Washington State

Washington State’s controversial approach to protecting trans youth (from unsupportive parents) — On May 10th 2023, Governor Jay Inslee of Washington State signed SB 5599, amending Washington’s runaway laws to protect youth seeking “protected health services” (including abortions and gender-affirming care). This law also protects minors who run away to Washington for this purpose. Current Washington State law states that if a…

There is no underestimating the importance of having a driver’s license. Removal of driving privileges can impact one’s ability to be gainfully employed. A suspended license can also make it impossible to get to important appointments, access childcare, or even buy food at the grocery store. In 2021 it was…

Hope levels among Washington’s students decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic, but research shows that hope is a skill that can be learned, and educators in Washington are teaching it. According to data from Washington’s 2021 Healthy Youth Survey, a biennial representative survey of Washington’s youth, 35–45% of 8th, 10th, and…

Mt. St. Helen’s, Washington Photo by Lyn Topinka/Wikipedia “Volcanoes are the gateway to the underworld, a place of danger, mystery, and beauty.” — Unknown Monday, May 15, 2023, Washington States’ famous Mt. St. Helen’s once again proved that she’s in charge as a landslide blocked the road to the Johnson…

Washington State’s popular waterfall is a must-see — Back in 2011, when I was a graduate student at Washington State University in Pullman, Washington, I took a day trip to Palouse Falls State Park in southeastern Washington. The waterfall, popular amongst photographers, birders, and vacationers, is a 200-foot cataract along the Snake River. I had a special interest…

OLYMPIA — May 18, 2023 — Every year, the Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching (PAEMST) recognizes educators from across the country for both their deep knowledge of the subjects they teach as well as their ability to enable students to be successful in those areas. …

Getting hurt while working is a common experience. The federal Bureau of Labor Statistics reports American private industry workers experienced 2.6 million nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses in 2021. Workplace injuries and illnesses increased from 2020 levels in the retail trade and transportation and warehousing sectors. They decreased in the…

Reductions in anxiety and depression. Reductions in the use of cannabis, alcohol, and nicotine. Reductions in interactions with disciplinary systems. Increases in school engagement. These are just some of the outcomes that the schools within Educational Service District (ESD) 105 has experienced because of a grant project to connect students…

Congratulations to two Department of Social and Health Services teams that were recognized recently for going above and beyond in their public service. The Policy, Operations and Escalation Team and Afghan Arrivals Support Team were selected for 2023 Public Service Recognition Week Extra Mile Awards, given to state employees who…