February 4, 2026
UPDATE!
UPDATE!
Touchet School District was notified at approximately 4:30 p.m. today that the Walla Walla County Sheriff’s Department, in coordination with the Department of Corrections in Lewis County, that the location of the individuals of concern has been confirmed and that they are no longer in Touchet.
Effective tomorrow, Touchet School District will return to its regular schedule and normal operations, including allowing students to go outside and play in the open air during recess and other designated times.
We are grateful for the prompt response and collaboration of the Walla Walla County Sheriff’s Department and the Department of Corrections, and we appreciate the concern, vigilance, and support shown by our Touchet community during this time.
The Walla Walla County Sheriff’s Department encourages community members to contact law enforcement whenever they observe individuals trespassing, acting suspiciously, or engaging in questionable behavior. Prompt reporting helps keep our community and schools safe.
Touchet School District remains committed to the safety and well-being of our students, staff, and families.
Effective tomorrow, Touchet School District will return to its regular schedule and normal operations, including allowing students to go outside and play in the open air during recess and other designated times.
We are grateful for the prompt response and collaboration of the Walla Walla County Sheriff’s Department and the Department of Corrections, and we appreciate the concern, vigilance, and support shown by our Touchet community during this time.
The Walla Walla County Sheriff’s Department encourages community members to contact law enforcement whenever they observe individuals trespassing, acting suspiciously, or engaging in questionable behavior. Prompt reporting helps keep our community and schools safe.
Touchet School District remains committed to the safety and well-being of our students, staff, and families.
Touchet School District Press Release
Date: February 3, 2026
According to information received from the Walla Walla County Sheriff’s Office, the two individuals connected to the recent heightened alert in the Touchet area left the community late last night and are now confirmed to be back in Lewis County.
Based on this latest information from the Sheriff’s Office, Touchet School District will lift the temporary outside restrictions that were in place. Beginning today, we will resume regular schedules and outside privileges for students and staff.
Student and staff safety remains our top priority. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me directly.
Thank you all for your diligence and for working with law enforcement / School District.
Working togther is KEY!
Mr. Elizondo
Information posted by the Walla Walla County Sheriff's Dept.
This morning, February 2nd, we began to receive numerous calls about suspicious activity in the Touchet Community. We quickly began to investigate and contacted the suspected parties. We also conducted a neighborhood canvas and followed up with leadership at the school district.
Additionally, on February 1, 2026, at approximately 0100 hours, we responded to a report of a possible prowler near Hanson Road in Touchet. Deputies contacted two individuals at that location and confirmed both had permission from the property owner to stay at the residence.
The following evening, at around 2100 hours, the same two individuals were contacted again after a report of a suspicious person in the 800 block of Touchet North Road. This incident was reviewed as a potential Department of Corrections (DOC) violation; however, it was determined that no violation had occurred as a valid DOC trip permit had been issued. Probable cause for additional crimes was also unable to be established at that time.
Further investigation revealed that one of the subjects is a registered sex offender from Lewis County and was registered under a previous name. We investigated whether a failure-to-register violation had occurred but concluded that no violation existed because the reporting requirements under Washington State law had not yet expired and DOC had been informed of their location and travel plans.
Both individuals have stated they will leave the area within 24 hours to comply with the terms of the DOC trip permit.
Again, the Sheriff’s Office has notified the Touchet School District and ensured school staff are aware of the situation. We will continue to monitor the matter closely. We are also working in coordination with DOC offices in Walla Walla and Lewis Counties.
We thank the Touchet community for remaining vigilant, looking out for one another, and partnering with the Sheriff’s Office to keep our community safe. If anyone has additional information related to these individuals and possible criminal activity in Touchet, please reach out to Sgt. Maas at kmaas@wwcowa.gov and reference WWSO case number 2026-927.
Sergeant Kevan Maas
ADMIN SGT. | SWAT | CISM | FTO | ARMORER
Walla Walla County Sheriff's Office
240 West Alder Street, First Floor
Walla Walla, WA 99362
Office: 509.524.5400
Mobile: 509.876.9663
Dispatch: 509.527.3265
Wednesday, January 28, 2026
6:00
H.S. Commons
Touchet Community Meeting
Wednesday - January 28, 2026
6:00 p.m. in the H.S. Commons
Hope to see you all there!
Dear Touchet Boys Basketball Parents,
At approximately 7:00 AM this morning, I received an email from Riverside High School that they are unable to travel for tonight’s scheduled game. I immediately called their athletic director. They are currently dealing with a significant number of illnesses. And with the boys starting playoffs next week, I don't think we'll be able to reschedule.
I know this is especially disappointing since tonight was scheduled to be Senior Night for our lone senior. I will be looking for ways to still properly recognize and celebrate our senior, and I will share those plans as soon as possible.
Once again, I'm so sorry. I appreciate your understanding.
Community Meeting Cancelled tonight.
Jan 20, 2026 at 6:00 p.m.
Today’s Community Meeting is cancelled to allow families and community members to attend this evening’s basketball game at Touchet High School. The Community Meeting has been rescheduled for Wednesday, January 28, at 6:00 p.m. in the High School Commons.
See you all here!
Go REDHAWKS!
🚨 IMPORTANT SCHEDULE UPDATE 🚨
Game times have changed from the original schedule due to an officiating conflict. Please note the updated start times below.
The Touchet Redhawks take on the Liberty Christian Patriots today — come out, support our teams, and help pack the stands!
⏰ UPDATED GAME TIMES:
🏀 JV Boys – 12:00 PM
🏀 Varsity Girls – 1:30 PM
🏀 Varsity Boys – 3:00 PM
Let’s show up loud and proud in Red & Blue!
❤️💙 Go Redhawks! 💙❤️
Our elementary K-5 students will be participating in the winter i-Ready Diagnostic assessments for English Language Arts (ELA) on Wed., Jan. 14 and Thurs., Jan. 15, and on Wed., Jan. 21 and Thurs., Jan. 22 for Mathematics.. Make-up assessments will be held on Fri., Jan. 16 for English Language Arts (ELA) and Fri., Jan. 23 for Math.
These assessments are vital tools that help teachers understand your child’s current progress and tailor instruction to meet their individual needs. To ensure your child can perform their best and stay focused during the assessments, we ask for your support with the following:
Rest: Ensure your child gets a good night’s sleep before each school day.
Nutrition: Please make sure your child has a healthy, filling breakfast so they have the energy needed to focus on their tasks.
Attendance: Consistent attendance during this window is important to ensure your child has adequate time to complete their assessments comfortably.
We look forward to sharing your child’s growth and specific results with you during upcoming parent-teacher conferences.
Thank you for your continued partnership in your child's academic success.
Best regards,
Robert Elizondo, Superintendent
Tuesday, February 24, 2026
12:45 p.m. – 4:45 p.m.
Parent Permission Forms are due Tuesday, January 27, 2026 and should be returned to the School Counselor or Main Office so we can order the correct number of assessments, as there is a longer lead time for ordering. You can also access information, and if interested, please print and sign the permission form. The assessment is scheduled for February 24, 2026. For additional questions, please reach out to Mrs. Fredrickson.
English
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1dEd_Rx8pjGsOqrSEa-JcpexIeCV-sn3-/edit
Spanish
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1aARFQJBDEXU7uE2ieNsBquWUeYNn1yhF/edit
Touchet School (Commons)
January 14, 2026
5:00-7:00 p.m.
Come connect with valuable local health resources, services, and education.
Increase your health awareness.
Learn about preventative care.
Explore health topics such as nutrition, fitness, and mental health.
Presenters:
Mr. Maiden: Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner.
Radiance Wellness
Providence St. Mary Sleep Center, Penny Los
E.S.D. 123 Nurse, Stacy Schwarz, School Registered Nurse
Hot Works
Comprehensive Health, Jared Ortiz
Movement For Any Age, Hillary Pumphrey
YMCA (Inbody Machine), Josh Klingenberg
Touchet Fire Department
Comprehensive Health, Erica Morrow
Farm to Table
I.V. Therapy, Kristen Warner
Best Med Urgent Care, Heather Warner
Dental Education, Ashley Carlisle
As we head into the holiday season, Touchet School District sends warm wishes to each of you. May this time bring rest, joy, and moments of connection with the people who matter most. Thank you for your support of our small but mighty district, and for all you do to care for our students and one another.
Happy Holidays from all of us at Touchet School District!
Mrs. Crenshaw leads our Touchet Connects program, where students from primary through secondary grades come together to work on hands-on science labs and STEM projects, including Robotics. This program offers our HomeConnect and home school students rich opportunities to explore science, technology, engineering, and math in engaging, real-world ways. Under Mrs. Crenshaw’s leadership, Touchet Connects has become an incredible learning experience that builds curiosity, problem-solving, and confidence in our students.
Touchet School District is pleased to introduce its Board of Directors: Mr. Joe Zuger, Mrs. Sylvia Schaeffer, Mrs. Mary Ann Gallaher, Mrs. Ashley Carlisle, and Mr. Lincoln Short.
Mr. Joe Zuger is returning for his second term, bringing valuable experience and continuity to the board. Mrs. Sylvia Schaeffer is also returning to the board after a four-year break, offering both prior board experience and a fresh perspective. Mrs. Mary Ann Gallaher is beginning her first four-year term and joins continuing members Ashley Carlisle and Lincoln Short in their dedicated service to our district.
Together, this five-member board will uphold the laws of Washington State, support the mission of Touchet School District, and work collaboratively to ensure strong educational opportunities for all of our students.
Touchet School District also extends heartfelt thanks to Mrs. Viviana Fowler and Mr. Jose Vidal Pedroza for their four years of committed service on the Board. Their time, advocacy, and care for our small Touchet community are deeply appreciated.
On behalf of the entire Touchet community: thank you, Viviana and Jose, and welcome (and welcome back), Joe, Sylvia, and Mary Ann—and thank you, Ashley and Lincoln, for your continued service!
Mr. Elizondo, Superintendent
Thank you to everyone who came out to support the Touchet Middle School Boys’ Basketball team during the 2025 season. We had a great night celebrating and recognizing our 8th grade players and all the hard work put in throughout the year.
We’re excited to see what next year brings—keep working hard, Redhawks! ❤️
Mr. Elizondo
I am a high school basketball official in our local officials association. I had the pleasure of officiating the Touchet girls game at WWVA Academy last night and thought I needed to write you a quick note to tell you about my experience.
The girls were very pleasant, respectful and played hard. Coach Karl was the exact same as his players. It was an absolute joy to be a part of it.
After the game, Karl stuck his head into the officials locker room and asked if a couple of girls could come in. Of course we said yes. 2 girls from the team came in and shook each one of our hands and said “thank you for officiating tonight.” Then, one of the girls handed us a small thank you card that had a hand written message on it. I have been officiating for 18 years and have never experienced something like that. It honestly completely caught me off guard. I can count on 1 hand how many times someone has authentically thanked me for being an official. It was an awesome moment!
With all that is wrong in the world right now, I thought this situation warranted letting someone know about it. Your girls basketball team is an asset to your community, and represents your community and school in the absolute best possible way.
Thanks!
This is a reminder of our monthly Community Meeting tomorrow, Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. in the High School Commons. All families and community members are invited, and we look forward to seeing you there.
Touchet Music Program was Incredible!
Last night’s Winter Music Concert, led by Mr. Palmer, was truly a wonderful and memorable event for the Touchet School District. The performance showcased the incredible talent, dedication, and hard work of our students, resulting in an evening filled with music, joy, and holiday spirit.
Students performed with confidence and enthusiasm, and it was clear how much pride they took in sharing their musical growth with family and friends. The audience response was overwhelmingly positive—parents and community members were 100% satisfied and deeply appreciative of the quality of the performance and the festive atmosphere created.
Adding to the magic of the evening was a special guest appearance by Santa, who delighted students and families by taking photos and spreading holiday cheer. This thoughtful touch made the night even more meaningful and memorable for everyone in attendance.
Thank you to Mr. Palmer for his outstanding leadership and commitment to our music program, and to our students and families for making this winter concert such a joyful celebration of community, creativity, and togetherness.
This is your friendly reminder that our Winter Music Concert is tonight, Monday, December 15, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. in the Multipurpose Room.
Come enjoy great music, support our students, and join us in celebrating the season together!
Monday's game (12/8) vs. Waitsburg will now be a home game. That means the game will happen at the same time in Touchet. Please adjust accordingly.