With the spirit of the holidays in the air, we express our heartfelt gratitude for your continued support and dedication to our school community. This is a wonderful time of year to reflect on the achievements and growth of our students; we simply couldn’t do this work without your unwavering support.

We hope this time of year brings you joy, peace, and meaningful time with your loved ones. Whether you’re celebrating with festive traditions, enjoying a well-deserved break, or simply spending quality time together, we wish you all the happiness this season has to offer.

Thank you for being an integral part of our shared efforts. We look forward to welcoming 2025 with renewed energy and enthusiasm, ready to continue our shared mission of fostering a nurturing and inspiring learning environment for each of our students.

Warmest wishes for a happy holiday season and a prosperous New Year!

Greta is a fairly new 5th grade teacher at Trent Elementary with this being her second year in East Valley. Greta grew up in Liberty Lake and has always loved the Pacific Northwest. She enjoys being outside, hiking, camping, and traveling. She shared that growing up her mom always said she knew Greta was going to be a teacher; her mom is a huge reason why Greta is where she’s at today! Greta remembers going into her mom’s classroom during the summers and loving it, and when she was in elementary school, her mom even let her help teach one of her classes for a day.

Greta grew up playing soccer, and throughout high school loved being active and staying busy. As a student, she described herself as a hands-on learner. As a teacher, and when possible, she works to bring that kind of learning into her own classroom. Greta earned her teaching degree from Eastern Washington University (Go EAGS!) with an endorsement in Literacy, Reading, and Writing. 

Throughout high school and college she worked different jobs, but ultimately wanted a career that involved serving others. Overall, this is her fourth year teaching 5th grade, and she loves it. “The smiles, energy, and big personalities make everyday something new and interesting.” 

Greta recently became engaged, and she and her fiancé have purchased a house that they are busy remodeling. During her free time Greta enjoys traveling, spending time with family, camping at Priest Lake, and staying busy. 

Why she loves Trent: Trent has a great support system with so many teachers and staff members who have a lot of knowledge and insight to share. “I love that no matter what I might be going through during a day, someone else has been there before too, and they offer help, ideas, or just relate.”

Why she chose East Valley: Greta’s mom (Lori Merkel) has taught in EVSD for almost 30 years, so she is very familiar with East Valley. She knew she wanted to stay close to home, and after being hired here, has found East Valley to be supportive and truly wanting what is best for kids.

Favorite part of her job: Greta’s favorite part of her job is her students. She said that fifth grade is such a fun, awkward time in kids’ lives because they are truly coming to be their own person and finding their place. “They start to have a sense of humor and understand sarcasm.”  She shared they are still so spongy and excited to learn but strong willed enough to really share their opinions. She loves how even the small things are still so magical and exciting to them. “Every day is a new day and I learn so much from my students throughout year. It really is the best.”

Fun fact: She has her class A skydiving license!

Three words to describe her: Adventurous – Outgoing - Caring

East Valley’s Second Annual Community Thanksgiving, held on Monday, November 25, 2024, was a heartwarming celebration of generosity and unity. The event brought together residents, families, and volunteers for a day of giving thanks and sharing in the spirit of community. A delicious meal was served, and guests enjoyed a warm, welcoming atmosphere with live music from our very own EVHS students, a free community pantry, fun games, face painting, and more.

This event would not have been possible without the generous support of our incredible sponsors: Barbara Woodbridge, Tyler Lafferty, A-Z Rental, CHAS, Wagstaff, Clear Risk Solutions, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints - Spokane Valley Ward, HydraFab, Spokane Roofing Company, Spokane Home Builders, NW Masonry, Custom Fabrication Design, Colvico, All Star Glass, ABC, and Altek. Their contributions helped make this day a memorable success, and we extend our heartfelt thanks for their dedication to making the East Valley community stronger and more connected.

We look forward to seeing you at the third annual Community Thanksgiving on Monday, November 24, 2025!

In the East Valley School District, the core value of community is more than just a principle; it’s a commitment to fostering connections and partnerships that benefit everyone. Our strategic plan defines community through the following statement: “We are proud to engage with our local and global community while building relationships that promote collaboration, partnerships, and service opportunities. Together, we are East Valley.”

By promoting collaboration, we create opportunities for students, staff, and community members to work together toward common goals. Whether it is through academic projects, extracurricular activities, or community service opportunities, these collaborative efforts help to build a stronger and more cohesive community.

Partnerships are at the heart of our community value. We actively seek to form meaningful relationships with local businesses, organizations, faith based communities, and other educational institutions. These partnerships provide valuable resources, support, and opportunities for our students, enhancing their educational experience and preparing them for future success.

Service opportunities are another key aspect of our commitment to community. We encourage students to engage in service projects that benefit both the local and global community. Through these experiences, students learn the importance of giving back, develop a sense of empathy, and gain a deeper understanding of the world around them.

In essence, our commitment to community is about building a school district where everyone feels connected and valued. By promoting collaboration, forming partnerships, and encouraging service, we create a braided system that supports the growth and development of all members of our community. Together, we are East Valley.

East Valley High School’s Key Club, in partnership with Diversity Club (formerly CHAOS), has implemented a Clothing Closet at the high school for students who are in need of clothing or toiletry items. The closet originated three years ago as a single rack in the counseling center. Over the years, the two clubs have partnered to get things off the ground. Today the closet has a much larger, permanent location full of numerous racks and shelves to meet the needs of our students. The closet includes winter wear, school supplies, towels, clothing, and hygiene products.

Throughout the summer, students, along with current and retired staff members, assembled clothing racks and organized the room. The original space was full of textbooks that needed to be moved and shelves that needed to be broken down and set up. Today, the Clothing Closet is largely run by students Jasmine Shevchenko, Eowyn Martinich, Savannah Patten, Kiarra Kienholz, Braelyn Parham, and Brandon Hawley. 

The vast majority of the donations are provided by staff and community partners, in addition to a hygiene drive held by the Key Club, and a blanket drive from the Diversity Club.

It has been rewarding for our students to witness the impact of their hard work and to see more students benefiting from this resource. This initiative has taught our student volunteers valuable life lessons and professional skills. As a district, we are immensely proud of their efforts, which provide a much-needed service to our students. If you have a high school student interested in access to the Clothing Closet, or you know a student who may want to volunteer, they are encouraged to contact a high school counselor. 

Seven years ago, East Valley Middle School launched its Clothing Closet with the mission to support students facing clothing insecurity. Run by the school counselor and a dedicated group of student volunteers, this community-driven initiative provides essential clothing items to students who may be in need, ensuring they can focus on their education without worrying about their wardrobe.

The Clothing Closet is stocked with a wide variety of clothing, including undergarments, shirts, pants, sweatshirts, and coats—items that are crucial as the seasons change. In addition to clothing, the closet also offers hygiene products such as soap, shampoo, and deodorant, helping students maintain their well-being and confidence.

The closet operates thanks to the generosity of the community. It relies on both new and gently used clothing donations, as well as hygiene product donations. The school is always accepting donations and encourages those who are able,  to contribute to this important cause.

By providing students with the basics they need, the Clothing Closet ensures that every student has the opportunity to succeed and feel comfortable at school. The support from volunteers, staff, and donors makes a significant difference in the lives of those who benefit from it. Every contribution, big or small, helps students feel prepared, confident, and supported.

If you would like to donate clothing and/or hygiene products, or if you would like more information on how to get involved, please contact the EVMS School Counselor, Kristi Blackwood at 509-241-5354 or blackwoodk@evsd.org. Every contribution, big or small, helps students feel prepared, confident, and supported.

In an effort to decrease the risks of related injuries and death regarding drug overdoses and the secure storage of medication and firearms, the District is making information available from the Department of Health in accordance with House Bill 1230. 

Information on substance use trends, overdose symptoms and response, as well as the secure storage of prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and firearms and ammunition, can be found here.

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