What’s Cooking This School Year? Fan Favorites And Tasty New Menu Additions Await Students At Washougal School District - 08/27/25

As summer winds down and the new school year kicks off, the dedicated food service team at Washougal School District is ready to serve nutritious, delicious meals every day. These school lunch heroes do more than just fill plates – they create a welcoming space where students can refuel, connect with friends, and discover new foods they love. With a focus on fun, flavor, and interactive nutrition education, they’re helping students leave the cafeteria not just full, but happier and healthier than when they walked in.

In a time of increasing food costs and inflation, school meals are an affordable and safe way for parents to remove lunch from their daily to-do list. Every meal Chartwells K12 serves meets or exceeds USDA guidelines for the National School Lunch Program. That means less time worrying about what’s on the tray and knowing kids are eating wholesome, well-balanced meals they enjoy.

“Good nutrition is essential for helping students stay focused, energized, and ready to learn,” said Hossein Akhtarkhavari, Area Director, Chartwells K12 at Washougal School District. “This year, we’re excited to bring back student favorites and introduce some tasty new recipes that will keep kids fueled and looking forward to mealtime.” 

Food Kids Love to Eat

Chartwells’ passionate team of chefs and nutrition experts has been cooking up menus that not only meet rigorous nutritional standards but also reflect the diverse tastes and preferences of today’s students. With a focus on flavor, variety, and wellness, the cafeteria team takes pride in serving meals that fuel students' bodies and minds all day long. During the first few weeks of school, students can look forward to enjoying several menu options that includes: Fresh salads, sandwiches, and scratch-made items alongside popular student choices. 

Meal Cost & Free and Reduced-Price Meal Applications

For the 2025-26 school year, breakfast will cost $2.50 for middle school students and $2.75 for high school students. Lunch will cost $3.95 for middle school students and $4.20 for high school students. All elementary students grades TK-5 are eligible to receive a complete breakfast and lunch meal daily at no cost, as these schools qualify for the school eligibility program with the state. 

All families, regardless of income, are encouraged to complete and submit a short, confidential school meal application prior to the start of the school year to ensure there are no gaps in meal benefits for students who qualify for free or reduced-price meals. Parents or guardians can submit a confidential application online at https://www.washougal.k12.wa.us/food-services/

Menus and Nutrition Facts at Your Fingertips 

Chartwells K12 continues to bring technology to the forefront of the dining experience to help students and their parents prioritize healthy food choices and understand ingredients so they can help protect children from allergic reactions. Through Nutrislice, students, parents, and faculty have access to school menus, including nutrition information, allergens, and photos. Nutrislice can be downloaded for free from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android) and is available on desktop and mobile devices. Menus are also available at https://washougal.nutrislice.com/menu

Celebrating School Lunch Heroes

Cafeteria staff are a constant source of support for students throughout their school years. These dedicated team members work hard every day to make mealtimes nutritious and enjoyable.  Join the dining services staff for a family-friendly schedule (no nights or weekends), great perks, and more. Learn more or apply at https://www.washougal.k12.wa.us/wsd-jobs/

Through sharing their passion for great-tasting food, instilling a sense of food discovery, and most importantly, providing nourishing meals, Chartwells is excited to be serving up happy and healthy meals to Washougal School district in the year ahead.

About Chartwells K12 

Chartwells K12's goal is to make sure students leave the cafeteria happier and healthier than they came in, by serving food kids love to eat and creating custom dining programs. With more than 18,000 associates in 4,500 schools, ranging from large public institutions to small charter and private schools, Chartwells K12 is built on decades of food, education, and operational experience driven by top culinary, nutrition, wellness, and sustainability talent. For more information, visit www.ChartwellsK12.com.

Paul Hooper Appointed To WSD School Board (Photo) - 08/27/25

The Washougal School Board has appointed Paul Hooper to the school board, representing district 5, to fill the seat vacated by Chuck Carpenter, who retired from his board position at the end of June.  Hooper is a parent of two WSD students and is a graduate of Washougal High School.  He brings extensive leadership experience in the private sector to the board.  Hooper has served as a volunteer with East County Little League and other local organizations.  He brings a focus on innovation, evaluating progress, and building a growth mindset to the role of school director.  

The board gathered applications from interested candidates in late June and July, and interviewed the applicants at the August 12 Special Meeting and work session.  

Board President Sadie McKenzie said, “We were excited and thankful to have three candidates interested in serving on the school board. We believe Paul’s experience and history with Washougal Schools will help as we work to implement the district’s strategic plan and evaluate the success of our efforts.”

“I am honored and excited to give back to the community that has given me so much, both as a student and now as a parent,” Hooper said. “I look forward to collaborating with the board and district staff to build on our strengths and ensure every student has the tools they need to succeed.”

Superintendent Aaron Hansen said, “Paul Hooper has deep roots as a WHS graduate and current parent, along with his extensive business experience will strengthen our school board. He has a demonstrated track record as an involved community volunteer who is ready to help improve the experience of our students.” 

The appointment is through November 2025, when Washougal voters will elect a permanent replacement.