Newsletter

We continue to make steady progress as we plan for the future of our school facilities. One of the next important steps is selecting our architecture and engineering partners to help guide this work. As part of that process, we recently held a site visit with interested firms, giving them an opportunity to better understand our campuses and the scope of the project. After spring break, we will begin reviewing applications and narrowing the field to a small group of firms to interview, with the goal of having a team selected by late April.

At the same time, we are continuing to refine plans for how the bond funding process will work. Right now, the approach is shaping up to include two bond sales, one this summer and another in the spring of 2028. This helps align funding with the construction timeline and allows us to manage costs responsibly over time.

We will continue to keep you informed as decisions are made and the process moves forward. Thank you for your continued support as we take these important steps together as a community.

As we head into spring break, I hope you enjoy this time with your student and the opportunity to rest and recharge. We look forward to welcoming everyone back to school on Monday, April 6.

Regular attendance continues to be a priority. Missing just two days per month is considered chronically absent, and over time that can add up to a significant loss of learning. It can also make it harder for students to stay connected to their classroom routines, their peers, and their teachers.

We know that illnesses and family circumstances come up. When students are healthy enough to attend, making school a priority each day makes a meaningful difference.

Thank you for your continued support in helping students show up and stay engaged.

Our 3rd graders had the honor of welcoming Lucille Begay, a member of the Yakama Nation from Wyam (Celilo Village). March 10 marks the anniversary of the day Celilo Falls was inundated by the Dalles Dam. Lucille shared that while she never had the chance to see the powerful falls herself, she remembers listening to her grandmother describe witnessing that historic moment.

Our students greeted her in Sahaptin with “Shix maytski,” meaning “good morning,” which brought big smiles. Having just finished creating their own Celilo Village projects—and experiencing the “flooding” of their models—Lucille’s stories felt especially meaningful. Students learned about the importance of salmon, the ceremonial role of the longhouse, and how Celilo has always been an important gathering place for Yakama people and for many other tribes who travel from near and far to trade and share traditions. We are so grateful for her visit and for the learning she shared with our students.

Our Knowledge Bowl team has done it again—back-to-back State Champions! This incredible accomplishment reflects not only their talent, but also months of hard work, dedication, and teamwork. After a strong showing all season, the team traveled to Wenatchee where they advanced to the final round and secured the championship title for the second year in a row. Congratulations to our state competitors—Kiki Barkhimer, Graham Beck, Anders Daly, and Sylvia Pimley—on an outstanding performance at the state level.

We also want to recognize and celebrate the entire Knowledge Bowl team. This achievement is the result of a full season of commitment, practice, and collaboration. Every team member who competed throughout the year played an important role in building the success that led to this championship moment.

A special thank you and congratulations goes to coach Omar Sankari. In his final year before retirement, he leaves an extraordinary legacy, guiding students with passion and dedication—and finishing his career with back-to-back state titles. His impact on students and the program will be felt for years to come.