Weekly Update – March 3 to March 8, 2025

Dear Wishram Friends and Families,

I hope this message finds you well. Below is our weekly update, including highlights from the past week, upcoming events, and important announcements.

Daylight Savings Time Begins This Weekend:

• This is a friendly reminder that Daylight Savings Time begins this Sunday, March 9th! Don’t forget to set your clocks forward one hour on Saturday night before heading to bed.

  We know that losing an hour of sleep can make Monday morning a little tougher, so here are a few tips to help your child adjust:
   Gradually adjust bedtime – Moving bedtime up by 15-30 minutes a few days before the time change can help ease the transition.
   Get plenty of sunlight – Natural light helps reset our internal clocks, so encourage outdoor time during the day.
   Stick to a routine – Keeping consistent bedtime and wake-up schedules will help everyone adjust more smoothly.

  Being well-rested and on time for school is important for a successful start to the day. Thank you for your support in helping our students stay on track and ready to learn!

Modular Update:

• Pacific Mobile was onsite Tuesday, finishing up ramps, stairs, and other miscellaneous items.
• Rains Electric was on site Wednesday putting in the new 400 amp system at the transportation lot to feed the Modular Buildings. 
• The electrical wire will be pulled the following week, followed by PUD connections.
• Once power is connected, interior work will continue, including carpets and baseboards.
• Low-voltage wiring (fire alarms, phone/internet, bells, etc.) will require concrete coring on the school building.
• We remain on track to furnish and move into the buildings over the summer break!

6 Million Dollar Small Rural Schools Grant:

• Energy-efficient upgrade work is officially underway!
• This project, funded by a $6 million Small Rural Schools Grant, includes:
   Lowering ceilings for improved energy efficiency
   Installing new LED occupancy-sensing light fixtures
   Upgrading to an energy-efficient HVAC system running on gas instead of electricity
   Installing a new hot water system
   Adding an energy-efficient walk-in cooler and freezer
• Construction will begin this month.

Weekly Update: March 3 - March 8, 2025

Week in Review:

Monday, March 3:

• Mr. Churchwell attended a Rural Education Center Meeting from 10:00 - 11:00 AM.
• Staff Meeting held at 3:05 PM in the staff workroom.
• HS Track Started

Tuesday, March 4:

• We held an Evacuation Drill this morning. 
• Pacific Mobile was onsite working on the modular buildings.
• We held an evacuation drill in the morning. 
• Mr. Churchwell attended a Title IX Webinar from 10:00 - 12:00 AM.

Wednesday, March 5:

• Sarah and Mr. Churchwell attended an HR Services Meeting from 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM.
• Electrical service installation began at the Transportation Lot for the new modular buildings.

Thursday, March 6:

• Happy Birthday Michael Speakthunder
• WAGAP Food Truck was in the school parking lot from 9:00 - 11:00 AM.
• Mr. Churchwell traveled to Vancouver for an all-day FEMA Training, titled "Crisis Management for School-Based Incidents, Partnering with Rural Law Enforcement, First Responders and Local School Systems". It was good training and included folks from Law Enforcement, FBI, Fire Departments and School Personal. 

Friday, March 7:

• Our MTSS team will meet today at 3:00 pm to complete our School Self Assessment.

Looking Ahead: March 10 - March 15, 2025

Sunday, March 9:

• Daylight Savings Time Starts
  • Daylight Savings Time begins this Sunday, March 9th! Don’t forget to set your clocks forward one hour on Saturday night before heading to bed.  

Monday, March 10:

• The Therapist and School Nurse will be here.
• Mr. Churchwell will be in Phase 1 Design Review with Apollo at 9:00 am. 
• Mr. Churchwell will be in a REC Meeting from 10:00 to 11:00. 
• Staff Meeting at 3:05 PM in the staff workroom.
• Mr. Churchwell will be doing a Table Top Challenge Webinar from 3:30 to 4:30.
• Community Council Meeting at the school starting at 5:30 pm

Tuesday, March 11:

• The Therapist will be here.
• Mr. Churchwell will be in a REC Meeting from 10:00 to 11:00 am.
• Mr. Churchwell will be in an OSPI Webinar from 2:00 to 3:00 pm.
• Secondary Students will be going to a concert over in The Dalles

Wednesday, March 12:

• Mr. Churchwell will attend a Superintendents' Meeting with Gorge, Pacific, and Wahkiakum Counties.
• Several Wishram Staff members will be in a Suicide Prevention Training from 3:05 to 4:00 pm. 

Thursday, March 13:

• The school will host a Migrant/Indigenous Parent Advisory Council (PAC) Meeting from 5:00 - 7:00 PM.

Friday, March 14:

• Snow Make-up Day. There will be no school this day unless we have to close school a day between now and then. 
• Mr. Churchwell will attend a Regional Standard Response Protocol (SRP) Meeting from 10:00 to 11:00 am. 

Please check with the front office if you need more details on any event.

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out. Thank you for all you do to support our students and school community!