As we head into the holiday season, Touchet School District sends warm wishes to each of you. May this time bring rest, joy, and moments of connection with the people who matter most. Thank you for your support of our small but mighty district, and for all you do to care for our students and one another.
Happy Holidays from all of us at Touchet School District!
Mrs. Crenshaw leads our Touchet Connects program, where students from primary through secondary grades come together to work on hands-on science labs and STEM projects, including Robotics. This program offers our HomeConnect and home school students rich opportunities to explore science, technology, engineering, and math in engaging, real-world ways. Under Mrs. Crenshaw’s leadership, Touchet Connects has become an incredible learning experience that builds curiosity, problem-solving, and confidence in our students.
Touchet School District is pleased to introduce its Board of Directors: Mr. Joe Zuger, Mrs. Sylvia Schaeffer, Mrs. Mary Ann Gallaher, Mrs. Ashley Carlisle, and Mr. Lincoln Short.
Mr. Joe Zuger is returning for his second term, bringing valuable experience and continuity to the board. Mrs. Sylvia Schaeffer is also returning to the board after a four-year break, offering both prior board experience and a fresh perspective. Mrs. Mary Ann Gallaher is beginning her first four-year term and joins continuing members Ashley Carlisle and Lincoln Short in their dedicated service to our district.
Together, this five-member board will uphold the laws of Washington State, support the mission of Touchet School District, and work collaboratively to ensure strong educational opportunities for all of our students.
Touchet School District also extends heartfelt thanks to Mrs. Viviana Fowler and Mr. Jose Vidal Pedroza for their four years of committed service on the Board. Their time, advocacy, and care for our small Touchet community are deeply appreciated.
On behalf of the entire Touchet community: thank you, Viviana and Jose, and welcome (and welcome back), Joe, Sylvia, and Mary Ann—and thank you, Ashley and Lincoln, for your continued service!
Mr. Elizondo, Superintendent
Thank you to everyone who came out to support the Touchet Middle School Boys’ Basketball team during the 2025 season. We had a great night celebrating and recognizing our 8th grade players and all the hard work put in throughout the year.
We’re excited to see what next year brings—keep working hard, Redhawks! ❤️
Mr. Elizondo
I am a high school basketball official in our local officials association. I had the pleasure of officiating the Touchet girls game at WWVA Academy last night and thought I needed to write you a quick note to tell you about my experience.
The girls were very pleasant, respectful and played hard. Coach Karl was the exact same as his players. It was an absolute joy to be a part of it.
After the game, Karl stuck his head into the officials locker room and asked if a couple of girls could come in. Of course we said yes. 2 girls from the team came in and shook each one of our hands and said “thank you for officiating tonight.” Then, one of the girls handed us a small thank you card that had a hand written message on it. I have been officiating for 18 years and have never experienced something like that. It honestly completely caught me off guard. I can count on 1 hand how many times someone has authentically thanked me for being an official. It was an awesome moment!
With all that is wrong in the world right now, I thought this situation warranted letting someone know about it. Your girls basketball team is an asset to your community, and represents your community and school in the absolute best possible way.
Thanks!
This is a reminder of our monthly Community Meeting tomorrow, Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. in the High School Commons. All families and community members are invited, and we look forward to seeing you there.
Touchet Music Program was Incredible!
Last night’s Winter Music Concert, led by Mr. Palmer, was truly a wonderful and memorable event for the Touchet School District. The performance showcased the incredible talent, dedication, and hard work of our students, resulting in an evening filled with music, joy, and holiday spirit.
Students performed with confidence and enthusiasm, and it was clear how much pride they took in sharing their musical growth with family and friends. The audience response was overwhelmingly positive—parents and community members were 100% satisfied and deeply appreciative of the quality of the performance and the festive atmosphere created.
Adding to the magic of the evening was a special guest appearance by Santa, who delighted students and families by taking photos and spreading holiday cheer. This thoughtful touch made the night even more meaningful and memorable for everyone in attendance.
Thank you to Mr. Palmer for his outstanding leadership and commitment to our music program, and to our students and families for making this winter concert such a joyful celebration of community, creativity, and togetherness.
This is your friendly reminder that our Winter Music Concert is tonight, Monday, December 15, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. in the Multipurpose Room.
Come enjoy great music, support our students, and join us in celebrating the season together!
Monday's game (12/8) vs. Waitsburg will now be a home game. That means the game will happen at the same time in Touchet. Please adjust accordingly.
Touchet School District received a special visit this week from members of the Richland Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) — Vickie, Jim, and Jerry — who stopped by to thank our students for their help in holding the military branch flags during a recent Veterans Day ceremony.
Their visit was a wonderful surprise that reminded us all of the strong connection between our schools and the veteran community. The students who participated in the flag presentation were recognized for their support and presented with goodie bags as a token of appreciation from the VFW members.
We are grateful for the time and generosity of Vickie, Jim, and Jerry, and we thank them — and all our veterans — for their service and continued support of our students.
Early Release - Thursday, December 4
The Touchet School District has an Early Release on Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025. School is out at 11:15 for a Teacher Professional Development opportunity.
Thank you!
Touchet Health Fair Input
Health Fair Questionnaire
We have a scheduled Community Health Fair at Touchet — a fun and informative event where students, families, and community members can explore ways to live healthier lives. A health fair often includes things like free health screenings, fitness and nutrition tips, stress management activities, and chances to meet local health professionals and community resources. The Health Fair will happen on January 14th, from 5 PM to 7 PM. Keep an eye on the calendar!
We’d love your input to help shape what this event could look like! This short survey asks a few questions about your health habits and what topics or activities you’d be most interested in. Your feedback will help us plan something that’s useful, enjoyable, and meaningful for everyone.
Your answers are confidential and anonymous, and the survey only takes a few minutes to complete.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and helping us make our community a healthier place!
https://forms.gle/2CpUTDoo7CMuiutF7
Community Meeting - Today, Wednesday, Nov. 19, from 5:00 - 6:00. Please join us in the H.S. Commons.
As the weather turns colder, we want every student to feel comfortable, cozy, and ready for the season ahead! If your family needs help with winter gear, coats, hats, gloves, or other warm clothing, please let us know. Our school counselor, Mrs. Fredrickson, is here to help connect you with what your child needs. Don't hesitate to reach out; together, we'll make sure everyone is prepared for the chilly days to come!
A heartfelt thank you to all of our Middle School Redhawk volleyball and cross country athletes, coaches, and parents for an outstanding season! Your hard work, team spirit, and dedication have made us incredibly proud of everything you achieved on the court, on the course, and as representatives of our school. To our coaches, thank you for investing your time and leadership into our student athletes. To our parents, we are grateful for your encouragement and support at every event—your positive energy truly lifts our teams. And to our athletes, you’ve inspired us all with your determination and sportsmanship. Way to go, Touchet Redhawks!
Parent/Guardian,
We invite you to our upcoming Parent-Teacher Conferences on November 12 and 13. Conferences will take place from 12:00–3:00 p.m. and continue from 3:30–6:30 p.m. each day. Please note there is an early release for students at 11:15 a.m. on both days, and there will be no school on Friday, November 14.
Middle School and High School conferences will be arena-style and held in the High School commons. Elementary conferences will be in teachers’ classrooms.
We encourage every parent and guardian to visit with your child’s teachers during conference times. These meetings are a great chance to meet teachers and hear timely updates about your child’s progress.
We welcome you and look forward to seeing you there!
Reminder: Community meeting Wednesday, October 29, 5:00-6:00 In the H.S. Commons.
Hope to see you there!
Touchet Community Meeting-Rescheduled - October 29, 2025, in the High School Commons.
5:00-6:00 p.m.
Students and staff enjoyed a hearty Corn Chowder made with local Coho Salmon from La Conner, Washington, featuring fresh potatoes and onions from Hayshaker Farms in College Place. The meal was rounded out with crisp locally grown lettuce, also from Hayshaker Farms, bringing a true farm-to-school experience to Touchet’s cafeteria.
“This is what community partnership looks like,” said Kirsten Royse, Food Service Director “ By working with our local growers, we’re not only serving nutritious, high-quality meals, but also teaching students the value of local agriculture and sustainability.”
The response from students was overwhelmingly positive; many requested that the salmon chowder become a regular menu item! Events like Taste of Washington showcase the district’s dedication to integrating local products into school meals while celebrating Washington’s rich agricultural heritage.
Touchet School District’s ongoing collaboration with local farmers is part of a broader effort to nurture healthy habits, strengthen community connections, and support local economies — one delicious meal at a time.
