Hathaway students visit Two Rivers Heritage Museum

Second graders from Hathaway Elementary School had the chance to take a peak at people who helped shape the local community at the Two Rivers Heritage Museum on a field trip Thursday, June 11.  Groups of students stopped at several stations where museum docents would describe artifacts and stories of early residents. "This is a wonderful opportunity for students to get an appreciation for the local history and past community leaders," said Debbie Kramer, Hathaway second grade teacher.

Hathaway Elementary Fifth Graders Grow Through Rotary Young Men in Action Program

Hathaway Elementary School fifth grade boys were provided an opportunity to develop new life skills as a part of the recently concluded Young Men in Action (YMIA) program.

Young Men in Action, sponsored and staffed by the Camas-Washougal Rotary Club, strives to promote positive behaviors by leading youth from problem behaviors.  The program allows boys an opportunity to interact with peers who are not in their circle of friends and focuses on development of life skills such as friendship, health, hygiene, careers and manners, while being fun and age-appropriate.

The boys and their male mentors met for 2 hours and concentrated on a different topic weekly for seven weeks. The curriculum included a field trips to such places such as Hearth Restaurant and the Washougal Fire Department and in-classroom instruction and conversations about mature behavior and choices.

“Through the program we worked to show these boys that they have choices in how they react to others and to situations,” said Rotary member and YMIA mentor Blaine Peterson. “We hoped to demonstrate that the mentors have all had to make choices.  We made the right ones for us and now we have fulfilling and successful lives, and they too have the opportunity to make the right choices for themselves.”

In a thank you note to program volunteers, Hathaway fifth grader Gaerett Bailey said how grateful he was to his friends at Young Men in Action.  "I learned so much. Like how to have good hygiene and I learned to exercise more. Thank you for the checkbook.  I will use it to find a good job and a house.  I will miss you all."

This YMIA program recently concluded and was a natural fit for those Wednesday afternoons when school dismissed early and the boys had some free time to spend.  Young Men in Action and the companion program, Young Women in Action, are always looking for passionate, dedicated volunteers from the community. The programs are paid for by the Camas Washougal Rotary Club and are made possible with the help of local organizations who make donations, provide special pricing or facilitate field trips to their businesses.  Participation in Rotary is not a requirement to be part of the programs.

To get involved, visit cwrotary.com and click on the YMIA/YWIA link at the top of the page.

CCMS bands entertain Washougal elementary schools

The student bands from Canyon Creek Middle School were “on tour” Friday, May 29, performing at each Washougal elementary school.

“There are several reasons for this field trip,” explained Lora Brandt, CCMS music teacher.  “It’s important for students to take part in multiple performances of music literature for a variety of audiences and in several new venues.  They are also getting the opportunity to play music that is recognizable to them and their audience.”  The grade level bands represented 6th, 7th and 8th grades and played many popular songs including “La Bamba,” “Theme from Mission Impossible,” “Thriller” and “Star War.”

“This tour was also a way for these very hard working students to get the chance to socialize and enjoy time together,” Brandt added.

The audiences were also introduced to each instrument with band members playing a short song that featured each instruments' unique sound.  “We hope the concert entertained and inspired future band members,” Brandt explained.

Award-winning author inspires Hathaway Elementary writers

Hathaway Elementary School students were visited on May 26 by Elizabeth Rusch, an award-winning children's book author, magazine writer, and writing teacher. She writes lively fiction and nonfiction books in the areas of science, art and the magic of discovery.

Rusch presented two assemblies for grades K-2 and 3-5 and taught three writing workshops to 4th grade students.  In her assemblies and workshops, Rusch shares her life as a writer, where she gets ideas, how she researches and develops her books and articles, her writing and revision process, and some funny and scary adventures she’s had along the way.  Besides being a celebrated author and a scientific researcher, Rusch is also a highly acclaimed writing teacher.

“Ms. Rusch creates presentations and writing workshops based on her deep knowledge and love of non-fiction subjects,” said Cathy Burrows, Hathaway Title 1 reading specialist.  “During the workshops at Hathaway, students were inspired by her interactive, common-core writing instruction.  Our students gained important insights about how to make their writing “come alive” for the reader. They were so excited about the process that they wanted to continue creating and sharing throughout the day.”

“You never know what will spark a student’s interest and feed the flame of learning,” states Rusch in her philosophy about school visits.  “For me, all subjects are connected: writing, reading, science, art, music, math, social studies. By presenting myself as a writer with wide ranging passions - for astronomy, volcanology, art, music, history, and community service – I hope to inspire not only budding writers but also budding scientists, artists, activists.”

This author visit was made possible through a grant from the Washougal Schools Foundation and from Hathaway Boosters funding.

The Hathaway library has several of her books, and teachers have been checking them out to use in instruction.  “Ms. Rusch has already provided common core discussion questions/activities to our teachers to accompany each book,” Burrows said.  “The classroom study of nonfiction text enriched our curriculum as teachers prepared the students for this event.”

For more information about Rusch and her books, go to: http://elizabethrusch.com

Hathaway science fair inspires young scientists

Hathaway fifth graders from Mr. Schlauch’s and Ms. Kurtz's classes participated in a Science Fair April 22. Students were required to choose a project, follow the scientific process, make a slide presentation on their iPad, and create a display board. The 49 young scientists shared their hard work and creativity with parents and other Hathaway students who attended the fair.

Students tested freezing temperatures, tested sounds with homemade “telephones”, created slime, and generated reactions with baking soda, vinegar, Mentos and soda pop.

Lauren Widmer: Flowers of the Rainbow. Lauren added food coloring to the water of white daisies over a six-day period to see how the daisies absorbed the color and how the various colors behaved differently.

Retired WHS science teacher Bruce Stanton was on hand to see what students had created and offer his scientific observations as well.

Marinah Vargo: The Soap Experiment. Marinah tested Charles’ Law, “As the temperature of a gas increases, so does its volume.”  Marinah microwaved Dial and Ivory soaps and found that their volume expanded greatly as they were heated.

“I was very impressed with the overall professionalism that these Hathaway fifth graders were able to maintain throughout the entire fair,” said teacher Andrew Schlauch. “I especially enjoyed watching them take on the role of the expert and teach their newly mastered concept to their peers, family members, teachers, and community members. I had multiple parents express their excitement and appreciation about the enthusiasm towards science they saw in their students for the first time. One parent told me that this fair has sparked a life long interest in science that may have never been. I am definitely looking forward to doing this again next year.”

Gabriel Hoffman: The Lucky Number 6. Gabriel invited fair participants to attempt to draw a number 6 while rotating their leg clockwise. His research supported the conclusion that as humans have evolved, we have not developed same side anti-coordination.

Hathaway Fifth Graders Enjoy Lesson in Etiquette

Hathaway Elementary fifth grade girls had the chance to learn and practice good table manners with a special field trip for lunch to Hearth Wood Oven Bistro in Washougal on February 25.  The experience was a part of the Young Women in Action (YWIA) program, sponsored and staffed by the Camas-Washougal Rotary Club.

“The girls were all very excited to participate,” said Meridee Pabst, Rotary’s YWIA coordinator.  “They had fun getting dressed up and practicing what they had learned about restaurant etiquette.”

The lunch began with a silly skit prepared by YWIA adult mentors on what bad manners looks like.  At the table were “Table Manners Menus” that gave the girls tips such as laying your napkin on your lap, bringing bites of food to your mouth and to how to lay your fork and knife in the "finished" position on your plate.  “We wanted to leave the girls with a feeling of confidence that they know what to expect and how to conduct themselves at a nice restaurant,” Pabst explained.  “This was the first time some of them had been in this type of setting.  Sometimes it can be confusing to even know which water glass is yours or how to use a table knife.” Each girl was also supplied a dollar bill to leave as a tip.

The menu, prepared by Hearth owner, David Garcia and served by Will Callaway, included salad, chicken and pasta and bacon wrapped dates for dessert. “David offered the dates for dessert to help the girls expand their palate and try something that they may never have tried before,” Pabst said.  “We are very grateful to David for opening up for us at a time when the restaurant is usually closed.”

"What the Rotary is doing, mentoring these young girls, is really great and I think we will all be better in the future for their efforts.  I was proud to be a part of it," said Garcia.  "I hope the girls had an appreciation of what Hearth is about and how to enjoy a dining experience. They seemed very happy and eager to learn about appropriate behavior based on the environment that one finds themselves in."

“I thought it was a lot of fun to get dressed up and go out with friends that I usually just see at school,” said Hathaway fifth grader, Jocelyn Bowman.  “We got to visit at our table and I learned some things about some of the girls that I had not known.”  Bowman also gained more appreciation for no technology at the table in public.  “It is rude to talk loudly on a cell phone in a restaurant,” she pointed out.  “And besides, you want to talk to friends and family at the table with you.”

As a follow up, the girls convene in small groups to talk about what they enjoyed and learned.  One member takes notes of the discussion and another is chosen to present their thoughts to the entire group.  “This carries on the lessons to working as a team and practicing public speaking,” Pabst said.

YWIA is a free, eight-week program for all Hathaway fifth grade girls that focuses on development of life skills such as friendship, health, hygiene, career, manners, etiquette, and “envision your life” exercises, while being fun and age-appropriate.  “The program also provides them an opportunity to get to know and interact with peers who are not in their circle of friends,” Pabst explained.  “It all fits neatly into the school week on Wednesday afternoons, when school dismisses early.”

Another highly anticipated field trip will be on March 11 to the Manning Academy of Cosmetology to review basic hygiene and personal care and provide each student with a self-esteem boosting hair style makeover.

Other sessions include learning about relationships and trust, money management, careers, nutrition and exercise.  The program ends with a farewell celebration in which the girls practice social skills they have learned, receive a photo of themselves and friends they made during the program, certificates, flowers and cake.  “We hope this program becomes a much-loved part of their Wednesday routine and a fondly remembered part of their final year in elementary school,” Pabst said.

Young Women in Action, and its boys’ counterpart Young Men in Action which begins in April, are always looking for passionate, dedicated volunteers from the community. The programs are paid for by the Camas-Washougal Rotary Club and are made possible with the help of local organizations who make donations, provide special pricing, or facilitate field trips to their businesses. Participation in Rotary is not a requirement to be part of the programs. To get involved, either as a sponsor or mentor please visit http://www.cwrotary.com and click on the YMIA/YWIA link at the top of the page.

Rotary International is a service organization with over 1.2 million members in more than 160 countries. The Camas-Washougal Rotary meets at 7 am on Thursdays at Orchard Hills Golf and Country Club, 605 39th St., Washougal, WA 98671. For more club information visit cwrotary.com.

Students Participate in Battle of the Books at Washougal Elementary Schools

The stage is set for the Battle of the Books at Washougal Elementary schools.

“The idea for the battle started at a Professional Learning Community (PLC) meeting of elementary library assistants last year,” said Kathy Stanton, Hathaway Elementary Librarian.  “We decided then to have a competition between our schools in April of this year.”  Library staff at Gause, Cape Horn-Skye and Hathaway Elementary schools chose twenty books for the battle and in September began encouraging students to read those titles. 

“A student must read eight books to qualify to compete on a battle team,” Stanton explained.  “There are four or five 4th and 5th graders per team. Teams are asked questions from any of the 20 books. Each question begins: "From what book....?", and each team answers with the title and author of the book they think the question is from.”

Points earned with correct answers decide the winners.

This spring, each elementary school will have an in-house battle to choose their top two teams. Then, on April 14, the winning teams will meet at Washougal High School to battle for the top honor.

Hathaway Elementary fifth grader, Brienna Elliott, from Erin Hayes’ class, was recently recognized for having already read 14 out of the 20 battle books.  Her prize?  She was given a special parley with the “Pirate King,” aka David Tudor, Washougal School District Curriculum Director.  The two sat down in the library over lunch last week and discussed her accomplishment and chatted about the books she had read.  Tudor also visited classrooms to help spur on excitement in the contest. 

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.

Congratulations to Hathaway Elementary students of the month!

Teachers from each grade level choose students for this special honor.  Students are selected who have proven that they are striving to do their personal best. September honorees are: back row, left to right: Paige Maas, 4th grade and Elizabeth Moreland, 5th grade.  Front row, left to right: Karina Berry, 2nd grade; Wyatt Brannen, kindergarten; and Aubrey Hettling, 1st grade. Kailey Rhyner, 3rd grade (not pictured).

Hathaway Elementary Band Members Joined by New Horizons Band in Concert

Hathaway Elementary band members experienced being part of a big 55-piece band when they were joined by the New Horizons Band at an assembly on June 12. New Horizon Band, founded by the late Dale Beacock of Beacock Music, consists of adults of various ages and musical ability.

 “Our 5th Grade Band students sat next to musicians who played the same instrument they chose and quietly and politely watched them play their music.  It was a really big sound that surprised the kids at times when the music got pretty loud,” said Amy Switzer, Hathaway music teacher.

Switzer said the conversations that took place between students and the New Horizons Band members were very thoughtful and meaningful for both sides.  “As a music teacher, I tell my students and their families that learning the language of music and to play an instrument is a gift that can last a lifetime.  The students got to actually experience exactly what I'm talking about!

“Our experience with the New Horizons Band was so incredible and touching not only for the band students but for the entire student body and staff,” Switzer added.

Hathaway Students Celebrate Read-A-Thon

Students in Alexis McKee’s 2nd and 3rd grade class at Hathaway Elementary celebrated their love of reading on January 28 with a Read-A-Thon.

“It was a whole day of reading,” explained McKee.  “Through out the day the students read together, on our own and even had special "celebrity" guest readers came in and read a book to the class.” These "celebrities" included the principal, school secretary, school social worker and other special people the kids know at Hathaway.  In addition, Erin Hayes’ 4th and 5th graders came in and paired up with the younger students and read their favorite picture books to them. 

Hathaway Students Embrace Technology as they Learn and Teach

No two snowflakes are exactly the same.  Neither is the way Hathaway Elementary 4th and 5th graders in Erin Hayes’ class used iPad technology to teach younger students how to make paper snowflakes.

“Teaching students how to effectively communicate directions is one of the Washington State Learning Requirements,” explained Hayes.  “First, our kids decided they wanted to teach Alexis McKee’s 2nd and 3rd grade class next door how to make three-dimensional snowflakes.  Then they decided to use the classroom iPads as an instructional tool.”

Each student created their own unique presentation. Some illustrated their step descriptions with videos and others with photos.  When it was all done they took the materials to make the snowflakes and their iPad and worked one-on-one with younger students to teach them the process.

“Making the snowflakes was tricky at first, but Jocelyn was a really good listener,” said fifth grader Kayla Grimani.  “I think it was better for her to see my directions with the iPad because there were pictures, videos and transitions with all the steps.”

Second grader Aundre Pitts enjoyed the learning experience. “The iPads were really cool because the steps were right there and there was a touch screen. When I’m in fifth grade, I hope I get an iPad!”

The iPads in the classroom are a part of a Washougal School District pilot program to test their enhancement to learning and the feasibility of a longer term initiative to provide iPads to a larger group of students.  Currently one fifth grade class in each elementary school is using them for research, to reinforce learning, engage in peer editing, and create presentations.  The iPad also takes the place of the traditional paper textbook.

“It is pretty amazing what our kids can do when you set technology right in front of them,” commented Hayes.

Students create fairy houses at Hathaway

Hathaway students who read the book "the Night Fairy" reached outside of the classroom and created fairy houses from items found in their own backyard.  These student created works are on display in the Hathaway Library.

Fifth grade classrooms pilot iPad project

This fall, Washougal fifth graders began piloting an exciting project using iPads in their classrooms. Three classrooms (one at each elementary school) plus a group of special education students are taking part in this technology integration experiment into subjects including Science, Social Science and Language Arts.

In preparation for an all-new teaching and learning model, teachers Chelsea Meats, Erin Hayes, Erin Maier and Stephanie Closson received an intensive “boot camp” training over the summer and will continue to receive training and support throughout the year.

Classroom use varies by class and subject, depending on what students are studying at a given time. Teachers work with students to use iPad features, such as text-to-speech and built in word definitions and dictionaries that help students answer questions immediately. These tools have been particularly helpful for struggling learners and also help bridge the achievement gap between student groups. When asked the question, "How has the iPad changed the way you learn?" one student responded "We can do class activities together where we're all on the same website instead of just using one computer or having to share a few computers."

In Erin Maier’s class at Gause Elementary, students used the iPads to film themselves presenting to their peers. The students could then immediately review their work and answer questions such as “Did I speak clearly?” “That was huge in terms of helping them explain their thinking,” said Maier. “Hearing themselves speak helps with clarity of thought.”

Technology Director Les Brown says the project opens doors to new resources. “Technology can engage students in meaningful learning experiences where they research topics they are interested in, receive and give peer feedback, and carry their work through to completion or publication.”

Parents were included in the roll out process, with meetings were held at each school to define expectations and explain what the district hopes to gain through the project.

Curriculum Director David Tudor hopes the pilot will significantly impact student learning based on the experiences of other districts. “We anticipate seeing increases in student achievement particularly in Reading and Math, and especially among struggling students,” he said. “We’re hoping to see gains for special education students and students below grade level in reading.  We anticipate seeing lower attendance problems, fewer discipline referrals, and increased time on task.” 

Maier says the devices have increase motivation and engagement in her classroom. “When we use the iPads, I automatically have 100 percent participation. This is their world and they are quick learners.”

District staff will measure the project’s success by comparing test score data between iPad and non-iPad classrooms to gauge the impact on student academic achievement.  Staff will also consider data on student attendance, discipline, and surveys on student/family perceptions about technology.

Hathaway Elementary Adopt-A-Shelf program

Sixty fourth and fifth graders at Hathaway Elementary have adopted a shelf in their library as part of a new program. The idea for the Adopt-A-Shelf program came from Library Assistant Kathy Stanton's daughter Jacqueline, from a book she was reading. Kathy loved the idea and decided to try it at Hathaway.

Students choose a library shelf they want to take care of and Kathy puts their name and grade level on it, asking that they check on their shelf at least once a week.

So far, 32 4th graders and 28 5th graders have adopted a shelf.

"I have been having the best time watching our students take care of their library," said Kathy. "Younger students (kindergarten, 1st, 2nd and 3rd graders) have noticed the names on the shelves and want to help too. Right now we are working on an idea for creating a Pick-A-Job garden for our younger helpers. Hathaway's library will shine!"

Veterans Day Assemblies Honor Veterans

Washougal School District Students learned about Veterans Day and honored those who have served our country during assemblies on November 10th.  At Hathaway Elementary, members of Ms. Hayes' class shared essays they wrote celebrating Veterans Day during their assembly.  Fourth grader Scott Lees wrote a piece titled "Americans are Free" and Fifth grader Bayli Gale wrote on the topic "What is an American."  Here are their essays:
 
What is an American?
by Bayli Gale

    An American is a person who acts upon their freedom to work hard and support all beliefs.  All Americans are available to freedom of religion, which is part of the first Amendment of our Constitutional Rights.  What is religion?  Religion is a set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose when considered as the creation of superhuman.  Our freedom to worship as we please allows an individual to choose a lifestyle that will determine values, beliefs, and ways of life.  American families can have the right to choose what is best, and it is a privilege to have this freedom.
   
    Americans pay taxes because, if you did not know, it goes to our economy wealth.  Donate and share because it could be pointed to a good cause.  Being in a Democracy, we vote pretty often on how many taxes we pay and what the different taxes are used for.

    What are democrats and republicans?  They are two different parties that believe our country should be run differently from one another.  A great democrat or republican is a person who does what is best for our country and not best for just that party.  “This country will not be a good place for any of us to live in unless we make it a good place for all of us to live in.” – Theodore Roosevelt.



Americans are Free
by Scott Lees

    I think that Americans are free because we all have differences.  We all are both boys and girls with different skin colors.  If your skin color is black or white, you should still be treated the same way that everyone else is being treated.  You should because everyone has feelings.  Both boys and girls can be in the same classroom even if your skin is brown or white or whatever.

    Americans are also free because if you are eighteen or older you can vote for who you want to be the president of the United States.  I think that is a great rule because kids don’t really know what they are voting for.  This candidate we hope will serve our country and keep us safe.  The president gives us a lot of big speeches on how to make our country safer and nicer.

    Americans are free because we can live in whatever city or state we choose.  We can have as many people like grandmas, grandpas, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, and neighbors visiting our house when we want.  You can travel all over the country with your families, go to the fair, to the beach, or to visit other relatives.  It is amazing that we can do that stuff.  No matter what, Americans will be free forever.  Never will Americans not be free.

Free Lunch for children aged 1-18 at Hathaway Elementary School

Free summer lunch program at Hathaway Elementary, Mon-Fri, 11:00 a.m.-12:00
p.m.. Monday June 28-Friday August 13. Closed Monday July 5 for the holiday.
Snack offered from 2-2:30 p.m. All children, ages 1-18 are welcome.

Washougal Firefighters Partner with Schools to Promote Literacy

A partnership between Washougal School District and the Washougal Fire Department will benefit young readers as part of a summer literacy event. Through the School's Out Washington program, Washougal firefighters will visit Hathaway Elementary on July 15 at 1:00 p.m. to read to students who are participating in the Feed Your Brain summer program.

"We are thrilled that the firefighters are able to partner with us in this activity," said Rebecca Miner, Associate Superintendent for Washougal School District. "Students will have a chance to showcase their reading skills in an engaging way and will be excited to meet firefighters and learn about how they use reading in their career."

The Feed Your Brain summer program offers a series of literacy activities for Washougal students in grades K-3. Activities include computer lab time, reading and writing skill development, reader's theater, an author's tea and more.

"The Feed Your Brain Program, Read To Your Firefighter, is a great opportunity for the firefighters to connect with students in the community," said Fire Chief Ron Schumacher. "Washougal Fire Department is honored that they were asked to help with the program. We hope that by reading to the students, it may 'spark' an interest in reading. Being able to read is not only important to be successful in school but in the future as well. If they want to be future firefighters they must be able to read."

Feed Your Brain runs 4 days per week for 6 weeks, Mondays - Thursdays - noon to 2 p.m., June 28 through Thursday, August 5.

For more information on the Feed Your Brain summer program, visit: http://www.washougal.k12.wa.us/feed-your-brain.pdf

Read an article in the Columbian newspaper about this program: http://www.columbian.com/news/2010/jul/17/Washougal-summer-literacy-program/

Hathaway Green Team Presents to School Board

A group of Hathaway students, staff, and volunteers presented information on the Hathaway "Green Team" and their effort to promote conservation at their school. Students used the daily in-school news show WOOF to encourage fellow students to recycle paper and turn off lights to conserve energy. Students tracked the recycling effort, and Hathaway was able to reduce the number of weekly garbage pickups by 33%.

Students created stickers for light switches and high-usage devices like the laminator, reminding their classmates and school staff to turn them off when they are not in use. The students tracked the energy usage for the school compared with last year, and found that their efforts had already saved the school thousands of dollars in electricity over the first 4 months of 2010.

School Board members thanked the student, staff, and volunteer members of the Green Team for their hard work, and shook hands with the student members. Pictured are School Board Member Tom Huffman, and Green Team 1st Grade member Gunnar.

Hathaway Elementary receives Green School Certification

Hathaway Elementary has received Washington Green Schools certification
thanks to the efforts of a group of staff, students and community working to
make changes that positively impact the environment.

To achieve certification, the Hathaway Elementary "Green Team" conducted a
rigorous assessment of the school's energy use. The Green Team, led by
Hathaway teacher Cathy Burrows, completed a six-page survey, measured
windows, and conducted a thorough walk-through of the building.

The Green Team concluded that it could make the most impact in reducing
energy usage if computers, lights and electrical equipment were turned off
at night and if blinds were closed at night.

As a result of the assessment, the Green Team developed and carried out an
action plan that resulted in a large monthly savings in kilowatts.

"The kids were thrilled to see such a substantial savings in kilowatts,"
said Burrows.

A chart in the hallway tracks energy usage and progress towards goals so
that students and staff can see the progress.

Community member Dave Burnham led an effort in recycling. Recyclables from
each classroom were weighed and students and staff made an effort to reduce
their paper use. As a result, trash collection is not needed as frequently.

Burrows' first grade class previously used two garbage cans, but now needs
just one small one. Students have adopted the habit of recycling and reusing
paper when possible

"My class is so happy to be helping the environment by conserving energy and
saving paper," said Burrows.

The Green Team is composed of eight students from various grade levels,
staff and parent volunteers. Student representatives from the Green Team are
videotaped, presenting Green Team updates. The video is then shown to all
Hathaway students as part of the morning announcements on "Woof TV".

"I am so proud of the students on the Green Team," said parent volunteer
Darcy Bjorklund. "They have given up their time throughout the school year
to attend meetings where they plan the agenda, present their information,
and plan the next step. Since October 2009, they've helped their school to
save over 50,000 kWh of electricity!"

Energy conservation is one of Washougal School District's key initiatives
for the next few years. In addition to joining with Washington Green
Schools, Washougal School District has also partnered with the City of
Washougal to assist with the process. Pamela Tuite, a member of the city's
Planning Commission as well as its Sustainability Taskforce, worked with district
staff in the fall to provide training and support.

The Washougal School District Board of Directors will review a new Energy
and Resource Conservation policy for adoption in June.

The statewide Washington Green Schools program provides resources for
schools to reduce their campus environmental footprint and utility costs.
Key goals of the initiative include student leadership and community
service.

Other areas supported by the Washington Green Schools initiative are toxics
reduction and indoor air quality, transportation and outdoor air quality,
and water quality and conservation on campus.

Hathaway staff and students will be recognized at a school assembly June 9
at 9:30 a.m. Erin Rowland from the Clark County Dept. of Environmental Services,
and a  member of the Washington Green Schools program. will present the school
with a flag and certificate.

Green Team student members are: Alyssa Barnett, Trillum Allison, Bailee
Watkins, Jade Darrow, Kianna Landon, Paeton Landon, Gunnar Bjorklund,
Jake Klackner and Everest Krabbenhoff.,

Staff members on the Green Team are: Gretchen McLellan,  Cathy Burrows,
Chung Savoie, Laura Bolt, Lindsey Hutchins,  Guy Havens, Kelli
Dizmang, Karen Perez, Debbie Mazour, Lisa Ka'aihue, and Marcia Hershaw.

Community representatives on the Green Team: Darcy Bjorklund, Dave Burnham
and Cheryl Baumgardner.

Washington Green Schools is funded by a grant from the Washington State
Department of Ecology. For more information, visit www.wagreenschools.org.