Homecoming Week was a huge success! The week was packed with fun events including Tuff Puff, Powderpuff, the annual Color War, and the popular Music Video Assembly. Students sold approximately 175 homecoming tickets, not including ASB sticker bundles and tickets sold at the door.
Last Friday featured a short schedule to make room for Mega Lunch, the Tuff Puff finale, and a Pep Assembly leading up to the homecoming football game against La Grande. The dance was held at The Dalles Armory this year instead of the middle school. ASB worked hard to organize daily activities and games for the Homecoming Court pairs, with the final four pairs recognized and crowned at the game. Congratulations to Rokiah Notbohlm and Everest Lenardson!
HOSA announced its upcoming Community Costume Run on November 1 to raise funds for future competitions. Students also look forward to the Haunted House, winter sports, and the Winter Formal Dance in the coming months.
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Football
The varsity team faced a strong La Grande squad for Homecoming and Senior Night. Quarterback Logan Mitchell connected with Hunter Bustos for a 10-yard touchdown just before halftime. In the fourth quarter, Josh Brackenbury scored on a two-yard run, but the play was called back due to a holding penalty. The Hawks fell 27–7, moving to 1–2 in league and 3–5 overall. They planned to play their final regular-season game at Baker on October 31, with playoff hopes still alive. The JV team played at La Grande on October 27.
Girls’ Soccer
The Riverhawks became Three-Time Tri-Valley Champions after defeating Gladstone 3–1 and Estacada 5–0. They finished 7–0 in league and 13–0 overall, ranked #2 in the state. Their final regular-season game took place on October 28 at home against Molalla for Senior Night. A win secured home playoff games, with the first round scheduled for November 4.
The JV team beat Gladstone 3–2 but lost to Estacada 3–1. The JV2 team ended their season with a 4–0 win over Wilsonville, led by Kianna Dominguez (10) with a hat trick and Guiliana Meza (9) adding another goal.
Volleyball
The Hawks closed out an incredible season, going undefeated in league play. They beat Estacada 3–0 on Tuesday and Molalla 3–0 on Thursday, finishing 8–0 in league and 24–0 in sets. They were set to host their first playoff match on November 1.
2025 Tri Valley League Honors:
- JAZZLYNN MORRIS-HOLMES - 1ST TEAM PLAYER OF THE YEAR
- CLEO CORBIN - 1ST TEAM
- EVELYN ROGERS - 1ST TEAM
- TAYLOR TUIA - 2ND TEAM
- EDIE MAY - 2ND TEAM
- CAITLYNN GATTON - 2ND TEAM
- AIZLYNN RUBIO - HONORABLE MENTION
- NORAYA GALLEGOS - HONORABLE MENTION
Cross Country
The JV team competed at the Valiant Invitational hosted by Valley Catholic. The boys finished 8th, led by Shane Yeager (9), and the girls placed 3rd, led by Flamingo Duyck (10). Several runners achieved personal records. The Riverhawks hosted the Tri-Valley Conference District Meet on October 29 at Sorosis Park.
The TDHS Girls Cross Country team has earned their 3-PEAT Tri-Valley League Championship Title!
Huge shoutout as well to the TDHS Boys Cross Country team for finishing 2nd in league!
Both teams have qualified for State and will represent The Dalles proudly!
Cheer
The cheer team performed at the final football game, honoring seniors Shirley Cornejo and Lily Perritt. The team was preparing for a sideline competition at Sherwood High School on November 15.
Boys’ Soccer
The boys’ team clinched their first-ever league title after beating Gladstone 1–0, with Ivan Santana (11) scoring the decisive goal. They followed with a 6–0 win over Estacada on Senior Night, celebrating nine seniors. Scorers included Patrick Rankin (2 goals), Aaron Malpica, Oswaldo Torres, Juan Camarillo, and Oliver Stephens (11). The team stood 7–0 in league and 13–0–1 overall, set to host their first-round playoff on November 5. The JV team won both of their matches, while JV2 concluded their season with a loss to Wilsonville.
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These athletes demonstrated exceptional sportsmanship, humility, and respect for teammates, coaches, and opponents:
- Football: Logan Mitchell
- Cheer: Noe Eggers, Azaelia Powers
- Boys’ Soccer: Juan Camarillo, Ivan Santana
- Girls’ Soccer: Yaritza Torres-Escobedo, Audrey Tonn
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My name is Lariah, and I’m happy to share what’s been happening at Innovations Academy!
Our Winter Bazaar is scheduled for December 6, 2025. The event is open to the community and features local vendors selling handmade products, with proceeds supporting school programs and activities.
Our Homecoming Spirit Week was a huge success! Students showed great enthusiasm with themed dress-up days like Cozy vs. Classy Day, Minion Day, Wear Orange for Unity Day, and Dress as Your Birth Year Day. Advisory competitions—such as cornhole, red light/green light, and relay races—added to the excitement and promoted teamwork.
Parent-Teacher Conferences were held earlier this month with a focus on student-led discussions about goals and progress.
We also celebrated Unity Day, where everyone wore orange to promote kindness and inclusion. Advisory lessons centered on building a positive school culture and standing up for others.
Our senior class began hosting monthly Senior Breakfasts, providing time for connection and reflection as students prepare for graduation.
It’s been an exciting season of learning, teamwork, and community spirit at Innovations Academy!
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Here’s what’s been happening at TDMS.
Parent-Teacher Conferences were held last week with a great turnout both nights. Parents picked up progress reports and met with teachers.
Fall sports wrapped up with football and volleyball completing their seasons. Cross country runners competed in the Eastern Oregon Middle School Championships in Pendleton, and cheer continued supporting teams through the first week of the boys’ basketball season.
Boys’ basketball began practices on Monday, with games starting in early November.
Homework Club met twice a week, offering students snacks, transportation, and academic support.
Both the Robotics Club and Garden Club kicked off with returning and new members eager to participate.
Last week, TDMS held its first pep assembly of the year, featuring class competitions, fall sports recognition, and a cheer performance. The event also launched Spirit Week this week, with themes including:
- Monday: Comfy Day
- Tuesday: Blackout Day
- Wednesday: Twin Day
- Thursday: Sports/Jersey Day
- Friday: Costume Day (Halloween)
Students earned points for participation and school spirit, with the winning grade receiving cookies as a reward.
The first school dance, themed Masquerade Ball, will be held on November 7, open to students with at least 80% attendance.
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During recess, fifth graders temporarily lost soccer privileges due to some conflicts. ASB worked with students to create shared rules and player agreements, allowing soccer to resume fairly for everyone.
Despite a few minor incidents, students learned valuable lessons about conflict resolution and teamwork.
Fifth graders have been studying salmon and plants, including a field trip to the White Salmon Fish Hatchery. A community group called Secrets visited every Friday to teach about ecosystems, which students greatly enjoyed.
Students also shared concerns about flattened gaga balls caused by rough play and suggested adding a hand pump near the recess area.
For those unfamiliar, Gagaball is a game played in an octagonal pit with up to 15 players. If the ball hits a player below the knee, they’re out. The game continues until two players remain or the countdown timer expires.
We also want to give a special thanks to Dirt Huggers for being such a fantastic community partner helping with helping get fresh playground chips at Chenowith to help keep our students safe.
Their team was professional, made sure deliveries were right on time, and even helped reduce costs with a generous discount.
It’s amazing what we can accomplish when our community comes together!
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Word of the Month: Responsibility
Students learned daily about the meaning of responsibility through school announcements and classroom discussions.
Family Night Fun
Families enjoyed an evening of pumpkin painting and games at the Learning Resource Center.
Drama Club Returns
Mr. Fierce relaunched Drama Club this fall, with plans for a spring performance.
Student Council Launch
Mr. Mitchell and Mr. Kaiser prepared to begin Student Council activities the first week of November, encouraging student leadership.
PTA Fundraiser Success
The PTA fundraiser raised over $30,000! Top sellers earned the chance to be Principal for a Day. Congratulations to our top sellers!
Ocean Exhibit
Students explored marine life through an engaging classroom ocean exhibit.
Joke of the Week
🃏 Why did the Dry Hollow student take their test on the ceiling?
- Because they wanted to get high grades!
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Back-to-School Night
Families enjoyed a fun evening of games, food, and community connection as teachers met parents and students.
Portland Opera Visit
Students attended a special performance by the Portland Opera on September 30, which was a big hit.
Spirit Points Program
Colonel Wright launched the Spirit Points program in September! Each Friday, students wearing school colors—black, red, or gray—earned points for their class. The class with the most points each week won a prize.
Junior Coaches Program
Junior Coaches led games for kindergarten through second grade, with grades 3–5 assisting every Wednesday.
October Highlights
- October 6: Walk Down Trail event
- October 8: Picture Day
- October 9: First Grade Pumpkin Patch Trip 🎃
- October 22: Harvest Fest with 20+ game booths
- October 23: Kindergarten Pumpkin Patch Trip
Looking Ahead
- November 1: Artist in Residence begins – watercolor lessons for all classes
- The Fire Department visited this month to present on lithium battery safety for grades 2, 4, and 5.
Thank you to all students, staff, and families for making October a successful and exciting month at Colonel Wright Elementary!
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