.
Rain or shine, recess is on! 🌧️☀️ Students enjoyed their very first recess under the new covered play shed today.
.
🎉 𝗔 𝗛𝗨𝗚𝗘 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘁-𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗮𝗺𝗮𝘇𝗶𝗻𝗴 Ony Combined Pto ! 🎉
We are beyond grateful for all the time, energy, and heart you pour into our staff, students, and community. 💜 From field trips to field days, fundraisers to cheering at games—you make it all possible!
Your Ony Spirit shines bright wherever you go, and we couldn’t do it without you. 🌟 Thank you for being one of our school’s biggest supporters and for helping make our community such a special place! 💜🖤
#OnySpirit #ThankYouPTO #CommunityStrong #onalaska #ItsAGreatDayToBeALogger
We are beyond grateful for all the time, energy, and heart you pour into our staff, students, and community. 💜 From field trips to field days, fundraisers to cheering at games—you make it all possible!
Your Ony Spirit shines bright wherever you go, and we couldn’t do it without you. 🌟 Thank you for being one of our school’s biggest supporters and for helping make our community such a special place! 💜🖤
#OnySpirit #ThankYouPTO #CommunityStrong #onalaska #ItsAGreatDayToBeALogger
.
.
Nothing beats recess with friends and a little sunshine before the rain rolls in! 🌤️
🦕✨ Our 2nd graders became paleontologists for the day!
Mrs. Smith’s and Mrs. Gerbracht’s 2nd grade classes wrapped up their skills “Big Dig” lesson on paleontology with a hands-on simulated dinosaur dig. Students carefully uncovered their own dinosaurs, just like real scientists, and got to take home a fact card about their discovery.
This exciting activity sparked curiosity, teamwork, and a love for learning—plus, a whole lot of smiles!
📸 Check out Part 1 of our young dino diggers in action!
Mrs. Smith’s and Mrs. Gerbracht’s 2nd grade classes wrapped up their skills “Big Dig” lesson on paleontology with a hands-on simulated dinosaur dig. Students carefully uncovered their own dinosaurs, just like real scientists, and got to take home a fact card about their discovery.
This exciting activity sparked curiosity, teamwork, and a love for learning—plus, a whole lot of smiles!
📸 Check out Part 1 of our young dino diggers in action!
🦖🔎 More 2nd grade dino discoveries!
Our 2nd graders in Mrs. Smith’s and Mrs. Gerbracht’s classes had a blast finishing their “Big Dig” lesson. Each student uncovered their own dinosaur and proudly shared their fact card—making science come to life in a big way!
Scroll through this second round of photos to see more of their incredible simulated dig.
📸 Here’s Part 2 of our dino dig adventure—great job, 2nd graders, you may have some future scientists in the making!
Our 2nd graders in Mrs. Smith’s and Mrs. Gerbracht’s classes had a blast finishing their “Big Dig” lesson. Each student uncovered their own dinosaur and proudly shared their fact card—making science come to life in a big way!
Scroll through this second round of photos to see more of their incredible simulated dig.
📸 Here’s Part 2 of our dino dig adventure—great job, 2nd graders, you may have some future scientists in the making!
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
