"On October 30, 2024, Rep. Peter Abbarno (R-Centralia) visited Onalaska School District as part of WA Assn of Maintenance and Operation Administrators (WAMOA) legislative school visits. Shown above is Onalaska High School, which houses 275 9-12 grade students. Originally built in the 1980’s, the schools offers a comprehensive education program. The group observed a large science room as the school offers biology and the physical sciences. The school offers a strong FFA program, and their students have won awards in potato competitions, Hampshire pig, and animal husbandry. High school students also go across the street to teach elementary students about FFA programs. The school offers a variety of Career and Technical Education (CTE) classes, including welding, metal, auto, wood and aquaculture. The gym displays a weight room above the seating area. In terms of security, visitors are let in by the main office, and, as the school contains several standalone buildings, all outside classroom doors are locked during the school day. The group observed a positive school climate in which all students are valued and respected, and agreed that Onalaska HS is an excellent place for students to learn."
From left, Wade Pilloud, principal; Megan Iverson, member, Onalaska SD board of directors; Taunya Naillon, chair, Onalaska SD board of directors; Don Luthardt, Aetta Architects, American Institute of Architects (AIAWA) representative; Tyler Muench, director, advocacy & external affairs/ governmental relations, OSPI; Phil Partington, SW regional coordinator, schools facilities and organization; Jacob Cornwall, supervisor, grounds & maintenance, North Thurston PS, and WAMOA representative; Mitch Denning, WAMOA consultant; Brenda Padgett, superintendent; Rep. Abbarno; and Jared Stevens, supervisor, maintenanl.ce/custodia
"On October 30, 2024, Rep. Peter Abbarno (R-Centralia) visited Onalaska School District as part of WA Assn of Maintenance and Operation Administrators (WAMOA) legislative school visits. Shown above is Onalaska Elementary School which also includes Onalaska Middle School. Originally built in the 1970’s, the elementary school houses 430 PreK-5 students. In the 1980’s, the middle school was added, and houses 203 6-8 grade students. Positive behavior is clearly reinforced as each school has a “Student of the Month” assembly each month where numerous students are recognized for the excellent work and / or behavior. As the cafeteria has limited space, the students eat breakfast after the bell in their classrooms. The two schools share the same library, and each student has their own chromebook. One of the facility challenges is the regulation of heat in the classrooms, and this system needs to be upgraded. Outside some of the gutters need to be replaced. Due to scheduling, band and physical education happen at the same time, as the band room and the stage are in adjoining rooms, which is not the best situation for the band students. The group observed a positive school climate as exemplified by students being respectful, responsible and safe. All agreed that Onalaska Elementary and Middle Schools are both providing excellent opportunities for students to learn."
From left, Jacob Cornwall, supervisor, grounds and maintenance, North Thurston PS, and WAMOA representative; Phil Partington, SW regional coordinator, OSPI facilities and school organization; Jared Stevens, supervisor, maintenance/custodial; Tyler Muench, director, advocacy & external affairs, OSPI; Brenda Padgett, superintendent; Rep. Abbarno; Tanya Naillon, chair, Onalaska SD board of directors; Don Luthardt, Aetta Architects, American Institute of Architects (AIAWA) representative; Megan Iverson, member, Onalaska SD board of directors; and Mitch Denning, WAMOA consultant.
Articles and photos courtesy of Mitch Denning