Walla Walla Public Schools
Week in Review - May 30, 2008

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School Board meeting Tuesday
Tuesday, June 3

6:15 p.m. (Graduates of Distinction Ceremony)
7:30 p.m. (Regularly scheduled meeting)

District Board Room (364 S. Park St.)
Open to public


District to honor Graduates of Distinction Tuesday evening
Walla Walla Public Schools names this year’s honorees for the Graduates of Distinction program. They are: Claro E. Bergevin, Class of 1941, Gretchen Miller Kafoury, Class of 1959, and John E. (Jack) Pelo, Class of 1974.

These individuals have distinguished themselves in their communities, professions, or careers and continue to bring honor to the district. Celebrate alongside these distinguished alumni at a reception in their honor on Tuesday, June 3, 2008 (details listed below). Listen to their stories and hear who helped shape their lives during their school years.

RECEPTION DETAILS
Date: Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Time: 6:15 to 7:30 p.m.
Place: Walla Walla School District Board Room


End of Year Ceremonies

Garrison Middle School
8th Grade Recognition
Cordiner Hall
Wednesday, June 11 - 7 p.m.

Pioneer Middle School
8th Grade Recognition
Wa-Hi Large Gym
Tuesday, June 10 - 7 p.m.

Lincoln Alternative High School
Graduation
Thursday, June 5
6 p.m - School Gym

Opportunity Program
Graduation Celebration
Thursday, May 29
Senior Luncheon
12 noon

Walla Walla High School
Recognition Evening
Wednesday, June 4 - 7 p.m. (Wa-Hi Auditorium)

Commencement
Friday June 6 - 7:30 p.m.


Klicker places second at regional GEAR UP competition
Congratulations to Pioneer Middle School student Jason Klicker for placing second in the GEAR UP regional competition focusing on career choices. Klicker competed against the top participants from the region during the competition held at the WSU (Tri-Cities) campus.

“This year’s competition was tough and before finding out that he placed second, Jason stated that he thought he’d be lucky to be in the top eleven,” Pioneer GEAR UP Coordinator Marika Tomkins said. “Jason’s strong public speaking skills, thorough research, conviction, and humor placed him second against all GEAR UP 8th grade students from the Moses Lake, Tri-Cities, and Walla Walla areas.”

Tomkins said all 8th graders in the 23 schools all participating GEAR UP were required to complete a speech and visual presentation about a career of their choice. Students also included research points about their career, such as education needed, future outlook, working conditions, and applicable high school courses.

“Choosing Jason Klicker (Prosecuting Attorney) from Pioneer was not easy, as runners up -- Madeline Jacobson (Clinical Psychology) and Nicole Roscamp (Architect) -- had strong presentations as well,” Tomkins said.

Klicker earned a participation certificate and a new back pack full of school supplies, which included two scientific calculators.


New Wa-Hi website launched
Walla Walla High School recently launched a new school website: http://www.wahibluedevils.org. The new site is a comprehensive overview of the school and features student, parent, and staff resources.

“The school website is our primary tool for communications, so we have upgraded the site to better meet the needs of our stakeholders,” Principal Darcy Weisner said. “This site is a work in progress and we will continually update it to meet our needs. Thanks for your support as we strive to become the best.”

For more information on the Wa-Hi website, contact Sarah Stone at sstone@wwps.org.



Walla Walla High School Commencement next Friday
Walla Walla High School Commencement ceremony is Friday, June 6 at 7:30 p.m. on campus near the Commons Building. This year nearly 400 graduates are expected to walk with their class.

Walla Walla High School Commencement details:
• Date: Friday, June 6
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Location: Walla Walla High School campus (Commons area)
• Commencement seating area opens at 5:30 p.m.
• Tickets are required to enter the main seating area
• Each student is allotted six tickets for the main seating area
• Tickets for the main seating area will be distributed to seniors following the Commencement AM practice (Friday morning, June 6)
• No tickets are required for the commons and the bleachers located on the north side of the creek
• Wheelchair access and seating area is located directly in front of the commons and handicapped parking is located near the tennis courts (east of the main gym)
• No personal or folding chairs are allowed within the main seating area
• Personal or folding chairs may be used outside the main seating area.
• Guests are asked to remain for the entire ceremony
• Those who must leave early are asked to choose a seat nearest the exit so as to keep any disruption of the ceremony to a minimum.

For increased security and safety:
• All bags will be checked at the gates
• No coolers or large totes are allowed on the grounds
• No alcoholic beverages or tobacco products are allowed on the Walla Walla High School campus


Retirement Celebrations 2007-2008 (remaining)

District Office
Marilyn Brown
Thursday, June 5
4 to 5:30 p.m.
Board Room

Green Park
Kathy Rudell
Wednesday, June 4
Library
3:30-5:30 p.m.


Walla Walla Autism Spectrum Program plans rummage sale
Walla Walla Autism Spectrum Program (WWASP) is having a huge rummage sale to raise funds for purchasing specialized equipment designed for sensory integration, fine and gross motor development, assisted communication as well as community living skills and social skills.

So, if you are cleaning out your garage, attic, closets and more, we would be happy to take extra items off your hands. We will gladly accept donations of clothing, household items, toys, furniture, sporting goods and anything else in good condition. Contact Teacher Kathleen Gilmore for more information: kgilmore@wwps.org.

Berney Elementary School Gym
Donations Accepted
Friday, June 6
12:30 – 6:00

Sale
Saturday, June 7
7:30 am – 3:30 pm