Superintendent Message to the Community: August 15

Tiger Community: The start of a new school year is just around the corner, and I’m excited to welcome our students, staff and families back to Ephrata Schools! Here is some pertinent information as families return to school in the coming weeks:

Student Orientations
Orientations will take place on Monday, August 25, and Tuesday, August 26, from 11:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. All students are required to attend. This important step ensures that students are ready for a strong start on the first day of in-person learning. Students in grades 1-12 start Thursday, August 28. Kindergarten begins on Tuesday, September 2. Information on orientations. 

Traffic Reminder Near Ephrata Middle School
As many of you know, construction on a new roundabout near Walmart is affecting traffic throughout our community and, in particular, near EMS. School traffic always has a large impact on our community and roads are busier when school is in session. For the safety of students and the smooth flow of traffic, we ask all Ephrata families to try to avoid using the detour route during drop-off and pick-up times. If you can, please travel via Basin Street or Division. This will help alleviate congestion, especially at the intersection of Nat Washington Way and A Street SE, and hopefully ease frustrations in travel around the EMS area.

If travel takes you to EMS, please plan ahead and allow extra time as you navigate to and from school. We appreciate your cooperation and patience as our community improves infrastructure that will benefit us for years to come.

Watch for Children and Buses 
Back-to-school is also a good time to remember that school buses will be out on the streets again soon. Please remember to watch for those flashing lights, watch for children and slow down or stop as needed. Our bus drivers do a great job in keeping students safe. Your diligence will help.

Looking Ahead
Each school year brings new opportunities, and I am filled with optimism about the year ahead. At Ephrata Schools, we hold an incredible privilege and responsibility: to inspire, teach and believe in every student who walks through our doors. Together—as families, staff and community members—we create the conditions for students to learn, grow and thrive.

Thank you for your continued support of Ephrata Schools. Your partnership makes all the difference, and I look forward to what we will accomplish together in the 2025–2026 school year.

Tiger pride today. Tiger pride always.

Ken Murray
Superintendent