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
-bt
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
-bt
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.
Last Friday, our 6th-grade students participated in a wax museum. The gym was full of 6th graders dressed up as their career of choice. These students spent hours upon hours researching their chosen careers so they could put on a truly spectacular show. As museum guests pressed buttons near the wax figures, they sprung to life and told facts and information about their careers. This was an awesome experience and they did SUCH an excellent job!
Just a few reminders...March 27th there is NO late start. March 27th-31st-it is conference week so school is 9am-12:30pm,. There is NO chess club March 27th. There is also NO band or orchestra during half days. Tiger Trot shirt designs are due to the office by April 13. Please do our short survey during conferences on our website, in teachers classrooms or at the table at the front of the school. Volleyball will start on April 10th. There is no girls on the run March 27th-31st or April 3rd-7th. It will start back up on April 10th.
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.
Mark Your Calendars! On Friday, April 21st the Annual Donkey Basketball Game returns to East Valley High School! Brought to you by East Valley's FFA (Future Farmers of America) Chapter!
Join us tonight at Noodle Express! Enjoy some great food while also supporting the Trentwood Elementary PTO! On Wednesday, March 15, 2023, from 11 am to 9 pm Noodle Express (707 N Sullivan) will be donating 20% of all purchases to support Trentwood's PTO! Be sure to show the flyer below at the time of purchase.
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?
Kindergarten registration begins today, March 1, 2023!
Due to weather conditions, all East Valley schools will be on a 90 minute delay today.
Just a reminder that there will be no school tomorrow, Monday, February 20, 2023.
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
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We are loving our new app! Access documents, news
updates, and even emergency notifications, right from your
pocket.
Download for Android https://bit.ly/3Gl7DwS
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REMINDER:
There will be no school on Monday, January 16, 2023
Kindergarten Registration begins March 1st
East Valley Wrestling Club begins Tuesday, January 10th!
We're thrilled to announce the new app for East Valley! It's
everything East Valley, in your pocket.
Download for Android https://bit.ly/3Gl7DwS
Download for iPhone https://apple.co/3TNIe1I
Welcome to the new EVSD website! We are still working on additional content, so please keep checking back.
Save the Date! Help us celebrate 40 years of the Rapid Rabbit Run in East Valley! Sunday, March 19th!
