The good news of today.
Read about all of the good things happening in Washington schools.
Hands-on healthcare: Chimacum students travel to state HOSA Leadership Conference
Nine Chimacum students recently traveled to Spokane to attend the State HOSA Spring Leadership Conference, joining more than 3,600 students from across Washington to explore careers in healthcare through hands-on workshops, leadership activities, and competitive events. (HOSA is Future Health Professionals, formerly Health Occupations Students of America).
A million dollars for a million words: Students learn the earning potential of literacy
River HomeLink students reached a major literacy milestone this month, reading one million words–or more–since the first day of school. The achievement came as part of English teacher Ryan Anderson’s challenge to his students: Read a book for 20 minutes every day since the first day of school. At the average teenage reading pace of about 250 words per minute, the students’ intake quickly added up.
Cascadia Tech students plant a moon tree!
On March 24, students from Cascadia Tech Academy’s Forest Management program planted an Artemis/Moon tree. This Douglas Fir tree’s seeds actually orbited the moon during the NASA’s Artemis I mission. NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement partnered with U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Services to fly five species of tree seeds aboard Artemis I as part of a national STEM Engagement and conservation education initiative. Cascadia Tech applied and was chosen to receive one of the Moon trees.
Young chefs shine in culinary showcase
Fourth grade students from across the district demonstrated their creativity and skill at the recent Discovery Kitchen Cookoff, a showcase of culinary talent in Battle Ground Public Schools. After submitting recipes for their favorite healthy snacks, the nine contestants had just 90 minutes to bring their vision to life. Chartwells staff helped each student-chef prep and cook their recipe. The final creations were carefully evaluated by a panel of distinguished judges, who evaluated technique, skill and flavor.
CAM Academy wins state championship
CAM Academy claimed top honors at the Washington State Knowledge Bowl competition, continuing an impressive rise in just three years of participation. The varsity team qualified for state for the third consecutive year and secured first place in the 2B category, outperforming 17 other teams.
Battle Ground H.S. AFJROTC claims division championship
Battle Ground High School’s Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps cadets reached a historic milestone at the final meet of the 2026 regular season. For the first time in the school’s history, the program earned the overall title at the Columbia River division championship. On March 14, the cadets will compete at the Northwest Drill and Rifle Conference Championships in Oregon City.
Student innovation to support a classmate
Lake Stevens Middle School student Oakoley Burns recently designed and 3D printed tactile routine tiles to support a classmate in the district’s Life Skills Program. The tiles help organize the student’s daily routine and also function as a hall pass, making it easier to navigate the school day with confidence. Thoughtful, creative, and practical—great work, Oakoley.
Battle Ground students recognized for leadership
In February, two Battle Ground Public Schools students were honored at the 2026 Marshall Youth Leadership Awards. Grace Wing, from Battle Ground High School, and Itzel Contreras Montiel, from Prairie High School, were among the six students who reached the final round of consideration. Grace was named a finalist and Itzel was selected to receive this year’s award! Itzel is the third BGPS student to receive the award since it began in 2001, and only the second Prairie student to earn this recognition.
Eco-engineering students research & present renewable energy applications
Students in the Eco-Engineering class at Centennial Middle School in Spokane held an Energy Expo where students presented on renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, geothermal, hydropower, hydrogen and biomass. Students researched renewable energy systems, explored real-world applications and designed models to represent how energy sources work.
Sports Medicine students practice taking vital signs
Advanced Sports Medicine students in Sultan School District practiced taking vital signs accurately, professionally and confidently in class. This hands-on lesson prepares students with skills to become the doctors, nurses, physical therapists, and phlebotomists of tomorrow!
Port Angeles 8th graders explore classes & careers in the trades
In Port Angeles School District, 8th grade students visited Port Angeles High School’s Career & Technical Education (CTE) classrooms to explore courses and careers in the trades! Experiences like this help students make informed decisions as they begin planning for high school and future careers.
Students team up to build toolboxes & real-world skills
Every February, 4th grade students in Washougal School District participate in a unique hands-on experience: building their own wooden toolboxes. The project pairs elementary students with high school and adult mentors to build real-world skills.
Student-led habitat project transforms school courtyard
Students in the Washougal High School Green Team are leading a hands-on project to transform their school courtyard into a native habitat learning space. Through planning, collaboration, and on-site restoration work, students are building real-world skills while working toward Backyard Habitat Certification.
Toutle Lake Middle School marine biology students visit aquarium & zoo
Toutle Lake Middle School Marine Biology Students visited the Point Defiance Aquarium & Zoo to observe marine organisms that they learned about in class.
Future meteorologists in Lyle School District simulate rain clouds in science lesson
Students in Lyle School District designed and tested classroom weather models to explore how clouds hold and release precipitation.
Elementary School seeks impressive results
The elementary school in Deer Park has worked hard, been laser-focused, and has been diligent in their instructional practices. They have identified core curriculum for ELA and math and engaged in meaningful and relevant professional learning centering on early literacy (science of reading). The growth from the beginning of the year to now is impressive! We are so proud of the teachers and instructional staff. Data tells a story: Reading- 29% increase in students at or above grade level from fall to winter, 10% reduction in students2 grade levels or below. Math- 24% increase in students at or above grade level from fall to winter, 9% reduction in students 2 grade levels or below. We also have seen some significant gains in our special education students accessing/participating with their peers.
Davis High School student advocates for rare disease awareness
Davis High School student Theron Clements partnered with community member Jeff Feen, who lives with Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia (HSP), to launch Potato Pants, a project raising awareness for this rare genetic disease. The annual event in May will feature obstacle courses and relay races complete with heavy prop potatoes to simulate the walking difficulties experienced with HSP. Theron and a dedicated team of student volunteers continue to mobilize the community year-round through fundraising events and awareness campaigns.
Salmon dissection brings anatomy to life at Franklin Middle School
Franklin Middle School students are getting glimpses into future careers through hands-on experiences, including a recent salmon dissection led by professionals from the Yakima Basin Environmental Education Program (YBEEP). Experiences like this help spark curiosity in science and open doors to careers in marine biology, environmental conservation, fisheries management, wildlife biology, veterinary science, and ecosystem research.
West Valley School District Aerospace Program
For Cody Floren, learning is about more than textbooks—it’s about understanding why things work and how ideas turn into reality. Currently a 10th grader at the West Valley Innovation Center, Cody is already taking meaningful steps toward his future through West Valley’s STEM Aerospace program in Yakima, Washington where students are building an airplane on campus through a partnership with CubCrafters, a local airplane manufacturer.
Transitional Kindergarten shines in Battle Ground
The week of Jan. 12, 2026, was a celebration of Battle Ground Public Schools’ Transitional Kindergarten (TK) students, staff, families and community. Find out how this program helps students gain skills and prepares them for full kindergarten.
Battle Ground High School seniors soar to new heights
Battle Ground High School seniors Charles Weiner and Jeremiah Norwood are reaching new heights. Last year, the pair was selected for the Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps’ prestigious pilot training program. Only 200 students are accepted nationwide.
Prairie High School students complete architecture internship
Two Prairie students successfully completed a 12-week internship with LSW Architects. They worked with peers across Southwest Washington on a Vancouver waterfront design project, conducting community interviews, creating design concepts and presenting their final work.
Summit View High School student named Employee of the Month
Congratulations to SVHS student Pablo Beltran! Pablo started working at FedEx in July 2025 and receives school credit through the work-based learning program. In his short time with FedEx, he has already been named the Employee of the Month for November and December. Way to go, Pablo!
Wishram students build wooden bleachers
The Wishram Career & Technical Education Class applied hands-on job skills to build wooden bleachers for the school gymnasium, then returned to the project for final touches.
Lyle students use owl pellets to study ecosystems
Third grade students in Lyle School District studied owl pellets to gain hands-on science experience. Hands-on natural science lessons prepare the scientists, innovators and problem solvers of tomorrow.
Exploring wildland firefighting careers & hands-on science
Students in White Salmon Valley School District spent time outdoors with the Washington Department of Natural Resources to learn about careers in wildland firefighting and natural resource management. The lesson included hands-on experience conducting fuels transect activities on the school property. Students also learned to identify different fuel types and make science-based recommendations for fire mitigation and prevention.
Arlington cadets clean up litter to keep roadways clean
Four times a year, Arlington High School Air Force Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps cadets pick up litter along Highway 9 near the high school to keep the roadway clean.
Tour provides insight into Arlington manufacturing firms for students entering the trades
A dozen Arlington High School students visited several Arlington manufacturing firms on Jan. 13. as part of the school’s Arlington Manufacturing Tour. The students visited Absolute Manufacturing, B&B Fabrication, Steel Fab, Fluid Motion, and Morel Industries.
Weston High School students explore future pathways through healthcare club
Members of Weston High School’s HOSA Future Health Professionals Student Club showcased various healthcare careers to other students on Nov. 5 during an interactive learning fair at the school. The fair included vital signs (blood pressure, pulse, temperature), CPR/AED, phlebotomy simulation arms for drawing blood, urinalysis simulation, and glucose monitoring simulations. This is the first year the club has hosted an interactive health learning fair at the school.
Chimacum High School Band to represent WA at America’s 250th Celebration in Washington D.C.
We are proud to share that the Chimacum High School Band has been selected to represent the State of Washington in Washington, D.C., for the nation’s 250th Anniversary Parade! This is an incredible honor for our students, our school, and our entire community.
Hour of AI success!
On December 8, 2025, the AI and Robotics Clubs hosted an exciting Hour of AI! Manson High School students teamed up with elementary students to explore the world of artificial intelligence. Using activities from Code.org and SchoolAI, students discovered how generative AI can create music, drawings, and even rap songs — including some sweet tracks about Manson Elementary School. Our young learners practiced writing effective prompts and got a glimpse of how AI can shape their futures. Most importantly, everyone had a great time learning, creating, and imagining what’s possible.
Unified sports bring people together
Pacific Middle School and Shahala Middle School played a Unified Basketball game in front of a great crowd at Pacific Middle School. Unified Sports joins people with and without intellectual disabilities on the same team. The two teams will play again later this year at Shahala.
Hands-on birdhouse project connects Washougal students across grades
Fourth-grade students in Washougal took their science and math lessons beyond the classroom walls through an innovative birdhouse building project. Washougal High School Woods Technology classes created the birdhouse kits, while middle school students from Canyon Creek and Jemtegaard Middle Schools provided direct support to Cape Horn-Skye and Columbia River Gorge Elementary students, mentoring the younger students through the construction process.
Bring the arts to life
In recent years, West Valley elementary schools have shifted from a music-only model to a broader focus on Fine Arts. This means students now learn not just music, but visual arts, drama, and even dance.
Wind River middle schoolers design rockets and flight paths
At Wind River Middle School in the Stevenson-Carson School District, 7th grade STEM students recently designed and built their own rockets. To ensure safe launches, students drafted detailed flight paths, mapping out nearby trees, powerlines, and buildings to create comprehensive safety plans.
Roots to Wings program launches at Yakima School District
Yakima School District’s CTE and GEAR UP Program has launched the “Roots to Wings” program in partnership with Pacific Northwest University (PNWU), preparing tomorrow’s healthcare professionals through hands-on experiences in medicine, emergency care, and clinical skills. The program connects students with student doctors from PNWU who serve as peer mentors. Students engage in practical learning opportunities, including human anatomy studies, DNA exploration, sheep brain dissections, CPR certification, dental care training, emergency medical techniques, and high-tech simulation labs.
Floriculture students apply floral arrangement skills in class
In Floriculture class at Royal High School, students created pop can “bud vases” while learning how to properly process and cut flower stems.
Students design & test car crumble zones in science lab
Students in science class at Canyon Creek Middle School in Washougal are putting their engineering skills to work by designing crumple zones for model vehicles and testing how well they absorbed impact during a simulated crash.
Students compete against teachers in Washougal Knowledge Bowl face-off
Two student Knowledge Bowl teams faced off against their teachers in a practice round in Washougal School District. The students demonstrated exceptional skill and gamesmanship during the competition. Student teams demonstrated an exceptional ability to do math quickly.
Washougal students visit Steigerwald for hands-on science lessons
Fifth graders from Columbia River Gorge Elementary headed outdoors this fall for a hands-on day of learning at Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge. Before the trip, educators with the Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership visited classrooms to teach about bird species, native plants, and fish anatomy.
Learning to ride, right at school!
Learning To Ride, Right at School! Not every child knows how to ride a bicycle and even more don’t know how to ride one safely. Now thanks to the grant funded, Let’s Go Bicycle Education Program, some EPS elementary school students are learning how to ride the right way, right at school. The grant funding for this program comes courtesy of the Washington State Department of Transportation through the Climate Commitment Act and a partnership with the Cascade Bicycle Club. EPS plans on reapplying for the grant so that more schools can take part in the future.
Career-Ready Programs Expand at Woodland Public Schools
Woodland School District has significantly expanded its Career Ready Programs over the past couple of years, offering students diverse hands-on learning opportunities in construction trades, culinary arts, business management, pre-electrical trades through a partnership with Cascadia Tech Academy, early childhood education, and financial literacy in collaboration with IQ Credit Union.
Spotlight on Automotive Program at SCSD
Scott Midland, Automotive, Welding, and Middle School STEM Teacher at Stevenson-Carson School District talks about the hands-on learning happening at Stevenson High School. Scott and other teachers work hard to equip students with practical skills that open doors to careers, college, and future opportunities. Through carefully designed programs that promote career readiness, Stevenson-Carson is committed to ensuring students thrive in today’s industries and are prepared for the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow.
Middle and High School students build a greenhouse
Discovery High School and Odyssey Middle School parents, students, and staff in Camas School District helped to build their school’s Project Based Learning greenhouse. They learned how to lay several layers of brick foundation, add wood framing, and install plastic sheeting. The group is growing native plants in the greenhouse to sell at their annual spring plant sale.
Camas High School students prevent pollution
Students from Camas High’s Watershed Alliance Club partnered with the City of Camas to install new signs around Lacamas Lake, educating the community about pollution prevention and water quality.
Lars Sarkinen learns plumbing & carpentry skills in high school
At HHS, students like junior Lars Sarkinen are turning that demand into opportunity. Through the Career & Technical Education (CTE) and Running Start programs, he is already gaining skills and experiences that will grant him a competitive edge in the workforce. Sarkinen won first place in Plumbing at the 2025 SkillsUSA Washington State Leadership and Skills Conference.
HHS students measure photosynthesis in action
Students in AP Biology at Hockinson High School recently turned their classroom into a working lab to study the process of photosynthesis. Using baking soda, spinach leaves, CO2 and water, they measured how quickly oxygen bubbles caused spinach disks to rise to the surface of a cup.
Metals students create wind chimes, build career skills at Washougal High School
Students in Washougal High School’s Metals class are creating custom wind chimes that showcase their welding, measuring, and collaboration skills. The project combines creativity with technical precision as students work together to design, cut, and assemble each piece into a finished product.
Real-world learning. Real community impact.
Kelso High School advanced welding students are teaming up with the Kelso Police Department to build pit bars for two decommissioned patrol cars. These reinforced bumpers will help KPD train for safe pursuit-ending maneuvers—while giving students hands-on experience that goes far beyond the classroom.
Mountain View High School jazz band set to perform at prestigious midwest clinic in Chicago
Twenty student musicians from Mountain View High School will perform at the world’s largest instrumental music education conference this winter.
Longview highlights CTE programs
Our Career and Technical Education (CTE) department offers courses that provide exploratory and preparatory learning to help lead students to success in college and careers.
White Salmon Valley interpreters at work!
Huge thanks to our amazing team of Spanish language interpreters who supported families at WPSIS and HMS Curriculum Night this week! Your work helps ensure every family feels welcomed, informed, and included. ¡Gracias!
Revival of student-led newspaper in Battle Ground Public Schools
The revived student-led newspaper, “Your Battle Ground Public Schools” began in early spring 2025 with 6th grader Rye Dilley from Tukes Valley Middle. With the support of many students and staff…