Archive of news stories which appeared
on the front page of the WSD Site
Mission and Vision
Working together with the community, Washougal School District will provide a high quality educational system that inspires all students to vigorously pursue educational excellence and become responsible citizens. Each student will:
Set high expectations and work to attain them.
Demonstrate knowledge, skills and application of the academic learning requirements in reading, writing, mathematics, science, health and fitness and the arts.
Contribute to the betterment of school and community.
Demonstrate knowledge and skills that reflect responsible citizenship in a democratic society.
Use and apply technology appropriately.
Demonstrate a working knowledge of a language other than English and an understanding of the role of world languages in a global community.
Demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to maintain an active, safe and healthy life.
Through academic and career planning and development, each student will graduate prepared to compete and succeed in post-secondary education and work.
Hathaway Adopt-A-Shelf Program off to a Great Start (posted 5-3-2012) 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!"
WHS Students Win at Culinary Competition (posted 4-25-2012) WHS students competed against students from Woodland, Prairie, and Battle Ground high schools in the 4th Annual Clark County Culinary Competition April 21. The event was held at Battle Ground High School and was sponsored by Sodexo Food Services.
Washougal team members Andrew Bastian, Melissa Cain, Danielle Crowley, and Jesse Kraff made beef kabobs, rice and a pineapple/coconut slushy for dessert. The team won Best Beef Entrée and Overall Finest Asian Entree for Taste and Presentation. To read more, please visit the student success blog.
Early Release Day for K-5 Schools on Snow Makeup Day, Friday April 27 (posted 4-20-2012)
There will be two Elementary School early release days during the week of April 23. Both Wednesday the 25th and Friday the 27th will be 3 hour early release days. Friday April 27 is a snow makeup day for January 18th, which was scheduled as a Wednesday early release day. Please visit the Calendar page for more info.
Challenge Day United WHS and EHS Students (posted 3-21-2012) On Tuesday, March 6, 2012, 100 Washougal and Excelsior High School students and more than 30 adults participated in Challenge Day, an event designed to unite participants around a common vision, addressing issues of suicide, harassment, racism, conflict management, and alcohol and drugs.
The goal of challenge day is to make WHS and EHS an even more welcoming place to be, to increase personal power and self-esteem, to shift peer pressure to positive peer support and to eliminate the acceptability of teasing, violence and all forms of oppression. Trained Challenge Day Leaders created an environment of safety and trust to address social issues. Challenge Day is designed to unite the members of the school and community and to empower them to carry the themes of the program back to the greater school and community population. To read more about Challenge Day, please visit the Student Success Blog.
Camas Washougal Rotary Scholar Winner for March: Meagan Sharp (posted 3-19-2012)
Congratulations to Meagan Sharp, the Camas Washougal Rotary Scholar of the Month for March 2012. Meagan is a sophomore at Washougal High School, and has a 3.906 GPA. Lisa Leonard, Meagan's Computer Applications teacher, says she "can be found helping others where she can," and that "her work is always quality and she pays attention to detail. She is the type of students look forward to in the classroom." English teacher Sheila Good describes Meagan as "one of the sweetest students - very hard working, committed to doing her best." To read more about Meagan, please visit the Student Success Blog.
"Washougal's Got Talent" at WHS on March 23, 2012 (posted 3-14-2012)
Washougal's Got Talent - a fundraiser for the WHS Drama program, will take the stage in the Washburn Performing Arts Center at Washougal High School on Friday, March 23 at 7:00.
The show is only $5 and will feature a number of talented WHS students performing in front of "celebrity" judges and trying to win the coveted WGT Trophies. The show will also feature guest performances by WHS alumni. Don't miss it!
WHS Students take 1st, 3rd at Regional Machining Competition (posted 2-15-2012)
On Saturday, Feb. 12, four students from the Washougal High School Metals program took part in a machining competition at Clark College for Skills USA. Ilia Svistun was the first place winner and Douglass Murray was the third place winner. These two students are now eligible to compete at the state level. Also representing WHS were Robert Raynor and Braden Devlin "These student should be congratulated for their outstanding accomplishment," said CTE teacher Don O'Brien.
First place won $1,500 worth of tools and equipment donated by local manufacturing companies, and 3rd place won $800 worth of equipment.
To read more about the machining competition, please visit the Student Success Blog.
Community Input Gathering for Strategic Planning Process (posted 2-1-2012)
The Washougal School District is in the process of developing a five to six year strategic plan to guide our district and school improvement work. As part of this process, we hope to gather input from a broad range of district constituents through several means.
Community members who are parents can also give input through their school's parent advisory group. Meetings are being held at each school during the months of February & March to collect parent feedback. To view a list all meetings, please click here.
In addition to these input sessions, a short online survey is available to help guide our work around strategic priorities. You can take the survey by following this link. If you have other feedback you would like included as the new strategic plan is developed, please send us an e-mail at feedback@washougalsd.org.
Camas Washougal Rotary Scholar Winner for February: Alexis Jensen (posted 2-10-2012)
Congratulations to Alexis Jensen, the Camas Washougal Rotary Scholar of the Month for February 2012. Alexis is a sophomore at Washougal High School, and has a 3.688 GPA. Jennifer Mahorney, her choir teacher, says "Alexis has been an outstanding contributor to the choir program at JMS and WHS." She notes that she "is a great role model for others when it comes to rehearsal discipline and commitment." Spanish teacher Rochelle Aiton describes Alexis as "cheerful, intelligent, and hardworking." To read more about Alexis, please visit the Student Success Blog.
WHS Choir takes 2nd in Regional Competition (posted 2-28-2012)
Congratulations to the Washougal High School Choir's Mixed Ensemble group, which took 2nd place at the regional Solo and Ensemble Contest on Saturday, February 25th, at Heritage High School. The group came in just behind Union High School, and may be invited up to the state competition in April. The Men's Ensemble scored I- (superior) rating, and the soloists and Ladies Ensemble scored Is and IIs (superior and excellent). The scores are based on state and national assessment standards for high school performing ensembles and soloists up to AAAA. WHS Choir Director Jennifer Mahorney was with the students as they competed, saying she is "SO PROUD Of my singers for their hard work and they way they represented our school and district." Watch next week's Camas Washougal Post Record for a feature story on the choir!
Note: This video is hosted on YouTube, and will not work from WSD computers without a filter bypass.
American Sign Language Competition 3/7/2012 in the WHS Performing Arts Center (posted 3-2-2012)
Washougal High School is proud to host the Clark County American Sign Language (ASL) Competition on Wednesday, March 7, 2012 in the Washburn Performing Arts Center. The competition begins at 7pm with tickets going on sale at 6:30 PM. Entrance is $2.00.
Students from around Clark County will compete by interpreting songs and stories from English into ASL. Students will be scored by a panel of judges consisting of Nationally Certified Interpreters from across the country.
Come show your Panther Spirit and support our local students!
Professional Technical Day at Clark College - Feb. 23rd. Juniors and seniors have signed up
and pre-registered to tour 2 program areas that would lead to certification and/or degrees. A bus
will leave at 8:15 am and return to the school at noon.
Engineers Make it Work, Wednesday, February 22, 2012 1:30 to 8:30 PM. 10 students interested in engineering, technology, design or problem solving were invited to this event at the Double Tree at Lloyd Center. WHS teachers Jason Blaesing and Jay Bennett are accompanying our 10 students . Students will go on field trips to places like Port of Portland, Boeing, Rockwell Collins, Legacy Health Bio mechanics Research Laboratory, and Iberdola Renewables. To read more about this event, please see the flier.
8th grade students from Canyon Creek and Jemtegaard will be coming to the high
school for a tour and orientation on Friday March 2nd. See the attached agendas for
both schools. This is always a very fun event for students.
Wednesday, March 7th is the all school Career Day. We have an amazing guest from Missouri, Grant Baldwin, as our keynote speaker. He is a
comedian/motivational/inspirational type speaker specializing in speaking to teens. There will also be 37 career participants coming, people who work in the area in various careers, and who will speak directly to youth about the work they do. It will be a big day for all students at WHS. Attached is the agenda for the day, which includes adults from Mt. Hood Community College, IQ Credit Union, Providence Health, Peace Health, Massage with Style, Washougal Sport and Spine, Parkview Retirement, Hotel De Luxe, Horizon Air, NW Culinary, Workshed Interactive, Vancouver Crime Lab, Wacom Technology, Clark County Sherriff, East County Fire & Rescue, Boeing, Georgia Pacific, Iberdrola Renewables, the US Army and the US Air Force, with many more!
WSD teachers earn National Board Certification (posted 1-25-2012)
Washougal School District teachers Marcia Hershaw and Lucia Willeman earned National Board certification this year.
Marcia Hershaw is a Health and Fitness teacher at Hathaway Elementary. Lucia Willeman teaches third grade at Cape Horn-Skye Elementary.
Certification is a one- to three-year-long introspective process that requires teachers to submit a four-part portfolio and a six-exercise content and pedagogy assessment. The four entries document a teacher’s success in the classroom as evidenced by his or her students’ learning. A national panel of peers then assesses the portfolio.
“It was a highly reflective and analytical process that really helped me focus on the effect my instruction had on each child,” said Marcia Hershaw. “I assess student performance more frequently as a result, and shape future lessons to address areas that need to be strengthened.”
“Going through the National Board certification process was the most intense period of self-discovery and professional development that I have ever undergone,” said Lucie Willeman. “It was beneficial for not only myself, but my students as well as I have explored my own teaching practices and how they align with a set of stringent national teaching standards. This has helped refine my own classroom instruction and community building. Achieving the National Board Certification is definitely a life-time professional highlight.”
Considered the “gold standard” for teaching excellence, this year 6,200 teachers across the nation achieved this distinction. This brings the total number of board certified teachers in the U.S. to nearly 100,000.
A report by the National Research Council found that students who were taught by board certified teachers show higher gains on achievement tests than those taught by other teachers. National Board Certified Teachers must demonstrate advanced teaching knowledge, skills and practices. Completion of the certification process signifies that teachers have developed and demonstrated the skills required of an accomplished professional educator.
The two newly certificated teachers join several other Washougal School District teachers, including: Brian Amundson, Penny Andrews, Scott Rainey, Heather Santos, Chelsea Waldron, and Bryn Walker.
Snow Makeup Days (posted 1-19-2012)
Due to inclement weather, Washougal schools were closed on January 17 and 18. Because January 18 was designated as an elementary early release day, students will make up these days as follows:
-March 16 (full day for all students)
-April 27 (elementary early release day, full day for grades 6-12).
For more information, please see the Calendar page.
Young Champions Student Athlete Heart Screenings (posted 1-10-2012)
Parents who are interested in having a heart screening for their student athlete, please check out the following website for more information. The Quinn Driscoll Foundation and PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center have a screening event on Saturday, February 25.
Rotary Scholar for January, Felicia Ray Harrison (posted 1-19-2012)
Felicia Ray Harrison was selected as the Camas Washougal Rotary Scholar of the Month for January 2012. Felicia is a sophomore at Washougal High School, and has a 3.758 GPA. WHS Honors Chemistry teacher Bruce Stanton says "Felicia is a hard worker and a very nice person." To read more, please visit the Student Success Blog.
School Board Appreciation Month (posted 1-11-2012)
January is School Board Appreciation Month in the State of Washington. Please join the Washougal School District in showing our appreciation for the work that Board Members Blaine Peterson, Ron Dinius, Elaine Pfeifer, Terrie Hutchins, and Karen Rubino perform in promoting student learning and guiding the school district. Board members will be recognized at the January 24th meeting, and presented a certificate from the Washington State School Directors Association. To read a proclamation from Governor Gregoire about School Board Appreciation Month, please click here.
Pictured from left to right are board members Ron Dinius, Karen Rubino, Blaine Peterson, Elaine Pfeifer, and Terrie Hutchins.
Cape Horn-Skye Students Create Special Message From Home For Gorge Area Military Personnel (posted 12-28-2011)
Cape Horn-Skye Elementary students created more than 150 beautiful handmade cards for Gorge-area residents serving overseas in the U.S. military. The Happy New Year cards will be sent in January as part of a gift package through the Gorge Heroes Club.
Washougal resident Margie Coursey coordinated the cardmaking project after she heard about the Gorge Heroes Club and its efforts. Coursey gathered donations from friends and purchased supplies, which she delivered to Cape Horn-Skye Principal Mary Lou Woody. Cape Horn-Skye staff worked with students to create the beautiful, individual cards.
Coursey said she was thrilled with the result. "It was really fun," she said. "You wouldn't believe how cute the cards are."
Cape Horn-Skye Elementary staff and students regularly work with Veteran's of Foreign Wars Post 122 on events throughout the year, such as canned food drives and essay contests.
"Our community really supports those who have served in the military," said Principal Mary Lou Woody. "We have many military families and showing our support through partnerships such as this one is an important part of our community," she said.
The Gorge Heroes Club is a non-profit based in Hood River, Ore. For more information on the Gorge Heroes Club, visit http://gorgeheroesclub.blogspot.com/ To see pictures of some of the cards students made, please visit our blog.
Note: Video is posted on YouTube. To access from a district computer, you must have a media bypass.
A Message from Superintendent Tarzian about the Winter Holiday and Inclement Weather Information (posted 12-16-2011)
On behalf of the staff of the Washougal School District I would like to wish you and your family a wonderful Winter Holiday. My first several months in the District have been exciting, both challenging and rewarding. I would like to thank those of you who have gone out of your way to introduce yourself to me. Many of you have shared what you feel are the strengths of the District, as well as areas where we need to continue our work to refine our programs.
The two-hour late start scheduled on Thursday, 12/15/11 is a reminder that the winter weather has just begun and careful attention must be given to safe travel to and from school. Two hour late starts are needed when hazardous road conditions exist. These conditions can be experienced District-wide or just in the higher elevations in the east part of the district.
Each year patrons ask why the District does not conduct late start at some schools while leaving others open. There are a number of reasons why this is not feasible. Our high school students come from all corners of the District, preventing safe travel for some students who need to be attending the same classes with students from lower elevation neighborhoods. In addition, many parents have tranfered their students from a “neighborhood” school to a different District school, requiring that their child be transported to or from an area affected by frosty weather. Our bus transportation system is also involved as our capacity to run routes at the regular start time and at late start time on the same day is very limited. For these reasons, the solution is to conduct a late start District-wide allowing county vehicles to plow roads, as well as time for temperatures to rise before putting school buses on the roads. We combine snow routes with a two-hour late start to allow safe bus travel on mornings where snow and ice create hazardous road conditions.
Please keep your phone charged and close during the coming months so that our automated phone system can keep you up-dated regarding changes to the school day due to weather conditions. The District will also post late opening or closure decisions with the local media – both radio and TV stations. To read more messages from the superintendent, please click here.
Stuff the Bus Raises 60,000 Pounds of Food for Local Charities (posted 12-12-2011)
Washougal School District students from all schools raised around 20,000 pounds of food to support the East County Family Resource Center, part of Children's Home Society, here in Washougal. Camas School District students raised nearly 40,000 pounds of food, and won the competition between the two schools. Congratulations to the Camas students, but the real winners are the local families in need! Thank you to all the generous students, families, and staff who helped make this year's Stuff the Bus event a success.
Rotary Scholar of the Month for November: Jared Anderson (posted 12-6-2011)
Congratulations to Jared Anderson, the Camas Washougal Rotary Scholar of the Month for November 2011. Jared is a sophomore at Washougal High School with a 3.929 GPA taking advanced placement and pre-calculus classes. His Spanish teacher Rochelle Aiton says, "Jared is both a gifted student and musician" and "he is the Vice-President of the Spanish Club." To read more about Jared, please visit our blog.
Fall 2011 District Newsletter Posted (posted 11-28-2011)
Please read the latest edition of the Washougal School District Newsletter. This quarter's newsletter talks about preschool programs, the Festival of Trees, a Fall 2011 wrap up from Athletic Director Doug Cox, deliberations about replacing the turf in Fishback Stadium, and a greeting from Superintendent Dawn Tarzian.
Wells Fargo Bank Donates $1000 to Hathaway Elementary School (posted 11-28-2011)
Wells Fargo’s Camas bank manager Cristian Dragos presents a $1,000 ceremonial check to Principal Laura Bolt of Hathaway Elementary School in Washougal. Wells Fargo supports its local schools both financially and by providing financial education (through its free, online Hands on Banking program).
To read more about this donation, please visit our blog.
Camas Washougal Rotary Donates Dictionaries to 3rd Graders (posted 11-27-2011)
All third graders in Washougal School District received a dictionary this week, thanks to a partnership between Columbia Credit Union and the Camas Washougal Rotary Club. Shown in the photo are Superintendent Dawn Tarzian, presenting a dictionary to Cape Horn-Skye 3rd grader Emily Crabtree.
Snow Routes for Buses Updated (posted 11-15-2011)
With winter weather just around the corner, the Washougal School District Transportation Office has released updated Snow Routes for school buses that will be used during the 2011-2012 school year. Washougal Schools uses an auto-dialer system, which will notify parent/guardians and staff by phone in the event of a 2 hour late start or school closure. You may also check the FlashAlert.net website for up-to-date information on school closures. In the event of a school delay or closure, please check the Emergency Info page, linked in the upper right corner of all WSD web pages, for information about 2 hour late starts, bus schedules, impacts on before or after school programs, and links to the closure info.
District Office Holiday Closures (posted 10-20-2011)
The Washougal School District Office will be closed closed for Winter Break between December 19, 2011 and January 2, 2012.
3 Hour Early Release on 12/16/2011 at All Schools (posted 12-12-2011)
The Washougal School District will implement a 3 hour early release schedule for Friday, December 16, 2011. Dismissal times for each school are listed below. Lunch will be served prior to dismissal. Our school bus routes will run per the early release schedule below on this date.
The school district would like to thank our parents for supporting the lockdown on Wednesday, 12/7/11. The events of the day were extremely stressful and it was not easy for the district to deny parents access to our schools during the lockdown. We would also like to thank staff for their commitment to the lockdown protocols and to all that was done across the district to assure that students were safe and engaged in learning during this very difficult day.
Many staff put in extended hours on the day of the lockdown. By affecting an early release on Friday, the district would like to acknowledge the extra time required of our employees. We would also like to reunite our students with their parents and families in recognition of the extra hours we kept many children at school last Wednesday.
Please contact your child’s school office or the district office if you have questions.
Early Release Schedule for Friday 12/16/11
Gause Elementary School
12:30 PM
Hathaway Elementary School
12:25 PM
Cape Horn-Skye Elementary School
11:35 AM
Canyon Creek Middle School
11:35 AM
Jemtegaard Middle School
11:40 AM
Excelsior High School
11:25 AM
Washougal High School
11:25 AM
Lockdown for the Washougal School District has been lifted.
Hathaway and Gause Elementary School students will be released at the normal time. Parents are encouraged to have their students travel home by their normal route. Buses for K-5 students will arrive at the normal time.
Cape and Canyon Students will be released from school at 3:30 PM. Their routes will be running 1 hour later than normal.
Jemtegaard, Washougal High and Excelsior High bus routes will be running 1hour 15 minutes later than normal.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Areas of Washougal are still secured by the police and not accessible by buses. Bus stops normally between 32nd and 34th Streets and also between Evergreen Blvd and G St (including G Street) drop offs will not occur, and these students will be taken to the District Office at 4855 Evergreen Way. Students will begin arriving at the District Office at 4:30 PM for parent pickup. If you are going to be picking up your child at the Washougal District Office, please bring photo ID.
Update: No Early Release for K-5 Schools Today Due to Lock-down
The Washougal School District has had four schools in lockdown since 8:30 a.m. this morning. Hathaway Elementary, Gause Elementary, Washougal High School, and Excelsior High School are all in lockdown and will remain in lockdown until the school district is notified by the authorities that it is safe to release students and staff. We will not be releasing students, even to parents at the regular early release time today, but will be holding them until the lockdown is lifted. The school buses will not be running until the lockdown is lifted. This will affect all schools in the district, including students attending Jemtegaard Middle School, Cape Horn-Skye Elementary and Canyon Creek Middle School. We recognize that this will create a hardship for parents who have been concerned about the safety of their children today. Our highest priority at this time is to assure that we protect our students and staff and we ask that parents remain at home, and out of the areas that the police have secured.
Some Gause Elementary students were still on school buses when the lockdown went into effect this morning. They were transported to the bus garage. Parents whose children are at the bus garage may pick up their child but must have a photo ID and must have filled out the registration card on file at the school. The bus numbers that were routed back to the bus garage are Gause buses: 10, 19, 14, 47, 23, & 25. The bus garage is located at 995 E Street.
Children attending Cape Skye-Horn Elementary, Canyon Creek Middle School, and Jemtegaard Middle School will be held at school if they are transported by school bus. The school buses will not be running to any school until the lockdown is lifted. Parents may pick their children up at Jemtegaard Middle School, Cape Horn-Skye and at Canyon Creek Middle School but the authorities are asking that citizens stay off of the roads that are located in the central area of Washougal.
All students and staff are safe. There have been no incidents at any district school. Please contact our Central Office if you have questions at 954-3000.
Emergency Message as of 10:00 AM Wednesday December 7th
Washougal School District has four schools in lockdown this morning as a safety precaution after receiving a 911 request to secure our schools. The schools in lockdown are Hathaway Elementary, Gause Elementary,Washougal High School and Excelsior High School.
Students en route to school via school buses were taken to the bus garage where they are safe. They will be transported to school as soon as the lockdown is lifted.
A house fire and concerns about the safety of the neighborhood prompted the police to ask that we lock down our schools as a safety measure. No incident has occurred at any district school.
Because our schools are secured, parents are asked not to call or travel to the schools involved or to the Bus Barn at this time.
If you have questions, please call the Washougal District Office at (360) 954-3000.
Festival of Trees Dec. 9 & 10 (posted 11-14-2011)
The Second Annual Washougal Festival of Trees will be held the second weekend in December in conjunction with the City of Washougal Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremony. Trees and gift baskets will be on display (and up for bidding) Friday evening December 9 and Saturday afternoon, December 10. All proceeds from the Festival are donated to the schools of Washougal School District. The beautifully decorated trees are 8 foot Douglas firs, and last year's trees were purchased for home use or donated by winning bidders to schools or businesses for holiday display.
The trees, donated by Washougal River Christmas Trees, are decorated by individual school booster clubs, as well as businesses, churches and organizations in the Washougal community. More than 30 donated gift baskets, valued up to $200, will also be available for bidding or up for raffle. This effort, begun last August by the Washougal Lions and downtown businesses, is dedicated to helping our schools in a time of shortage of resources for students. Last year the festival raised almost $2,500 for Washougal schools, and this year hopes to double that amount!
The trees and baskets will be on display at the Washougal Town Square (corner of Main Street and Love Street, across from the Hearth Restaurant). Viewing (and bidding) will be from 4:00 to 8:00 on Friday evening, December 9, and from 2:00 to 5:00 on Saturday the 10th. There will be free refreshments and entertainment, and Santa will stop by to greet the children! Bidding will close at 5:00, and tickets for raffled items will be drawn at that time. Winners will be notified by phone.
If you have questions, please contact Chuck Carpenter at 360-335-1947.
Mark your calendar for the Trail Band Concert(posted 10-10-2011)
It's a Washougal holiday tradition. Don't miss the Trail Band concert, Saturday, November 26 at the Washburn Performing Arts Center at Washougal High School, 1201 39th St. Washougal. Social begins at 6:00 p.m. and the concert begins at 7:00 p.m. Reserved seats are $30, $20 and $15. For ticket info contact Roger Daniels at (360) 852-5151. Proceeds benefit the Washougal Schools Foundation's scholarship and grant programs.
Rotary Scholar of the Month for October 2011: Erin Locke (posted 11-17-2011)
Erin Locke was selected as the Camas-Washougal Rotary Scholar of the Month for October 2011. Erin is a sophomore at Washougal High School and has a 3.892 GPA. Erin's Spanish teacher, Brian Eggleston says Erin "is a student with extraordinary talent in language learning" and adds that she has "a very positive attitude and an eagerness to take part in whatever we do in class." To read more, please visit our student success blog.
Veterans Day Assemblies Honor Veterans (posted 11-14-2011)
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." To view these student essays, please look at the student success blog.
Washougal Voters Elect New School Board Members (posted 11-14-2011)
Congratulations to Washougal School District's newest board member, Karen Rubino from District 4. Karen has been an active volunteer in the school district and has served on the 2009-10 community Facilities Task Force and worked on the district's long range Capital Improvement Plan in the past. She wil be sworn in at the regularly scheduled December 13 School Board Meeting.
Terrie Hutchins, who was appointed to the District 1 seat in January 2011, is being welcomed as a newly elected Board member and she will be serving a four year term. Congratulations as well to Elaine Pfeifer, who has been re-elected to another four year term as District 2 board member.
A special thank you to Jim Gadberry, who will be leaving his position on the School Board. Jim was appointed to the District 4 position in January 2011. His knowledge, experience, and commitment to the education of Washougal's children has been deeply appreciated.
District Office Holiday Closures (posted 10-20-2011)
The Washougal School District Office will be closed for Thanksgiving Break from November 23-25, 2011 and closed for Winter Break between December 19, 2011 and January 2, 2012.
Holiday Marketplace Bazaar at Washougal High School Nov. 19, 2011 (posted 11-14-2011)
Please support Washougal High School's Associated Student Body by coming to this year's Holiday Marketplace Bazaar, on Saturday, November 19th, 2011. Booths will be open from 9 AM to 4 PM. The ASB and class officers are helping set up and clean up after the event. Vendors from a variety of businesses and individuals will be selling hand crafted products. Please stop by and check out the event, to get a head-start on your holiday shopping. For more information, please contact Gordon Washburn at 360-954-3103.
Guys and Dolls at WHS 11/18-11/19 (posted 11-15-2011)
Make plans to join over 50 of Washougal High School’s talented students and enjoy Guys and Dolls! Frank Loesser’s m1950 Masterpiece was recently voted the most popular American musical of the 20th Century – and with good reason. The story of gamblers, showgirls, and mission workers in 1950 New York has produced so many memorable songs such as “Luck Be a Lady Tonight,” “Sit Down, You’re Rocking the Boat,” and “If I Were a Bell,” along with many others. The play runs Nov. 18-19 at 7:00 and also at 1:00 on the 19th. Tickets are still only $8 for adults and $6 for students and seniors and are available at the door. We hope to see you there!
Congratulations to the Staff at Cape Horn-Skye (posted 10-26-2011)
Cape Horn-Skye is one of just 99 schools in the state to be named a 2011 School of Distinction for success in student achievement, an accomplishment they have achieved twice…they were also recognized in 2009.
The awards are based on improvement on standardized tests over the preceding five years. A school must be at or above the state median
for the grade band on a "Reading/Math Level Index."
Statewide, the awards were presented to 99 schools by the Center for Educational Effectiveness, Association of Educational Service Districts, Association of Washington School Principals, Phi Delta Kappa-Washington Chapter, Washington Association of School Administrators, Washington State ASCD and the Washington State School Directors' Association. All of the regional winners will be formally recognized during a ceremony in January at ESD 112.
"The staff at Cape Horn-Skye are so deserving of this award," said Superintendent Dawn Tarzian. "Out of 1,074 elementary schools in the
state, Cape Horn-Skye is in this distinguished top 5%! Congratulations!"
District and Community Health Alert (posted 10-21-2011)
Our health department has notified the school district that confirmed cases of pertussis or whooping cough have been diagnosed in our community. Whooping cough is caused by bacteria. When an infected person coughs or sneezes, tiny germ-laden droplets are sprayed into the air and breathed into the lungs of anyone who happens to be nearby. Once inside your airways, the bacteria multiply and produce toxins that interfere with your respiratory tract's ability to sweep away germs. Thick mucus accumulates inside your airways, causing uncontrollable coughing. The bacteria also cause inflammation that narrows breathing tubes in your lungs. This narrowing leaves you gasping for air - sucking in air with a high-pitched "whoop" -- after a fit of coughing.
Once you become infected with whooping cough, it takes three to 12 days for signs and symptoms to appear. They're usually mild at first and resemble those of a common cold:
- Runny nose
- Nasal congestion
- Sneezing
- Red, watery eyes
- A mild fever
- Dry cough
After a week or two, signs and symptoms worsen. Severe and prolonged coughing attacks may:
- Bring up thick phlegm
- Provoke vomiting
- Result in a red or blue face
- Cause extreme fatigue
- End with a high-pitched "whoop" sound during the next breath of air - However, many people - particularly infants, adolescents and adults - don't develop the characteristic whoop. Sometimes, a persistent hacking cough is the only sign that an adolescent or adult has whooping cough.
When to see a doctor
- Call your doctor if prolonged coughing spells cause you to
- Turn red or blue
- Inhale with a whooping sound
Substitute Custodians Needed (posted 10-26-2011)
Washougal School District is seeking substitute custodians to fill in throughout the year as needed. Applicants would be contacted to fill in when staff are on vacation, sick or on long-term leave. Applicants are required to be fingerprinted ($71.25) and have a current First Aid card ($35.00). A GED or high school diploma is required. Applicants must take an online Bloodborne Pathogen test and Hazardous Chemical Quiz. Pay range is $13.63-$13.78. If you are interested in learning more, including job responsibilities and how to apply, contact Liza Linde at (360) 954-3041.
Free Breakfast Week Nov. 7-11, 2011 (posted 11-3-2011)
Students at all grade levels in the Washougal School District will have access to breakfast at no charge. For this week, regardless of the student’s free and reduced status, all schools in the district will offer free breakfast. It is our hope that exposure to the school breakfast program will encourage children who might normally skip breakfast to eat breakfast on a regular basis.
According to studies, the benefits of eating breakfast include:
• Eating breakfast can help improve math, reading, and standardized test scores.
• Children who eat breakfast are more likely to behave better in school and get along with their peers than those who do not.
• Breakfast helps children pay attention, perform problem-solving tasks, and improves memory.
• Children who eat school breakfast are likely to have fewer absences and incidents of tardiness than those who do not.
• By eating breakfast, students get more of important nutrients, vitamins and minerals such as calcium, dietary fiber, folate and
protein.
• Studies have shown that children who eat breakfast on a regular basis are less likely to be overweight.
• Eating breakfast as a child is important for establishing healthy habits for later in life.
• School Breakfast provides ¼ the recommended amounts of protein, calcium, iron, vitamin A, and vitamin C for the day.
Washougal Teachers Learn to Use Google Sites to Create Webpages (posted 9-29-2011) Two groups of Washougal educators attended optional, district-sponsored classes on creating web pages using Google Sites on September 22 and 28, 2011. These hands-on classes were co-facilitated by Washougal High School Teachers James Bennett and Rochelle Aiton, with assistance from Director of Technology Les Brown.
Participating teachers were led through the process of creating an account, customizing a main page in Google sites, adding feeds from subpages, integrating a Google Calendar, linking to external sites, and adding attachments via the File Cabinet feature or Google Docs.
Hathaway Teacher Lisa Kaaihue said, " I really appreciated all of the choices and variety of features the Google Sites class offered for developing Web pages. I have used other sites to create web pages and felt this site offered the most diversity of features."
For more information about these classes or other staff development initiatives, please visit the Staff Development page of the Washougal School District Website.
Washougal Teachers Learn to Use Research Databases with Students (posted 9-26-2011) A group of Washougal educators attended an optional, district-sponsored class on integrating research databases available from the Fort Vancouver Regional Library (FVRL) into their curriculum on Tuesday, September 20. The project-based, hands-on class was taught by Washougal High School Teacher-Librarian Kim Dillon and Director of Technology Les Brown. Washougal Community LibraryÂ’s new Community Librarian, Chris Hughey, was introduced at the class and helped provide information about the databases covered as well as other services offered through the public library, including school and classroom visits.
Participating teachers were led through the process of brainstorming a topic, defining search terms, expanding or narrowing a research idea, and then searching and recording results from the following electronic resources: Britannica Online, Britannica Online for Kids, World Book for Kids, CultureGrams, Thinkfinity, and General One File. Access to FVRLÂ’s research databases is free with a public library card. Finally, teachers learned evaluation strategies to help students become critical consumers of information. Feedback received was very positive, and staff members who participated were enthusiastic about the opportunity to share these high quality research databases with students. Cape Horn-Skye Teacher Jocelyn Aldridge said, "My wheels are already turning with ideas for my 2nd graders to use as we begin to learn how to write mini-reports this year. Who knew that all of this information was available, and that it is so easy to access?"
For more information about this class or other staff development initiatives, please visit the Staff Development page of the Washougal School District Website.
School Kicks Off to a Great Start (posted 9-15-2011) School got off to a great start August 30, 2011. Students and staff alike greeted the new school year with enthusiasm. Superintendent Dawn Tarzian and other district office administrators visited the schools, welcoming 2,976 students to the new school year and making sure things were going smoothly for returning staff.
Pictured: Superintendent Dawn Tarzian visited with staff and students at Jemtegaard Middle School. She thanked staff for their hard work and chatted with students about their plans for the year ahead.
East County Community Education Publishes Fall Catalog (posted 9-6-2011)
The new Fall 2011 catalog is now available on the East County Community Education & Recreation webpage. You can look through the hundreds of classes that are offered, and sign up using their form. Please visit the Community Education page for more information.
Bus Routes Updated (posted 8-30-2011)
Transportation staff are hard at work refining the bus routes used to transport students to and from school. Changes have been made to WHS/JMS bus routes #41, #6, and #56 which will take effect on Wednesday, August 31, 2011. Many other routes will have small changes through the next few weeks as bus drivers and transportation dispatchers evaluate routes and improve bus stop placement.
Please double check the pick up and drop off time and location for your child's bus. Bus
routes are available on the Back to School page, or the Transportation Page. If you have questions, please contact the Transportation Office at 360-835-5626.
Free and Reduced Meal Form Available for Download (posted 8-17-2011)
Families can now download the National School Lunch Program application for Free and Reduced meal pricing from our districtÂ’s website. The form is on the Food Service page, located on the Business/Operations menu. Families should download and read pages 1-3, then print pages 4 and 5, which they need to fill out. Pages 4 and 5 need to be returned to the Washougal School District Office. If you have questions about what to include on the form, please contact Fiscal Assistant Julie Kilgore at 360-954-3009.
Blue Note Cafe 9-22-2011 (posted 9-12-2011)
WHS brings back the coffeehouse
of the '50s and '60s with the
Blue Note Cafe concert series.
Students, faculty, alumni, and
community members perform acoustic folk,
blues, jazz, and rock tunes in a casual, cafe atmosphere.
Concerts begin at 7:00pm in the Washburn Performing Arts Center at 1201 39th St.
Free coffee & tea at intermission! Admission is
$5.00 adult;
$3.00 student/child/senior;
FREE with WHS Arts Pass.
2011-12 Before and After School Care Program "SPACE" (posted 7-26-2011)
Washougal Community Education offers before and after school care – SPACE
(Safe Place Activities CEnter) - at Gause and Hathaway Elementary Schools for students K-5th grade. Busing is available for Cape Horn-Skye students. SPACE is open Monday-Friday 6:00AM until the start of school and after school until 6:00PM. Students enjoy enrichment activities, homework help, recreation opportunities, quiet time, and nutritious meals and snacks. For registration and fee information contact Lisa Young at 954-3895 or lisa.young@washougal.k12.wa.us.
Meal Prices for 2011-2012 (posted 7-18-2011)
Prices for regular priced and adult priced
meals have gone up by $.10 each. Please see the price below for the current pricing.
Please contact the school secretary if you would like to set up an electronic account for depositing money for your child's meals at school.
Elementary Schools
Regular
Reduced
Adult
Breakfast
$1.45
No charge
$2.10
Lunch
$2.40
$0.40*
$3.35
Middle Schools
Regular
Reduced
Adult
Breakfast
$1.70
No charge
$2.10
Lunch
$2.60
$0.40
$3.35
High Schools
Regular
Reduced
Adult
Breakfast
$1.70
No charge
$2.10
Lunch
$2.80
$0.40
$3.35
Milk
$.50
* In Grades K-3, the Reduced lunch price is Free for the 2011-2012 school year. Grades 4-5 are $.40.
East County Community Education Publishes Spring/Summer Catalog (posted 4-11-11)
The new Spring/Summer 2011 catalog is now available on the East County Community Education & Recreation webpage. You can look through the hundreds of classes that are offered, and sign up using their form. Washougal School District Credit Recovery (Summer School) registration information is included. Please visit the Community Education page for more information.
First Week of School (posted 8-23-2011)
The first day of school is Tuesday, August 30. Please check the bus route for your child’s school to find their pick-up time. Students should be at their bus stop 5 minutes before the scheduled pick-up time. Please note that Wednesday, August 31 is an early release day for students in grades K-5. There is no school on Friday, September 2nd, nor on Monday, September 5th.
Superintendent Rolls Up Sleeves to Get Jemtegaard Ready for School (posted 8-5-2011) On July 22 Superintendent Dawn Tarzian spent the day working with
Washougal School District maintenance staff Bob Widner and Al Seaman.
Dawn worked alongside Bob and Al to replace ramps outside the portables
at Jemtegaard Middle School. The team removed old non-skid material and
replaced old boards for the ramp system, while grounds crew members Rod Heller and Jackie Walker cleaned up the landscaping.
"As an educator it is easier to feel comfortable in a classroom than
behind the wheel of a school bus, on a mower, cleaning a restroom, or
preparing a breakfast or lunch," said Tarzian. "The truth is that many
of
our district employees play essential roles in the learning of our
students though their jobs rarely focus on the classroom. I have
learned
that the best way to find out about what is going on in your district is
to roll up your sleeves and go work side by side with your staff."
Bus Routes for 2011-2012 Are Available (posted 8-17-2011)
Updated bus routes for the 2011-2012 school year are now available on both the Back to School page and the Transportation page. Most routes have stayed very similar to past years. Please double check the pickup and drop-off times for your students before the first day of school, and contact the bus garage with any questions at 360-835-5626.
Back to School Page Updated (posted 7-25-2011)
School Supply Lists, Open House Dates, and Calendar information is available on the Back-to-School page. Bus Routes will be posted there as well, after August 9th.
WHS Pep Band Camp August 15-17 (posted 7-29-2011)
Who: All current and incoming WHS band students
When: August 15-17, 9am-Noon
Where: WHS Band Room/Auditorium
What you will need: Your instrument, a marching lyre and flip folder
Come meet the new band members, brush up on some old tunes, and learn some new ones. Help the band to sound the BEST it ever has this football season!
To RSVP, please email your name, phone number, email, and instrument to kelly.ritter@washougal.k12.wa.us
For more information about the bands, please visit our website.
2011-12 Washougal Community Education Preschool Registration (posted 7-26-2011)
More and more families are realizing the benefits of preschool for their children. Washougal Community Education offers preschool at each WSD elementary school site – Cape Horn-Skye, Hathaway and Gause. Children aged 3-5 (fully potty trained) can attend 2 or 4 days per week in AM or PM sessions. Our program supports the Washougal School District’s expectations for entering kindergarten and is developmentally appropriate for students socially and academically. We are committed to addressing the development of the “whole child” in a positive environment. Preschool begins Tuesday, August 30th. For registration information contact Lisa Young at 954-3895 or lisa.young@washougal.k12.wa.us.
WHS Athletic Information for Parents and Players 8/9/11 (posted 7-18-2011)
Parent/Player All-Sport Orientation, on August 9th, at 6:00pm in the WHS Main Gym.
Please come meet the coaches for all sports, pay your participation fees, and turn in your paperwork.
Fall coaches will be conducting sport specific parent/player meetings following a short informational program in the gym.
For more information, please contact the Athletic Director, Doug Cox, at 360-954-3104.
Washougal Public School Employees Union Awards Scholarship (posted 6-9-2011)
Washougal High School Senior Kelley Young is the recipient of this year's Washougal Public Employees/Len Bottemiller $1,000 scholarship. Kelley is the daughter of PSE member Lisa Young. Applicants for the scholarship completed an application including an essay and personal statement on the value of education. Congratulations Kelley!
Camas Washougal Rotary Scholarship Winners (posted 6-7-2011)
The Camas Washougal Rotary awarded their annual scholarships to students in the Camas and Washougal School Districts during a regular meeting on Thursday June 2, 2011. Pictured are Rotary Club President Lindsey Korell, who presented the awards, and Washougal High School students Brian Price, Darcy Akers, Patrick McCarthy, and Cassaundra Helland. Each student received $1,000 scholarships toward their higher education expenses. Four students from Camas High School were also awarded scholarships.
To qualify, the students filled out an official Rotary application and wrote an essay based on the Rotary principle of 'Service Above Self' and what that means to them. The selections were based on the student's essay and other submitted criteria. Rotarian Liz Stiles headed up the Scholarship Committee, and said "It's amazing what a group of bright, college-bound students we have in our two school districts."
Funds from the Camas Washougal Rotary Club's fundraising efforts, such as proceeds from Ducky Derby ticket sales during Camas Days, serve as the source for the local scholarship fund. The students and members of their families were present, as well as representatives from each respective school district.
For additional information about the scholarship program or Camas Washougal Rotary, please contact Carol at (360) 606-4960 or visit the club's website at www.cwrotary.com.
Board of Directors Reinstates Associate Principal Position (posted 6-24-2011)
As part of budget deliberations at the special meeting of the Board on June 21, Gordon Washburn's position as associate principal at Washougal High School was reinstated. This action was welcomed by all who know Mr. Washburn, and it restores the optimal administrative capacity for managing a high school of over 800 students. The proposed reduction was in response to state funding reductions and anticipated additional costs to be figured into next year's budget, the combined effect of which is negatively impacting districts across the state.
2011-2012 Budget Update (posted 6-15-2011)
At its regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, June 14, the Board of Directors reviewed data and recommendations for the 2011-12 budget. The Board has scheduled another budget work session next Tuesday, June 21, at 6:30 p.m. in the Board Room at the district office. It is anticipated that key decisions regarding next year's budget will be made at that time.
To review the budget planning documents under consideration by the Board, click here.
A brief summary of recommendations regarding staff "reduction in force" and state mandated salary reductions is provided here:
Administrative Reduction in Force Restructuring of 1.0 FTE associate principal position at WHS, with reassignment to new position as "Student Services Administrator" Removed at special board meeting 7/12/11.
Do not hire assistant superintendent position; reduce position to 1.0 FTE Curriculum Director
Certificated, non-administrative Reduction in Force
Restore the employment of 8.55 FTE from the RIF list --- 9 staff members to receive contracts
No change in 1.85 FTE who are on the RIF list -- 4 staff members
No change in 4.25 FTE who are on the provisional non-renewal list -- 6 staff members
Classified Staff Reduction
Reduction to 4.0 hours/day, Library Assistant I position at WHS
No reduction in LAP para-educator hours or staff members
Reduction based on restructuring of Special Services department--all employees who have not retired will still be employed in the district
Reduction based on restructuring of Transportation department--all employees who have not retired will still be employed in the district
Administrative Salary Reduction --3%
The state provides $57,986 for 11.1 FTE administrators, and 3% of that funding will be reduced by the state. The reduction will be uniformly distributed across all administrators, and each administrative contract will be reduced by an equitable portion of the 3% reduction. The fund reduction is estimated to be $22,500.
Certificated Salary Reduction -- 1.9%
Sheila Good, WAE president and Doug Bright, Human Resources Director, are in communication regarding the application of the state's mandated state salary reduction for certificated staff. The mandate is a 1.9% salary reduction to be applied uniformly through the State teacher salary (LEAP) schedule. The fund reduction is estimated to be $151,700.
Classified Salary Reduction --1.9%
On behalf of its members, the PSE bargaining unit agreed that all members will take one unpaid Holiday during the 2011-12 school year. The fund reduction is estimated to be $33,300. The District will absorb approximately $7,500 of that amount, a cost above the reduction of 1 Holiday per employee that will not be passed on to PSE employees. The overage amount is too small to distribute and prior budget history has taken a toll on classified staff salaries.
Additional information regarding the budget will continue to be posted on this website as more information becomes available. Washougal School Board Selects Dawn Tarzian as Superintendent of Schools (posted 4-1-2011) The Washougal School District Board of Directors has selected Corvallis School District Superintendent Dawn Tarzian as its next Superintendent of Schools. Tarzian will begin work July 1, succeeding Teresa Baldwin who retires in June.
One of four finalists in an extensive search process, Tarzian has served as Superintendent of Corvallis School District in Corvallis, Oregon, since 2005. Prior to that she served as Assistant Superintendent and Director of Teaching and Learning for the school district. Prior to becoming an administrator in Corvallis, Tarzian served as Director of Student Services for Linn Benton Lincoln ESD, Principal for Greater Albany School District in Albany, Oregon, and Principal in Falls City School District in Falls City, Oregon. Tarzian earned her Bachelor's Degree from the University of California at Santa Barbara and her Master's in Education from the University of Oregon. She holds an Oregon administrator's license.
Tarzian and three other finalists visited Washougal School District on March 25 to tour schools, meet district staff, students and community members and interview with the Board of Directors.
"I am honored by the opportunity to become the superintendent of the Washougal School District," said Tarzian. "The reputation of the district is one of quality and of a place where caring staff challenge students to meet high expectations. Through the application process, I had the opportunity to meet students, staff, parents and community members up close. In addition to academic achievement, I saw a commitment to the whole child – developing healthy, engaged citizens who are applying what they learn in the classroom to their community and the world beyond. I am very impressed and excited that I soon will be a part of the Washougal community. I believe that I will be able to support and enhance the vision and goals that have been set for learning and student development."
"The Board was very fortunate in having extremely qualified applicants," said Board President Blaine Peterson. "That presented us with a very difficult problem, but after much discussion and deliberation we feel we have an excellent new superintendent to help our students reach their full potential. We appreciate all Teresa has done for our district and look forward to continuing the growth and improvements we have been experiencing in our district."
Phone Outage at District Office 8-22-2011 (posted 8-22-2011)
Washougal School District is experiencing a phone and network outage impacting the District Office, Jemtegaard, Hathaway, Cape Horn-Skye and Canyon Creek Middle School. We are working with the service provider to restore service.
Rebecca Miner Accepts Position as Superintendent of White Pass School District (posted 5-5-2011)
Washougal School District assistant superintendent, Rebecca Miner, has accepted the superintendent position at White Pass School District in Randle, Washington, effective July 1, 2011. Rebecca has provided exceptional leadership over the past four years in her role as assistant superintendent in Washougal School District. Her expertise in standards-based teaching and learning, special education law, Federal programs, effective use of differentiated instruction for highly capable students and the use of technology to improve learning has been essential in increasing the achievement of all students under the Board of Directors' Ends Policy.
In keeping with the District's administrative commitment to being actively engaged and visible in schools, Rebecca has designed and delivered professional development for teachers, routinely visited schools and classrooms, coached principals and attended extra-curricular student activities throughout the district.
Superintendent Teresa Baldwin and the Board of Directors congratulate Rebecca on her new position and wish her all the best as she continues her leadership career as superintendent of schools in White Pass.
WHS Volleyball Camp 2011 (posted 6-28-2011)
For students in
grades 6 through 9, 2011-12 School year.
Sharpen your volleyball fundamentals and have fun! Instructed by Volleyball Coach
Mandy Busby and WHS Volleyball Players. A great opportunity to develop your passing,
setting, hitting, and serving skills. Team building, communication, and a deeper
understanding of the game will also be a focus. Bring water, tennis shoes, and kneepads.
See you on the court! July 18-21 in the Washougal High School Gym, from 9 am to 12 pm.
To register, please download this form and contact Washougal Community Education, 360-954-3838.
Washougal Middle School Football Camp 2011 (Posted 6-28-2011)
July 11th - July 15th from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm at Washougal High School Fishback Stadium
You are invited to join the Washougal football community this summer. This district sponsored middle school football camp is for next year's 7th and 8th graders. This is a great chance for new and returning athletes to learn the basics of our offensive and defensive plays. All practices will be non-padded, but we are requiring mouthpieces to be used.
Student athletes must have athletic clearance before participating in camp activities. That means you must have completed all paper work and have a current sports physical. Athletic packets are available at the Washougal School District Office or may be downloaded here.
Completed forms must be turned in at District Office no later than 2:00 pm on Monday, July 11. If you have questions about athletic clearance, please call Sandi Christensen, Middle School Athletic Director, at 954-3501.
Questions about the camp should be sent to Coach Scott Dizmang at wmsfb@hotmail.com or call 253-203-8234. wmsfb@hotmail.com is the official team email address used to get information out to players and parents. Please send an email to this address so you can be added to the mailing list for next season.
District Office Closed July 4 & 5 (posted 6-21-2011)
The Washougal School District Office will be closed on Monday, July 4th & Tuesday July 5, 2011, for the Fourth of July holiday.
Rotary Scholarship for Sophomores Winner: Kari Johnson (posted 06/06/2011)
Kari Johnson has won the $500 Camas Washougal Rotary Scholarship for Sophomores for the 2010-2011 school year. Kari is a sophomore at Washougal High School and has a 3.97 GPA. She is the daughter of Eldon and Laurie Johnson. Kari's Honors Chemistry teacher, Bruce Stanton, says that she is "a consistently great student." Kelly Ritter, Kari's Band teacher, notes that "she was the only Freshman in Jazz Band 1 last year," and describes her as "pleasant, always respectful, hardworking, and involved in lots of other activities." Other teachers describe Kari as the picture of quiet diligence, and able to demonstrate her understanding of concepts when called on in class. Congratulations, Kari Johnson!
Revised Budget Blueprint for 2011-2012 School Year (posted 05/25/11)
Educators in the region and around the state are responding to the legislative budget release and weighing the potential ramifications to education funding. The proposed state budget now goes to Governor Chris Gregoire for final approval, and only then will the fiscal impact be fully known. It is estimated that it could be as much as two weeks before the final revenue and reductions are officially transmitted to school districts.
In the meantime, the Board of Directors received and listened to input regarding the Budget Blueprint that has been proposed for Washougal School District. At the school board meeting on May 24, the Board agreed by consensus to modify the Budget Blueprint, removing the line item that proposed elimination of one associate principal position at Washougal High School as part of the worst case scenario. The modified Budget Blueprint is available here and replaces the earlier version.
Rotary Scholar of the Month for May: Zechariah Friedrich (posted 5-18-2011)
Zechariah Friedrich was selected as the Camas Washougal Rotary Scholar of the Month for May 2011. Zechariah is a sophomore at Washougal High School, and has a 3.85 GPA. WHS Spanish teacher Rochelle Aiton says "Zechariah Friedrich is a well-rounded, intelligent and diligent student."
Washougal Schools Foundation Grant Recipients (posted 5-16-2011)
The Washougal Schools Foundation wishes to congratulate the following Creative Classroom Grant Recipients for the 2010-2011 school year:
.: Becky Meek and Marcia Hershaw at Hathaway Elementary for "Traverse Trek"
.: Students at Washougal High School for "Books 'R' Us"
.: Molly Hayes at Hathaway Elementary for "Peer Mediators, Peace Makers"
.: Kim Daniels at Cape Horn-Skye for "Gymnastics, Pilates, Flexibility"
.: Lisa Young at Community Education for "Lego Engineering"
.: Eric Balholm at Washougal High school for "Special Education Life Skills Class Enrichment"
.: Alisa Vail at Gause for "Using Readers Workshop"
.: Ruthann Johnson at Jemtegaard for "Interactive Metronome"
The Foundation Grants Committee was impressed by all of the grant applications this year and grateful to all who applied. There are two rounds of Creative Classroom Grants each school year. Applications are due October 31 and April 15. The application can be found on the Washougal Schools Foundation website.
Washougal School District to Conduct Community Budget Forum (posted 06/03/2011)
(posted 6-2-2011)
Washougal School District will conduct a community budget forum on June 15, 2011 from 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. in the Washburn Theater at Washougal High School. The purpose of this forum is to present 2011-12 budget information and provide an opportunity for community input.
Excelsior High School Graduation is Friday, June 10 at 4 PM (posted 5-23-2011)
The commencement ceremony for the Excelsior High School graduating class of 2011 will be on Friday, June 10, 2011, at 4 PM in the Washburn Performing Arts Center, located at 1201 39th St. in Washougal WA. There will a reception afterwards with cake and punch provided.
Parent Needed for Instructional Materials Committee (posted 5-13-2011)
Washougal School District is seeking one at-large parent committee member to serve on the district's Instructional Materials Committee, per Policy 2020. This committee is responsible for reviewing instructional materials and making adoption recommendations to the School Board. Meetings are held every other month during the school year, with a 3-year term beginning 2011-12. For more information, call Cassi Marshall at 360-954-3005.
Dr. Ron Carlson Receives Rotary Award (posted 5-23-2011)
In recognition of his work to encourage vocational excellence in the community and the practice of high ethical standards, the Camas-Washougal Rotary has recognized Dr. Ron Carlson, Jemtegaard Middle School Principal, as an outstanding member of the local business community for extraordinary service provided through his profession. The award and a Rotary Plaque were presented during the Camas-Washougal Rotary Club meeting on May 19. Pictured are Dr. Carlson and Rotary Vocational Committee Chairperson Tom Crozier.
Washougal Education Leaders Recognized (posted 5-23-2011)
The Washington Association of School Administrators (WASA) presented Community Leadership Awards to outstanding volunteers in our community who have gone above and beyond to support students and schools throughout our region.
Among those recognized May 20 at Educational Service District 112 in Vancouver are former Washougal School District Board members Dr. Orlan Gessford and Tom Huffman. In addition, Superintendent Teresa Baldwin received two special awards, the Retirement Award and Award of Merit for her significant contributions to education.
Dr. Orlan Gessford received the Community Leadership Award for his many years of service on the Washougal School District Board of Directors, during which he provided leadership for school district finance and was a voice of advocacy for disadvantaged children.
Tom Huffman also received the Community Leadership Award recognizing his many years of service on the Washougal School District Board of Directors, during which he was as an advocate for increased academic rigor and a champion of Career and Technical Education.
Gessford and Huffman both retired from the Washougal School District Board earlier this year after serving for many years. Baldwin retires as superintendent in June after 30 years in education.
WHS Senior Laycee Hyde Featured in Columbian Article (posted 5-17-2011)
Washougal High School Senior Laycee Hyde is featured in an article in today's Columbian newspaper. Laycee has overcome health challenges and peer bullying to become a "super positive" leader in her class! Despite being legally blind, Laycee has participated in Cross Country and Golf during her high school career. To read more, please click here.
WHS Track Records Fall (posted 5-17-2011)
Two Washougal High School records fell on Friday, May 13 at the Sub-District
Track Meet.
.:
Brendan Casey reached 15'3" in the Pole Vault
.: Kelley Young had a time of 15.64 in the 100-meter Hurdles
The Panther Girls' Track Team won their third straight League Championship
and have not lost a league meet in over three years (14 Straight league
wins). The Panther Boys Track Team took second for the second year in a
row. Way to go Panthers!
School Board Selects Calendar for 2011-2012 School Year (posted 4-27-2011)
The Washougal School Board has approved the calendar for the 2011-2012 school year. The calendar, approved at their meeting on April 26th, is available for download here, or via the link from District Information/Calendars in the menu.
Washougal Students Compete in Clark County Culinary Event (posted 5-10-2011)
Washougal High School students rolled up their sleeves and prepped their saucepans Saturday, May 7 for the Third Annual Clark County High School Culinary Competition. WHS students competed against their peers from Battle Ground, Prairie, Camas and Woodland high schools at the event, which was sponsored by Sodexo, which provides food services for all five high schools.
Retirement Dinner May 26, 2011 for Dr. Gessford and Mr. Huffman (posted 5-2-2011)
A retirement dinner will be held in honor of Dr. Orlan Gessford and Mr. Tom Huffman for their long-standing service as Washougal School District board members. The dinner will be held at Orchard Hills Country Club at 5:00 p.m. on May 26. To view the menu offerings and make dinner reservations, please download the announcement here or contact Cassi Marshall at 954-3005.
Mark your calendar for the STRIDE Fun Run, May 21 at WHS (posted 4-12-2011)
Proceeds go to the Washougal Schools Foundation. The Stride features student grade level runs and an adult 5K run/walk. Receive a t-shirt, race-day medal, bottle of water and finish-line treats. Thank you Discovery Dental, this year’s Title Sponsor. Registration forms available at school offices or online: www.washougalschoolsfoundation.org
2010 Census and Remapping Board Director Districts (posted 5-5-2011)
Every ten years following the national census, government agencies are asked to review and update boundaries related to elected officials. The redistricting plans must include population equality, compact geographical area, contiguous boundaries, non-biased to racial groups or political parties, and areas that coincide with existing natural boundaries such as roads and rivers. The proposed new districts are being reviewed by the Board, and will become official in January, 2012, once approved. A public hearing will take place at the May 10, 2011 Board meeting at 6:30 p.m. to allow for public input.
To review the current board director districts, please download this map.
To view the proposed director districts, please download this map.
Penny Andrews Named WSD Teacher of the Year (posted 4-28-2011)
Congratulations to Penny Andrews who has been selected as the Washougal School District's Teacher of the Year for the 2011-2012 school year.
Penny is a fourth grade teacher at Cape Horn-Skye Elementary School. She has been a teacher in the district for seven years and has her National Board Certification.
Her nomination by a fellow teacher emphasized her joy of teaching, knowledge and expertise, collaboration with staff, and involvement in district and state committees.
Please join us in offering congratulations to Penny.
Cape and CCMS awarded Green School Level 1 (posted 5-4-2011)
Cape Horn-Skye Elementary and Canyon Creek Middle School were recently awarded Level 1 certification by the Washington Green Schools Team. To fulfill the requirements for Level 1, students and staff have worked hard to conserve energy by turning off lights when they leave the rooms; closing the blinds; and turning off computers, projectors and other electrical devices before they leave for the day.
Excelsior High School Student Wins Community Contest (posted 5-4-2011)
Travis Hibbs, a Washougal student attending Excelsior High School, is the winner of Clark Public Utilities' Stream Team 2011 Watershed Reflections Contest. His photograph was selected as the winner for the 9-12th grade category in visual arts. Travis took the picture as part of a watershed unit in a botany class.
WHS Student Selected for German Study Abroad Program (posted 5-3-2011)
Washougal High School is proud to announce that sophomore Eidelynn Stagg has won the prestigious Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange scholarship. This all-expenses paid, full academic year stay in Germany is funded by both the United States and Germany. Her trip begins in July with a one-week stay in Washington D.C. Upon her arrival in Germany, Eidelynn will attend a four-week, intensive immersion program of language study. After meeting her permanent host family, Eidelynn will attend the Gymnasium in her city which is the prep school for university students in Germany. Eidelynn is one of only 250 students selected throughout the United States.
Coping with Adolescent Stress & Depression Event 5-17-2011 (posted 5-4-2011)
Please join a conversation with parents, staff, and community members about adolescent stress and depression. Learn about symptoms to be aware of and resources available to help youth cope with stress and depression. The sessions will be facilitated by Mary Jadwisiak, Youth Suicide Prevention Program Field Coordinator. Two sessions will take place on Tuesday May 17th, one at 3 PM and a second at 7 PM. The sessions will be in the Washougal School District Board Room, located at 4855 Evergreen Way, Washougal, WA. For more information, please contact Rebecca Miner, Assistant Superintendent, at 360-954-3002, or visit the Youth Suicide Prevention Program website.
Join Us in Celebrating Teacher Appreciation Week May 2-6, 2011 (posted 5-2-2011)
The week of May 2 - 6, 2011 is designated as national and state Teacher Appreciation Week. As part of the week's celebration, the Washougal branch of Columbia Credit Union published a "Salute to Teachers" poster for distribution to staff and community members. It is with sincere appreciation that the Washougal School Board of Directors and Administration recognize certificated staff during Teacher Appreciation Week. Members of the Washougal Association of Educators were honored at the School Board meeting on April 26th in recognition of Teacher Appreciation Week. As the main point of contact for most children throughout each school day, teachers not only instruct and mentor their students, but can also come to develop meaningful personal connections as well. That's why we're honored to celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week this month. For every teacher who has made the commitment to teach our children, we say "Thank You!" You are truly impacting the future and we are so appreciative of your efforts every day.
At Hathaway Elementary School, the Booster Club surprised the staff with the redesign of the staff lunch room as a cafe. Washougal School District celebrates this week in recognition of the powerful influence of teachers in shaping the positive future of students. Superintendent Teresa Baldwin extended her appreciation to Washougal teachers at the school board meeting on April 26, 2011, noting that teachers are at the core of strong educational system. Today Baldwin said, "Educators face the increasingly complex challenge of teaching students the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in the 21st Century. Effective teaching requires professional expertise on many levels. We are fortunate to have highly qualifed, talented staff in Washougal schools who have chosen teaching as their life's work."
Rotary Scholar of the Month for April 2011: Kelly Brown (posted 4-19-2011)
Kelly Brown was selected as the Camas Washougal Rotary Scholar of the Month for April 2011. Kelly is a sophomore at Washougal High School and has a 3.845 GPA. Kelly’s Business teacher, Lisa Leonard, says Kelly “is a kind student others often look up to” and adds that she “can count on Kelly to pay attention to detail, listen to instructions and ask intelligent questions.”
Kindergarten "Round-up" Registration May 2-6, 2011 (posted 4-13-2011)
Registration for children entering Kindergarten at Cape Horn-Skye, Gause and Hathaway Elementary Schools will be held May 2-6, 2011 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the school where the child will attend. Children entering Kindergarten must be 5 years old on or before August 31, 2011. Parents must present the following for registration: 1) The child's original birth certificate 2) Proof of vaccinations 3) A completed and signed Certificate of Immunization Status (CIS) form. CIS forms are available from the school offices, or visit the Kindergarten Round-up page to download a copy.
WHS Students Participate in Heritage Music Festival (posted 4-12-2011)
During Spring Break, the WHS Wind Ensemble, Jazz Band I, and Chamber Choir traveled to Anaheim, CA and competed in the Heritage Music Festival. This festival was attended by bands and choirs from all over the country and Canada. Our students did an exceptional job, bringing home several awards. Both the Jazz Band and Wind Ensemble placed 1st in their categories, and the Chamber Choir placed 2nd. The three groups also received the top award, the Festival Sweepstakes Award, given to the school with the highest combined score. Alto saxophonist Aleks Arzhanov received the Maestro’s Award, given to the outstanding soloist.
Prescription Drug Collection Day April 30, 2011 (posted 4-20-2011)
The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) will hold a National Drug Collection Day on Saturday, April 30 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
DEA's first Drug Collection Day on September 25, 2010, was a huge success—over 121 tons of unwanted drugs were collected. Everyone is encouraged to bring their unwanted, expired prescription drugs to a drug collection site near them. Drug Collection Days are a win-win situation for public health and the environment. Drug collection reduces the chance of unwanted drugs being discarded down the toilet or sink, passing through wastewater treatment plants and entering water bodies that may serve as sources of drinking water downstream.
To find a site near you, visit this website.
Lacamas Community Credit Union Donates $3,000 to Washougal High School (posted 4-1-2011)
Washougal High School ASB President, Aviv Bressler and senior, Hunter Ringsage, accept a Community Partnership donation from Kathleen Romane, President and CEO of Lacamas Community Credit Union, assisted by Darcie Williams. This generous donation was used to finish a beautification project at the athletic entrance to the gymnasium at Washougal High School.
CCMS Students Donate 1100 Pair of Shoes (posted 3-28-2011)
Canyon Creek Middle School's ASB has collected more than 1,100 pairs of shoes for Shoes for Kids. The shoes were presented during the school dance, titled "One Step Closer to Love" on Friday, March 25. For more info about the Shoes for Kids charity, please visit their website at http://shoesforkids.me/
Cape Horn-Skye Students Competing in "Math is Cool" Competition (posted 3-28-2011)
Two teams of Cape Horn-Skye 5th graders competed in the "Math is Cool" competition on March 18 at Fort Vancouver High School. Events included mental math, math relays, group multiple choice, knowledge bowl and an individual competition. Students prepared for the competition by practicing after school on Thursday afternoons throughout February and March with fourth grade teacher Penny Andrews. At the competition, Matthew Norvel placed 6th in the individual portion. Three teams of 4th graders will be competing on April 15th. Good luck 4th graders!
Applications for Local Scholarships Available in WHS Career Center (posted 3-25-2011) Seniors: Make sure you are checking out our local scholarships that are available now. The $1,000 Camas-Washougal Chamber Scholarship is due by April 8th, and is for students pursuing a business-related career. Are you making a difference in the community? Apply for the $1,000 Camas-Washougal Rotary Scholarship, the Washougal Schools Foundation Scholarship, and the $1,500 Odd Fellows Lonnie Belz Scholarship. For more information and the application, come to the WHS Career Center or check the WHS website.
Juniors: There are two scholarships just for you. The $10,000 Nordstrom Scholarship is new, and the $500 2011 Hamilton Award deadline is April 15th. For more information and the application come to the Career Center or check the WHS website.
Swift Water Rescue Drill Friday morning, April 22, near Cape Horn-Skye (posted 4-21-2011)
The Fire and Rescue swift water team will be doing a drill on the Washougal River on Friday morning, April 22, near the Mercantile. There will be lots of police and fire activity on Washougal River Road, as well as a Coast Guard helicopter landing on the east field at Cape Horn-Skye Elementary & Canyon Creek Middle School.
This activity should start around 10 AM, and should not affect morning student drop off. If you have questions about this drill, please contact the office at Canyon Creek Middle School at 360-954-3500.
Board Cancels Linkage Meeting (posted 4-12-2011)
The Washougal School District Board of Directors has cancelled the scheduled linkage meeting on April 19. This meeting will be rescheduled next year.
Rotary Scholar of the Month for March 2011: Justice Rosales (posted 3-18-2011)
Justice Rosales was selected as the Camas Washougal Rotary Scholar of the Month for March 2011. Justice is a sophomore at Washougal High School and has a 3.839 GPA. Justice’s Spanish teacher, Rochelle Aiton says Justice “studies hard AND enjoys what he’s doing” and adds that he “has a consistent dedication to doing top-quality work.”
Washougal School District Blog Showcases Student Successes
Click the link above or the at the top of the news section to access the new
Washougal School District Blog. This blog showcases the great
things that are happening in Washougal Schools, focusing on student
successes in areas like fine arts, sports, and academics. The blog
will be updated frequently, and you can subscribe to get updates.
Frontier Communications High Speed Internet Sign-up at Washougal River Mercantile (posted 4-1-2011)
District patrons living in the area around Cape Horn-Skye Elementary and Canyon Creek Middle School may be excited to hear that Frontier Communication is signing folks up for High-Speed Internet at the Washougal River Mercantile (the "Steel Bridge Store") on Friday April 1st from 2-6 PM and Saturday April 2nd from 9 AM to 5 PM.
Parents of students may find that faster Internet service is helpful for students doing research projects on the web, and parents can use this new service to access resources provided through the district's website, such as WESPaC's Family Access.
Team "Mean Machine" Does It Again (posted 3-28-2011) The FIRST Robotics Team 2471 (Team Mean Machine) composed of students from Washougal, Camas, Hockinson and Hayes Freedom did an absolutely amazing thing this weekend. At the Portland Robotics Competition Friday and Saturday (3/25 & 3/26), Team 2471 once again demonstrated their superior work ethic, determination, team unity and gracious professionalism.
Mohit Abraham, who has been instrumental in the development of this team the last four years, recently shared with the team, "When people hear Team 2471 or Team Mean Machine they know the team consists of amazing students who get the job done and are always willing to help support others succeed as well." Team 2471 won both Portland and Seattle Regional competitions this year, earning themselves a trip to St. Louis to compete with the best of the best.
To read more, please visit the Student Success Blog.
Washougal School Board Narrows Superintendent Search to Four Finalists (posted 3-18-2011)
The Washougal School District Board of Directors has selected four finalists to interview for the position of Superintendent of schools. The selected candidate will succeed Teresa Baldwin who retires in June.
.: Robert (Bob) Kuehl, Olympia, WA :.
Bob Kuehl is currently Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources in Tumwater School District in Tumwater, Washington. Kuehl has worked for the Tumwater School District since 1981, first as a teacher, then as Assistant Principal, Principal, Director of Secondary Education, Director of Capital Projects and District Programs, and Human Resources Executive Director. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree from Eastern Washington University and his Master’s in Education from the University of Puget Sound. He holds principal credentials through the University of Puget Sound and superintendent credentials through Washington State University.
.: Rebecca Miner, Vancouver, WA :.
Rebecca Miner is currently Assistant Superintendent in Washougal School District. Prior to taking her current position in 2007, Miner served as Special Services Administrator for Secondary Programs in Vancouver School District. Previously, Miner was an Associate Principal in Vancouver School District from 2001-2005. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Lake Forest College in Illinois, and her Master’s in Teaching from Willamette University in Oregon. She holds a principal certificate from City University and a superintendent certificate through Washington State University.
.: James Sutton, Kalama, WA :.
James Sutton is Superintendent of Kalama School District in Kalama, Washington, a position he has held since 1997. Sutton was formerly Superintendent of Inchelium School District in Inchelium, Washington, from 1993-1997. Previously, he served as Principal in Granite Falls School District. Sutton earned his Bachelor’s Degrees from Eastern Washington University and his Master’s Degrees from California State University. He earned his superintendent’s certificate through Washington State University.
.: Dawn Tarzian, Albany, OR :.
Dawn Tarzian is currently Superintendent of Corvallis School District in Corvallis, Oregon, a position she has held since 2005. Prior to that she served as Assistant Superintendent and Director of Teaching and Learning for the school district. Prior to becoming an administrator in Corvallis, Tarzian served as Director of Student Services for Linn Benton Lincoln ESD, Principal for Greater Albany School District in Albany, Oregon, and Principal in Falls City School District in Falls City, Oregon. Tarzian earned her Bachelor’s Degree from the University of California at Santa Barbara and her Master’s in Education from the University of Oregon. She holds an Oregon administrator’s license.
“We were very pleased with the number of qualified candidates applying for the position,” said Board President Blaine Peterson. “We had a difficult time narrowing the field down to four candidates. We even scheduled in an extra evening to review and determine the best four that we could select,” he said. “We are looking forward to meeting and interviewing these exceptional people.”
The finalists will visit Washougal School District on Friday, March 25 to meet district staff, students and community members and tour schools. On Saturday, March 26, the finalists will have formal interviews with the Board of Directors.
Community members are invited to an open house to meet the candidates on Friday, March 25, from 7:00-8:30 p.m. in the Washougal High School Commons, 1201 39th Street, Washougal.
Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention Training March 30 from 7-8 PM (posted 3-18-2011)
Please join drug abuse prevention/intervention specialist Marilyn Grenfell
in a 1 hour training on prescription drug abuse. Find out ways to be part of the solution and strategies to keep youth from abusing prescription drugs. This event will take place in the Washougal High School's Washburn Performing Arts Center, located at 1201 39th St. For more information, please see this flier, or contact Marilyn at Marilyn.Grenfell@washougal.k12.wa.us
Robotics Team Takes 1st in Regional Competition (posted 3-21-2011)
The FIRST Robotics Team 2471 (Team Mean Machine) composed of students from Washougal, Camas, Hockinson and Hayes Freedom did an absolutely amazing thing this weekend. They dominated over 100 teams on their way to winning the regional competition.
If you have time and want to witness the spectacle that is a robotics competition, come down to the Memorial Coliseum on Friday or Saturday (3/25-3/26) from between 9:30am-4pm. You can also see it online at http://www.usfirst.org. To read more about the Robotics Team, please visit the student success blog at http://washougalsd.blogspot.com
Walk the Walk for a Healthy Drug-Free Clark County on March 26 (posted 3-18-2011)
Join the PREVENT! Coalition and Community Choices in a 5K awareness Run/Walk kicking off at Skyridge Middle School and concluding with a community fair. The event will take place on March 26, with registration starting at 7:30 AM. The fair will include interactive activities, youth performances and prizes, running from 9:30 to 11:30 AM. This awareness walk is all about celebrating a healthy, thriving, drug-free Clark County and bringing awareness to the importance of prevention work. For more information, please read this flier.
Classified Staff Appreciation Week is March 14-18 (posted 3-7-2011)
Washougal PSE officers were recognized at the March 8 School Board Meeting and thanked for their service to students. Officers are Janet Yanzick, President; Larry Guenther, Vice President; Sandra Goza, Secretary; Debbie Benson, Treasurer; Linda Peters, Legislative Rep; and Denise Harris, Membership. Superintendent Teresa Baldwin read a proclamation by Washington Governor Chris Gregoire thanking the classified staff in Washington.
Board extends review of applications (posted 3-10-2011)
The Washougal Board of Directors met on Wednesday, March 9, to review superintendent candidate applications with the search consultant, Dr. Twyla Barnes, superintendent of Educational Service District 112. The Board elected to continue the review of applications next Monday evening, March 14, at 6:00 p.m. in the Board Room. As noted on the agenda, the board will convene and go immediately into executive session as allowed by law to review the qualifications of an applicant for school district employment. To view the agenda, please click here.
Sixth Annual Japanese Festival at WHS March 12, 2011 (posted 3-7-2011)
Please join WHS Staff and Students at the 6th Annual Japanese Festival at Washougal High School on Saturday, March 12th from 1 PM to 7 PM. The festival is bigger than ever, and will feature a swordsmanship demonstration, performances by the Minidoka Swing band, cultrual demonstrations, and singing by WHS Japanese students. Food will be available for purchase.
The Minidoka Swing Band was formed in 2007 by Roberta Tsuboi and Marilyn Loi to encoruage youth to remember the perserverence and accomplisments of tohse who were interned at U.S. Internment Camps during World War II.
The Minidoka Pilgrimage in 2008 enabled the Minidoka Swing Band and Unite People Youth Group to visit and experience first hand a Japanese American Internment Camp. A lot of the youth that were a part of the initial group have moved on to college and have had to leave the band, but the band continues its mission to educate everyone about the sacrifices and selfless efforts of Japanese-Americans during WWII. Music was an important part of life during the internment period and this kind of entertainment helped the internees cope during this trying time.
Admission is FREE for Washougal School District students and staff with ID, all children age 0-12, and senior citizens. Admission is $1 for children aged 13-17, and $3 for adults over age 18.
School Closed Tuesday 3/1/2011 (posted 3-1-2011)
Due to impassable road conditions, we have determined that transporting students is unsafe today and schools will be closed. We have had ten inches to one foot of snow at Cape Horn-Skye Elementary and Canyon Creek Middle School and higher elevations in the district. Power lines have been knocked down by strong wind gusts along the Washougal River Road. Trees and tree limbs have fallen down along many driving routes.
Gause Family Fitness Night (posted 2-22-2011)
Gause Elementary School and the Gause Boosters hosted the first "Famliy Fitness Night" on February 15th. More than 300 attendees (students, parents and staff) came together to learn the importance of fitness and nutrition. To learn more, please visit the student success blog.
Community Survey on the Superintendent Search (posted 2-1-2011)
The Washougal School District Board of Directors is soliciting public input via a community survey on the attributes they're looking for in a new superintendent. To assist us in hiring a candidate with the skill set and professional experiences to successfully lead the district and represent the community, please take a few moments to share with us your expectations of the new superintendent. Click here to take the survey.
Set high expectations and work to attain them.
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.
WHS students competed against students from Woodland, Prairie, and Battle Ground high schools in the 4th Annual Clark County Culinary Competition April 21. The event was held at Battle Ground High School and was sponsored by Sodexo Food Services.
Washougal team members Andrew Bastian, Melissa Cain, Danielle Crowley, and Jesse Kraff made beef kabobs, rice and a pineapple/coconut slushy for dessert. The team won Best Beef Entrée and Overall Finest Asian Entree for Taste and Presentation. To read more, please visit the student success blog. 
On Tuesday, March 6, 2012, 100 Washougal and Excelsior High School students and more than 30 adults participated in Challenge Day, an event designed to unite participants around a common vision, addressing issues of suicide, harassment, racism, conflict management, and alcohol and drugs.
Two groups of Washougal educators attended optional, district-sponsored classes on creating web pages using Google Sites on September 22 and 28, 2011. These hands-on classes were co-facilitated by Washougal High School Teachers James Bennett and Rochelle Aiton, with assistance from Director of Technology Les Brown. 
A group of Washougal educators attended an optional, district-sponsored class on integrating research databases available from the Fort Vancouver Regional Library (FVRL) into their curriculum on Tuesday, September 20. The project-based, hands-on class was taught by Washougal High School Teacher-Librarian Kim Dillon and Director of Technology Les Brown. Washougal Community LibraryÂ’s new Community Librarian, Chris Hughey, was introduced at the class and helped provide information about the databases covered as well as other services offered through the public library, including school and classroom visits.
School got off to a great start August 30, 2011. Students and staff alike greeted the new school year with enthusiasm. Superintendent Dawn Tarzian and other district office administrators visited the schools, welcoming 2,976 students to the new school year and making sure things were going smoothly for returning staff.
East County Community Education Publishes Fall Catalog (posted 9-6-2011)
WHS brings back the coffeehouse
of the '50s and '60s with the
Blue Note Cafe concert series.
On July 22 Superintendent Dawn Tarzian spent the day working with
Washougal School District maintenance staff Bob Widner and Al Seaman.
Dawn worked alongside Bob and Al to replace ramps outside the portables
at Jemtegaard Middle School. The team removed old non-skid material and
replaced old boards for the ramp system, while grounds crew members Rod Heller and Jackie Walker cleaned up the landscaping. 
The Washougal School District Board of Directors has selected Corvallis School District Superintendent Dawn Tarzian as its next Superintendent of Schools. Tarzian will begin work July 1, succeeding Teresa Baldwin who retires in June. 
Dr. Ron Carlson Receives Rotary Award (posted 5-23-2011) 
Cape Horn-Skye Students Competing in "Math is Cool" Competition (posted 3-28-2011)
at the top of the news section to access the new
Washougal School District Blog. This blog showcases the great
things that are happening in Washougal Schools, focusing on student
successes in areas like fine arts, sports, and academics. The blog
will be updated frequently, and you can subscribe to get updates.
The FIRST Robotics Team 2471 (Team Mean Machine) composed of students from Washougal, Camas, Hockinson and Hayes Freedom did an absolutely amazing thing this weekend. At the Portland Robotics Competition Friday and Saturday (3/25 & 3/26), Team 2471 once again demonstrated their superior work ethic, determination, team unity and gracious professionalism. 
Robotics Team Takes 1st in Regional Competition (posted 3-21-2011)
The FIRST Robotics Team 2471 (Team Mean Machine) composed of students from Washougal, Camas, Hockinson and Hayes Freedom did an absolutely amazing thing this weekend. They dominated over 100 teams on their way to winning the regional competition.
If you have time and want to witness the spectacle that is a robotics competition, come down to the Memorial Coliseum on Friday or Saturday (3/25-3/26) from between 9:30am-4pm. You can also see it online at http://www.usfirst.org. To read more about the Robotics Team, please visit the student success blog at http://washougalsd.blogspot.com
Sixth Annual Japanese Festival at WHS March 12, 2011 (posted 3-7-2011)