Walla Walla Public Schools
Week in Review - August 4, 2006

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Back-to-School basics
2006-2007 School Year

• SCHOOL OPENS - Wednesday, August 30

• SAFETY FIRST! VISITORS PLEASE CHECK IN
Visitors are welcome at all our schools and the Walla Walla Public Schools District Office. Upon arrival, everyone MUST first register at the office or reception area and receive a visitor’s badge to wear while visiting the building. This precaution helps ensure Walla Walla Public Schools are safe and secure at all times. District staff members also wear identification badges for quick, easy identification.

TRANSPORTATION
All qualified students living outside a one mile radius or more from their school may ride a school bus. Transportation funding is supplied by the State of Washington and Walla Walla Public Schools. Parents are asked to review bus safety rules (provided at the beginning of the school year) with their children, and remind them that they must maintain good self-discipline. This helps ensure each child enjoys a safe ride to and from school or other activities. Please remember, bus riding is a privilege.

NOTE: Prior arrangements must be made with the principal if a child is to be transported to a destination other than the regular bus stop or if parents will be transporting the child on a temporary or permanent basis.

FOOD SERVICES
Cafeterias open for all schools on the first day. All schools offer students nourishing, tasty meals. Each day our staff prepares more than 4,000 meals for students at all grade levels. We continually receive superior inspection reports for cleanliness, quality and service. Prices for lunches are: elementary, $1.95; secondary $2.15, and adult, $2.90. Breakfast prices are $1.15 for students and $1.70 for adults. Milk is 35 cents at all schools. Applications for free and reduced price meals are available in school offices. Please note that meal prices are subject to market costs and may change during the school year.

HOW TO REGISTER FOR SCHOOL
Students may register year-round (except mid-June to mid-August) at their attendance area school. District boundary maps detailing your attendance areas are available at all Walla Walla Public Schools, the district office and online at www.wwps.org. Attendance area is based on street address.

Elementary School
Students entering kindergarten must be five years old on or before August 31.
What is needed:
• birth certificate or hospital birth record
• list of immunizations

HOW TO REGISTER FOR SCHOOL (continued)
Secondary School
What is needed:
• list of immunizations
• withdrawal sheet or report card from the previous school

ALL DAY KINDERGARTEN
Prospective kindergartners for the 2006-2007 school year should register at their attendance area elementary schools beginning Monday, August 21.

ELEMENTARY ENROLLMENT
Elementary school offices reopen for business Monday, August 21. Parents who did not register their elementary school children may register them beginning on that date.

ATTENDANCE AREA SCHOOLS
Students living within the attendance boundaries of a school are given preference to attend that school. If students in an attendance area fill that school to its capacity, open enrollment and transfer requests from outside the district into the school may be denied.

OPEN ENROLLMENT
Parents/guardians of students who reside within the Walla Walla Public Schools district may request open enrollment to another school within the district provided that: the school has the attendance capacity and programs to meet the student’s needs; and the parent/guardian provides transportation to the school of choice for the student. Open enrollment forms are available at the student’s attendance area school (K-8). Application for open enrollment must be requested annually on a first-come, first-served basis. A designated open enrollment period is scheduled approximately the third week of March to help establish placement priorities. Open enrollment procedures are available at your attendance area school.

IMMUNIZATION
Washington State law requires that a Certificate of Immunization Status (CIS) form be completed for each student. Upon entrance, new students, kindergartners, and first grade transfers are required to show proof of immunity against diptheria, tetanus, whooping cough, polio, measles, mumps, rubella, and Hepatitis B (grades K-5). According to state law, there is no grace period for providing immunization records. The varicella (chicken pox) vaccine or proof of having the disease is required for entrance to kindergarten and sixth grade for the 2006-07 school year.

A medical record, county health department statement, or physician’s report is required at the time of registration.

IMPORTANT NOTE FOR 6th GRADE STUDENTS: Prior to entering 6th grade, students will need to have documentation that they have received a second MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) immunization. This is required for school entrance.
The vaccine is available at the local Health Department (310 W. Poplar).

Special Education
If your child has a mental, physical, or developmental impairment or disability that has a major impact on learning, seeing, hearing, breathing, speaking, working, and caring for oneself or performing manual tasks, s/he may be eligible for special education, related services and/or specialized educational accommodations. For more information, or to make your youngster a focus of concern, please contact the Special Programs Department at 364 South Park, 527-3000. The eligible age range is from birth to 21 years.
For additional information regarding school programs, contact the school in your service area, or phone the district office, 527-3000.

PRESCHOOL INFORMATION
Walla Walla Public Schools Head Start/Early Childhood Education Assistance Program (ECEAP) is located at Blue Ridge and Green Park Elementary Schools. Head Start / ECEAP Programs are family development programs that provide education, health and social services to children ages 3 to 5 and their families. Head Start is funded by the federal government and ECEAP is funded by Washington State. Each program is designed to serve the unique needs of its particular community.

Who is eligible?
- Children who are at least 3 years old, but no older than 4 by August 31st.
- Families must meet the income eligibility guidelines.

To apply, bring birth record, immunization record and proof of family income for the past 12 months. For more information contact Blue Ridge, 527-3066.

HOMELINK (located at Berney Elementary School)
Homelink is a Parent Partnership program with approximately 85 students in grades 1-8. This year the program will operate from Berney Elementary School. Students attend classes on campus two days per week for a maximum of 12 hours and access off campus classes through partnership with parents and teacher consultants for the remaining required hours.

Each student’s parent is partnered with one of the Homelink consultants to create a Student Learning Plan based on the Washington State Essential Academic Requirements and the Walla Walla School District curriculum. Parents meet several times per year with their consultant to make sure that their student is making progress toward achieving the goals set forth in their Student Learning Plan. For more Homelink information, contact Homelink Program Director Valerie Reardon at 527-3010 or by e-mail: vreardon@wwps.org

MIDDLE SCHOOL INFORMATION
Pioneer students who are new to Walla Walla Public Schools may register for school beginning August 21 from 8:00 a.m. to noon and 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. New students are required by state law to have an up-to-date immunization form on file with the school before they will be allowed to attend school in the fall.

Garrison parents will receive letters in mid-August detailing an orientation for new students and incoming sixth graders. Returning seventh and eighth grade Garrison students will be mailed a notice in mid-August informing them of their advisory class rooms and teachers’ names. Sports sign up for 7 & 8 grade sports are on August 16 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Football practice also starts earlier this year, August 23.

Garrison Fees
• ASB - $7 (for entire school year)

• Sports Participation Fee - $15 (per sport)

Pioneer sixth graders, new students, and their parents may attend an orientation Monday, August 28 at 7 p.m. at Pioneer. More information regarding the orientation will be mailed to registered students in early August. Returning seventh and eighth grade students at Pioneer will receive their schedules in the mail the week of August 15.
Pioneer Fees
• ASB - $7 (for entire school year)
• Sports Participation Fee - $15 (per sport)
NOTE: It is recommended that all students have a physical examination prior to the beginning of the school year. Seventh and eighth grade students who will be participating in sports are required to have a physical and should get one as soon as possible to avoid a last minute rush when sports sign-ups begin at the end of August.

HIGH SCHOOL INFORMATION
Students in grades 9 through 12 who are NEW to Walla Walla Public Schools should call the counseling office at 527-3020 for an appointment to register prior to August 21. Immunization records must be presented at the time of registration. Appointments are scheduled between the hours of 9 a.m. and noon and 1 and 3 p.m. Back to School Packets will be available August 7. The packet includes a bulletin with dates, times and more specific information regarding enrollment, athletics, activities and changes that have occurred since last school year. The packet also includes forms that must be completed before August 30. The forms are required to complete the August 30 enrollment process.
Students who are unable to attend class on August 30 for any reason must contact the school.

Wa-Hi Fees:
ASB - $25 (for entire school year) – One time ASB replacement fee (if lost) - $10
Yearbook fee - $45 ($50 after April 15)
Picture fee – form in Back to School Packet (separate check made to: Memory Makers)
Sports participation fee - $30 (per sport)
Photography class fee $40 per semester
Pottery fee - $20 per semester

ATHLETICS
HIGH SCHOOL sports practice begins Wednesday, August 16 for Football and Monday, August 21 for Cross Country, Girls’ Soccer, Volleyball and Girls’ Swimming. Students who will be turning out for fall sports may receive eligibility clearance and register at the high school office at the following times:

• Wednesday, August 9 (Volleyball, Cross-country, Girls’ Soccer, Girls’ swimming) 5 - 6:30 p.m. Wa-Hi Main Office.
• Thursday, August 10 (Football, Cheer, and Athletic trainers) 5 - 6:30 p.m. Wa-Hi Main Office.

Please contact the Wa-Hi Athletic Department for late registration information.

A mandatory meeting for parents of Wa-Hi athletes participating in a fall sport will be held Thursday, August 24 at 7 p.m. in the Wa-Hi Gym. Fall sports pictures will be held Saturday, August 26, schedule available at registration.

NOTE: All eligibility forms must be completed, signed by parent and ready to hand in when students register.
Athletic eligibility packets are available at the high school and middle school offices..

REQUIREMENTS INCLUDE:
Completion of these forms:
- Medical Release. Parent signature required.
- Request for Waiver of School Accident Plan Coverage or Purchase of School Insurance. Parent signature required.
- Athletic Activity Contract. Parent and student signatures required.
- Physical Exam – Prior to registration for participation in interscholastic athletic activities a student must undergo a thorough medical examination and be approved for interscholastic competition by a medical authority licensed to perform a physical examination. Physical examinations received after June 1st of 2005 are good for twenty four (24) months from the date of the examination. Physical Exams obtained prior to June 1st 2005 are good for 13 months from the date of the examination. Parent and physician signatures required.

(NO PHYSICAL FORM - NO REGISTRATION!)

• Purchase of an ASB Card, grades 6-12.
• Return equipment and pay hold slips and fines PRIOR TO REGISTRATION.
• $30 participation fee per sport (Wa-Hi)
• $15 participation fee per sport (Middle Schools)

VOLUNTEERS
Education is truly a cooperative effort among parents, students, staff, and the community. Your support and help are appreciated. If your business is interested in a school/business partnership, contact the Superintendent’s Office at 527-3000. If you are interested in volunteering at one of the district schools, please contact the principal’s office. (All volunteers are required to complete a Washington State Patrol background check.)

BOUNDARY INFORMATION
Maryelyn Hebel - 526-6718

SCHOOL BOARD MEETINGS
The Walla Walla School Board meets on the first and third Tuesday of each month in the district board room at 364 South Park Street. Special and study sessions are scheduled as needed.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS:
Tim Donaldson: 522-3103
Mary Jo Geidl: 529-4184
Anne Golden: 525-3067
Cindy Meyer: 529-0952
Toni Rudnick: 522-2404

SCHOOL CLOSURES
If school is delayed or closed due to poor weather, announcements are made on local radio and TV stations beginning at 6:00 a.m. If no announcement is made by 6:15 a.m., you should assume schools are running on time. School closure notices will also be posted on the school district website (www.wwps.org) by 6:15 a.m. and be updated throughout the day as needed.

If schools are closed once classes are already in session, information will be announced over the local radio stations and be posted on the district website. Children who live within walking distance will be released to walk home. If no one is at home, please make alternate arrangements for your child. Buses will meet scheduled city and rural routes as soon as possible.

RADIO
KONA 610 AM / 105.3 FM
KGTS 91.3 FM
KUJ 1420 AM / 99.1 FM
KWHT 1240 AM / 103.5 FM
KGDC/KZHR 1320 AM / 92.5 FM
KORD 87 AM / 102.7 FM
KALE 960 AM / 94.9 FM
KLKY 97.9 FM
KFAE 89.1 FM
KEYW 98.3 FM
KTEL 1490 AM

TELEVISION
KEPR-TV CBS 2
KNDU-TV NBC 6
KVEW-TV ABC 4

ONLINE
www.wwps.org

No School Days
Learning Improvement Day - Sept. 1
Labor Day - Sept. 4
Fall Professional Day - Oct. 13
Fall Conferences - Nov. 8 & 9
Veterans Day - Nov. 10
Thanksgiving Break - Nov. 23 & 24
Winter Break - Dec. 18 - Jan. 1
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day - Jan. 15
Presidents Day - Feb. 19
Spring Conferences - March 8 & 9
Spring Vacation - April 2-6
Memorial Day - May 28

E-News (District Electronic Newsletter)
It’s simple! Just go to the News and Events area on the district website (www.wwps.org) and sign up! We’ll e-mail you school closure announcements, news briefs and more — directly to the computer of your choice.


Community Emergency Response Team training offered
Are you prepared for a disaster? If not then take advantage of this great opportunity to prepare yourself and learn how to help your neighbors and others when a disaster strikes.

Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Training will prepare you. Training starts September 7, 2006 at College Place Fire Station. For more information or to register for this course contact Dale Grogan at 524-2904 or dgrogan@co.walla-walla.wa.us . There is no charge for the training.


Staff Employee of the Month - Veronica Esparza

- Place of Work: Admin. Office

- Job Title: Receptionist

- Years in district: 9 months

- High School: Wa-Hi

- Favorite Food: Chinese

- Favorite Movie: You’ve Got Mail

- Favorite band or music: All types (no favorites)

- Favorite book: Books by Danielle Steel

- What do you love most about your job? Meeting new people.

- Hobbies: Knitting and reading

- Most memorable life experience: The birth of my two son’s.



District Office Summer Hours (through August 14)
Monday-Friday
8:00 a.m. to 12 (Noon)
1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

364 S. Park Street
527-3000