Challenge Day unites Washougal and Excelsior High School students and adult participants around common vision

On Tuesday, March 6, 2012, 100 Washougal and Excelsior High School students and more than 30 adults participated in Challenge Day, an event designed to unite participants around a common vision, addressing issues of suicide, harassment, racism, conflict management, and alcohol and drugs.

The goal of challenge day is to make WHS and EHS an even more welcoming place to be, to increase personal power and self-esteem, to shift peer pressure to positive peer support and to eliminate the acceptability of teasing, violence and all forms of oppression. Trained Challenge Day Leaders created an environment of safety and trust to address social issues. Challenge Day is designed to unite the members of the school and community and to empower them to carry the themes of the program back to the greater school and community population.

Adult participants included 30+ members of the Washougal School District staff, elected officials, and community members. More than 100 WHS and EHS students across all grade levels participated in the event.

Challenge Day was made possible through a grant from the Clark County Department of Community Services. Washougal High School Counseling Center staff wrote the grant and WHS/EHS was one of just two recipients this year.

Since 1987, Challenge Day Programs have touched the lives of over half-a million teens and adult’s, receiving awards from the juvenile justice system, government officials, and many school districts and cities nationwide. Through thought-provoking games, activities, and discussions, Challenge Day provides participants with tools to break down the walls of separation and isolation and build new levels of respect and communication.

Camas Washougal Rotary Scholar Winner for March: Meagan Sharp

Congratulations to Meagan Sharp, the Camas Washougal Rotary Scholar of the Month for March 2012. Meagan is a sophomore at Washougal High School, and has a 3.906 GPA. Lisa Leonard, Meagan's Computer Applications teacher, says she "can be found helping others where she can," and that "her work is always quality and she pays attention to detail. She is the type of students look forward to in the classroom." English teacher Sheila Good describes Meagan as "one of the sweetest students - very hard working, committed to doing her best." Jason Blaesing, her Integrated Algebra III teacher says Meagan is "a very respectful student." Spanish teacher Rochelle Aiton describes Meagan as "pleasant, respectful, dedicated and intelligent." She also says Meagan is "a joy to have in class." Meagan is the daughter of Bradley and Shannon Sharp.

Congratulations Meagan Sharp!

"Washougal's Got Talent" competition 3-23-2012

Washougal's Got Talent - a fundraiser for the WHS Drama program, will take the stage in the Washburn Performing Arts Center at Washougal High School on Friday, March 23 at 7:00.

The show is only $5  and will feature a number of talented WHS students performing in front of "celebrity" judges and trying to win the coveted WGT Trophies.  The show will also feature guest performances by WHS alumni.  Don't miss it!

Washougal School District’s sound financial management noted by Moody’s

The Washougal School District received good news last week when it was notified by Moody’s Investors Service that the district’s sound financial operations warrant a bond credit rating of “Aa3”.  This is two steps above the most recent “A2” rating received during the most recent review in 2000.
While a credit rating takes into account may factors such as the size of the tax base, area employment and economic growth, Moody’s noted that the district has been able to sustain balanced budgets through difficult financial times and maintain prudent financial reserves.

“This is a strong credit rating, just one notch lower than our larger neighbors such as the Vancouver and Evergreen school districts.  It will definitely help Washougal School District taxpayers in the future by lowering borrowing costs,” said Superintendent Dawn Tarzian.  The Board of Directors, business manager, and district staff are to be credited with the thoughtful management of district resources.
The district applied for the rating in anticipation of refinancing a portion of the district’s outstanding bonds to provide lower interest rates.  If successful, it is anticipated that the Washougal School District will be able to pass along substantial savings to taxpayers in the coming years.

American Sign Language Competition 3/7/2012 in the WHS Performing Arts Center

Washougal High School is proud to host the Clark County American Sign Language (ASL) Competition on Wednesday, March 7, 2012 in the Washburn Performing Arts Center. The competition begins at 7pm with tickets going on sale at 6:30 PM. Entrance is $2.00. Students from around Clark County will compete by interpreting songs and stories from English into ASL. Students will be scored by a panel of judges consisting of Nationally Certified Interpreters from across the country. Come show your Panther Spirit and support our local students!

Blue Note Cafe at WHS Performing Arts Center March 9, 2012

Friday, March 9, 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
 
Auditions are one week prior to each concert on Fridays at 3:30pm in the WHS Choir room.

Washougal students should sign up on the audition list posted on the door.

Community members and WSD staff: please email Jennifer Mahorney at jen.mahorney@washougalsd.org  if you want to be added to the audition list.

Professional musicians who want to be guest artists, please send your request and info to: arts@washougalsd.org.

Blue Note is for acoustic musicians performing all styles and types of tunes.  No drum sets and no inappropriate lyrics allowed!