forms, are available in ParentVUE.  Make sure to sign up for ParentVUE: Activate my Family Portal. The tools and resources that you need are available in this portal. 

Free Lunch Everyone? Apply online for School Meal Benefits (even if you don’t qualify for free/reduced meals as every application translates to additional funding for our district!): Technology, After school programs, free lunches, counseling services, and qualifying educators for financial aid support.  

The Multipurpose Family Income form for the 26-27 school year is available online at sfusd.edu/MFIF.  Although breakfast and lunch will continue to be free for all students, families must submit a new application each school year to qualify for benefits such as application fee and test waivers. Completion by everyone also benefits staff and loan loan/financial support. For assistance, families may reach out to SNS at 415-749-3604 or SchoolLunch@sfusd.edu

Family and student resources:  Visit the student and family resource page: student and family resource page.   

School Website: You can also find information by visiting our school website at https://www.sfusd.edu/school/george-washington-high-school. 

Lost, Damaged, or Stolen Chromebooks - Read the following message - SFUSD policy

Achieving our vision requires a strong partnership among students, families, staff, and the wider community. This is WE CARE in action: our shared commitment to creating a safe, welcoming, and supportive school where every student experiences belonging, growth, and excellence.

I hope you enjoy the remaining days of summer and return ready for an exciting year ahead. Our team looks forward to welcoming students back and beginning another year of learning, connection, and achievement together.

My door is always open, and I value your questions, ideas, and partnership. Please feel free to contact me at schlauraffj@sfusd.edu to discuss any concerns you might have through the school year. 

With Eagle pride, 

Principal Schlauraff and the administrative team