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Introduction and Summer Dates

Posted Date: 07/17/26 (12:41 PM)
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Dear Orin Smith Elementary Families,

I hope your family is enjoying summer break and finding time to play in this beautiful weather! I wanted to take a moment to introduce myself and share a few important dates as we prepare for the upcoming school year.

My name is Dannie Clark, and I am honored to be joining Orin Smith Elementary as your new principal. Before coming to OSE, I served as the principal of a PreK–5 elementary school for the past four years. Prior to that, I was an assistant principal and an elementary classroom teacher. Throughout my career, my heart has always been with elementary-aged children.

One of my favorite parts of working in an elementary school is witnessing what I call the "light bulb" moments—the instant when a new skill moves from a productive struggle to confidence and pride. Watching students discover what they are capable of and develop a sense of ownership and joy in their learning is incredibly rewarding.

I also deeply value the role elementary schools play in helping children develop the social and emotional skills that will serve them throughout their lives. Every day, we have the opportunity to teach kindness, empathy, respect, and the importance of using our voices to ask questions, advocate for ourselves, and support others.

As we begin this journey together as the Orin Smith Elementary community, I want you to know that I am here to support our students, families, and staff. I believe that when schools and families work together, we create the conditions for every student to thrive: academically, socially, and emotionally. I look forward to partnering with you to help every child grow, succeed, and feel a strong sense of belonging at OSE.

I can't wait to meet you and your children soon! Until then, I hope you continue to enjoy a wonderful, restful summer.

In partnership,

Mrs. Clark

Principal, Orin Smith Elementary


Mark your calendars for these upcoming events for students in grades 3-5:

  • Aug. 3-6 – FREE Summer Meals for Kids 18 and Younger: 8:45-9:15 a.m. breakfast at James Lintott Elementary; 8:45-9:15 a.m. breakfast at Orin Smith Elementary; 11:30-12 lunch at Chehalis Middle School; 12-12:30 p.m. lunch at James Lintott Elementary; 12-12:30 p.m. lunch at Orin Smith Elementary.

  • Aug. 3-6 - Orin Smith Elementary Library open 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

  • Aug. 3-6 & Aug. 10-13- Camp OSE Session #2 hands-on STEAM camp for incoming 3rd through 5th graders at Orin Smith Elementary. FREE. There are still spots left and it’s OK to still register if your student did not attend Session #1. Go to THIS LINK to register your student for this experience

  • Aug. 10-13 - Orin Smith Elementary Library open 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

  • Aug. 10-13 – FREE Summer Meals for Kids 18 and Younger: 8:45-9:15 a.m. breakfast at James Lintott Elementary; 8:45-9:15 a.m. breakfast at Orin Smith Elementary; 12-12:30 p.m. lunch at James Lintott Elementary; 12-12:30 p.m. lunch at Orin Smith Elementary

  • Aug. 14 – Orin Smith Elementary Office re-opens

  • Aug. 24 – Class placement published on Skyward (information/directions about how to view coming soon)

  • Aug. 26 – Orin Smith Elementary Student Orientation 4:30-6 p.m.

  • Sept. 1 – First day of the 2026-2027 school year for grades 3-12

  • Sept. 4-7 - No school for Labor Day holiday

Find more useful Back to School Information in our Compass Back to School Guidebook at THIS LINK