Tri-Tech Skills Center
About Auto Body Technology
If you enjoy working on cars and like the satisfaction of making a vehicle look new again, this program may be for you! While learning to repair today’s high-tech vehicles, you will gain the skills required to work in the automotive collision repair industry. The program includes use of professional training materials to meet National Automotive Technical Education Foundation (NATEF) requirements and standards to earn related certifications.
2026-2027 Back to School Checklist Now Open
July 27, 2026
The first day of school is just around the corner, and it's time to complete your annual Back to School Checklist!
To make the process easier, Walla Walla Public Schools has simplified this year's checklist. Instead of completing multiple online forms and links, families can now submit all required information through one convenient Google Form:
Back to School Checklist: https://forms.gle/9ULswPRdNzyP61rb6
The Back to School Checklist collects important family and student information that will help Walla Walla Public Schools verify records as we transition to our new student information system, Qmlativ (Q).
Please complete the Google Form by the first day of school. Thank you for your partnership and for taking the time to complete this important annual process. Your support will help ensure a smooth transition to Qmlativ and allow us to continue providing the highest level of service to our students and families throughout the school year.
Harlan shared:
Harlan is a Washington native who served 21 years as an electrician in the U.S. Air Force. During his career he built strong teams that maintained and upgraded the infrastructure and utilities across multiple installations. Additionally, he successfully trained thousands of new military recruits and partner nations from all over the world. Above all else he prizes integrity, hard work, and dedication.
In his personal time, he prioritizes spending time with his wife, 3 children and 2 dogs. His passions center around cars, sports, and fitness.
Joining the NewTech team affords Harlan the opportunity to train and prepare the next generation of industry professionals by creating a classroom of accountability, teamwork, and professionalism. He is very excited to partner with the returning Energy and Power teacher, Mr. Prish, in building a stronger program.
Do you enjoy cooking and wonder what it would be like to have a career in the hospitality industry? This fast-paced program will get you ready to work in restaurants, hotels and resorts. Successful students are in high demand and are well prepared to go directly to work or to one of the area’s culinary institutes for additional training. After hours caterings are required for the course. Professionalism in the kitchen is a key element of all learning.
Sound Experience aboard the Schooner Adventuress
I scheduled the whales to show up while the students were furling. These weren’t the whales I was expecting but it’s fun anyway when the modern, high speed, boat comes to say hi to the old fashioned, stately, ship. #soundexperience #seattleskillscenter
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The Mount Vernon Police Department will conduct an Emergency Response Training exercise at Mount Vernon High School on Thursday July 23 and Friday July 24.
Community members may notice emergency personnel, emergency vehicles, and other visible activity at the high school. This is a planned training exercise, there is no active emergency. Students will not be present or participate.
The district is providing the campus so local first responders can practice coordinated emergency response procedures and strengthen their partnership and preparedness with Mount Vernon School District.
🚨Capacitación programada en MVHS
El Departamento de Policía de Mount Vernon llevará a cabo un ejercicio de capacitación en respuesta a emergencias en la Escuela Preparatoria de Mount Vernon el jueves 23 de julio y el viernes 24 de julio.
Es posible que los miembros de la comunidad vean personal de emergencia, vehículos de emergencia y otra actividad visible en la escuela preparatoria. Se trata de un ejercicio de capacitación planificado; no hay ninguna emergencia. Los estudiantes no estarán presentes ni participarán.
El distrito está proporcionando las instalaciones para que los equipos locales de primera respuesta puedan practicar procedimientos coordinados de respuesta ante emergencias y fortalecer su colaboración y preparación con el Distrito Escolar de Mount Vernon.
We’ve decided that the curly mustache is the surest sign of sinister intent. The orange peel may detract from the intended effect though. We did also learn about engineering and navigation and bosunry and microplastics, but the mustache was the key breakthrough today. #soundexperience #seattleskillscenter
Cascadia Tech Academy
**Apply Now for the 2026–2027 School Year!**
It's not too late to apply and discover your future through hands-on Career & Technical Education!
At Cascadia Tech students gain real-world experience, earn high school and college credits, and industry-recognized certifications while exploring exciting career pathways.
We have space in the following programs:
Aviation Science & Technology
Business Principles
Fashion Design
Forest Management-Session 1 Only
Information Technology Systems
Service & Security (ITS3)
Maritime Technology
Pre-Engineering Design Technology
Teaching Academy-North (Offered Session 1 Only)
Teaching Academy-East (Offered Session 1 Only)
*If you have already applied, do not submit an additional application. Contact your counselor.
**First Day of School
Monday, August 24, 2026
Get Your First Look at Maritime|253 on Aug. 4
Students and families are invited to be among the first to step inside the new Maritime|253 Skills Center during an enrollment information and first look event on Tuesday, Aug. 4. Whether you're enrolled to attend Maritime|253 or exploring your options, this event is an opportunity to see the new facility, meet instructors and partners, and learn how Maritime|253 prepares students for high-demand careers.
Event Details:
Tuesday, Aug. 4
4–6 p.m.
Maritime|253 Skills Center, 1225 Maritime Center Drive
As the first public event in the new building, guests can take a self-guided tour, explore industry-grade equipment and learning spaces, meet Maritime|253 staff, connect with education and industry partners, and learn more about the programs, college credit opportunities, industry credentials, and career pathways available to students.
Maritime|253 is a regional skills center supported by nine member school districts: Chief Leschi Schools, Clover Park School District, Fife Public Schools, Franklin Pierce Schools, Orting School District, Sumner-Bonney Lake School District, Tacoma Public Schools, University Place School District, and Vashon Island School District.
Each member district is guaranteed student enrollment seats and is represented on the Maritime|253 Governing Board by its superintendent. Together, these districts help guide the vision and direction of the regional skills center while expanding access to hands-on, career-connected learning in maritime, technology, port operations and logistics, sustainability, and advanced maritime manufacturing.
On Saturday night,Cascadia Tech Academy hosted a dinner for 25 VERY LUCKY winners of a dinner we auctioned off at our Cascadia Tech Foundation’s 2026 ASPIRE Gala. The dinner was an interactive experience that was a fusion of Korean and Northwest cuisine. Our guests cooked, learned and got STUFFED with some amazing food!
Special thanks to Cascadia Tech Culinary Graduate, and Food Network STAR, Chef Kaleena Bliss and Cascadia Tech's very own, Chef Andrew McColley for going ALL out to make this evening a memory for everyone! Special thanks to Chef Greg Retchless, and Cascadia Tech Culinary Students, Bethany and Samantha for their help! Check out this short video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9bX5zKlAxs
And another Seattle Skills Center group has finished their course aboard the Adventuress. Today they set the sails entirely on their own. Crew stood by as eyes of safety but otherwise allowed the students to do everything, call sail, problem solve, and of course haul. Always they haul. We’ll miss these students terribly but look forward to the next two weeks with our second group from the Seattle Skills Center. #soundexperience #seattleskillscenter
Walla Walla Public Schools is pleased to announce its 2026–2027 Open House schedule. Open House events provide students and families with an opportunity to meet teachers and staff, tour school campuses, learn about classroom expectations, and prepare for a successful start to the new school year.
Families are encouraged to attend their school's Open House to build connections, ask questions, and become familiar with important programs, procedures, and resources before the first day of school.
The complete 2026–2027 Open House schedule is available on the district website. We look forward to welcoming students and families as we kick off another outstanding school year together.
2026-2027 Open House Schedule
Berney Elementary
• Monday, August 17, 4:30 - 5:30 PM
Edison Elementary
• Monday, August 17, 4:30 - 5:30 PM
Green Park Elementary
• Monday, August 17, 4:30 - 5:30 PM
Prospect Point Elementary
• Monday, August 17, 4:30 - 5:30 PM
Sharpstein Elementary
• Monday, August 17, 4:30 - 5:30 PM
Garrison Middle School
• Wednesday, August 12, 5:30 - 6:30 PM
Pioneer Middle School
• Wednesday, August 12, 3:00 - 5:00 PM
Lincoln High School
• Wednesday, August 19, 5:00 - 6:00 PM
Walla Walla High School
• Freshman/New Student Orientation: Wednesday, August 12, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
SEATech
• Thursday, August 20, 5:30 - 7:30 PM
We're excited to welcome Spencer Shier as the newest Welding Instructor at the NEWTech Prep Skill Center!
Spencer is a Spokane native and NEWTech Prep alumnus who brings more than a decade of industry experience supporting the U.S. Department of Defense and other federal agencies. As a Department of the Air Force Engineering Technician at Fairchild Air Force Base, he has led engineering teams and managed complex projects from design and fabrication through construction and testing. His background includes WABO welding certifications, precision metalwork, electrical systems, hydraulics, and millwright work.
Spencer is passionate about preparing the next generation of skilled trades professionals and is looking forward to creating a classroom where students are treated like future coworkers while developing the technical and employability skills today's industry demands. He is excited to partner with Mrs. Johnston to continue growing our Welding program and keeping it aligned with the needs of employers.
Outside of work, Spencer enjoys camping, mountain biking, gardening, building projects in his home machine and welding shop, and spending time with his 13-year-old son.
Please join us in welcoming Spencer to the NEWTech Prep community!
Ctenophores in our microplastic tow! These little comb jellies were caught by students from Seattle Skills Center on the first day of a five day overnight. They’re so cute! #seattleskillscenter #soundexperience
