Artifact Detectives Program Gives Students Hands on Experience with History

Third graders at Cape Horn-Skye Elementary got a hands-on opportunity on Thursday, October 17 to explore area history participating in a new “Artifact Detectives” curriculum developed by their teacher, Lucia Willeman.  Students not only learned about early life in the Northwest, but were allowed to take on the role of an archeologist as they brushed, washed, measured, discussed and categorized real local artifacts.

The project was supported through a Teaching American History (TAH) grant, administered by Carol Boyden, Federal Projects Director for the Washougal School District, and by the Clark County Historical Museum.

Rotary Scholar of the Month for October: Cassie Tran

Cassie Tran was selected as the Camas Washougal Rotary Scholar of the Month for October 2013. Cassie is a sophomore at Washougal High School and has a 3.8 GPA.  Heather Carver, Cassie's Honors English teacher, says "Cassie is a really hard worker and has a great sense of humor."
To read more, please visit the Student Success Blog.

Kelly Ritter, her Symphonic Band teacher, says "Cassie is a wonderful young lady" adding that she "plays the flute in the symphonic band and pep band" and that she is "positive, always smiling, pleasant to be around."  WHS Biology Teacher Pauline Rule notes that Cassie is an excellent student, quiet leader, has great attitude and is a friend to all."  Social Studies Teacher Ryan Isaacson notes that "four weeks and a few days is all it takes to notice strength, patience, and perseverance."

Cassie is the daughter of Hao Tran and Kao Yang.  Congratulations, Cassie!

Excelsior Phoenix on Fire for October 2013 - Richard Young

Congratulations to Richard Young, Excelsior High School's "Phoenix on Fire" for October 2013.  Richard is a new student at Excelsior and is starting the school year off with a bang.  He's already finished a course, has great attendance, an admirable work ethic, and is an inspiration to his peers.

Richard exemplifies the characteristics we would like to see all of our students at Excelsior achieve: Inspiring, Responsible, Respectful, Have great attendance, An Excellent Work Ethic and a Positive Attitude.

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).

Washougal students raise funds with Sport a thon

Cape Horn-Skye Elementary (CH-S) students earn money for their school through the Booster’s annual Sport-a-thon fund raiser September 25-27 . Students had friends and family sponsor them to reach their goal for completing a number of activities including football tosses, basketball shots, and Frisbee throws.
 The kindergarten event was a carnival style format with fifth grade students as escorts.  "We depend on the kindness and support of our older students to ensure the kindy children enjoy the event," explained Kim Daniels, Physical Education Teacher.

All of the money raised goes to the school and this year funds will be spent to purchase a new portable sound system that can be used in music class and for events.  Also, ten percent of the money raised will be donated directly to the CH-S physical education program. The sport-a-thon is the CH-S Boosters largest fund raiser and brings in between $6,000-$7,000 annually.

EHS Students Learn Environmental Science through Gardening

Excelsior High School students learn environmental science lessons through the planting and cultivating of gardens outside their classrooms.  Students prepare the soil each spring, help with planting and then community members take on the gardening in the summer.  Their outdoor lab is complete with worm bin, compost container and rainwater barrel.

Pictured Front left to right: Emily Head, Qyuressa Zehner

Standing left to right: Kayla Head, Randee Schneider,  Matt McIntosh, and Tere Gustafson

Canyon Creek students celebrate good behavior and another great year

Canyon Creek Middle School students ended the year by celebrating their hard work and positive behavior with a drawing for cool prizes  June 19.  The event was made extra special thanks to donations from community members and businesses. Students had the opportunity to win some amazing prizes including a Kindle, headphones, gift cards and other fun rewards.

The rewards were well-deserved. Canyon Creek just completed the first year of the Positive Behavior Intervention and Support Program (PBIS) which encourages creating common expectations and modeling positive behavior.

“We are excited to keep it going due to the improvements we are seeing within the culture of our school,” said ASB advisor and PBIS Coordinator Lori Schilling. “The data is pretty significant.”

Thank you to local businesses, families in the community, the CCMS Boosters and ASB for donating rewards for ongoing rewards and Cougar Card drawings.