Cape Students Create "New Years" Cards for Military Service Men and Women

Cape Horn-Skye Elementary students created more than 150 beautiful handmade cards for Gorge-area residents serving overseas in the U.S. military. The Happy New Year cards will be sent in January as part of a gift package through the Gorge Heroes Club.

Washougal resident Margie Coursey coordinated the cardmaking project after she heard about the Gorge Heroes Club and its efforts. Coursey gathered donations from friends and purchased supplies, which she delivered to Cape Horn-Skye Principal Mary Lou Woody. Cape Horn-Skye staff worked with students to create the beautiful, individual cards.

Coursey said she was thrilled with the result. “It was really fun,” she said. “You wouldn’t believe how cute the cards are.”

Cape Horn-Skye Elementary staff and students regularly work with Veteran’s of Foreign Wars Post 122 on events throughout the year, such as canned food drives and essay contests.

“Our community really supports those who have served in the military,” said Principal Mary Lou Woody. “We have many military families and showing our support through partnerships such as this one is an important part of our community,” she said.

The Gorge Heroes Club is a non-profit based in Hood River, Ore. For more information on the Gorge Heroes Club, visit http://gorgeheroesclub.blogspot.com/

Cape Horn-Skye students create special message from home for Gorge area military personnel

Cape Horn-Skye Elementary students created more than 150 beautiful handmade cards for Gorge-area residents serving overseas in the U.S. military. The Happy New Year cards will be sent in January as part of a gift package through the Gorge Heroes Club.

Washougal resident Margie Coursey coordinated the cardmaking project after she heard about the Gorge Heroes Club and its efforts. Coursey gathered donations from friends and purchased supplies, which she delivered to Cape Horn-Skye Principal Mary Lou Woody. Cape Horn-Skye staff worked with students to create the beautiful, individual cards.

Coursey said she was thrilled with the result. “It was really fun,” she said. “You wouldn’t believe how cute the cards are.”

Cape Horn-Skye Elementary staff and students regularly work with Veteran’s of Foreign Wars Post 122 on events throughout the year, such as canned food drives and essay contests.

“Our community really supports those who have served in the military,” said Principal Mary Lou Woody. “We have many military families and showing our support through partnerships such as this one is an important part of our community,” she said.

The Gorge Heroes Club is a non-profit based in Hood River, Ore. For more information on the Gorge Heroes Club, visit http://gorgeheroesclub.blogspot.com/

WHS Chamber Choir Boys perform "Straight No Chaser 12 Days" at the Choir Concert

Choir Concert 12-12-11 @ 7pm

We have had a very busy holiday season so far. The Chamber Choir and X-Tet performed at the
Grotto Christmas Festival of Lights on Nov. 30. The X-Tet has been caroling all over the local
area, including several Holiday Bazaars, private parties, and Tree Lighting Ceremonies.

WHS Choir has their Holiday 2011 performance on  Tuesday, December 12, 2011 at 7 PM in the Washburn Performing Arts Center.



All choir students were invited to attend the Washougal Tree Lighting on Friday Dec. 9, and we
led caroling with the crowd and performed some of our specialty songs.

The Chamber Choir will tour all Washougal Schools tomorrow to spread some happiness and
cheer. The X-Tet will continue it's caroling season, and wrap it up by singing downtown
Portland at the AMD/Dorenbecher Fundraiser on Monday Dec.19. The Sunshine Division is also
involved, and we have heard that the Mayor of Portland will be there as well. Yay, Washougal!
Thanks to the Stevens Family for setting that up for us.

Coming Up: Dec. 13 WHS Bands Concert
Dec.15 Blue Note Cafe (Holiday Edition!)

"Guys and Dolls" T-Shirts are on sale in the lobby...$20 each. Your purchase will help fund the
choir/band and drama departments here at WHS. Thank you!

Visit WHS Choirs, Bands, & Drama at
http://www.washburnpac.org

Stuff the Bus Raises 60,000 Pounds of Food for Local Charities

Camas Wins Stuff the Bus 2011
Washougal School District students from all schools raised around 20,000 pounds of food to support the East County Family Resource Center, part of Children's Home Society, here in Washougal. Camas School District students raised nearly 40,000 pounds of food, and won the competition between the two schools. Congratulations to the Camas students, but the real winners are the local families in need! Thank you to all the generous students, families, and staff who helped make this year's Stuff the Bus event a success. �

More about Stuff the Bus
For the last three 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. 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 pounds of goods donated by our communities last December.�

Update: No Early Release for K-5 Schools Today Due to Lock-down

The Washougal School District has had four schools in lockdown since 8:30 a.m. this morning. Hathaway Elementary, Gause Elementary, Washougal High School, and Excelsior High School are all in lockdown and will remain in lockdown until the school district is notified by the authorities that it is safe to release students and staff. We will not be releasing students, even to parents at the regular early release time today, but will be holding them until the lockdown is lifted. The school buses will not be running until the lockdown is lifted. This will affect all schools in the district, including students attending Jemtegaard Middle School, Cape Horn-Skye Elementary and Canyon Creek Middle School. We recognize that this will create a hardship for parents who have been concerned about the safety of their children today. Our highest priority at this time is to assure that we protect our students and staff and we ask that parents remain at home, and out of the areas that the police have secured.

Some Gause Elementary students were still on school buses when the lockdown went into effect this morning. They were transported to the bus garage. Parents whose children are at the bus garage may pick up their child but must have a photo ID and must have filled out the registration card on file at the school. The bus numbers that were routed back to the bus garage are Gause buses: 10, 19, 14, 47, 23, & 25. The bus garage is located at 995 E Street.

Children attending Cape Skye-Horn Elementary, Canyon Creek Middle School, and Jemtegaard Middle School will be held at school if they are transported by school bus. The school buses will not be running to any school until the lockdown is lifted. Parents may pick their children up at Jemtegaard Middle School, Cape Horn-Skye and at Canyon Creek Middle School but the authorities are asking that citizens stay off of the roads that are located in the central area of Washougal.

All students and staff are safe. There have been no incidents at any district school. Please contact our Central Office if you have questions at 954-3000. �

Rotary Scholar of the Month for November: Jared Anderson

Congratulations to Jared Anderson, the Camas Washougal Rotary Scholar of the Month for November 2011.  Jared is a sophomore at Washougal High School with a 3.929 GPA taking advanced placement and pre-calculus classes.  His Spanish teacher Rochelle Aiton says, "Jared is both a gifted student and musician" and "he is the Vice-President of the Spanish Club."  Kelly Ritter, his Band Teacher, says "Jared is a trombone player in Jazz Band I, Pep Band, and Wind Ensemble" and that Jared is "highly committed, a great student leader" and has a positive attitude, always willing to help in class.  AP Biology Teacher Linda Miller says "Jared has a great work ethic" and is "keeping on top of his work and is a delight to have in class."  Jared is the son of Narren and Clarise Anderson of Washougal.  Congratulations Jared!

WHS X-Tet Performs at the Grotto Festival of Lights

Members of the Washougal High School X-Tet and Chamer Choirs performed on November 30th at the Grotto Festival of Lights in Portland.  Audio recordings from the performance are available on YouTube.

Click the links below to listen to the songs performed by the wonderfully talented WHS X-Tet and Chamber Choir groups!

Carol of the Russian Children

Still, Still, Still - Norman Luboff

What Sweeter Music - John Rutter

Wells Fargo commits $1,000 to Hathaway Elementary School

Wells Fargo has committed $1,000 each to 10 Clark County schools, including Hathaway Elementary School in the Washougal School District.

Wells Fargo Community Bank President Casey Callinsky, District Manager Amanda Dolley and local team bank employees hosted the third annual Vancouver Principals’ Breakfast earlier this month at a local restaurant. The attendees included Hathaway Elementary Principal Laura Bolt.

The Wells Fargo executives handed out $1,000 ceremonial checks to educators, all of whom work at Washougal, Battle Ground and Vancouver and schools that have a large number of students from low-income families. It will be up to each principal to decide how to use the funds.

Callinsky explained to the group why Wells Fargo is such a strong supporter of education. “You can’t have a thriving company in a struggling community. And education is the base of a thriving community,” he said.

Dolley stressed how much Wells Fargo wants to support its local schools both financially and by providing financial education (through its free, online Hands on Banking program).  “We’d like to help you in any way, shape or form,” she said. “The hope is that we can build relationships so we can help more than just giving you $1,000.”

Dolley also asked the educators, many of whom have attended this event in prior years, to share what they had done with their previous grants. One school used its $1,000 Wells Fargo grant last year to create a program to develop good behavior. Another used its grant last year to buy school supplies and backpacks for all of its students.  One school used its previous grant to help upgrade equipment in every classroom. Another put the money in its emergency fund, which it taps whenever a student needs clothes or medications.

Founded in 1852, Wells Fargo has repeatedly been named one of the most generous firms in the nation. Education is one of the primary focus areas of its corporate giving. Wells Fargo employs more than 650 team members in Clark County.

Pictured:   Wells Fargo’s Camas bank manager Cristian Dragos presents a $1,000 ceremonial check to Principal Laura Bolt of Hathaway Elementary School in Washougal.

 

Camas Washougal Rotary Donates Dictionaries to 3rd Graders

All third graders in Washougal School District received a dictionary this week, thanks to a partnership between Columbia Credit Union and the Camas Washougal Rotary Club.  Shown in the photo are Superintendent Dawn Tarzian, presenting a dictionary to Cape Horn-Skye 3rd grader Emily Crabtree.

Watercare Industrial Services Student Achievement Highlight

 Katelyn Wright

 A gifted musician, WHS senior Katelyn Wright plays the euphonium in Wind Ensemble and Pep Band.  This talented young woman, one of the best in the region, is extremely committed and never misses a performance of any kind.  Katie traveled to France and Spain with the Spanish Club this summer, gaining a much larger view of the world.  Katie also plays goalie on the varsity soccer team.  Because she pushes herself to excellence in all she pursues, Katie will continue to experience life to the fullest and make a positive impact wherever life’s road takes her.

 Madeline Down

 Focused, organized, and a skilled time manager, WHS Senior Madeline Down is both an excellent student and an exceptional student leader.  As senior class president Maddie demonstrates great communication skills and the ability to get others involved.  Setting the example for others, Maddie will quietly come and do whatever is needed to accomplish the task at hand.  This highly motivated young woman is also a musician and athlete.  Maddie will do great things in her life professionally and within her community.  We are very proud of Maddie Down, who she is and who she will become.

Isaac Bischoff

WHS senior Isaac Bischoff is a highly motivated student who excels both academically and socially.  Isaac consistently displays responsible leadership skills that make him a positive role model for his peers.  Talented, pleasant and hardworking, this young man plays alto sax in the Wind Ensemble and Pep Band.  To round out the picture, Isaac is also a great basketball player.  We expect Isaac to accomplish the goals he sets for himself in the future.

WHS Choir X-Tet Group Holiday Performances Scheduled

Washougal High School's X-Tet choir group has a very busy holiday performance schedule.  Members of this student group dress as Dickens Carolers and will be singing holiday songs at events starting November 19th at the WHS Holiday Marketplace Bazaar, the Grotto Festival of Lights, Camas Hometown Holiday celebration,  and the Washougal Tree Lighting ceremony.  See below for a full list of their engagements.



Nov. 19     WHS Holiday Bazaar
9:00-11:00am    WHS Commons

Nov. 30    Grotto Festival of Lights
5:15pm    NE Sandy Blvd, Portland, OR
http://www.thegrotto.org/christmas/

Dec. 2    Camas Hometown Holidays
6:30pm    Downtown Camas

Dec. 3    Christmas Ships at the Port of Camas/Washougal
7:00pm    Port of Camas/Washougal

Dec. 3    Christmas Ships at the Puffin Café
7:40-8:10 PM    Puffin Café,
http://www.puffincafe.com

Dec. 6    Brighton Enterprises Christmas dinner
7:00-8:00 PM    Vancouver Episcopal Church

Dec. 9    Washougal Tree Lighting Ceremony
5-6 PM    Downtown Washougal

Dec. 9    Orchard Hills Country Club
7:00 PM   

Dec. 10    Lacamas Swim & Sport Bazaar
10-11 AM   

Dec. 10    City of Vancouver Bazaar
12:30 - 1:30 PM    Marshall Community
Center, Vancouver

Dec. 12    WHS Choir Concert
7:00 PM    Washburn Performing Arts Center

Dec. 13    Washougal Lions Club Dinner
7:00-7:30 PM    Orchard Hills Country Club

Dec. 14    East County Fire & Rescue Holiday Party
6-6:30 PM    Fern Prarie Fire House

Dec. 14    Hathaway "Cookies with Santa" event
7:00-8:00 PM    Hathaway Elementary

Dec. 15    Blue Note Café    7:00pm    Washburn Performing Arts Center

Dec. 19    AMD/Dorenbecher Fundraiser
12:00 - 1:00 PM    Downtown Portland

Rotary Scholar of the Month for October: Erin Locke

Erin Locke was selected as the Camas Washougal Rotary Scholar of the Month for October 2011.  Erin is a sophomore at Washougal High School and has a 3.892 GPA.  Erin’s Spanish teacher, Brian Eggleston says she “is a student with extraordinary talent in language learning” and adds that she has “a very positive attitude and an eagerness to take part in whatever we do in class.”  Biology teacher Pauline Rule says “Erin is outgoing, a hard worker, and a team player.”  She is described by Band teacher Kelly Ritter as “an overall fantastic kid” and a “great musician, hard worker, and active in all the arts.”  Erin is the daughter of Melvin and Cheryl Locke.   

Congratulations Erin Locke!

Cape Horn-Skye Families Raise Funds for Veterans

Families at Cape Horn-Skye raised $1,148.67 for American Legion Post #122.  The American Legion will use the money to purchase turkeys, potatoes and other staples for area families at Christmas. DeeAnn Ferguson (Far left) and Cape Horn-Skye Principal Mary Lou Woody (4th from left) presented the check to the American Legion members at the school's Veterans Day assembly on November 10, 2011.

Artwork from Excelsior High School Featured at Los Dos Restaurant

Masks and poetry created by Excelsior High School students is being featured at Los Dos Mexican Restaurant at 701 E St in Washougal.  Students from EHS teacher Ali Miller's classroom created plaster masks as part of a creative writing assignment.  The students designed and painted the masks, and then wrote poetry to help interpret or explain their choice in the design.

Show are masks created by students Emily Quist, Tristan Collins, Travis Hibbs, Carl Niskanen and Jon Colligan.

WHS Choir and Band Students Selected for WMEA All-State Performance Groups

Outstanding music students from across Washington have received top honors by being selected to participate in one of our 2012 WMEA All-State performing groups. The following WHS students auditioned and were selected for these Honor groups in Feb. 2012:

Crystal Saltmarsh, junior, for Percussion All-State Wind Ensemble
Luke Block, senior, for All-State Symphonic Choir
Cortney Gonzalez, senior, for All-State Symphonic Choir
Austin Smith-Brown, sophomore, for All-State Symphonic Choir
T Walker Anderson, sophomore, for All-State Symphonic Choir

Congratulations WHS Panthers!

Guys and Dolls Play at WHS Performing Arts Center Nov 10-12, 18-19, 2011

Make plans to join over 50 of Washougal High School’s talented students and enjoy Guys and Dolls! Frank Loesser’s m1950 Masterpiece was recently voted the most popular American musical of the 20th Century – and with good reason.  The story of gamblers, showgirls, and mission workers in 1950 New York has produced so many memorable songs such as “Luck Be a Lady Tonight,” “Sit Down, You’re Rocking the Boat,” and “If I Were a Bell,” along with many others.  The play runs November 10-12 and 18-19 at 7:00 and also at 1:00 on the 19th.  Tickets are still only $8 for adults and $6 for students and seniors and are available at the door.  We hope to see you there!

Veterans Day Assemblies Honor Veterans

Washougal School District Students learned about Veterans Day and honored those who have served our country during assemblies on November 10th.  At Hathaway Elementary, members of Ms. Hayes' class shared essays they wrote celebrating Veterans Day during their assembly.  Fourth grader Scott Lees wrote a piece titled "Americans are Free" and Fifth grader Bayli Gale wrote on the topic "What is an American."  Here are their essays:
 
What is an American?
by Bayli Gale

    An American is a person who acts upon their freedom to work hard and support all beliefs.  All Americans are available to freedom of religion, which is part of the first Amendment of our Constitutional Rights.  What is religion?  Religion is a set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose when considered as the creation of superhuman.  Our freedom to worship as we please allows an individual to choose a lifestyle that will determine values, beliefs, and ways of life.  American families can have the right to choose what is best, and it is a privilege to have this freedom.
   
    Americans pay taxes because, if you did not know, it goes to our economy wealth.  Donate and share because it could be pointed to a good cause.  Being in a Democracy, we vote pretty often on how many taxes we pay and what the different taxes are used for.

    What are democrats and republicans?  They are two different parties that believe our country should be run differently from one another.  A great democrat or republican is a person who does what is best for our country and not best for just that party.  “This country will not be a good place for any of us to live in unless we make it a good place for all of us to live in.” – Theodore Roosevelt.



Americans are Free
by Scott Lees

    I think that Americans are free because we all have differences.  We all are both boys and girls with different skin colors.  If your skin color is black or white, you should still be treated the same way that everyone else is being treated.  You should because everyone has feelings.  Both boys and girls can be in the same classroom even if your skin is brown or white or whatever.

    Americans are also free because if you are eighteen or older you can vote for who you want to be the president of the United States.  I think that is a great rule because kids don’t really know what they are voting for.  This candidate we hope will serve our country and keep us safe.  The president gives us a lot of big speeches on how to make our country safer and nicer.

    Americans are free because we can live in whatever city or state we choose.  We can have as many people like grandmas, grandpas, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, and neighbors visiting our house when we want.  You can travel all over the country with your families, go to the fair, to the beach, or to visit other relatives.  It is amazing that we can do that stuff.  No matter what, Americans will be free forever.  Never will Americans not be free.

Festival of Trees Dec 9, 2011

Friday, December 9, from 3-6 PM, the Washougal community is invited to view and bid on decorated trees, wreathes and baskets, with all proceeds going to the Washougal Schools.  Local community businesses, non-profit groups, and school staff people have donated the trees and the decorations.  The Festival of Trees raised $2,500 for Washougal Schools last year, and we hope to double that amount this year.  The decorated trees will be in Washougal Town Square, on the corner of Main Street and Love Street, across from the Hearth Restaurant. �

There will be music and refreshments prior to the annual tree lighting ceremony.  Final bids will be taken on Saturday December 10th from 4-4:30 PM, with more entertainment and a visit from Santa Claus!  If you have questions, please contact Chuck Carpenter at 360-335-1947.

Trail Band Concert at Washburn Performing Arts Center Nov. 26, 2011

Always a holiday favorite, the Trail Band is returning to the Washburn Performing Arts Center on November 26th at 7 PM. Tickets are $30, $20, and $15. The event is a fundraiser for the Grant and Scholarship program of the Washougal Schools Foundation. For more information, please visit the Washougal Schools Foundation website, or call Roger Daniels at 360-852-5151 or e-mail rogerdaniels@windermere.com �

To learn more about the Trail Band, visit their website at http://www.trailband.com/

Holiday Marketplace Bazaar at Washougal High School Nov. 19, 2011

Please support Washougal High School's Associated Student Body by coming to this year's Holiday Marketplace Bazaar, on Saturday, November 19th, 2011. Booths will be open from 9 AM to 4 PM. The ASB and class officers are helping set up and clean up after the event. Vendors from a variety of businesses and individuals will be selling hand crafted products. Please stop by and check out the event, to get a head-start on your holiday shopping. For more information, please contact Gordon Washburn at 360-954-3103. �

Free Breakfast Week Nov. 7-11, 2011

Free Breakfast Week (November 7 - 11, 2011)

Students at all grade levels in the Washougal School District will have access to breakfast at no charge from November 7-11, 2011. For this week, regardless of the student’s free and reduced status, all schools in the district will offer free breakfast. It is our hope that exposure to the school breakfast program will encourage children who might normally skip breakfast to eat breakfast on a regular basis.

According to studies, the benefits of eating breakfast include:
•    Eating breakfast can help improve math, reading, and standardized test scores.
•    Children who eat breakfast are more likely to behave better in school and get along with their peers than those who do not.
•    Breakfast helps children pay attention, perform problem-solving tasks, and improves memory.
•    Children who eat school breakfast are likely to have fewer absences and incidents of tardiness than those who do not.
•    By eating breakfast, students get more of important nutrients, vitamins and minerals such as calcium, dietary fiber, folate and protein.
•    Studies have shown that children who eat breakfast on a regular basis are less likely to be overweight.
•    Eating breakfast as a child is important for establishing healthy habits for later in life.
•    School Breakfast provides ¼ the recommended amounts of protein, calcium, iron, vitamin A, and vitamin C for the day.�

Stuff the Bus 2011

Stuff the Bus 2011

For the last three 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, Camas High beat Washougal 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 pounds of goods donated by our communities last December.

This year, Stuff the Bus will run through December 9. 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 on 12/9/2011, and this is when 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.

Stuff the Bus is a community project of the Camas-Washougal Business Alliance, and supports local families in need. All goods received benefit local charities right here in Camas and Washougal.

Please Support Washougal School District's students and staff as they try to beat Camas in a rematch of last year's "Stuff the Bus" fundraiser. Bring a donation to any Washougal School, and leave it in the "Stuff the Bus" bins.

WHS Football Team Featured in Columbian Article

Members of the Washougal High School Football Team were featured in an article in the Columbian newspaper on September 30, 2011. The article highlights the front line of the Panther's team and their impressive 4-0 record so far this year.

To read more, please visit the Columbian at:

http://www.columbian.com/news/2011/sep/30/it-starts-up-front-at-washougal/

Washougal Teachers Learn to Use Google Sites to Create Webpages

Two groups of Washougal educators attended optional, district-sponsored classes on creating web pages using Google Sites on September 22 and 28, 2011. These hands-on classes were co-facilitated by Washougal High School Teachers James Bennett and Rochelle Aiton, with assistance from Director of Technology Les Brown.

Participating teachers were led through the process of creating an account, customizing a main page in Google sites, adding feeds from subpages, integrating a Google Calendar, linking to external sites, and adding attachments via the File Cabinet feature or Google Docs.

Hathaway Teacher Lisa Kaaihue said, " I really appreciated all of the choices and variety of features the Google Sites class offered for developing Web pages. I have used other sites to create web pages and felt this site offered the most diversity of features."

For more information about these classes or other staff development initiatives, please visit the Staff Development page of the Washougal School District Website.�

Pictured are Gause Teachers Allison Such and Wendy Morrill.

Washougal Teachers Learn to Use Research Databases with Students

A group of Washougal educators attended an optional, district-sponsored class on integrating research databases available from the Fort Vancouver Regional Library (FVRL) into their curriculum on Tuesday, September 20. The project-based, hands-on class was taught by Washougal High School Teacher-Librarian Kim Dillon and Director of Technology Les Brown. Washougal Community Library’s new Community Librarian, Chris Hughey, was introduced at the class and helped provide information about the databases covered as well as other services offered through the public library, including school and classroom visits.

Participating teachers were led through the process of brainstorming a topic, defining search terms, expanding or narrowing a research idea, and then searching and recording results from the following electronic resources: Britannica Online, Britannica Online for Kids, World Book for Kids, CultureGrams, Thinkfinity, and General One File. Access to FVRL’s research databases is free with a public library card. Finally, teachers learned evaluation strategies to help students become critical consumers of information. Feedback received was very positive, and staff members who participated were enthusiastic about the opportunity to share these high quality research databases with students. Cape Horn-Skye Teacher Jocelyn Aldridge said, "My wheels are already turning with ideas for my 2nd graders to use as we begin to learn how to write mini-reports this year. Who knew that all of this information was available, and that it is so easy to access?"

For more information about this class or other staff development initiatives, please visit the Staff Development page of the Washougal School District Website.

Les Brown discusses research strategies with Canyon Creek Middle School Teacher Kay Ball, and Washougal High School Teacher Sheila Good during a class held in the WHS Library. Brown, WSD Director of Technology, recently assumed primary responsibilities for presenting Technology Staff Development programs in the District. He is always interested in hearing from staff members willing to help present professional development topics and can be reached at 360-954-3310.

Photo credit: Kim Dillon.

Students Ready for New Year and Ready to Learn

School got off to a great start August 30, 2011. Students and staff alike greeted the new school year with enthusiasm. Superintendent Dawn Tarzian and other district office administrators visited the schools, welcoming 2,976 students to the new school year and making sure things were going smoothly for returning staff.

Pictured: Superintendent Dawn Tarzian visited with staff and students at Jemtegaard Middle School. She thanked staff for their hard work and chatted with students about their plans for the year ahead.

AP (Advanced Placement) in our high schools explored 9-19-2011

Students, are you ready for a unique learning experience that will help you succeed in college? Through AP's college-level courses and exams, you can earn college credit and advanced placement, stand out in the admission process, and learn from some of the most skilled, dedicated, and inspiring teachers in the world.

Monday evening, September 19, 6:30 to 7:30 pm, at Washougal’s Washburn Performing Arts Center, Nancy Potter will be uncovering the benefits and processes of AP (Advanced Placement) courses that are offered in Washougal and Camas’ High Schools and around the world. She will also be clarifying how to determine the number of college credits that are retrievable after taking the AP exam.

Students, parents and interested community members are invited.

Nancy Potter has long been the Western Regional Educational Manager for College Board, the agency that generates the AP program and offers many other resources. Her expertise in this field is renown.

For more information about this event, please contact Rhea Bohlin at 360-954-3127.

Flamingo Flocking for Grad Night 2012

Join the fun and send a flock of lawn flamingos to a friend or neighbor. Flocking starts on September 1st and the feathers will be flying!

Flamingo flocking is a fun way to support Grad Night, get a leg up

on the competition, order your flock today!

• Flocks will “fly south” after Thanksgiving Break and return in the Spring 2012

• For more information contact Julie Down @ 835-7266

• Washougal and Camas addresses only please

• Order forms are at WHS or online through WHS links or email

jkaydown@yahoo.com for wp.doc or pdf of order form

• Insurance to prevent flocks from landing in your yard is only $5, see order form

• Special event flocking must be arranged in advance, please call Julie for info

WHS Blue Note Cafe 9/22/2011

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 in the Washburn Performing Arts Center at 1201 39th St.
Free coffee & tea at intermission!

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

WHS Students Remember 9/11 During Assembly

Washougal High School students participated in two assemblies on Friday, September 9th, 2011 in remembrance of 9/11. Members of the Washougal High School Associated Student Body (ASB) and ASB Advisor Jim Reed helped organize the assemblies which featured student poetry, performances by the WHS Choirs, and a moment of silence to honor the memories of those lost on September 11, 2001. 



The event was featured in a Columbian Newspaper article, and Columbian staff filmed the event and created a video and photo montage, which they uploaded to YouTube. To watch the video of the event, please click here. To read the Columbian Article, click here.

Back to school info on WSD website

Welcome back!

Please check out the Back to School info available on the WSD website, including dates for open house or back to school night activities at your school, bus routes, supply lists, and a schedule for the opening day.

WHS Freshman and new students: There will be an orientation for you on the first day of school. Note that WHS upper classmen who do not ride the bus may show up at 9:55 AM. If you ride the bus, please report to the commons for an activity. Check the WHS website for details.

For K-5 students, Wednesday August 31 is a 3 hour early release day. Please check the bus route information for drop off times for your students.

There is no school on Friday September 2nd, nor is there school on Monday September 5th for Labor day weekend.

WHS Picture Day & Schedule Pick-up August 22, from 8 AM - 4 PM

August 22, from 8 AM - 4 PM WHS Students can come to the Washougal High School Commons and have a school photo taken, and will be able to pay fees for the year. Returning students can print their Schedule by logging into WESPaC Family Access. If you are unable to log in to WESPaC's Family Access, you can get your login and print your schedule during the picture day. Read more about the schedule for 8-22-11 in the August 2011 WHS Newsletter.

WHS Junior David Choi advances in Washington Aerospace Scholars program

WHS Junior David Choi has advanced into phase 2 of the Washington Aerospace Scholars program. Phase 2 consists of a six day summer residency experience at the Museum of Flight in Seattle. David and other WAS participants will have hands-on engineering experiences involving model rockets, robotic rovers, and will work on a "Mission to Mars" team project.

To read more, please see the Columbian's article about David's selection.

To read more about the Washington Aerospace Scholars program, please visit their website: http://www.museumofflight.org/was

Fall practice/sports info

For WHS Athletes and Parents

Important Information:

1. Practices for high school sports start in August. Some sports have limited numbers of participants and hold try-outs during the first few days of practice to determine the teams. If you miss the try-outs you will not have an opportunity to join the team later. Cuts are common on these teams as there are typically more athletes turning out than spaces on the teams.
2. Athletes must pay fees and have all clearance paperwork on file in the athletic office prior to the first practice. Coaches are not authorized to collect paperwork or fees, or to determine if an athlete is cleared. Physicals must be current.
3. Clearance forms can be downloaded and printed at home by going to the following address:

http://www.washougal.k12.wa.us/whs/athletics_activities/WHS-physical-clearance-forms.pdf

Important Dates:

June and July- Most teams are conducting practices, open gyms or workouts. Check the WHS Facilities Use Calendar for dates and times.

August 9^th- Parent/Player All-Sport Orientation, 6:00pm in the Main Gym.

Please come meet the coaches for all sports, pay your participation fees, and turn in your paperwork.

Fall coaches will be conducting sport specific parent/player meetings following a short informational program in the gym.

August 17^th- First day of Football practice. This includes 9^th graders! You must participate in 12 practices to play in your first game which is on September 2^nd. There are only 14 practice dates prior to the first game!

August 22^nd- First day of practice for all other Fall Sports. Except for Football, all other athletes must participate in 10 practices to play in their first game.

September 2^nd- Varsity Football at Home vs Hudson’s Bay, 7:00pm

C Team Football at Hudson’s Bay, 4:00pm

September 6^th- JV Football at Kiggins Bowl vs Hudson’s Bay, 6:30pm

Volleyball at Home vs Fort Vancouver, C: 5:30, JV: 5:30, V: 7:00pm

Boys Golf at the Jamboree at The Cedars, TBD

September 7^th- Girls Soccer at Home vs Fort Vancouver, JV: 5:00pm, V: 7:00pm

Boys Tennis at Prairie, 4:00pm

If you have questions regarding your participation in athletics here at Washougal High School please contact the Athletic Director at 954-3104, or by email at doug.cox@washougal.k12.wa.us .

Go Panthers!!

Clausen Youth Program allows students to explore the Gorge

Washougal School District middle school students had the opportunity to participate in the Clausen Youth Program, a two-day outdoor themed program focusing on history, stewardship, and plant & animal identification in the Columbia Gorge. The program is a partnership between Washougal School District and the Friends of the Columbia Gorge and allows students to experience the Gorge in a new way, aligned with state standards. “The Gorge is such a wonderful resource in our own back yard and we feel so grateful to the Friends of the Columbia Gorge for giving our students a chance to experience it in a meaningful and educational way,” said Assistant Superintendent Rebecca Miner.

The Clausen Youth Fund was established in 2008 by long-time supporter and Vancouver resident Phyllis Clausen in honor of her late-husband. With a strong environmental background, Phyllis saw the need to provide an environmental education experience.

The goal of the program is to expose local youth to the wonders of the Columbia Gorge, its significance as a national treasure, and story of its preservation through the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Act.