MLK Jr. Elementary Receives 2025 RAVE Foundation Community Grant (Photo) - 12/03/25

Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary, led by Principal Samantha Howell, has been selected to receive a 2025 RAVE Foundation Community Grant. The RAVE Foundation, the official charitable arm of Seattle Sounders FC and OL Reign, notified the school of the award on November 21.

The $2,500 grant will support the school’s Soccer for Success project. The initiative uses soccer to promote free play, support healthy choices, and strengthen connections across the school community. Physical education teacher Joey Race submitted the application and will coordinate the purchase of soccer nets and other equipment in collaboration with Principal Howell and the MLK Jr. staff.

RAVE Foundation noted the school’s commitment to creating spaces where students can learn, play, and build relationships through sport. The program will begin in 2026 after the equipment is purchased and delivered.

FRIDAY, NOV 21 AT 10:03 AM: EISENHOWER HIGH SCHOOL HONORS NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH WITH YAKAMA NATION CULTURAL ASSEMBLY - 11/21/25

Yakima, WA — Eisenhower High School, led by Principal Eric Diener, will gather on Friday for a cultural assembly in the Eisenhower Auditorium guided by Yakama Nation knowledge holders, student dancers, and community partners. The program is led by Tamsháashu (Rose George-Whitefoot), the Yakima School District’s Tribal Sovereignty and Native Student Achievement Teacher on Special Assignment.

The assembly centers Yakama voice, acknowledges the original peoples of this land, and offers students a respectful introduction to Yakama Nation history, sovereignty, and living cultural traditions.

Opening Words and Welcome
Rose George-Whitefoot will open with a greeting in her language and share teachings connected to ribbons, Rock Your Mocs, and Native American Heritage Month. Eisenhower leadership students will distribute ribbons during the welcome.

Songs to Welcome the People
Respected Yakama leader Patsy Whitefoot will join Rose to offer welcoming words and song.

Swan Dancers and Storytelling
The Swan Dancers, guided by cultural educator Mary Lee Jones, will share two dances. Mary Lee will offer the story of the Swan Dance, honoring its teachings and place in Yakama culture.

Understanding Tribal Sovereignty
Students will watch a short video on Tribal sovereignty, followed by Rose grounding the teaching in Yakama Nation history and the government-to-government relationships that continue today.

MMIW Awareness
Patsy Whitefoot will speak on the crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, highlighting history, present-day realities, and how communities can support the safety of Native women and girls.

Community Round Dance
The assembly closes with a round dance led by Rose, Patsy, and Mary Lee. Eisenhower senior Esperanza will drum as students and staff join hands in a circle, reflecting unity, belonging, and shared respect.

Leadership and Closing
The assembly will conclude with closing words from Alyssa Skiles, Eisenhower’s Art Teacher and ASB Leadership Advisor. She will thank presenters, recognize student leadership, and share reminders of the Johnson O’Malley (JOM) meeting that evening from 5:30 to 7:30 PM.

Media Attendance
This gathering is a student assembly held during the regular school day and is not open to the public. Accredited media are welcome to attend by RSVPing at www.YSD7.org/media and checking in at the Eisenhower main office upon arrival.

Yakima School District Awarded $200,000 In Preliminary Funding For Ballmer Summer Discovery Program - 11/18/25

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

YAKIMA, WA (November 18, 2025) – The Yakima School District (YSD) is thrilled to announce it has been awarded a $200,000 preliminary planning grant through the privately funded Ballmer Summer Discovery initiative. This significant early-stage investment will support YSD's efforts to design and launch a comprehensive, high-quality, no-cost summer learning program for students beginning in Summer 2026.

The preliminary funds will be used to develop detailed plans for the "Summer Discovery" program, which is designed to elevate enrichment access, reduce summer learning loss, and extend strategic educational goals into year-round opportunities. The total grant award is intended to support the comprehensive expenses of operating the summer learning program.

The Summer Discovery program will be offered free of charge to families and is aimed at rising 1st through 9th grade students (current kindergarten through 8th grade), and YSD has 20 eligible elementary and middle schools that could potentially benefit from the program. The initiative emphasizes full-day programs that advance educational outcomes and keep children safe and engaged in learning over the summer.

“We are grateful for the confidence this grant reflects in the Yakima School District’s ability to deliver high-impact programming,” said Dr. Trevor Greene, Superintendent of Yakima School District. “This $200,000 grant provides a runway to design a Summer Discovery program that is not only academically rigorous, but deeply enriching, culturally responsive, and engaging for students and families. Our goal is simple: eliminate summer learning loss and expand opportunity—because our students’ potential should never take a break.”

The district is partnering with the Association of Educational Service Districts (AESD) on the grant administration.

About Yakima School District (YSD):

The Yakima School District is dedicated to providing a high-quality education and a safe, supportive learning environment for every student. Located in Eastern Washington, YSD is committed to innovation, equity, and fostering opportunities that prepare students for success in college, career, and life.

Future Healthcare Leaders Take Flight: Pacific Northwest University's Roots To Wings Program Soars With Success! (Photo) - 11/07/25

YAKIMA, WA — The Yakima School District (YSD) CTE and GEAR UP Program, in collaboration with Pacific Northwest University (PNWU), is thrilled to announce a successful launch and an exciting schedule of upcoming sessions for the "Roots to Wings" program! This initiative is designed to inspire, educate, and offer hands-on experiences, providing a clear "flight path" for the next generation of healthcare professionals.

Successful Kickoff Paves the Way

The Opening Ceremony on October 15th was a resounding success and provided a fantastic start for our participating students. Attendees heard from a remarkable panel that included:

• Dr. Lisa Siino, a previous Roots to Wings mentor and current PNWU Board of Trustees member.

• Dr. Christian Heck, who gave an engaging Paleontology talk detailing his exciting experiences doing fossil digs in Montana.

The night concluded with students meeting their small groups, which include peers from other local districts, all led by volunteer student doctors from PNWU. Students also participated in a scavenger hunt to familiarize themselves with resources like fire extinguishers, AEDs, and phones.

Program Delivers Hands-On STEM Engagement

Our students will continue to attend bi-monthly sessions where they will engage in peer mentoring, lectures, and labs relating to various medical fields. This program offers a fantastic opportunity for our students to explore diverse career paths and engage in vital STEM activities.

Highlights from the packed schedule include:

• Anato-Bee Introduction (October 21st): Students will dive into the human body with an intro to organs, a bingo game, a library research talk, and will research an organ system, create a poster, and give a talk (from their chair).

• DNA Exploration (November 5th): Participants will attend a DNA introduction session, complete with a practical Strawberry DNA distraction activity in BHH 302 with Dr. Mapes.

• The Amazing Brain (November 19th): This session features a Brain talk and a compelling, hands-on Sheep brain dissection, followed by mentors sharing their powerful mentor stories.

• Life-Saving Skills (December 3rd): A crucial CPR certification course/babysitter course will be offered.

• High-Tech Simulation Lab (SIM Lab): Students will experience two high-tech sessions:

  • February 11th: Focused on Lungs/Vitals (using an O2/heart monitor/stethoscope), practice with an Intubation mannequin, and learning about bruise formation via Moulage.

  • March 4th: Focused on clinical skills like H&P taking (using the OPQRST framework), Physical exam skills (osteo screening exam, reflexes, eye charts), and Skin tests.

• Dental Learning (January 14th): Students will brush teeth, learn about teeth, make molds, and handle instruments.

• Emergency & Rehabilitation (March 18th): Practical skills covered include Splinting/bandaging/stop the bleeding, exploring impairment devices with an Occupational Therapy (OT) focus, and taping with a Physical Therapy (PT) focus.

The program will conclude with a Closing Ceremony on April 29, 2026.

The Yakima School District and its partners are excited to continue offering this essential program, fostering a strong connection between our local students and the vast opportunities available in the healthcare industry!