ESD 112

05/29/2026

What happens when students, educators, and local businesses sit down together? On May 19, students from high schools and colleges across our region gathered at WSU Vancouver for the Purposeful Pathways: Student Voice & Career Opportunities Summit, hosted by ESD 112.

Throughout the day, students from schools like Wahkiakum, Ridgefield, Stevenson, Hockinson, R.A. Long, and Fort Vancouver's Medical Magnet program took part in panels, breakout sessions, and a career expo, sharing their voices and connecting with the people and programs that can shape their futures. 🎤💼

From the value of CTE courses to the power of dual credit classrooms, this summit reminded us that when we invest in and listen to student voices, incredible things happen. The earlier we connect students to opportunity, the further they can go.

👉 Read the full story here: https://www.esd112.org/news/students-explore-dual-credit-and-career-opportunities-at-purposeful-pathways-summit/

05/28/2026

On May 15, Educational Service District (ESD) 112 gathered educators, administrators and community leaders to present the annual Washington Association of School Administrators (WASA) awards.

The ceremony recognizes outstanding educational administrators, community partners and volunteers whose work extends well beyond the school day. The awards recognize both individual excellence and the shared commitment that makes transformative learning possible. Student leaders were also recognized for demonstrating significant leadership in their school or community.

“Strong schools don’t happen in isolation. When educators, families, local businesses, and community partners work side by side, we create opportunities that reach far beyond the classroom and prepare students for a future none of us can build alone,” shared Mike Nerland, assistant superintendent of teaching and learning. “It was great to see so many deserving educators and community partners from the ESD 112 region honored at the WASA Awards ceremony.”

See photos of awardees and read more at: https://www.esd112.org/news/wasa-awards-honor-educators-and-community-at-esd-112/

05/28/2026

🎨 Three talented student artists from Southwest Washington earned state-level recognition at the 53rd Annual Superintendent’s High School Art Show, which celebrated the creativity and artistic achievements of high school students from across Washington state.

Read more to see the artwork and awardees:

Three talented student artists from Southwest Washington earned state-level recognition at the 53rd Annual Superintendent’s High School Art Show, which celebrated the creativity and artistic achievements of high school students from across Washington state. The annual awards presentation, hosted b...

05/25/2026

🇺🇸 On this Memorial Day, we pause to honor and remember the brave individuals who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving. Please note that ESD 112 offices are closed today in observance. Wishing our community a meaningful holiday.

05/20/2026

ESD 112 congratulates Student Transition Educational Program Services (STEPS) teacher Mallory Fleshman, who was named Teacher of the Year at the Together We Can conference in Longview, Washington last month. The annual event celebrates special education and transition services across southwest Washington.

Fleshman has been part of the STEPS program since 2016, working with students with disabilities to help them develop job, life, self-advocacy and independence skills they need to thrive after high school. She prioritizes understanding each student’s vision for their future and tailors her teaching to help them achieve it.

"Mallory's recognition at the Together We Can Conference is a meaningful honor for both the STEPS program and ESD 112," said Jeanette Forman, STEPS program administrator. "It highlights the strength of a program dedicated to helping students with disabilities build real-world job skills and independence, and it reflects the impact of a team committed to student success. Most importantly, it shines a light on what's possible when educators believe in their students and provide the tools they need to succeed. It's a point of pride for the entire community."

This year, STEPS serves 37 students from seven school districts in the ESD 112 region: Longview School District, Kelso School District, Toutle Lake, Castle Rock High School, Home of the Rockets, Kalama School District, Wahkiakum School District and La Center School District.

Read more about the recognition in the ESD Newsroom: www.esd112.org/news/steps-teacher-mallory-fleshman-honored-at-together-we-can-conference/

05/18/2026

For Dallesport Elementary first graders in the Lyle School District, a visit to Washington School for the Deaf brought months of classroom learning into a new setting, one where American Sign Language (ASL) was not just something they practiced, but something they saw and used throughout the day.

On April 23, the class traveled from rural Klickitat County to Vancouver to attend Flying Hands, a Washington School for the Deaf competition that highlights student performance and visual arts. The visit gave students the opportunity to experience Deaf culture in a larger community setting while building on the ASL skills they have been learning in the classroom.

Cece Anderson, first-grade teacher at Dallesport Elementary, described one of the most memorable parts of the day as watching her students lean in and participate.

"It was so exciting to see them engaged and curious to try to sign," Anderson said.

She added that the visit gave students an immersive opportunity to experience a different culture, something she believes will stay with them. She also noted that students have been excited to learn ASL in the classroom 📚, supported by staff and community members who regularly sign with them.

This visit was supported through collaboration between the Lyle School District and the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services at ESD 112. Read more in the ESD Newsroom: https://www.esd112.org/news/dallesport-elementary-first-graders-deepen-asl-learning-during-visit-to-washington-school-for-the-deaf/

05/18/2026

🗣️ Today, we celebrate the talented Speech Language Pathologists who help students find their voice, build confidence, and communicate with the world around them! 💙 Your specialized skills and tireless dedication make an incredible difference in the lives of the students and families you serve. Thank you!

05/16/2026

On May 6, educators from across Southwest Washington came together at ESD 112 for the Multilingual Learning Network's Regional Professional Learning Community (PLC) event. The event offered a day of collaboration, shared learning, and practical strategies to better support multilingual learners in the classroom.

From equitable grading practices to culturally responsive teaching, educators left with tools and ideas ready to make a difference. 💡
Read more in the ESD Newsroom: www.esd112.org/news/regional-educators-unite-to-support-multilingual-learners-at-esd-112/

05/13/2026

The is here to support you. No matter what is on your mind or when you want to reach out. Connect with someone who is ready to listen and support you. Call or text 988 or chat at 988Lifeline.org.

05/11/2026

For the first time, students attending Educational Service District 112’s Florens Academy therapeutic programs had their artwork showcased beyond classroom walls at the Therapeutic Programs Student Art Show on April 30.

Florens Academy empowers students who experience severe cognitive, communication, and behavioral challenges to achieve greater independence. As a therapeutic day program, Florens provides behavioral support for students who experience significant developmental delays, offering more than traditional life skills classrooms.

Twenty-three students, from Kindergarten through age 22, contributed to the show. All classrooms participated.

“Unlike a more traditional art show where students might complete a shared assignment or standardized project, our artwork reflects highly individualized expression,” shared Florens Academy Program Director, Ashley Bloodworth. “Students engage in the creative process in ways that honor their communication styles, sensory needs, and emotional regulation. The result is a collection that feels deeply personal and authentic to each learner, while still sharing the common thread of creativity and expression.”

The show coincided with Autism Appreciation Month in April, a fitting backdrop for an exhibition that centered on neurodivergence and individualized expression. Read more in the ESD Newsroom: https://www.esd112.org/news/florens-academy-student-artwork-takes-center-stage-at-esd-112/