West Valley School District

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!

Progress is coming along on the additional space being added to the west side of Ness Elementary in order to accommodate kindergarten students in the fall of 2025. These photos of a morning slab pour at the site are courtesy of HALME CONSTRUCTION, INC. Kindergarten classes will be moved to neighborhood elementary schools in 2025 in order to move West Valley Early Learning Center students to the Millwood building due to the lease expiring at St. Paschal’s building. Capital project funds from the 2021 levy passed by voters are being used to complete this renovation. #WestValleySchoolDistrict363 #LevyDollarsAtWork

Thank you to Erica Bullock and the Journal of Business for sharing about the construction happening at two of our elementary schools in order to bring back all kindergarteners to their neighborhood schools in the fall of 2025! #YourLevyDollarsAtWork

We continue honoring our 2024 retirees with Dishman Hills High School teacher Molly Coulter. She said her favorite part of working at West Valley schools was the dedication of co-workers and how everyone works together in supporting students to reach their goals. She also appreciated the opportunity to improve her teaching practice as well as the freedom to try, and occasionally fail, at new things. Lauren House, principal at DHHS, shared the following: “After fourteen years of working alongside Molly, I can attest to the incredible impact she has had on students. While Molly is a math teacher, she didn’t just teach math. Molly taught students about themselves, about never giving up, that they can do hard things, and most importantly that they are worth it. Her dedication, compassion, and enthusiasm have touched so many, leaving a legacy that will continue to shape our community for years to come.” Thank you for your investment in students, Molly. We wish you only the best in retirement!

During his 23 years at WVSD, Steve Engstrom worked at WVHS, SVHS and within the maintenance department. He finished his career at West Valley City School where he had some of his favorite memories and also served as a foundational piece of the school. “We tell our families that relationships are the most important aspect of the school, and Steve models that as well as anyone," shared City School Principal Dusty Andres. "He always has time to help students and always does so with a positive attitude and a smile on his face. Staff and students alike depend on him for everything from inflating volleyballs to cleaning up accidental spills. With Steve around, there are no bad days.” Thank you, Steve, for brightening the days of those around you!

We are so proud of Pasadena Park Elementary School teacher Ashley Wilhelm for being nominated as June's KHQ Teacher of the Month!

ABOVE AND BEYOND: Last week, West Valley Early Learning Center paraeducator Meyo Grageda was nominated by Kathy Collins for the district’s Above and Beyond Award for her extreme dedication to students. Since the classroom has been short-staffed this year, Meyo has stepped up and taken on jobs that usually take three or four people to complete. In addition to keeping the classroom clean, planning cooking activities and creating zoophonic crafts, she loves to dance and sing, filling the classroom with laughter and excitement from students. “Meyo supports the students of our ECEAP program by volunteering for our family nights, shopping for classroom supplies and supporting equity by translating for our families,” Kathy shared. “She is a team player whose tireless dedication is molding the future of her little amigos.” Thank you, Meyo, for helping students succeed while bringing smiles to their faces! #WVSDaboveandbeyond