Sue McMahon was smart to get moving early as temperatures are expected to hit 97 today, according to the National Weather Service. At least there will be some breeze to dry the sweat with east wind predicted at 5 to 7 mph. Kiwanis Steak feed starts at 5 p.m. Some schools move to early release due to the heat wave.

A staggered start for freshmen, sixth-graders and kindergartners brings the first wave of students back to D21 school in The Dalles today, Sept. 3. All students are expected back in class on Wednesday. Drivers should use extra caution as additional kids hit the street.

Ketchum outlined some of the disruptive behaviors that teachers have endured in the classroom over the years. They included verbal abuse such as screaming and threats made to teachers and other students, physical abuse such as hitting, kicking, and throwing objects in the classroom, and overall classroom destruction.

I believe it is the first time I have attended any sort of Veteran’s Day celebration and it is hard to imagine a program being better organized and meaningful than the one I witnessed on Thursday. - JIm Dunnigan on the Dufur School‘s assembly to honor Veterans.

Calvin Evans is curious. And a recent question he posed to his peers at The Dalles High School brought out some startling revelations.

North Wasco County School District had to fill 47 teaching positions over the summer - this came at a time when districts were struggling nationwide to fill positions. Oh, it also filled three vacant principal positions. This occurred at a time when it seems impossible.

We’ve all been young and made poor decisions, no doubt, but children and youths might not understand the levity of what seems like a harmless action. So, it is important to talk it through with kids so they understand that their idea of fun might land them in pretty hot water. With the last day of school set for Friday, June 10, parents might do well by having a quick discussion with their children about when jokes turn bad.

D21 is offering a host of different programs to enhance summer activities and provide opportunities for local students to catch up on credits and improve academic skills.

The Dalles School Teachers and D21 offer up some of the lessons and activities going on in their classrooms of late. Classes have been sending positive notes, drawing what love looks like, practicing for natural disasters. In addition, the district is working towards a strategic plan, will give a presentation on innovative learning on Thursday and is currently hiring for summer school.

North Wasco County School Board is set to accept a resignation from one of its board members at its regular meeting scheduled for Jan. 20. The board will also hear from student representatives from each school. Sophia Lewis, Rokiah Notbohm, Cesar Alvarez, Hannah Pewitt, Eleanor Young, Omar Mercado Chavarria and Cadence LeAnn Scott are set to speak.

Parents and guardians who are concerned about COVID cases occurring in public schools now have a new tool in The Dalles. The North Wasco County School District has launched a new COVID dashboard on its home page.

Between Sept. 1 and Sept. 8, schools in Wasco and Sherman counties reported 19 cases of COVID-19. School-based cases can be reported among students, staff or volunteers. None were due to transmission in the school setting.

North Wasco County School District 21 is well on its way towards the long-term goal of a health center at The Dalles High School. With the help of grants, the ESD is working with school districts in Wasco and Hood River counties to figure out how to provide more school-based treatable mental health care.