Mr. Churchwells weekly update

Posted by Jason Cooper on 11/22/2024

Hello Wishram Students, Staff, Friends, and Family!

I’m currently overseeing our Christmas Needy Family Fund, a tradition that has been part of Wishram School for the past 17 years. This fund is made possible through the generous donations from staff and community members, and it allows us to support local families during the holiday season.

Each year, the staff at Wishram School selects 1 to 3 families to assist, based on the funds available. We ensure that the children in these families receive personalized gifts, including toys and clothing in their sizes. We also provide gift cards for the adults, typically from Fred Meyer, to help with their holiday needs.

It’s important to note that, although I coordinate this effort at the school, this is not a school-sponsored program. It’s simply a group of caring people coming together to help a few families during the holidays.

If you’d like to contribute to this year’s fund, we are accepting donations in cash, or you can Venmo me directly at @Tye-Churchwell.

Wishram School is currently seeking inspiring and dedicated individuals who are interested in serving as substitute teachers and para pros when needed. We offer paid training and the opportunity to work with some of the most amazing people in the world. If this sounds like an opportunity you're excited about, give us a call at the school, and we'll help you get started on what could be one of the most rewarding careers there is. 
 
Wishram School has a clothing locker stocked with a variety of good-quality items. If your child is in need of clothing, please reach out to our Guidance Counselor, Will Walters, who may be able to help you find exactly what you're looking for. 
 
Monday, November 18, 2024
The School Nurse was here
The School Therapist was here.
 
I attended my Rural Education Center (REC) meeting from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM. The main topics discussed were the implementation of 4-day school weeks and staff absenteeism. Schools that have adopted the 4-day week model report positive outcomes. They’ve observed fewer requests for time off by staff and fewer student absences. Staff absenteeism has been a significant topic of discussion across the state. When staff members are absent, students miss out on valuable learning opportunities. Additionally, it creates a major challenge for other staff members who are asked to fill in, leading to frustration.
 
The HS Boys Basketball Team had their 1st practice of the season. 
Unfortunately, we will not have a girl's team this year due to a lack of interest. 
 
Mr. Cameron and I attended the Klickitat County Emergency Planning Committee Meeting from 1:00 to 2:00. During the meeting, we discussed the recent active shooter training. The Klickitat County Sheriff’s Office received a lot of praise for their continued support of county schools. We also reviewed Standard Operating Procedures through the “I Love You Guys” Foundation. Stay tuned for more information on that.
 
At 2:00 PM, I attended a webinar on the Public Disclosure Commission (PDC). The PDC plays a crucial role in overseeing and regulating campaign activities. It provides guidelines on what can and can't be done or said during campaigns, ensuring transparency and compliance with campaign finance laws. The commission helps schools and organizations understand the legal boundaries for political advocacy, preventing potential violations, and promoting fair practices during election periods.  
 
Our JH Basketball teams traveled to Bickleton. Both our girls and boys pulled off a victory. Great job all. 
 
Tuesday, November 19, 2024.
The School Therapist was here.
 
We held our weekly Program Committee meeting right after school, where we discussed upcoming activities and identified some students who may need additional support. We also continued last week's discussion on graffiti and vandalism. It’s encouraging to note that the assembly with our secondary students, along with the other measures we've implemented, appears to be making a positive impact.   
 
Our weekly Rural Education Center Committee (REC) continued discussing the topics from Monday. 
 
Wednesday, November 20, 2024
On Wednesday morning, during our Professional Learning Community (PLC) time, led by our Title/LAP Teacher, Monica Snodgrass, the Wishram staff came together to review student data and assess the effectiveness of our newly implemented strategies. I am thrilled to report that we are seeing growth in most areas of student learning.
 
I couldn’t be more proud of this dedicated team of educators who have worked tirelessly to provide a high-quality education for our students, all while maintaining a safe and enjoyable school environment. Great job, Wishram staff—you are truly an amazing group of educators! 
 
Our JH Basketball team hosted Centerville and even though we did not pull out a victory, our kids played well and had a great time doing so. 
 
Thursday, November 21, 2024
Mr. Cooper and I attended a kickoff meeting with Emergent 3 (E3), the safety app we are purchasing to enhance our emergency response procedures. This app will send push notifications to all staff members' phones and computers during an emergency, informing them of the nature of the emergency and its location within the building. Additionally, the app will allow staff to communicate with each other in real-time, which will be especially helpful in locating students who are not in their classrooms during an emergency.

Wishram School, in partnership with REACH, hosted an Evening of Cultural Enrichment to honor Native American Heritage Month. Local Native Americans gathered to share their knowledge, teaching us traditional games, demonstrating how to bead necklaces, and showing us how to craft Wa'paas. Guests also enjoyed a Tea Bar featuring traditional Peppy Nettle Tea.

A highlight of the evening was the flag-raising ceremony, where the Yakama and Warm Springs flags were blessed as they were raised and displayed in our gymnasium. The event concluded with a celebration of community, as we shared a meal of Venison Stew, Fry Bread, and Huckleberry Sauce.

We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to making this event a success and to all who joined us in celebration.

 
Friday, November 22, 2024
HS Football Semi-Finals 
 
Saturday, November 23, 2024
HS Football Semi-Finals 
 
Next Weeks Schedule:
 
Sunday, November 24, 2024
Happy Birthday Lucis Legarde
 
Monday, November 25, 2024
School Nurse will be here
School Therapist will be here
I will attend my REC meeting from 10:00 to 11:00
We will have our Program Committee Meeting right after school 
Our JH Basketball teams will be traveling to Centerville. Game times, 5:30 & 6:30. 
 
Tuesday, November 26, 2024
The School Therapist will be here
I will be attending my Rural Education Center Meeting from 10:00 to 11:00 am. 
I will be having my monthly meeting with my Superintendent Mentor at 11:00 am.
We will have our monthly School Board Meeting. The Superintendent and the Board will 1st have a Work Session from 4:15 to 5:15 pm. Then we will conduct the regular monthly board meeting starting at 5:15 pm.  
 
Wednesday, November 27, 2024
No School. Thanksgiving Break 
 
Thursday, November 28, 2024
🦃🦃🦃🦃🦃🦃🦃Happy Thanksgiving 🦃🦃🦃🦃🦃🦃🦃
 
Friday, November 29, 2024 
Happy Birthday Lilian Gomez
No School, Thanksgiving Break. 
State Football Championship Game. 
 
The Children ARE the key to OUR Success 
 
Thank you,
 
Tye Churchwell
Wishram School
Superintendent
509 767 6090 Office
541 993 1850 Cell
509 767 6536 Fax