Washougal High School Students Share the Love of Reading

Washougal High School Childhood Development students recently got up close and personal with understanding childhood literacy.

“As an assignment, my high school students were required to bring an age appropriate book for a literacy field trip to Gause Elementary,” Rachel Webb, WHS Childhood Development teacher explained.  “The idea is to encourage literacy across the district through our older students reading to our elementary students.  We were welcomed into Mrs. Darling’s classroom where the high school students read to the first graders and then the first grade students read to the high school students.”

“I could sense that the kids liked the independence they showed by reading to us,” said WHS senior Emily Perkins.  “It was cute to see them excited about what they were doing on their own. They were proud to show the big kids what they could do.”

There was also a lesson in not always getting things right. “Sometimes my brain reads faster than my mouth and I messed up reading aloud a couple times,” admitted Hannah Couture, 10th grade.
“It was good for the kids to see a big kid mess up reading too.”

Sidney Childers, 10th grade, was
impressed at the reading level of one of the first graders she worked with.  “He was so proud that he could read a big chapter book,” she said.  “It was a huge National Geographic book about jaguars.  I was amazed!”

Besides giving encouragement to these young readers, some students hoped they would leave a lasting impression. “I hope we made an impact on them and they will remember this experience so when they are in high school they will do this for younger students,” said Couture.  Several WHS students agreed, recalling instances when they were young readers and interacted with older students and how inspirational that experience was.

“I had a reading buddy when I was in the second grade and now I get to be that big kids helping,” Brooke Otto, 10th grade, remarked.  “It is important for the little kids to understand that older kids like to read too.  It’s not just something they are expected to learn right now, but something they will enjoy.  You are never too old to read!”

“It is a field trip they will always remember because of the excitement of all students and the impact they made on each other's lives,” Webb said.  “This literacy field trip is what lifelong learning is all about.”

Cape Horn-Skye Students Give Gift of Hope

Cape Horn-Skye Elementary School students in Darcy Hickey’s third grade class decided to give the gift of hope as a holiday project this year.

“After reading the book The Giving Tree, students discussed how they could give this season,” Hickey explained.  “They decided to write inspirational quotes on paper ornaments and decorate Christmas a tree with them.”  The quotes are intended to encourage those who are hurting and need some words of encouragement.  The tree was delivered to Prestige Care in Camas on Friday, December 19.  Residents and patients are able to visit the Giving Tree and choose an ornament that will help them if they are having a difficult time.

“The tree will make people happy,” said student Leila Tienhaara. “If they are sad or if they have no one to visit them they can go to the tree and read something to make them happy.”

“I have been in tears reading some of the thoughtful words on our tree,” Hickey said.  “I have no doubt these words will make a huge difference in a lot of people’s lives.”

Student Jack Ringo agrees that the tree will help brighten the day of those who may need it. “This is nice because they might be suffering and sick. If they have someone help them get to the tree and read something on it they will cry because they are happy.”

The students researched inspirational quotes from famous people online.  They also came up with their own words to share.  “I like the one that says 'You are a shooting star," said Nikko Speer. “It’s written on a star.  And it is on top of the tree, because it is a star.”

Delivery of the tree became a class field trip when the kids expressed that they would like to go along too.  “I thought it was too late to arrange, but it all came together,” Hickey said.  “The kids also had the idea of singing their concert songs and caroling around the building.  Students have the best ideas.  This has been a wonderful project.”

Rotary Scholar of the Month for December: Hannah Lintala

Hannah Lintala was selected as the Camas Washougal Rotary Scholar of the Month for December 2014.  Hannah is a sophomore at Washougal High School and has a GPA of 3.675.  Hillary Marshall, WHS Teacher Librarian, said that “Hannah is a determined young woman. She is a fantastic runner and encouraging to other teammates who are less talented.  She also volunteered last year with the WHS Stride and encouraged me in my running efforts!”  Kathy Scobba, Hanna’s Computer Applications teacher, adds that Hannah “works diligently to not only learn the skills but understand the importance of technology to further her academic career” and that “she strives for perfection and when does not obtain it, she will try again.”

Scott Boothby, Hannah’s freshman World Geography teacher, describes Hannah as “always willing to go above and beyond in class” and also noted that “It wasn't just her work ethic that made her stand out. The smile she wore each day and the care she showed for everyone made her class one of the memorable ones.”  Hannah’s Spanish teacher, Rochelle Aiton, says that “Hannah is a delightful student.  She comes into class with a smile and an eagerness to learn.  It's not always easy for her but, because of her hard work and determination, she is successful.  She is also an artist and has designed this year's Spanish club sweatshirt.  I'm happy to have Hannah in class!”

Hanna lives with her parents Earl and Deanna Swigert.  Congratulations Hannah!