District Articles

May 4, 2026

Eatonville Schools Recognized by Washington State for Outstanding Student Growth

Eatonville, WA – Eatonville School District is proud to share that Eatonville Elementary School, Weyerhaeuser Elementary School, and ESD New Beginnings have been recognized by the Washington School Recognition Program for the 2024–2025 school year. This honor is awarded to a select group of schools across the state demonstrating exceptional progress in student achievement.

Eatonville schools were recognized in the following categories:
· Eatonville Elementary School | Closing Gaps: Targeted & Growth for: Students receiving special education services
· Weyerhaeuser Elementary School | Growth for: Students receiving special education services
· ESD New Beginnings | Growth for: Students in one or more racial or ethnic groups

Eatonville Elementary earned recognition in the category of Closing Gaps – Targeted & Growth, specifically for its work supporting students receiving special education services. This distinction highlights the school’s measurable progress in improving outcomes and accelerating growth for students who have historically faced achievement disparities.

“This recognition is really a testament to the hard work of all of our staff. Each day they work to support student learning needs and meet students where they are at. I am immensely proud of the hard work of our students and staff at EES,” said Principal Nick Birklid.

Weyerhaeuser Elementary School was also recognized for Growth for: Students receiving special education services. This recognition reflects the school’s strong commitment to ensuring all students make meaningful academic progress and receive the support they need to succeed.

“We are proud of this recognition, which highlights our commitment to supporting every student and ensuring meaningful growth for all learners,” said Principal Linn Ames.

ESD New Beginnings was recognized for Growth for: Students in one or more racial or ethnic groups, reflecting the school’s focused efforts to support equitable outcomes and student success.

“We’re proud of the growth in our New Beginnings Dropout Re-Engagement Program and the positive graduation outcomes for our students. Our staff works incredibly hard, and we’re grateful for our partnership with Graduation Alliance.” said Principal Amy Sturdivant.

Together, these recognitions place Eatonville schools among approximately 16 percent of schools statewide to receive this honor, underscoring the impact of intentional instruction, targeted supports, and a shared commitment to student success across the district.

The Washington School Recognition Program is a joint effort of the Washington State Board of Education, the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, and the Educational Opportunity Gap Oversight and Accountability Committee. Schools are selected based on data that demonstrates significant progress in closing opportunity gaps and improving student outcomes.

As part of the recognition, each school will receive a commemorative banner honoring its achievement.

Superintendent Jay Brower added, “This recognition reflects the heart of Eatonville—dedicated staff, resilient students, and a shared commitment to ensuring every child grows and succeeds. I am deeply grateful for the intentional work happening in our classrooms each day to meet students where they are and support their journey forward. This honor is not only a celebration of progress, but a reminder of what we can accomplish together as one Eatonville community.”

More information about the Washington School Recognition Program and a full list of honored schools is available through the Washington State Board of Education.

Eatonville School District Strengthens Lifesaving Readiness Through Partnership With Kids Heart
Challenge

The Eatonville School District is proud to continue its long-standing partnership with the American Heart
Association through the Kids Heart Challenge and American Heart Challenge programs. For more than three
decades, Eatonville students have participated in activities that promote heart health, physical wellness, and
lifesaving education. This year, that partnership expanded even further with a districtwide effort focused on
cardiac emergency preparedness and CPR education.

Working alongside the American Heart Association and supported by Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital,
Eatonville School District recently completed a yearlong project to develop comprehensive Cardiac Emergency
Response Plans for all five schools in the district. These plans are designed to ensure schools are prepared to
respond quickly and effectively in the event of a cardiac emergency on campus or at athletic facilities.

Cardiac arrest can happen unexpectedly to anyone, including children and young athletes. According to the
American Heart Association, an estimated 23,000 children under the age of 18 experience cardiac arrest
outside of a hospital each year, with approximately 40% of those incidents related to sports activities.
Immediate CPR and access to an automated external defibrillator (AED) can significantly increase survival
rates.

The district’s new Cardiac Emergency Response Plans outline the exact steps staff and responders should
take during an emergency. Each plan identifies trained response team members, confirms staff CPR training,
ensures AEDs are accessible and maintained, and establishes communication procedures with local
emergency medical services. Schools will also conduct regular drills and annual reviews to maintain readiness.
As part of this initiative, Eatonville School District schools received American Heart Association CPR in
Schools® with First Aid Training Kits. These mannequin kits have already been incorporated into student
learning experiences across the district.

At Columbia Crest Academy, students recently participated in hands-on CPR training during PE classes in
March 2026. Using the gym floor as their practice space, students worked with CPR mannequins to learn
proper chest compression techniques and emergency response skills. The engaging, hands-on experience
helped students build confidence while learning skills that could one day save a life.

The district is also expanding training opportunities for staff. Eatonville School District plans to provide CPR-
related training for all staff members during the district’s Welcome Back Staff Training Day on August 25, 2026.
The goal is to ensure employees across every department are equipped with lifesaving knowledge and
prepared to respond confidently during an emergency.

In addition to supporting students and staff, the district hopes to strengthen emergency preparedness
throughout the broader community. Eatonville School District plans to make its CPR mannequin kits available
for use by local community groups and organizations as needed, helping expand access to lifesaving training
opportunities across the Eatonville community.

Superintendent Jay Brower emphasized the importance of preparing both students and staff for emergencies.“Our schools are truly community hubs,” said Brower. “Whether families are attending a football game, a school play, or a community event, we want them to know our campuses are prepared. We have plans in place for earthquakes and severe weather, and now we have strengthened our readiness for cardiac emergencies as well. Our goal is to empower students, staff, and community members with the knowledge and confidence to respond when every second matters.”

The completion of the districtwide cardiac emergency preparedness project was celebrated during Eatonville
Community Day on May 1, 2026.

Eatonville School District remains committed to creating safe, healthy learning environments while equipping
students with real-world skills that extend far beyond the classroom.

 

Eatonville School District Leaders Thank State Legislators for Support of New Stadium Project

EATONVILLE, Wash. — On May 7, 2026, Eatonville School District Superintendent Brower, members of the Eatonville School Board, and student representatives met with Representative Andrew Barkis to discuss ongoing support for local schools and celebrate recent progress on the district’s new stadium project.

During the visit, district leaders expressed appreciation to Representative Barkis, along with Senator Jim McCune and Representative Matt Marshall, for their support in helping secure state funding for Eatonville’s new stadium project.

The meeting provided an opportunity for district representatives and students to highlight the positive impact the project will have on the school community while also discussing additional matters important to the district and the greater Eatonville community.

District leaders emphasized the importance of continued partnership and advocacy at the state level to support students, schools, and families throughout the district.

School officials noted that the investment in Eatonville School District will provide long-term benefits for students and the broader community for years to come.

Dear Eatonville Community,

Thanks to the continued support of local voters, Eatonville School District elementary schools will receive new playground equipment through a phased rollout funded by the district’s recently approved levy.

Weyerhaeuser Elementary School is the first school scheduled to receive new equipment. Installation is currently underway, and the project is progressing nicely.

Throughout the summer, members of the district’s Maintenance Department have completed the installation entirely in-house. Their skill, dedication and hard work are saving the district a significant amount of money, allowing levy funds to have an even greater impact on students and schools.

Playgrounds provide students with important opportunities to be active, build friendships, develop social skills and enjoy time outdoors. The new equipment will create an engaging and welcoming space for WES students during recess and other school activities.

Eatonville School District extends its sincere appreciation to local voters for investing in students and supporting improvements across the district. The district also thanks its Maintenance Department for the exceptional work being completed to bring this project to life.

Additional elementary school playground improvements will follow as the levy-funded rollout continues.

 

Weyerhaeuser Elementary Educator Named Ohop Grange Teacher of the Year

EATONVILLE, Wash. Fifth-grade teacher Mrs. Jane Hatzinger of Weyerhaeuser Elementary School was honored as the 2026 Ohop Grange Teacher of the Year during Eatonville School District’s Welcome Back Day on Tuesday, August 25.

The annual award recognizes an outstanding local educator whose commitment, compassion and dedication make a meaningful difference in the lives of students.

Mrs. Hatzinger is a valued member of the Weyerhaeuser Elementary team who works diligently to create a classroom where students feel welcomed, supported and encouraged to reach their full potential. Her dedication extends beyond academics as she helps students build confidence, strengthen relationships and develop the skills they need for continued success.

Eatonville School District is grateful to the Ohop Grange for its continued partnership and commitment to celebrating the educators who serve local students and families.

Congratulations to Mrs. Jane Hatzinger, the 2026 Ohop Grange Teacher of the Year.

 

Columbia Crest Academy Awarded $13,087 Grant to 

Expand Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Access

ASHFORD, Wash. Columbia Crest Academy has been awarded $13,087.92 to operate the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program during the 2026-27 school year.

The federally funded program provides all enrolled elementary students at participating schools with free fresh fruits and vegetables during the school day, separate from breakfast and lunch. Columbia Crest Academy is among 211 school sites across 63 Washington school districts selected to receive funding this year.

The program is designed to create healthier school environments by expanding students’ access to a variety of produce, increasing fruit and vegetable consumption, and encouraging lifelong healthy eating habits. Students will have opportunities to try fresh foods they may not regularly encounter at home or in traditional school meals.

“We are thrilled to bring this opportunity to our students,” Columbia Crest Academy Principal Allison Burslem said. “This funding will allow us to introduce children to a wider variety of fresh fruits and vegetables while connecting healthy food choices to the hands-on, nature-based learning that is central to our school.”

Columbia Crest Academy is eager to partner with local farms to provide students with fresh, locally grown produce whenever possible. The school also plans to explore ways the program can enhance its school garden and create meaningful connections between the food students grow, the produce they sample, and the importance of caring for their health and the natural environment.

The Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program will complement Columbia Crest Academy’s commitment to whole-child learning by helping students understand where food comes from and encouraging them to make nutritious choices.

“This is about more than providing a healthy snack,” Burslem said. “It is an opportunity to build curiosity, support local agriculture, strengthen our school garden, and help students develop healthy habits that can last a lifetime.”

Program implementation will begin during the 2026-27 school year. Special thanks to Food Service Manager Betsy Bamford for her hard work submitting the grant and helping coordinate the program’s launch! 

 

 

HISTORIC NIGHT IN EATONVILLE: CRUISERS OPEN ARROW LUMBER STADIUM AND B.W. LYON FIELD WITH VICTORY

EATONVILLE, Wash. - Friday, September 4, 2026, marked a historic night for Eatonville High School and the greater Eatonville community as the Cruisers played their first football game at the newly completed Arrow Lumber Stadium and B.W. Lyon Field.

From a skydiver delivering the game ball to a commanding performance by the Cruisers, spirited cheerleaders, a performing band, packed stands, the debut of the stadium's new scoreboard and a special recognition of some of the most accomplished individuals in Eatonville athletic history, the evening celebrated both the beginning of a new era and the generations that helped build the tradition of Cruiser athletics.

The Cruisers defeated the Sequim Wolves 28-0 in the season opener, giving Eatonville its first football victory on the new field.

Even the skies seemed to recognize the significance of the evening.

Rain fell earlier in the day, but as game time approached, the clouds began to clear. Before the game started, a brilliant rainbow appeared over the stadium, creating a meaningful moment for many in the Eatonville community. Rainbows hold a special place in the hearts of many locally as a reminder of loved ones who are no longer here to share these milestones in person.

As the rain moved away and the skies continued to clear, Mount Rainier emerged behind the stadium, glowing in the evening light with a fresh covering of snow. The mountain provided a breathtaking backdrop for the first football game at Arrow Lumber Stadium and B.W. Lyon Field and a scene that could hardly have been more fitting for the occasion.

Long before kickoff, the atmosphere surrounding the stadium reflected the excitement of the historic evening. The stands filled with students carrying banners and showing their Cruiser pride alongside families, alumni and community members who came together to experience the first football game in the new facility.

The Eatonville Junior Cruiser Cheerleaders helped get the crowd ready for kickoff with a special pregame performance. Throughout the game, the Eatonville High School Cruiser Cheerleaders kept the energy going from the sidelines, leading the crowd and supporting the team with tremendous Cruiser spirit.

Music was also an important part of the Friday night atmosphere. The Eatonville High School Band, under the direction of Susie Danielson, performed throughout the evening, bringing another beloved Friday night tradition to the new stadium.

Then, the crowd's attention turned to the sky.

Rosie Thun provided an unforgettable arrival, skydiving over the new stadium before landing directly on B.W. Lyon Field. After Thun touched down, a member of the Eatonville Junior Cruiser Cheerleaders presented her with the game football. Thun then delivered the ball to the officials, officially setting the stage for the first football game in the new facility.

When it was time for the home team to take the field, the Cruisers made an equally memorable entrance. Eatonville players emerged carrying chainsaws, bringing the energy of the Cruiser tradition onto their new home field as the crowd welcomed the team.

The Cruisers quickly gave their fans plenty to celebrate.

Eatonville jumped to a 14-0 advantage with approximately three minutes remaining in the first quarter and extended the lead to 21-0 by the end of the opening period. The Cruisers added another touchdown in the second quarter to build a 28-0 lead.

The game ultimately ended earlier than anticipated. Following multiple injuries to Sequim players during the first half, including another injury with 8:09 remaining in the second quarter, the two coaching staffs agreed to conclude the contest with Eatonville leading 28-0.

While the football game itself lasted less than a half, the significance of the evening extended far beyond the scoreboard.

The crowd that packed the stadium helped make the first game a true community celebration. Students filled sections of the stands with signs and banners, families gathered together to cheer on the Cruisers, and community members and alumni came out in force to witness a moment years in the making.

Friday night also marked the first opportunity to put Eatonville High School's new scoreboard into action during a home football game.

The scoreboard was made possible through a $50,000 commitment from local internet provider Lightcurve. The company's investment helped bring another major enhancement to the new stadium and added to the Friday night experience for Cruiser athletes, families and fans.

With the new scoreboard illuminated above the field, the stadium lights shining, the band playing, cheerleaders performing, Mount Rainier rising beyond the stadium and a packed crowd cheering from the stands, the facility came fully to life for Friday night football for the first time.

The scoreboard partnership is another example of the community and business support that helped make the new stadium experience possible. Lightcurve's contribution provided a highly visible investment that will serve Eatonville students, athletes and spectators for years to come.

Friday's game represented an important milestone: the first time the Eatonville football program was able to call Arrow Lumber Stadium and B.W. Lyon Field home for an official game.

Following the conclusion of the contest, the celebration turned from Eatonville's future to its past as five individuals whose accomplishments helped shape the legacy of Cruiser athletics were honored on the field.

The recognition, coordinated by Eatonville High School Athletic Director and Head Football Coach Gavin Kralik and announced from the booth by Dan Fountain, was modeled after the "Ring of Honor" concept found in collegiate and professional stadiums.

The five honorees were selected for achievements representing significant moments in Eatonville High School athletic history.

Former Head Football Coach Steve Gervais was welcomed back to the field in recognition of a remarkable coaching career. Gervais served as Eatonville's head football coach from 1977 through 1992 and guided the Cruisers to state championships in 1985, 1990 and 1992. He later won three additional state championships at Skyline High School and concluded his career with more than 250 victories and six state titles.

Former Cruiser running back Brandon Jumper was also recognized. Jumper played for Eatonville from 1984 through 1987 and was a member of the 1985 state championship team. He completed his Eatonville career with 5,910 rushing yards, which at the time made him the all-time leading rusher in Washington high school football history.

Tom Zurfluh was honored for an exceptional high school career that placed his accomplishments among the best in Washington state history.

Joining him was Brian Paul, another standout whose career achievements earned him a place among the state's most accomplished high school athletes.

The fifth honoree, Steve Pruett, was recognized for a historic athletic career that likewise placed him among Washington's elite.

The recognition was intended to highlight more than exceptional individual seasons. The athletes honored Friday earned their places in Washington state history through accomplishments accumulated across their entire high school careers. Each finished ranked among the top five in state history in a different statistical category, measured not simply against athletes from Eatonville's league or classification, but against high school athletes across Washington's classifications.

Together, the five honorees represented different chapters of a much larger Eatonville story.

That connection between generations was particularly fitting on a night devoted to opening a new chapter.

Friday's game was about a new field, new grandstands, a new scoreboard and a new stadium, but it was also about the people who make Friday nights in Eatonville special. The Junior Cruiser Cheerleaders, Eatonville High School cheerleaders, band members, students, families, alumni, volunteers, community partners and fans each contributed to an atmosphere that transformed the first game into a community-wide celebration.

From community partners such as Lightcurve and the volunteers who helped prepare the stadium to the generations of athletes, coaches, families and fans who built Eatonville's athletic traditions, the evening brought the past, present and future of Cruiser athletics together in one place.

For the current Cruisers, the result added another piece of history.

The first football game at Arrow Lumber Stadium and B.W. Lyon Field ended with Eatonville holding a 28-0 advantage, recording the program's first football victory and first shutout in the new facility.

For Eatonville, however, September 4 will be remembered for much more than the final score.

It began beneath a rainbow that carried special meaning for a community remembering those who could not be there, followed by clearing skies and a freshly snow-covered Mount Rainier glowing behind the stadium. Students proudly held banners, Junior Cruiser Cheerleaders performed, Eatonville High School cheerleaders filled the sidelines with spirit, and the band played under the direction of Susie Danielson. A skydiver descended onto B.W. Lyon Field with the game ball, the Cruisers charged onto their new field with chainsaws in hand, the new Lightcurve-supported scoreboard lit up for its first football game, a new generation of athletes earned the facility's first football victory, and some of the greatest figures in Eatonville athletic history returned to be honored.

Against one of the most beautiful backdrops a Friday night football game could ask for, Eatonville celebrated its history, its community and the beginning of a new era at Arrow Lumber Stadium and B.W. Lyon Field.

 

Joe Harned Fund Provides Academic and Social-Emotional Support Across Eatonville Schools

Across the Eatonville School District, students are receiving additional academic support, mentorship, enrichment opportunities and social-emotional resources through the generosity and lasting legacy of Joe Harned.

Joe Harned felt strongly about the power of education.  During his lifetime, he made several large contributions to UPS, TCC and St Martins, resulting in his name being on a building at each of those campuses.  He also funded many scholarships.  He created a $2.5 million donor advised education fund as part of his estate planning, naming Beverly Baublits Wilson as the advisor.  Ms Wilson, along with her brother, David Baublits, are determined to make the best use of these funds while honoring Mr Harned’s commitment to education. With funding provided by the Joe Harned Scholarship Fund, The Joe Harned Student Support Program was established, creating opportunities that extend beyond the traditional classroom.  The goal of the program is to give every student the opportunity to graduate from the Eatonville School District with all the tools needed to be a successful adult.

Through the Joe Harned Student Support Program, each school has the opportunity to identify the unique needs of its students and use these resources to provide meaningful support that promotes academic success, personal growth and student well-being.

Each school in the district receives an allocation from the fund to support students academically and socially and emotionally. Rather than prescribing a single program for every school, the funding allows each building to identify the needs of its students and develop supports that will make the greatest impact.

From high school tutoring and graduation support to elementary reading and math intervention, mentoring, physical wellness the result is a districtwide investment in helping students thrive.

At Eatonville High School, funding is being used to provide after-school academic tutoring for students who need additional time, structure and support to remain successful in their classes and on track for graduation.

Students have access to a certificated teacher who can help them prioritize missing or incomplete assignments, provide academic assistance and strengthen organization and time-management skills. Although tutoring is available across grade levels, particular emphasis is being placed on freshmen, recognizing the important connection between a successful ninth-grade year and future graduation success.

The grant will provide 75 hours of tutoring throughout the school year, allowing the school to offer additional assistance when students need it most.

EHS is also using funding to support mental health through fitness initiatives. The program provides opportunities for students to use physical activity as a positive strategy for managing stress, building confidence and supporting their overall well-being. By connecting physical wellness with mental and emotional health, the school hopes students will develop healthy habits and strategies they can carry with them beyond high school.

At Eatonville Middle School, the Joe Harned Student Support Program is helping make Warrior Academy possible.

Warrior Academy is a targeted student-support program for middle school students performing below grade-level standards in English Language Arts, mathematics or both. The program is designed to provide more than academic intervention.

Students participating in Warrior Academy have opportunities to strengthen academic skills while developing organization and study habits, increasing self-confidence and self-efficacy, forming positive relationships with trusted adults and peers, and developing social-emotional skills that can contribute to long-term success.

At Eatonville Elementary School, funding supports several established programs that provide students with additional layers of academic and social-emotional assistance.

Math and English Language Arts tutoring groups are offered three days each week, Tuesday through Thursday, with separate support for primary and intermediate students. Two staff members support each group, allowing students to receive more focused instruction based on their needs.

The school is also continuing its mentoring program in collaboration with Eatonville Middle School as well as its Peer Mediation Program. Funding helps compensate staff members who provide these additional opportunities and assists with snacks and student incentives that help make the programs welcoming and engaging.

At Weyerhaeuser Elementary School, students are once again benefiting from after-school tutoring and enrichment opportunities.

The program combines targeted reading and math assistance with activities designed to build confidence, relationships and enthusiasm for learning. Academic support is based on individual student needs and reinforces skills students are developing during the regular school day.

Students also have opportunities to participate in yoga and movement activities that promote physical wellness, mindfulness and self-regulation. By combining academics with enrichment and wellness, WES is creating an environment where students can strengthen the skills they need to succeed both inside and outside the classroom.

At Columbia Crest Academy, the funding allows the school to continue the after-school tutoring and student-support model. Serving students from kindergarten through eighth grade, the program includes two certificated staff members, with one specializing in mathematics and the other in reading. Students receive targeted instruction, additional practice and individualized support designed to strengthen essential academic skills while building confidence.

The program also extends beyond academics. A school social worker provides social-emotional learning opportunities focused on self-regulation, communication, problem-solving and positive relationship-building. Students have access to engaging, hands-on experiences that support confidence, connection and personal growth.

While the programs look different from one Eatonville school to another, they share a common purpose: ensuring students have access to additional support when they need it.

The flexibility provided through the Joe Harned Student Support Program allows educators closest to students to identify needs and respond with meaningful opportunities, whether that means an extra hour with a teacher, help developing study habits, a trusted mentor, a movement activity or an experience designed to strengthen a student's sense of connection and confidence.

The Eatonville School District is deeply grateful for the generosity behind the Joe Harned Student Support Program and the continued investment it represents in local students. Through this support, resources are reaching classrooms and programs throughout the district and creating opportunities for students from elementary school through graduation.

The impact of this generosity can be seen in many different ways across Eatonville schools, but at the center of each program is the same commitment: giving every student additional opportunities, relationships and resources to be successful.