September 16, 2025
Dear Onalaska Families,
At approximately 1:30 p.m. today, our district enacted a modified lockdown at the high school out of an abundance of caution.
A member of our maintenance team observed an individual on district property who did not have permission or a clear purpose to be there. The employee immediately notified our School Safety Officer (SSO)Wetzel, who responded to the scene and attempted to contact the individual. When the individual refused to comply and continued walking on school property, the high school was placed into a modified lockdown as a precautionary measure, and a call was placed to 911 reporting a disorderly subject trespassing.
During this time, the individual escalated in behavior and became aggressive toward another member of our maintenance team. SSO Wetzel maintained control of the situation until Lewis County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrived. The individual was soon located and taken into custody.
I am extremely proud of our administrators and staff who followed all safety protocols to keep students secure. Special recognition goes to SSO Wetzel for his steady leadership in maintaining safety, as well as to our maintenance team for serving as the eyes and ears around our schools and acting quickly to notify our safety officer.
The safety of our students and staff remains our top priority. Thank you for your continued support and trust as we work each day to keep our schools safe.
Sincerely,
Brenda Padgett
Superintendent
Dear Onalaska Families,
At approximately 1:30 p.m. today, our district enacted a modified lockdown at the high school out of an abundance of caution.
A member of our maintenance team observed an individual on district property who did not have permission or a clear purpose to be there. The employee immediately notified our School Safety Officer (SSO)Wetzel, who responded to the scene and attempted to contact the individual. When the individual refused to comply and continued walking on school property, the high school was placed into a modified lockdown as a precautionary measure, and a call was placed to 911 reporting a disorderly subject trespassing.
During this time, the individual escalated in behavior and became aggressive toward another member of our maintenance team. SSO Wetzel maintained control of the situation until Lewis County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrived. The individual was soon located and taken into custody.
I am extremely proud of our administrators and staff who followed all safety protocols to keep students secure. Special recognition goes to SSO Wetzel for his steady leadership in maintaining safety, as well as to our maintenance team for serving as the eyes and ears around our schools and acting quickly to notify our safety officer.
The safety of our students and staff remains our top priority. Thank you for your continued support and trust as we work each day to keep our schools safe.
Sincerely,
Brenda Padgett
Superintendent
New Play Shed Brings Year-Round Fun!
What's going on with the playground? We are glad you asked!
Our 3rd–5th grade playground has a brand-new upgrade—and the students are already loving it! The new play shed is officially up and ready for action, providing a covered space where students can enjoy the big toy underneath, rain or shine (or even snow!). Not only does it make recess more fun, but it also gives students a safe and dry spot to line up by classroom when the bell rings. This is all thanks to a grant the district received called Health Kids, Health Schools
The fun doesn’t stop there—a brand-new climbing structure will soon be joining the playground shenanigans, giving our students even more ways to stay active and play together.
While the shed is already safe and sound for daily use, a few more improvements are on the horizon, thanks to funds pledged by the legislature. Be on the lookout for these upgrades starting next spring.
What an exciting addition to our campus—we can’t wait to see all the smiles and adventures this new space will bring!
High school JV soccer vs WF West won 3-0
Article and pictures contributed by Dessirae McBee
Article and pictures contributed by Dessirae McBee
Welcome Classes of 2038 & 2039!
The first day of school was a little foggy outside, but the smiles of our newest Loggers lit up the morning! Our kindergarten and transitional kindergarten students—the Classes of 2038 and 2039—were warmly welcomed by Superintendent Brenda Padgett, Elementary Principal Larry Markuson, and Athletic Director Mazen Saade. Kindergarten teachers Mrs. Olsen, Mrs. Oien, and Mrs. Koenig were all smiles as they greeted students and families in the drop-off line and waved to those arriving by bus.
Adding to the excitement, our high school football team jumped in to help, eagerly directing traffic through the busy drop-off line, while the Onalaska PTO cheered on our littlest learners as they took their first big steps into school.
It was a fun, joy-filled morning that set the tone for a fantastic year ahead—welcome to Onalaska, Classes of 2038 and 2039!
The first day of school was a little foggy outside, but the smiles of our newest Loggers lit up the morning! Our kindergarten and transitional kindergarten students—the Classes of 2038 and 2039—were warmly welcomed by Superintendent Brenda Padgett, Elementary Principal Larry Markuson, and Athletic Director Mazen Saade. Kindergarten teachers Mrs. Olsen, Mrs. Oien, and Mrs. Koenig were all smiles as they greeted students and families in the drop-off line and waved to those arriving by bus.
Adding to the excitement, our high school football team jumped in to help, eagerly directing traffic through the busy drop-off line, while the Onalaska PTO cheered on our littlest learners as they took their first big steps into school.
It was a fun, joy-filled morning that set the tone for a fantastic year ahead—welcome to Onalaska, Classes of 2038 and 2039!
A Bright Beginning for Our Youngest Loggers
What a wonderful first day for our kindergarten and transitional kindergarten students! The fog may have lingered, but the joy and excitement shone brightly as families dropped off their little ones. Superintendent Brenda Padgett, Principal Larry Markuson, Athletic Director Mazen Saade, and our amazing kindergarten teachers—Mrs. Olsen, Mrs. Oien, and Mrs. Koenig—were there to welcome students with big smiles and waves.
Special thanks to our high school football team for helping with traffic and to the Onalaska PTO for bringing the cheers! It was the perfect kickoff to a new school year for the Classes of 2038 and 2039.
Every year since September 11th, 2001 students have been making flags to pay their respects for the lives lost on that tragic day.
~Mrs. Richardson
~Mrs. Richardson
📸✨ Say Cheese, Onalaska! ✨📸
Picture Day for Preschool–8th Grade is coming up on Tuesday, September 30th!
Get those bright smiles ready—this is your chance to capture the memories of the 2025 school year!
👉 Friendly reminder: Preschool kicks off September 22nd, so our littlest Loggers will be ready for the camera too. 💜💛
Picture Day for Preschool–8th Grade is coming up on Tuesday, September 30th!
Get those bright smiles ready—this is your chance to capture the memories of the 2025 school year!
👉 Friendly reminder: Preschool kicks off September 22nd, so our littlest Loggers will be ready for the camera too. 💜💛
Here are a few pictures from Mrs. Smith’s second grade class on the first day of school, along with some of the fun we had and a few surprises!
We had the special opportunity to meet K9 Clover and even take a class picture with her!
In class, we read First Day Jitters and shared a fun “Jitter Juice” surprise to help ease those first-day butterflies. Our recipe was one part green Hawaiian Punch, one part Sprite, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and a sprinkle of rainbow sprinkles—it was a big hit!
We had the special opportunity to meet K9 Clover and even take a class picture with her!
In class, we read First Day Jitters and shared a fun “Jitter Juice” surprise to help ease those first-day butterflies. Our recipe was one part green Hawaiian Punch, one part Sprite, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and a sprinkle of rainbow sprinkles—it was a big hit!
A Busy and Exciting Week for Onalaska Staff
The week of August 25th was a full and rewarding one for our Onalaska School District staff!
We kicked things off Monday with the School Board Meeting, where we honored several staff members for their years of dedication and service:
Alma Granman – 15 years
Beth Disney – 20 years
Doug Abrahamson – 40 years
Monday was also New Teacher Day, giving new staff an opportunity to meet colleagues, connect with administrators, and tour our campuses.
On Tuesday, teachers participated in the Summer Learning Institute, diving into new strategies and professional growth opportunities.
Wednesday brought our All Staff Day along with the second session of the Summer Learning Institute. During All Staff Day, we recognized two additional staff members who reached milestone anniversaries:
Selena Sabin – 10 years
Alana Olson – 10 years
We also celebrated a little friendly competition—Amy Price was the first to complete her Safe Schools Training and earned a special prize!
We are grateful for the hard work and dedication of our staff as we head into a new school year.
The week of August 25th was a full and rewarding one for our Onalaska School District staff!
We kicked things off Monday with the School Board Meeting, where we honored several staff members for their years of dedication and service:
Alma Granman – 15 years
Beth Disney – 20 years
Doug Abrahamson – 40 years
Monday was also New Teacher Day, giving new staff an opportunity to meet colleagues, connect with administrators, and tour our campuses.
On Tuesday, teachers participated in the Summer Learning Institute, diving into new strategies and professional growth opportunities.
Wednesday brought our All Staff Day along with the second session of the Summer Learning Institute. During All Staff Day, we recognized two additional staff members who reached milestone anniversaries:
Selena Sabin – 10 years
Alana Olson – 10 years
We also celebrated a little friendly competition—Amy Price was the first to complete her Safe Schools Training and earned a special prize!
We are grateful for the hard work and dedication of our staff as we head into a new school year.
This August 9th-12th Leo C., incoming 7th grade ASB president and Gavin G., incoming 7th grade ASB spirit leader, and Mrs. Richardson, ASB Adviser headed to Camp Columbia at Cispus located in Randle, WA.
All three attended classes on leadership, planning skits, and bringing a sense of community to Onalaska Middle School.
These leaders are excited for the 2025-2026 school year.
~Mrs. Richardson
All three attended classes on leadership, planning skits, and bringing a sense of community to Onalaska Middle School.
These leaders are excited for the 2025-2026 school year.
~Mrs. Richardson
It takes a quiet house to hear the still small voice
Submitted by Linda Hatfield Southern
Original picture from the Chronicle
WELCOME BACK LOGGERS
Submitted by Linda Hatfield Southern
Original picture from the Chronicle
WELCOME BACK LOGGERS
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🌟 Become a Youth Mentor with the O.W.L. Mentoring Program! 🌟
Do you have a heart for helping others? We're searching for passionate, caring adults to join our O.W.L. Mentoring Program and make a lasting impact on the next generation.
✨ Why Mentor?
Youth mentoring leads to powerful results:
✅ Better academic performance
✅ Higher college enrollment rates
✅ Improved self-esteem & confidence
✅ Healthier choices & reduced substance misuse
✅ Brighter outlook on life and school
💬 As a mentor, you’ll be a role model and trusted guide—providing encouragement, support, and consistency. No special experience required! Just bring your compassion and commitment—we’ll provide all the training and support you need.
💡 Be the person you needed when you were younger.
Your time and heart can truly change a life.
👉 Ready to get started? Visit the O.W.L page
and fill out a volunteer form today!
🌟 Become a Youth Mentor with the O.W.L. Mentoring Program! 🌟
Do you have a heart for helping others? We're searching for passionate, caring adults to join our O.W.L. Mentoring Program and make a lasting impact on the next generation.
✨ Why Mentor?
Youth mentoring leads to powerful results:
✅ Better academic performance
✅ Higher college enrollment rates
✅ Improved self-esteem & confidence
✅ Healthier choices & reduced substance misuse
✅ Brighter outlook on life and school
💬 As a mentor, you’ll be a role model and trusted guide—providing encouragement, support, and consistency. No special experience required! Just bring your compassion and commitment—we’ll provide all the training and support you need.
💡 Be the person you needed when you were younger.
Your time and heart can truly change a life.
👉 Ready to get started? Visit the O.W.L page
and fill out a volunteer form today!
🚐 Transportation Update 🚌
We are excited to share some great news! Thanks to the incredible support from our community, we received so many applications for van drivers that we are no longer in need of additional regular drivers.
✨ Thank you to everyone who stepped up to help our students get to and from school safely! Your response truly shows the strength of our community.
That said, we are still in need of:
Substitute Van Drivers
Bus Drivers
Substitute Monitors
The best way to become a full-time driver or monitor is to start as a substitute. Many of our current staff began as subs, and it’s a great way to get your foot in the door while supporting our students.
👉 https://jobs.redroverk12.com/org/2048
We are excited to share some great news! Thanks to the incredible support from our community, we received so many applications for van drivers that we are no longer in need of additional regular drivers.
✨ Thank you to everyone who stepped up to help our students get to and from school safely! Your response truly shows the strength of our community.
That said, we are still in need of:
Substitute Van Drivers
Bus Drivers
Substitute Monitors
The best way to become a full-time driver or monitor is to start as a substitute. Many of our current staff began as subs, and it’s a great way to get your foot in the door while supporting our students.
👉 https://jobs.redroverk12.com/org/2048
🚐 No CDL? No Problem!
Onalaska School District is hiring Van Drivers for the new school year!
✔ Flexible hours
✔ Extra income
✔ Make a difference for kids in our community
Start date: Aug 27th
👉 Apply today: https://jobs.redroverk12.com/org/2048
Onalaska School District is hiring Van Drivers for the new school year!
✔ Flexible hours
✔ Extra income
✔ Make a difference for kids in our community
Start date: Aug 27th
👉 Apply today: https://jobs.redroverk12.com/org/2048
Attention Parents & Guardians
As we get ready for the new school year, we need your help in making sure everything is up-to-date in Skyward!
✅ Child Income Survey – Please log in and complete this form for Free/Reduced Meals. This is also where you’ll need to check the ASB and Athletic Fees boxes if your Middle or High School student is playing a sport. These boxes are important for determining waivers for the school year. Even if you’ve already filled it out, please go back and double-check that those boxes are marked.
✅ Update Your Information – While you’re there, review and update addresses, phone numbers, and emails for both you and your student.
✅ Stay Informed – Watch your Skyward account for upcoming paperwork and important dates throughout the year.
✅ Volunteer Forms – Take a moment on our school website to submit a volunteer form. These expire every year on June 30, so now is the perfect time to get yours completed for the 2025-26 school year!
Thank you for helping us start the school year smoothly!
As we get ready for the new school year, we need your help in making sure everything is up-to-date in Skyward!
✅ Child Income Survey – Please log in and complete this form for Free/Reduced Meals. This is also where you’ll need to check the ASB and Athletic Fees boxes if your Middle or High School student is playing a sport. These boxes are important for determining waivers for the school year. Even if you’ve already filled it out, please go back and double-check that those boxes are marked.
✅ Update Your Information – While you’re there, review and update addresses, phone numbers, and emails for both you and your student.
✅ Stay Informed – Watch your Skyward account for upcoming paperwork and important dates throughout the year.
✅ Volunteer Forms – Take a moment on our school website to submit a volunteer form. These expire every year on June 30, so now is the perfect time to get yours completed for the 2025-26 school year!
Thank you for helping us start the school year smoothly!
Students spent 3 days working at NW Trek helping the maintenance crew perform routine tasks
Boaters License, Camping, Trail work, these kids are rocking it! All the students passed their boaters tests and had practical hands-on experience. Camping was a unique experience where students cooked for themselves, set up their own tents, worked all day with the Olympia Mountaineers removing invasive plants and spent the evening swimming Coldwater Lake.
🚨 We're Hiring Substitutes for the 2025–26 School Year! 🚨
Onalaska School District is looking for dependable and caring individuals to join our team as Substitute Bus Drivers, Bus Monitors, and Food Service Workers for the upcoming school year.
Whether you're looking for a flexible way to support our students and community, this is a great opportunity!
✅ Make a difference every day
📍 If you're interested, please apply online at: https://jobs.redroverk12.com/org/2048
Join us in keeping Onalaska running smoothly and safely — we’d love to have you on board!
Onalaska School District is looking for dependable and caring individuals to join our team as Substitute Bus Drivers, Bus Monitors, and Food Service Workers for the upcoming school year.
Whether you're looking for a flexible way to support our students and community, this is a great opportunity!
✅ Make a difference every day
📍 If you're interested, please apply online at: https://jobs.redroverk12.com/org/2048
Join us in keeping Onalaska running smoothly and safely — we’d love to have you on board!
Students have completed their 3rd week of the OHS Summer CTE program. We had a short week focusing on ground management around the High School. Students learned how to calculate and safely apply fertilizer and herbicide to lawns, use a commercial sized mower in Carlisle Park and brush hog an overgrown field full of invasive canary grass. They also maintained and box scrapped a mile long abandoned road which provides access to the Aquaculture Programs water source.
We also worked at a private residence to help remove a large section of canary grass along the river. ~Mr. Hoffman
We also worked at a private residence to help remove a large section of canary grass along the river. ~Mr. Hoffman
The OHS CTE Summer Program completed its 2nd 40 hour work week. We worked with Park Rangers at Ike Kinswa and SeaQuest State Park building recreational trails, removing invasive plants, and touring the Mt. St. Helens visitor center. The Department of Natural Resources provided technical training on plant identification, invasive plant removal, and amphibian identification on Lake Kapowsin. Our week concluded with partnering with the Nisqually River Foundation helping remove invasive plants. These young students are rising up and doing very well for being 14-16 years old.
~Mr. Hoffman
~Mr. Hoffman
