Educational Service District 123

Kennewick teachers recently gathered at the REACH Museum in Richland to explore how to make science more meaningful for their students. Organized by the Engaged to Understand Institute, a collaborative project with ESD 123 and the Kennewick School District, this professional learning series focuses on helping educators teach science through “sense-making” and the essential cross-cutting concepts in the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). The institute is designed to encourage teachers to model how they can foster sense-making and student discourse around complex science topics. As the teachers met, they discussed how climate change affects the Tri-Cities region. Their guiding question was: How does climate change impact Washington’s snowpack, and what strategies can we develop to manage this valuable resource sustainably? This question opened the door for participants to approach science from multiple angles. These concepts help students look at science phenomena from different perspectives, making it easier to understand and solve complex problems. This was just the first of three sessions in the series, where educators will continue to explore how to integrate cross-cutting concepts into science education, preparing students to be thinkers and problem solvers for the future. #OneTeamESD123 #EngagedtoUnderstand

We started off our ESD 123 Attendance Breakthrough Network this week with school teams from across our region working together on improving student attendance and engagement. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gRMwQDqm #OneTeamESD123 #LearningTogether

ESD 123 is currently seeking an ECLIPSE Family Support Specialist and substitute teachers to join our ECEAP preschool program! Find all open positions and apply at https://bit.ly/3T633c6

We recently held the 20th Annual Youth and Justice Forum at the Richland Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse. The event brought together more than 200 middle and high school students from across the region. It was a great opportunity for students to engage with local leaders in the justice system, explore higher education pathways, and learn about career opportunities in the field. During the event participants had a chance to connect directly with judges, lawyers, law enforcement officers, probation officers, and other professionals, gaining insights into the justice system, their rights, and responsibilities as community members. #OneTeamESD123 #YouthandJustice #CareerConnectedLearning

We are excited to announce that ESD 123 recently received a grant through Washington Career Connected Learning that will give Connell High School a new point of view. The grant is in support of the CDL Preparatory course currently being offered at Connell High School. The grant will expand the offering to Kiona-Benton City High School and Columbia High School, as well as several other small rural school districts. The grant also brought a CDL simulator to Connell High School. The simulator, from Advanced Training Solutions, is valued at almost $80,000 and will help put students in the drivers seat. The simulator puts them behind the wheel where they can learn firsthand what it's like to drive a real truck and trailer. The simulator even lets them simulate driving in different weather conditions. #OneTeamESD123 #CareerConnectedLearning

During last week's All Staff Day event, we celebrated team members who have been with the agency for 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 years. It was great to see so many team members who have been with the agency for so long. Congratulations to our five year team members - Alba Aguilar, Ana Manueles, Bianca Espinoza, Debra White, Felipe Zavala, Heather Pearson, Heeidy Cruz, Jenyfer Reese, Katelyn Wambold, Lorena Rios, Lorianne Donovan-Hermann, Lupe Mendoza, Nancy Aguilar, Sarah Taylor, Sara Lyford, Susan Oviedo and Yesenia Gutierrez. Congratulations to our 10 year team members - Dolores Cervantes, Nadia Chavarria, Papsi Chavarria, Patricia Garcia and Tammy Buckingham. Congratulations to our 15 year team member - Margarita Alaman. Congratulations to our 20 year team members - Dale Rodgers and Tommie Oatis. Congratulations to our 25 year team member - Leslie Stahlnecker. Congratulations to all! We're #OneTeamESD123

On Sept. 6, we joined together as One Team for our annual All Staff Day. As a group of more than 270 people we learned more about our agency and the founding documents that we work so hard to embody. We were led through some great professional development by Bob Maureen, a certified professional coach and CEO of Coaching Leaders. It was great to see everyone together to have some fun, learn some lessons and reflect on the important roles we each play within the agency. #OneTeamESD123 #AllStaffDay

Childcare access and affordability affects us all - Lack of access to childcare costs employers in our region an estimated $113.6 million due to employee absenteeism, turnover and lost productivity. Let's work together to find a solution. #OneTeamESD123 #ChildcareMatters

Mark your calendars and get ready for the Back to School Bash on Monday, Aug. 19, at the HAPO Center! #OneTeam123?#CommunityPartnerships?#BacktoSchool

Candy Mountain Academy held its open house on Aug. 14, for school districts and community partners. People had a chance to come in, tour the facilities, meet the staff and learn about the amazing work that's happening at Candy Mountain Academy. #CandyMountainProud #OneTeamESD123