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Wildfire smoke and school

Posted Date: 08/19/26 (04:00 PM)
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Dear WSD Families,

With school starting next week and continued wildfire smoke in our valley, we want to make sure you have the information you need before your student returns to the classroom.

We want to be honest with you

Our aging HVAC systems were not designed to filter wildfire smoke or manage extreme heat. This is a challenge we have faced before — and one we are actively working to address. Last fall we partnered with the Chelan-Douglas Health District to deploy emergency air filtration measures. This year we have purchased more than 200 additional box fans and filters already being deployed across our buildings. Masks are available through school nurses for any student or staff member who needs one.


How decisions get made

When indoor AQI reaches 200 or above, the Chelan-Douglas Health District works with us in real time to decide whether school needs to be canceled or schedules modified. Our Athletic Director monitors outdoor AQI continuously and will modify, postpone, or cancel practices and events as needed. On heavy smoke days, moving activities indoors is not always a safe alternative. We will communicate decisions as early as possible.

How you can prepare your family this week

  • Check AQI daily at AirNow.gov or the Washington Smoke Blog

  • Have N95 or KN95 masks at home

  • If your child has asthma, allergies, or respiratory or heart conditions — contact their doctor now and have an action plan ready before school starts

  • Make sure your emergency contact information is current in Skyward
    Talk with your student about what to do if school is delayed, modified, or canceled

We are working on a long-term solution

Portable fans and filters are not a permanent fix — and we know that. Wenatchee voters will consider a $275 million bond measure on November 3, 2026 that, if approved, would replace aging HVAC systems at seven schools and rebuild most of Wenatchee High School with modern systems built to handle wildfire smoke and extreme heat. Learn more about the proposed bond on our bond info website wenatcheeschools.org/bond

Until then, we are committed to doing everything within our current resources to keep your student safe, healthy, and learning.

All schedule changes and school operation updates will be communicated through ParentSquare. Athletic updates will also come through FinalForms. Please make sure your contact information is current in both systems.

More information is available on our wildfire smoke and our schools website wenatcheeschools.org/smoke

Thank you for your patience and your partnership. We look forward to welcoming you and your students back for another year!