Walla Walla Public Schools
Week in Review - January 13, 2006

In this Issue:

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No School Monday, Jan. 16 -- Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Classes resumes Tuesday, Jan. 17
“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” Martin Luther King Jr.
School board work session and meeting scheduled
Tuesday, Jan. 17
- Work Session - 6:30 p.m. (Presentation from Richland School district on proposed legislation to review WASL)
- Regular Meeting - 7:30 p.m.
Location: 364 S. Park St.
Meetings are open to the public.
January is School Board Recognition Month
Your School Board is making a difference for students and the entire community. Thanks for a job well done!
Mary Jo Geidl, President
Anne Golden, Vice President
Tim Donaldson
Cindy Meyer
Toni Rudnick

Citizens group pledges private funding to help pay for the proposed Wa-Hi PE/Athletic facility
The Wa-Hi Athletic Facility Funding Partners, chaired by Cindy Widmer, has pledged to procure private funding to match dollars required to construct the proposed athletic facility on the Wa-Hi campus, so that Walla Walla Public Schools bonding capacity can be available for other district priorities. (Learn more about the 2006 bond online: www.wwps.org)

Wa-Hi Athletics Facility Funding Partners
- Cindy Widmer, Chair
- Bill Fleenor
- Jim Hayner
- George Hessler
- Eric Hisaw
- Scott Krivoshein
- Gregg Loney
- Mike Monahan
- Mark Thompson
- Don Wilkins
- Marc Yonts


District meets with planning leaders to discuss development issues -- including traffic flow
This week district leaders met with city officials to discuss School Facilities Development and Coordination efforts in relation to the proposed May 16 bond issue.

This meeting will launch a series of meetings between district staff and the City of Walla Walla Development Services and Public Works departments and the County Community Planning Department to discuss and collaborate on the district’s facilities improvement plan.

Topics will include:
- Traffic flow
- Streets and roads
- Utilities and services
- Future development


Bond ‘Tidbits’ of the Week...

Did you know…
Edison Elementary Library Media-Specialist Georgia Germain keeps a blue tarp near her computer work station so she can protect it during a rain storm. Despite numerous efforts to repair the roof in this 70 year old school, roof leaks are a common occurrence.

Did you know…
The district is working with the YMCA to offer the organization a first right of refusal agreement to purchase the Park Street property where the Support Services Building is currently located so it may expand its programs and services.

Did you know…
When Transportation mechanic John Person is servicing one of the district’s trip buses in the bus shop, he has to leave the garage door open because the bus won’t fit -- even if it is “sub-zero” outside. Also on rainy days, despite numerous efforts to repair the roof of this aging metal building, water runs down the wall behind his desk and onto his work area.

Safety and Supervision...
“In the event of a lock-down we will not be able to secure all exterior doors and a hostile entity would still have access to the locker lobbies, providing both cover and concealment,” said Walla Walla County Sheriff Deputy Scott Brashear who serves as Wa-Hi’s resource officer. “A unified structure would be faster and easier to secure against an outside threat, as there are fewer entry points to secure.”


District offers parents an opt out for military recruiters
Walla Walla Public Schools, like many districts across the state, now offers parents an opportunity to “opt out” from having Directory Information released to military recruiters. In previous years, parents had an opportunity to “opt out” of having their child’s Directory Information (defined below) released to all entities by submitting a letter to the school principal.

Although parents still have this blanket “opt out” option, they may now specify to have directory information released to all entities for educational purposes, except military recruiters. Parents may complete the “Request to prevent disclosure of directory information” form to complete this consent process.

“We wanted to build in flexibility for parents to best meet their values and needs,” Deputy Superintendent Dr. Bill Jordan said. “This process will be easy for parents to complete and offer them more control in who receives their child’s directory information.”

Directory Information (Policy 3233): Federal law allows the school district to release certain student directory information for legitimate education purposes. Directory information is defined as the student’s name, address, age, birthplace, participation in officially recognized school events and programs, weight and height of athletic team members, awards, diplomas, and photographs. Photos of students are sometimes used in district or school-produced publications or for use by the news media. Published photos in yearbooks, student/school newspapers, school handbooks, and other official school publications are considered public domain and can be reproduced by the media.


Mary Garner Esary Trust names grant recipients
Three district programs are the recipients of a $10,000 grant from the Mary Garner Esary Trust. Pioneer and Garrison Middle Schools received $3,250 each for their Extracurricular Club Programs. These are offered from January through May and provide extended learning opportunities and contact time for many district students.

The district Music Program, under the leadership of Glen Mitchell, received $3,500. These funds will be used to help fund the spring music festivals, purchase a new sight-singing series for Pioneer Middle School’s choral program, and help pay for accompanist time for the Wa-Hi choral program.


Superintendent Coffee Hour next Friday - Berney
Join Superintendent Rich Carter for his monthly Coffee Hour. This month Rich will meet in the Berney Library, Friday, January 20 from 8:15 to 9:15 a.m. This is an excellent opportunity to discuss school issues and talk about district goals and programs.


Pioneer grandparents enjoy school lunch with their grandchildren
This week Pioneer Middle School invited grandparents to have lunch and dessert with their grandchildren. Forty-six grandparents participated in this positive school and family activity.

Special Education parent training scheduled
The district’s Special Education Department is scheduling a parent training Thursday, February 16 from 6:45-7:45 p.m. at the district office (364 S. Park Street).

This informational meeting is planned to help families of children on Individual Education Plans (IEPs) understand the issues of the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) and its impact on their child’s education.

For more information regarding this training contact Special Education Supervisor Laura Droke at 526-6727.


District receives grant for Healthy Schools Leadership Project
The district recently received notification its application for the Healthy Schools Leadership Project has been accepted. Grant dollars will help the district further develop and communicate an understanding of good health and fitness concepts and how its practices are essential for all students.

Teaching students good health and safety principles can lead to a lifetime of healthy practices, resulting in more productive, active, and successful lives. The Essential Academic Learning Requirements in health and fitness establish the concepts and skills necessary for safe and healthy living, and in turn, for successful learning.

Stay tuned for more information on the Healthy Schools Leadership Project in coming weeks and months.


District begins bond information community presentations
- Walla Walla Valley Chamber of Commerce board - Tuesday, Jan. 17 - 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Port of Walla Walla Economic Development Committee - Tuesday, Jan. 24 - 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m.

If you or someone you know would like more information on the May 16 bond issue, please contact Communications Director Mark Higgins to schedule a presentation (526-6716 or e-mail: mhiggins@wwps.org)


Bond information available online
This district has posted information on the May 16 issue on its website at www.wwps.org. The web-based information includes conceptual designs of the proposed schools slated for improvements.

Informational fact sheets are also now available. Contact Communications Director Mark Higgins for more information on the May 16 bond issue.


Calendar Committee reviews 2006-2007 and 2007-2008 options
Assistant Superintendent Linda Boggs organized a calendar committee meeting this week to review calendar options for the next two school years.

The committee consists of representives from:
- Walla Walla Public Schools Board of Directors
- Walla Walla Public Schools administrators
- Walla Walla Valley Education Association (teachers union)
- Public School Employees (classified employees union)
- College Place
- PTSA
- Waitsburg
- Dixie

Committee members will now discuss proposed calendar options with those they represent and submit recommendations back to Linda Boggs. Board members are expected to have options for 2006-2007 and 2007-2008 calendars to consider at a February school board meeting.