WSD Weekly

April 24, 2026

📅 Upcoming Calendar Events:

May 1 - Non-Contract Day (No School)

May 25 - Memorial Day (No School)

June 11 - Last Day of School for Grades 6 & 7

June 12 - Last Day of School for Grades PK-5, 8-11 (Dismissed 3 hours early)

The most significant overhaul in Wenatchee Valley Tech's history is officially underway — and new hands-on programs are set to welcome students this fall.

Backed by a $14.5 million state grant, years in the making, construction is moving quickly. WV Tech Director Pete Jelsing recently walked Superintendent Kory Kalahar through newly framed spaces that are already starting to look like the career-ready learning environments they'll soon become.

What's being built:

• Fire Science Tower — A dedicated stair tower and smoke training space for real-world emergency drills

• Culinary Arts — A brand-new demonstration kitchen with professional-grade equipment

• Dental Assisting — New lab spaces to launch an all-new dental assisting program

• Building B Mezzanine — New classrooms, an ADA-accessible elevator, and upgraded HVAC and fire safety systems

New and expanded programs in Dental Assisting and Health Occupations are on track to launch this fall, with the full construction project scheduled to be completed by December 2026.

This transformation didn't happen overnight. The district secured state funding and completed design and permitting between 2023 and 2025, laying the groundwork for what is now the most ambitious investment in WV Tech's history.

For Wenatchee students, it means more pathways, better facilities, and career-ready training that reflects where our regional economy is headed

Learn more about Wenatchee Valley Tech programs on their website.

Wenatchee School District had a strong showing at last week's ESD 171 Regional Bus Safety Roadeo in Moses Lake — and one driver is headed to the state competition to prove it.

Penny Talbot claimed 1st place overall, earning her spot to represent Wenatchee at the Washington State Bus Safety Roadeo in Kennewick on Sunday, June 28. Congratulations, Penny!

Also competing was Eric Johnson, who turned in an impressive 4th place finish — made even more remarkable by the fact that he has only held his license since February. Eric's performance is a sign of great things to come.

A big thank you to the WSD judges who volunteered their time and expertise to make the event run smoothly: Lisa Rose, Dwain Simpson, and Thomas Everly.

Wenatchee is well represented — on the road and on the competition floor. Good luck to Penny in Kennewick this June!

Adulting is hard. Sheena Town makes sure WestSide students are ready for it anyway.

Now in its second year, Sheena Town is a full-day financial simulation created by WestSide teacher Sheena Zacherle that drops students into real-life scenarios complete with a paycheck, bills, unexpected expenses, and tough choices. Students rotate through stations covering everything from rent and car insurance to groceries, childcare, and health insurance, using a real-time digital portal and a debit card to manage their budget as the day unfolds.

Then life happens. A sick pet. A car accident. A broken ankle. Students have to figure out how to handle the unexpected just like they will after graduation.

The event is sponsored by Consumer Jungle and supported by community volunteers and local business owners who spend the day helping students navigate the system, ask questions, and learn what it really takes to manage money wisely.

The day wraps with a student assembly to reflect, share, and celebrate — with prizes donated by Consumer Jungle.

This is WestSide doing what it does best: preparing students for everything that comes next.

A highlight of the Apple Blossom Festival is the opportunity for Wenatchee School District musicians and singers to showcase their talents on stage, the festival's main stage in Memorial Park. Below is a list is school performance times. A full festival entertainment schedule is available on their website.