THE DASHWOOD HERALD Volume 1, Issue 1 | September 2025

WELCOME TO DASHWOOD ACADEMY PREP A Message from Leadership

On September 23, Dashwood Academy Prep opens as an enrichment program centered with Washington Connections Academy. We offer in-person instruction/support in small groups for students seeking an alternative to traditional schooling.

This first year is about building strong foundations together.

IMPORTANT DATES

September 3 - Washington Connections Academy online classes begin (complete from home) -Meeting with headmaster/educator

September 23 - Dashwood enrichment program begins (Be ready Mom and Dad).

September 27 - Field trip to MAC Museum, Spokane

Exhibition: Fire: Rebirth and Resilience We'll explore how Spokane rebuilt after the devastating 1889 fire that destroyed 32 blocks of downtown. Students will view original photographs from the morning after the fire, artifacts salvaged from the ruins, and learn how a community transforms disaster into opportunity.

This exhibition connects directly to our own story — building something new and better when the old system no longer serves us. The MAC visit launches our year-long exploration of resilience, both historical and personal.

Bring: Sack lunch, notebook, water bottle

Uniform expected.

Departure: 9:00 AM from Moses Lake

Arrival: 11:00 AM at the Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture

Return: 5:00 PM

October 26 (Sunday) - Seattle Opera: Pirates of Penzance: by Gilbert and Sullivan at 2:00 PM - McCaw Hall

This comedic operetta tells the story of Frederic, a young man accidentally apprenticed to pirates until his 21st birthday, who falls in love with Mabel. Full of witty wordplay, memorable songs like "I Am the Very Model of a Modern Major-General," and Victorian satire, this production offers students an accessible introduction to opera. The Seattle Opera performs this classic with full orchestra and elaborate costumes.

Bring: Sack lunch, notebook, water bottle and money for dinner

Formal event- Gown, cocktail dress or suit required (may use uniform)

SEPTEMBER READING & VIEWING

The Watsons Go to Birmingham - 1963- the Movie- (2013) Friday, September 26 - We'll watch the film adaptation and discuss how the story translates from page to screen.

September Book: The Watsons Go to Birmingham - 1963 by Christopher Paul Curtis Our first book follows an African American family's journey from Michigan to Alabama during the Civil Rights Movement. A story of family, history, and resilience.

October Book: A Time of Angels by Karen Hesse A young Jewish girl faces the 1918 influenza epidemic in Boston, finding strength through unexpected friendship during crisis.

REMINDERS FOR FAMILIES

Washington Connections Academy: Students must keep up with online coursework. This is your official school enrollment.

Special Circumstances: If your child has specific course requirements or conflicts, please contact headmaster@dashwoodschool.org immediately. We'll work with you to determine whether certain classes should be taken through Moses Lake programs or with us.

What to Bring:

• Navy/black blazer (peacock pins provided first day)

• Lunch or lunch money

• School supplies

• Completed paperwork

OCTOBER PREVIEW

• Formation of Student Honor Court

• First progress reports

• Saturday support sessions for students needing extra help

• Book discussions continue

TRANSPORTATION

This is an enrichment program right now. Our goals flexible by family. Parents are arranging carpools as we work together for our children’s futures. If you need to connect with other families for transportation, email community@dashwoodschool.org

QUESTIONS?

General inquiries: community@dashwoodschool.org

Enrollment: compliance-admissions@dashwoodschool.org

Academic concerns: headmaster@dashwoodschool.org

Spread Your Brilliance

Seasons & Compliance: Fall operates as a seasonal, license-exempt enrichment term (no more than three months within any twelve). Beginning in the new year, sessions operate under a state school-age license so families can use drop-off while we pursue State Board of Education private-school approval for a future year. We are not an SBE-approved private school yet; families remain enrolled in Washington Connections Academy for accredited records. This will be based on the success of the Fall/Winter seasons.