From the Simpson office
The middle years. Where a kid becomes a thinker.
Simpson Elementary
A note from the office
Simpson is the middle of your child's elementary years — third through sixth grade. The kids who walk in here are no longer the youngest in the district, and the work they do looks different. Reading shifts from learning to read into reading to learn. Writing gets longer. Math gets meatier. Friendships get bigger and more important.
We try to honor what's happening at this age — kids becoming more independent, asking better questions, finding what they're interested in. Our job is to give them the tools and the time to grow into themselves.
A typical day
School begins at 8:20 AM and dismisses at 2:40 PM.
Most days move through reading, writing, math, science or social studies, plus art/music, PE, communication, and library on a rotation. Students have lunch by grade level. Recess blocks happen morning and afternoon.
What we focus on
- Reading and writing across subjects. By third grade, kids are decoding fluently — now we work on comprehension, vocabulary, and more robust writing.
- Math fluency that holds up. Multiplication and division by 4th, fractions and decimals through 5th, the beginnings of pre-algebra by 6th.
- Science and social studies as anchors for inquiry. Hands-on units, real Washington history, and problem-solving that asks kids to defend their thinking.
- Reading widely. Library visits, classroom libraries, and the occasional buddy reading with other classes and even animals!
Activities & traditions
- ASB — Associated Student Body brings school-wide spirit weeks, fundraisers, and student voice starting in 4th, 5th, and 6th grade. 3rd grade participates in ASB meetings through classroom representatives.
- Bulldog of the Month — teachers nominate students whose effort, kindness, or growth deserves a spotlight. Students are recognized at school assemblies, in the newsletter, and on the “Wall of Fame” in the office.
- Clubs and Programs — vary by year and teacher leadership. Past favorites: volleyball, basketball, and ukulele. The After School Program is the consistent staple that runs Mondays - Thursdays until 5:00 pm.
- Field trips — each grade has signature trips. You will often see students walking through downtown Montesano with their class to visit our local Timberland library. 4th grade is filled with environmental science field trips throughout the year. 6th graders carry on the traditional winter experience of getting dressed up and attending a performance of the Nutcracker Ballet in Seattle.
Growing independence
At Simpson, kids start carrying a planner, managing their own Chromebook, and following a multi-step assignment without an adult repeating it. This isn't about leaving them alone — it's about scaffolding the skills they'll need in 7th grade and beyond. Families: you can help by asking, "What's due tomorrow?" instead of doing the checking yourself.
Support services
Every Simpson kid has access to:
- School counselor — small-group lunch bunches, individual check-ins, classroom social-emotional lessons
- School nurse — on-site medication, health screenings, and the first call on injuries
- Special education + 504 — individualized supports for kids who qualify
- ELL (English Language Learner) support — for students whose home language isn't English
- Academic and behavioral interventions — small-group reading and math intervention as part of the regular day
Getting involved
Family volunteers are welcome — background check first (free, the office walks you through it). Common roles:
- Field trip chaperones
- PTO event volunteers
- Classroom/library helpers
- Classroom party hosts
- Reading-buddy volunteers in younger grades
Staying in the loop
- Simpson News — monthly newsletter
- Skyward Family Access — attendance, grades (yes, even at this age), and direct messages
- Class-specific updates — each teacher uses their preferred channel; you'll learn theirs at open house before the first day of school
- FlashAlert — sign up at flashalert.net for snow days and emergencies
Come visit
Tours welcome — call the office at (360) 249-4331 to schedule or email simpsonskyward@monteschools.org. New families considering enrollment should also see the enrollment page for the documents to bring.