Spring is an exciting time at Cascadia Technical Academy! We’re in the pre-design phase for the much-anticipated Building 100 project. Please see the information in this newsletter of how you can help support the funding request efforts for this building.
If you or someone you know is interested in joining us next year, select programs still have openings—don’t miss this opportunity! See the list of openings below.
We also have two key events coming up: Our VIP Tour on April 16 is a great chance to see our programs in action, and on May 3, we invite you to support the Cascadia Tech Foundation at Aspire, their annual gala. Your support helps provide scholarships and resources for our students.
Best of luck to all of our CTSO state competitors in SkillsUSA, HOSA, DECA, FBLA, and Mock Trial.
Enjoy this edition of our newsletter!
We are doing great things!
-Joan Huston
Congratulations to Joan Huston on her nomination for WACTA Outstanding Career & Technical Education Administrator of the Year!
We are proud to announce that our Director, Joan Huston, has been nominated for the WACTA Outstanding Career & Technical Education Administrator of the Year award. This recognition highlights her exceptional leadership in CTE.
As a former student of Cascadia Tech Academy, Joan has firsthand experience of the transformative power of CTE. Her journey with hands-on training and industry connections fuels her passion for providing similar life-changing opportunities to future students. Joan’s story resonates with the students she serves. She uses her journey to inspire and demonstrate how CTE can lead to meaningful, high-wage careers. Her deep belief in CTE’s ability to change lives drives her ongoing efforts to enhance and expand these programs, benefiting not only Cascadia Tech, but the broader educational and professional community. Joan’s leadership exemplifies the lasting impact that well-structured CTE programs can have on individuals and communities.
Nominees from Washington State’s nine areas will complete an application reviewed by the Awards Committee, with the winner announced at the Summer WA-ACTE Conference in Spokane.
March 3 - Dental Clinic Both Sessions
March 5 - Early Release (No Session 2)
March 7 - Dental Clinic Both Sessions
March 19 - Early Release (No Session 2)
March 21 - Dental Clinic Both Sessions
March 21-22 - E-Waste Recycling Annual Event
March 31-April 5 - Spring Break
April 14-17 - New Student Orientation
April 16 - VIP Tour
April 23 - Early Release (No Session 2)
May 1 - Summer School Registration Begins
Make-up snow days have been added to the calendar.
We are hiring instructors for Pre-Electrical, Forest Management, and Maritime Technology. All applicants must have a minimum of three years (6,000 hours) of occupational experience in the related field in the last ten years. A Washington State Career and Technical Education Teacher Certificate is required or applicants must meet the qualifications to obtain one.
Pre-Electrical: This program will be a satellite campus at the Port of Ridgefield. Applicants must possess a general journey-level electrician (EL01) License.
Forest Management: This program will be a satellite campus in Washougal at the Excelsior Building.
Maritime Technology: This program will be a satellite campus at the Port of Vancouver.
Evergreen Public Schools (EPS) offers the following to eligible employees who work at least 630 hours in a school year:
- Medical, dental, vision, basic long-term disability, basic life, and AD&D insurance through the School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB). For additional information click EPS Benefits Information.
- Employees may also be eligible to participate in FSA, DCAP, HSA, FPFSA (w/HDHP), and other supplemental benefits.
Employees may be eligible for employer-employee-funded retirement benefits through the Department of Retirement Services (DRS).
EPS offers paid holidays and paid time off, including but not limited to sick, vacation, personal, religious, and bereavement leave. Additional negotiated leave options can be found in the associated Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) for this position Evergreen Education Association.
Cascadia Tech staff, advisory board members, students, parents, Evergreen Public Schools and LSW Architects participated in a community design symposium that focused on how we could prepare our Cascadia Tech students to thrive and succeed in the 21st Century. We provided an overview of Cascadia Tech’s vision, current Building 100 conditions, and sought collaboration to envision considerations for the design of further replacement of Building 100 on the Cascadia Tech campus.
Building 100 was built in 1982 and currently provides space for Automotive Technology, Construction Technology, Criminal Justice, and Diesel Technology. Cascadia Tech is high on the list for potential State funding for the replacement of the building in the current legislative budget session. If the project is selected, we will be on track to realize a complete replacement project by Fall 2027.
This collaborative event focused on responding to our community’s needs and vision for our Cascadia Tech students. We look forward to our work together in the next steps of planning for our future.
A special thank you to Chef Andrew McColley and Culinary, Baking & Pastry Arts students for the amazing Mardi Gras inspired dinner.
We still have space available in the following programs:
Dental
K-9 officers visited Criminal Justice to share their training and demonstrated some of it. One of the officers got into a Bite Suit, and one of the dogs came in and sniffed him out. The dog then proceeded to bite and hold him in place. It was an amazing experience!
K-9 training is for the dog and the officer. Training is 10 weeks long, and then every Wednesday until the K-9 dog either retires or passes away. They go over commands and searches. With the searches, they test if the dogs can sniff out narcotics and scents of people from something they own. Most of the dogs are trained in narcotics; Fentanyl, Meth, and Cocaine are the more common and well-known ones. The K-9 dogs receive about six weeks of training with kennel trainers, then an additional six weeks of training with their handlers. K-9 officers begin their careers as police officers and are held to the same training requirements. They must complete the Police Academy Training and up to two years of Patrol experience before they're eligible to apply for a transfer to a K-9 unit.
Aviation Science & Technology students participated in the SW Region SkillsUSA Conference. Congratulations for taking Gold, Silver, and Bronze in the Commercial Drone competition, Gold and Silver in Extemporaneous Speech, Bronze in Prepared Speech, Silver and Bronze in Job Interview, and Bronze in Pin Design. Hoping to see some of these aspiring aviators compete at State!
Vision and Hearing Screening Partnership with Evergreen Public Schools
Medical Assisting students have been job shadowing Evergreen Public School nurses. They screen elementary and middle school students for vision and hearing. Partnerships like this are invaluable.
Debbie Fowler BSN, RN shared, "I was quite impressed with the group as they worked hard and were very involved. One student in particular was willing to stay longer as we were short-staffed for the day. Her name is Eliza Lepro and we were so grateful for her willingness to stay an extra couple hours to help us finish. I was the high school nurse at Evergreen High School for about 8 years and I was impressed with the students and especially, Miss Lepro. It was refreshing to see these young people!"
Instructor, BriAnne Hollett said, "I am extremely proud of my Medical Assisting 1 students for their hard work with our district nurses this semester. They are learning valuable clinical skills, communication skills, and industry responsibilities while out in their job shadows. They have learned how to work with diverse populations, and have learned key skills they will be using in the medical field. I am grateful to Cate Winters and all the district nurses for giving our students this opportunity".
Health Science HOSA students are leading a volunteer community campaign to support individuals in need through the Every 28 Days Donation Drive.
For those experiencing homelessness or poverty, having a period can be a major struggle. Menstrual products cannot be purchased with food stamps, making them an expensive burden for those with limited resources. Without access to these essential items, people are forced to use unsafe alternatives, putting their health and dignity at risk.
We believe that period products should not be a privilege, and that’s why we are collecting unopened pads, tampons, liners, and menstrual cups to support local individuals in need through Share of Vancouver.
Would you be willing to donate and help us make a difference?
How to Donate:
📍 Drop off donations at Cascadia Tech Academy in the Main Office (200 Building)
📅 Donations accepted until March 31st, 2025
📦 If you'd like to arrange a larger donation or need assistance, feel free to email stephanie.johnson@evergreenps.org.
Together, we can ensure that no one has to choose between food and basic hygiene. Your contribution, big or small, makes a real impact.
Thank you for your support! Please feel free to share this initiative with others who may want to help.
Dental Clinic
No insurance but need dental care?
Call our Dental Clinic Manager, Stephanie Johnson at 360.604.1057 to schedule your appointment.
Tentative upcoming dates: (all dates are subject to change based on the Dentist's schedule.)
March 3
March 7
March 21
High-quality care is provided to Cascadia Technical Academy patients by licensed community dentist volunteers. The dentists are supported by licensed community dental hygienist volunteers and Cascadia Tech’s Dental students and staff.
E-Waste Recycling
Information Technology students at Cascadia Technical Academy are accepting e-waste donations on the 3rd Friday of every month.
April 18th, 2025
Thursday, May 15th, 2025 - Last Drop of Day for 2025
March 21 & 22 - Annual E-Waste Recycling Event
Email ray.nelson@evergreenps.org with questions about donation items or an alternative drop-off schedule.
Cosmetology Salon
The Salon is open Monday-Thursday 11:30 AM - 5 PM.
Please call for an appointment at 360.604.1080, text 564.237.0563, or book online.
Whether it is back to school, getting ready for a new job, getting yourself ready for the big day, or just your everyday maintenance, our students can help you look your best.
There are a variety of services to choose from:
Hair Cuts
Thermal Style/Service
Spiral Perm
Scalp Treatment
Shampoo Style
Updo Formal Style
Manicure and Pedicure
Facial
Brow and Face Waxing
Hair Color Services
Students unfortunately arrive at school hungry each day. We do not have vending machines or a cafeteria on campus for students. We have a pantry available that is running low on supplies. If you can, your generous support is needed.
Please drop off any of the items listed below in the main office.
Grab-and-go and individually wrapped items work best for our students.
Granola Bars
Breakfast Bars
Protein/Energy Bars
Juice Boxes
Pudding Cups
Oatmeal Cups
Individual Bagged Chips
Cup of Noodles
Jell-O Cups
Dried Fruit
Individual Cracker Packs
Applesauce
Pre-Packaged Baked Goods
Fruit Snacks
Fruit Cups
If you have three years (6,000 hours) of occupational experience in a specific area and are interested in teaching, consider pursuing a Career and Technical Educator (CTE) certificate.
Cascadia Technical Academy is an approved provider by the Washington State Professional Educator Standards Board for the Plan 2 Business and Industry route CTE teacher preparation program. This competency-based training is designed to prepare you for a CTE teaching career at the secondary level (grades 7-12). It serves as a pathway to obtain an initial CTE Teaching Certificate from the Office of the Washington State Superintendent of Public Instruction. To qualify for the CTE Teaching Certificate, you must meet the OSPI Business and Industry (Specialty Program Areas) requirements.
For more information contact Suzy Jajewski-Koehler, CTE Plan 2 Program Coordinator, at Susan.JajewskiKoehler@evergreenps.org or 360.604.1090.
Join us for a brief presentation about our school, a tour of the campus to see students working in class, and enjoy a lunch prepared and served by our Culinary, Baking & Pastry Arts students.
This event is for community members and parents. It is not intended for students.
It will be held on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, from 8:00 to 10:30 AM.
Lunch will be $10 at the door.
Please RSVP to:
Wendy Anderson
360.604.1050 ext. 2159
Mr. Hovde can help students and their families fill out their FAFSA, College/Tech School Applications, Apprenticeship Applications and any Scholarships you might be applying for.
If you are struggling with any social, emotional, academic or family issues, Mr. Hovde is available to schedule a meeting with you. Please email him at Ryan.Hovde@evergreenps.org.
Auction Items Needed for Gala Event
We are seeking donations for our silent and live auctions. Have an amazing auction idea? Let’s chat! Experiences are always a hit, but we welcome all creative suggestions. All auction items are due March 31st.
Contact Angie Currie at angie.ctafoundation@gmail.com to share your ideas and make a difference!
We’re taking our events to the next level in 2025—don’t miss out on the excitement! Mark your calendars for these incredible experiences:
- Saturday, May 3rd: Aspire Gala (Annual Dinner and Auction) at ilani Casino Resort
- Wednesday, April 16th: VIP Tour – Enjoy breakfast and a guided tour of Cascadia Tech. For more details, email Wendy Anderson at wendy.anderson@evergreenps.org
- Thursday, July 17th: Cascadia Tech Foundation Golf Tournament
- Saturday, September 20th: Summer Fest Cruise In
- October–December: Tour of The Trades Golf Tournament
Get ready for a year full of unforgettable moments!
