Otis Orchards Elementary

Hello EV Students, Staff, and Families, About an hour ago, I was one of 35 superintendents across the state who received a threatening email indicating a bomb threat. The message was emailed to each of the 35 superintendents at the same time. Law enforcement has been notified here and in the many different jurisdictions across the state. Though this is assumed to be a hoax, we are taking precautions. Given recent situations within our own school district and in schools across the state and nation, I felt it important that you learn of this from me rather than through the media. Thank you. Together, we are East Valley. Brian Talbott Superintendent. -bt

Otis Orchards put on its first annual art show! Kindergarten through sixth-grade art is presented on the walls of their hallways. The theme this year is to honor our Veterans. “Keep Kindness in My Heart” is the name of the artwork done by the younger students. They used paint sticks, tempera paint, and puffy paint to create their masterpieces. The focus is to instill within students that kindness matters. For the older students, acrylic paint was used to create “We Will Never Forget”. They focused on the meaning of the poppy and how thankful they are for those who serve and have served in the military, as well as, those who gave their lives so that we can live in freedom. If you are a Veteran, we want to thank you for your service and honor you! We are so proud of how much effort each student has put into their artwork!

Hello East Valley Students, Staff, and Families, Regardless of one’s proximity or involvement in last Friday's school shutdown, it has been a hard and emotional week for all of us in East Valley. It cannot be overstated; we have work to do. That said, we would much prefer to be defined by how we collectively respond to this situation, rather than by the incident itself. Though I cannot yet provide a definitive plan as to next steps, you should know that we are working on it. We have no intention of merely putting a lid on this in hopes it goes away, because we understand that it won't. However, sometimes as educators (and adults), we make well intended decisions on behalf of our young people without ever inquiring of them their own personal perspectives. I believe an essential step moving forward will be asking for and listening to student voices. Through them, all of them, we will engage in the hard conversations and foster the healing process. I ask for your patience as we wish to do this in a thoughtful manner that helps us improve and grow as a school community. Thank you for your support and understanding. The safety of our students and staff must always be at the forefront of our decisions. There is no room for error; we will act thoroughly and thoughtfully, but with necessary urgency in these matters. Thank you for the partnership we have between home and school. If you haven't already, please take the time to talk to your kids about: the incredible power of and potential consequences of their words; when you see something, please say something; and, finally, we look forward to seeing them on Monday, April 10th. Time to roll up our sleeves and get to work; these are our children, in our schools, from our communities, and our neighborhoods. Together, we are East Valley. Brian L Talbott Superintendent -bt

To My East Valley Community, As promised, I am following up to share that information which I am able to provide. Though I have to consider how much is wise to disclose, I am taking the risk of oversharing. If we are to improve as a school community and community at large, it is going to be through truth, regardless of how difficult that truth is. The social media threats made last night, resulting in the closure of all eight campuses today, were not anonymous. Unfortunately, those who perpetrated the threats are (or were) East Valley students. Though no victims were named, threats of harm were made against EVHS students who identify as LGBTQ+. Law enforcement was immediately contacted and the legal process was underway while I was communicating the closure of our schools just before midnight yesterday. Several arrests have been made already today and additional arrests are anticipated. Furthermore, the individuals known to be involved in the threats will be emergency expelled; be assured a full and thorough investigation is in process. I will send out another message next week and prior to our schools returning from spring break. Aside from being your school district superintendent, I am also a father. As both, I feel compelled to share my raw heart today. The intolerance, ignorance, and hate that sometimes comes to and through the schoolhouse doors is horrific at best. It is the same hate, intolerance, and ignorance displayed throughout society on any given day. After all, schools are but a microcosm of society. The cruelty of the world, and that which humanity places upon its own kind, is far more disturbing than the words I am able to come up with. I do not live in a fantasy land; however, I do believe in kindness and most definitely in the golden rule. This incident does not define East Valley; this is not who we are or who we wish to be. We will continue our efforts to educate and to practice acceptance. Hate has no place in East Valley. I stand with, and in this case, in front of our students against hate. I humbly ask you to stand with me...and for them. Together, we are East Valley Brian L Talbott Superintendent -bt

Hello East Valley Students, Staff and Families,  I am deeply saddened to share that tonight we have learned of some social media threats made against East Valley High School students. Thus, we have made the decision to cancel all schools (district-wide) tomorrow, Friday March 31st. Law enforcement is involved in this matter and they are conducting their own investigation on this matter as well. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide any additional information at this time; however, we will provide an update when we are able to do so.  Again, all EVSD schools have been cancelled on March 31st to ensure the safety and security of our students and staff. Additionally, all school related activities are also cancelled.

Join us tonight for our monthly bite night! Enjoy some great food while also supporting the Otis Orchards Elementary PTO! On Wednesday, March 29, 2023, from 4 pm to 8 pm River City Pizza (4707 N Harvard Rd) will be donating a portion of its sales to help support the school.

Washington ranked first and second in the nation in 2022 for the most recertified and new NBCTs. We are so proud and grateful for our 2022 recertified teachers!! View the full list of all regional teachers here: http://bit.ly/40hgN4M.

Mark Your Calendars! On Friday, April 21st the Annual Donkey Basketball Game returns to East Valley High School! Brought to you by East Valley's FFA (Future Farmers of America) Chapter!

Join the Otis Orchards PTO tonight for Trivia Night! A fully charged smartphone or tablet is required to play. $30 per family/team - students MUST be accompanied by an adult - no drop-offs, please. Pizza, popcorn, and drinks will be available to purchase. The top 3 teams will receive a prize!

Otis Orchards McTeacher Night - Join the Teachers and Staff of Otis Orchards for McTeacher night at the Liberty Lake McDonald's (1306 N Liberty Lake Rd, Liberty Lake, WA): Thursday, March 2, 2023, 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm.

PACE Trait for March - Diligence “Diligence is defined as persistence, dedication, and hard work. Some may say these qualities are deep-rooted within individuals while others say they are acquired. It is my experience that they are both.” - Tracie Husted, Intervention Specialist, West Valley School District and PACE guest columnist for March 2019. Who comes to mind when you think about diligence?

Kindergarten registration begins today, March 1, 2023!

Due to weather conditions, all East Valley schools will be on a 90 minute delay today.

Just a reminder that there will be no school tomorrow, Monday, February 20, 2023.

Catch up with the latest student stories, events, and news updates. It's everything East Valley, in your pocket. If you haven't already, download the app! Download for Android https://bit.ly/3Gl7DwS Download for iPhone https://apple.co/3TNIe1I

We are loving our new app! Access documents, news updates, and even emergency notifications, right from your pocket. Download for Android https://bit.ly/3Gl7DwS Download for iPhone https://apple.co/3TNIe1I

REMINDER: There will be no school on Monday, January 16, 2023

East Valley Wrestling Club begins Tuesday, January 10th!

We're thrilled to announce the new app for East Valley! It's everything East Valley, in your pocket. Download for Android https://bit.ly/3Gl7DwS Download for iPhone https://apple.co/3TNIe1I

Welcome to the new EVSD website! We are still working on additional content, so please keep checking back.