The basic ideas of “What’s Best for Students?” and that everyone should be valued, drive the decision-making process throughout the district activities. These simple but powerful beliefs are the foundation of our Focus Areas and our efforts to align curriculum with the Washington State Standards and Grade Level Equivalencies.

The White River School District’s educational process is enhanced through the use of technology. All our schools have computer and video networks. We have a four to one ratio of students to computers. Students and staff log into the network to obtain information, save and retrieve files, run educational software programs and access the Internet. Library card catalogs are also available online. A wide variety of other specific technology tools are available in science labs and vocational programs throughout the district.

White River school facilities range from the fully modernized, circa 1912 Wilkeson Elementary (listed on the State Roster of Historic Buildings) to the White River High School which was completed in 2003 at a new site, to replace the existing high school. Over the years, reliable community support has permitted timely upgrades of our facilities, as well as new construction. On March 14, 2000, the White River voters approved a 48.5 million dollar bond. This funding, coupled with state funding, was used to build our new high school as well as to update existing facilities.In the fall of 2004, White River School District converted its elementary schools from a K-6 grade level configuration to a K-5 configuration. Also in the fall of 2004, a second middle school opened at the former high school site. Both middle schools serve grades 6 through 8.Other major facility additions include the Wickersham School of Discovery, an elementary magnet school which opened its doors in the fall of 2000, and a new transportation center which opened in January 2001.

White River is dedicated to providing strong programs for all students, including those with special needs, from preschool through 12th grade. Examples of such programs include special education, gifted, transitional bilingual, Chapter 1/LAP, counseling, preschool, daycare, and applied learning. As a serving district for a cooperative four-district alternative program, we provide effective alternative programs as well as an innovative home schooling support program.

EDUCATION should be available as a lifelong learning process for all; SCHOOLS should permit teachers and students to maximize their talents in a secure environment; PARENTS are primarily responsible for the development of their children and for providing positive role models; COMMUNITY is an integral component of the educational process and should support high standards of excellence; TEACHERS need to provide a positive example and encourage all students toward achieving their potentials and goals; STUDENTS should be responsible to work to the best of their abilities and be held accountable for their behavior.

Ensure high levels of learning for all students, preparing them for successes beyond high school.

FOCUS AREAS for 2008-2010

1) Determine and implement K-12 math interventions for students that are not learning
2) Increase Rigor, Relevance and Relationships, including Safe & Civil concepts for White River High School students
3) Ensure guaranteed and viable curriculum, instructional practices, staff collaboration and communication in math, reading and science across all schools for all grade levels
4) Determine “best practices” for technology use that supports student learning and seek funding to implement such practices
5) Develop and implement practices to recruit, retain and support high quality staff
6) Determine and implement practices that will provide long term financial stability for the White River School District.