Check out the latest news from Washougal Schools! 
- Parents: Sign up for low-cost and free health care coverage for kids through the Washington Apple Health for Kids program.
Learn more from 5-7:00 p.m. November 17, 2009 at the Washougal Community Library, 1661 C Street, Washougal.
Bring your pay stubs for the last 30 days or a letter from your employee stating your gross monthly income. Please bring proof of citizenship for your child.
For more information, contact Parent Help 123 or (360) 397-8000, x7227. Download an informational flyer (pdf) here: English, Russian, Spanish.
- Washougal High School band students honored
Washougal High School band director, Kelly Ritter, announced this week that Pacific Lutheran University selected six Washougal High band students to perform with the Northwest Honor Band in Puyallup, Washington on January 8 and 9, 2010. Congratulations to these fine musicians: Shane Phillips, Alto Saxophone; Mayelee Watts, Trumpet; Patrick McCarthy, French Horn; Corrine Murphy, Clarinet; Will Paulson, Tuba; and Matt Bullene, Tenor Saxophone.
- Fall Sports Sucesses
Boys Tennis- Steven Goolsby & Caylem Nunes placed 3rd in Doubles. They will compete at State on May 28/29, 2010 at Nordstrom Tennis Center, University of Washington
Boys Golf- The Team placed 4th at District. Connor O’Neal and Beau Scott will compete at State on May 25/26, 2010 at Yakima.
Girls Soccer- Tied for third in League and won the flip to represent the GSHL as the #3 team at District. They play tomorrow (11/3) at 5:30 at Tumwater H.S. vs Black Hills(EVCO #2) for a state berth.
Cross Country- At the district meet at Evergreen State College the top 4 teams and top 20 individuals moved on to State this coming Saturday, Nov. 7th at Sun Willows Golf Course in Pasco.
- The WHS Girls Cross Country Team placed 1st !!! The girls were amazing. Kendall Utter placed 5th, Sarah Brown finish 12th, Elle Wade finished 20th and Taneal Tanner finished 22nd. Brandi Sherman was 35th, with Katie Ladwig, and Colleen Wright finishing up the girls team.
-The WHS Boys Team placed 4th. Dylan Croeni (pictured) place 3rd, Freshman Sean Eustis was 6th, Ziggy Zwygart was 25th, Isaac Stichfield, Brendan Casey, Noah Collins, and Mike Huck had gutty performances.
Over-all it's been a good fall sports season. Volleyball struggled with wins but has shown continued improvement and competitiveness under Head Coach Shannon Young. The Football team was considerably better and very competitive under second year Head Coach Josh Gibson.
- Region IV Public Health Monitors Flu-like Illnesses
Washougal School District continues to be in contact with Region IV Public Health officials regarding H1N1 and other flu-like illnesses in our schools. Nurses and principals at each school will continue to monitor absenteeism and update the Superintendent if any school exceeds 10%, which is the public health reporting threshold. If a school exceeds 10% absenteeism, a letter from public health officials will be sent to parents. For more information, please read our H1N1 page.
Washougal schools have increased preventive measures including frequent anti-bacterial cleaning procedures for hard surfaces such as student desks, office counters and cafeteria areas, and classroom teachers have been reminded to have students wash hands before lunch. Region IV Public Health recommendations are being followed and staff and students who have a fever are advised to stay home.
- Board of Directors prepares for Maintenance & Operations and Technology Levies with no increase in the amount levied
The Washougal School District Board of Directors is preparing to place two measures on the ballot that goes to voters on February 9, 2010. Both measures represent a continuation of 2010 measures, specifically a replacement Maintenance and Operations Levy, as well as a replacement Technology Levy. Voters approved a four-year Maintenance and Operations Levy in 2006. In May 2004, voters approved a six-year Technology Levy. Both levies will expire in 2010.
Given the current economy, the board discussed placing the measures before voters with no increase in the amount levied. The board will ask voters for $5,092,212, which is the same amount voters approved in 2006 for the final year of collection, which is 2010. The proposed four-year replacement Maintenance and Operations Levy would remain the same during 2011-2014, rather than increasing incrementally by year as most levies do. A replacement Technology Levy would also remain the same over 2011-2014 at $250,000 per year.
Read more in the article in the Columbian newspaper.
- District seeks community members to serve on 2010 Community Budget Task Force
Last spring, the 2009 Community Budget Task Force provided excellent input in the development of this year's budget. Looking ahead to the budgeting process in 2010, the District seeks community members to serve on the 2010 Budget Task Force. Those who are interested are asked to contact Cassi Marshall, administrative assistant at 954-3005, or click here to download an application. The 2010 Budget Task Force will meet three - five evenings between January and June, 2010, when the draft of the 2010 budget needs to be completed. An interest in continuing great schools is all you need to apply. Applications are due to the District office by January 8, 2010, and the committee will be established in January. This will be a valuable community input process.
- Federal Dollars Represent "big win" for the District
Washougal School District applied for ARRA funds, part of the Federal Stimulus package allotted to states for school facility repairs, and Washougal was one of 18 districts in the state authorized to issue 15-year, interest free Qualified School Construction Bonds. Washougal was approved to issue bonds in the amount of $1,000,000. The following projects were approved: school energy efficiency improvements, Fishback Stadium turf replacement, WHS gym floor replacement, fiber optic installation, and other school facility repairs that meet requirements of the law.
The bond sales are scheduled in December and work on the approved projects will be completed in 2010. It is very important that our citizens know that these funds are designated for specific "shovel ready" school and facility work that will put contractors and laborers to work at no local added cost to taxpayers. The no-interest repayment of the bonds will be paid annually from revenues resulting from energy improvements.
These funds represent a "big win" for Washougal. Not only will much needed school repairs be completed, but an open bid process will allow local contractors an opportunity to put people back to work. These funds are designated for specific school and facility repairs and cannot be used for any other school or district expenses. The Board of Directors and Superintendent Teresa Baldwin will oversee the use of these funds, as specified by law.
- WHS Students Accepted to Western International Band Clinic Honor Band
Several Washougal High School Band students recently auditioned for the Western International Band Clinic Honor Band, a prestigious band for outstanding musicians that occurs yearly in Seattle. We are proud to share that six of them were accepted! Congratulations to Molly Day (flute), Mayelee Watts (trumpet), Corrine Murphy (clarinet), Shane Phillips (alto saxophone), Matt Bullene (tenor saxophone), and Will Paulson (tuba) on their achievement! The is the largest group of students that WHS has sent to this honor band, and we are excited that such an outstanding group of students will be representing WHS and Washougal School District.
- Washougal Teachers Approve Contract
Washougal School District members of the Washington Association of Educators (WAE) signed their new two-year contract October 12. Union members ratified the contract August 26 with a 95 percent yes vote.
"I really feel a sense of appreciation that we were able to reach an agreement at this very difficult economic time," said Washougal union president Sheila Good. "When I see other districts struggling with their contracts it makes me thankful that both teams were able to work together."
"I appreciate that the teachers union fully understood the economic outlook for the state and the Washougal School District and did not come to the bargaining table intent on negotiating for increases in monetary issues," said Human Resources Director Doug Bright. "The negotiation process was a positive exchange of ideas with a focus on future issues that WAE and the District will study for the next two years."
- Don't miss the Trail Band holiday concert
This event has become a favorite holiday happening for Washougal families.
Saturday, November 28 at the Washburn Performing Arts Center at Washougal High School.
The Trail Band performance showcases holiday folk music that reaches across generations and cultures. Contact Roger Daniels to purchase tickets ($15, $20 and $30) at 852-5151 or email Roger at: rogerdaniels@windermere.com. Funds from this concert benefit students and teachers in Washougal schools through grants and scholarships.
- New N1H1 (Swine Flu) Information From the Superintendent of Public Instruction and Secretary of Health
Please read the new information on preventing the spread of the N1H1 Flu, also known as the Swine Flu. This information is available in English, Russian or Spanish.
- Superintendent's Email Newsline--Voluntary Sign-up Now Available
Are you interested in keeping up with things going on in the district on a more frequent basis than the patron newsletters? Superintendent Baldwin’s Newsline will provide frequent updates from Teresa's office. You may subscribe for automatic email distribution. To sign up, click on the Newsline logo to the left. This will not be a discussion forum, just an informational broadcast to individuals who subscribe. Each email message will include directions on unsubscribing. Email addresses will remain confidential in a secured network and will not be accessible to anyone other than the district's network administrator.
- Click here to read additional news
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