Swirl of activity as Soap Lake kids begin new school year
Ephrata and other area schools get underway in the coming week.
SOAP LAKE — It was a swirl of energy and activity this morning as students returned to classes at Soap Lake schools to begin the 2026-27 academic year.
Sporting their ubiquitous backpacks, kids — and parents accompanying the younger ones — were welcomed by staff with smiles, hugs, music, banners, even a red carpet, as they entered the elementary and middle/high schools.
In an 8 a.m. flurry, cars and buses circled the parking lot, cell phones emerged to snap photos documenting the occasion, and office staff were busy answering questions and directing families inside the buildings.
Elsewhere around the Basin, Quincy schools also began classes today while the Wilson Creek School District welcomes back students on Monday, Aug. 31.
Due to construction, Wilson Creek office staff will be unavailable for contact by phone or in person this Wednesday through Friday, Aug. 26-28. Those needing to reach the school in the interim are asked to email office@wilsoncreek.org. “We will get back to you as soon as we can!” the district said on its website.
Moses Lake schools get underway on Wednesday, Sept. 2, and Ephrata begins its school year on Thursday, Sept. 3.
For Ephrata, the start date is a few days later than in prior years, but one supported by a majority of staff voting on a two-year calendar and approved by the school board. By coincidence, it provides more time to finish construction of a roof replacement project at the high school.
