Final bell rings at Washington Elementary after 100 years
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POCATELLO — With hugs, tears, and cheers, Washington Elementary’s fifth graders — the school’s final graduating class — led the way out the door, followed by the rest of the student body, as the last bell rang on Thursday afternoon. This marks the end of the school year and a century of memories, as the historic neighborhood school will now be closed for good.
Located at 226 South 10th Avenue, Washington Elementary has been a fixture in Pocatello’s classic east side since 1925. The school educated generations of children from kindergarten through the elementary years under the banner of the Wolves, guided by the principles of “Be Safe, Be Responsible, and Be Respectful.”
The closure, officially decided in January by the Pocatello/Chubbuck School District 25 Board of Trustees, was in response to declining enrollment and the building’s aging condition, which would require significant maintenance to remain operational. Students will be reassigned to Greenacres and Indian Hills Elementary Schools, and staff have been placed at other schools throughout the district.
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The emotional farewell began on May 28 with a community-wide assembly dubbed the “Celebration of Washington.” Hosted by the Washington Elementary Advocates, the event brought together current and former students, staff, families, and alumni to honor the school’s long legacy.
Attendees were treated to student presentations and alumni reflections, many of whom recalled their favorite teachers, cherished classroom memories, and the school’s sense of community. A student writing contest added a personal touch, with winners sharing favorite moments from their time at Washington.
The school’s final days also included longstanding traditions, such as the annual fifth-graders versus staff kickball game, which ended in a 17-10 staff victory; a special breakfast honoring the fifth-grade class; and a spirit-filled field day.
Angela Stevens, who has served as the school’s principal for the past six years — and as assistant principal for three years prior — said the experience of closing the school has been both emotional and surreal, saying, “I have loved every hug, every smile, every conversation, and every silly dance move that brought laughter into our hallways.”
In an emotional letter to her students, Stevens said, “Though our school is closing, please know that I will always be watching for you, cheering you on, and celebrating your successes. No matter where life takes you, you will forever be part of the Washington Wolf Pack — and I know you will continue to make us all proud.”
Even the bus drivers were emotional as they loaded the kids onto the bus and pulled away from the school for the last time.
While Stevens will move on to become the assistant principal of Century High School next year, the future of the historic school building remains undetermined. “There will be assessments to evaluate the structural soundness of the building before any final decisions are made,” Stevens said.
Though the doors have now closed, the impact of Washington Elementary — and the memories shared within its red-brick walls — will live on in the hearts of teachers, students, and staff forever.
