JMS Choir Singers Find Success at Regional Festival

The Husky Singers had a fantastic day at the Regional Middle School Choir festival at Camas HS on Tuesday.  Our students performed and behaved at such a professional level, the second judge (who usually does not talk to a group if the other judge does) actually came on stage to tell us how professional we were.  The other judge praised our clear tone, our blend, and literature choice.  Beyond the performance, our singers sat quietly and respectfully watching eleven other choirs perform.  We received a II+ (Excellent) and a solid I (Superior).

Gause Students Collect Food Items for Weekend Backpack Program

When Julie Bristol, Gause Elementary School Social Worker, told students that her only birthday wish was for enough food donations to last the Weekend Backpack Program for the rest of the school year, she got her wish and then some!  “The goal was to bring in 2,400 food and personal items,” Bristol said.  “The students and families exceeded that goal and brought in more than 4,200!”

The Weekend Backpack Program sends food home with students who may not have enough food to eat through the weekend. “The goal of the Weekend Backpack Program is to make sure students do not go hungry and to help them come prepared to learn on Monday morning,” said Bristol.  The program helps families Gause Elementary, Hathaway Elementary, Washougal and Excelsior High Schools. The program is in coordination with Children's Home Society, and also receives items from Stuff the Bus donations.

To make the giving more fun with Bristol’s birthday challenge, contests were held to see what classrooms could bring in the most food.  But the project hit a chord with students.  “Kids made comments that demonstrated that they truly understood the need that this food was meeting,” Bristol explained. “They know that the food may be for a classmate or a friend, and they want to help.  Food donations continue to come in, even though the contest is over and there is nothing to win.  Our students' have learned valuable lessons about compassion, empathy, and supporting the whole community.”

Julie Bristol, Gause Elementary Social Worker, with student food contributors Jackson Rauch and Milan Shirakawa.

Rotary Scholar of the Month for March: RaeAnn Allen

RaeAnn Allen was selected as the Camas Washougal Rotary Scholar of the Month for March 2014.  RaeAnn is a sophomore at Washougal High School and has a GPA of 3.988.  Jim Reed, RaeAnn's World History teacher, says "RaeAnn was a standout in my World History class. She was a very hard worker academically. And she is also an exceptional athlete. She has a great personality and is friendly to everyone here at Washougal High School."  Her Algebra II teacher, Rochelle Aiton, adds that, "she works hard at everything she does" and "If she sees someone who needs encouragement, she steps in." Rochelle further notes that "she is a no-nonsense, dedicated achiever."

Honors Biology teacher Pauline Rule lists a number of attributes that made RaeAnn an excellent student, describing her as "dedicated to the task at hand, a good self starter and good finisher, a team player, goal driven, friendly, and mature above her peers."  Honors Chemistry teacher Bruce Stanton simply says, "she is an excellent honors Chemistry student."  RaeAnn is the daughter of Dana and Gregory Allen.  Congratulations RaeAnn!

March Phoenix on Fire: Robyn Ruth

Excelsior High School, Washougal’s alternative school, is proud to announce the March Student of the Month or “Phoenix on Fire”, Robyn Ruth! Robyn has a great work ethic, remarkable grades and is looking forward to starting running start at Clark College this spring. Robyn consistently displays the character traits below that we hope to instill in every Phoenix at Excelsior.

Inspiring

Responsible

Respectful

Great attendance

Excellent Work Ethic

Positive Attitude

March’s student of the month is Robyn Ruth!

Excelsior High School Students Learn Sculpting Techniques

Excelsior High School students in Washougal experienced the fun and creative challenge of ceramic sculpting from visiting artist James DeRosso on February 27.

DeRossa lead the class through basic clay sculpting techniques focused on creation of clay monsters.  He then instructed them on the proper technique to make small, special touches that would give their creation character and life. The students created monsters that showed different poses, emotions, and personalities.

“This was one of the most popular activities we have ever done at Excelsior,” said Carol Boyden, EHS principal. “Even students who were skeptical at the beginning of the class were totally enthusiastic by the time all the monsters were completed and staring back at them. They are eagerly awaiting their little friends' return!”

The pieces will be glazed and fired off site for the students.  The class was paid for by donations earned through Michelle’s Coffee Corner coffee cup creation fund raising projects in December 2013.

WHS Students Place in Regional Choir Contest

WHS hosted the regional LCRMEA Vocal Solo & Ensemble Contest on Saturday, March 1.
Schools participating were WHS, Camas, Prairie, Union, Heritage, Mt. View, Evergreen, Battleground, VSAA, and more.

Adjudicators from area universities awarded written comments and a rating.

I rating = Superior
II rating - Excellent
III rating = Satisfactory
IV and V ratings, below satisfactory

Washougal had a GREAT day, which included winners in 3 categories:

Nick Stevens:  I rating,  1st alternate (2nd place) Tenor Voice
Mac Wright:  I rating, 1st alternate (2nd place)  Baritone Voice
Melia Stewart:  I rating,  2nd alternate (3rd place)  Soprano Voice

Maddy Turner: II+ rating  (freshman)
WHS Mixed Large Ensemble"  I- rating
WHS Women's Large Ensemble:  I rating
WHS Men's Large Ensemble,  I- Rating

GO PANTHERS!!