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My name is Tye Churchwell. I was born in The Dalles, OR, on June 28, 1971, to Donna Churchwell. My dad, Carl Churchwell, came into my life when I was 7 years old, and it was one of the best things that could have possibly happened. Good thing I had a smart mom who knew how to find a killer dad. ☺. I am who I am because of my awesome parents. I also had one of the most amazing grandmas in the world. She is no longer with me, but she was also very influential in making me who I am.
I went to Wishram School from K-12th grade. I participated in baseball, basketball, and track while in school. I graduated from high school in 1989. I had my first child, (Aaron Churchwell) on April 4, 1990, with my then high school sweetheart, whom I then married in January of 1992. I had my second child, Teaera Churchwell, on June 12, 1992. I have been married to my absolutely wonderfully amazing wife (Kandy Churchwell) for 27 years.
Once I graduated from high school, I went immediately to work in construction in the Portland area. Many of the structures you see in Portland today were built in 1989 – 1991. I possibly helped build. I could not encourage my wife to move to the city, so I applied for a job at Columbia Aluminum. I was hired at Columbia Aluminum late in 1990. I did many jobs within the Aluminum plant, including Cell lines, Production Service, and the basement crew. I eventually bid on a crane job and became a crane operator. I worked that job until the aluminum industry met its demise in America, at which time I took a voluntary paid layoff to go to college.
I went to Clark College for 2 years, majoring in data networking and telecommunications. During this time, I was also the school board chairman for Wishram School. I was on the school board for many years. At one point, I was appointed as the school's Interim Superintendent. After a few months of working within the school, I realized where I wanted to be. I wanted to work with kids. During my time as the Interim Superintendent, I had the great pleasure of working with Mr. Duane Grams. Mr. Grams taught me how to be a good leader within the education system. At the end of my interim position, I willingly and excitedly relinquished the position to Mr. Duane Grams. I was then offered a job as the Director of Operations of the district. This job would entail being in charge of safety, transportation, maintenance, and supporting students as the Dean of Students. I was told by the then-current board members and the school administration that Wishram School needed me. I’m not sure if the school needed me or I needed the school, but my job at Wishram School has been the most rewarding job one person could ask for. I get to work with and make a difference in kids’ lives.
Sincerely,
Mr. Tye Churchwell
Wishram School Superintendent
509-767-6090
tye.churchwell@wishramschool.org
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Weekly Update 5-23
Happy Friday Team,
With just a few short weeks left in the school year, the energy and commitment on display across our campus are a clear reminder of why our work matters. From meaningful academic progress to vibrant community events, Wishram continues to be a place where purpose meets action.
Another Big Win for Wishram School – $1.59 Million Grant Awarded!
We are thrilled to share that Wishram School has been awarded another major grant—$1,598,000 through the FP 252 Clean Air Act grant program. This funding is dedicated to improving indoor air quality in schools. Since our classrooms and hallways are already scheduled for HVAC upgrades through the Small District Modernization Grant, this new funding will allow us to upgrade the HVAC systems in our gymnasium, CTE building, and kitchen. These improvements will further enhance the learning environment for our students and staff. The Wishram School team extends our sincere thanks to the leaders in Washington State for investing in the future of our school and community.Senior Trip Fundraiser – A Huge Success!
Thank you to everyone who came out on Wednesday evening to support our seniors at their Frybread Taco Fundraiser. The turnout was fantastic, the food was delicious, and your generosity helped bring our students one step closer to a memorable experience at Universal Studios. A special thanks to the seniors and their supporters who helped prepare, serve, and clean up—this was community in action.SBAC Testing Continues
We are nearing the finish line for state assessments, with make-up testing happening next week and our students continue to persevere with focus and determination. Thank you again to all staff for your flexibility, encouragement, and ability to keep things running smoothly. Your efforts ensure a calm and supportive testing environment.REACH Enrichment – A Week of Discovery
This week’s REACH presentations brought rich experiences to our students, from exploring art with Arts in Education of the Gorge to learning about volcanic activity through the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center. These opportunities continue to reinforce the importance of experiential learning and community partnership.Track Season Heats Up
Congratulations to our high school athletes competing at Districts this week in Maupin! Your hard work and dedication are showing on the track—keep pushing toward the finish line. Thank you to the coaches, families, and staff who support our student-athletes.
Week in Review: May 19 – May 23, 2025
Monday, May 19
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School Nurse and Therapist on-site
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Mr. Churchwell attended REC Meeting, 10:00 - 11:00 AM
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REACH Presentation from Columbia Gorge Discovery Center on Volcanoes
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Swing Shift Construction resumed for Distressed Schools Grant (5:00 PM–3:00 AM)
Tuesday, May 20
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School Therapist on-site
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SBAC Testing Continued
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Mr. Churchwell attended REC Meeting, 10:00 - 11:00 AM
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Apollo Check-In with Mr. Churchwell (2:00 PM)
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Regional Native Parent/Community K12 Advisory Meeting (4:30 – 6:00 PM)
Wednesday, May 21
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Late Start Day – School began at 10:00 AM
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SBAC Testing Continued
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Mr. Churchwell attended Gorge/Pacific & Wahkiakum County Superintendents meeting, 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
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DIT Team Meeting at 3:00 PM
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REACH Presentation – Arts in Education of the Gorge
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REACH Team Meeting at 5:00 PM
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Senior Frybread Taco Fundraiser (5:00 – 7:00 PM)
Thursday, May 22
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SBAC Testing Continued
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REACH Presentation – Border Collie International (Ft. Vancouver Regional Library)
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HS District Track at South Wasco (Maupin, OR)
Friday, May 23
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No School – Snow Make-Up Day
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HS District Track at South Wasco (Maupin, OR)
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Happy Birthday, Ms. van Hoff!
Looking Ahead: May 26 – May 31, 2025
Monday, May 26
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No School – Memorial Day
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A moment of reflection and gratitude for those who have served.
Tuesday, May 27
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SBAC Testing (Make-up and Final Rounds)
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School Therapist on-site
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Mr. Churchwell to attend REC Meeting (10:00 AM)
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Senior Presentations. 1:15 PM
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Mr. Churchwell and Apollo Construction Meeting. 2:00 PM
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JH Track Awards at Spookys. 5:00 PM
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School Board Meeting at. 5:15 PM
Wednesday, May 28
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Happy Birthday Hank Sanderson
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SBAC Testing (Make-up and Final Rounds)
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Ms. Hathaway and Mr. Churchwell in an HR Meeting. 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
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Senior Presentations. 1:15 PM
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REACH Presentation with Arts in the Gorge. Lacey Spray
Thursday, May 29
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Happy Birthday Khyli Watson
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SBAC Testing (Make-up and Final Rounds)
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4/5 Field Trip
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Senior Presentations 1:15 PM
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HS State Track Meet in Eugene
Friday, May 30
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Happy Birthday Sahteeva Yazzie
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Senior Check-Out Begins
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HS State Track Meet in Eugene
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Mr. Churchwell in Parents Bill of Rights Training 10:00 AM
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Mr. Churchwell in Klickitat/Skamania Schools Behavioral Health Network Meeting. 11:00 AM
Saturday, May 31
The Children ARE the key to OUR SuccessThank you,Tye ChurchwellWishram SchoolSuperintendent509 767 6090 Office541 993 1850 Cell509 767 6536 Fax -