Blue Note Cafe at WHS's PAC 12-17-2010

WHS brings back the coffeehouse
of the '50s and '60s with the
Blue Note Cafe concert series.

Students, faculty, alumni, and

community members perform acoustic folk,

blues, jazz, and rock tunes in a casual, cafe atmosphere.

It's way gone, daddy-o!

Concerts begin at 7:00pm
Free coffee & tea at intermission!

$5.00 adult
$3.00 student/child/senior
FREE with WHS Arts Pass

WHS Choir Holiday Concert 12/16/2010

Join the Washougal HS Choirs for an evening of holiday music ranging from the traditional to the hilarious. Bring the whole family for a night of community, music, and joy.

Thurs. Dec 16, 7:00pm at the Washburn Performing Arts Center @ WHS. $5.00 adult, $3.00 student/child/senior, FREE with WHS Arts Pass.

Happy Holidays!

WHS Students Recognized by VFW for Democracy Essays

Washougal High School students Victor Slavic, Sam Sharp, Darci Akers, and Janelle Kovacs received honors for their essays about democracy by the Veterans of Foreign Wars and Ladies Auxiliary. The Voice of Democracy essay contest is a nationwide, annual event sponsored by the VFW and Ladies Auxiliary. This year’s theme was “Does my generation have a role in Ameri

ca’s future.” Victor received the 1^st place award, Sam received 2^nd place, and Darci and Janelle received Honorable Mentions.

Rotary Scholar of the Month for December: Timmethy Tran

Timmethy Tran was selected as the Camas Washougal Rotary Scholar of the Month for December 2010. Timmethy's biology teacher, Linda Miller, says that he is "a hard worker, applying himself and his abilities and not afraid to take a risk academically challenging himself taking AP Biology as a sophomore." Other teachers describe Timmethy as a well rounded individual, noting that he's been taking very challenging courses as well as participating in football, wrestling, and track. Sheila Good, Timmethy's Advanced English teacher, describes him saying he is "one of my best students!" Timmethy is a hard working student and very respectful to teachers and his friends. Timmethy has a 3.9 GPA. Congratulations, Timmethy Tran!

Help Stuff the Bus December 10, 2010

For the last two years, Washougal High School has joined Camas High School in a friendly rivalry to see which school can gather the most food and toys for needy families on one day. Last year, Washougal High beat Camas High, but the real winners were the families in need who live in Camas and Washougal. The East County Family Resource Center of Children's Home Society, Camas Treasure House and other charities that provide food and household supplies to needy families joyfully accepted over 70,000 lbs of goods donated by our communities last December.

This year, Stuff the Bus will happen on December 10. When Washougal High School ASB leaders and students show their community spirit, it is enough to inspire all of us to join this great cause. Community members are invited to drop off non-perishable canned or boxed foods, household supplies and unwrapped toys at any Washougal school. The big yellow bus will be parked in front of Washougal High School all day, and this is where the action is the most exciting. The ASB is also accepting cash donations which will be used for purchasing additional food and household supply items throughout the day.

Tonight, Wednesday December 8, 2010, the WHS ASB students will be at McDonalds from 4:00pm-7:00pm collecting donations

Thursday December 9^th- the Stuff the Bus team will be at the wrestling match at WHS from 5:30-8:00. And the Camas/Washougal Grocery Outlet from 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Friday December 10th- The Stuff the Bus Team will be at Pioneer Square promoting stuff the bus from 6:00am-7:00am, then at WHS all day collecting donations.

Please join us for a post-Stuff the Bus party at Exterior Wood from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm

Stuff the Bus is a program that was created by the Camas Washougal Business Alliance (CWBA). The CWBA is made up of local business owners who strive to have a positive impact on the well-being of the community. The CWBA invites the public to attend the official weigh-in of the buses at 5:00 p.m. on December 10, at Exterior Wood in Washougal. Parking is available in the BiMart parking lot across the street. There will be refreshments as well as a band, and Santa may even stop in for a surprise visit! Many thanks to the CWBA, to district staff and to community members who will help Washougal High win that beautiful Stuff the Bus trophy one more time!

WHS Choirs perform at Washougal Holiday Tree Lighting Festival

WASHOUGAL HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTING FESTIVAL

DOWNTOWN WASHOUGAL

SAT. DEC. 4

3:30-5:00PM

JOIN THE WHS & JMS CHOIRS and the Washougal Community at the Tree Lighting and Santa Claus Visit!

Sing Carols!

Drink Cocoa!

Activities!

Santa Claus and his Elves!

Greet your Washougal neighbors!

TREE LIGHTS @ 5:00PM!

FREE!!

Dress VERY WARMLY, coats, gloves, hats, double socks

(really!)

Long-time Board members retire

Washougal School District board members Dr. Orlan Gessford and Tom Huffman have announced their retirement effective January 31, 2011. Dr. Gessford was appointed to the Board in 1984, and elected to his position in 1985. Tom Huffman, a graduate of Washougal High School, was elected to the Board in 1991. Both have grown children who are graduates of Washougal High.

Superintendent Teresa Baldwin says she has appreciated Dr. Orlan Gessford’s leadership for finance on the board, as well as his advocacy for disadvantaged children, both of which are important functions on the board of directors. She talks about Tom Huffman’s influence on teaching and learning, both as an advocate of academic rigor and advanced placement courses, as well as his vision for a strong career and technical education curriculum aligned with the Clark County Skills Center program.

Bob Donaldson and Phil Rohn, past superintendent and associate superintendent, felt that the policy-level thinking led by Tom Huffman and Orlan Gessford, specifically the concept of a culminating student performance judged against a standard of excellence, was ground-breaking at the time and well ahead of the state requirement for graduation. They also noted the tremendous leadership shown by these two board members when, as a result of a voter-approved school bond in 1999, the district's facilities were modernized. Donaldson said, "The knowledge that Tom and Orlan had of construction management, county codes and labor laws proved to be extremely helpful during that time of district facility reconstruction."

Former superintendent Brent Garrett also recalled that both of these board members were strong proponents of the first “Senior Project” requirement for graduation at Washougal High School. Mr. Garrett noted that there are school directors who “sit” on boards and those who “serve,” and he remembers both Dr. Gessford and Mr. Huffman as directors who have served and have made significant contributions to the students and community. Mr. Garrett said, “Tom and Orlan will be replaced, but our memory of what they have accomplished will remain a beacon for those filling their shoes. They have truly served!”

Teresa Baldwin said, “Tom and Orlan have been at the helm with a calm, steady hand, helping to chart the course of this district for many years. Their knowledgeable, experienced commitment is exceptional. Individually and together, they are leaving a legacy of leadership in Washougal School District.” Dr. Orlan Gessford and Tom Huffman will be honored as recipients of the 2011 Community Leadership Award at a reception in May next year, presented by the Washington Association of School Administrators.

Blaine Peterson, current president of the Washougal Board of Directors, announced that the board will be seeking applicants to fill these two vacancies. Information will be posted on the district website in December.

WHS Choirs Performing at Grotto Festival of Lights Dec. 3, 2010

The Washougal HS Chamber Choir, the WHS X-Tet, and the WHS Jolly Brass Sextet will be performing at The Grotto Christmas Festival of Lights this Friday Dec. 3 at 7:00pm. We hope you can join us for a magical night of music in the acoustically spectacular chapel! Plus over a million lights, puppet shows, skits, hot cocoa and more! The Grotto is located at 8840 NE Skidmore St. in Portland, OR. Admission is $8 for adults, $4 for children ages 3-12, free for children 2 and under. For more information, please visit the WHS Choir webpage.

Pirates of Penzance in Washburn PAC November 11th through 20th

Please join us in the Washburn Performing Arts Center at Washougal High School for their presentation of Gilbert & Sullivan's Pirates of Penzance. Shows are at 7 PM on November 11, 13, 19 & 20th. For more information, please visit the PAC webpage.

Rotary Scholar of the Month - Joseph Harris III

Joseph Harris III was selected as the Camas Washougal Rotary Scholar of the Month for November 2010. Joseph's Band Teacher, Kelly Ritter, said that "Joe is in Symphonic Band and Pep band. He plays the French horn in Symphonic, and piccolo in Pep. " He plays a different instrument in each, which shows how talented and hard-working he is. Anthony has a 3.6 GPA, and is active in Student Leadership, cheer squad, and is taking Advanced Placement courses as a Sophomore. According to WHS Counselor Christina Mackey, Joe takes his academics very seriously, and has chosen rigorous courses for his 10th grade year. Congratulations, Joseph Harris III!

WHS Students Win Grant to Buy Books for School Library

Congratulations to the WHS Readers Club and the WHS Library who are the recipients of a $1,000 Creative Classroom grant from the Washougal Schools Foundation due to the initiative of Junior Kristan Poissonnier and a team of Readers Club Officers, including Seniors Troy McConnaughey, Rickie Ludlow, Stacy Bradley, Andrea Miller, and Sophomore Cameron Holmes. The students initiated the proposal independently and collectively wrote the Books ‘R’ Us Washougal High grant, enabling students to help select and purchase library books.

In August, Kristan and her Readers Club peers were excited about seeing each other and were looking forward to a year of new books to read, but when she found out that the budget restrictions in the school district impacted the library, she took matters into her own hands, investigating alternate ways to raise money for library resources.

“I talked to principals and staff and found out about the Washougal Schools Foundation grants,” said Kristan. “I was in the library talking about the grant and library volunteer Boyd Hemminger was listening. It turned out that he was on the grant committee. He got me an application to fill out, and he got me all the rules and regulations I had to abide by. Then I took off from there.”

To demonstrate the need for the grant, Kristan and her team talked about budget cuts which have reduced the library's budget for adding books, saying “There is no money to support adding new literature to the library.” The grant writers further addressed how the grant would actively involve students while on their annual field trip to Powell’s City of Books in Portland, where the Reader Club members typically select new and gently used books for the school library, with the approval of Washougal High School Teacher/Librarian Kim Dillon.

The grant stated:

“We plan on purchasing a variety of genres - biographies, manga, and fiction. Selecting different genres such as biographies and autobiographies will allow the students to see and experience other people’s lives. Fiction will let the reader relax and enjoy a good book about a mythological being and make them use their imagination to picture these stories. Manga is designed to encourage children to talk about something such as the art of anime. The artwork didn’t come out of thin air someone had to draw the pictures. So even in the smallest of things, that we can’t possibly imagine, there is an educational benefit.”

Girls Soccer Semifinal tonight at WHS

Our fabulous Girls Soccer Team will host Mark Morris tonight in a consolation round semifinal at 6:00, at Fishback Stadium. The winner of tonight's match will play Saturday to determine the 3rd and final District IV representative in the Sate Tournament Bracket.

Our girls are playing well, and have never before advanced this far into the post season.

Please come and support their efforts to reach the State Soccer Tournament for the first time in school history.

Admission is $7.00 for adults, $5.00 for students with an ASB.

GO PANTHERS!

Rotary Scholar of the Month - Anthony Valdez

Anthony Valdez was selected as the Camas Washougal Rotary Scholar of the Month for October 2010. Anthony's biology teacher, Pauline Rule says that, "Anthony always has a positive attitude, is intelligent, a self-starter and a natural leader. He influences others around him in a positive way and I wish we had a hundred more students like him." Other teachers noted that Anthony assists other students and always joins students who need partners, ensuring that no one is left out. He is well-liked by his peers and teachers. His intrinsic discipline to work hard in the classroom serves as an example for others. Anthony is a member of the symphonic band, has a 3.9 GPA, is president of the Sophomore class and past president of the Freshman class. Congratulations, Anthony Valdez!

WHS Wrestling Information for Parents, Participants, Boosters and Coaches

The Wrestling Season Parent/Participant Packet and Entire Season Schedule which includes Post Season, Awards Banquet, and Summer Camp has all been placed on the Washougal Wrestling Website.

Take a look to see all of the information for this year 2010-2011! This year we are going completely digital, and we are looking forward to a great season! Our first team meeting will be Thursday, Nov. 2, 2010. Our High School Athletic Trainer, Lisa Bennett, has already arranged two dates for athletic hydration testing(Nov. 10 th and Nov. 18th). Bring on the Winter Sports Season!

Washougal Wrestling is ready to keep our tradition of excellence thriving!

WHS Sports Update

Our Girls Soccer team advanced to Round 2 of the District Soccer Tournament with a 2-1 victory over Centralia on Saturday. Next up is Black Hills at 6:00pm tomorrow here at home at Fishback Stadium.

A win tomorrow will earn the girls an automatic berth into the State Tournament Bracket. We hope to see many fans there to support the team.

Also on Saturday, our boys and girls Cross Country teams competed well at the District Meet. Kendall Utter advanced to the State Meet in Pasco for the girls, while the entire boys team will compete as they finished 3rd in the team standings. Dylan Croeni won the district crown and set a new course record with his time. Sean Eustis placed 7th individually. The State Meet will be in Pasco this Saturday 11/6/10.

GO PANTHERS!

Watercare Industrial Services Student Achievement Highlight November 2010

Kyle Taisacan

WHS senior Kyle Taisacan calls himself “selfless”, and that is truly what he is. He has a heart of a warrior in that it is true and loyal; and he approaches life in the same vein. If you need help, ask Kyle; if you want a friend, ask Kyle; and if you need conviction, ask Kyle. This outstanding and hard-working student has compassion for the “underdogs” in life and has a fire inside to get things done. His dream one day is to own a recording studio so that he may fund charities to help others. Kyle is the soft and steady voice in a roaring storm and he will always be there for you.

Shayna Service

Though WHS senior Shayna service appears quiet, don’t let that fool you. A hard worker who loves music, sewing, and reading, Shayna motivates others to work hard as well. A wonderful friend, Shayna enjoys helping others. Asked once what she would do if she won the lottery, she simply smiled and said, “I’d give it to someone that really needed it.” This talented young woman has been busy assisting with the creation of costumes for the WHS drama productions. Her dream one day is to attend the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandise in California to study costume design. Full of joy and beauty, to know Shayna is to love her. Perhaps one day she will be the winner of “Project Runway”!

Washougal High School Students Recognized for Academic Excellence

Several Washougal High School students have been recognized for their scholastic achievements this fall.

Alexander Maxa has been awarded Semifinalist status in the 2011 National Merit Scholarship Program. Alexander is among 16,000 Semifinalists and is one of the highest scoring entrants in Washington state.

Patrick McCarthy has been named a Commended Student in the 2011 National Merit Scholarship Program. Patrick is one among 34,000 Commended Students throughout the nation to be recognized for his exceptional academic promise.

In addition, Patrick is a graduate of the 2010 Washington Aerospace Scholars Summer Residency hosted by The Museum of Flight in Seattle. Washington Aerospace Scholars (WAS) is a competitive educational program for high school juniors from across Washington state.

Patrick was among the 160 who qualified for the Washington Aerospace Scholars Summer Residency program from the 247 students who applied in November 2009. To qualify for the residency program, students spent six months studying a NASA-designed, distance-learning curriculum via the Internet. During the residency experience, students collaborated on the design of a human mission to Mars and participated in other hands-on engineering challenges while guided by professional engineers, scientists, university students and certified teachers.

Several Washougal High School students have earned Advanced Placement (AP) Scholar Awards on the basis of their outstanding academic performance on AP Exams.

Washougal High School has three AP Scholars: Natalie Hoyte, Cynthia Mace, and Haley Strohschein. These students have completed three or more AP exams with scores of 3 or higher.

Four WHS students have earned recognition as AP Scholar with Honor: Darcy Akers, Sarah Hess, Patrick McCarthy, and Shane Phillips. These students earned an average score of at least 3.25 on all AP exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on four or more of these exams.

Finally, WHS student Christopher Norton has earned the title of AP Scholar with Distinction. Chistopher qualified for this award by earning an average score of at least 3.5 on all AP exams taken and by earning a score of 3 or higher on five or more of these exams.

Watercare Industrial Services Student Achievement Highlight October 2010

Patrick McCarthy

Honors student and WHS senior, Patrick McCarthy excels in all his endeavors. Patrick demonstrates exceptional leadership abilities both as a STAR mentor and as an officer in the Interact Club, a service organization affiliated with Rotary International. Serving as lead mentor this school year, Patrick puts in lots of extra time to help develop curriculum and to brainstorm ways to help freshmen be successful in their academics. He is always positive and willing to do whatever needs to be done to accomplish the task at hand. The future is bright for this young man and we know he will be successful at whatever he undertakes.

Exchange program creates lasting memories

For the past three years, Washougal families have opened their doors to welcome students from Shukutoku Yono High School in Japan. This year, 44 students visited Washougal from September 24-27.

A second host family program is set for October 9-11. Washougal families have been hosting students through the Seirei Christopher High School Exchange Program for over 25 years.

Washougal School District currently offers first year Japanese at Jemtegaard Middle School and Japanese II, III, and IV at Washougal High School.

For more information about Washougal School District’s Japanese program, visit:

http://teacherweb.com/WA/Washougal/Japanese/apt1.aspx

Tailgate Fundraiser 9/30/2010 at Columbia Credit Union's Washougal Branch

Get out your Orange and Black!

Columbia Credit Union is hosting a Tailgate Party on Thursday, Sept. 30^th form 5 - 7 pm. We do have Volleyball and Soccer matches that night so come early and then attend the games.

The Panther Football team is currently 3-1 and they open league play at RA Long High School in Longview on Friday night. But, they aren’t the only Panther Team doing well. Join us in also celebrating the success of our Greater St. Helen’s League leading (4-0) Girls Soccer team, and our outstanding Boys Golf, Boys Tennis, Boys and Girls Cross Country and Girls Volleyball teams. Members of our outstanding Cheerleader program will also be on hand as we cheer the Panthers on the victory.

Please join us in extending a big THANK YOU to Columbia Credit Union for their support of the Washougal School District, and W.H.S. Athletics.

Washougal School District receives $996,999 grant to improve teaching of American history

Washougal School District is one of just two districts in the state to receive a Teaching American History Grant from the Department of Education. The $996,999 grant will enhance teachers’ understanding of American history through intensive professional development, including study trips to historic sites and mentoring with professional historians and other experts.

The grant’s focus is on civil rights and while guaranteed for three years, may be extended to five, pending funding.

Though Washougal is the grant administrator, two other school districts—Evergreen and Ridgefield—are co-recipients and teachers from each of the three districts will benefit from the grant. Sixty teachers (20 per year of the grant) will participate in the grant.

Washougal just wrapped up a three-year history grant and the new grant will keep the ball rolling and build upon the progress that has been made over the past three years.

“We feel incredibly lucky,” said grant director Carol Boyden. “With the emphasis on state testing, history has lost some classroom emphasis. Thanks to this grant, we’re able to focus on teaching strategies to incorporate history into other subjects, such as reading and writing and keep history an integral part of our curriculum.”

A requirement of the grant is that districts must partner with organizations that have broad knowledge of American history, such as libraries, museums, nonprofit historical or humanities organizations, and higher education institutions.

History is one of the core academic subjects under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act.

Through the grant, teachers learn directly from authors, historians and experts who not only share their knowledge during workshops, but also make themselves available as an ongoing resources throughout the year. Teachers share lessons and techniques among themselves, so they come away from each training session armed with several different lesson plans for different grade levels. Grant participants will also complete a weeklong summer study program.

A major grant partner is Washington State University, where Professor Laurie Mercier assisted with writing the grant and coordinates incoming professors and historians. Another active partner is the Clark County Historical Museum.

“This is the best professional development I’ve ever seen for teachers,” said Boyden. “It sets up relationships between universities, school districts and experts to create a community around teaching history.”

Krispy Kreme Donuts at WHS 9-17-2010 starting at 7 AM

Mmmmm donuts.....

There will be fresh delicious Krispy Kreme glazed doughnuts at Washougal High School this Friday, Sept.17 at 7:00am...ready for your drive to work!

Stop by and pick up a dozen for yourself and workmates and support the WHS Chamber Choir's trip to Anaheim in April 2011.

$9.00/dozen Sold at the corner of 39th and J street, and at the main entrance of WHS.

"You've Been Flocked" Grad Night Fundraiser

Washougal Grad Night Parents are trying a new fundraiser this year. Families may be waking up to a yard full of pink flamingos between now and November 23. The flock of roosting flamingos can be removed at no charge within 48 hours, however, recipients can also request a yard for the birds to migrate to next. For a suggested donation of $20 the Grad Night parents will move the flamingos to the yard of your choice - prehaps an unsuspecting friend or neighbor. Not interested in having the flamingos at all? No problem. Insurance is available for $5 to guarantee there will not be a flocking at your home. Download the order form using this link.

Grad Night parents, who are assuming the role of flockers, want to assure the community that no unsupervised students will be participating in this activity and that this fundraiser is intended to be all in fun and has no malicious intent at all.

Blue Note Cafe Concert 9-16-2010 @ 7 PM

BLUE NOTE CAFE CONCERT THURSDAY SEPT 16 AT 7:00PM

WASHBURN PAC in Washougal

WHS brings back the coffeehouse of the '50s and '60s with the Blue Note! Join us for a great evening of music featuring WHS alumni performing rock, jazz, folk, and more.
Cafe concert series. Students, faculty, alumni, and community members perform in a casual, cafe atmosphere. $5 adult, $3 student/child FREE w/ WHS Arts Pass Free coffee & tea at intermission!

**************************************************

Washburn Performing Arts Center
www.washburnpac.org
arts@washougal.k12.wa.us

1201 39th st
Washougal, WA 98671
Box Office: (360)954-3107
Information: (360)954-3103

Washougal teacher named region’s Teacher of the Year

Brian Eggleston has been named Educational Service District 112 region Teacher of the Year (TOY). A teacher at Washougal High School, Eggleston is one of nine finalists from around the state for the Washington State Teacher of the Year Award. One teacher will be selected to represent Washington State in the National Teacher of the Year Program.

Eggleston has taught Spanish at Washougal High School for the past five years. He holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Colorado and a Master’s Degree in Teaching from the Evergreen State College.

Eggleston serves as chair of the Foreign Language Department and says that his greatest accomplishment is the expansion of the WHS Spanish program from five classes to eight classes in just four years. He has helped organize several cultural events for students as well as serving as staff advisor to the Spanish Club.

“My teaching rests on the belief that students learn best when we teach through activities that are engaging, worthwhile and purposeful,” said Eggleston, who is described as enthusiastic, fun and inspiring by coworkers and parents.

“Brian’s contributions in the classroom, school and district are remarkable,” said Assistant Superintendent Rebecca Miner. “It is sometimes said that teaching is a combination of art and science and Brian is a teacher whose artistry makes the science of teaching a pleasure to observe and his students richly benefit from his talents.”

Prior to joining the Washougal School District in 2005, Eggleston worked as a provisional teacher in Oakland, CA. He taught English classes in Madrid, Spain and worked as a tutor at South Puget Sound Community College in Olympia and as a Spanish Teaching Assistant at Seattle Central Community College. Eggleston completed his student teaching in Tacoma and Olympia.

Former Washougal High School Principal Gerry Stavney calls Eggleston “one of the strongest teachers I have observed in my thirty-plus years in education”. “The students of Washougal High School are fortunate to have a teacher of Mr. Eggleston’s caliber,” said Stavney.

Superintendent Teresa Baldwin said, "Mr. Eggleston consistently provides intellectually challenging and engaging instruction for students, and it is fun to visit his classes and watch students actively engaged in learning."

Eggleston’s coworkers describe him as “a truly caring advocate and mentor” for students.

Eggleston is currently working toward earning National Board Certification.

WHS annual all sports parent/player orientation

Washougal High School Athletics will be hosting the annual all sports parent/player orientation in the gym on the evening of August 11th at 6:00 PM. Head Coaches for all sports will be introduced to the community, and then fall sports coaches will have the opportunity to meet with their respective groups of parents and athletes.

The ASB office will be open at 5:00 for those who want to pay fees and turn in paperwork that evening.

Graduates earn awards and scholarships

Washougal High School’s Class of 2010 earned impressive awards and scholarships - $340,360 in total

Hilary Akers—President’s Education Award for Outstanding Academic Excellence; WA State Principal’s Scholars Award for Academic Excellence, University of Portland Arthur Schulte Scholarship; Hailey Bischoff—Brigham Academic Scholarship ($3,500); President’s Education Award for Outstanding Academic Excellence; WA State Principal’s Scholars Award for Academic Excellence; Courtney Bright—President’s Education Award for Outstanding Academic Excellence; WA State Principal’s Scholars Award for Academic Excellence; Washington State University Achievement Scholarship ($8,000); Washougal Association of Educators Scholarship ($1,000); Jeff Corona—United States Army Reserve National Scholar/Athlete Award; Madeline Cresswell—WA State Principal’s Scholars Award for Academic Excellence; Molly Day—WA State Principal’s Scholars Award for Academic Excellence; Clark College Edda McCordic Talent Award ($750); Steven Goolsby—WA State Principal’s Scholars Award for Academic Excellence; Heidi Greear—United States Army Reserve National Scholar/Athlete Award; Paul Hamllik—President’s Education Award for Outstanding Academic Excellence; WA State Principal’s Scholars Award for Academic Excellence; Kiley Harper—Associate Degree from Clark College; Brandon Harryman—WA State Principal’s Scholars Award for Academic Excellence; Jennie Heaton—Central Washington University Wildcat Tuition Award ($1,200); Washougal PSE Len Bottemiller Memorial Scholarship ($1,000); LJ Jones Scholarship ($2,500); Odd Fellow Lonnie Belz Scholarship; Ryan Hill—WA State Principal’s Scholars Award for Academic Excellence; Sean Humes—Clark College Foundation ($500); Aaron Johnson—WA State Principal’s Scholars Award for Academic Excellence, Washougal Schools Foundation Scholarship ($1,000); Jakub Kasowski—WA State Principal’s Scholars Award for Academic Excellence; Ashley Klein—Imagine America Scholarship ($1,000); Baillie Kraft—Associate Degree from Clark College; Mary Kratovil—Associate Degree from Clark College; Dana Lackey—SW Washington 2A District IV Scholarship ($250); WA State Principal’s Scholars Award for Academic Excellence; Washougal Schools Foundation Scholarship ($1,000); Rebecca Lund—WA State Principal’s Scholars; Michelle Magana—Seattle Pacific Deans’ Scholar Award ($9,000); Seattle University Arrupe Scholarship ($28,000); Andrea McClanahan—WA State Principal’s Scholars Award for Academic Excellence; Alicia McElroy—WA State Principal’s Scholars Award for Academic Excellence; Madelynn McIlwain—Oklahoma City University Wrestling Scholarship ($28,000); Caylem Nunes—One Stop Home Furnishings Scholarship ($500); President’s Education Award for Outstanding Academic Excellence; WA State Principal’s Scholars Award for Academic Excellence; Ben O’Hara—Whitworth Academic Scholars Award ($8,000); Whitworth Legacy Scholarship ($28,000); William Paulson—Camas-Washougal Rotary Scholarship ($1,000); Odd Fellow Lonnie Belz Scholarship ($3,000); Washougal Lions Club Scholarship ($500); Shane Phillips—President’s Education Award for Outstanding Academic Excellence; WA State Principal’s Scholars Award for Academic Excellence; Air Force ROTC Scholarship ($83,160); Scott Powell—President’s Education Award for Outstanding Academic Excellence; WA State Principal’s Scholars Award for Academic Excellence; Jelayne Scheel—President’s Education Award for Outstanding Academic Excellence; WA State Principal’s Scholars Award for Academic Excellence; Patrick Scheel—WA State Principal’s Scholars Award for Academic Excellence; Karen Tanner—WA State Principal’s Scholars Award for Academic Excellence; Katherine Thomas—WA State Principal’s Scholars Award for Academic Excellence; Linfield College Scholarship ($50,000); Linfield Leadership Award ($500); Linfield Modern Languages Academic Competitive Scholarship ($16,000); Washougal Association of Educators Scholarship ($1,000); Sarah Thorn—Associate Degree from Clark College with honors; President’s Education Award for Outstanding Academic Excellence; WA State Principal’s Scholars Award for Academic Excellence; Arin Vandiver—Washougal Lions Club Scholarship ($500); Sarah Walker—WA State Principal’s Scholars Award for Academic Excellence; Hailey Watts—Associate Degree from Clark College with honors; WA State Principal’s Scholars Award for Academic Excellence; Mayelee Watts—WA State Principal’s Scholars Award for Academic Excellence; Washougal Lions Club Scholarship ($500); Washougal Schools Foundation Scholarship ($1,000); Morgan Wilson—WA State Principal’s Scholars Award for Academic Excellence; David Zack—President’s Education Award for Outstanding Academic Excellence; WA State Principal’s Scholars Award for Academic Excellence.

Free Lunch for children aged 1-18 at Hathaway Elementary School

Free summer lunch program at Hathaway Elementary, Mon-Fri, 11:00 a.m.-12:00
p.m.. Monday June 28-Friday August 13. Closed Monday July 5 for the holiday.
Snack offered from 2-2:30 p.m. All children, ages 1-18 are welcome.

Washougal Firefighters Partner with Schools to Promote Literacy

A partnership between Washougal School District and the Washougal Fire Department will benefit young readers as part of a summer literacy event. Through the School's Out Washington program, Washougal firefighters will visit Hathaway Elementary on July 15 at 1:00 p.m. to read to students who are participating in the Feed Your Brain summer program.

"We are thrilled that the firefighters are able to partner with us in this activity," said Rebecca Miner, Associate Superintendent for Washougal School District. "Students will have a chance to showcase their reading skills in an engaging way and will be excited to meet firefighters and learn about how they use reading in their career."

The Feed Your Brain summer program offers a series of literacy activities for Washougal students in grades K-3. Activities include computer lab time, reading and writing skill development, reader's theater, an author's tea and more.

"The Feed Your Brain Program, Read To Your Firefighter, is a great opportunity for the firefighters to connect with students in the community," said Fire Chief Ron Schumacher. "Washougal Fire Department is honored that they were asked to help with the program. We hope that by reading to the students, it may 'spark' an interest in reading. Being able to read is not only important to be successful in school but in the future as well. If they want to be future firefighters they must be able to read."

Feed Your Brain runs 4 days per week for 6 weeks, Mondays - Thursdays - noon to 2 p.m., June 28 through Thursday, August 5.

For more information on the Feed Your Brain summer program, visit: http://www.washougal.k12.wa.us/feed-your-brain.pdf

Read an article in the Columbian newspaper about this program: http://www.columbian.com/news/2010/jul/17/Washougal-summer-literacy-program/

Blue Note Cafe Alumni Show 6-17-2010

Blue Note Cafe Alumni Show- Thurs. June 17, 7:00 p.m. at Washougal High School's Washburn Performing Arts Center. Special guest-Pianist Michael Allen Harrison. Don't miss this opportunity to see this world class musician on our Washougal stage! Join us for a great evening of music featuring WHS alumni from 1981-2010 performing rock, jazz, folk, and more.

$5 adult, $3 student/child, FREE w/ WHS Arts Pass. Free coffee & tea at intermission!

State Representative Ed Orcutt attends Gause Elementary School Project Citizen presentations

Gause Elementary School welcomed State Representative Ed Orcutt, R-18th Legislative District, to view Project Citizen presentations by fifth grade students in June. Project Citizen is a culminating research and presentation project for all fifth graders in Washougal School District. Topics chosen by students were centered on two areas of interest, energy conservation as a public policy issue in Washougal schools and education in the arts. Gause principal Rex Larson invited Representative Orcutt as an opportunity for the legislator to observe the quality of student learning that exemplifies Washougal schools. At the end of the presentations, Representative Orcutt commented on the level of knowledge shared by students in their presentations and particularly the expertise demonstrated in fielding questions posed by the judging panelists. Fifth grade teachers at Gause Elementary include Malcolm Estes, Eric Engebretson, Erin Darling and Mandy Busby.

Superintendent Baldwin’s Message—June 2010

High School Graduation is such an exciting celebration, and this year was no exception. First of all, it was an absolutely beautiful evening in the Fishback Stadium for Washougal High School’s graduation. We put this one in the books as a bumper crop of graduates with a total of 188 graduates receiving diplomas from Washougal High School and 26 graduates receiving diplomas from Excelsior High School. Our entire school system is geared to prepare students for living and working in the global community of the 21st Century, so the high school diploma these days signifies competence and preparation for the broad world of work and higher education. While graduation is the culmination of thirteen years of public schooling, it is really the beginning of a very important phase in the lives of our graduates. They have garnered the skills and knowledge necessary to take the next step beyond the halls of Washougal High School. We wish them all the best and look forward to hearing their success stories.

It is important to brief the community on attainment of three major areas of focus this year:
1) increasing student achievement using Professional Learning Community best practices;
2) reducing energy costs; and 3) passing the Maintenance & Operations Levy. The following summarizes District accomplishments in these areas:

PROFESSIONAL LEARNING COMMUNITIES
Washougal staff continue to leverage student achievement using a collaborative practice known as Professional Learning Communities. This year, PLC teams focused on using authentic assessment to shape instruction, and more specifically, the kind of instruction that is intellectually challenging and engaging for all students. We call that kind of instruction I.C.E. for short!

Educational research shows that intellectually challenging and engaging instruction is meaningful and relevant, exciting and motivating for students. Our job as teachers is to create more and more learning opportunities that genuinely engage students at the deepest level of learning. Frequent, consistent use of I.C.E. instruction will continue to be a focus of PLC work next year.

ENERGY CONSERVATION
It is with great appreciation that we thank community members Tim Young and Karen Rubino for their volunteer work on our energy conservation goal. The District has met several critical benchmarks this year, as noted here:

1) Board approval of Policy #6923 which specifies all of the details necessary for conserving energy, reducing waste and saving money.

2) Contract with Geert Aerts, part-time resource conservation manager, who is retro-commissioning Washougal High School, specifically improving heating and cooling efficiencies.

3) Approval from Bonneville Power Administration for an incentive reimbursement program which repays partial costs to the District for energy efficiency improvements.

4) Establishment of “Green Teams” at each school to inspire the cultural shift among staff and students around lower energy consumption. We extend our appreciation to parents and community members who have joined this effort.

MAINTENANCE & OPERATIONS LEVY
Many thanks to the Washougal community and taxpayers who voted in February to approve a four-year Maintenance & Operations levy. We extend our appreciation to Phil Rohn, community member and chair of the Washougal Citizens for Better Schools, and his committee for executing a flawless levy campaign. For his part, Phil was presented with the 2010 Community Leadership Award for Washougal School District at Educational Service District 112. As a result of a successful levy campaign, $5,000,000 will be added to the general fund each year to continue the all important work of educating the children of Washougal.

I can hardly believe it, but this month concludes my fifth year in Washougal School District and my fourth year as Superintendent. It continues to be a great privilege and honor to work with the Board of Directors on behalf of the Washougal community to provide the best educational opportunity possible for the girls and boys, the young women and young men in our school system.

Best wishes for wonderful summer vacation. We look forward to welcoming students back on the first day of school, August 31, 2010!

Teresa Baldwin, Superintendent

WHS Junior Patrick McCarthy Recognized by the Board of Directors

WHS junior, Patrick McCarthy was recognized by the Board of Directors at the meeting on June 8, 2010. WHS principal, Gerry Stavney, noted that Patrick has been the recipient of three awards this spring. As a Washington Aerospace Scholar, Patrick will attend a summer residency and internship on aerospace engineering sponsored by the Boeing Company. For extensive volunteering with Loaves and Fishes, Share House, etc., Patrick was selected for the Prudential Spirit of Community Award and the Presidential Volunteer Service Award. Finally, as a recipient of the Bank of America Student Leadership Scholarship, Patrick was awarded an internship with the non-profit organization, Habitat for Humanity, and he will spend a week at a leadership seminar in Washington, D.C. this summer. Patrick is the president of Washougal High School's Rotary Interact Club.

Chamber Choir Performs at Best in the Northwest Choir Festival

The Washougal High School Chamber Choir performed at the Best in the Northwest Choir Festival at the University of Portland on May 14th. The group placed 7th out of 13 choirs, in a very competitive line up of major schools from Oregon, Washington, and Idaho.

Pictured are members of the WHS Chamber Choir.

Hathaway Green Team Presents to School Board

A group of Hathaway students, staff, and volunteers presented information on the Hathaway "Green Team" and their effort to promote conservation at their school. Students used the daily in-school news show WOOF to encourage fellow students to recycle paper and turn off lights to conserve energy. Students tracked the recycling effort, and Hathaway was able to reduce the number of weekly garbage pickups by 33%.

Students created stickers for light switches and high-usage devices like the laminator, reminding their classmates and school staff to turn them off when they are not in use. The students tracked the energy usage for the school compared with last year, and found that their efforts had already saved the school thousands of dollars in electricity over the first 4 months of 2010.

School Board members thanked the student, staff, and volunteer members of the Green Team for their hard work, and shook hands with the student members. Pictured are School Board Member Tom Huffman, and Green Team 1st Grade member Gunnar.

WHS Variety Show Friday June 11

Please join us for the annual WHS Variety Show this Friday June 11 at 7:00pm in the Washburn Performing Arts Center. We have a GREAT line up of songs, skits, dancing, comedy...and we are saying goodbye to our Class of 2010 Choir seniors. For all the elementary and middle school teachers who may remember them, they are: Roman Vinsonhaler, Steven Goolsby, Marisa Hansen, Nikala Cann, Don Gabel, Jared Scheel, Airiel Rabick-Manus, Hanna Nelson, and Braden Coe.

Please view the program, if you are interested in more information. $5.00 adult, $3.00 student/child/senior, FREE with WHS Arts Pass.

WHS Spring Sports Report

Leading the way is Boys Golf, which is actually a carryover from the fall season. Connor O’Niell became the first State Golf Champion in WHS history. Playing on May 25-26 at Apple Tree Golf Resort in Yakima, Connor came back from four strokes down with a strong final round to take Medalist Honors. A strong 21st Place showing by teammate Beau Scott carried the Panthers to a 3rd Place team trophy.

In Girls Golf, senior Courtney Bright advanced to the State Tournament for the third year in a row.

Boys Soccer finished third in the GSHL standings and advanced to a District IV showdown with Tumwater for a berth in the state tournament. A 1-1 tie after regulation and overtime led to a shoot-out which the Panthers lost, ending their season.

In Boys Tennis, another carryover from the fall, the doubles team of Steven Goolsby and Caylem Nunes advanced to the state tournament held at the U of W on May 28th. Both the boys and girls programs are on the rise under the leadership of coaches Eric and Linda Balholm.

The Panther Baseball team showed improvement during the season and will continue to work through the summer under the leadership of new head coach Chris Brown.

In Softball, the Panthers finished 4th in the GSHL and qualified for the pigtail game for a potential spot in the district tournament. After being postponed multiple times the Panthers fell to Aberdeen in that season ending game.

The Track team had another outstanding season. Head Coach Dave Hajek and staff saw the Panther girls team claim the GSHL championship for the second year in a row. There were an incredible 5 school records broken this season. New records were set in the Boys Pole Vault, Girls Shot Put, Girls 100M Hurdles, Boys 3200M and the Girls 4 X 200M Relay. In addition the following individuals made the finals and/or placed in their events at the state track and field meet held May 27-29 at Mt Tahoma H.S.

Girls 100M Hurdles	2nd	Kelley Young 11	16.43
Girls 400M	4th	Elle Wade 12	58.70
Boys 3200M	5th	Dylan Croeni 11	9:29.59
Girls Shot Put	6th	Heidi Greear 12	37-09.25
Girls Discus	8th	Heidi Greear 12	103-03
Girls High Jump	9th	Katie Wright 10	4-10
Pole Vault	9th	Brendan Casey 11	13-6
Javelin	15th	Brendan Casey 11	135-11
Boys 3200M	15th	Sean Eustis 9	9:55.0

WHS Student Connor O'Neill wins State Golf Championship

Connor O’Neill became the first State Golf Champion in WHS history. Playing May 25-26 at Apple Tree Golf Resort in Yakima, Connor, a junior, came back from four strokes down with a final round of 68 to take Medalist Honors. A strong 21st Place showing by freshman teammate Beau Scott carried the Panthers to a 3rd Place Team Trophy. Congratulations to Connor, Beau, Coach Brian Anderson and the rest of the Panther Boys Golf Team on an outstanding season.

To read more about Washougal High School's Sport Program, please click here.

Students host WHS Daily Show

WHS students Brittany Shelly and Jessica Hoesly host The Daily Show.

WSD teacher receives award from Chamber of Commerce

Washougal teacher Brian Eggleston was named 2010 Teacher of the Year by the Camas-Washougal Chamber of Commerce.

Eggleston will be honored, along with Camas teacher Sherry Busby, at a banquet June 8 at the Camas Meadows Golf Club. Social hour begins at 5:30 p.m.; dinner is served at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $35 and are available at the chamber office.

Eggleston teaches Spanish at Washougal High School. During his time at the high school, Eggleston has served as Spanish club adviser and chair of the foreign language department. He is currently a candidate for certification with the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards.

Hathaway Elementary receives Green School Certification

Hathaway Elementary has received Washington Green Schools certification
thanks to the efforts of a group of staff, students and community working to
make changes that positively impact the environment.

To achieve certification, the Hathaway Elementary "Green Team" conducted a
rigorous assessment of the school's energy use. The Green Team, led by
Hathaway teacher Cathy Burrows, completed a six-page survey, measured
windows, and conducted a thorough walk-through of the building.

The Green Team concluded that it could make the most impact in reducing
energy usage if computers, lights and electrical equipment were turned off
at night and if blinds were closed at night.

As a result of the assessment, the Green Team developed and carried out an
action plan that resulted in a large monthly savings in kilowatts.

"The kids were thrilled to see such a substantial savings in kilowatts,"
said Burrows.

A chart in the hallway tracks energy usage and progress towards goals so
that students and staff can see the progress.

Community member Dave Burnham led an effort in recycling. Recyclables from
each classroom were weighed and students and staff made an effort to reduce
their paper use. As a result, trash collection is not needed as frequently.

Burrows' first grade class previously used two garbage cans, but now needs
just one small one. Students have adopted the habit of recycling and reusing
paper when possible

"My class is so happy to be helping the environment by conserving energy and
saving paper," said Burrows.

The Green Team is composed of eight students from various grade levels,
staff and parent volunteers. Student representatives from the Green Team are
videotaped, presenting Green Team updates. The video is then shown to all
Hathaway students as part of the morning announcements on "Woof TV".

"I am so proud of the students on the Green Team," said parent volunteer
Darcy Bjorklund. "They have given up their time throughout the school year
to attend meetings where they plan the agenda, present their information,
and plan the next step. Since October 2009, they've helped their school to
save over 50,000 kWh of electricity!"

Energy conservation is one of Washougal School District's key initiatives
for the next few years. In addition to joining with Washington Green
Schools, Washougal School District has also partnered with the City of
Washougal to assist with the process. Pamela Tuite, a member of the city's
Planning Commission as well as its Sustainability Taskforce, worked with district
staff in the fall to provide training and support.

The Washougal School District Board of Directors will review a new Energy
and Resource Conservation policy for adoption in June.

The statewide Washington Green Schools program provides resources for
schools to reduce their campus environmental footprint and utility costs.
Key goals of the initiative include student leadership and community
service.

Other areas supported by the Washington Green Schools initiative are toxics
reduction and indoor air quality, transportation and outdoor air quality,
and water quality and conservation on campus.

Hathaway staff and students will be recognized at a school assembly June 9
at 9:30 a.m. Erin Rowland from the Clark County Dept. of Environmental Services,
and a  member of the Washington Green Schools program. will present the school
with a flag and certificate.

Green Team student members are: Alyssa Barnett, Trillum Allison, Bailee
Watkins, Jade Darrow, Kianna Landon, Paeton Landon, Gunnar Bjorklund,
Jake Klackner and Everest Krabbenhoff.,

Staff members on the Green Team are: Gretchen McLellan,  Cathy Burrows,
Chung Savoie, Laura Bolt, Lindsey Hutchins,  Guy Havens, Kelli
Dizmang, Karen Perez, Debbie Mazour, Lisa Ka'aihue, and Marcia Hershaw.

Community representatives on the Green Team: Darcy Bjorklund, Dave Burnham
and Cheryl Baumgardner.

Washington Green Schools is funded by a grant from the Washington State
Department of Ecology. For more information, visit www.wagreenschools.org.

Superintendent's 2010-2011 Budget Report

Superintendent's 2010-2011 Budget Report 
The following information summarizes the District's position regarding budget reductions for 2010-2011. As a reminder, the budget shortfall was $630,000, and the solutions presented below have resolved the shortfall.

WAE Budget Proposal Approved by Board of Directors
Last night, the Board of Directors approved the generous offer of the Washougal Association of Educators to contribute $93,000 in residual professional development funds to the budget solution, contingent upon a match of $2.00/$1.00 from the District's unreserved funds. To view the WAE proposal, click here.

Superintendent's 2010-2011 Budget Recommendation
In addition, the Board approved the larger set of 2010-2011 budget recommendations that were generated in part by the Community Budget Task Force. To view the 2010-2011 Basic Education Budget Recommendations, click here.

Analysis of Budget Contributions to Shortfall
An analysis of the final budget recommendations shows the percentage of each contribution to the solution:

% of Contributions to $630,000 Budget Shortfall

	Budget Contribution	Fund Amount
	Delay of maintenance reserve fund to a later fiscal year	60,000
	WAE's offer of residual professional development funds	93,000
	District’s unreserved funds, matching $2.00/$1.00 in WAE funds	186,000
	1.0 FTE Administrator, Reduction in Force	114,000
	10% Reduction in District and building budgets	50,000
	Other new revenue sources and cost savings	127,000
	Total	$630,000

Next Steps

The 2010-2011 budget recommendations approved by the Board represent thoughtful input from the Community Budget Task Force, members of the community who emailed the superintendent and Board, the Washington Association of Educators, the district's administrative leadership team, the district office human resources staff and the Board of Directors. Together we shared information that ultimately led to the development of a budget solution which has deeply impacted the administrative team, but spared reductions of other staff members and programs that originally had been considered.

Over the next few weeks, budget manager Rosann Lassman and Carol Baker, Human Resources specialist, will work together to produce the 2010-2011 budget for Board input, review and approval.

Enjoy the Memorial Day weekend!