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4th Grade Teacher
Trentwood |
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About Shannon:
Shannon began her career at EVMS as a Science and Math teacher before moving to Trentwood 14 years ago. She is the proud mom of two East Valley Knights — her son, Brady, a senior this year, and her daughter, Elizabeth, who is finishing her degree at Oregon State. Shannon and her husband, John, spend much of their free time supporting their kids in their activities and pursuits.
In her downtime, Shannon enjoys reading and meeting monthly with her book club, which includes several retired EVMS colleagues. She never misses a day of Wordle or Connections, and also likes to dabble with gardening and working out. When time allows, she loves snow skiing, water sports, and spending quality time with family and friends.
Why she loves Trentwood Elementary:
“Of course, I like the kids I spend my days with, but I like the people I work with as well. I love the traditions we have and how we are open to doing new things. I love how the Trentwood community works to make school a great place to be. I have built many great relationships in my time here. Those relationships make being at work fun and enjoyable.”
Why she chose East Valley:
Although Shannon didn’t attend East Valley Schools herself, most of her family did. She can’t remember a time when she wasn’t involved with something connected to East Valley, so it felt only natural that she would eventually find her place here. Her dad was a football coach and teacher at the high school during her childhood before moving into other roles within the district. She also has two uncles who taught at EVMS and Mountain View, and an aunt who worked as a paraeducator at Otis. Several of her cousins began their teaching careers in East Valley as well, and Shannon frequently meets new people who ask if she’s related to someone they once had as a teacher in the district.
Favorite part of her job:
Shannon loves working with former students, seeing those who are now parents return to her classroom.
Fun Fact:
Shannon is a canner. She makes way too much jam, jelly, pickles, and fruit to enjoy all year long.
Three words to describe her:
Vintage, Dedicated, Spicy
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Update on the Superintendent Search Process |
A quick update from the School Board regarding our ongoing Superintendent search. As previously announced, we are working with Northwest Leadership Associates (NWLA) to guide this important process. Last week, NWLA hosted a series of Focus Group discussions to gather valuable input from our students, staff, and community.
The Board will meet with NWLA on November 13, 2025, to review the feedback collected thus far. In addition, NWLA has launched a community survey, which we encourage everyone to complete. They have also begun posting our Superintendent position on multiple platforms and are already engaging in conversations with interested candidates.
This is an exciting time for our district, and we look forward to keeping you informed as the process moves forward.
Thank you for your continued support — together, we are East Valley!
- East Valley Board of Directors
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Preparing for the Future: Bond Oversight Committee Launched to Ensure Accountability |
The East Valley School District is creating a Bond Oversight Committee (BOC). Though the election will not occur until February, the BOC will be established in advance of the ballot measure.
The BOC’s purpose will be to monitor the delivery of the proposed bond program to ensure accountability, fiscal transparency, and community trust in the entire operation. Once established, and after the election has been certified, the BOC will meet quarterly to:
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- Review financial statements, project scope, construction documents, and bid solicitations to ensure that bond dollars are only being spent on the projects approved by voters;
- Regularly inspect school facilities and grounds to ensure bond revenues are expended appropriately;
- Make recommendations to the Superintendent as to policies and procedures which will enhance accountability for bond dollars to district stakeholders; and,
- Assist in maintaining public trust and confidence in the district through active involvement in communications related to the bond project.
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The Bond Oversight Committee members must meet the requirements below: |
- Committee members must be residents of the district, may not include any officer, agent, employee, or official of the school district, and may not represent any bond vendor, contractor, or consultant of the school district.
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The Bond Oversight Committee will be comprised of: |
- At least one member who is active in a business organization representing the business community; (e.g. member of the Chamber of Commerce)
- At least one member who owns, operates, or represents senior leadership in a local business;
- Two members who work in the financial field or who maintain financial expertise or experience;
- Two members with construction, architectural, engineering, or relative expertise or experience;
- At least one member who is the parent or guardian of a child enrolled in the school district; and,
- One or more representatives who served on the Facilities Improvement Team (FIT)
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This committee will sunset following the substantial completion of all major bond projects, but no earlier than the expensing of 95 percent of all bond proceeds.
To ensure continuity for this multiyear assignment and to respect the committee’s volunteer members, terms ranging from one to two years will be designated for the original committee members. Appointments to the committee will be made through an application process used by the district and approved by the Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent. If interested, please scan the QR code to complete the application.
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Celebrating Excellence: Heather Schultz Named WAETAG Distinguished Educator |
We’re thrilled to announce that the Washington Association of Educators of the Talented and Gifted (WAETAG) has honored one of our own, Heather Schultz, with the prestigious Distinguished Educator Award!
Heather’s work exemplifies creativity, connection, and a deep commitment to student growth. Some words from her nomination:
“Heather’s creativity knows no bounds. What truly sets her apart is her exceptional ability to connect with students and bring out their very best. Her lessons are thoughtfully differentiated and designed to meet the diverse needs of every learner. She fosters independence, builds confidence, and sparks curiosity. Her classroom radiates energy and engagement—a place where students feel inspired to explore and discover. Heather is more than a teacher; she is a mentor, an advocate, a role model, and a spark of magic in the lives of her students.”
Please join us in congratulating Heather on this well-deserved recognition. Her dedication and passion continue to make a lasting impact on our students, our school, and the entire learning community.
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New Digital Reader Boards Coming to East Valley Schools |
Exciting updates are coming to the East Valley School District! New electronic reader board signs are being installed at Trent Elementary, East Valley Middle School, and East Valley High School. These dynamic signs will make it easier than ever for families and the community to stay informed about school news, upcoming events, and important announcements.
The new displays are currently being installed and will be online soon. Once operational, they will serve as a highly visible communication tool, helping parents, students, and community members stay connected with what’s happening across the district.
In addition to these initial installations, the district is actively working on plans to add signs at our remaining schools so that all families can benefit from improved communication and timely updates.
This project represents another step forward in enhancing communication and engagement throughout our schools.
East Valley School District would like to extend a special thank you to Baldwin Signs and Consertus for their expertise and partnership in bringing this project to life. Their professionalism and support have helped ensure these installations meet the highest standards of quality and reliability.
Stay tuned—your school’s new reader board will be lighting up with information very soon!
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STCU Donates Video Board and Scoreboard to East Valley High School |
East Valley High School is celebrating a major upgrade to its athletic facilities thanks to the generosity of Spokane Teachers Credit Union (STCU). In late spring, STCU donated a state-of-the-art video board and a static scoreboard, which have already made a big impact during our volleyball season.
The new video board brings an exciting dimension to game days, allowing us to display videos, school logos, advertisements, and crowd prompts—creating an engaging experience for players and fans alike. While we are still learning all the features of this fantastic resource, it’s clear that it will become a centerpiece for school spirit and community involvement.
We would like to give a big shout out of thanks to STCU! Their investment not only enhances the game-day atmosphere but also provides opportunities for students to learn about technology, media, and event production.
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Transition to Standards-Based Grading in K–5 Math
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This year, our district is using Standards-Based Grading (SBG) to report student progress in K-5 Math. The purpose is to provide clear, specific feedback about what your child knows and is able to do in relation to grade-level standards. Instead of averaging scores or focusing only on points, Standards-Based Grading shows growth and understanding over time. In the future, the district will look at transitioning other content and grade levels to a Standards-Based Grading system.
Each standard is assessed on a 4-level scale:
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Level 1 – Beginning: Your child is just starting to learn this skill. They may need extra support and practice.
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Level 2 – Approaching: Your child understands parts of the skill but may not yet be consistent or fully independent. It is common for students to remain at a Level 2 until all parts of a standard have been taught and practiced.
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Level 3 – Meeting: Your child consistently demonstrates the skill at grade level. This is the target for all students.
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Level 4 – Exceeding: Your child shows an advanced understanding of the skill by applying it in new or more complex ways.
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A Level 3 does not mean “average” or “just okay.” It means your child is right where they should be—meeting grade-level expectations. Levels 1 and 2 indicate progress toward the standard, while a Level 4 shows performance above the grade-level expectation.
Our goal with this system is to:
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- Give you a clearer picture of your child’s learning.
- Help students take ownership of their progress.
- Focus on growth and mastery, not just points or percentages.
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This year, in K-5 Math ONLY, you will see these levels reported on assessments, progress reports, and report cards. Please know that learning is a process, and it is normal for students to start at a lower level and move up as they practice and grow.
Classroom teachers can share more information when you meet with them during conferences in November.
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According to the multiple (not necessarily reliable) predictors, this coming winter is thought to be one that will include higher accumulations of snow than the past couple of years has produced. Rather than waiting until the moment arrives when early morning adjustments must be made, this information is being sent in advance. Please familiarize yourselves with the inclement weather information below.
Communication
We aim to communicate with staff, students, and families about changes in normal school operations by 5:45 am. Closures and delays will be communicated using the following systems:
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- We will send automated emails, voice messages, and text messages.
- We will announce closures and delays on our app, webpages, and social media. (Facebook & Instagram)
- We will update our snow line which can be reached at 509.242.SNOW.
- We will also inform local news organizations. (local media doesn’t always report accurately; please rely on district messaging)
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Inclement Weather Procedures
When snow or inclement weather is in the forecast, we will monitor weather and road conditions at night and into the early morning hours.
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- The Transportation Director and staff drive roads and bus routes to assess conditions.
- Maintenance staff begins snow removal efforts to clear roadways, parking lots, and sidewalks before students and staff arrive and throughout the school day. NOTE: Despite efforts, our schools may still experience icy spots, so please proceed cautiously!
- Before deciding, Superintendent Talbott will work with our Transportation Director regarding road and route conditions.
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Delays and Cancellations
Our aim will be to keep schools open. Please remember that road conditions can change quickly and after decisions have been made; we do the best we can with the information we have at the time of the decision needing to be made.
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- If delayed, EVSD reverts to our Monday collaboration schedule. Most districts go with a 2 hour delay; however, we stick to the 90 minute delay so as not to have to create another schedule for students, staff, and parents to have to learn/remember.
- If delayed, staff members are to report to their work sites when they are able to safely do so.
- If canceled, and regardless of road condition improvements, all school programs and events are also cancelled for the entire day and evening.
- If canceled, the day's recovery will occur on the first available calendared make-up day.
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On ice and snow, be a penguin! |
- Wear footwear with slip-resistant soles and good treads.
- Walk like a penguin with arms extended to the side, and feet pointed slightly outward.
- Use special care when exiting vehicles; use the vehicle for support and step down with both feet firmly on the ground.
- Take short steps and go slowly to maintain a center of gravity.
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We Belong - We Believe - We Learn - Together, We are East Valley! |
In East Valley, we create a culture of academic excellence by fostering an inclusive community where each student belongs, thrives, and is future-ready. |
East Valley School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities based on sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination; Title IX Compliance Coordinator: Jane Stencel, Phone: (509) 924-1830, stencelj@evsd.org; ADA/Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator: Jane Stencel, Phone: (509) 924-1830, stencelj@evsd.org; Section 504 Coordinator: Heather Awbery, Phone: (509) 924-1830, awberyh@evsd.org, Gender-Inclusive Schools Coordinator, Brian Talbott, Phone: (509) 924-1830, talbottb@evsd.org, 3830 N. Sullivan Rd, Bldg. 1, Spokane Valley, WA 99216.
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