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
New Market Skills Center
🎉 What a fantastic way to kick off our 40th Anniversary celebration! 🇺🇸
New Market Skills Center was proud to participate in the Tumwater 4th of July Parade, celebrating 40 years of empowering students through hands-on career and technical education. Thank you to everyone who cheered us on along the parade route—we loved being part of this wonderful community tradition!
The celebration continues this week, and we'd love for you to join us on campus:
🚗 40th Anniversary Car Show & BBQ – Friday, July 10 | 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Bring the whole family for an exciting day of classic cars, delicious BBQ, community fun, and a celebration of 40 years of New Market Skills Center. Whether you're entering a vehicle or just stopping by to enjoy the festivities, everyone is welcome! bit.ly/nmsk-40th
Come celebrate our past, present, and future with us. We can't wait to see you there! ❤️🖤
🎉 What a fantastic way to kick off our 40th Anniversary celebration! 🇺🇸
New Market Skills Center was proud to participate in the Tumwater 4th of July Parade, celebrating 40 years of empowering students through hands-on career and technical education. Thank you to everyone who cheered us on along the parade route—we loved being part of this wonderful community tradition!
The celebration continues this week, and we'd love for you to join us on campus:
🚗 40th Anniversary Car Show & BBQ – Friday, July 10 | 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Bring the whole family for an exciting day of classic cars, delicious BBQ, community fun, and a celebration of 40 years of New Market Skills Center. Whether you're entering a vehicle or just stopping by to enjoy the festivities, everyone is welcome! bit.ly/nmsk-40th
Come celebrate our past, present, and future with us. We can't wait to see you there! ❤️🖤
There is so much action happening at NCTA this summer! 🌞
Our campus is buzzing with incredible students who are diving into hands-on learning, building new skills, tackling real-world projects, and exploring exciting career pathways. Every classroom, lab, and kitchen is filled with energy, teamwork, and a passion for learning.
We couldn’t be more proud of these amazing students and all they’re accomplishing this summer. Keep up the fantastic work—we can’t wait to see what you achieve next!
#NCTA #SummerSession #CareerTechnicalEducation #HandsOnLearning #FutureReady
Our campus is buzzing with incredible students who are diving into hands-on learning, building new skills, tackling real-world projects, and exploring exciting career pathways. Every classroom, lab, and kitchen is filled with energy, teamwork, and a passion for learning.
We couldn’t be more proud of these amazing students and all they’re accomplishing this summer. Keep up the fantastic work—we can’t wait to see what you achieve next!
#NCTA #SummerSession #CareerTechnicalEducation #HandsOnLearning #FutureReady
Could Open Doors be the right fit?
Students may qualify if they:
✅ Are currently or were previously enrolled at Northwest Career & Technical Academy
✅ Are between the ages of 16 and 21
✅ Have shown commitment and success in their NCTA courses
✅ Are not currently on track to graduate or are at risk of not earning a diploma
✅ Are committed to earning their high school diploma
If this sounds like you or someone you know, we'd love to help.
Contact Northwest Career & Technical Academy to learn more about enrollment.
https://www.nwtech.k12.wa.us/open-doors/
#OpenDoors #NCTA #EducationOpportunity #GraduationGoals
Students may qualify if they:
✅ Are currently or were previously enrolled at Northwest Career & Technical Academy
✅ Are between the ages of 16 and 21
✅ Have shown commitment and success in their NCTA courses
✅ Are not currently on track to graduate or are at risk of not earning a diploma
✅ Are committed to earning their high school diploma
If this sounds like you or someone you know, we'd love to help.
Contact Northwest Career & Technical Academy to learn more about enrollment.
https://www.nwtech.k12.wa.us/open-doors/
#OpenDoors #NCTA #EducationOpportunity #GraduationGoals
🔬🕵️ Science and technology are at the heart of modern criminal justice, and our Criminal Justice students are getting hands-on experience with the techniques used by real crime scene investigators.
Students first created mock crime scenes before switching with another team to process the scene. They documented evidence, dusted for fingerprints, collected DNA swabs, properly packaged evidence, and developed theories based on the physical evidence they uncovered.
The activity was led by their instructor, former Major Crimes Detective turned high school teacher, Mr. Burnette, who taught students the same fundamental crime scene processing techniques used by investigators in the field.
At NCTA, students don’t just learn about criminal justice—they experience it through realistic, career-focused training that builds critical thinking, teamwork, and an appreciation for the science behind solving crimes.
#CareerConnectedLearning #CriminalJustice #Forensics #CrimeSceneInvestigation
Students first created mock crime scenes before switching with another team to process the scene. They documented evidence, dusted for fingerprints, collected DNA swabs, properly packaged evidence, and developed theories based on the physical evidence they uncovered.
The activity was led by their instructor, former Major Crimes Detective turned high school teacher, Mr. Burnette, who taught students the same fundamental crime scene processing techniques used by investigators in the field.
At NCTA, students don’t just learn about criminal justice—they experience it through realistic, career-focused training that builds critical thinking, teamwork, and an appreciation for the science behind solving crimes.
#CareerConnectedLearning #CriminalJustice #Forensics #CrimeSceneInvestigation
Maritime253 Summer Programming is underway! Last week, our 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 enrolled 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.
Be on the look out for dates where the community can come tour the building!
If you are interested in enrolling or have any questions about the Maritime253 Skills Center, email maritime253@tacoma.k12.wa.us
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 enrolled 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.
Be on the look out for dates where the community can come tour the building!
If you are interested in enrolling or have any questions about the Maritime253 Skills Center, email maritime253@tacoma.k12.wa.us
Benton County Fire District #4
A huge thank you to our dedicated team members for reaching milestones in their service to the Fire District! Our achievements are a testament to the dedication and selflessness of our incredible members. Thank you for all that you do! 🏆
#ServiceMilestones #FireDistrictHeroes #TeamDedication #CommunityPride
A huge thank you to our dedicated team members for reaching milestones in their service to the Fire District! Our achievements are a testament to the dedication and selflessness of our incredible members. Thank you for all that you do! 🏆
#ServiceMilestones #FireDistrictHeroes #TeamDedication #CommunityPride
Spokane Valley Tech
One of the reasons that our Skill Center programs at Spokane Valley Tech are so successful is because of the support of our community. Thank you, Spokane County Fire District 9, for the generous donation of new-to-us turnout gear for our Fire Science program. This new gear will absolutely level up the experience for our students! #wearesvt
One of the reasons that our Skill Center programs at Spokane Valley Tech are so successful is because of the support of our community. Thank you, Spokane County Fire District 9, for the generous donation of new-to-us turnout gear for our Fire Science program. This new gear will absolutely level up the experience for our students! #wearesvt
🐾🚒🚓🩺 Collaboration in action at NCTA Summer School!
Our **Public Service** programs—**Pre-Veterinary Technology, Criminal Justice, Fire Science, and Applied Medical Science**—came together for a unique interdisciplinary learning experience.
Students welcomed a guest speaker from **Pasado's Safe Haven Animal Sanctuary**, where they learned about animal rescue, neglect investigations, and advocacy. They then worked through a realistic **puppy mill scenario**, exploring how each career field would respond from its own professional perspective.
From providing emergency medical care and investigating criminal activity to rescuing animals and ensuring their health and well-being, students gained valuable insight into how these professions work together to protect both people and animals.
Hands-on, real-world learning is what NCTA is all about! 💙
#NCTASummerSchool #CareerConnectedLearning #PublicService #PreVetTech #CriminalJustice #FireScience #AppliedMedicalScience #HandsOnLearning #FutureProfessionals
Our **Public Service** programs—**Pre-Veterinary Technology, Criminal Justice, Fire Science, and Applied Medical Science**—came together for a unique interdisciplinary learning experience.
Students welcomed a guest speaker from **Pasado's Safe Haven Animal Sanctuary**, where they learned about animal rescue, neglect investigations, and advocacy. They then worked through a realistic **puppy mill scenario**, exploring how each career field would respond from its own professional perspective.
From providing emergency medical care and investigating criminal activity to rescuing animals and ensuring their health and well-being, students gained valuable insight into how these professions work together to protect both people and animals.
Hands-on, real-world learning is what NCTA is all about! 💙
#NCTASummerSchool #CareerConnectedLearning #PublicService #PreVetTech #CriminalJustice #FireScience #AppliedMedicalScience #HandsOnLearning #FutureProfessionals
