Get Ready for NCTA’s 5th Annual Kitchen Wars!
Three NCTA Programs Collaborate for Culinary Clash
Mark your calendar for May 6, 2026 at 6:00 PM as Northwest Career and Technical Academy hosts the 5th Annual Kitchen Wars at its campus, 2205 W Campus Pl in Mount Vernon. With only 150 tickets available and a sellout crowd last year, this is an event you will not want to miss.
Kitchen Wars showcases the incredible talent of NCTA students across the Culinary Arts, Baking and Pastry, and Money and Business Marketing programs. This year features 18 student teams, including 14 culinary teams and 4 baking and pastry teams, all competing in a high energy, real world restaurant challenge.
Culinary Year Two students take the lead by developing their own restaurant concepts and business plans, then bringing them to life through creative, competition ready dishes. Money & Business students assist by creating marketing plans and organizing this flagship event. Guests can expect an evening full of innovation, flavor, and entrepreneurship while supporting the next generation of industry professionals.
Secure your spot before tickets sell out again!
Tickets - https://www.eventbrite.com/e/nctas-kitchen-wars-2026-tickets-1987542084879?aff=ebdssbpointsofinterest
Three NCTA Programs Collaborate for Culinary Clash
Mark your calendar for May 6, 2026 at 6:00 PM as Northwest Career and Technical Academy hosts the 5th Annual Kitchen Wars at its campus, 2205 W Campus Pl in Mount Vernon. With only 150 tickets available and a sellout crowd last year, this is an event you will not want to miss.
Kitchen Wars showcases the incredible talent of NCTA students across the Culinary Arts, Baking and Pastry, and Money and Business Marketing programs. This year features 18 student teams, including 14 culinary teams and 4 baking and pastry teams, all competing in a high energy, real world restaurant challenge.
Culinary Year Two students take the lead by developing their own restaurant concepts and business plans, then bringing them to life through creative, competition ready dishes. Money & Business students assist by creating marketing plans and organizing this flagship event. Guests can expect an evening full of innovation, flavor, and entrepreneurship while supporting the next generation of industry professionals.
Secure your spot before tickets sell out again!
Tickets - https://www.eventbrite.com/e/nctas-kitchen-wars-2026-tickets-1987542084879?aff=ebdssbpointsofinterest
NEWTech Prep
Day 2 of the Penny War and we are off to a strong start. Watt? It looks like Electrical is taking an early lead. Keep those pennies coming and let the competition continue.
Day 2 of the Penny War and we are off to a strong start. Watt? It looks like Electrical is taking an early lead. Keep those pennies coming and let the competition continue.
District Takes Strategic, Long-Term Approach to 2026–2027 Budget Planning
April 22, 2026
Assistant Superintendent Chris Gardea and Business Services Director Janette Jeffris provided the Walla Walla Public Schools Board of Directors with an update on the General Fund budget development for the 2026–2027 school year, highlighting a continued focus on fiscal responsibility amid declining enrollment.
District projections anticipate a decrease of approximately 115 full-time equivalent (FTE) students next year. In response, budget planning efforts have remained closely aligned with enrollment trends, reflecting a multi-year strategy to gradually adjust staffing levels and control expenditures.
Gardea and Jeffris noted that the district’s disciplined financial approach has positioned WWPS to consistently meet the Board’s requirement of maintaining an 8 to 10 percent reserve. This stability has been achieved through thoughtful planning and proactive staffing adjustments over several years.
Looking ahead, enrollment is expected to decline by at least 100 students annually for the next several years. As a result, additional staffing reductions will be necessary. District leaders emphasized that these reductions are being managed strategically, primarily through attrition, by not filling certain positions following retirements or separations. This approach minimizes the need for formal reductions in force.
District leadership also expressed appreciation for staff members who have demonstrated flexibility by taking on new roles and assignments to support evolving operational needs. In addition, bargaining groups were recognized for securing three-year agreements, which provide greater predictability in forecasting expenditures during a period of constrained resources.
Budget development will continue in the coming months, with a final proposal scheduled for Board consideration and approval in July.
April 22, 2026
Assistant Superintendent Chris Gardea and Business Services Director Janette Jeffris provided the Walla Walla Public Schools Board of Directors with an update on the General Fund budget development for the 2026–2027 school year, highlighting a continued focus on fiscal responsibility amid declining enrollment.
District projections anticipate a decrease of approximately 115 full-time equivalent (FTE) students next year. In response, budget planning efforts have remained closely aligned with enrollment trends, reflecting a multi-year strategy to gradually adjust staffing levels and control expenditures.
Gardea and Jeffris noted that the district’s disciplined financial approach has positioned WWPS to consistently meet the Board’s requirement of maintaining an 8 to 10 percent reserve. This stability has been achieved through thoughtful planning and proactive staffing adjustments over several years.
Looking ahead, enrollment is expected to decline by at least 100 students annually for the next several years. As a result, additional staffing reductions will be necessary. District leaders emphasized that these reductions are being managed strategically, primarily through attrition, by not filling certain positions following retirements or separations. This approach minimizes the need for formal reductions in force.
District leadership also expressed appreciation for staff members who have demonstrated flexibility by taking on new roles and assignments to support evolving operational needs. In addition, bargaining groups were recognized for securing three-year agreements, which provide greater predictability in forecasting expenditures during a period of constrained resources.
Budget development will continue in the coming months, with a final proposal scheduled for Board consideration and approval in July.
Tri-Tech Skills Center
Wow—another amazing GRITT Camp in the books! 💪
We’ve been proud to host this incredible event since 2009, and every year continues to impress. Our campers show up ready to learn and grow, NAWIC volunteers go above and beyond, and the apprentice training programs, members, and apprentices truly make the magic happen.
A special thank you to our Tri-Tech Skills Center behind-the-scenes heroes—Ryan Coe, Will Thompson, Robert Lozano, AJ Spaniel, Ken Kessie, and Tressia Nowlin—we couldn’t do it without you.
Tri-Tech is proud to partner with incredible organizations like GRITT (Girls Rock in the Trades) and the Sodexo Future Chef Competition to create meaningful, hands-on opportunities for students.
#GRITT #GirlsRockInTheTrades #CTEWorks #SkilledTrades #FutureReady #WorkforceDevelopment #WomenInTrades #CareerConnectedLearning #HandsOnLearning #ThankYou #CommunityStrongThank you also to our Tri-Tech behind the scenes heroes, Ryan Coe, Will Thompson, Robert Lozano, AJ Spaniel, Ken Kessie and Tressia Nowlin.
Sno-Isle TECH Skills Center
*TUESDAY APRIL 28th is the DEADLINE to preorder your yearbook*
Get yours today!
*TUESDAY APRIL 28th is the DEADLINE to preorder your yearbook*
Get yours today!
New Market Skills Center
Congrats to our New Market SkillsUSA State winners! This is a huge accomplishment, and we are proud of our students! Our very own Construction Instructor, Adam Shell, also received the "Catalyst Award" for building student leadership, participation, bringing energy, innovation, and momentum to his program!
Congratulations to everyone!!!
Congrats to our New Market SkillsUSA State winners! This is a huge accomplishment, and we are proud of our students! Our very own Construction Instructor, Adam Shell, also received the "Catalyst Award" for building student leadership, participation, bringing energy, innovation, and momentum to his program!
Congratulations to everyone!!!
NEWTech Prep
Nina is interning four days a week at Northview Family Dental. Over the years, Northview has been incredibly supportive in mentoring our interns and providing valuable hands-on learning opportunities. Nina is loving her time there and enjoys working closely with the dental assistants while gaining experience in the clinic.#connectwithnewtech #dentalcareers
Nina is interning four days a week at Northview Family Dental. Over the years, Northview has been incredibly supportive in mentoring our interns and providing valuable hands-on learning opportunities. Nina is loving her time there and enjoys working closely with the dental assistants while gaining experience in the clinic.#connectwithnewtech #dentalcareers
Spokane Valley Tech
Happy Earth Day! 🌍
Did you know that collective action often starts with simple awareness? 💡 Buratto's Environmental Innovations class took over the SVT hallways today with posters highlighting Earth Day 2026. Their goal: to spark conversations about how we can innovate our daily habits to better protect our planet.
Great work, future environmental leaders!
#SVTInnovates #EarthDay2026 #EnvironmentalInnovations #CVSD #StudentVoices #Sustainability #CTE #SpokaneValley #weareSVT #SVT
Happy Earth Day! 🌍
Did you know that collective action often starts with simple awareness? 💡 Buratto's Environmental Innovations class took over the SVT hallways today with posters highlighting Earth Day 2026. Their goal: to spark conversations about how we can innovate our daily habits to better protect our planet.
Great work, future environmental leaders!
#SVTInnovates #EarthDay2026 #EnvironmentalInnovations #CVSD #StudentVoices #Sustainability #CTE #SpokaneValley #weareSVT #SVT
Huge shout out to former NCTA rock star, Caroline, for hosting our SkillsUSA team and showing them around her campus! From Burlington-Edison HS to NCTA’s Applied Medical Science program to Skagit Valley College to now thriving at Pacific Lutheran University, Caroline is a powerful example of what’s possible. Full circle moments like this remind us what learning, leadership, and opportunity look like in action.
NEWTech Prep
Video Link
Our Café and Bistro is open this week only on Wednesday, April 22, and Thursday, April 23, from 9:00–10:00 a.m. and 12:00–1:00 p.m.
If you plan to visit, please check in at the front office for a visitor pass, or call ahead for sit-down service.
Cte Walla Walla · Follow
SEATech Skills Center is now accepting applications for Summer 2026 Programs. All programs are open to current 8-11th graders. Courses include Crime Scene to Courtroom, Filmmakers Boot Camp, Introduction to Manufacturing, and Health Summer Program.
Scan the QR code or Register at bit.ly/seatechsummer2026, or visit our enrollment page https://myseatech.org/enrollment.
Priority registration ends on May 1.
SEATech Skills Center is now accepting applications for Summer 2026 Programs. All programs are open to current 8-11th graders. Courses include Crime Scene to Courtroom, Filmmakers Boot Camp, Introduction to Manufacturing, and Health Summer Program.
Scan the QR code or Register at bit.ly/seatechsummer2026, or visit our enrollment page https://myseatech.org/enrollment.
Priority registration ends on May 1.
NEWTech Prep
T-Money and G-Money are officially in the building. Mrs. Talbot and Mrs. Gonzalez kicked off day one of our Penny War ASB fundraiser in support of investED and our student company picnic celebration. #connectwithnewtech
T-Money and G-Money are officially in the building. Mrs. Talbot and Mrs. Gonzalez kicked off day one of our Penny War ASB fundraiser in support of investED and our student company picnic celebration. #connectwithnewtech
FITE Fire and EMS
We are so proud of these New Market FITErs for representing FITE well this weekend at Skills USA! All 4 students performed great, and Wilson even took home 2nd place!
Pictured: Breanna, Nolan, Kameron and Wilson.
We are so proud of these New Market FITErs for representing FITE well this weekend at Skills USA! All 4 students performed great, and Wilson even took home 2nd place!
Pictured: Breanna, Nolan, Kameron and Wilson.
Spokane Valley Tech
Buratto's Environmental Innovations class revisited their Beaver Dam Analogs and planted some Willow trees along the banks of Thompson Creek. The Lands Council hosted a team of volunteers on this restoration project which will restore the wetland habitat on the north end of Newman Lake.
Buratto's Environmental Innovations class revisited their Beaver Dam Analogs and planted some Willow trees along the banks of Thompson Creek. The Lands Council hosted a team of volunteers on this restoration project which will restore the wetland habitat on the north end of Newman Lake.
#NCTA #coreplusaerospace #riveting #safetywiretying #handsonlearning
NEWTech Prep
Before stepping into mock interviews with industry professionals, our Auto students are practicing how to communicate professionally, answer questions with confidence, and represent themselves well. At NEWTech, part of the experience is making sure students do not just learn technical skills, but also practice real interview skills, connect with employers, and receive valuable feedback as they prepare for the workforce. #connectwithnewtech
Before stepping into mock interviews with industry professionals, our Auto students are practicing how to communicate professionally, answer questions with confidence, and represent themselves well. At NEWTech, part of the experience is making sure students do not just learn technical skills, but also practice real interview skills, connect with employers, and receive valuable feedback as they prepare for the workforce. #connectwithnewtech
Tri-Tech Skills Center
Thank you to our over 100 amazing volunteers who helped with our mock interviews today. They probably conducted close to 1600 interviews in a total of 5 hours of time. We appreciate our community's employers continued support of our programs and our students. More to come on Monday but just wanted to get a shout out done today!
Thank you to our over 100 amazing volunteers who helped with our mock interviews today. They probably conducted close to 1600 interviews in a total of 5 hours of time. We appreciate our community's employers continued support of our programs and our students. More to come on Monday but just wanted to get a shout out done today!
NEWTech Prep
Assistant Director Patrick jumped into Dental Assisting today and crushed it mixing zinc phosphate. One of the things that stands out most about Patrick is his willingness to get involved in whatever is happening around the building. He is always eager to jump in, learn something new, and fully experience the work our students and staff are doing. That kind of curiosity, humility, and enthusiasm says a lot about his character. He genuinely loves learning, believes in the mission of the skill center, and values the hands-on opportunities we provide students every day. We are grateful for the way he supports our programs, our staff, and our students with such energy and care. #connectwithnewtech
Assistant Director Patrick jumped into Dental Assisting today and crushed it mixing zinc phosphate. One of the things that stands out most about Patrick is his willingness to get involved in whatever is happening around the building. He is always eager to jump in, learn something new, and fully experience the work our students and staff are doing. That kind of curiosity, humility, and enthusiasm says a lot about his character. He genuinely loves learning, believes in the mission of the skill center, and values the hands-on opportunities we provide students every day. We are grateful for the way he supports our programs, our staff, and our students with such energy and care. #connectwithnewtech
NCTA Maritime students getting hands-on in the outboard motor identification lab—building the skills to recognize, understand, and work with the engines that keep our marine industry moving ⚓🔧
From components to configurations, these students are powering up their knowledge one motor at a time.
#outboards #maritime #outboardidentification #handsontraining #outboardmotor
From components to configurations, these students are powering up their knowledge one motor at a time.
#outboards #maritime #outboardidentification #handsontraining #outboardmotor
Spokane Valley Tech
Future First Responders in Action: EMT & Fire Science Training at SVT 🚒🚑🔥
There is no substitute for hands-on experience! Today, our Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) students practiced their CPR skills, ensuring they are ready to respond with confidence when it matters most.
We also caught our Fire Science students in action before Spring Break (check out those last two photos!) as they practiced vital hose-management skills. Both of these programs, are part of our Skill Center, provide students with the certifications and technical expertise to jumpstart careers in public safety.
Great work to all our future heroes!
#SVT #CareerAndTechnicalEducation #EMTTraining #FireScience #PublicSafety #CVSD #StudentSuccess #WeareSVT
Future First Responders in Action: EMT & Fire Science Training at SVT 🚒🚑🔥
There is no substitute for hands-on experience! Today, our Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) students practiced their CPR skills, ensuring they are ready to respond with confidence when it matters most.
We also caught our Fire Science students in action before Spring Break (check out those last two photos!) as they practiced vital hose-management skills. Both of these programs, are part of our Skill Center, provide students with the certifications and technical expertise to jumpstart careers in public safety.
Great work to all our future heroes!
#SVT #CareerAndTechnicalEducation #EMTTraining #FireScience #PublicSafety #CVSD #StudentSuccess #WeareSVT
