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  • You're Invited to the Excellence in Education Awards!

    The Yakima School District, together with the Crystal Apple Co-Chairs and the Yakima Schools Foundation, is proud to celebrate the incredible educators, staff members, and community leaders who make a difference every day at the  Excellence in Education Awards ​. 📅  Date: Thursday, May 8, 2025 🕔  Time: 5:00 PM 📍  Location: Davis High School Auditorium 💲  Cost:  $5 per person Admission is FREE for nominees, their guests, Yakima School District students (with ID), and children five and under. We invite all families, staff, and community members to attend this special evening as we recognize those who go above and beyond to empower and inspire our students. See the full list of nominees at ysd7.org/staffawards . [Tuesday, May 6 at 3:42 PM] Reminder: The Excellence in Education Awards are this Thursday, May 8 at 5:00 PM in the Davis High School Auditorium. Join us for an evening of celebration as we recognize our outstanding educators, staff, and community members. Admission is $5 per person. Free entry for nominees, their guests, Yakima School District students (with ID), and children five and under. For full event details, please read the ParentSquare post below.

    Saturday, Apr 26 2025

  • STUDENT SENATE: Speak Up. Lead Forward. Be the Stude...

    Students! Become a YSD Student Senator Calling all students entering grades 9–12 at Davis, Eisenhower, Stanton, and Yakima Online for the 2025–26 school year (8th -11th graders now). Do you want to make a difference in your school and speak up for students across the district? The Yakima School District Student Senate is a leadership group that brings students together to: Share ideas and concerns from your school Work with district leaders on real decisions Lead student-led projects that create change Build skills in communication, leadership, and teamwork We want all voices included—this is for you. Preview Meeting – May 21 Start by attending our final meeting of the 2024–25 school year on Wednesday, May 21 from 8:00 to 11:00 a.m. You’ll join current and future Student Senators to reflect on the year and help shape the structure and goals for 2025–26. Your principal supports up to five students from your school to participate in this districtwide student voice initiative during school hours. Transportation and permission forms will be coordinated after you register. 2025–26 Student Senate Meeting Schedule Virtual Summer Kickoff (Google Meet) Tuesday, July 15, 2025 – 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 20, 2025 – 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. In-Person School-Year Meetings (location to be announced) Wednesday, October 22, 2025 – 8:00 to 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, December 10, 2025 – 8:00 to 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, February 25, 2026 – 8:00 to 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 29, 2026 – 8:00 to 11:30 a.m. District transportation will pick up students between 8:00 and 8:30 a.m. and return them to school by 11:30 a.m. With parent permission, students may also provide their own transportation. Register Today If you’d like to attend the May 21, 2025 meeting, please fill out the registration link below by May 14, 2025. After that meeting you can decide if you want to particpate as a Student Sentor for the 2025-26 school year. REGISTER NOW

    Thursday, Apr 24 2025

  • 2025-2026 School Calendar Now Available – New Family...

    Dear families, The 2025-2026 Instructional Calendar is now available on our website:  ysd7.org/calendar . New this year! We have created a  family-friendly version of the calendar to make it easier for families to find key school dates. This version: Focuses on important school days for students and families Uses color coding for easy reference Has a more streamlined, easy-to-read format Both the full instructional calendar and the  family-friendly version are attached and available online. Coming soon! Before the end of the school year, all families will receive a  double-sided (English and Spanish) family-friendly calendar in the mail. This printed version will provide a convenient way to keep track of important school dates at home. We hope this helps you plan ahead for the school year. Thank you, Communications and Engagement 

    Friday, Mar 14 2025

  • Reminder: No School February 14-21, Except for Inter...

    Dear Yakima School District community, This is a friendly reminder that all Yakima School District schools will be closed on the following upcoming dates: February 14, 2025 – Designated as a snow makeup day and intersession. Since we did not have a snow day, there will be no regular school, but intersession will still take place. February 17, 2025 – Presidents' Day (No school) February 18 - 21, 2025 – Intersession (No regular school, but intersession will be in session) For more details, visit  ysd7.org/calendar .

    Thursday, Feb 13 2025

  • Welcome Dr. Chris Larsen, Deputy Superintendent

    ​ ​ Welcome Chris Larsen YSD Deputy Superintendent July 1, 2025 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ We are pleased to announce that Dr. Christina (Chris) Larsen will join the Yakima School District on July 1, 2025, as our next Deputy Superintendent, pending school board approval. Stacey Locke, who holds the position currently, will retire in June. Dr. Larsen brings decades of experience in public education, with a career spanning classroom teaching, school leadership, and executive administration. She currently serves as the Executive Director of Human Resources in Highline Public Schools, where she has led major initiatives to recruit, support, and retain educators and staff while ensuring that district policies and labor agreements align with student success. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ In addition to her extensive work in human resources, Dr. Larsen has deep knowledge of public school finance and operations. She was entrusted with temporarily stepping in as Chief Financial Officer for Highline Public Schools, leading key financial initiatives and presenting budget proposals to the school board during a leadership transition. Her expertise in contract negotiations, labor relations, and strategic staffing has been widely recognized by her colleagues, including strong recommendations from her superintendent, direct supervisor, and school board leadership. Dr. Larsen earned her Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policy from the University of Washington and has dedicated her career to fostering collaborative leadership, equitable access to opportunities, and student-centered decision-making. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Dr. Larsen has personal ties to the Yakima area, making this transition especially meaningful. She and her husband, Christopher (yes - Chris and Chris), have two adult sons and enjoy traveling, playing strategy-based board games, and spending time outdoors. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ “It has truly been a privilege to work alongside Dr. Larsen for the past eight years. During this time, I have witnessed her dedication and commitment to Highline. She has taken on various roles, always stepping in whenever there was a need, demonstrating her adaptability and leadership. Dr. Larsen’s passion for education and her ability to inspire those around her have made a significant impact on both students and staff. I am so proud of her as she embarks on this new chapter in her career. I have no doubt that she will continue to excel and make a difference at the next level. Congratulations, Dr. Larsen—you truly earned and deserve this!” Joe Van - President Highline School Board ​ ​

    Friday, Jan 31 2025

  • February Character Education Trait: Persistent

    Dear families, staff, and students, At the Yakima School District, we understand that character development is key to student success—both in school and in the community. Each month, we highlight a character trait, helping students grow into respectful, responsible, and engaged individuals. By following a three-year rotation of traits, we reinforce these foundational values, creating a positive environment for learning and personal growth. Next Month’s Character Trait Trait: Persistent Definition: Demonstrating determination and continued effort to achieve goals despite challenges. Traits We’re Highlighting This Year August: Mindful Fostering an awareness of one's thoughts, feelings, and surroundings without judgment. September: Respectful Valuing and showing consideration for the feelings, rights, and traditions of others. October: Empathetic  Cultivating the ability to understand and share the feelings and perspectives of others. November: Kind  Showing compassion, friendliness, and consideration towards others. December: Altruistic  Demonstrating a selfless concern for the well-being of others. January: Generous  Demonstrating a willingness to give and share freely with others without expecting a reward. February: Persistent  Demonstrating determination and continued effort to achieve goals despite challenges. March: Collaborative  Promoting working together effectively to achieve common goals. April: Innovative  Promoting inventive and original thinking to solve problems and improve situations. May: Civil  Encouraging respectful and polite behavior that contributes to the well-being of the community. June: Fair  Ensuring equal treatment, opportunities, and justice for all individuals. July: Capable  Fostering a belief in one's abilities and potential to achieve success. Thank you for supporting our students’ character development and encouraging these important values at home and in our schools!

    Thursday, Jan 30 2025

  • Mobile Market: Free Food Distribution at Davis High ...

    Dear families and staff, The Yakima School District, in partnership with Second Harvest , is hosting a  Mobile Market to help families in our community. Date: Wednesday, February 19, 2025 Time: 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM (while supplies last) Location: Davis High School - Parking Lot (305 S 7th Ave., Yakima, WA 98902) The Mobile Market is a food bank on wheels , providing fresh, nutritious food to those in need. This is a drive-thru event – No appointment or documentation required. Food will be available for up to  250 families on a first-come, first-served basis. For questions, please contact Berenice Ponce, Family and Community Engagement Supervisor, at 509-573-7073 or comment on this post. [Thursday, Feb 13 at 2:38 PM] This is a friendly reminder that the Yakima School District, in partnership with Second Harvest, is hosting a Mobile Market next Wednesday, February 19, 2025. Date: Wednesday, February 19, 2025 Time: 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM (while supplies last) Location: Davis High School - Parking Lot (305 S 7th Ave., Yakima, WA 98902) The Mobile Market is a drive-thru food bank providing fresh, nutritious food at no cost. No appointment or documentation is required. Food will be available for up to 250 families on a first-come, first-served basis.

    Thursday, Jan 30 2025

  • Join the Annual MLK Peace March on January 20

    Dear Yakima School District Community, We’re excited to invite you to participate in this year’s 40th Annual MLK Peace March and Celebration on  Monday, January 20, 2025 ! Let’s come together to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy and commitment to peace and equality. Peace Walk : Assemble at 11:30 AM, walk begins at 12:00 PM Location: Starting at N. 5th Ave & MLK Jr. Blvd, Yakima, WA Celebration : Starts at 1:00 PM Location: Yakima Convention Center, 10 N. 8th St, Yakima, WA Additionally, the  22nd Annual Lee Paggett Food Drive is taking place now through January 10th. Donation boxes for non-perishable food items are located outside the main offices at Eisenhower and Davis High Schools. This is a wonderful opportunity to support members of our community. For details about other events happening during MLK Week, please refer to the flyer below (also attached). We hope to see you at the march and celebration on January 20!

    Tuesday, Jan 07 2025

  • January Character Education Trait: Generous

    Dear families, staff, and students, At the Yakima School District, we understand that character development is key to student success—both in school and in the community. Each month, we highlight a character trait, helping students grow into respectful, responsible, and engaged individuals. By following a three-year rotation of traits, we reinforce these foundational values, creating a positive environment for learning and personal growth. Next Month’s Character Trait Trait:  Generous Definition: Demonstrating a willingness to give and share freely with others without expecting a reward. Traits We’re Highlighting This Year August: Mindful Fostering an awareness of one's thoughts, feelings, and surroundings without judgment. September: Respectful Valuing and showing consideration for the feelings, rights, and traditions of others. October: Empathetic  Cultivating the ability to understand and share the feelings and perspectives of others. November: Kind  Showing compassion, friendliness, and consideration towards others. December: Altruistic  Demonstrating a selfless concern for the well-being of others. January: Generous  Demonstrating a willingness to give and share freely with others without expecting a reward. February: Persistent  Demonstrating determination and continued effort to achieve goals despite challenges. March: Collaborative  Promoting working together effectively to achieve common goals. April: Innovative  Promoting inventive and original thinking to solve problems and improve situations. May: Civil  Encouraging respectful and polite behavior that contributes to the well-being of the community. June: Fair  Ensuring equal treatment, opportunities, and justice for all individuals. July: Capable  Fostering a belief in one's abilities and potential to achieve success. Thank you for supporting our students’ character development and encouraging these important values at home and in our schools!

    Monday, Dec 30 2024

  • Vintage Davis Auditorium Seating Sale

    Dear families and staff, We are excited to announce an opportunity to own a piece of Davis High School history! On February 8, 2025 , the Yakima School District will host a public sale of surplus vintage seating from the Davis Auditorium. Due to State Surplus Statutes, we are required to either auction or sell surplus items directly. This means we cannot donate these items to booster clubs or other groups. Event Details: Date: Saturday, February 8, 2025 Time: 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM Location: Yakima School District Resource Center located at 113 S 6th Avenue, Yakima WA, 98902 In addition to purchasing these unique items, you can look forward to: Viewing Samples: Vintage seating samples will be available for preview at the District Office, 104 N 4th Avenue, Yakima , during office hours (7:30 AM - 4:30 PM on days school is in session) starting January 6, 2025 Booster Club Booth: Enjoy donuts and beverages available for purchase, with proceeds supporting our school programs. Donation Boxes: Consider contributing to support Davis High School initiatives. Delivery Service: Optional delivery for purchased seating will be available (details and fees to be shared at the event). We encourage you to spread the word about this sale and join us in preserving a piece of Davis history. Please note that the District cannot sell surplus items until 30 days after publication of the public notice in the Yakima Herald . The advertisement will be published soon, and we will keep you updated with additional details as the sale date approaches. Thank you for your continued support of Davis High School and the Yakima School District! [Monday, Mar 17 at 1:32 PM] We have exciting news—there is another chance to own a piece of Davis High School history! Following our previous sale, we have added a one-day sale tomorrow, March 18, from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM at 101 S 6th Ave. Sale Details: -- Chairs are sold in sets of four and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. -- No reservations—all seating is sold as is, where is. -- All purchases must be picked up at the time of sale—no holds or later pickups. -- Price: $50 per set of four chairs. This is a great opportunity to purchase vintage seating from the Davis Auditorium. If you missed out before, now is your chance!

    Friday, Dec 20 2024