📚Inspiring Young Minds: Author Ashley Erdely Leads PTO-Sponsored Assembly
Our K-2 presentation was titled "How an Idea Becomes a Book" and students got to learn the (6-year!) process that I went through in cultivating this seed of an idea into a full blooming book.
Our grade 3-4 presentation was titled "Meet the Wildflowers Where YOU Live" and focused on why the Pacific Northwest is such a mecca for wildflowers --- especially where we live in the Columbia River Gorge! Students learned about ice age floods and rainshadow and all of the aspects that make the PNW perfect for over 1,200 native wildflowers to grow. Students also "met" 5 wildflowers that grow close to home on a deeper level learning about their ideal habitat, the pollinators who prefer them, and their connection with humans, Indigenous people, animals, and the environment they grow in. Both presentations were sprinkled with invitations to get outside and get connected with where we live. As our sense of place grows, our desire to care for the environment around us does too.
It was a lot of fun to be at Whitson Elementary today! I hope that the presentation sparked some good curiosity and desire to get outside and explore over Spring Break. I'll be working with the Whitson 2nd graders for the next few weeks as they study pollinators and we focus together on the special connections between pollinators and wildflowers as well as non-fiction writing fun!
Our K-2 presentation was titled "How an Idea Becomes a Book" and students got to learn the (6-year!) process that I went through in cultivating this seed of an idea into a full blooming book.
Our grade 3-4 presentation was titled "Meet the Wildflowers Where YOU Live" and focused on why the Pacific Northwest is such a mecca for wildflowers --- especially where we live in the Columbia River Gorge! Students learned about ice age floods and rainshadow and all of the aspects that make the PNW perfect for over 1,200 native wildflowers to grow. Students also "met" 5 wildflowers that grow close to home on a deeper level learning about their ideal habitat, the pollinators who prefer them, and their connection with humans, Indigenous people, animals, and the environment they grow in. Both presentations were sprinkled with invitations to get outside and get connected with where we live. As our sense of place grows, our desire to care for the environment around us does too.
It was a lot of fun to be at Whitson Elementary today! I hope that the presentation sparked some good curiosity and desire to get outside and explore over Spring Break. I'll be working with the Whitson 2nd graders for the next few weeks as they study pollinators and we focus together on the special connections between pollinators and wildflowers as well as non-fiction writing fun!


🎵First Grade Music Performance!
The first grade music performance was centered on joy, self-expression, and celebrating who we are. Using the story Chrysanthemum as inspiration, our first graders explored how music can help us feel confident, kind, and connected to others. Through joyful singing, movement, and energetic Boomwhacker performances, the students shared a message of happiness, individuality, and hope for the future. 🎵
The first grade music performance was centered on joy, self-expression, and celebrating who we are. Using the story Chrysanthemum as inspiration, our first graders explored how music can help us feel confident, kind, and connected to others. Through joyful singing, movement, and energetic Boomwhacker performances, the students shared a message of happiness, individuality, and hope for the future. 🎵


Kindergarteners were hard at work today setting clever traps for leprechauns! 🌈✨ There was no shortage of glitter, creativity, and excitement—but those sneaky little leprechauns managed to escape once again! 🍀
Maybe next year we’ll finally catch one! 😉
Maybe next year we’ll finally catch one! 😉










Our 4th grade students spent some peaceful time in the library—relaxing, exploring new stories, and getting lost in a good book. 📚✨
A perfect way to grow as readers and enjoy a little calm in their day!
A perfect way to grow as readers and enjoy a little calm in their day!

🦃✨ Our second graders designed creative Turkey-in-Disguise projects—from trees and fruit to foxes, athletes, and even a cheerleader! Their imaginations soared as they helped their turkeys escape the Thanksgiving feast in style.
We are so proud of their creativity and hard work! 🍁🎨
We are so proud of their creativity and hard work! 🍁🎨









Excited & School-Spirit Filled
Whitson Elementary students cheered loud and proud yesterday as they sent off our high school volleyball team to the State Tournament! 🎉🏐
For the first time in school history, our high school team is headed to State—and the excitement is off the charts!
Go Bruins! ❤️🤍
Whitson Elementary students cheered loud and proud yesterday as they sent off our high school volleyball team to the State Tournament! 🎉🏐
For the first time in school history, our high school team is headed to State—and the excitement is off the charts!
Go Bruins! ❤️🤍








Happy Halloween from Whitson Elementary!










📚 The Book Fair is just days away!
The Fair inspires a love of reading and helps raise much-needed funds for our school.
💳 The easiest way for kids to shop is with an eWallet — a safe, cash-free way for students to make purchases on their own.
Create your child’s eWallet and get started here:
👉 https://scholastic.com/bf/whitsonelementaryschool4
The Fair inspires a love of reading and helps raise much-needed funds for our school.
💳 The easiest way for kids to shop is with an eWallet — a safe, cash-free way for students to make purchases on their own.
Create your child’s eWallet and get started here:
👉 https://scholastic.com/bf/whitsonelementaryschool4

School Supplies & What to Bring
All school supplies for Whitson Elementary have been purchased by the district. Costco has generously donated backpacks for our students.
Please remember to send:
A water bottle (all students)
Headphones (1st & 2nd grade)
Snacks (1st grade only)
All school supplies for Whitson Elementary have been purchased by the district. Costco has generously donated backpacks for our students.
Please remember to send:
A water bottle (all students)
Headphones (1st & 2nd grade)
Snacks (1st grade only)

June 11, 2025-All afternoon buses are running behind schedule due to wildfires in the area. Thanks for your understanding WSVSD.
Save the Date! The Spring Literacy Carnival will be on Wednesday, May 28th from 5:30-7:00 PM at the Henkle Middle School small gym. We will celebrate literacy, highlight student achievement, share ideas for increasing reading skills at home, and promote summer reading (both for our school and the public library). We’ll have treats, games, and a raffle. Come join us! This event is for all White Salmon families, but is geared toward K-6 grades.

A Fantastic Family Math & Play Night!
Thank you to everyone who joined us for an evening of fun, learning, and connection! The night was filled with exciting games, interactive math activities, and plenty of smiles. We loved seeing families learning and playing together! 🎉🧠🎲










We had a fantastic Kindergarten Round-Up, welcoming many enthusiastic incoming Whitson kindergarten students and their families! Together, they completed a fun scavenger hunt and explored the school, taking their first steps toward joining the White Salmon Valley School District community.

Third-grade students had a great time at the "Wild Weather Assembly" presented by OMSI.




Feliz 5 de mayo from Whitson!

Our amazing 1st graders took the stage for their spring music performance—and what a night it was! Full of smiles, sweet songs, and lots of heart, they truly put on a show to remember!


Whitson student's cheer for state send off! Good luck to Future Business Leaders of America who are headed to State Competition in Bellevue. Overall, 45 students qualified in 48 different events.







Third grade recently finished their swim lessons at the Hood River Pool, generously funded by the White Salmon Pool Board. Pictured are Sheriff Joel Carmody and Fiona Wilde, founder of Wilde Wind and Water, who volunteered their time to speak with students about the importance of wearing life jackets and safely enjoying our local waterways.

Fun hair/hat day at Whitson today!

Congratulations to our wrestlers who are off to state! Eda, Sage, Caroline, Matthias, Razo, Everett, Holden, and Gio will represent us at the Tacoma Dome this weekend after their strong performances at the District 4 Championship. Best of luck to all as they compete on the big stage!










