Staff and students,
I am writing to provide an update on the report of a threat of harm directed toward students at Henkle Middle School and Columbia High School.
At 11:28am today we lifted the lock-down at WPSIS, HMS and CHS. In consultation with law enforcement we have determined that it is safe to come out of the lock-down. Out of an abundance of caution, law enforcement will maintain a visible presence on campus throughout the remainder of the school day.
Students are safe at school. We will resume following our regular bell schedule.
Thank you for your understanding and patience as we prioritize student and staff safety.
Rich Polkinghorn, Superintendent
UPDATE #2
Staff & Families
I am writing to provide an update on the report of a threat of harm directed toward students at Henkle Middle School and Columbia High School.
All schools remain in “lock-down.” Law enforcement is continuing their investigation. Students are safe in their schools.
We will share more information with families and staff as it becomes available; not later than 11:30am.
Thank you for your understanding.
Rich Polkinghorn, Superintendent
Staff and Families,
I am writing to provide an update on the report of a threat of harm directed toward students at Henkle Middle School and Columbia High School.
All schools remain in “lock-down.” Law enforcement is continuing their investigation. Students are safe in their schools.
We will share more information with families and staff as it becomes available; not later than 10:45am.
Thank you for your understanding.
Rich Polkinghorn, Superintendent
Staff and Families
This morning at approximately 9:13am, Klicitat County Dispatch received a report of a threat of harm directed toward students at Henkle Middle School and Columbia High School.
Out of an abundance of caution our school administration quickly implemented our safety procedures and initiated a “Lock Down” at WPSIS, Henkle, Columbia.
Law enforcement arrived within minutes and are working with school administration and law enforcement to determine the credibility of the threat.
We will share more information with families and staff as it becomes available; not later than 10:10 am.
Thank you for your understanding.
👋 We're also holding a Kindergarten Open House on:
May 13, 2026 | 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm
Whitson Elementary School
Come explore the school, meet the wonderful teachers and Principal Todd McCauley, and get ready for an exciting school year. Know someone with a soon-to-be kindergartner? Please let them know!
Apply Now! Girls’ Soccer - Head Coach & Bilingual Paraprofessional. Application is available at wsvsd.org
Virtual Community Forum
The district will host a virtual community forum on January 28 at 6:00 p.m. The forum will include an overview of the bond and levy proposals, followed by time for questions and discussion.
If you have any questions that you would like to submit for the community forum you can follow the link and enter your questions. https://forms.gle/Uwc6rkvKrdr3ZLs3A
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88216753169
Apply Now! Assistant Track Coach-HMS, Head Track Coach-HMS, Head Football Coach-CHS . Application is available at wsvsd.org
For the first time in school history, our volleyball team is headed to the State Tournament! 🎉
We kicked things off with an incredible state send-off this afternoon— the band played, the crowd roared, and our team captains shared how ready and determined this group is to make history on the big stage. 💙🤍
They’ll open play tomorrow at 9:00 AM at the Yakima SunDome against Cascade Christian.
Our rooter bus will be rolling out to cheer the girls on for their afternoon game — thank you to everyone joining the trip to bring the energy and school pride. 🙌
Let’s go, team! Make history twice! 🏐🔥
