The good news of today.
Read about all of the good things happening in Washington schools.
Stevenson High School students rebuild bumper for teacher’s vintage truck
Stevenson High School students Ray Leighton and Henry Wilder rebuilt a bumper for teacher Bill LaCombe’s beloved vintage truck, allowing Bill and his wife to tow the flatbed to truck shows.
Mr. LaCombe has spent years restoring his International ½ ton 4×4 flatbed. In Scott Midland’s welding shop at the high school, students got to work cutting off worn brackets, welding on new tow-capable hardware, and drilling and bolting on official shackles.
Hands-on projects like this let students build skills for future careers and for life.
Maintaining 23.8 million square feet of property
Every great school district relies on a foundation that most people only notice when something goes wrong. Here in Bethel, that foundation is built by a dedicated team of Grounds and Maintenance workers whose daily pride and craftsmanship keep the entire system running smoothly behind the scenes.
Protecting our buildings, building our future
Looking ahead, our district is taking a proactive approach to long-range facility planning. Rather than reacting to overcrowding or emergency repairs, leaders are planning ahead to ensure facilities match student needs well into the future.
Community-backed bond delivers 700,000 square feet of school improvements
Since the approval of the 2019 bond, our district has added nearly 700,000 square feet of new or improved space. That represents 249 classrooms. Upcoming work also includes a replacement project at Elk Plain to replace classrooms alongside ancillary improvements.
Working together to reduce high school absenteeism
Across our district, 10th grade students are the most likely to be chronically absent, with one out of two missing significant classroom time. Being “chronically absent” includes excused and unexcused absences, as well as suspensions. Missing just two days a month places a student in this category. Two days doesn’t seem like much, but it adds up to a full month of lost learning at year’s end. That results in fractured classroom connections and missed academic growth.
Navigating the sixth-grade transition through youth leadership
At Lake Stevens and North Lake Middle Schools, sixth-grade Leadership classes are helping students navigate the transition from elementary to middle school. Through hands-on challenges like building index-card towers and setting personal SMART goals, students develop core skills in teamwork, communication and accountability while fostering an inclusive environment. By focusing on everyday character traits rather than just public spotlight, the classes equip young students to support their peers and become active changemakers in their school community.
High School Students Explore Possibilities at College Fair
Hockinson High School students in grades 9-12 took an important step toward planning their futures on Oct. 19, attending the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) college fair in Portland, Oregon.
Job Readiness Opportunities Grow in Hockinson
From career preparation to career launch! As Hockinson School District prepares to build its first Skilled Trades Building at the high school, interest in job-readiness courses at the middle and high school are at an all-time high. Learn about how students in middle school take woodshop, construction, video production and robotics courses that perpare them for high school dual-credit career classes, job fairs and college visits.
Exploring the Human Body Through Innovative Technology at Columbia High School
At Columbia High School, Anatomy students are using the Anatomage Table to explore the human body in incredible detail. They can rotate virtual human bodies, examine organs, body systems, and tissue layers, and investigate medical conditions and injuries.
Building Skills, Exploring Futures: Inside GHS Welding
This trimester, Grandview High School students are gaining hands-on experience in welding through the district’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) program. With support from dedicated community volunteers Juan Salazar and Jessie Rodriguez, students are learning foundational skills while exploring potential careers in construction, manufacturing, agriculture, and more. These experiences go beyond the classroom, helping students discover new interests, build confidence, and envision future opportunities.
Low-tech teamwork builds future leaders
In classrooms across our district, thoughtful instruction and active collaboration are bringing learning to life, and setting the stage for our students’ future success. At Pioneer Valley Elementary, teacher Mary Kolowinski’s students recently teamed up with handheld whiteboards to map out their thinking and tackle complex math problems together. Meanwhile, fourth graders in Mrs. Pratt’s class at North Star Elementary dove into their own challenges, turning tricky skill-building into an engaging team effort. Stepping away from screens and putting markers to whiteboards gives students a physical space to collaborate, talk through ideas, and work shoulder-to-shoulder with their classmates.
How words can shape a school community
Words matter. They can be used to encourage or inspire, but they can also be painful, particularly when hurtful language becomes part of the everyday environment at school. For students at Cougar Mountain Middle School, creating a welcoming school community starts with recognizing the impact language can have on the people around them.
Art in Action: Following an idea as it takes shape
A finished piece of art shows where a student landed, but rarely the path it took to get there. The real substance of art education lies in the messy, iterative middle. That’s where students learn to experiment, solve unexpected problems, analyze their own work, and build critical thinking skills that extend far beyond the canvas. Step inside the classroom and see the process in motion.
Student journalism is thriving in Battle Ground, Washington
Although middle and high school journalism are on the decline nationally, Battle Ground has several student publications that share the stories and perspectives of students in our schools. Recently, Kennedy Tandrow, editor of Prairie High School’s Falcon Flyer, and Rye Geilenfeldt, managing editor and founder of Your BGPS, participated in an interview on Oregon Public Broadcasting’s “Think Out Loud.”
Beyond the classroom: How Lake Stevens CTE is shaping the workforce of tomorrow
Lake Stevens School District’s CTE programs are bridging academics and career readiness by equipping secondary students with real-world skills, industry credentials and work-based training. Partnering with industry leaders like Boeing, Lake Stevens boasts a 100% dual college credit rate and a 99.7% graduation rate among CTE concentrators, setting students up for immediate postsecondary success.
Community support strengthens district athletic programs
From Art Crate Field to the bright lights of college stadiums and beyond, our student-athletes are finding that athletics provides opportunities that stretch far beyond the scoreboard. Student-athletes gain essential life skills, including time management, teamwork, and resilience. For sports without dedicated home facilities, like swimming, bowling, and golf, athletes demonstrate discipline by traveling late into the evening for practices and meets. All this helps our young athletes build a foundation for long-term success.
There’s a lot happening beyond the classroom at Columbia High School!
At the ASB Club Fair last week, Principal Kelly Hume talked with students about the clubs and activities they’re involved in, from leadership and career opportunities to competition, creativity, service, or just having fun! See some highlights in the video, and check out the impressive full club lineup below:
🧠 Knowledge Bowl
⚖️ Mock Trial
🏅 National Honor Society (NHS)
💪 Power Lifting
🌾 FFA (Future Farmers of America)
💼 FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America)
🤖 SkillsUSA / Robotics
🎭 Drama
📖 Yearbook
🎺 Pep Band
🏳️🌈 SAGE (Sexuality and Gender Equity)
💛 Sources of Strength
📣 ASB
🌎 Raíces
🏓 Pickleball
So many ways to connect, explore and get involved!
Lake Stevens High School Students get hands-on training in Sports Medicine Program
Future surgeons, physical therapists and ER doctors are sitting in Lake Stevens High School classrooms right now. In this week’s episode of Did You Know? with Dr. T., Superintendent Dr. Mary Templeton steps inside Kirsten Harvey’s Advanced Sports Medicine classroom at Lake Stevens High School. This program goes far beyond basic first aid. Students get real-world, hands-on medical training that prepares them for high-demand careers as physical therapists, phlebotomists, nurses and doctors. Our educators are dedicated to opening doors for students, giving them the knowledge and confidence to lead their college classes and succeed in future professions.
Toppenish Flips the Switch on a Brighter Future!
More than 350 community members joined us at Valley View Elementary to celebrate the completion of our innovative BESS+ clean energy project! Made possible through a $1.7 million grant from the Washington State Department of Commerce, this project positions Toppenish as one of the first districts in Washington to implement this technology, with projected annual energy savings of more than $22,000 and 12+ hours of emergency power coverage during large-scale outages. From hands-on STEM activities to the exciting moment our Wildcats flipped the switch, the evening was a celebration of innovation, community partnerships and a brighter future! We’re also excited to share what’s next, including our new historical mural project. Read the full story to learn more!
Wahluke Students Build Leadership & Career Skills
Over the summer, Wahluke students attended a leadership conference to hone their leadership skills, build confidence and connect with fellow student leaders. The experience also helped students strengthen communication, teamwork and problem-solving skills that will prepare them for success in future careers.
Students Practice Leadership Skills at School Board Meeting
Preparing students for future careers means giving them the skills to learn, grow, communicate and adapt. At West Valley High School, the school board holds some board meetings at school, giving students the opportunity to take part in the leadership process and show how they are taking ownership of their learning. These experiences help students build the confidence, responsibility and skills they will need for future careers.
Elementary Students Learn About Medical Careers at Klickitat Valley Health
Elementary students in Goldendale School District learned about medical careers at Klickitat Valley Health. The visit gave students a firsthand look at the many roles that help a hospital run.
Using the Scientific Method for a Rescue Mission
Elementary students in Lyle School District used the scientific method to test the best way to rescue a gummy worm on a capsized “boat.” Students learned how communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking are important to real-life rescue missions.
The Orchards All-Stars Receive an All-Star Soccer Pitch!
Thanks to the Seattle Reign, the Rave Foundation, CVS Health and an Orchards staff member that never says no, Orchards Elementary School students can now enjoy playing soccer on a brand new mini-pitch.
Volunteer Firefighters Teach Literacy & Safety at Summer Reading Program
This summer reading program kicked off with inspiring words from Carson and Stevenson volunteer firefighters, who reminded students that reading, learning, teamwork, courage, and safety all go hand in hand.
Class of 2027: Wearing Their Wildcat Spirit!
The 2026-27 school year is officially underway, and our Wildcats came back with plenty of spirit! Toppenish High School seniors marked their last first day with the tradition of Senior Sunrise, gathering for breakfast together before heading into the year ahead.
And then there were the jeans. Senior Spirit Jeans have quickly become one of the most creative signs of the times, with students turning denim into personalized works of art that showcase their interests, personalities and graduating class pride. Are decorated Senior jeans the tie-dye shirts of this generation? Maybe so, and we love seeing how each class puts its own spin on celebrating such an important milestone.
Art, Identity & Belonging: TMS Campus Beautification
What better way for students to tell the story of their school and community than through a mural right here in the City of Museums & Murals? This summer, Toppenish Middle School Highly Capable and Leadership students brought their vision to life with a mural celebrating both TMS and the Toppenish community. Each letter in TOPPENISH highlights something unique about our city, while the papel picado banner represents programs that help students feel connected to their learning, school and one another.
The mural was part of a summer focused on creativity, campus beautification and opportunities for students to experience art in different forms while contributing something lasting to their school community.
Construction Trades Summer Camp Teaches Hands-On Skills at School
This summer, students across La Center, Hockinson, Washougal, and Ridgefield rolled up their sleeves and explored careers in construction through hands-on Construction Trades Camps.
Battle Ground students recognized by Cascadia Tech Academy
Students from Summit View, Prairie and Battle Ground high schools recently received awards from Cascadia Tech Academy. Three students were named Distinguished Graduates, and six received Dennis Kampe scholarships.
Student publication continues to tell the stories of Battle Ground
Written, edited and designed by BGPS students, the Your Battle Ground Public Schools magazine highlights the achievements and stories of the district. Read the latest issue for stories about Tukes Valley students’ work to restore their outdoor classroom, how the DREAM Team earned state recognition for their work to encourage healthy choices among their peers and much, much more!
Clean Water Video contest award winners
Two teams of students from Laurin Middle School earned honors in the 2026 Students for Clean Water Video Contest. Sponsored by the Stormwater Partners of SW Washington, a coalition of jurisdictions, agencies and nonprofit organizations working together to protect water quality and local watersheds, the contest challenges students to create videos that inspire others to contribute to clean water.
Future Chefs Put Skills to the Test at Culinary Competition
Washougal High School culinary students put their talents to the test by competing alongside first-year Clark College students in the McClaskey Culinary Institute’s inaugural food competition.
Lamprey Release Teaches Science & Conservation Skills
Fourth and fifth grade students in Klickitat School District had the exciting opportunity to release Pacific lamprey into local waterways, connecting classroom learning with real-world conservation efforts.
Students Hatch Chicks in the Classroom to Gain Ag Experience
In Ridgefield School District, students at Sunset Ridge Intermediate School observed baby chicks hatch in the classroom as part of their life science unit on living things. This was a community partnership with Rocking B Farms, located just one mile from the school. Students learned about the developmental process of chickens from start to finish, candling the eggs to observe growth, monitoring incubator temperatures and humidity levels, and tracking the chicks’ development throughout the process. Hands-on learning experiences like these help prepare students with skills for future careers in agriculture, veterinary medicine, biology, environmental science, healthcare, and many other STEM fields.
Columbia High School Students Explore Culinary Arts
Columbia High School students recently explored careers in the culinary arts through a hands-on learning experience with Clark College Chef Earl Frederick. During his visit, students practiced knife skills, prepared fresh lettuce wraps using ingredients from the Vancouver Farmers Market, and learned about career opportunities in the hospitality industry through Chef Earl’s personal journey. Experiences like this expand access to career exploration for rural students and inspire them to envision new possibilities for their future.
Davis High School Students Take Portraits for Fire Department
Davis High School photography students in the Yakima School District partnered with the Yakima Fire Department to capture professional badge photos and portraits for official department use. Through this hands-on project, students applied classroom learning in a real-world setting, using professional photography equipment, studio lighting and portrait techniques while gaining valuable experience working with a community client. The collaboration helped students build technical skills, confidence and a deeper understanding of the professional expectations they will encounter in future careers.
Learning with Goats: Students Gain Agriculture and Animal Science Skills
Students in Future Farmers of America (FFA) in White Salmon Valley School District recently spent the day learning from industry expert Jordan Jelinek about showmanship, fitting, and proper nutrition for show goats. Through hands-on experiences like these, students build valuable skills in animal science, agriculture, livestock management, and other career pathways while preparing for success in the show ring and beyond.
Woodland Student Voices Lead Community Dialogue
Woodland High School students are helping elevate student voice and strengthen civic engagement through the Civic Power Hour. Organized by AP Government students, the student-led forum brought together local leaders, school officials and community members to discuss school safety and funding. Students served as moderators, developed questions and guided thoughtful conversations on topics that directly impact their school and community, demonstrating the power of youth leadership in shaping important community conversations.
Camas Students Practice Civic Engagement in Olympia
Ten Camas High School students traveled to Olympia, WA to participate in the 79th annual YMCA Youth and Government program at the Capitol. Students joined peers from across Washington in a mock legislative session focused on civic engagement, leadership, collaboration, and public speaking.
Later, students shared their experience researching, writing, and presenting bills with the Camas School District Legislative Advisory Committee.
Career Detectives Visit Fire Station 1
The Career Detectives Class from The Enrichment Cooperative (TEC) at Bryant visited Spokane Fire Station 1 to learn what a career as a firefighter looks like, as well as those who coordinate and work in tandem with firefighters. TEC’s Career Detectives Class is a hands-on, curiosity-filled adventure into the world of work! Students explore different industries, from health and science to business, technology, the arts, skilled trades, and more. Each week includes interactive challenges, simple experiments, creative projects, teamwork activities, and real-world problem solving. Students will discover their strengths, interests, and talents while learning important future-ready skills like communication, goal setting, and financial basics.
50th annual spaghetti feed sends Quincy fourth graders and alumni to Seattle
For 50 years, Quincy’s annual fourth-grade spaghetti feed has brought the community together to help send students on a memorable trip to Seattle. Funded through ticket sales and donations, the tradition gives many students their first opportunity to travel, explore new places, and experience hands-on learning outside the classroom. For Quincy educators and alumni, the trip represents more than just a field trip, it’s an investment in students’ confidence, growth, and future.
Nursing and EMT classes prepare grads for healthcare careers
Quincy High School’s new CNA and EMT programs are giving students a head start in healthcare careers through hands-on learning, leadership development, and real-world experiences. Developed in response to student interest, the new health sciences classes are helping students explore careers in nursing, emergency medicine, and beyond while building the skills needed for future success.
Alumni Profile: Jose Corona: Opening up the door of what education can be
After overcoming academic challenges, serving in the Marines, and discovering a passion for biology, Jose Corona built a successful career in science. His journey from Quincy High School to senior quality assurance biologist is a story of perseverance, growth, and the lasting impact of supportive educators and family.
Advanced Woods Students Build Sheds
Students in the Advanced Woods class at Discovery High School are getting hands-on construction experience by building two on-site storage shed for their program! The first student-built shed is being used to store wood for the annual fifth-grade toolbox project, and the second shed provides additional space for tools and equipment.
Advanced Culinary Arts Students Prepare 5-Course Meal for Special Event
Advanced Culinary Arts students in Lake Chelan School District partnered with Amaris Longmire and the Lake Chelan Boat Co. to prepare a five course dinner for a special event. Students gained hands-on experience in the food industry by helping to cook, plate, and deliver the food to tables.
Lake Chelan Students Learn about Utility Careers and Equipment at Touch a Truck Day
At Touch a Truck Day, students in Kindergarten through 2nd grade at Morgen Owings Elementary got up close with the trucks and equipment that help keep our community running every day. From dump trucks to utility vehicles, students explored utility equipment and learned about from the crews who operate them.
From band practice to business deals: Forrest the Eggtrepreneur
Chase Middle School eighth grader Forrest Harder balances school, sports, music, and a growing egg business. He started selling extra eggs from his family’s 17 chickens at school to raise some extra money. Forrest’s creative business earned him a Chase Youth Award for entrepreneurship this year.
AP Seminar prepares 10th graders for college-level learning
After presenting on year-long, inquiry-based, collaborative learning projects at the end of this semester, 90 North Central High School 10th graders will be eligible to receive college credit. Learn how AP Seminar provides a dual-credit opportunity for students while preparing them to succeed in higher education settings.
Empty Bowls-The 5th Annual WSVSD Arts Walk
The 5th Annual WSVSD Arts Walk was an amazing event! Students from CHS, HMS, and WPSIS proudly shared their creativity and talent through incredible artwork displays. Thank you to our students, staff, families, and community for supporting the arts and celebrating student creativity!
Yakima Valley Tech prepares next generation of firefighters
The Fire Science program at Yakima Valley Technical Skills Center (YV-TECH) is giving students from across the Yakima Valley early, hands-on training in the skills that high-demand public safety careers require, including physical readiness and teamwork to emergency response. Industry professionals regularly engage with students to bridge the gap between training and the real workforce.
Skamania School’s First and Second Graders Become Published Authors
Skamania School’s 1st and 2nd graders became published authors this year. Each student in the first/second-grade class chose a favorite animal, researched facts, and brought their work to life with their own illustrations, culminating in a published book through Student Treasure Publishing. Opportunities like this build confidence, ignite a love of learning, and show children that their voices and ideas matter.
Eisenhower AP Government Students Participate in Moot Court
Eisenhower High School in the Yakima School District offered AP U.S. Government & Politics students a unique Moot Court experience at the William O. Douglas Federal Courthouse. Students spent months preparing by researching a real Supreme Court case and its constitutional arguments. During the simulation, students presented arguments, asked constitutional questions, and even had the chance to speak with a federal judge about their experiences on the bench.
Lake Stevens student earns scholarship for Society of American Military Engineers STEM Camp
We are proud to celebrate Lohith Thimmichetty, a Career and Technical Education student, for an incredible achievement! Lohith earned a full scholarship and a flight stipend to attend the prestigious STEM/Engineering & Construction Camp at the Society of American Military Engineers, hosted at the U.S. Air Force Academy. This highly competitive program brings together top students from across the country for a week of immersive, hands-on learning in engineering, construction, and leadership, working alongside industry professionals and military mentors. From designing and building real-world projects to exploring future careers in STEM, this experience opens doors and shapes the next generation of innovators.
Unified Sports: Growing Inclusion Beyond the Classroom
Unified Sports is growing in Toppenish, bringing students receiving special education services and their general education peers together as teammates in bowling, basketball, track, and cornhole. From the packed stands at the Think Pink. Play United! basketball game to the continued support from staff, families, and the community, Unified Sports is helping students compete, connect, and build a stronger culture of inclusion across the district.
Stanton Academy Student Designs Official MLK Day Banner
Stanton Academy student Stephanie Urlacher designed the official banner for the 41st Annual MLK Peace Walk and Celebration in Yakima, Washington, reflecting this year’s theme “Reinvesting in Our Community.” Her work showcases the real-world skills students gain through Stanton Academy’s hands-on programs. The Yakima School District provides students with opportunites to practice in-demand skills and position themselves for careers in various fields.
MMS Students Advance to National History Day Competition
Students from Meridian Middle School traveled to Lake Washington High School to showcase their hard work at the History Day State Competition and their efforts paid off! MMS students Aliza, Audrey and Olivia won second place overall for their junior-level documentary about the Grand Coulee Dam and have qualified for the National History Day competition in June in Washington, D.C.! These students chose a topic related to the yearly theme, completed research throughout the school year, accessing state archives, databases, historical societies, libraries, and interviews. They created a documentary as their project, in addition to a written paper and an annotated bibliography of over 70 sources. This project has taken countless hours of research and collaboration throughout the school year.
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.