February 2025 Newsletter
A MESSAGE FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL
Snowboard Team on a bluebird day in Tahoe
February may be the shortest month, but it was packed with incredible achievements. From touring Roman ruins and training at world-class bike parks in Spain to landing podiums on skis, our students made it unforgettable.
In Oregon, we saw it all—students weathered 50 mph winds in B.O.B. one night, then enjoyed bluebird powder days on the mountain. Snow teams competed across North America, while others shined at local Seek Series skate events and worked to qualify for USASA Nationals through the Mt. Hood Series.
Staff also stepped up, participating in events like Slow Impact (skate) and Natural Selection (mountain bike), while attending the National Association of Independent Schools conference to ensure world-class education and training.
It’s an exciting time at Wy’East, but we wouldn’t be here without the support of people like our beloved board member, Luke Trembath, who we sadly lost this month. Luke’s legacy inspires us daily, and to honor his dedication to youth wellness and his vision for Wy’East, we’re proud to dedicate the Learning Lab to him.
Mike Hanley
ACADEMICS
As we say goodbye to February, we also say hello to the second half of the academic semester. Students will continue their classes until April 30th and then they will either graduate, or prepare to enter their next grade. One of the biggest things we face during the winter semester is balancing travel with their time here on campus. Our students know the expectations for when they are away and that goes a long way towards keeping them caught up in their classes.
One challenge we faced this month was a power outage.The power came back on for most of the campus quickly, but the power in our classrooms remained out as we prepared to start the school day. We adjusted and held class in the cafe. The students were able to adapt well and act as though it were a normal school day in the classroom. Fortunately, this power outage coincided with beautiful weather. This allowed the students to get a chance to do some outdoor learning at the outside tables on campus. They took advantage of the opportunity and made good progress in their classes. What could have been looked at as a reason to avoid the school day, instead turned into an opportunity for the students to enjoy some great weather and still make progress in their academics.
STUDENT LIFE
In February, our students competed in seven local events, most of these landing on the weekends. So with less down time, our students have been giving more than 100% effort to their training. Off days were filled with increased massage therapy sessions from Melt Away Boutique, a local Welches provider, and thrift store excursions–Portland is well renowned for vintage items. The cafeteria also got a temporary weekend makeover with couches, music, and snacks for a Super Bowl watch party; and what a great half time show! A small share of the students also tried their hand at bouldering at The Circuit Gym, a great way to cross train and test strength. We also squeezed some of the student favorites into the month's activity schedule with trips to Top Golf and Tualatin Hills Aquatic high dive. We would say this is pretty eventful for a snowy and rainy month alongside a busy competition and travel schedule! March will have a heavy focus on sustaining well being, allowing time for reflection and decompression, and volunteering with local nonprofit organizations.
CULINARY
New broth bar in the cafeteria
February was a little bit quieter in the cafe with teams heading out on fabulous trips. However, the culinary team still had a great time making a different variety of meals. Kellen’s breakfast selections were on point and the students loved everything that he made. Some favorites include homemade syrups for pancakes or French toast. Dinners this month were also good with a variety of Mexican, Italian dishes and a dash of American cuisine. Towards the end of the month, we added a new station to our ready to go section: a broth bar. It contains miso broth with a nice selection of toppings including yakisoba noodles and rice.
We look forward to the month of March and see what new items we can come up with to surprise the student body.
ATHLETICS
Our theme for February is “The way we do anything is the way we do everything!” This philosophy reflects our commitment to consistency, intentionality, and excellence in every aspect of our students’ lives–whether in the classroom, on the slopes, or in their personal growth. The athletic team has been working hard to deepen the structures that support our students every day. This includes:
Restructuring athletic training sessions and morning warm-ups
Weekly goal setting and reflection sessions
Engaging coaches in conflict resolution conversations
Emphasizing academic integrity
These efforts are all connected, helping students develop skills and habits that will serve them in all aspects of their lives. It has been a great February and we can’t believe we are halfway through winter semester!
FREESKI TEAM
February was filled with fresh snow followed by ideal training conditions, crowded podiums, and persevering through storms.
FOCUS OF THE WEEK
This month, our weekly focus—Multiple Run Options; Utilizing these at the right time for tactical success—remained the same throughout the month due to overlap in competition schedules
Multiple Run Options: Helped students strategize and adapt, whether preparing for events, reflecting on performances, or mid-training.
Tactical Success: Encouraged smart decision-making in any scenario.
Robustness and Mindset: Built mental resilience for training and competition.
Progression and Reflection: Ensured continuous growth, even during busy schedules.
HIGHLIGHTS
Mt Snow Futures Tour VT
Skyler Alvarez - Gold
Shane Good - Gold
Okemo Futures Tour VT
Ryan Buttars - Gold
IFSA Meadows:
Rio Willard - Gold
USASA Slopestyle Meadows 3
Freeski Breaker Boys (13-14)
Parker Stines - Gold
Zach Gange - Bronze
Freeski Youth Men (15-16)
Luke Walden - Gold
Sandro Schuler - Bronze
Freeski Junior Men (17 - 18)
James Klemmer - Silver
Thomas Xu - Bronze
Freeski Mens Jams (19 - 22)
Sam Harris - Gold
USASA Slopestyle Meadows 4
Freeski Breaker Boys (13-14)
Parker Stines - Gold
Griffin Good - Bronze
Freeski Youth Men (15-16)
Luke Walden - Gold
Fisk Epperly - Silver
Mattia Belotti - Bronze
Freeski Junior Men (17 - 18)
Jace McAdams - Silver
James Klemmer - Bronze
Freeski Mens Jams (19 - 22)
Sam Harris - Gold
Freeski Open Class Women
Skyler Nunez-Alvarez - Silver
Freeski Open Class Men
Will Baker - Gold
Shane Good - Silver
Sullivan Ruddick - Bronze
SNOWBOARD TEAM
Snowboard team at Timberline on a bluebird day
We are in the heart of the competition season for the snowboard team! Our message to the students is the same every weekend - the cafe opens at 6:15am, each breakfast, pack your lunch, wax your board, and remember your bibs!
FOCUS OF THE WEEK
Week 1: Reflect from local competitions. Increase training level for bigger competition events.
Week 2: Express yourself through your competitive snowboarding. Take advantage of opportunities to win at sub-elite events. Utilize run options at the right time for tactical success in competitions.
Week 3: Reflect on trip- discuss strengths and weaknesses
Week 4: Utilize run options at the right time for tactical success in competitions. Emphasize robustness and competitive mental skillset.
HIGHLIGHTS
USASA Slopestyle Meadows 3
Snowboard Youth Women (15-16)
Estelle Clark - Gold
Kiah Dienberg - Silver
Mai Ancheta - Bronze
Snowboard Junior Women (17-18)
Ella Grady - Gold
Snowboard Youth Men (15-16)
Maruan Al-Kheir - Gold
Snowboard Junior Men (17-18)
Elliot Hellem - Gold
Taj Houghton - Silver
Snowboard Open Class Men
Lyric Hanseder - Gold
Brady Campbell - Bronze
USASA Slopestyle Meadows 4
Snowboard Youth Women (15-16)
Estelle Clark - Gold
Kiah Dienberg - Silver
Simone Roope - Bronze
Snowboard Breaker Boys (13-14)
Micah Letele - Silver
Snowboard Youth Men (15-16)
Boden Johnson - Gold
Snowboard Junior Men (17-18)
Taj Houghton - Gold
Elliott Hellem - Gold
Snowboard Open Class Women
Ella Grady - Gold
Snowboard Open Class Men
Lyric Hanseder - Gold
MOUNTAIN BIKE TEAM
Mountain bike team enjoying the food and sights in Spain
The mountain bike team spent almost the entire month of February in Spain! It was a trip of a lifetime and students returned invigorated and boasting of great food, amazing sights, and epic bike parks.
FOCUS OF THE WEEK
Week 1: Get ahead in schoolwork in order to have more flexibility for cultural activities in Spain. Bikes maintenance and last minute trip logistic adjustments.
Week 2: Bring tricks from mulch to Fenasosa Bike Park and put together 3 different video edits.
Week 3: Bring tricks from mulch to 4 Riders Bike Park and put together 3 different video edits.
Week 4: Bring tricks from mulch to La Poma and put together 3 different video edits.
HIGHLIGHTS
To get an idea of how successful our Spain trip was, all the students were begging to stay in Spain for as long as possible. We enjoyed delicious food, great culture, beautiful scenery, and some of the best bike parks in the world.
SKATE TEAM
Students helping each other with new tricks in B.O.B.
February was a great month on campus. We were able to get up on the mountain once each week to ski or snowboard, trained at the Mount Hood Athletic Club, and put in hours at the new Sandy Skate Park. Here are some videos that the skate team watched this month: Death Defying Skateboarding and Soap and Destroy.
FOCUS OF THE WEEK
Week 1: Debrief Hawaii. Visit Tactics. Train at Mount Hood Athletic Club.
Week 2: Skate consistency check # 2.
Week 3: Skate consistency check # 2.
Week 4: Debrief slow impact. Train at Mount Hood Athletic Club.
HIGHLIGHTS
Seek Contest Curb Skate
Sam Slater - Bronze
Cam Hickey - 4th
