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.