✈️ What an incredible accomplishment!
NCTA Core Plus Aerospace student Alyi was excited to share that the RV-12 has officially been certified for flight! 🎉
After completing its required test flight hours, the aircraft will be delivered to its owner—a huge milestone after countless hours of hard work and dedication.
As Alyi shared:
“After many, many countless hours of getting it ready for certification, it was finally certified. The inspector told us to do a couple little things before sending her off, and we made sure to do those things. It was a super fun project!”
Thank you for sharing your journey, Alyi! It’s been inspiring to watch all of the extracurricular work you’ve been doing at the Port of Skagit with SkyFlight, part of Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 818. Experiences like these showcase the passion, commitment, and hands-on skills that prepare students for careers in aviation.
Congratulations on being part of such an amazing project—we can’t wait to see what you accomplish next! ✈️👏
#NCTA #CorePlusAerospace #CareerReady #futureaviation
When the Fire Science program gets a new toy, the admin team has to take it for a test ride!
A huge thank you to East Pierce Fire & Rescue for their generous donation and continued support of our Fire Science program. Partnerships like this provide our students with valuable hands-on learning experiences and help prepare them for future careers in the fire service.
#piercecountyskillscenter #FireScience #careerandtechnicaleducation #CareerConnectedLearning #thankyouforyoursupport
Bethel School District Eatonville School District Franklin Pierce Schools Fife Public Schools Orting School District Steilacoom Historical School District No. 1 Sumner-Bonney Lake School District Tacoma Public Schools University Place School District White River School District
Maritime253 Summer Programming 2026 is officially complete! Our Ecology group at the Seaport toured different companies on the Port of Tacoma, making important connections with folks in the industry. Students took a beautiful walk down the waterway, explored tugboats, and learned how crews clean up oil spills that happen in the Sound.
After their walk around the Port, this group became the first ever group of students to tour Maritime253! They were able to walk around the building, see their future maker spaces, and lay eyes on some of the state-of-the-art technology incorporated into each pathway.
Want to come see for yourself?
Save the Date!
What: Maritime253 Skills Center Open House
When: August 4th from 4:00-6:00
Where: 1225 Maritime Center Drive
For more information on the Skills Center and how to enroll, visit Maritime253.org
See you soon!
Sound Experience aboard the Schooner Adventuress
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
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.
#coreplusconstruction #handsontraining #tinyhomes #skilledtrades #NCTA
Cascadia Technical Academy Foundation
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
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
Sound Experience aboard the Schooner Adventuress
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
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 Announces 2026–2027 Open House Schedule
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
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
Welcome Spencer Shier to the NEWTech Prep community!
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!
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!
Sound Experience aboard the Schooner Adventuress
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
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
Sound Experience aboard the Schooner Adventuress is at Shilshole Bay Marina.
The Seattle Skills Center has sent us another amazing group of students to spend a total of 9 days aboard ship learning all they can about maritime careers and skills in general and what we do on Adventuress specifically. And to look at cute seals, always look at cute seals. #soundexperience #seattleskillscenter
The Seattle Skills Center has sent us another amazing group of students to spend a total of 9 days aboard ship learning all they can about maritime careers and skills in general and what we do on Adventuress specifically. And to look at cute seals, always look at cute seals. #soundexperience #seattleskillscenter
@Tri-Tech Skills Center
Our community agencies always need more staff. Even if you aren't a firefighting alumni but are now interested in a career in the fire service, this is a great place to start.
Our community agencies always need more staff. Even if you aren't a firefighting alumni but are now interested in a career in the fire service, this is a great place to start.
🚢 The wait is almost over — get your first look at Maritime|253!
Students and families are invited to step inside the new Maritime|253 Skills Center for the first time on Tuesday, Aug. 4, from 4–6 p.m.
Explore the new facility, check out hands-on learning spaces and industry-grade equipment, meet instructors, and learn how Maritime|253 helps students prepare for high-demand careers.
📍 Maritime|253 Skills Center
1225 Maritime Center Drive
🗓️ Tuesday, Aug. 4
⏰ 4–6 p.m.
Come see where the future of career-connected learning begins!
Learn more and explore enrollment: Maritime253.org
Students and families are invited to step inside the new Maritime|253 Skills Center for the first time on Tuesday, Aug. 4, from 4–6 p.m.
Explore the new facility, check out hands-on learning spaces and industry-grade equipment, meet instructors, and learn how Maritime|253 helps students prepare for high-demand careers.
📍 Maritime|253 Skills Center
1225 Maritime Center Drive
🗓️ Tuesday, Aug. 4
⏰ 4–6 p.m.
Come see where the future of career-connected learning begins!
Learn more and explore enrollment: Maritime253.org
⚓ Hands-on learning in action!
Our 2nd-year NCTA Maritime seniors are putting their skills to work on the SVC Skallywags Boat Club sailboat at our Anacortes campus. Through the strong partnership between Northwest Career & Technical Academy and Skagit Valley College, students have the opportunity to collaborate on real-world projects that build technical skills, teamwork, and industry experience.
These collaborative projects create valuable learning opportunities while helping students prepare for future careers in the maritime industry.⛵🔧
#NCTA #MaritimeEducation #CareerTechnicalEducation #FutureMarineProfessionals
Our 2nd-year NCTA Maritime seniors are putting their skills to work on the SVC Skallywags Boat Club sailboat at our Anacortes campus. Through the strong partnership between Northwest Career & Technical Academy and Skagit Valley College, students have the opportunity to collaborate on real-world projects that build technical skills, teamwork, and industry experience.
These collaborative projects create valuable learning opportunities while helping students prepare for future careers in the maritime industry.⛵🔧
#NCTA #MaritimeEducation #CareerTechnicalEducation #FutureMarineProfessionals
Spokane Public Schools
FREE RESOURCES: With the first day of school on Aug. 26, 2026, local organizations are busy collecting donations and school supplies to help students begin the new school year feeling confident and prepared for learning.
Check out a list of upcoming back-to-school support events and resources at spokaneschools.org/article/3029669.
Please note that these events are organized by local businesses and organizations that are not affiliated with or endorsed by Spokane Public Schools. This list is solely intended as an optional resource for Spokane families. Please contact organizations directly if you have questions.
• SNAP, Community Health Plan of Washington
• The Salvation Army Spokane
• The Way to Justice
• Northeast Community Center, THEZONE
• Unity In the Community
• CHAS Health
• Art Salvage, Spokane County Regional Waste Ambassadors
• Communities In Schools of Northeast Washington, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center
FREE RESOURCES: With the first day of school on Aug. 26, 2026, local organizations are busy collecting donations and school supplies to help students begin the new school year feeling confident and prepared for learning.
Check out a list of upcoming back-to-school support events and resources at spokaneschools.org/article/3029669.
Please note that these events are organized by local businesses and organizations that are not affiliated with or endorsed by Spokane Public Schools. This list is solely intended as an optional resource for Spokane families. Please contact organizations directly if you have questions.
• SNAP, Community Health Plan of Washington
• The Salvation Army Spokane
• The Way to Justice
• Northeast Community Center, THEZONE
• Unity In the Community
• CHAS Health
• Art Salvage, Spokane County Regional Waste Ambassadors
• Communities In Schools of Northeast Washington, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center
New Market Skills Center
What a great event!
New Market Skills Center 40th Anniversary Car Show!
What a great event!
New Market Skills Center 40th Anniversary Car Show!
West Sound Technical Skills Center
We are finishing up our summer school session! Students spent the last three weeks learning hands on programs! It was a lot of fun in our new building. #levelupatwst
We are finishing up our summer school session! Students spent the last three weeks learning hands on programs! It was a lot of fun in our new building. #levelupatwst
Big things happening this summer at SPS!
Students kicked off the Education Quest internship this week through the Seattle Skills Center, and the energy was real.
Through Education Quest, high school students are placed at elementary summer learning sites where they help create a safe, welcoming environment, supporting academics, encouraging play, and building connections with younger students.
About 50 students spent the day training, learning inclusive games, and building skills to get ready for their roles supporting younger students this summer.
For many, this is their first internship, and we’re excited to see the difference these students will make.
Learn more about Career & Technical Education internships: https://www.seattleschools.org/.../career-quest-learning.../
#SeattlePublicSchools
Students kicked off the Education Quest internship this week through the Seattle Skills Center, and the energy was real.
Through Education Quest, high school students are placed at elementary summer learning sites where they help create a safe, welcoming environment, supporting academics, encouraging play, and building connections with younger students.
About 50 students spent the day training, learning inclusive games, and building skills to get ready for their roles supporting younger students this summer.
For many, this is their first internship, and we’re excited to see the difference these students will make.
Learn more about Career & Technical Education internships: https://www.seattleschools.org/.../career-quest-learning.../
#SeattlePublicSchools
