Hello East Valley Students, Staff, and Families,
Regardless of one’s proximity or involvement in last Friday's school shutdown, it has been a hard and emotional week for all of us in East Valley. It cannot be overstated; we have work to do. That said, we would much prefer to be defined by how we collectively respond to this situation, rather than by the incident itself. Though I cannot yet provide a definitive plan as to next steps, you should know that we are working on it. We have no intention of merely putting a lid on this in hopes it goes away, because we understand that it won't. However, sometimes as educators (and adults), we make well intended decisions on behalf of our young people without ever inquiring of them their own personal perspectives. I believe an essential step moving forward will be asking for and listening to student voices. Through them, all of them, we will engage in the hard conversations and foster the healing process. I ask for your patience as we wish to do this in a thoughtful manner that helps us improve and grow as a school community.
Thank you for your support and understanding. The safety of our students and staff must always be at the forefront of our decisions. There is no room for error; we will act thoroughly and thoughtfully, but with necessary urgency in these matters. Thank you for the partnership we have between home and school. If you haven't already, please take the time to talk to your kids about: the incredible power of and potential consequences of their words; when you see something, please say something; and, finally, we look forward to seeing them on Monday, April 10th.
Time to roll up our sleeves and get to work; these are our children, in our schools, from our communities, and our neighborhoods. Together, we are East Valley.
Brian L Talbott
Superintendent
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over 1 year ago, Sydney Westerman
To My East Valley Community,
As promised, I am following up to share that information which I am able to provide. Though I have to consider how much is wise to disclose, I am taking the risk of oversharing. If we are to improve as a school community and community at large, it is going to be through truth, regardless of how difficult that truth is.
The social media threats made last night, resulting in the closure of all eight campuses today, were not anonymous. Unfortunately, those who perpetrated the threats are (or were) East Valley students. Though no victims were named, threats of harm were made against EVHS students who identify as LGBTQ+. Law enforcement was immediately contacted and the legal process was underway while I was communicating the closure of our schools just before midnight yesterday. Several arrests have been made already today and additional arrests are anticipated. Furthermore, the individuals known to be involved in the threats will be emergency expelled; be assured a full and thorough investigation is in process. I will send out another message next week and prior to our schools returning from spring break.
Aside from being your school district superintendent, I am also a father. As both, I feel compelled to share my raw heart today. The intolerance, ignorance, and hate that sometimes comes to and through the schoolhouse doors is horrific at best. It is the same hate, intolerance, and ignorance displayed throughout society on any given day. After all, schools are but a microcosm of society. The cruelty of the world, and that which humanity places upon its own kind, is far more disturbing than the words I am able to come up with. I do not live in a fantasy land; however, I do believe in kindness and most definitely in the golden rule. This incident does not define East Valley; this is not who we are or who we wish to be. We will continue our efforts to educate and to practice acceptance. Hate has no place in East Valley.
I stand with, and in this case, in front of our students against hate. I humbly ask you to stand with me...and for them.
Together, we are East Valley
Brian L Talbott
Superintendent
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over 1 year ago, Sydney Westerman
Hello East Valley Students, Staff and Families,
I am deeply saddened to share that tonight we have learned of some social media threats made against East Valley High School students. Thus, we have made the decision to cancel all schools (district-wide) tomorrow, Friday March 31st. Law enforcement is involved in this matter and they are conducting their own investigation on this matter as well. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide any additional information at this time; however, we will provide an update when we are able to do so.
Again, all EVSD schools have been cancelled on March 31st to ensure the safety and security of our students and staff. Additionally, all school related activities are also cancelled.
over 1 year ago, Neale Rasmussen
Congratulations to EVHS Senior Dianna Demko! The 2023 Superintendent Choice Award was Dianna Demko’s photograph titled “Beauty After the Pain”. The piece is a beautiful photograph of yellow roses after a rain. Superintendent Rob Roettger said he was struck by the beauty and emotion captured in the artist’s photo and the incredibly moving artist’s statement of resilience and hope. Dianna received a $200 cash prize, and her artwork will be permanently displayed at the ESD.
over 1 year ago, Sydney Westerman
Get signed up to donate blood - spots fill up fast!
over 1 year ago, Katie Himmerich
Washington ranked first and second in the nation in 2022 for the most recertified and new NBCTs. We are so proud and grateful for our 2022 recertified teachers!!
View the full list of all regional teachers here:
http://bit.ly/40hgN4M.
over 1 year ago, Sydney Westerman
What? Donkey Basketball?
YES!!!!! And it will be here soon so sign up for a team and help raise money for our EVHS FFA club!
over 1 year ago, Katie Himmerich
ATTENTION EVHS Students!
STCU is putting on a Money Live Event on Tuesday, March 14, 2023, from 6 pm to 8 pm in the EVHS Cafeteria. This is an excellent opportunity for students to understand the practical application of money and the impacts decisions can make on their bottom dollar. Pizza and prizes will be available. While this event is ONLY for 9th-12th grade students, parents are welcome to attend and watch the event.
We look forward to seeing you there!
over 1 year ago, Sydney Westerman
PACE Trait for March - Diligence
“Diligence is defined as persistence, dedication, and hard work. Some may say these qualities are deep-rooted within individuals while others say they are acquired. It is my experience that they are both.” - Tracie Husted, Intervention Specialist, West Valley School District and PACE guest columnist for March 2019.
Who comes to mind when you think about diligence?
over 1 year ago, Sydney Westerman
Kindergarten registration begins today, March 1, 2023!
over 1 year ago, Sydney Westerman
Due to weather conditions, all East Valley schools will be on a 90 minute delay today.
over 1 year ago, Neale Rasmussen
Just a reminder that there will be no school tomorrow, Monday, February 20, 2023.
almost 2 years ago, Sydney Westerman
Catch up with the latest student stories, events, and news updates. It's everything East Valley, in your pocket. If you haven't already, download the app!
Download for Android
https://bit.ly/3Gl7DwS
Download for iPhone
https://apple.co/3TNIe1Ialmost 2 years ago, Sydney Westerman
almost 2 years ago, Sydney Westerman
Semester finals are this week! Check out the bell schedule for Thursday, January 19th and Friday, January 20th. We have early release both days with buses leaving at 11:30 am. Good luck Knights! Finish strong!
almost 2 years ago, Erica Dedera
REMINDER:
There will be no school on Monday, January 16, 2023
almost 2 years ago, Sydney Westerman
almost 2 years ago, Sydney Westerman
Welcome to the new EVSD website! We are still working on additional content, so please keep checking back.
almost 2 years ago, Sydney Westerman
Congrats to all of our DECA students for a fantastic job at regionals! Six students will be heading to State this year!
almost 2 years ago, Sydney Westerman
Trades Night was an amazing night! Thank you to all who attended. Favorite quote of the night: "Holy cow. It was INCREDIBLE. Very well organized and so engaging for the teens. I didn’t know it would be half outdoors (although probably obvious)- would have dressed more appropriately. My boy (and I) learned to patch drywall and met a young man who fell in love with plumbing after attending the event one year. He spoke so passionately about his work which was great for my son to hear. I could have stayed there all night but my boy wanted the dinner out that I bribed him with. I just cannot believe all these companies come together on the same night to make this happen. It exceeded my expectations by 1000%
about 2 years ago, Michele Chavez