Washougal Middle School Students Get the Fact Drugs and Alcohol

Schools all across the country took part in National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week January 25-29.   NDAFW is a national health observance for teens to promote local events that use National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIDA) science to shatter the myths about drugs.  More than 1,800 events were held across the country and internationally that week.

“We are taking advantage of this week in Washougal to start conversations about drugs and alcohol with youth,” said Wendy Butler C.W.D.P., Student Assistance Counselor from Educational Service District 112 working in Washougal. “The focus on drug and alcohol information has changed since the days of using scare tactics for kids. Now our information is more evidence based facts.”

Butler spent two days each at Canyon Creek and Jemtegaard Middle Schools talking to students at lunch time.  “They would line up for a chance to read a slip of paper with a fact about drugs or alcohol on it,” Butler explained. “They would read the fact and then paraphrase the information back to me.”  Stating the fact in their own words helps students to understand and retain the information.

“We are not with these kids every second so they need to be prepared with the tools to think on their own,” Butler said.  “It is best to give them information to process so they can make their own decisions.  We are approaching our kids on a more mature level.”  An outcome of the fact sharing is also to create student interest in Prevention Clubs starting at both schools.

“I think it is cool and interesting to hear these facts,” said CCMS 8th grader Alexis Brock.  Brock’s fact was about e-cigarettes, a topic she was already aware of. “I have talked with my family about how it is not right that e-cigarettes can be sold to kids when it is really the same stuff in them as regular cigarettes!”

CCMS 8th grader Casey Rappe’ said he found the facts interesting to think about.  “My fact was on alcohol blood levels,” he said.  “Some kids don’t realize that what you drink gets into your blood.  That is what makes you woozy but it can also kill you if you have too much.  It is kind of scary that know that alcohol goes into your blood.”

Facts were presented in several categories including marijuana, tobacco and nicotine, synthetic drugs, prescription drugs and alcohol.  “Kids are surprised by the information about prescription drugs and that it is the source of most drug overdoses,” Butler said.  The danger of additives in synthetic drugs is also new to many.

“We want to let them know the most important thing they have is their brain and they should not harm it while they are still growing,” Butler said.  “My job is really to empower kids to make positive choices.”

Canyon Creek Middle School Students among Winners of Clark County Youth Achievement Awards

Five Canyon Creek Middle School eight grade students will be presented Youth Achievement Awards from the Clark County Youth Commission on Sunday, June 14 at Skyview High School.  This 17th annual county-wide celebration recognizes the achievement of youth that demonstrate personal growth and community contributions.

It is the Youth Commission’s belief that every young person has the potential for achievement in a number of categories including Arts, Career Development, Citizenship, Courage, Education, Environmental Stewardship, Family Life, Inspiration and Leadership.

CCMS students to be honored are Tori Corkum and Gabe Dinnel for demonstrating empathy towards others.  Rachel McDonald and Jasmyne Mason for art achievement. A third CCMS student also received recognition in art achievement but is unable to have her information shared in the media.

“I believe that everyone deserves respect,” said Corkum.  “I really had not seen myself as someone who was empathic but I try to be nice, even when people are angry.”  Soft spoken Dinnel agreed at the surprise that he was recognized for achievement in this area.  “I just don’t want to be rude and ignore people,” he said, pointing out that, “It can make people feel good to be talked to.”

McDonald, Mason and another student were awarded for their skill in the arts.  McDonald enjoys drawing realistic images and says she can take any photo and draw what she sees.  She has been drawing since age five, when her artwork appeared on cardboard boxes and walls at home.  She wants to pursue a career in graphic design.  Mason’s art specialty is anima and animal art.  She remembers drawing giraffes when she was just two years old.  “I’m not sure why I chose giraffes,” she said.  Now her preference is tigers.

The Youth Commission is a diverse group of 30 youth from throughout Clark County dedicated to bringing the voices of youth into the community and raising awareness about the remarkable achievements made by youth year round.  Awards will be presented to 300 area youth.

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.

Middle School Honor Band Members Selected to Play in Regional Honor Band

Six Washougal middle school students are among those selected to play in the Clark County Honor Band.  They will participate in 2 days of rehearsal, work with Mr. Dan Ogren, current Metropolitan Youth Symphony Concert Band Director, and perform in concert with other Clark County band students on Saturday, February 21, 2015.

Musicians from Jemtegaard Middle School are Emily Johnson, 8th grade, trumpet; Ian Palmer, 7th grade, percussion; and Clara Harris, 8th grade, clarinet.  From Canyon Creek Middle School they are Kyle Hendrickson, 7th grade, trombone; Audrey Hinchliff 8th grade, clarinet; and William Weihl, 7th grade, percussion.

The application for Honor Band involved the students writing an essay. In the essay students shared their experience with music, band, honors, awards, and why they should be selected for an honor band. Their music instructors then ranked students in areas of musicianship, solo ability, character and responsibility, and then ranked all of the students from their school who were applying.

"I remember participating honor bands in middle and high school,” said Dr. Jennifer Bohn, music instructor at JMS. “It was a once in a life time experience working under the baton of renown conductors and performing with the best of the best. Our students will learn a great deal, perform challenging band literature, perform with students from all over Clark County, and no doubt have an incredible experience."

Having the opportunity to play music with students at a high skill level is one of the reasons Harris is excited to be in the honor band.  Johnson agrees saying, “It will be a challenge to play with new people and see their different levels of skill.”

Canyon Creek Middle School Students Learn Life-Saving CPR

In addition to regular studies in reading, writing and math, Canyon Creek Middle Schools 7th and 8th grade students last week also learned how to help save a life with a lesson in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).

The program was offered through Skamania County Emergency Medical Services (SCEMS) using a grant they received from the HeartRescue Community Program to provide all interested students with this vital education.

SCEMS Paramedic, Kaitlyn Hildenbrand led the training using American Heart Association (AHA) curriculum.  “The Family and Friends non-credentialed class teaches 'hands-only' CPR and gives an introduction to automated external defibrillators (AEDs),” she explained.  The course was taught in a fifty minute segment through a combination of instructor and video-based learning.

“I feel very passionate about this project,” Hildenbrand said.  “Through this training we are helping communities by helping them learn ways to help themselves.”

When asked how the students reacted to the training Hildenbrand said we are lucky to have schools filled with incredible students.  “They understood the seriousness of the issue but still had fun with it,” she said.  “The skills they learned can definitely help them to save a life.”

Last year Hildenbrand organized and taught this AHA program to the 7-12 graders in the Stevenson-Carson School District.  “My goal is to improve our communities and to save lives,” she said. “This has been an interest of mine and a pet project.  I want to take it just as far as it will go!”

Take your parent to school day at Canyon Creek

The student population at Canyon Creek Middle School grew by more than 70 on Tuesday, October 29, as parents joined their students for the second annual “Take your parent to school day.”

Principal Sandi Christensen was excited for parents to spend time in class with their students. “There are a lot of opportunities for them to come into the elementary schools, but parent involvement really drops off in middle school,” she said.  “We want to encourage our parents to make connections with the school and their students and know they are welcomed here.”

CCMS School Counselor, Michele Mederos said parents get more out of this experience than the students.  “Education has changed a lot since these parents were in school,” she said. “While students enjoy their parent's presence and showing them around, parents get valuable insight out of the experience. They come away with a better understanding of what their kids are exposed to and get a flavor of the higher expectations they are working under.  That helps the parents realize how to be more supportive of their students.”

Canyon Creek and Jemtegaard Students Participate in Outdoor School

More than 80 sixth grade students from Canyon Creek Middle School in Washougal put on their hiking boots and enjoyed the wonder of outdoor school June 6 and 7. Students did not have to travel far to be at two sites rich for environmental study; Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge and Beacon Rock State Park.

Washougal School District has worked with Friends of the Gorge for the past three years on the outdoor school program. The Friends have sponsored the trip, put together volunteers for each of the sites and planned the daily activities. At Steigerwald students took a nature walk with volunteers who specializes in the projects there and know the land, animals and plants.  Students also participate in a Learning Service Project to remove invasive weeds.  While at Beacon Rock students visited a variety of stations learning about nature around the Columbia River Gorge including learning about trees, plants, animal tracks, leaves, and Lewis and Clark.

 Approximately 150 students from Jemtegaard Middle School in Washougal will have their outdoor school experience June 12, 13, and 14.

Battle of the Books inspires love of reading

The Battle of the Books wrapped up its fifth year April 16 with a fun competition on Battle Day. The program promotes literacy as Cape Horn-Skye and Canyon Creek students read and summarize a series of books in preparation for the final celebration and competition.

The voluntary reading program kicked off last June when a list of 30 book titles was released so students could read over the summer if they wished. Students are required to read and verbally summarize 10 books to qualify for Battle Day. This year 84 Canyon students and Cape 5th graders submitted at least one book summary. Twenty-one students qualified for Battle Day and two students read all 30 books!

On Battle Day, students are divided into teams with a mixture of different grade levels on each team.

This year the theme was:

SURVIVOR : Canyon Creek

Out Play - Out Wit - Out READ

Decorations and food centered around the Survivor TV show and the reading list had a number of adventure/survival type selections as well. Students played four preliminary rounds in the morning with the top two scoring teams compete in the Grand Battle after lunch in the gym in front of an audience from both schools. 

Food service staff Mark Jasper and Chef Dave treated Book Battlers to a South Pacific lunch of skewered chicken and jicama salad with pineapple and strawberries. Students created colorful posters and signs to give the school a festive look and played Survivor-type relay games including Elephant Bowling.

Librarian Holly Vonderohe coordinates the event with the help of 32 staff and parents who help with the monthly reward parties and on Battle Day.

In the end, Team Amazon won the Grand Battle but not by much. Both teams did a great job.

Team Amazon: Cody Harding, Emma Hein, Rebekah Muir, Megan Stogin, and William Weihl.

Team Borneo: Eric Brown, Victoria Corkum, Samantha Eakins, Cameron Hatton, Gus Shelley, and Hadley Warta.

 

The Grand Battle Winners with organizer and librarian Holly Vonderohe.

Kam Lawrence and David Tudor,
judges for the morning battle.

Superintendent Dawn Tarzian and Boo Stevens
review the rules before the Grand Battle.

The winners of the Grand Battle.

A group discussing an answer.

Washougal Eighth Grade Students Look Beyond the Classroom at Volunteerism Projects and Potential Careers

Eighth grade students at Canyon Creek and Jemtegaard Middle Schools in Washougal are preparing for success at high school and in the real world through two differently focused programs.  Both are designed to make students stretch personally as they develop new skills and a broader understanding of society and themselves.

Hana Nekvapil, CCMS 8th grader, enjoyed her work helping raise research funds for conditions such as scoliosis at the Doernbacher's Child Annual Spring Brunch Auction at the Hilton Vancouver. 

The 8th grade project at Canyon Creek is based on volunteerism.  Students first choose an area of interest that excites them.  From there they are required to write a research paper, complete a minimum amount of volunteer hours that supports their topic, create a poster illustrating their work, and make a presentation to a large audience of parents and peers.

"Students come away from this experience with the realization there is more out there in life than they thought," said Pete Forgey, CCMS 8th grade Social Studies teacher.  "They benefit from the experience of working with new people and come away knowing it isn't so scary out there.  Students also realize that there are people who need help, and they can help them. "

According to Forgey the most significant source of accomplishment of these projects is the public speaking component.  "They have to stand in the gym with a microphone and speak to a large audience of parents and peers.  They practice and practice, and in the end say, 'Wow, I did it!'  It probably overrides everything else in the project in terms of personal growth.  I've not lost a student yet," Forgey teased.

By volunteering at the Jack, Will and Rob Center, CCMS 8th grader, Levi McDonald, helped kids be active to support this study topic of preventing childhood obesity.

Morgan Goetz found an interest in homelessness and helping families in need, handing out food with his church outreach group.  "It really gave me quite a different perspective on life," Goetz explained. "Homeless people are just like us, except they had a crisis or something bad come down in their life.  They are not all on drugs.  Many are families." Goetz said he plans to keep volunteering with his church.

Over the past three years, Hana Nekvapil has been treated at Shriner's Hospital every six months for her severe scoliosis.  Her research project allowed her to learn more about the disease and its treatment. Nakvapil's community service was helping with the Doernbacher's Child Annual Spring Brunch Auction at the Hilton Vancouver.  She assembled auction baskets, labeled them and worked at the event.  "It felt really good to help others by raising money for research," Nekvapil said.

For the JMS 8th grade project, students work over six weeks and investigate a potential career.  "We are giving students a chance to explore the possibility of their dreams," said Anna Linde, JMS 8th grade Language Arts teacher.

Students must complete a research paper about a career and what it takes to become qualified, create a PowerPoint presentation and then present what they have learned to their peers.  The work is outlined in a project guide and is modeled after work that will be expected of them in high school.  They research using books, web and interviews with people working in their area of interest.

"Some students get very excited about their career direction and can start making high school course decisions based on what they've learned they will need. And some, after taking a closer look, realize this is not something they want to do with their life.  Both are important things to learn," Linde pointed out.

CCMS 8th grader Mark Calderone studied habitat restoration and volunteered at the Steigerwald Natural Refuge planting and protecting trees.

The project opens up lots of discussions in class and at home.  Students learn vocabulary such as career and job, wage and salary and what FICA is.   "We go through a budget exercise where students find out what you need to earn to be on your own.  They see that what may seem like a large income right now may only cover a family's basic needs," Linde said.

Students also discover many different types of educational opportunities other than traditional college like trade schools, internships, and training as an apprentice.  Some careers studied included police officer, marine biologist, stunt man, underwater welder and anesthesiologist.

Lauren Scott chose to look at novelist as a career.  "I was surprised at how little they actually make," she said.  "It is actually a hard job and most people that do this also have a second job."

"I was surprised as how much police officers need to know to do their job properly," said Avery M. Chan about his research into police work.  "You see them pulling people over on television but you have no sense for what it really takes for them to do their job like all the detailed reporting."

Both Chan and Scott are still interested in pursuing the careers they studied and both agree that now they have a better idea of what they need to do to prepare as they take the next steps into their high school education.

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.

CCMS Student Emma Hein wins 2nd Place in VFW Statewide Essay Competition

Canyon Creek 7th grader Emma Hein took 2nd place in the state of Washington for the Patriots's Pen Essay. The contest is sponsored by the Veteran's of Foreign Wars and several Washougal students were winners at the regional level.  Representatives from the VFW visited Tiffany McCormick's Language Arts class January 25 to present Emma with a plaque and a $400 check  for her award winning essay.

Award winners at the regional level are: (sixth grade): Kaytlyn Sandu, 3rd place, Canyon Creek; Ryan Kepner, honorable mention, Canyon Creek; Audry Hinchliff, honorable mention, Canyon Creek; (seventh grade): Kennedy Ferguson, 1st place, Canyon Creek; Emma Hein, 2nd place, Canyon Creek; Garret Foster, 3rd place, Canyon Creek; Felicity Goetz, honorable mention, Canyon Creek; Anastasia Janiszewski, honorable mention, Canyon Creek; (eighth grade): Justin Snodgrass, first place, Jemtegaard.

The following elementary students also received awards: (third grade): Wyat Hammer, 3rd place, Gause; William Gunn, honorable mention, Gause; (grade 4): Reid Rotundo, 1st place, Gause; Gabby Warta, 2nd place, Gause; Maddox Edwards, honorable mention, Cape Horn-Skye; Tyler Conrad, honorable mention, Cape Horn-Skye; (grade 5): Caden Lowman, 3rd place, Gause; Rebecca Hodges, honorable mention, Gause; Emily Hearns, honorable mention, Gause.

WHS students received awards in the Voice of Democracy competition: Lance Lejewski, 2nd place; Justice Rosales, honorable mention; and Crystal Saltmarsh, honorable mention.

Pictured: Emma is pictured below with Ray Loney from the Washougal VFW, and Dale Dutter from the state VFW.  

Conversation Of a Lifetime

            “Oh, say can you see…”   The first words of our nation’s anthem evoke a sense of pride and glory in American hearts.  This line is just one of the many symbols of our beautiful nation, America.  How would I express that pride to the founding fathers, the creators of our 236-year-old country?  I would thank them for taking action and creating this country—the greatest country on earth.

            If I was ever given the chance, I would tell the Fathers how much I love The Constitution.  The Founding Fathers built a constitution that gives us many rights and freedoms.  There are lots of countries out there without anything close to as many rights as us.  We are allowed to own guns, to vote, and to have our own beliefs, religions and ideas; and we can share these ideas.  With The Constitution, we also have and organized central government that governs us.  In today’s world, these things make a difference.

            I would also express to the Founding Fathers some of my feelings about democracy.  Our democracy lets us have a voice in our government, among other things.  It’s great to be able to vote for who we want to lead us, not just who’s next in line for the throne.  The Founding Fathers created a democracy where we can influence our government and elected officials. I would tell the Founding Fathers how nice it is to live free of a dictator like all the countries I hear about on the news.

            America doesn’t belong to any other country or any ruler.  Our country is a free country, and I would thank the Fathers for that.  I know many people take this freedom for granted, but we shouldn’t.  I’m proud of my country- a free, independent country.  And I admire the courageous, outstanding men who built it. 

            If I were ever given the amazing opportunity to sit down and converse with any of these men, I would tell them of my admiration for their accomplishments.  I would let them know how much I love The Constitution, our democracy, and our freedom.  If it weren’t for these brave, incredible men, America wouldn’t be here.

            “…For the land of the free, and the home of the brave!”- Francis Scott Key, The Star Spangled Banner.

Students decorate for Festival of Trees

Students from Canyon Creek Middle School decorate trees for the Festival of the Trees fundraiser at Washougal Town Square.  The event runs Friday, Dec. 7, 3:00 - 8:00 p.m. and Saturday, Dec 8 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.   The students hope to raise money to help fund the Positive Behavior Intervention Support program and to create a middle school National Honor Society club.

 

Students are: Karen Kellogg, Sydney Mederos, Rylee Erdwins and Bridgette McCarthy and ASB Advisor, Lori Schilling.

Washougal student runners beat feet to National Meet in New Mexico

On December 8, three Washougal student runners will join close to 3,000 youth athletes in Albuquerque, New Mexico for the 2012 USATF National Junior Olympic Cross Country Championship.  Washougal High School Junior, Megan Anderson, WHS Sophomore, Karina Miller, and Canyon Creek Middle School  6^th grader, Gabriel Dinnel qualified in their age divisions after successful meets in Seattle and Spokane.

 “Going to nationals is going to be exciting!” said Anderson.  “We have worked really hard so it will be rewarding to see that all this work has paid off.”

“I think it will be really challenging,” said Dinnel. “There will be people from all over the country there competing!”

So what inspires these young runners?  For each of them it is about doing their best, getting a personal record by beating a previous run time.   “My mom also inspires me. She is a great cross country and track runner,” said Miller.  “And I get inspiration by trying to be a great athlete to represent my school and town.”    Dinnel is also inspired by his family. His father competes in triathlons and he has an aunt who ran in the Boston Marathon.

The runners received an early taste of competitive running in the Washougal Schools Foundation Student Stride for Education.  The Stride, entering its tenth year, is a 5K fun run also offers student-length heats.  More than 600 runners attend the annual event at WHS in mid-May.  “Our family is grateful to the Foundation for this great event,” said Carol Dinnel. “We acknowledge how it has helped Gabriel to realize his running ability and encouraged him to run at a competitive level.”  In fact, Dinnel placed first at The Stride in his age group from kindergarten through 5^th grade.  Anderson and Miller said they were also among the top girl finishers when they ran in The Stride.  The two high schoolers now participate as volunteer “rabbits,” running along with the younger students to provide encouragement and security. 

Lately, the students have been putting many miles on their running shoes as they train for the national meet.  Anderson and Miller were teammates on the WHS Cross Country team that won the Greater St. Helens League Championship this season.  They still train together often, adding in some cross training.  “We work on strengthening our bodies and gaining muscle,” Anderson explained.  Dinnel trains by playing soccer, running with his parents and is also a part of a running club in Portland.

Cross country or any distance running takes a strong mind set.  “I think about pace,” said Miller.  “And if I see a person up ahead I tell myself I can pass that person. I set goals and challenges for myself.”  Anderson also likes to pick out runners she wants to pass but admits she goes faster when she is thinking about anything but running.  For Dinnel it is about focus.  “I just think about that finish line and about doing my best.”   The three runners are confident and focused as they prepare to head to New Mexico.  “I feel good.  I’m ready,” assures Miller. 

Jemtegaard and CCMS Students Visit East Coast for History

Twenty five eigth grade students from Jemtegaard and Canyon Creek Middle School visited the East coast for a US History trip, visiting Washington, D.C. and New York. The trip was organized by Jemtegaard History teacher Scott Rainey, and chaperoned by volunteers. To read more, please read this article in the Camas Washougal Post Record about the trip.