A Strong Start to the School Year - sentwinanobles
Dear friends and neighbors,
Back-to-school season brings fresh starts, new friendships and so much possibility. As a mom and educator, I also know it can bring questions, added expenses and a little uncertainty. Every student deserves to begin the year feeling welcomed, supported and ready to learn — and every family deserves to know they have a community behind them.
As chair of the Senate Higher Education & Workforce Development Committee and vice chair of the Senate Early Learning & K-12 Education Committee, I carry those expectations into my work in Olympia. Supporting students means listening to their experiences and addressing the challenges they face, from their first classroom to whatever comes after graduation.
Below, you’ll find encouragement for the year ahead, resources for families, financial aid information and a reminder to help keep our students safe.
A Message to Students and Families
To our students: You belong here. Your questions, ideas and experiences matter. Whether you’re starting kindergarten, walking into a new school or preparing for your senior year, you don’t have to have everything figured out today.
To our families: Thank you for all you do to support your children. The routines you build, conversations you have and encouragement you offer make a difference, even when the days feel challenging.
I shared more in my back-to-school letter to students and families, including my commitment to supporting you throughout the year.
A Little Advice for the Year Ahead
Come ready to learn, keep an open mind and give yourself room to grow. Introduce yourself to someone new. Include the classmate who might be feeling left out. Ask questions, try something unfamiliar and remember that asking for help is a strength.
School is also where we learn to build community. Educators, counselors, coaches and other trusted adults are there to support you. You deserve to feel safe and valued, and I’ll continue advocating for the student supports and inclusive learning environments that help make that possible.
Resources to Help Families Get Started
School supplies, clothing and health needs can put additional pressure on family budgets. My office gathered local events, school supply information and community assistance in our 2026 Back-to-School Resource Guide.
Please share it with a neighbor or family who could use it and check individual event dates and availability. If you’re still looking for support, my office can help connect you with resources.
Your Future, Funded
This interim, my FAFSA Completion Tour brought me together with students and families at Harrison Prep and Steilacoom High School to talk about financial aid and the steps toward education after graduation. These conversations build on my years helping students with college and career preparation — and reinforce why accessible, personal guidance matters. You can read more about the tour here.
If you’re attending college or career training this fall and haven’t completed your 2026-27 FAFSA or WASFA, make it a priority. The FAFSA considers students for federal and state aid. The WASFA provides a route to state and some college aid for people who cannot or choose not to complete the FAFSA. You only need to complete one.
For students beginning their senior year, now is a good time to connect with your school counselor, explore your options and prepare for the financial aid application for the year you’ll attend.
Don’t assume education is out of reach before exploring the help available. Visit the Washington Student Achievement Council’s financial aid page to find the right application and help completing it.
Stop for School Buses
Every student deserves a safe trip to and from school, and we all have a role in making that happen.
According to the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), Washington school bus drivers reported 960 illegal passes in a single day during a 2026 survey. If that pace continued throughout a 180-day school year, it would add up to more than 172,000 violations. Each one puts students at risk. Read OSPI’s safety reminder here.
When a school bus activates its red flashing lights and stop sign:
On a two-lane road: Traffic in both directions must stop.
On a road with three or more marked lanes: Traffic traveling in the same direction as the bus must stop. Opposing traffic is not required to stop.
On a divided highway: Traffic on the separate roadway traveling in the opposite direction is not required to stop.
When required to stop, stay at least 20 feet from the bus and remain stopped until the signals turn off. You can review Washington’s school bus stopping rules here.
Please slow down near schools, put your phone away and watch for children at crosswalks and bus stops. A little patience can protect a child’s life.
Wishing our students, families, educators and school staff a wonderful school year. Please keep sharing your experiences with my office — your voices help guide my work.
Sincerely,
Sen. T’wina Nobles