We are excited to introduce our new Housel Middle School English teacher, Kathleen (Katie) Woolcutt! 🌟 Originally from Nine Mile Falls, Washington, Katie brings a passion for teaching and a love for learning to our school. 📚
Katie holds a degree in Secondary English Education from Eastern Washington University (EWU) 🦅🎓 and a Master’s in Literacy from the American College of Education 📖. Her educational journey has equipped her with the skills and knowledge to inspire and engage students.
In her free time, Katie loves spending time with her husband and daughter, diving into a good book, and going for relaxing walks. She’s also a proud pet parent with two dogs 🐶🐶 and a cat 🐱!
Katie’s interest in teaching was inspired by her family’s connection to the Prosser School District. Her uncle and aunt, Doug and Heidi Fassler, have shared so many wonderful stories about the district, fueling her excitement to join us. ❤️
As she starts her journey with us, Katie wants her future students to know: “I am so eager to be your teacher this school year; we are going to have a blast!” 🎉✨
Katie also has a background in coaching, having led teams in volleyball 🏐 and girls' wrestling 🤼♀️.
Please help us give Katie a warm welcome to the Prosser School District family! 🏫🎊
🍎🍴 Did you know? 🍴🍎
All students in the Prosser School District are offered FREE meals! That's right—FREE breakfast and lunch for every student. 🎉🥪🥣
It's our way of ensuring that every student starts their day off right and stays energized for learning. 📚✨
Make sure your student takes advantage of this amazing benefit!
We’re thrilled to introduce Jose Martin, the new Spanish Teacher at Prosser High School! 🎓🌍 A proud Prosser, WA native and member of the PHS Class of 1993, Jose continued his education at Washington State University, where he earned his degree in Secondary Education with a focus on Spanish Literature and Culture, along with a minor in Psychology. He also holds a Masters in Teaching from the University of Phoenix (2012). 📚
Jose is returning to the Prosser School District to be closer to his family and reconnect with the community he loves. With a strong bond to Prosser and great friendships with his colleagues, he’s excited to join our team once again. 🤝🏠
When asked about his return to Prosser, Jose shared, “This is my hometown, and my entire nuclear family is in the area and I found myself drawn back here to be with them.”
Outside the classroom, Jose stays active with gym workouts, yoga flows 🧘♂️, and enjoys gaming (World of Warcraft) 🎮, hiking trails 🥾, and playing volleyball 🏐.
Jose’s message to his future students is, “Ultimately, I want them to be informed and educated citizens with regards to the world that exists around them. Living in a multifaceted society is a part of life, and knowing more about the values, languages, and customs that make up our society can only lend perspective.” 🌎✨
We’re excited to welcome Jose back to the Prosser School District and look forward to a fantastic year ahead. Let’s give him a warm Prosser welcome! 🎉👏
And in true Mustang and Cougar spirit, Jose adds, “GO MUSTANGS and GO COUGS!” 🐎🐾
We’re excited to introduce Jasmin Rivera, our new Special Education Reading Resource Room teacher at Prosser Heights Elementary! 🎓📚 Jasmin is a proud Wapato native who graduated from Wapato High School in 2015. She went on to earn her Childhood & Family Studies degree from the University of Washington Seattle and recently completed her Masters in Teaching at Heritage University in 2022. 🎉
After moving from Wapato to Grandview in October 2023, Jasmin sought an opportunity to work closer to her new home and felt that Prosser, with its familiar community ties, was the perfect fit. 🏠🌟 Her connection to the area and her dedication to teaching make her a wonderful addition to our district.
When she’s not in the classroom, Jasmin enjoys playing with her two dogs 🐶🐶, spending time with family and friends, reading 📖, and getting creative with crafting on Canva 🎨.
Jasmin is looking forward to meeting her new students and promises a year full of excitement and fun. She’s committed to making learning an enjoyable experience for everyone and can’t wait to get started! 🚀
Welcome to the Prosser School District, Jasmin! We’re thrilled to have you with us. 🌟👏
📚 September is Attendance Awareness Month! 🏫
Did you know that just two absences per month can be considered chronic absenteeism? That's right—missing only 10% of the school year can impact a student's success. 📅
Why is attendance so crucial? There’s a direct link between regular school attendance and student achievement. Every day counts toward a brighter future!
Who can help improve attendance? It’s a team effort:
- Students: Remember to wash your hands regularly, get enough sleep, and eat nutritious meals.
- Parents: Set regular bedtimes, wake-up times, and keep electronics off at a reasonable hour.
- Schools: We strive to make personal connections with students and celebrate regular attendance.
At Prosser School District, we believe that attendance matters and is essential for student success. Let's work together to ensure every student has the opportunity to excel! 🎓✨
We are thrilled to introduce Jullysa Palencia as the newest member of the Keene Riverview Elementary team! 🏫🐝
Jullysa, a proud Prosser native and alumni, is bringing her expertise and enthusiasm to our 1st-grade bilingual classroom. She holds a BA in Education, Communities, and Organizations and an M.Ed. in Teaching K-8 from the University of Washington. 🎓
Outside the classroom, Jullysa loves long walks, picnics, shopping, traveling, visiting new places, and trying new foods—all enjoyed with friends and family. 🌳🍉🛍️🌍
Jullysa is excited to return to her hometown and deepen her connection with the community she loves. Her passion for bilingual education and commitment to engaging students make her a fantastic addition to our team. 🌟
To her future students, Jullysa says: “We’re going to have a year full of learning and fun, and I can't wait to meet and get to know each of you!” 🎈📚
Welcome to Keene Riverview Elementary, Jullysa! We’re so excited to have you with us! 🎉
We are thrilled to introduce Anne Melcher as our new Developmental Preschool Teacher at Keene Riverview Elementary School! 🐝🏫 Anne is joining us from Yakima, and she and her family have recently made Prosser their new home. 🏡❤️
Anne holds a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood and Family Studies and a Master's in Special Education from the University of Washington. 🎓📚 Her passion for Early Childhood Special Education is evident in her commitment and enthusiasm.
When she's not in the classroom, Anne loves spending quality time with her family, including her adorable 2-year-old son. They enjoy traveling and exploring new places, with a fun goal to have a family adventure every month! 🌍🚀
Anne's journey to Prosser began with a move from Yakima and a plan to substitute teach in our district. When the Developmental Preschool position became available, she knew it was the perfect opportunity to follow her passion for Early Childhood Special Education.
Anne is eager to work with our students and their families, focusing on building relationships and nurturing each child's unique strengths to help them grow and succeed. She’s also excited to become an active member of the amazing Prosser community she’s heard so many wonderful things about.
Welcome to the team, Anne! We can't wait to see all the fantastic things you’ll bring to our school. 🌟
The Pulse of Prosser: Volume 44
Prosser School District Publication
Superintendent Kim Casey
https://5il.co/2wcfo
Introducing Erin Hall, our amazing new 5th grade teacher at Prosser Heights Elementary! 📚 Erin was born in Berkeley, California, but Prosser is where her heart truly lies. She proudly attended Prosser schools throughout her education journey—Keene-Riverview Elementary, Heights Elementary, Housel Middle School, and Prosser High School. 🎓
Erin earned her Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Washington State University in 2010 and her Master of Science in Education, specializing in Elementary Reading and Mathematics, from Walden University in 2013. 🏫📖
Outside of school, Erin loves spending time outdoors with her husband and their three daughters. Together, they enjoy skiing, running, hiking, and walking their golden retriever, Teddy 🐕. Erin also enjoys traveling to new and favorite places, with a special fondness for visiting National Parks and taking trips to Disneyland! 🏞️🎢
What inspired Erin to return to Prosser? She shared, “Prosser schools provided me with an excellent start in education and are providing exceptional experiences for my daughters. I want to be a part of our community and serve our youth as an effective educator.”
To her future students, Erin says, “I am looking forward to getting to know you, learning together, and growing together. You are what will make our class uniquely special. I am so happy to have you as a part of our classroom family! Let’s make this year great together!” 👩🏫💫
A favorite quote of Erin’s is by Eleanor Roosevelt: “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” This quote reminds her to dream big and work hard to achieve her goals.
Join us in welcoming Erin to our Prosser Heights family! 👏
Meet Sydney Charvet, our fantastic new 4th grade teacher at Prosser Heights Elementary! 📚 Originally from Pendleton, OR, Sydney moved to the Yakima Valley in July 2021, and we’re thrilled to have her join our community! 🎉
Sydney comes to us with a Bachelor’s in Interdisciplinary Studies, a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction, and a second Master’s in Mathematics K-6. 🎓When she’s not teaching, Sydney loves spending time with her family and friends 👨👩👧👦, baking up delicious treats 🍰, engaging in arts and crafts with her kids 🎨, and enjoying board games 🎲.
Sydney shared, “What drew me to the Prosser School District was all the amazing things I heard from community members and fellow educators. I thought, ‘Wow, this is where I want to be!’” She’s excited to get to know each of her students, saying, “Getting to learn from students is the best part of teaching. I have learned so many things from students that no amount of school could teach me. I cannot wait to learn from every single student who walks through my classroom doors. We are all teachers in our own way!” 👩🏫
Sydney feels incredibly honored and blessed to be part of the Prosser School District family and is looking forward to a fantastic year ahead. Please join us in giving her a warm welcome and showing her just how wonderful our community is!
The Prosser School District Board of Directors will hold a Regular Board Meeting on Wednesday, September 11, 2024, at 6:00pm in the Prosser School District Boardroom, 1203 Prosser Ave., Prosser, WA 99350.
Agenda Link: https://app.eduportal.com/share/61ff9190-6c97-11ef-bb79-06c64aa3b8d4
Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89666069876?pwd=TUYwdXdKZy9hUWJpLzFOaXAxblNYUT09#success
We’re thrilled to welcome Jennie Colgan as our new Prosser High School Counselor! Jennie comes to us from Olympia, WA, and brings a wealth of experience with a Bachelor’s in Psychology and a Master’s in Mental Health Counseling, along with a School Counseling endorsement, all from WWU.
In her free time, Jennie loves spending time with her family, boating, reading, and walking. 🚤📚🚶♀️
Jennie started her career with Prosser School District years ago and is excited to return to our close-knit community. She’s looking forward to the seasons and the sunshine, and she’s eager to support our students in achieving their goals both during and after high school.
Let’s give Jennie a warm Prosser welcome!
We’re excited to introduce Heidi Swihart, our new Housel Middle School ELA teacher! Heidi comes to us from Kennewick, WA, with a degree in Elementary Education from George Fox University and a middle level endorsement.
When she’s not teaching, Heidi enjoys hiking, paddle boarding, and spending time with her husband and dog. 🏞️🚣♀️🐶
Heidi loves the strong sense of community in smaller districts and is looking forward to getting to know all of her students. Let’s give her a warm Prosser welcome!
Here’s to a great year ahead! 🎉📚
📣 Prosser School District Surplus Sale! 📣
Attention Prosser community! We're hosting a surplus sale this Saturday, September 7th, from 8 AM to Noon. It’s your chance to score some great deals and unique finds!
📍 Location: 1500 Grant Ave., at the old Prosser School District Business Office
📅 Date: September 7th
🕗 Time: 8 AM - 12 PM
Don’t miss out—see you there! 🎉
The Pulse of Prosser: Volume 43
Prosser School District Publication
Superintendent Kim Casey
https://5il.co/2vvvh
We’re excited to introduce Mindy Tomasello as our new Prosser High School English teacher! Mindy grew up in Temecula and San Diego, CA, and holds a Bachelor's in English and a Master's in Teaching English Education (Secondary). 🏫
Outside of teaching, Mindy loves going on adventures with her husband and two daughters, diving into a good book, and tackling DIY projects around her house. 📖🔨
Mindy’s passion for teaching at PHS was sparked by her wonderful experience as a student teacher here. She’s thrilled to be a Mustang for good and is committed to helping her students build strong foundations for their learning journey. 🌟
Join us in giving Mindy a warm Prosser welcome! We’re excited for the amazing year ahead!
We are thrilled to welcome Chester Ferrell as our new 4th grade dual language teacher at Prosser Heights Elementary! Chester, originally from the Republic of Panama, brings over 20 years of teaching experience, a Master’s in Bilingual Education, and is a Nationally Board Certified Art Teacher. ✨
In his free time, Chester loves creating art and traveling with his wonderful wife, Sarah. 🎨✈️
Chester is excited to join the Prosser community and looks forward to connecting with students and families. His goal is to make this school year a journey of learning, growth, and great memories.
Let’s give Chester a warm welcome and get ready for an amazing year at Prosser Heights Elementary!
We are thrilled to introduce Kaylee Rivera, who has joined us as a 5th grade teacher at Whitstran Elementary! Kaylee is from Sunnyside, Washington, and brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to our school community.
Kaylee recently taught 5th grade at Harriet Thompson Elementary and spent time teaching summer school at Grandview School District. She holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Teacher Education from Yakima Valley College and a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Western Governors University.
Outside of teaching, Kaylee enjoys hiking, traveling, reading, and spending quality time with her husband and family. Her adventures allow her to bring a global perspective to her students and inspire them with new ideas.
What drew Kaylee to the Prosser School District? She was inspired by our commitment to high-quality instruction and our dedication to making every student feel safe, valued, and respected.
To her students, Kaylee has this empowering message: “Believe in yourself and all that you are. There is something inside you greater than any obstacle. I believe in you, and I know you can achieve anything you set your mind to.”
Please join us in welcoming Kaylee Rivera to the Whitstran Elementary family! We’re excited for the great year ahead! 🎉🍎📖
Throughout the month of September, we'll be introducing two new certificated staff members a day to our Prosser School District community. We’re thrilled to start by introducing our newest 4th grade teacher at Prosser Heights Elementary: Erin Phillips! 🎉📚
Erin is a proud Prosser, WA native and a graduate of Prosser High School. She earned her degree in Interdisciplinary Child Development and Elementary Education, and she’s excited to bring her passion and knowledge to our school.
When she’s not in the classroom, Erin loves to spend time experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen with her daughter, go hiking with her family, dive into a good book, and explore new destinations through travel.
What inspired Erin to join the Prosser School District? As a proud PHS graduate herself, she’s always dreamed of coming back to teach in the district that helped shape her future. Erin is eager to give back to the community that played such a big role in her own journey.
To her future students, Erin has this message: “Get ready to learn and have fun! I believe in you 100%—you can do hard things, struggle, and persevere, and learn so much!”
Join us in welcoming Erin Phillips to our Prosser School District family! 🌟📖🍎
The Prosser School District Board of Directors will hold a Special Board Meeting on Friday, August 30, 2024, at noon in the Prosser School District Administration Office – Room 130, 1203 Prosser Ave., Prosser WA 99350.
Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89666069876?pwd=TUYwdXdKZy9hUWJpLzFOaXAxblNYUT09#success
Agenda Link: https://app.eduportal.com/share/9227921a-6624-11ef-8c00-06c64aa3b8d4
