The Valley Cast

Mount Si High School is preparing to take center stage as the host of the 2026 WIAA 3A and 4A Girls Soccer State Championships, November 20–21!

In this special edition of The Valley Cast, Mount Si Athletic Director Jordan Sauvage and Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) Chief Strategy Officer Andy Knapp join us to talk about what goes into hosting a state championship event, the excitement of bringing some of Washington's top high school soccer teams to Snoqualmie, and the significance of this opportunity for Mount Si and the greater Snoqualmie Valley community.

We'll also explore the role of the WIAA, the importance of high school athletics and what makes state championship experiences so memorable for student-athletes, schools and communities.

Tune in for a behind-the-scenes look at the planning, partnerships and excitement surrounding one of Washington's premier high school sporting events!

How is technology changing the way students learn and teachers teach?

In this episode of The Valley Cast, we're joined by one of Snoqualmie Valley School District's Digital Learning Coaches, Anjuli Johnston, and our Director of Technology, Justin Talmadge, to explore the role technology plays in today's classrooms.

From supporting teachers with innovative instructional tools to helping students build digital skills for the future, our guests share how SVSD is using technology to enhance learning, support educators and prepare students for success in an increasingly digital world.

Tune in for a behind-the-scenes look at the people, tools and ideas shaping digital learning across our district.

Snoqualmie Elementary School music teacher Rachel O’Neill is taking her passion for music education to a statewide stage.

In this episode of The Valley Cast, we sit down with Rachel to talk about her selection as conductor of the 2027 WMEA Junior All-State Youth Choir, where she will lead approximately 150 fifth- and sixth-grade singers from across Washington this February in Yakima.

Rachel shares what the honor means to her, how she approaches working with young musicians and the impact music can have on students far beyond the classroom. We also talk about the strength of music education in the Snoqualmie Valley School District and what she hopes to bring back to her own students from this experience.

Join us for a conversation about music, teaching and helping young voices find their confidence.

In this episode of The Valley Cast, we sit down with Mount Si High School Head Cross Country Coach Adam Frye and student-athlete Ryan McLellan to talk about what it takes to compete at a high level, build a strong team culture and keep pushing through the miles.

Adam shares his perspective as a coach and runner, while Ryan talks about his experience competing for Mount Si and what she has learned through training, racing and being part of the Wildcat cross country program.

Season 3 of The Valley Cast kicks off with Kevin Shawver, president of the Snoqualmie Valley Schools Foundation. Kevin joins us to talk about how the nonprofit supports students, staff and programs across Snoqualmie Valley School District, where community support makes the biggest impact, and why the partnership between local schools and the broader community matters.

Executive Director Andrea Zier and Assistant Superintendent Ryan Stokes join the podcast to talk about the upcoming levy.

Curious about what the levy funds, why school districts rely on levies, or how it could impact your taxes? They break it all down in clear, straightforward terms and tackle the questions we hear most from our community.

If you want to understand the levy and what it means for our schools and local taxpayers, this episode is for you.

School safety is about far more than locks and drills. In this episode of The Voices of the Valley, we sit down with Dr. Allie Schiavone, Snoqualmie Valley School District’s new Associate Director overseeing safety and security.

Dr. Schiavone shares how the district approaches safety and student well being, the improvements already underway, and how schools are strengthening systems to support both physical and emotional safety. From prevention and preparedness to collaboration across departments, this conversation offers a behind the scenes look at how the district is continuously working to keep students and staff safe.

Whether you are a parent, staff member, or community partner, this episode provides insight into the thoughtful and proactive work happening across Snoqualmie Valley schools.

In this episode of The Voices of the Valley, we sit down with Early Learning Center Principal Macvean to talk about stepping into a new leadership role and guiding a growing program that now has a home of its own on a newly remodeled campus in North Bend.

Principal Macvean reflects on the expansion of the Early Learning Center, the challenges that come with building something new, and her vision for strengthening early learning opportunities in a community where preschool access is a major need. From leadership lessons to future-focused planning, this conversation highlights why early learning matters and where this program is headed next.

Trust us. This is one you will want in your earbuds.

Mount Si High School’s library was packed for the 11th Annual Poetry Slam, and the energy was unreal. In this episode, we sit down with AP Literature teacher Dan Mancoff and the senior champions from “Run the Mic” Alyssa Bergquist, Dylan Colis, Emily Rodriguez, and Mimi Theroux.

They share what it takes to go from studying classic verse to writing something personal, brave, and original. We talk nerves, snapping fingers, team chemistry, and why this night is one of the most uplifting traditions at Mount Si. You’ll hear how poetry becomes a megaphone for student voice, and why opportunities like this matter for every kid.

Mount Si High School leadership teacher Don Bartel and senior leader Karenna Wheaton drop in to talk about what leadership really looks like at Mount Si. Spoiler alert: it's not glitter-filled poster boards anymore. They pull back the curtain on one of the fastest growing classes on campus, dig into what makes it meaningful for students, and share why authentic leadership is shaping the vibe of the whole school. Fun stories, real talk, and plenty of heart.