Our 6th Grade Science students visited the Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge for an amazing day of outdoor learning. Students studied the many plants and animals that make up this beautiful area, explored the uses of various plants in their learning journals, and recorded their observations and discoveries throughout the trip.
At the end of the visit, students shared their reflections and favorite experiences with the whole group. Thankfully, the weather cooperated!
A big thank you to all of the teachers and chaperones who helped make this an incredible learning journey for our students.
https://youtube.com/shorts/UAay-qOkuxA?feature=share
Our Middle School textile arts students have spent the school year learning new skills, expressing their creativity, and putting countless hours into their quilt projects. Mrs. Dunworth has compiled a special video showcasing their amazing work, and we couldn't be more proud of what these students have accomplished!
From the first stitch to the final quilt, each project reflects dedication, patience, and artistic talent. Thank you, Mrs. Dunworth, for inspiring and encouraging our students throughout the year, and congratulations to our textile artists on a job well done!
🎥 Take a look at this year's quilt projects and celebrate the creativity and hard work of our Middle School students. We hope you enjoy the showcase as much as we do! 💜🪡🧵
#OnalaskaPride #StudentCreativity #TextileArts #MiddleSchoolArtists #Quilting #LearningByDoing #StudentSuccess
https://youtu.be/InrE_RCN3_U
Our middle school scientists had an exciting hands-on learning experience during dissection day! Mrs. Richardson shared this great photo of three students who were all smiles after the activity and summed up the day perfectly:
💬 "Best day ever!"
Learning comes to life when students have the opportunity to explore, investigate, and discover firsthand. Experiences like these help build curiosity, critical thinking skills, and a deeper understanding of science.
Great job, Mrs. Richardson, and way to embrace the excitement of learning! 👏🧪🔍
#OnalaskaSchools #FutureScientists #HandsOnLearning #MiddleSchoolScience #LearningInAction #BestDayEver
🥚🎉 2026 Egg Drop Challenge Success! 🎉🥚
This year, our 6th grade students were invited to participate in the annual Egg Drop Challenge alongside the 7th and 8th graders—and they rose to the challenge in impressive fashion!
Students in Mrs. Richardson’s and Mr. Gerbracht’s Middle School Science classes, with assistance from Mrs. Walster, applied creativity, engineering, and scientific thinking to design devices that would protect their eggs from impact. Their hard work, problem-solving skills, and innovation were on full display throughout the competition.
🏆 1st Period Winners
🥇 Best Design: Scarlett C.
🎨 Creative Design:
Avery P.
Annabelle L.
Kyanna K.
🏆 2nd Period Winners
🥇 Overall Best Survival Design:
June B.
Laura H.
Paislee M.
🎨 Most Creative Design:
Evie L. B.
Aria J.
Zane M.
🔬 Scientific Design:
Shelby B.
Paige B.
Kennlie C.
Congratulations to all of our participants for accepting the challenge and demonstrating outstanding creativity, perseverance, and scientific thinking. Our 6th graders embraced the opportunity to compete alongside older students and showed that great ideas and determination can lead to outstanding results.
📸 Thank you to Mrs. Richardson for providing the information and photos, and to Mrs. Richardson, Mr. Gerbracht, and Mrs. Walster for helping make this hands-on STEM learning experience a success.
⭐ Special appearance by Mrs. Johnson, who helped make the event even more memorable!
#EggDropChallenge #STEMEducation #MiddleSchoolScience #FutureEngineers #StudentSuccess #OnalaskaPride 🥚🚀📚
On May 29, students at Onalaska Elementary and Middle School had the opportunity to explore a wide variety of careers during our annual Career Day!
With 21 presenters sharing their experiences, students learned about professions including medicine, veterinary care, photography, electrical work, culinary arts, automotive repair, and many more.
Middle school students attended presentations and visited career booths to ask questions and learn about different career pathways. Elementary students welcomed professionals into their classrooms for engaging and interactive presentations.
A special thank you to all of our presenters for taking the time to inspire our students and help them explore future possibilities. Career Day was filled with learning, curiosity, and meaningful connections that will leave a lasting impact on our students.
Take a look at some of the highlights from this amazing day!
https://youtube.com/shorts/khkb_O8MerY?feature=share
#OnalaskaSchools #CareerDay #FutureReady #LoggerPride
Donuts for Guests like Dads will be on Friday, June 12th. You are invited to have breakfast with your child on Friday, June 12th.
Time: Breakfast anytime between 7:25 a.m. and 8:25 a.m. (School starts at 8:25).
Place: Onalaska Elementary Dining Hall.
Please check in at the OEMS Office at 280 West 5th Street, 98570
Menu: Biscuits & Gravy or Cereal, “Donut”, Fruit, Milk, and Coffee.
Price: Adults & Non-Students $3.50 (exact change is helpful). Students are Free.
No need to RSVP. We look forward to seeing you!
Sincerely,
Mr. Markuson Jerry Carlson
OEMS Principal Food Service Director
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
Students earned this exciting outing through their positive behavior, strong attendance, and commitment to their academics. The day was filled with music, laughter, skating, and making memories with friends.
A big thank you to Mrs. Morast, Mr. Gerbracht, and Ms. Sweers for spending the day with our students and helping make the experience so special.
Great job, Loggers! Keep up the hard work and keep earning these awesome opportunities! 💜💛 #LoggerPride #StudentSuccess #IncentiveDay
Our middle school students recently enjoyed an Incentive Day at Fairway Lanes in Morton. Students earned this special trip through their hard work, positive behavior, strong attendance, and dedication to their grades.
The day was filled with bowling, laughter, friendly competition, and time to build connections with friends and staff. A big thank you to Mrs. Richardson, Mr. Southern, Mrs. Stingley, Ms. Nelson, Mrs. Reed, Mrs. Poppe, Dr. Dunworth, and bus driver Mrs. Nederlander for helping make the day such a great experience.
Way to go, Loggers! Keep up the great work and keep earning those rewards! 💜💛 #LoggerPride #StudentSuccess #IncentiveDay
https://youtube.com/shorts/xe1mij5eiuw?feature=share
June 16th-18th at the Onalaska High School Gym
Get ready for 3 days of basketball skills, games, competition, and fun with Coach Alana Olson, Coach Rex Stanley, and our Onalaska High School girls and boys basketball players!
This camp is open to boys and girls and is a great opportunity for young athletes to improve their game, build confidence, and have fun with friends.
📅 Camp Sessions
🏀 Session I: Grades K-3
For students entering these grades in the 2026/2027 school year
⏰ 11:30 AM-12:30 PM
💲 $30
🏀 Session II: Grades 4-7
For students entering these grades in the 2026/2027 school year
⏰ 12:30 PM-2:30 PM
💲 $40
👕 Every registered player will receive a camp t-shirt!
Players should wear clean court shoes. Basketballs will be provided during camp, but players are welcome to bring their own.
We are excited to work with our future Loggers and make this a fun and positive experience for all skill levels!
📩 Registration forms and flyer available now.
For questions, contact Coach Alana Olson:
aolson@onysd.wednet.edu
360-880-2755
Tomorrow is the FINAL day to purchase your yearbook!
💵 Yearbooks are only $20 - Cash only!
⏰ Orders close tomorrow — and no extra yearbooks will be sold after the deadline!
Don’t miss out on all the memories, friends, laughs, sports, dances, and unforgettable moments from this school year! ✨
Get yours before it’s too late! 📖
Part 2: The Magic Makers (Elementary)
Now, if you really want to see magic, head over to the elementary building. This is where learning begins, where shoes are occasionally on the wrong feet, and where teachers somehow manage to tie 17 pairs of laces while teaching reading.
Mrs. Kaylie Card, Ms. Cara Costi in special education, Ms. Ashely Dickinson, Mrs. Beth Disney, and Ms. Kaitlyn Ferry are laying foundations that will last a lifetime.
Ms. Emma Finley and Mrs. Jenny Goettlman, who became a mom this year, are balancing life and teaching in ways that deserve both applause and probably a nap.
Mrs. Laura Houser, Mrs. Cadence Koenig, who got married this year, congratulations again, and Mrs. Rebecca Langehennig in Life Skills continue to create spaces where every student belongs and succeeds.
Mrs. Rachel Leavitt, pulling double duty as both special education teacher and director, because apparently one full-time job just was not enough.
Ms. Emily Marshall, Mrs. Lacey Miloff, Ms. Araminta Nelson in Life Skills, Mrs. Amber Oien, Mrs. Heather Olsen, and Mrs. Alana Olson continue to show what dedication looks like in real time.
Mr. Jesse Perkinson joined the dad club this year as well, proving once again that our staff is not just growing minds but also families.
Mrs. Amy Price, Mrs. Stephanie Rushton, Ms. Sara Sanders, Mrs. Jacalyn Smith, Mrs. Roxanne Smith, and Mrs. Krista Thomas round out a team that turns classrooms into communities.
And here is the thing.
Across all three buildings, these are not just teachers.
They are mentors. Cheerleaders. Problem-solvers. Role models. Occasionally magicians.
They are the reason students walk in unsure and walk out believing they can.
They are the reason our community has pride in our schools.
They are the reason we can say, without hesitation, that our district is stronger because of them.
So yes, this week is about appreciation.
But the truth is, the appreciation runs all year long.
We see you. We value you. And we are incredibly proud that you are ours.
Now please accept this heartfelt thank you… and maybe an extra cup of coffee. You have earned that too.
💜💛❤️
Teacher Appreciation Week Story
Part 1: The Legends Among Us (High School + Middle School)
Every year, about this time, we pause and say, “Hey, maybe we should acknowledge the people shaping the future of humanity.” Wild concept, I know.
And then we look around our district and realize… we are not just lucky. We are ridiculously lucky.
Let’s start at the high school, where wisdom, patience, caffeine, and the occasional deep sigh all live in perfect harmony.
First, Mr. Doug Abrahmson. Forty-one years. Forty. One. Years. At this point, he has probably taught the parents of the students he is currently teaching… and maybe even corrected their grammar along the way. Doug, your impact is immeasurable, and yes, you have absolutely earned the right to remind everyone how long you have been here.
Right alongside him, Mr. Wayne Nelson with 28 years. Wayne has seen trends come and go, educational fads rise and fall, and somehow students still ask, “Is this graded?” Your steady presence matters more than you probably know.
Then we have Mr. Jason Cole, Ms. Sydney Ferari-Zimmerman, known lovingly as Mz. Fzz, who managed to get married in a secret ceremony at Carlisle Park like some kind of educational ninja. We are still impressed. Also, slightly offended we were not invited, but we will recover. Mostly. 😉
Mr. Tyler Frazier joined the dad club this year while continuing his work in special education, which means he is basically a superhero running on limited sleep. Mrs. Samantha Preston also leveled up to twin mom status, which frankly deserves its own holiday.
Ms. Katie Harris, Mr. Kevin Hoffman, who keeps winning all the awards and grants, Mrs. Andy Johnson, Mr. Kalle Jorgenson, who somehow pulls double duty with the middle school, and Ms. Rachel Shepherd continue to show up every day making the impossible look routine.
Mr. Christopher VanClifford keeps things grounded, and Mr. Alex Frazier, no relation to Tyler, earns a very real and very deserved shoutout for stepping in as a long-term sub all year and officially joining the team next year. We saw you. We appreciate you. And yes, we are keeping you.
Now let’s head over to the middle school, where things are just slightly louder and questions get just a little more… creative.
Ms. Gretchen Brown continues her incredible work in special education, meeting students where they are and helping them go further than they thought possible.
Dr. Melissa Dunworth. That is right. Doctor. She earned her doctorate this year while, you know, casually doing her job. No big deal. Just redefining what overachieving looks like.
Mr. Johnathan Gerbracht, Mrs. Susan Gordan, Mrs. Carey Heuvel, and Mrs. Laura Morast, also known as Sweers’ mom, which may or may not come up at the most convenient times for students.
Mrs. Deb Richardson, quite possibly the happiest person alive, which frankly should be studied scientifically. Mr. Robert Southern, Mrs. Anne Stingley, and Ms. Bethany Sweers round out a team that proves middle school is not for the faint of heart… and yet they make it look like something special.
Because it is.
These educators are not just teaching content. They are building confidence, redirecting energy, celebrating growth, and occasionally explaining for the tenth time why we do not throw things across the room.
And somehow, students are thriving because of it.
Thank you for welcoming our students into your businesses and for providing meaningful opportunities to build job skills they will use after high school. We truly appreciate your support and partnership!
Submitted by Ms. Nelson
Maple Bars for Guests like Moms
Maple Bars for Guests like Moms will be on Friday, May 8th.
You are invited to come and have breakfast with your child on this special morning.
Time: Breakfast anytime between 7:25 a.m. and 8:25 a.m.
School starts at 8:25 a.m.
Place: Onalaska Elementary Dining Hall
Please check in at the OEMS Office at 280 West 5th Street, 98570
Menu: Blueberry Parfait or Cereal, Maple Bar, Fruit, Milk, and Coffee
Price: Adults and Non-Students $3.50
Students are free
No need to RSVP. We look forward to seeing you.
Sincerely,
Mr. Markuson
OEMS Principal
Jerry Carlson
Food Service Director
Mr. Gerbracht’s class brought history to life as students dressed the part and celebrated their Greek unit 🏛️⚔️ From philosophers to warriors, the creativity was amazing! Mrs. Richardson got in on the fun too
We love seeing learning come alive in such a fun way 📚💜 #GreekDay #LearningIsFun
💜💛💙⚾
From courage in the toughest moments to stepping onto the field with strength and heart, Brody Hamilton is the definition of what it means to be a true Logger 💪
A cancer survivor, a hometown hero, and now getting ready to run the bases at the Seattle Mariners opening game… we couldn’t be more proud 🥹⚾💙
Brody, you represent the very best of Onalaska. Your strength inspires us. Your journey reminds us what resilience looks like. And your spirit shines in every purple, gold, and Mariners blue moment 💜💛💙
Once a Logger, always a Logger 🌲
YouTube
#OnalaskaLoggers #LoggerPride #Mariners #SeattleMariners #CancerSurvivor #CommunityStrong #SmallTownBigHeart #Inspiration #GoLoggers #MarinersOpeningDay
Students learned about anatomy and ecosystems while getting a hands-on experience they won’t forget. 🌊🧠✨
Onalaska Middle School 6th grade students will be participating in the 33rd Annual Student Green Congress. 🌿📊🎉
We are proud of their hard work and excited to see them represent our school! 👏💚
A great experience in civic leadership and learning how our state government works firsthand!
