Communication August 2024
Dear White River Families,
There is a special kind of energy this time of year as we prepare for the opening of our schools and embrace the endless possibilities that make each school year so special. Our custodial and maintenance teams have been tireless in their efforts to wrap up our summer projects, and our hallways are busy with the hustle and bustle of staff putting the final touches on their classrooms and preparing for opening day events like Hornet and Grizzly Tip-Offs and elementary Ice Cream Socials. In a few short weeks, those same hallways will fill with students and families as we begin the new year. More importantly, the hallways and classrooms will be filled with the hope and promise we share for our students and the journey ahead. It is this very promise that inspires our passion for education and fuels our commitment to the students and community we serve.
Each year brings special celebrations and noteworthy accomplishments, and this past school year was no exception. Student achievement continues to be a source of pride for our school communities, and our students continue to demonstrate their skills through a number of different academic measures. A majority of our schools learned in late June that they had been honored by the Washington School Recognition Program (previously Washington Achievement Awards) for their work in both academic growth and achievement. As a result, we will be hanging additional banners this fall at Wilkeson, Mountain Meadow, Elk Ridge, and Glacier. With only a handful of schools statewide earning these awards, this is an incredible accomplishment, and I can’t wait to celebrate with staff and students when they return.
I also want to recognize the exceptional group of seniors in the graduating class of 2024. This group of young men and women left their mark on White River in so many ways, and their accomplishments reflect both their individual and collective achievements. Here are a few noteworthy accomplishments of this incredible group of young adults:
Students in the class of 2024 challenged themselves academically, with dozens receiving Washington State Honors—the top 10% in the state, High Honors—3.9-4.0 GPA, and Honors—3.5-3.89 GPA awards.
27 students graduated with their high school diploma AND their AA degree.
This year’s senior class completed 234 College in the High School courses, earning thousands of college credits from state universities including Central Washington University and Eastern Washington University.
Our seniors also challenged themselves by taking hundreds of Advanced Placement (AP) courses earning recognition as AP Scholars, AP Scholars with Distinction, and AP Capstone Diplomas.
Members of the class of 2024 will go on to serve our country, having enlisted in the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps.
This year’s seniors broke a new record, having earned over $3.5 million in scholarships.
The future is bright for these graduates, and we couldn’t be prouder of their accomplishments. In addition to their academic accomplishments, this group of seniors left their mark on the rich athletic tradition of White River High School, having competed at the state level in Cross Country, Volleyball, Swim, Basketball, Wrestling, Gymnastics, Golf, Track and Field, Tennis, and Baseball. Members of the class of 2024 were part of multiple state championship teams, including Academic State Championships in Girls Basketball and Dance, as well as two-time State Girls Golf Champions and individual State Champions in both Boys and Girls Wrestling.
As a group, the class of 2024 had an on-time graduation rate of 97%! This is a testament to the support that our students receive from this incredible community and the impact of our collective commitment to our kids. Thank you to the hundreds of dedicated educators who have contributed to their journey and the support of their families and friends who played an important role in their achievements!
While it is important to reflect on all that we have achieved together and celebrate the accomplishments of our students, we know that there is still much work to do. We are excited to begin that work together as we usher in a new year and embrace the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. To our students, I encourage you to explore your interests and take advantage of the resources available to you. Remember that your journey is unique, and success comes in many forms. Most importantly, remember that you are far more capable than you give yourself credit for, and your hard work will pay off in school and life. To our parents and community members, thank you for your unwavering support and for being active partners in the education of our youth. We have an amazing community, and your support is recognized and appreciated more than words can express.
In partnership,
Dr. Scott Harrison
White River High School Fall Sports Information
August 21, 2024- Football begins
August 26, 2024 - All other Fall sports begin
ASB Cards- $40
Fall Sports Fees:
$100 - Football
$85 - Boys Tennis, Cross Country, Girls Soccer, Volleyball
$85 - Boys & Girls Golf (+greens fees=additional $75 due once teams are determined)
$250 - Equestrian (registration in October)
*Girls swimming & diving co-op through Enumclaw HS
The Donald Loomis Memorial Clothing Bank is celebrating its 30 years of service this upcoming year! The Clothing Bank has been serving the community since 1995, providing free clothing and school supplies to families in the school district. They helped only 20 kids in their first year, but now they help about 600 people yearly! Thank you, Donald Loomis Memorial Clothing Bank, for all that you do and your continued support for the community!
Once again, the clothing bank will have its annual Back To School Event this August, where free clothing and school supplies are available.
Annual Back to School Event:
August 27-29, 2024
By Appointment only- Please call Sheila at 253 740-1367 to schedule a time
250 West Main Street, Bldg 600, Buckley.
Must live within the WR or Carbonado school district boundaries
Glacier Middle School
Eric Spring will be joining White River School District as Assistant Principal at Glacier Middle School. Eric has served as a band and leadership teacher for more than a decade at Dieringer School District. He has demonstrated a commitment to fostering collaborative relationships and has been instrumental in developing systems that serve students' academic and social-emotional needs
District Wide
Cheryl Ohlde has been hired to fill the position of College and Career Readiness Director for the district. Cheryl has been part of the White River school district as a para educator, teacher and most recently as the CTE TOSA. She is an experienced educator who served at the elementary and high school levels. Cheryl has a proven commitment to our programs, and the relationships she has already fostered will help her partner with all stakeholders and move our work forward.
Menus
Breakfast and lunch menus will now be accessed using a new platform, nutrislice. Click on the White River nutrislice link and select your school to view menus. Menus are created in real-time, depending on the supply chain, and menus will be available about a week in advance. Of course, the menus will still be "subject to change" at any time.
Please consider being a part of the IMC Committee
We are always looking for parent representation, if you are interested in being on the committee, please contact the Learning Department at 360-829-3866.
The Committee is responsible for selecting and approving instructional materials and consists of elementary & secondary school teachers, principals, administration and parents. They meet about 3-4 times a year.