August 20, 2026
Welcome to the 2026–2027 school year at Mid-Prairie High School! Our teachers and staff are excited to welcome all of our students back for another year filled with learning, growth, opportunities, and lasting memories. We hope everyone has enjoyed a wonderful summer and is ready for an exciting new school year! The first day of school is Tuesday, August 25!
Welcoming New Members to the MPHS Family
We are excited to welcome three new members to the MPHS staff this year!
Tasha Mumme will be joining our Special Education Department. Tasha was a member of the staff at MP East Elementary last year, and we are excited to welcome her to the high school!
Aubrey Depew will also be joining our Special Education Department. Aubrey will be shared between MPHS and MP Middle School, and we are excited to have her as part of the MP family.
Emma Kossley will be joining our English Department. In addition to teaching English, Emma will be assisting with our Drama and Speech programs.
Please join us in giving Tasha, Aubrey, and Emma a warm Mid-Prairie welcome!
First Day of School
On the first day of school, all students will report to Seminar at 8:15 a.m. We will begin the day with an opening assembly before transitioning to our two-hour late-start schedule for the remainder of the morning.
Students who have late arrival or online Kirkwood classes should also report to MPHS at 8:15 a.m. Students attending Kirkwood classes in Washington should report directly to their Kirkwood class and should not report to the high school at 8:15 a.m.
On normal school days, our school day will continue to begin at 8:15 a.m. and dismiss at 3:15 p.m.
Personal Electronic Device Policy
As a reminder, we will continue to follow our Personal Electronic Device Policy this school year. Students will not be permitted to use cell phones, earbuds, tablets, or other personal electronic devices from 8:15 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. on normal school days.
Students should secure their devices in a vehicle, locker, or backpack. Personal electronic devices will not be allowed to be carried on a student's person during the school day.
We are excited to continue building a learning environment with fewer distractions, stronger connections, and more opportunities for students to be engaged in learning each day. Thank you to our students and families for your continued support of this important initiative!
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
We have updated our student handbook to provide clear expectations for the responsible and appropriate use of AI. Students may use teacher-approved AI tools only with explicit teacher permission and guidance. AI should enhance learning—not replace it—and students are expected to be transparent, properly acknowledge AI use, and follow all academic integrity expectations. AI-generated work submitted as a student’s own work will be considered plagiarism. Students should also be aware that AI use may be reviewed with the teacher to ensure understanding and authentic learning.
Attendance Matters
Our attendance policy for the 2026–2027 school year will continue to comply with state law. Regular attendance is an important part of student success, and we want to partner with families to help every student attend school consistently.
At 10% absence during a grading period, the school will be required to report the attendance concern and send communication home.
At 15% absence or more, a meeting will be scheduled to develop an Individual Attendance Plan.
At 20% absence or more, the Washington County Attorney will be contacted.
Our goal is to work proactively with students and families to support regular attendance and ensure that every student has the opportunity to experience positive growth and academic success. Please contact the high school anytime if you have questions or concerns about attendance.
Fall Activities Are Underway
There is a lot of excitement building at MPHS as we get ready for another great fall! Our students, coaches, sponsors, and directors have been working hard throughout the summer preparing for their upcoming seasons and activities.
Marching Band, Volleyball, Cross Country, Drama, Dance Team, and Football have all been busy with camps, rehearsals, practices, and preparations for the year ahead. We can't wait to see our students in action!
And, of course, Homecoming is right around the corner! Homecoming is scheduled for the week of September 28–October 3, and planning is already underway for another fun-filled week celebrating our students, our school, and our Golden Hawk pride! More information will be shared soon.
Let's Make It a Great Year!
We are incredibly excited about the 2026–2027 school year and all that it has in store for our students. There is a tremendous amount of positive energy throughout MPHS, and we can't wait to see our hallways filled with students again!
Thank you to our families and community members for your continued support of Mid-Prairie High School and our students. We are grateful for the partnership that makes our school such a special place to learn and grow.
As always, please contact us anytime if you have questions or if there is anything we can do to support your student.
Welcome back! Let's make it an incredible year!
Go Hawks!
Chuck Banks
319-646-6091