The statewide non-profit organization Washington STEM has given a big boost to the ESD 105 South Central Washington STEM Network in the form of a $196,000 grant to support a plan for expanding science, technology, engineering, and math education (a.k.a. "STEM" education) among our region's schools and industries. A formal local announcement of the grant was made on May 2 before a classroom of engineering students at Toppenish High School.  A robot created by Toppenish students who attended April's VEX Robotics World Championship in Anaheim, California, presented ESD 105 Supt. Steve Myers an envelope containing the amount of the award, which Supt. Myers then unfolded before the group. The...

The ESD 105 online Events Center has taken on a new look.  Here are a few of the changes you will find when you register for our activities: You will be asked to log in using your current e-mail address. When you register for an event, you will be required to enter your payment information. Acceptable means for payment are credit/debit cards, e-checks, and purchase orders. You will be able to pay for your clock hours with credit/debit cards, and e-checks. For detailed information on using our new Events Center and about its features, please see the escWorks User Guide.  

The Spring 2012 edition of our "Class" newsletter includes a cover feature on the region's recent work in STEM (science/technology/engineering/mathematics) education.  You'll also find items about new ESD 105 Board member Mark Grassel of Ellensburg, Washington State High School Principal of the Year Trevor Greene of Toppenish, and a photo roundup of the award-winning students and entries from our recent Regional High School Art Show.  Plus, you can also learn about the upcoming professional development opportunities that will be available at ESD 105 during...

Congratulations to Toppenish High School principal Trevor Greene, who has been named the 2012 Washington State High School Principal of the Year! Greene's selection was announced by the Association of Washington School Principals on March 15. A panel of principals representing the Washington Association of Secondary School Principals selected him from a pool of regional nominees. Washington's newly chosen High School Principal of the Year was recognized for his work at pulling all facets of the learning community together in supporting increased student achievement since he began his principal job at Toppenish in 2008.  The selection panel particularly noted Greene's implementation of...

Congratulations to our region's Knowledge Bowl teams from Ellensburg, Riverside Christian, and West Valley for their trophy-winning performances at the 29th Annual Washington State Knowledge Bowl Tournaments that were held on March 17. The state’s top 18 teams among each school division competed in this year’s State Knowledge Bowl events. Spokane Falls Community College in Spokane hosted the state tournaments for 1B, 2B, and 1A schools. Marysville-Pilchuck High School hosted the state tournaments for the 2A, 3A, and 4A schools.   • Ellensburg — At the State 2A tournament held at Marysville-Pilchuck High School in Marysville, Ellensburg High School emerged with the 4th place trophy,...