Onalaska Elementary School

Part 2: The Magic Makers (Elementary)
Now, if you really want to see magic, head over to the elementary building. This is where learning begins, where shoes are occasionally on the wrong feet, and where teachers somehow manage to tie 17 pairs of laces while teaching reading.
Mrs. Kaylie Card, Ms. Cara Costi in special education, Ms. Ashely Dickinson, Mrs. Beth Disney, and Ms. Kaitlyn Ferry are laying foundations that will last a lifetime.
Ms. Emma Finley and Mrs. Jenny Goettlman, who became a mom this year, are balancing life and teaching in ways that deserve both applause and probably a nap.
Mrs. Laura Houser, Mrs. Cadence Koenig, who got married this year, congratulations again, and Mrs. Rebecca Langehennig in Life Skills continue to create spaces where every student belongs and succeeds.
Mrs. Rachel Leavitt, pulling double duty as both special education teacher and director, because apparently one full-time job just was not enough.
Ms. Emily Marshall, Mrs. Lacey Miloff, Ms. Araminta Nelson in Life Skills, Mrs. Amber Oien, Mrs. Heather Olsen, and Mrs. Alana Olson continue to show what dedication looks like in real time.
Mr. Jesse Perkinson joined the dad club this year as well, proving once again that our staff is not just growing minds but also families.
Mrs. Amy Price, Mrs. Stephanie Rushton, Ms. Sara Sanders, Mrs. Jacalyn Smith, Mrs. Roxanne Smith, and Mrs. Krista Thomas round out a team that turns classrooms into communities.
And here is the thing.
Across all three buildings, these are not just teachers.
They are mentors. Cheerleaders. Problem-solvers. Role models. Occasionally magicians.
They are the reason students walk in unsure and walk out believing they can.
They are the reason our community has pride in our schools.
They are the reason we can say, without hesitation, that our district is stronger because of them.
So yes, this week is about appreciation.
But the truth is, the appreciation runs all year long.
We see you. We value you. And we are incredibly proud that you are ours.
Now please accept this heartfelt thank you… and maybe an extra cup of coffee. You have earned that too.
💜💛❤️

Teacher Appreciation Week Story

Part 1: The Legends Among Us (High School + Middle School)
Every year, about this time, we pause and say, “Hey, maybe we should acknowledge the people shaping the future of humanity.” Wild concept, I know.
And then we look around our district and realize… we are not just lucky. We are ridiculously lucky.
Let’s start at the high school, where wisdom, patience, caffeine, and the occasional deep sigh all live in perfect harmony.
First, Mr. Doug Abrahmson. Forty-one years. Forty. One. Years. At this point, he has probably taught the parents of the students he is currently teaching… and maybe even corrected their grammar along the way. Doug, your impact is immeasurable, and yes, you have absolutely earned the right to remind everyone how long you have been here.
Right alongside him, Mr. Wayne Nelson with 28 years. Wayne has seen trends come and go, educational fads rise and fall, and somehow students still ask, “Is this graded?” Your steady presence matters more than you probably know.
Then we have Mr. Jason Cole, Ms. Sydney Ferari-Zimmerman, known lovingly as Mz. Fzz, who managed to get married in a secret ceremony at Carlisle Park like some kind of educational ninja. We are still impressed. Also, slightly offended we were not invited, but we will recover. Mostly. 😉
Mr. Tyler Frazier joined the dad club this year while continuing his work in special education, which means he is basically a superhero running on limited sleep. Mrs. Samantha Preston also leveled up to twin mom status, which frankly deserves its own holiday.
Ms. Katie Harris, Mr. Kevin Hoffman, who keeps winning all the awards and grants, Mrs. Andy Johnson, Mr. Kalle Jorgenson, who somehow pulls double duty with the middle school, and Ms. Rachel Shepherd continue to show up every day making the impossible look routine.
Mr. Christopher VanClifford keeps things grounded, and Mr. Alex Frazier, no relation to Tyler, earns a very real and very deserved shoutout for stepping in as a long-term sub all year and officially joining the team next year. We saw you. We appreciate you. And yes, we are keeping you.
Now let’s head over to the middle school, where things are just slightly louder and questions get just a little more… creative.
Ms. Gretchen Brown continues her incredible work in special education, meeting students where they are and helping them go further than they thought possible.
Dr. Melissa Dunworth. That is right. Doctor. She earned her doctorate this year while, you know, casually doing her job. No big deal. Just redefining what overachieving looks like.
Mr. Johnathan Gerbracht, Mrs. Susan Gordan, Mrs. Carey Heuvel, and Mrs. Laura Morast, also known as Sweers’ mom, which may or may not come up at the most convenient times for students.
Mrs. Deb Richardson, quite possibly the happiest person alive, which frankly should be studied scientifically. Mr. Robert Southern, Mrs. Anne Stingley, and Ms. Bethany Sweers round out a team that proves middle school is not for the faint of heart… and yet they make it look like something special.
Because it is.
These educators are not just teaching content. They are building confidence, redirecting energy, celebrating growth, and occasionally explaining for the tenth time why we do not throw things across the room.
And somehow, students are thriving because of it.

A Demonstration in Pride
Onalaska 5th graders giving a lesson in respect Demonstrating how to properly fold, raise, and lower the American flag. Thank you to veteran Mr. Gerbracht for teaching our students, and to Mr. Markuson and SSO Fred Wetzel, 5-0 Fred, for their continued leadership 👏 🔊 Volume up for this important lesson

https://youtu.be/UW7QiBeMqlo

Maple Bars for Guests like Moms

Maple Bars for Guests like Moms will be on Friday, May 8th.
You are invited to come and have breakfast with your child on this special morning.

Time: Breakfast anytime between 7:25 a.m. and 8:25 a.m.
School starts at 8:25 a.m.

Place: Onalaska Elementary Dining Hall
Please check in at the OEMS Office at 280 West 5th Street, 98570

Menu: Blueberry Parfait or Cereal, Maple Bar, Fruit, Milk, and Coffee

Price: Adults and Non-Students $3.50
Students are free

No need to RSVP. We look forward to seeing you.

Sincerely,
Mr. Markuson
OEMS Principal

Jerry Carlson
Food Service Director

Centralia College Early Learners Program
Congratulations to Onalaska School District's ECEAP Preschool for achieving the highest quality rating - LEVEL 5 Early Achievers.
Early Achievers is Washington State’s quality recognition and improvement system (QRIS) for early learning programs, administered by the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF). Its goal is to ensure children receive high-quality early learning experiences that prepare them for school and life, while supporting early learning professionals through coaching, professional development, and resources.
What Level 5 Means
Programs are rated on a scale from Level 1 to Level 5:
Level 1: Licensed and meeting basic requirements
Level 2: Actively improving quality through training
Level 3: Good quality care
Level 4: High-quality learning environment
Level 5: Outstanding program quality
Level 5 programs demonstrate excellence across multiple areas, including child outcomes, curriculum, learning environments, staff development, and family engagement.
High-quality care and learning environments that support kindergarten readiness
Well-trained teachers through ongoing professional development
Safe and nurturing classrooms with appropriate materials and emotional support

Fifth Grade Weather Report | April 20
Featuring Skye & Harley from Miss Finley’s class 🌤️

https://youtu.be/rMNTq1sugcg

Fifth Grade Weather Report | April 17
Featuring Kayden & Phoenix from Ms. Ferry’s class 🌤️

https://youtu.be/5C2s9wXs2_Q

The Fifth Grade Weather Report for Thursday, April 16th — featuring Savannah from Ms. Ferry’s class! 🌦️
Our fifth grade students truly enjoy creating these weather reports for our community! 😉
We might be seeing future Logger News broadcasters in the making! 🎤

https://youtu.be/o0x0YsMwo58