WSD Weekly

December 5, 2025

📅 Upcoming Calendar Events:

⛄ December 22- January 2 Winter Break (No School)
View the student academic calendar

The yellow school bus pulled up to Hooked on Toy early on Wednesday morning and excited 4th graders poured out, each paired with a law enforcement officer ready for a very special mission: holiday shopping.

For the twelfth consecutive year, Wenatchee's beloved Shop with a Cop program transformed an ordinary December day into an extraordinary experience. But this year came with an extra dose of holiday cheer—each student received a $150 gift card, an increase from previous years that brought even bigger smiles and more possibilities.

Inside the bustling toy store, the scene was pure magic. Officers, deputies, and troopers from various law enforcement agencies across North Central Washington knelt beside their young shopping partners, helping them navigate crowded aisles and make important decisions. Some students knew exactly what they wanted—a toy they'd been eyeing for months or a special gift for a sibling. Others wandered the aisles wide-eyed, overwhelmed by the choices before them. Throughout it all, their uniformed companions offered patient guidance, reached items from top shelves, and shared in the excitement of each selection.

These weren't random pairings. School counselors and staff carefully selected each participating student, ensuring the program reaches children who would benefit most from this special experience. For many, it's not just about the gifts—it's about the relationship building, the positive interaction with law

After shopping bags were filled and thank-yous exchanged, the group boarded the bus once more, this time headed to the Wenatchee Valley Technical Skills Center. There, a team of dedicated volunteers stood ready at wrapping stations, armed with rolls of festive paper, ribbons, and bows. As presents were transformed into beautifully wrapped gifts, students enjoyed a spread of treats lovingly prepared by WV Tech's culinary program students—another layer of community involvement that makes this event truly special. [read the rest of the story]

Caroline Siderius was sworn in as a new member of the Wenatchee School District Board of Directors during Tuesday night's board meeting, filling the position previously held by Martin Barron.

Siderius was joined by directors Mark Belton and Julie Norton, who were also sworn in after both running unopposed during the November election to retain their board positions.

Judge Kristin Ferrera administered the oath of office to all three directors during the ceremony.

The board will continue its work on key district priorities, including enrollment growth, improved facilities, budgeting, and academic improvements, as it welcomes Siderius and begins new terms with returning members Belton and Norton.

The next regular board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, December 9th.

The holidays can bring joy—but also stress, anxiety, and emotional challenges for students and families.

Wenatchee School District reminds families that free mental health counseling is available to all students through Daybreak Mental Health services.

Daybreak counselors are available through virtual appointments to provide confidential support for students experiencing:

• Stress and anxiety

• Depression or sadness

• Family changes or challenges

• Grief and loss

• Academic pressure

• Social difficulties
  
  

No cost. Completely confidential.

Students can access Daybreak services by speaking with their school counselor. Families can refer students for services online at https://care.daybreakhealth.com/patient/create-account

If your student is struggling this holiday season, they don't have to face it alone.

For more information: Contact your school counselor or visit https://care.daybreakhealth.com/

Career-Connected Learning Takes Students Beyond the Classroom

Seven Foothills Middle School students recently traded their classroom desks for the sales floor at Old Navy, gaining hands-on experience in retail merchandising and career readiness skills.

The field trip gave students a behind-the-scenes look at the retail industry. Students explored merchandising by selecting professional interview outfits, styling and dressing mannequins, and mastering essential retail skills like folding, hanging garments, and restocking the showroom floor.

"This is career-connected learning in action," said CTE Pathways Coordinator Cindy Murie. "Students aren't just learning about retail careers—they're experiencing them firsthand, building real skills they can use in any career path."

The experience taught transferable skills including professional communication, visual merchandising, teamwork, and workplace professionalism—skills that prepare students for success in any field.

More Opportunities Ahead

Students from Pioneer and Orchard Middle Schools will participate in similar Old Navy field trips on December 3rd.

This hands-on opportunity is part of the district's robust Career-Connected Learning program, which helps students explore careers and get future-ready. Learn about more upcoming opportunities for middle school students here.