FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Dr. Herman J. Lartigue, Jr.
Superintendent, Taholah School District
📞 360-590-2543 | 📧 hlartigue@taholah.org
Taholah School District Breaks Ground on New Earthquake-Safe K–12 School
State and Tribal Leaders to Attend Historic Safety Milestone
TAHOLAH, WA— Taholah School District and the Quinault Indian Nation will celebrate the groundbreaking of a new K–12 school on November 14 at 1 pm. The project creates a safe school for students in an earthquake and tsunami zone.
The district will lead a traditional blessing ceremony. Leaders will present blankets to honor the partnership between the Quinault Indian Nation and Taholah School District #77. State legislators, tribal leaders, and school board members will attend.
“This project shows what’s possible when schools and communities work together,” said Superintendent Dr. Herman J. Lartigue, Jr. “The Quinault Indian Nation donated the land for this new school. We’re grateful for their partnership and for the state’s support. Our students will learn in a building that keeps them safe.”
Washington named Taholah School a top priority under the School Seismic Safety Grant Program. The school is in an earthquake zone and tsunami area. This makes it urgent to build a safer school.
Event Details
What: Groundbreaking Ceremony for New K–12 School with Traditional Blessing
When: November 14, 2025, at 1 pm
Where: End of Pla Pla Road, Taholah, WA, at New K–12 Site
🟫 The public is invited to attend the ceremony.
Confirmed Attendees
State and tribal leaders will attend, including:
• Rep. Steve Tharinger (D-Port Townsend), Chair of the House Capital Budget Committee
• Sen. Mike Chapman (D-Port Angeles)
• Members of the Taholah School Board
• The Quinault Business Council and President Guy Capoeman
• Dr. Mary Alice Heuschel, A + Empowerment, MAH Consults
Partnership Creates Safe Learning Environment
Forma Construction will build the school. Brumfield Construction will prepare the site. Arcadis Architects designed the building. The Quinault Business Council, the Taholah School Board, and families have worked together on every step of this project.
Project Timeline and Funding
• Construction Funding Awarded: July 2025 (25–27 Biennium)
• Site Preparation: Currently underway
• Projected Ribbon Cutting: 2027 (final date forthcoming)
A program under the Network of Educational Service Districts secured the funding through the School Seismic Safety Grant Program. Rep. Steve Tharinger and the Washington State Capital Budget Committee supported the project.
Project Leadership
These people helped guide and support the project:
Tyler Muench, Director of Advocacy & External Affairs, Government Relations
Randy Newman, Director, School Facilities and Organization
Scott Black, Program Development Manager
Phil Partington, Southwest WA Regional Coordinator
Brenda Hetland, Financial Coordinator
Kristen Smith, Disbursement Officer
Taholah School Board
Jacob James, President
Merian C. Juneau, Vice President
Mary-Ann Ralston, Director
Lia Frenchman, Director
Tyson Johnston, Director
Past Members: Bill Adams, Lyndsi James
Quinault Indian Nation Business Council
Guy Capoeman, President
Noreen Underwood, Vice President
Hannah Curley, Treasurer
Mandy Hudson-Howard, Secretary
Gina James, 1st Councilwoman
Jim Sellers, 2nd Councilman
John Bryson Jr., 3rd Councilman
Tyson Johnston, 4th Councilman
Brittany Bryson, 5th Councilwoman
Kaylah Mail, 6th Councilman
Kristeen Mowitch, 7th Councilwoman
About Taholah School District
Taholah School District serves students on the Quinault Indian Reservation and surrounding areas. The district partners with families and the Quinault Indian Nation to provide culturally responsive education that prepares students for success.
About the School Seismic Safety Grant Program
The School Seismic Safety Grant Program funds school construction in earthquake and tsunami zones across Washington.
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Contact: Dr. Herman J. Lartigue, Jr.
Superintendent, Taholah School District
📞 360-590-2543 | 📧 hlartigue@taholah.org
Taholah School District Breaks Ground on New Earthquake-Safe K–12 School
State and Tribal Leaders to Attend Historic Safety Milestone
TAHOLAH, WA— Taholah School District and the Quinault Indian Nation will celebrate the groundbreaking of a new K–12 school on November 14 at 1 pm. The project creates a safe school for students in an earthquake and tsunami zone.
The district will lead a traditional blessing ceremony. Leaders will present blankets to honor the partnership between the Quinault Indian Nation and Taholah School District #77. State legislators, tribal leaders, and school board members will attend.
“This project shows what’s possible when schools and communities work together,” said Superintendent Dr. Herman J. Lartigue, Jr. “The Quinault Indian Nation donated the land for this new school. We’re grateful for their partnership and for the state’s support. Our students will learn in a building that keeps them safe.”
Washington named Taholah School a top priority under the School Seismic Safety Grant Program. The school is in an earthquake zone and tsunami area. This makes it urgent to build a safer school.
Event Details
What: Groundbreaking Ceremony for New K–12 School with Traditional Blessing
When: November 14, 2025, at 1 pm
Where: End of Pla Pla Road, Taholah, WA, at New K–12 Site
🟫 The public is invited to attend the ceremony.
Confirmed Attendees
State and tribal leaders will attend, including:
• Rep. Steve Tharinger (D-Port Townsend), Chair of the House Capital Budget Committee
• Sen. Mike Chapman (D-Port Angeles)
• Members of the Taholah School Board
• The Quinault Business Council and President Guy Capoeman
• Dr. Mary Alice Heuschel, A + Empowerment, MAH Consults
Partnership Creates Safe Learning Environment
Forma Construction will build the school. Brumfield Construction will prepare the site. Arcadis Architects designed the building. The Quinault Business Council, the Taholah School Board, and families have worked together on every step of this project.
Project Timeline and Funding
• Construction Funding Awarded: July 2025 (25–27 Biennium)
• Site Preparation: Currently underway
• Projected Ribbon Cutting: 2027 (final date forthcoming)
A program under the Network of Educational Service Districts secured the funding through the School Seismic Safety Grant Program. Rep. Steve Tharinger and the Washington State Capital Budget Committee supported the project.
Project Leadership
These people helped guide and support the project:
Tyler Muench, Director of Advocacy & External Affairs, Government Relations
Randy Newman, Director, School Facilities and Organization
Scott Black, Program Development Manager
Phil Partington, Southwest WA Regional Coordinator
Brenda Hetland, Financial Coordinator
Kristen Smith, Disbursement Officer
Taholah School Board
Jacob James, President
Merian C. Juneau, Vice President
Mary-Ann Ralston, Director
Lia Frenchman, Director
Tyson Johnston, Director
Past Members: Bill Adams, Lyndsi James
Quinault Indian Nation Business Council
Guy Capoeman, President
Noreen Underwood, Vice President
Hannah Curley, Treasurer
Mandy Hudson-Howard, Secretary
Gina James, 1st Councilwoman
Jim Sellers, 2nd Councilman
John Bryson Jr., 3rd Councilman
Tyson Johnston, 4th Councilman
Brittany Bryson, 5th Councilwoman
Kaylah Mail, 6th Councilman
Kristeen Mowitch, 7th Councilwoman
About Taholah School District
Taholah School District serves students on the Quinault Indian Reservation and surrounding areas. The district partners with families and the Quinault Indian Nation to provide culturally responsive education that prepares students for success.
About the School Seismic Safety Grant Program
The School Seismic Safety Grant Program funds school construction in earthquake and tsunami zones across Washington.
Get Outlook for iOS
Chitwhin Families!
Come Join the Lady Chitwhins in a State Send Off
this evening at 5:00 PM Potluck Style in the Taholah Cafeteria please feel
free to bring a dish and show these ladies some support
for all their hard work this season.
Safe Travels as the y head to State tomorrow!
First Game Wednesday 11/12/25 at 8:00 AM
November Event schedule
Please take a look at all of our Closures, Events, and Early Releases
Please take a look at all of our Closures, Events, and Early Releases
Important Closure Dates & Early Release to Remember Chitwhin Families:
Monday 11/10/2025
School will be closed for Weather Day
Tuesday 11/11/2025
School will be closed in Honor of Veterans Day
Wednesday 11/12/2025
Early Release Staff PD
Monday 11/10/2025
School will be closed for Weather Day
Tuesday 11/11/2025
School will be closed in Honor of Veterans Day
Wednesday 11/12/2025
Early Release Staff PD
Grays Harbor College Field Trip
November 13th for Juniors/Seniors
Permission Slips November 12, 2025
FASFA & College Workshop with Ms. Denning
December 9th
December 9th
LADY CHITWHIN ALERT!!
Onto Game 2 located in Toledo at the Toledo High School
against the Lady Trojans.
Lets show these ladies and coaches our Chitwhin Support and root them on!!
November 5, 2025
Game Time: 6:00 PM
Location: 1242 WA-505, Toledo, WA 98591
Online Ticketing:
https://gofan.co/event/5280339?schoolld=WA86275
Onto Game 2 located in Toledo at the Toledo High School
against the Lady Trojans.
Lets show these ladies and coaches our Chitwhin Support and root them on!!
November 5, 2025
Game Time: 6:00 PM
Location: 1242 WA-505, Toledo, WA 98591
Online Ticketing:
https://gofan.co/event/5280339?schoolld=WA86275
Taholah School Invites Veterans for a brunch on 11/7/2025
from 11:00 am - 12:00 PM
See Flyers for details
from 11:00 am - 12:00 PM
See Flyers for details
Lady Chitwhins vs Columbia Adventist
6:00 PM
Districts Home Game
Lets Cheer them on and give all our Support and Positive Vibes.
All Children must remain with their parents, no running in the gym or through the court.
To Buy Tickets online:
https://gofan.co/
S E A R C H
WIAA DISTRICT 4
Ticket Prices:
Adults - $8
Students - $6
Seniors (62+) and Veterans - $6
Children 5 and under - Free
Good News Chitwhin Families!!
The heat in the Gym has been fixed.
Happy Halloween Stay Safe
The heat in the Gym has been fixed.
Happy Halloween Stay Safe
Please Join the Taholah School as they Celebrate the Breaking Ground for the New Home of the Chitwhins K-12
When: November 14th 2025
Time: 1:00 PM
Location: End of Pla Pla Rd at New K-12 Site
All Students will be released for half day at 12:30 PM as well .
When: November 14th 2025
Time: 1:00 PM
Location: End of Pla Pla Rd at New K-12 Site
All Students will be released for half day at 12:30 PM as well .
📢 Public Notice: Special School Board Meeting
The Taholah School Board will hold a Special Meeting in the Taholah School District Board Room on:
🗓 Wednesday, November 5, 2025
🕠 Starting at 5:30 p.m. (PST)
This meeting serves as a follow-up to the Special Meeting held on October 9, 2025.
All community members are welcome to attend!
The Taholah School Board will hold a Special Meeting in the Taholah School District Board Room on:
🗓 Wednesday, November 5, 2025
🕠 Starting at 5:30 p.m. (PST)
This meeting serves as a follow-up to the Special Meeting held on October 9, 2025.
All community members are welcome to attend!
Dear Families,
We want to remind everyone that our school is a fragrance-free environment. For the health and comfort of our students, staff, and visitors, please avoid wearing or using any scented products such as perfumes, colognes, body sprays, or heavily scented lotions when coming to school.
Fragrances can trigger allergies, asthma, and other sensitivities. By keeping our school fragrance-free, we help ensure a safe and comfortable environment for everyone.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
We want to remind everyone that our school is a fragrance-free environment. For the health and comfort of our students, staff, and visitors, please avoid wearing or using any scented products such as perfumes, colognes, body sprays, or heavily scented lotions when coming to school.
Fragrances can trigger allergies, asthma, and other sensitivities. By keeping our school fragrance-free, we help ensure a safe and comfortable environment for everyone.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
Chitwhin Football at Chief Leschi
10/31/2025
Kick Off 7:00 PM
Safe Travels to our Boys Traveling!
Lets Show some Chitwhin Spirit
10/31/2025
Kick Off 7:00 PM
Safe Travels to our Boys Traveling!
Lets Show some Chitwhin Spirit
🏐 TIE BREAKER GAME ALERT! 🏐
CHITWHIN POWER
Our Lady Chitwhins Volleyball Team is battling it out in a tie breaker match against Willapa Tomorrow!
Location: Oakville High School
Date: October 30th, 2025
Time: 4:00 PM
CHITWHIN POWER
Our Lady Chitwhins Volleyball Team is battling it out in a tie breaker match against Willapa Tomorrow!
Location: Oakville High School
Date: October 30th, 2025
Time: 4:00 PM
Lady Chitwhins will Play at Wishkah Lady Loggers for tonight Match
Middle School at 5:30 and Varsity at 7:00 PM
Lets show our Ladies some support and Cheer them on!!
Middle School at 5:30 and Varsity at 7:00 PM
Lets show our Ladies some support and Cheer them on!!
10/22/2025
Varsity Football Game Chitwhins VS Wishkah Loggers
Kick Off 6:00 PM
Honoring our Senior Players & Homecoming Royalty
Varsity Football Game Chitwhins VS Wishkah Loggers
Kick Off 6:00 PM
Honoring our Senior Players & Homecoming Royalty
10/17 Fridyay Pep Assembly
2:15 PM
Grades 6-12th
We will be Unveiling our 2025 Homecoming Royalty if you would like to join your student please bring your Loudest Chitwhin Spirit and Dress in Pink!
10/15 Domestic Violence/Bullying Awareness assemblies rotating grades K-12
Lady Chitwhins @ Willapa Valley
JV 5:30 and Varsity 7:00 PM
JV 5:30 and Varsity 7:00 PM
