Washougal High Reader's Club Creates Tree Honoring Troops for Festival of the Trees Event

“I’ll be Home for Christmas” is the inspiring theme of the Festival of Trees tree decorated by the Washougal High School Book Club members.  The eight-foot noble fir will boost dozens of student-made milk carton houses, more than 800 lights and 100 feet of yellow ribbon garland.   It will be auctioned to the highest bidder at the annual Festival of the Trees celebration on December 6 and 7 at Hathaway Elementary, 630 24th Street, Washougal and benefits Washougal Schools.

 “The book club buys all the materials and does the building.  It is a lot of fun and is a good thing to do,” said WHS Book Club president Sarah Hardy. “The money raised by the auction of the tree will come back to the high school.”  The Book Club is one of the WHS organizations benefiting from proceeds.

Approximately WHS 12 students have been working on the project since November, under the leadership of Fran McCarty, Washougal High School library aid.  They meet at lunch hours, 3rd period and after school. McCarty came up with the Christmas song theme and immediately thought of US troops aboard. “The students have really put their heart into this project,” McCarty said. “And they have had a lot of fun being creative and seeing it all come together.”

Rotary Scholar of the Month for November: Caleb Bischoff

Caleb Bischoff was selected as the Camas Washougal Rotary Scholar of the Month for November 2013. Caleb is a sophomore at Washougal High School and has a 3.95 GPA.  Mr. Isaacson, Caleb's AP World History Teacher, says "Caleb is a good, solid and steady student."  Caleb's Honors Biology teacher Pauline Rule adds that "Caleb exemplifies the all-around outstanding student. Hard worker, excellent grades, positive attitude, friendly, helpful, respected by teachers and fellow students, and fun to have in class. He somehow managed to make an Honors Biology research project into a physics project (no surprise there!)."

Kelly Ritter, her Symphonic Band teacher, says "Caleb is a courteous, pleasant, hardworking young man.  He plays the clarinet in the Symphonic Band, and is always positive and prepared.  He is a pleasure to have in class!"  Caleb's Algebra II Teacher Rochelle Aiton notes that, "Caleb is an enthusiastic and hard-working student.  He comes in with an attitude to learn, ask questions, and participates.  He is commendable because he learns simply for the love of learning."  Caleb is the son of Brent and Sharon Bischoff.  Congratulations, Caleb!

November Excelsior “Phoenix on Fire”, Savannah Johnson

Washougal’s alternative school, is proud to announce the November Student of the Month or “Phoenix on Fire”, Savannah Johnson!. Savannah has great attendance, an admirable work ethic, a contagious smile, and is an inspiration to her peers. Savannah embodies the character traits below that we hope to instill in every Phoenix at Excelsior: Inspiring,  Responsible, Respectful, have Great attendance, an Excellent Work Ethic, and a Positive Attitude.

November’s student of the month is Savannah Johnson!  Congratulations Savannah!

Cape Life Skills Assembly

The area of study of Cape Horn Skye Elementary 4th and 5th graders goes beyond reading, writing, science and math as they participate in monthly "Life Skills" assemblies.

“The 4th/5th grade teachers got together to determine which social skills (or Life skills) would be most important to teach to send kids on from Cape as responsible students,” said fourth grade teacher, Darcy Hickey. “Each month another life skill is showcased; in September our focus was on integrity, October was organization, and this month is friendship.” Other life skills the teachers will feature are effort, initiative, problem solving, flexibility, and perseverance.

“We also felt that it was important for the fifth grade students to be put in a leadership role during these assemblies by creating posters, as well as participating in skits that display the life skill of the month,” Hickey explained.  The friendship assembly featured 5th grade students speaking as famous people who had tremendous friends help them in life.

Fifth grader Hayley Courtney spoke as Helen Keller and the importance of her special friendship with teacher, Ann Sullivan. 

Washougal Schools Celebrate Veterans Day

Students Honor Veterans for their Service There are a number of wonderful Veterans Day Programs happening in Washougal schools. Veterans, teachers, staff, and volunteers work together to help instill in our students an appreciation of the sacrifices made to preserve our democratic freedoms.

- Lt. Matthew Bezold, flying in from Naval Air Station Lemoore in California, will present at an assembly for Cape Horn-Skye students. Immediately afterwards local veterans and current military are invited to a brunch hosted by Cape Horn-Skye staff. The staff are expecting around 30 guests.

- Hathaway Elementary students will honor veterans at a special assembly where the WHS X-tet choir will perform. Students and staff are inviting veterans they know and have created a Wall of Honor with photos and stories of veterans from their families that is on display

- Gause Elementary traditionally commemorates the holiday by having 5th graders perform a patriotic music program for the entire school. Veterans are invited to attend in uniform, and are recognized and honored at the end of the program, with each student in the school shaking their hand and saying thank you for their service.

The Washougal School District thanks all veterans for their service and time, and to those who came to share their experiences with our students.

Monster Mash Carnival at WHS

Washougal High School Interact Club members treated area elementary school students to a safe, funfilled carnival on Halloween night.  This is the seond annual Monster Mash and is planned and implemented totally by the students.