WSD Weekly

December 12, 2025

📅 Upcoming Calendar Events:

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

Walk into a room full of 5th graders on a regular school day, and you'll find energy. Walk into a room full of 5th graders at the Wenatchee Central Lions Club Christmas party, and you'll find pure magic.

This week, the Lions Club continued a cherished annual tradition—hosting a Christmas luncheon for Wenatchee School District 5th-grade students. It's a tradition measured not in years but in generations of students who have experienced the warmth of community generosity during the holiday season.

For club member Teka Parks-Sellars, this tradition is deeply personal. As a 5th grader at Washington Elementary, she was one of those students selected for the Lions Club party—and she still has the original letter she received all those years ago.

"It meant so much to me," Parks-Sellars shared. "It was the first time I was exposed to the Lions Club." Now, decades later, she's returned not as a recipient but as a giver—a Lions Club member herself, helping create the same magic for a new generation of students.

Her message to this year's 5th graders? "You matter. You can do anything you put your minds to. You have a community support system behind you, cheering you on."

It's a powerful reminder: the gifts we receive as children often inspire the gifts we give as adults. The tradition continues, and the circle of generosity grows wider.

More Than a Party

The celebration included lunch for all students, but the real feast was one of community care and connection. Each student received a gift bag brimming with toys to spark joy and winter essentials—hats, blankets, and gloves—to provide warmth during the coldest months.

Holiday sing-alongs filled the air with festive spirit, voices rising together in celebration. And then came the moment every child was waiting for: Santa Claus himself appeared, ready to hear whispered wishes and share in the excitement of the season.

The Elves Behind the Magic

Behind every gift bag, every lunch served, and every perfectly orchestrated moment stood the members of the Wenatchee Central Lions Club and their dedicated volunteers—the "elves" who make this annual tradition possible.

Their work represents more than holiday generosity. It represents a partnership with Wenatchee School District that spans years, a commitment that says: We see you. We value you. You matter to this community.

The Gift That Keeps Giving

Long after the gift bags are opened and the blankets are used, the real gift remains: the knowledge that community cares. That's a lesson worth more than any present under a tree.

Thank you, Wenatchee Central Lions Club, for showing our students the true meaning of the holiday season—giving from the heart and caring for our community's children. #WEareWenatchee

The North Central Educational Services District is shining a light on local students and thanking our community to their support of public education. WSD students are among the students featured. Click the picture below to hear more from Maddy about what she loves about WestSide High School.

Wenatchee High School leads schools with 54% energy reduction

Wenatchee's commitment to energy conservation paid off during the Advanced Energy Management (AEM) Thanksgiving Day Power Down Playoff, with 17 community buildings collectively saving 15,591 kilowatt-hours—a savings of $437 in just one day.

Wenatchee High School took top honors among participating schools, achieving an impressive 54% reduction in energy use compared to a regular operational day. With Lincoln Elementary a close second at 53.9%. Columbia Valley Community Health won the commercial business category with 34.5%.

The AEM Power Down Playoff, run by WHS AEM interns, challenges participating buildings to reduce their energy consumption during holidays when facilities are closed or operating at minimal capacity. The competition demonstrates the significant impact of community-wide energy conservation efforts.

What's Next:

Two more opportunities are coming to show what Wenatchee can accomplish together. The Power Down Playoff will run again on Christmas Day and New Year's Day, giving our community additional chances to save energy and reduce costs.

Partnership brings winter athletics to students who need it most

The stands at Foothills Middle School were packed on Sunday. More than 80 boys and their coaches, along with dozens of proud family members, gathered to celebrate the opening of an indoor soccer league season designed specifically for students who face barriers to playing club sports.

Wenatchee School District has partnered with Wenatchee Soccer Club to host the league at Foothills Middle School during cold weather months, providing boys with opportunities to play regardless of financial constraints, skill level, or other obstacles that often keep youth out of club athletics.

Superintendent Kory Kalahar and Athletic & Activities Director BJ Kuntz joined the celebration, helping kick off the first tournament of the season. "This partnership demonstrates our commitment to connecting youth with opportunities and building a WE are Wenatchee culture where everyone belongs," Kuntz said.

The WE are Wenatchee movement focuses on creating connection and involvement between schools and community. The indoor soccer league is a perfect example: a local sports organization and the school district working together to ensure no student is left on the sidelines.

Experienced assistant coach and WSD teacher steps into leadership role

Wenatchee Athletics is pleased to announce the appointment of Frank Brandt as head coach of the Panther golf program.

Brandt has served as assistant girls golf coach for the past two seasons and brings extensive experience in drill development, swing instruction, and match preparation to the head coaching position.

Brandt's coaching philosophy emphasizes creating an environment rich in support and continuous improvement—allowing athletes to both enjoy the game and compete at the highest level.

In addition to his coaching responsibilities, Brandt has been a business and marketing teacher in Wenatchee School District since 2013, currently teaching at Westside High School. He also coaches the school's Mock Trial team, bringing a well-rounded approach to student development.