Hello OSE Families!

We hope this message finds you well and enjoying this wonderful summer weather!

July 1 marks our official first day as the new administrative team, and we wanted to take a moment to say hello and introduce ourselves!

I’m Kala Wofford (on the right!), your new principal. I couldn’t be more excited to be here in Chehalis and continue to grow the great work happening at Orin Smith Elementary. It was wonderful to meet many of your students before they headed out on summer break, and we look forward to welcoming them back in the fall!  

A little about me: I grew up in rural Montana, and moved to the Pacific Northwest just over a decade ago, which was also when I transitioned from being a teacher to being an administrator. My husband and I have a blended family of four kiddos, spanning 4th grade to a senior in high school. As a family, we enjoy being outdoors, going to the ocean, supporting our favorite sports teams, and learning new things! Personally, I love music, reading, spending time with friends and family, traveling, and a good cup of coffee!

I’m Francie Ishler (on the left!), your new assistant principal. I am starting my admin career after 24 years of being a teacher and am truly honored and excited to be here in Chehalis! 

A little about me: I grew up in Centralia. My first job was teaching 5th grade in Yelm for 5 years. Then, I taught in Rochester for the past 19 years as the K-2 music and art specialist, a 2nd grade teacher, and a 5th grade teacher. I, too, have a blended family that consists of my RHS Senior son, my daughter at Central, and 3 grown children; and we even have 4 grandchildren! I love singing, traveling, and ice cream! 

We look forward to meeting you soon. Be on the lookout for more important messages from us this summer, including exciting information about our summer reading challenge!

Have a great day!

Kala Wofford, Principal & Francie Ishler, Assistant Principal