WSD Weekly

December 19, 2025

📅 Upcoming Calendar Events:

⛄ December 22- January 2 Winter Break (No School)
🫶 January 19 - Martin Luther King Day (No School)

📔 January 23 - Records Day / End of First Semester (No School)
View the student academic calendar

📷 Renderings of the new Fire Science Training Stair Tower, vehicle bay, and classroom spaces.

A major modernization of Wenatchee Valley Tech is set to begin in mid-January. This construction project will transform the facility into a state-of-the-art career and technical education center by modernizing existing spaces and adding additional room for programs.

The school board received a construction update Tuesday night regarding the $14.5 million state grant-funded project. Representatives from ALSC, Garco, and Klosh presented the update, emphasizing the successful collaboration among the project teams, the school district, and the city council in streamlining zoning and permitting. This project will create industry-standard learning spaces, including a stair tower for fire science training and a demonstration kitchen for culinary arts. It will also allow for the addition of new programs, such as dental assistant.

Construction will be phased to minimize disruption to school operations, with completion anticipated by December 2026. Designers have customized spaces based on program needs after observing classrooms and instruction on-site.

Wenatchee Valley Tech serves students regionwide, offering hands-on training in healthcare, construction, automotive technology, culinary arts, fire science, and more. The project aligns with WSD's commitment to building future-ready students through high-quality career and technical education.

Largest Production Ever Features 55 Student Performers, Actors and Staff

Step back in time this holiday season as Wenatchee High School students present "A Christmas Story" in the format of an old-time radio show—the largest production of its kind. Featuring 55 talented performers, including 25 musicians, 25 actors, and 5 foley artists, this unique theatrical experience brings the golden age of radio to life. The live performance took place at the Numerica Performing Arts Center this week and will be rebroadcast on 560 KPQ AM Radio on Tuesday, December 24, at 5 PM.

Directed by WHS staff members Dani Schafer-Cloke and James Wallace (Foley Director), the production tells the beloved story of 9-year-old Ralphie Parker and his quest to get a genuine Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas in 1940s Midwest America. From the iconic leg lamp to the frozen tongue on the lamppost, all the memorable moments from the classic story will be recreated through live voice acting, sound effects, and music.

"Before television, families gathered around their radios to listen to stories brought to life by voice actors and foley artists," explained Wallace. "Our students are helping to recreate that magical experience."

All music was performed live by the WHS Golden Apple Band and WHS Jazz Band, under the direction of WHS Band teacher Jim Kovach, adding an authentic touch to this nostalgic presentation. The production showcases the incredible range of student talent at Wenatchee High School and from other students and parents from WSD schools—from musicians and actors to the creative foley artists who will produce sound effects in real time.

This production represents the kind of opportunities and creative excellence that define Wenatchee School District's commitment to building future-ready students. Through opportunities like this, students gain experience in performance, technical production, music, and collaboration—skills that extend far beyond the stage and entertain our community.

"You'll shoot your eye out!" may be the famous line from the story, but what you'll really witness is students shooting for the stars.

What a deliciously delightful evening at Castle Rock's Wintertime Family Engagement event on Tuesday. After a record turnout last year, our Castle Rock families showed up again in full force to celebrate the season together.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE NIGHT:

⛄ Winter-themed activities in every classroom

🍕 Free pizza and hot cocoa (Served up thanks to our Jr. AFROTC helpers)

🎅 Special visit from Santa Claus

📚 Books borrowed from our lending library to take home

🍪 Gingerbread house decorating in the gym

🤫 Sensory-friendly session for students who needed a quieter environment

Events like this strengthen the bonds between our families, our school, and our community. When families engage with their children's learning, magic happens. Thank you to every family who joined, every volunteer and staff member who helped, and every child who made the evening special with their joy and excitement.

About Castle Rock ECLC

Castle Rock is an inclusive, community preschool where we offer preschoolers of all ability levels the opportunity to learn together and from one another. Each class is taught by a certificated early childhood special education teacher who supports an inclusive environment for all students.

The North Central Educational Services District is shining a light on local students and thanking our community for their support of public education. WSD students are among the students featured. Click the picture below to hear more from WHS senior Paloma Canela about what she loves most about AVID.

The AppleEttes have had a strong showing this season. Military took 1st Pom took 2nd at their recent competition at Ferris High School. Both Varsity routines qualified for districts - a huge accomplishment this early in the season! The team is only 3 points away from a state-qualifying score.

Former NWAC Standout to Lead Panthers Beginning Spring 2026

Wenatchee Athletics is proud to announce the hiring of Taylor Files as Head Fastpitch Coach for the Wenatchee High School Panthers, effective spring 2026. Files brings a strong combination of playing experience, coaching expertise, and a proven ability to connect with student-athletes.

Files joined the Panthers this fall as an interim Slowpitch coach and quickly made an impact by building meaningful relationships with student-athletes. Her transition to Head Fastpitch Coach reflects her dedication to the program and her commitment to Panther Athletics.

Files is a recent graduate of Central Washington University, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education with a 3.9 GPA. Prior to her time at CWU, she earned her Associate of Arts degree from Wenatchee Valley College with a perfect 4.0 GPA.

As a player, Files demonstrated excellence both on the mound and in the classroom. At Eastmont High School, she earned all-league honors as a pitcher. She continued her playing career at Wenatchee Valley College, where she served as a starting pitcher and helped lead the Knights to the Northwest Athletic Conference Championship. Files earned 2nd Team All-NWAC recognition during her time with WVC.

Files' coaching experience includes work with the NCW Sundevils and, most recently, her role as slowpitch coach for the Panthers. Her background as both an educator and accomplished athlete positions her to develop well-rounded student-athletes who excel on and off the field.