West Valley School District

ABOVE AND BEYOND: Dishman Hills High School teacher Elizabeth Roe and Jena Jauchius received the Above and Beyond award from Principal Lauren House for their work on the outdoor learning space at DHHS. Funded through a grant from EarthGen, a non-profit that equips students to grow their power as changemakers for a healthy environment, Jena has been part of numerous projects with DHHS including serving on a community panel to provide feedback on student project presentations, and helping conduct surveys and focus groups with staff and students. Jena was the landscape architect who collaborated with Liz and students to design and create what they could in the outdoor area. Thank you, Liz and Jena, for dreaming up and doing the work to create such a beautiful learning space for students! #WVSDaboveandbeyond

Did you know that WVSD utilizes over 250 security cameras across the district? Our technology team does a fabulous job of keeping them maintained, but half of the cameras are 17 years old and in need of updates. Safety and security is a prime focus of the WVSD capital projects levy that will be on the November 5 ballot. To learn more: bit.ly/WVbondlevy2024

Thank you to The Spokesman-Review reporter Elena Perry for taking time to visit with staff and parents about how we plan to address district facility needs with the capital projects levy on the November 5 ballot.

West Valley staff kicked off the new school year with breakfast treats, information from our community partners, and a warm welcome from students! We greatly appreciate Dr. Tammy Campbell Ed.D. inspiring those present by highlighting the essential role each staff plays in helping students belong, achieve and succeed. It's going to be a great school year!

Happy Labor Day to our incredible West Valley staff! Teaching is a labor of love, commitment and creativity, and no one works harder at their craft than you. We’ve noticed the passion, the training and the energy you’ve invested and can’t wait to watch how you help students continue to achieve and succeed!

With over 21 years of experience in education, Cari Roderick was recently named the new Director of CTE & Teaching and Learning for West Valley School District! She started her role in education as a middle school teacher and then became a district instructional coach. She has served as a district administrator for the past nine years. Cari, her husband and their three oldest children are West Valley graduates, and their youngest daughter will be a senior at WVHS. We recently caught up with Cari to learn a little more about her roots in the area. - I can't start my day without… Coffee! A sugar free vanilla latte with oat milk is my favorite. - I beat the heat this summer by… Spending time at my favorite place, my parent’s cabin on Priest Lake. My grandpa built the place when my mom was a child, and I have a lifetime of incredible memories there. It’s the most beautiful place for our entire family to gather and enjoy the lake life together. - My Olympic sport of choice would be… Race walking. My family teases me about how hard it is to keep up with me when we go for a walk. I am proud to say I got that skill from my grandma. - In my position, I am most excited to… have the opportunity to serve the community that my family and I have been a part of our entire lives. My dream to be an educator started by spending time throughout my childhood by my mom’s side helping out in the West Valley schools where she served as a paraeducator. My son is also a teacher in the district. How incredibly cool to come full circle and continue my career in the place I call home! #WVSDcelebratesstaff

BETTER TOGETHER: School leaders from around the district gathered yesterday to engage in discussions about the vision for our Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) by asking important questions such as, “Where are we now? Where are we headed?” This professional development time is crucial for creating a strong foundation for our learning systems to ensure every student has the best opportunity to succeed! #BelongAchieveSucceed

As our freshly appointed Nutrition Services Supervisor, Charlotte Green has been hired to whisk up nutritious menus, spice up our kitchens, and serve our students the best! She has a background in school nutrition since 2021, and we recently caught up with Charlotte to ask a few questions and welcome her to the team. - If I could compete in the Olympics, my sport of choice would be… track and field. The athletes are so inspiring, and they really give everything they have to their sport! - I beat the summer heat by… being in the mountains. - I can’t start my day without… toast and tea. - In this new position, I am most excited to… help ensure students are fed and ready to learn! #WVSDcelebratesstaff

We want to welcome Jake Fincher to his new role as dean of students at Dishman Hills High School! Jake has worked in education since 2016 with experience as a science teacher. Jake was kind enough to take a few moments to introduce himself by answering a few lighthearted questions. - If I could compete in the Olympics, my sport of choice would be… bird-watching. First, I would need to petition the committee to add that as a sport. - I am inspired by… the resilience and creativity of students and educators. - I beat the summer heat by… spending time on the lake with family and friends. It’s the perfect way to relax, enjoy nature and create lasting memories. - I can’t start my day without… a cup of coffee and a moment of reflection. - In this new position, I am most excited to… contribute to a school culture that promotes personalized learning, fosters a sense of belonging, and supports both students and teachers in their professional and personal growth. #WVSDcelebratesstaff

THEN AND NOW: Thank you to Jesse Tinsley at The Spokesman-Review for sharing this feature about the history of schools in the Millwood area. This year marks 100 years since the original West Valley High School building came into existence, and the granite archway from the original structure can still be seen in the WVHS entryway. We're so grateful to be part of a community who supports providing quality education and facilities for its students!