Vision Care for Students
We are deeply grateful to Dr. Pearson, a nonprofit optometrist, who returned to our schools for
the third consecutive year to provide essential services for our students. Thanks to this
partnership, 306 students received free preliminary vision and hearing screenings this week, and
11 students were referred for follow-up care. These students will soon be receiving brand-new
glasses—at no cost to their families. By removing barriers to clear sight and sound, this program
helps ensure every child has the opportunity to fully engage in learning. We extend our sincere
thanks to Dr. Pearson and his team for their ongoing commitment to the health, well-being, and
success of our students.
 
Packed Gym and Growing Team at Mt. Adams Middle School!
The energy in the gym was electric as fans once again filled the bleachers, their cheers echoing
with every play. The crowd’s passion created an atmosphere that lifted our Volleyball girls and
fueled their determination on the court. With each game, our team continues to grow—not only
in skill, but also in confidence, teamwork, and resilience. They are learning lessons that reach far
beyond volleyball: the value of dedication, the strength of relationships, and the life skills that
will serve them well into the future. Their hard work shines brighter every time they step onto
the floor, and it is the unwavering support of our community that helps make these moments
possible. Together, we celebrate not just the game, but the growth and spirit of our students.
   

Celebrating Students of the Month on the Harrah Campus
This week, our Student of the Month Assemblies brought the whole school together in the best
way possible. Not only did we get to recognize students for their academic achievements, but we
also created an atmosphere filled with joy, laughter, and school spirit. Friendly grade-level
competitions kept the energy high, with students and staff cheering one another on in good fun.
The result was an event that blended recognition with community-building—a reminder that
celebrating success can also be a time to strengthen relationships and enjoy being together. Our
students left encouraged, our staff left inspired, and our school community grew just a little bit stronger.
 
Dance-Off Fridays Keep the Joy Alive
Dance-Off Fridays are still going strong at Harrah Elementary and Mt. Adams Middle Schools,
bringing energy and smiles to our halls each week! Every Friday morning, our K–4 teachers and
students line the hallway to welcome back our 5–8 graders with music, dancing, and laughter.
What began as a fun tradition has grown into something much more—it’s a celebration of
community, a chance for older students to reconnect with their former teachers, and a joyful
moment of mentorship with the younger ones. This simple ritual fills our building with cheer and
reminds us all how powerful it is to start the day together in joy.
 
Cougar Tailgate: A Night of Community and School Spirit
Our Cougar Tailgate for White Swan High School was a wonderful success! Attendees enjoyed
delicious hamburgers, hot dogs, cookies, and chips while mingling with fellow students,
families, and staff. It was a great opportunity for everyone to connect with White Swan High
School teachers and staff before the football game began. The event fostered a sense of
community and school spirit, making it a memorable evening for all involved.
 
White Swan FFA Shines at Central Washington State Fair
Our White Swan FFA Chapter traveled to the Central Washington State Fair in Yakima to
compete in livestock, dairy, and horse judging events. The teams performed exceptionally well,
bringing home banners to display proudly! The Livestock Team 1 placed 2nd in Class 2 of
Sheep, while both the Horse Team and Dairy Team finished 5th overall. Congratulations to all
our FFA members for their hard work and dedication. Great job, White Swan FFA Livestock
Judging Teams!
  

Picture File Cards: Enhancing Oral Literacy Skills at White Swan High School
Bridget Dale led a professional development session focused on using picture file cards as an
effective language-acquisition strategy. This engaging approach helps students develop their oral
literacy skills by encouraging descriptive language, storytelling, and active participation.
Teachers left equipped with practical tools to incorporate picture file cards into their instructional
practices, fostering richer language development in their students.


Cooking Club Creates Delicious Salad Bar & Learning Experience
The Cooking Club showcased their teamwork and creativity by designing a fantastic salad bar,
which was both delicious and a great success! The lesson also incorporated sign-making skills
and the logistics of setting up a salad bar. Students learned important food safety tips, such as
keeping vegetables on ice for longer events. Who knew that vegetables could be so much fun? It
was a truly enjoyable and educational experience for everyone involved!

White Swan Seniors Achieve Great Accomplishments!
We are thrilled to share exciting news about our White Swan High School seniors! After months
of hard work and collaboration, we are proud to announce that nine of our seniors have already
secured guaranteed admission to universities across Washington state, including Western
Washington University, Evergreen State College, UW Tacoma, Central Washington University,
Eastern Washington University, and Washington State University. Even more good news is on
the horizon—two additional students are expected to qualify by the end of next month.
This milestone was made possible through the dedication of our students and the support of staff
working behind the scenes. Special thanks go to Anahi, whose outstanding leadership and careful
planning have ensured that our students and their families will experience valuable college visits
this fall. Thanks to her efforts, three trips are already on the calendar:
● October 3: A day trip to Central Washington University
● October 14–15: An overnight visit to Western Washington University, UW Tacoma, and Evergreen State College
● October 21–22: An overnight visit to Eastern Washington University and Washington State University
These opportunities not only open doors but also give our students the chance to envision
themselves on college campuses, strengthening their confidence and determination for the future.
This is a tremendous step forward for our seniors, and we couldn’t be more proud of their accomplishments.