October is over, but it was an action-packed month for our students. From pumpkin patches to Halloween, our students were busy enjoying the season.

While newsletter offers a look at all of the fun, there was plenty of work to be done as well. We are off to a great start, with our teams working towards the common goals of our ESD Strategic Plan.

In November, we will be bringing a levy resolution to the board. This resolution will authorize the District to place a levy on the Feb. 10, 2026 ballot. This is not a new tax, but a renewal of the existing tax that will expire in December 2026. Levies have traditionally covered the cost of “extras,” like sports. But with a broken funding formula for public schools in Washington, many Districts, ours included, have come to rely on levy dollars to fill the gap left by inadequate funding. We will be offering more information, including informational meetings, in the coming months.

Your Partner in Education,

Superintendent Troy Tornow

October is always an exciting month for students. There is plenty to explore outdoors and fun activities at every turn. Students participated in fun runs, science nights, sports events and of course, Halloween activities.

Here are some of our favorites from October.

For most of them, it was their first-ever field trip, and judging from the smiles and giggles, the three- and four-year old’s of the Early Learning Center had a terrific time at Jensen Farms.

The morning group was three-year-old’s and the afternoon was the older four-year-old group, but all were on a quest to find the perfect pumpkin. All the students got to take a hayride and the older group had enough time to visit the petting zoo. And, of course, everyone got a snack!

Thank you to our friends at Jensen Farms and to the parents who came along to make the day run smoothly.

Ida 4th grade students took a stroll over to the university for the annual CWU Halloween Concert. It was a beautiful day for a fall walk and the concert provided the usual fun. This year the concert featured the works of famed movie conductor John Williams. And the orchestra was dressed in fun costumes as well.

Thank you to our friends at Central Washington University for an entertaining and fun field trip for Ellensburg students. 

Science students from Central Washington University brought science to Lincoln Elementary School in a really fun way. Dressed as wizards, witches and other ghoulish creatures, the college students showed how fun science can be with hands-on demonstrations and experiments. Lava lamps, monster CSI, electric balloons and slime were among the different stations the students could visit. There was even a mystery box where students had to guess what they were touching. And of course, lots and lots of popcorn.

The CWU students also visited Ida Nason Aronica Elementary earlier in the week for their own science night. Thank you to these students for taking the time to show Ellensburg kids how fun and spooky science can be. 

In recent years, Mt. Stuart PTA has organized the Wacky Fund Run. Students navigate an obstacle course that runs all the way around the playfield area. The wind added an extra challenge to the course, especially for the parents and staff manning the giant parachute. The wacky part involves teachers, students and family members in costumes. And what a perfect way to test out your Halloween costume in advance!

Everyone was there: parents, grandparents, students, staff and even Bobby the Bobcat turned out for the annual Valley View Fun Run. The main fundraiser for the year, the Fun Run is organized by the PTA, who make sure there are plenty of sponsors, drink stations and bracelets, which students receive when they complete a lap of the EHS track. Our friends from 88.1 the Burg kept the tunes going. Thanks to everyone who made this such a fun and memorable day for students. 

Ellensburg High School has some teams to watch as the fall season moves into post-season action.

Please join us in cheering on the EHS Volleyball, Swim and Cross Country teams! Athletics are funded through local levy dollars.

Thank you for your continued support.

If you need evidence that our teachers are good sports, look no further than Halloween. Throughout the District, staff members joined in the holiday fun. Here are a few favorites from our staff, with a little Early Learning Center love thrown in.