Newsletter
Facilities Advisory Committee
The WSVSD Board of Directors recently held a work session to review the recommendations of the Facilities Advisory Committee. After months of study, site visits, and community input, the committee recommended closing Whitson Elementary and consolidating into a unified K–12 campus. This would include remodeling Henkle Middle/Wallace Intermediate to serve as the new elementary school, and reconfiguring and modernizing Columbia High School to better serve a larger grade band, with key improvements to security, accessibility, and learning spaces.
Families and community members can review the full committee report, view conceptual plans of the remodeled buildings, and get a sense of estimated project costs on our district webpage.
The Board will consider whether to pursue a bond campaign, and the potential bond amount, at its November meeting. If the district moves forward, the community would vote on a bond measure in February 2026.
Showing Up Matters
Showing up to school every day makes a big difference. When kids are in class, they’re learning new skills, building friendships, and staying connected to their teachers and school community. Missing just two days of school a month—whether excused or not—can add up quickly and make it harder to keep up in reading, lead to academic struggles, and even increase the risk of not graduating later on. We also know there are times when kids aren’t feeling well, and that’s when it’s important to make the right call. To help with those decisions, check out our “Too Sick for School?” poster for assistance: WSVSD Too Sick for School?
Certificated Employee of The Year
We are thrilled to celebrate Monika as our Certified Teacher of the Year for the White Salmon Valley School District! Monika has been a beloved teacher at Whitson Elementary School for many years, and recently she has dedicated her work to supporting the Social Emotional Learning (SEL) of students as a Teacher on Special Assignment. Just last year, she guided the K–8 SEL adoption and helped with both our school and district MTSS process, ensuring students across the district are supported in every way. Monika’s huge heart, dedication, and passion for kids shine through in all she does, and we are so proud to honor her with this well-deserved recognition.
Classified Employee's of The Year
Edwardo joined our team in 2022 and brought with him over 20 years of experience in maintenance and repairs. Bilingual and always ready with a smile, Edwardo is known for going the extra mile to ensure our facilities run smoothly. Fun fact: he’s also excellent at whistling, brightening the workplace wherever he goes. His dedication, positivity, and expertise make him a standout member of our team.
Taylor Wiley
Taylor joined our team in 2022 and has quickly become an invaluable member of our staff. A proud graduate of Columbia High School and a Marine Corps veteran, Taylor brings a wealth of experience, several years in maintenance, and a can-do attitude to every task. Known for his phenomenal mustache and unwavering dedication, he is always willing to go above and beyond to ensure our schools operate at their very best. Taylor’s commitment, reliability, and positive spirit make him a true standout and a role model for everyone around him
Curriculum Night
Interpreter support was widely available to ensure all families could fully participate in the evening. One parent shared, " I now feel I have a comfortable understanding of what my students' school day looks like. As a parent I now feel more prepared to support her and will be checking skyward. I appreciate the teachers taking the evening to answer questions and engage with parents." A teacher noted, "I think it is a great event to connect families to what students are learning and experiencing. I heard positive feedback from folks and know it can grow to include more families as it becomes a regular event."
Both schools look forward to making this an annual event, as it was a positive and meaningful start to the school year for both parents and teachers.
Whitson PTO Back to School BBQ
A huge thank you to all the families, staff, and PTO members who helped make our Welcome Back BBQ on September 18th an absolute celebration! 🎉