Evergreen Elementary

09/04/2026

Minus a few kiddos, I've read this neat little text to all 445 students—K-5 at Evergreen, in each of their individual classrooms.

The New York Times Book Review notes that “This beautiful book points out the many elements that make up a school, but—most important—it shines a light on the value of a supportive community every day of the year.”

What a treat to read it to our Mustangs!

—Mr. Danford

09/04/2026

We’re back at it with our celebrations.

One of them is the opportunity for kids to say the Pledge of Allegiance to all of their peers over the intercom.

They put their blue tickets in a bucket, they get a ticket drawn from the Pledge Box, and then they get to say the Pledge.

Here are winners for this week with Ms. Celeste!

09/04/2026

I had the opportunity to spend about 30 minutes in Ms. Evan’s classroom this afternoon, where she was hosting a very cool activity called the “Me Museum.”

Students brought in items that held personal meaning to them and created notecards explaining why each item was important. Once the displays were set, students traveled quietly by table groups to visit one another’s “museum exhibits” while music played in the background. The room really did have a calm, thoughtful, museum-like feel.

After everyone had a chance to explore the displays, the class came back together for some out-loud sharing. Students had about 15 seconds each to explain the meaning behind their special item.

What a neat and thoughtful activity—a simple but meaningful way for kids to share a little more about themselves while learning more about their classmates. I really enjoyed being there to see it!

—Mr. Danford

09/01/2026

First day of Kindergarten! A big day indeed!

08/27/2026

08/27/2026

Teach-tos.

Evergreen is a school grounded in Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS). We deliberately teach students what is expected and provide frequent, positive feedback when they make choices that reflect those expectations. When needed, we redirect, coach, and reteach so students can learn from mistakes and make better choices moving forward.

To promote consistency throughout the school, students watch school-created videos demonstrating expectations in key areas, including hallways, restrooms, the cafeteria, buses, and the playground. Paraeducators also play an important role by helping teach and reinforce expectations in their specific areas of the building and grounds.

08/27/2026

How cool is the start of school?!

On Tuesday of this week PTO hosted Chalk-the-Walk, an event where we come together as a community to write messages of positiivity and encouragement for new arrivals on the first day of school. Then, on Wednesday, we hosted our Day 1 festivities.

A terrific couple of days for sure!

08/22/2026

Just a teaser of the Mead High School marching band at the all-staff kickoff this past Thursday.

08/22/2026

“This year’s all-staff kickoff may have been the best yet,” said Mr. Danford, Evergreen principal and 23-year veteran of the school district.

School principals offered their customary remarks, and the superintendent shared a vision for the year ahead. But it was the Mead High School marching band, an absolutely inspiring presentation by Ben Sand, and a special video that truly rallied staff and set a beautiful tone for the 2026–27 school year.

Sand, a former Farwell Elementary student and Mead graduate, now leads The Contingent, a Portland-based nonprofit that empowers leaders and mobilizes communities for the common good. Through mentoring, education, scholarships, career development, volunteerism, and support for foster families, the organization brings people together to do hard things that make a real difference.

His journey from Mead student to nonprofit leader was an incredible reminder of the lasting impact educators can have on the lives of their students.

08/22/2026

Evergreen teachers and paraeducators recently spent two valuable days learning, collaborating, and strengthening their ability to support our students.

On Tuesday, August 18, Evergreen and Creekside staff learned from Whitworth professor and consultant Dr. Flint Simonsen, who shared strategies for supporting positive student behavior and strengthening Tier 1 supports. On Wednesday, staff gathered at locations throughout the district for training specific to their roles, including music, library, health and fitness, and primary and intermediate grades.

As a former sixth-grade teacher, Mr. Danford particularly enjoyed joining our third- through fifth-grade teachers to explore effective literacy instruction for older students. It was a busy couple of days, but an important investment in the success of every Evergreen Mustang!