Spokane Public Schools

06/04/2026

WELL-DESERVED: Join us in celebrating a few amazing members of our staff as they embark on an exciting new journey – retirement!

We asked several retirees to reflect on their decades-long careers and experiences. We’ll be highlighting their responses as we approach the end of the school year. Find all responses at SpokaneSchools.org/Article/2923757.

Please give a round of applause for Jefferson Elementary School kindergarten teacher Thomas Vogt, who has worked for Spokane Public Schools for 24 years!

Q. When and why did you start working at Spokane Public Schools?

A. I started at SPS in Fall of 2002. I had worked the previous 7 years as a first-grade teacher in the Post Falls School District.

Q. What has been the most rewarding part of your work here?

A. The most rewarding has been getting to know all the children. For some families, I taught all four or five of their children, many of whom have kept in touch as they went on to school and adulthood. My relationships with families and partnering with the parents has been rewarding. I’ve also enjoyed working with school staff and leadership. The school and family relationships have fostered life-long friendships.

Q. What are you most looking forward to about retiring?

A. Spending more time with my wife, travelling, and spending time with my married children and their families.

Q. What’s your advice for anyone starting their career right now?

A. Teaching is more than a job. Teaching is a calling. My advice for someone interested in teaching as a career: Find yourself a great mentor, a teacher who has done it for a long time and learn from them; Build genuine relationships with every child; Get to know their families; Lead by example; Be kind, be calm and be fair.

Q. Anything else you’d like to share?

A. Learning is like riding a unicycle. Fall, get back up, and keep trying. My philosophy is this: work hard, do your best every day, and never give up. Simple and everyday practices will allow a teacher to look back and not have any regrets, only great memories.

06/04/2026

GRAD SPOTLIGHT: Every year, The Spokesman-Review interviews a graduating senior from all 69 regional high schools. We are proud to share the interviews of Spokane Public School’s class of 2026 representatives!

Laila Vaden at Joel E. Ferris High School: https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2026/jun/03/ferris-high-school-laila-vaden-is-ready-to-jump-in/

JP Red at Lewis and Clark High School: https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2026/jun/03/lewis-and-clark-high-school-jp-red-channels-his-dr/

Lucy Woods at North Central High School: https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2026/may/19/north-central-high-school-lucy-woods-finds-communi/

Gabe Stauffer at On Track Academy: https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2026/jun/03/on-track-academy-gabe-stauffer-finds-community-and/

Michaela Daou at John R. Rogers High School: https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2026/jun/03/rogers-high-school-the-picture-of-what-it-is-to-be/

Corey Hodges at Shadle Park High School: https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2026/jun/03/shadle-park-high-school-corey-hodges-is-orchestrat/

Keigan Clavel at Spokane Virtual: https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2026/jun/03/spokane-virtual-learning-keigan-clavel-is-a-hardwo/

Aya O’Reilly at The Community School: https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2026/jun/03/the-community-school-aya-oreilly-jumped-out-of-her/

Katherine Halpin at The Enrichment Cooperative at Bryant: https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2026/jun/03/tec-at-bryant/

Find graduation dates and livestream links at spokaneschools.org/graduation.

06/04/2026

CLASS OF 2026: On June 2, Secondary Transition students were recognized for their completion of IMAGES, a special education program for students ages 18-21.

"You have developed skills that will help you navigate the world with greater confidence and independence through learning in classrooms, workplaces, and the community,” shared School Board vice president Hilary Kozel. “You have overcome challenges, adapted to new situations, and work steadily toward your goals. Today marks more than the completion of a program. It celebrates your perseverance, courage, and commitment to growth.”

IMAGES stands for Independence, Mobility, Accountability, Goals, Employment, and Success. In partnership with Spokane Community College, IMAGES students receive classroom instruction on campus paired with internships at local businesses and organizations for job skills training.

Eight students graduated from this year’s program with six attending last night’s celebration. All students either have secured employment or are on track to secure employment through their successful efforts in IMAGES.

06/03/2026

HALL OF FAME: Since 1992, AAA Washington School Safety Patrol Hall of Fame honors 10 outstanding student patrollers annually for their leadership, responsibility, and commitment to traffic safety.

Two Spokane Public Schools students were among the 10 students recognized this year: Whitney Wortman of Indian Trail Elementary School and Owen Harwood of Moran Prairie Elementary School.

AAA Safety Patrol Manager Erin Rogers presented the awards to both at recent all-school assemblies, celebrating the hard work and dedication of all student patrollers and inspiring younger students to pick up a yellow flag and vest in the future.

Congratulations, Whitney and Owen!

06/03/2026

A SEAT AT THE TABLE: What role should technology play in childhood and education?

Superintendent Adam Swinyard will join best-selling authors Jonathan Haidt (“The Anxious Generation”) and Catherine Price (“How to Break Up With Your Phone”) in conversation with Education Week contributor Peter DeWitt for a live online discussion, “A Seat at the Table: The Rewiring of Childhood With Jonathan Haidt” on Wednesday, June 17, 11 a.m.-12 p.m. PT.

Learn more and register for this free event at edweek.org/events/live-online-discussion/a-seat-at-the-table-the-rewiring-of-childhood-with-jonathan-haidt

Jonathan Haidt, Catherine Price, and Adam Swinyard join Peter DeWitt on how to get students off devices and back to the basics of childhood.

06/02/2026

WELL-DESERVED: Join us in celebrating a few amazing members of our staff as they embark on an exciting new journey – retirement!

We asked several retirees to reflect on their decades-long careers and experiences. We’ll be highlighting their responses as we approach the end of the school year. Find all responses at SpokaneSchools.org/Article/2923757.

Please give a round of applause for Secretarial Support supervisor Diana Arnold, who has worked for Spokane Public Schools for 30 years!

Q. When and why did you start working at Spokane Public Schools?

A. I began working with Spokane Public Schools in 1996, when I started as a substitute at Balboa Elementary School. I enjoyed being part of the school environment and supporting students and staff, which led me to pursue a more permanent role. In August 1998, I was hired as an assistant secretary at Whitman Elementary, where I could contribute more consistently to the school community.

Q. What has been the most rewarding part of your work here?

A. The most rewarding part of my work with Spokane Public Schools has been building meaningful relationships with students, staff, and families. Those daily interactions have made my work truly fulfilling, and it’s been especially rewarding to support others and be part of a positive, connected school community.

Q. What are you most looking forward to about retiring?

A. I am most looking forward to traveling with my husband and spending more quality time with my grandchildren. It will be a wonderful opportunity to create new memories, relax, and enjoy this next chapter of life.

Q. What’s your advice for anyone starting their career right now?

A. My advice for anyone starting their career right now is to look for work that is both meaningful and fulfilling. If you’re interested in a career that involves supporting children and fostering a strong sense of community, Spokane Public Schools is a wonderful place to start. It not only offers a rewarding environment but also provides a competitive salary and excellent benefits.

Q. Anything else you’d like to share?

I feel truly grateful to have had such a rewarding career with Spokane Public Schools. It has been a privilege to be part of this community, and I will always appreciate the experiences, relationships, and memories I’ve gained along the way.

06/02/2026

REGISTER TO RIDE: Yellow bus registration for the 2026-27 school year is now open at spokaneschools.org/busregistration.

Eligible students who intend to ride must register every year. Early registration helps Transportation plan routes over the summer to ensure a smooth start to the upcoming school year.

For information about eligibility, registering, Spokane Transit for high school riders, and more, visit spokaneschools.org/transportation.

Learn more about what’s new with yellow buses at spokaneschools.org/article/2957579.

If you can’t find the info you need or encounter errors during registration, reach out at spokaneschools.org/bus-talk.

06/02/2026

SOMETHING GOOD: We set up a mic during lunch at Lewis and Clark High School and asked “What’s something good that happened this year?” We loved hearing so many examples of student growth, connection and moments of triumph!

Check out more positivity at SpokaneSchools.org/Stories.

06/01/2026

SYSA SUMMER CAMPS: Spokane Public Schools and SYSA-Spokane Youth Sports Association are proud to partner this summer to offer sports camps for kids!

Camps will be at select Camp Imagine and all 21st Century Learning Center locations in the afternoon and are open to all SPS students in grades K-8.

Learn more and register: spokaneschools.org/page/sysa-summer-sports-camps

06/01/2026

GRADUATION SEASON: Prepare your gowns and tassels! We are proud to celebrate the Class of 2026 in the coming weeks and recognize their academic commitment as they prepare for the next steps in their educational journey.

Schools communicate directly with students and families for graduation events, but here are a few links and details to keep handy as we get ready to celebrate.

Families attending graduations at The Podium should check out SpokaneSchools.org/GradFAQ for information about where to park, what to bring, and more.

Several graduations are broadcast live on Comcast Channel 17 and at SpokaneSchools.org/2026Graduation, courtesy of our friends at KSPS PBS.

A schedule of commencement ceremonies can be found at SpokaneSchools.org/Page/Graduation-Dates and is also listed here for your convenience.

Spokane Public Schools Secondary Transition Graduations:

• IMAGES: Tuesday, June 2, 5–6:30 p.m., Spokane Community College Lair

• S.T.E.P. and L.I.F.E.: Wednesday, June 3,10–11 a.m., Spokane Public Schools Board Room

• Project SEARCH: Monday, June 8, 5–6 p.m., Sacred Heart Medical Center Auditorium

The Enrichment Cooperative at Bryant: Friday, June 5, 6 p.m., Shadle Park High School Auditorium

Spokane Virtual: Thursday, June 11, 5 p.m., The Hive: A Spokane Public Library

The Community School: Thursday, June 11, 7 p.m., The Fox Theater Spokane [Livestream]

Shadle Park High School: Saturday, June 13, 11 a.m., The Podium [Livestream]

John R. Rogers High School: Saturday, June 13, 2:30 p.m., The Podium [Livestream]

North Central High School: Saturday, June 13, 6 p.m., The Podium [Livestream]

Lewis and Clark High School: Sunday, June 14, 11 a.m., The Podium [Livestream]

Joel E. Ferris High School: Sunday, June 14, 2:30 p.m., The Podium [Livestream]

On Track Academy: Sunday, June 14, 6 p.m., The Podium [Livestream]