Edited to include comments from NWASCO School Board Chair John Nelson on September 21st, 2020 12:00 PM

Colonel Wright Elementary School may be getting a new name! And it's about time, as many former students will tell you learning to spell “Colonel” correctly at any age is difficult. But even worse for many community members is the history attached to the name of the elementary school. For years community members have expressed discomfort over the name of the school, saying it honors a legacy of bloodshed instead of learning, growth, and community.

Starting to exercise or beginning a healthy meal plan can be challenging. It’s easy to slip up and go back to your old ways if you don’t have people to hold you accountable. The best way to get started is to have someone, or a group of people, who are ready and excited to start on their health journey with you.

Wildfires are a part of nature; they play a key role in shaping ecosystems by serving as an agent of renewal and change. But the fires we are currently seeing burning in Oregon shouldn’t be reaching their current size and severity, according to a wildfire management student researcher Sima Safavi-Bayat.

Our first priority is the health and safety of our students and staff. We ask staff to return to their homes and not be in district buildings at this time.

Despite the many difficulties that have already faced teachers due to the COVID-19 pandemic this year, Erin Peter’s says her teaching team is doing their best to make the best of it for their students.

“Even though this year looks completely different, I love getting to ‘see’ my students get excited about learning on Zoom.”

When you’re looking to eat healthier and be more intentional, stay away from diets that will dictate and restrict what you eat. Find ways to modify eating what you already enjoy, and create a plan that you can stick to and feel good about!

District 21 Teachers and support staff in asked for and received additional days to prepare for the upcoming school year, which is set to begin in The Dalles, Thursday, Sept. 3., 2020. Interim Superintendent Theresa Peters said the decision was made after speaking with multiple teachers who were overwhelmed with preparations for starting the year with on-line classes.

South Wasco County School District #1 is asking taxpayers to pass a $4-milliion school bond in the Nov. 3 general election to do major renovations to the schools and district buildings in Maupin. Essentially, taxpayers will get a 50 cent match on the dollar should they choose to approve the bond.

With a decrease in COVID-19 cases during the past several weeks, Wasco County is stepping closer to being able to open some schools if trends continue. Of course, each school district will ultimately make their own decision on when they can open up safely. But, recent health news is a good sign we are moving in the right direction.

Dufur School is nearing completion on upgrades on school buildings, the football field, parking and sidewalks. An $8-million bond approved by 68 percent of voters in 2018 made it possible. Check out the photos and progress here.

Riverbend Community School will be housed on the Columbia Gorge Community campus this year. Formerly called Wahtonka Community School, it will start the year both with a fresh name and a new location.

North Wasco County School District to use the Comprehensive Distance Learning format until October 16th. Thereafter, a possible hybrid of in-class and online education could be utilized if conditions are safe enough.

Ajay Rundell has been selected as the Interim Principal of Dry Hollow Elementary School for the 2020-2021 school year. Kara Flath has been selected as the new Chief Financial Officer for North Wasco School District. Learn more about them here.

Details for The Dalles High School graduation have the ceremony starting at 9:15 a.m. at Sorosis Park. Learn more about it here.

Sea Scouts tested their mettle against the mighty Columbia River on Friday afternoon in the groups first navigational feat of the season. “We’re always looking for new members,” said Skipper Deidra Baumgarten, noting the unit offers rank and advancement and two rafting trips this summer.

Migrant Education Director Jonathon Fost with the Columbia Gorge Education Service District is working with orchardists and the Oregon Department of Education to reshape the migrant education program offered during cherry harvest in Wasco County.

Jenna Miller and Sam Alvarez of The Dalles High School, seen here in their prom photo from 2019, will be engaging in the Social Distant Prom set for Saturday, May 16, 7p.m. - 10p.m. Live streaming from Immense Imagery at gorge prom.com in combination with KACI Radio 93.5 FM will broadcast the event for seniors and juniors at high schools throughout the Gorge.

Dry Hollow Elementary teachers and students reunited on Thursday during a teacher parade that sent students and parents curbside for some fun in the sun.

Theresa Peters received a unanimous nod to be the interim North Wasco County School District superintendent at a special meeting held today, April 30, at 6:20 p.m.