Shelton Schools Update: Literacy Gains, Fewer Suspensions, and a Phone-Free Class Year

Shelton School District is starting the year with momentum—and a headline win: No. 1 in Washington for early-literacy growth. Superintendent Wyeth Jessee walks through what that means for third-grade readers, how attendance climbed from 81% to 86%, that’s about 215 fewer chronically absent students, and why suspensions dropped from 865 to 200 by focusing on relationships, routines, and engaging instruction. 

We also preview the year’s culture shifts—a no-cell-phone district, targeted teacher mentoring, and a three-day Summer Summit—and invite families to the Back-to-School Celebration, Friday, Aug 22 at 4:00 PM, Olympic Middle School. Need a backpack, medical check, food support, or transportation info? It’s all there, district-wide.