WHS students to participate in competitive STEM program

Brian Choi and Adam Thomas have been selected for the Washington Aerospace Scholars Program.  (pictured with WHS teacher Jason Blaesing)

Washougal High School students Brian Choi and Adam Thomas (pictured with WHS teacher Jason Blaesing) have been selected to participate in Phase One of the Washington Aerospace Scholars Program. This free, competitive, science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education program for Washington state high school juniors is affiliated with NASA and the University of Washington. Congratulations students!

Canyon Creek Middle School Played Host to Parents in the Classroom

 The population at Canyon Creek Middle School jumped by nearly 80 students on February 13 when they hosted the first ever “Take Your Parent to School Day.”

“The goal was to bring parents in to give them first-hand experience in the classrooms and to see what their students are learning and how they are being taught,” said CCMS principal, Sandi Christensen. “We had no idea how many parents and grandparents would come and we are so pleased that this many came out.  When we had about 60 RSVPs I let the kids know that it is ok to have your parents come… you won’t be the only one!”

Some adults got more than they bargained for with a math quiz, spelling test and a good old-fashioned game of PE dodge ball!

For a number of parents it was their first visit in to the classrooms at CCMS.  “It has been a long time since I’ve sat in a class,” said Tammy Thomson, mother of 8th grader Caitlin.  “Things have changed a lot like the use of computers.  It is also nice to get an idea of Caitlin’s daily schedule and put a face with the names of her teachers. It has been really fun and interesting.”

At the conclusion of 6th period, Christensen handed out a homework assignment, asking parents to complete a survey about the day. One parent summed up the value of this type of experience; “I learned a lot of new perspectives and can parent more effectively in regards to school.  I really saw areas where I can help my daughter be more organized and give her tips on how she can do even better.”

“I had quite a few parents thank me for this opportunity,” Christensen added.  “It was a real education for them.  And I think the students enjoyed it too.”

Abby Lees helps her mom, Teresa, work through a science worksheet at Take Your Parent to School Day at Canyon Creek Middle School.

WHS Soccer Player Elle Boon Signs with University of Portland

Congratulations to Elle Boon, Washougal High School senior and soccer standout, who recently signed to play soccer and attend college at University of Portland. Pictured here with proud parents Jerry and Nancy Boon and WHS Athletic Supervisor, Doug Cox.

February Phoenix on Fire

Excelsior High School, Washougal School District's alternative school, has just launched a Student of the Month program called "Phoenix on Fire". Students of the Month exemplify the characteristics staff would like to see all Excelsior students achieve. Excelsior students are striving to become: inspiring, responsible, and respectful, and to have great attendance, an excellent work ethic, and a positive attitude.

February's Phoenix of the month is Randee Schneider. Congratulations Randee!

Gause Elementary School Hosts Family Fitness Night Feb 7, 2013

Gause Elementary School and the Gause Parent Boosters hosted the third annual Family Fitness Night. More than 250 attendees (students, parents, and staff) came together to learn the importance of fitness and nutrition. There were six stations that focused on cardio respiratory endurance, upper body strength, abdominal strength, flexibility, agility, and nutrition. Families spent ten minutes at each station, which were run by Gause teachers.

Gause 3rd Grade Teacher Heidi Kleser leads students and parents through stretching exercises at the flexibility station

“The goal of Family Fitness Night is to get students and their parents moving and having fun while emphasizing the importance of physical fitness,” said Mark Bauer, Gause Elementary School Physical Education Specialist and event host.

In addition, the Gause Parent Boosters collected non-perishable food items to be used for the Weekend Backpack Program. This program provides food to help students and families in need have food to sustain them through the weekend.

Gause 2nd Grade Teacher, Erin Darling helps a student perform a abdominal twist on a stability ball.

The evening concluded with a parents versus students game of “Ultimate Energy Ball”, which is similar to dodge ball, but students learn about the following energy sources: carbohydrates, protein, and fat. The concept for the Family Fitness Night came from the Box Tops for Education program, which provided sports balls and other fitness equipment to be given away as prizes.

Rotary Scholar of the Month for February: Genevieve Ashley

Genevieve Ashley was selected as the Camas Washougal Rotary Scholar of the Month for February 2013. Genevieve is a sophomore at Washougal High School and has a 3.9 GPA.  Christina Mackey, the Sophomore Counselor at WHS says "she is the kindest, most thoughtful human being I have ever met" and adds that she is "very intelligent, and task oriented."

Pauline Rule, Biology teacher, says "Genevieve has a great thirst for knowledge" and that "It is not enough for her to simply understand the material, she writes and sketches out a concept to comprehend at a deep level."  Jim Reed, the WHS ASB Teacher, describes Genevieve as "one of the kindest and caring students I have ever met.  She has the biggest smile, and is a truly fantastic student."  WHS Chemistry Teacher Bruce Stanton enjoys having Genevieve in class and says she is an "excellent Chemistry student."  WHS Spanish Teacher Rochelle Aiton remarks that she is "a picture of radiance in any classroom" and that she "is a focus student who is a model of positive attitude linked with hard work."

Genevieve is the daughter of James and Kathleen Ashley.  Congratulations, Genevieve!