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Corps of Engineers donates computers to Walla Walla schools
The U.S. Army of Corps of Engineers recently donated 58 computers worth approximately $30,000 to Walla Walla Public Schools to provide more technology options for students. The donation was made possible by the Department of Defense Computers for Learning Program. The computers will be used to support classroom instruction, according to Walla Walla Public Schools Technology Director Janis Barton.
“The goal of this program is to provide computer technology as an integral part of every classroom to assist in the education of students to meet 21st Century learning demands,” Barton said.
Lt. Col. Michael Farrell, commander of the Walla Walla District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers said this donation was the right thing to do.
“We recently replaced many of our computer systems at the Corps, and I knew there were local organizations that we could help. I was thrilled when the Walla Walla Public Schools expressed interest in partnering with us,” Farrell said.
The partnership is an example of maximizing resources and extending the useful life of computer equipment, Barton said.
“This is a significant donation. In economic times like we are witnessing, this allows the school district to provide resources that would otherwise not be possible,” Barton said.
For more information about Walla Walla Public Schools, visit: www.wwps.org. For more information about the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Walla Walla District, visit: www.nww.usace.army.mil.
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Berney and Blue Ridge students raise funds to visit Representative Grant-Herriot
Berney and Blue Ridge Elementary students are planning a trip to Olympia April 23 and 24 to visit Laura Grant Herriot. Grant-Herriot is in her first term as representative of the 16th Legislative District. She is a fifth grade teacher at Berney Elementary.
Students will learn first hand about government in action.
Both schools are selling pizza certificates for Big Cheese for $10 each. Each certificate entitles the bearer to a gourmet pizza which represents an $18 value from Big Cheese. This certificate is for carry out only. Please contact the schools for more information on purchasing certificates.
Americorps has organized a car wash and bake sale to be held in the Eastgate Napa parking lot (Isaac Street - across from Arby’s) Saturday, April 11 from 9 am to 4 pm. Please call Melissa at 240-7398 if you’d like to participate or donate baked goods to sell. All proceeds go directly to the students to defray the cost of the trip.
Trip highlights:
• State Capitol Civic Education tour
• Meeting with Governor Gregoire
• Dinner, campfire activities and overnight camp at Panhandle Lake 4-H camp in Shelton, WA
• Visit Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium
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Annual math assessment graduation requirement amended
Students who earn two math credits after 10th grade no longer must take a math exam each year
OLYMPIA - The state graduation requirement for students to continue to take an annual math assessment while earning two credits of math after 10th grade was eliminated today after Gov. Chris Gregoire signed House Bill 1562 into law. The bill is effective immediately and retroactive to the Class of 2008.
Now, students in the classes of 2009 through 2012 who do not pass the high school math WASL on their first attempt can meet the math graduation requirement by earning two math credits after 10th grade. Those students are no longer required to take a math assessment every year.
This change, however, does not remove the requirement for students to take the math test in their 10th grade year. Beginning with the Class of 2013, all students must pass a math assessment to be eligible to graduate.
It will be in students’ best interest to pass the math WASL or an alternative assessment by the 11th grade so they can complete the math graduation requirement, said Randy Dorn, State Superintendent of Public Instruction.
“This is a common sense change to the law,” Dorn said. “And there’s still plenty of incentive for students to pass a math exam by the 11th grade. We just want to ensure that students have the basic math skills before they take that next step in life, whether it’s college or the workforce.”
The change in law was requested by Superintendent Dorn for several reasons:
1) The law stated that students earning two math credits after 10th grade didn’t have to pass the math WASL to meet the graduation requirement, they just had to take the test. Often, students filled in the minimum number of required bubbles to generate a score, or didn’t take the test seriously, thus making it difficult to accurately assess their proficiency.
2) Students who returned for a fifth year, even to take a history or English class, were required under the law to take an annual math assessment. This was never the intent of the law.
3) Due to some confusion in the school system, many students failed to take the math WASL in the 11th grade, not realizing there was a requirement to take an annual math assessment. Because of that, they were forced to pass a math assessment, even if they earned two math credits after 10th grade. Again, this was never the intent of the law.
Before the bill was signed, those students who did not take an annual math assessment would possibly be denied a diploma because of a misunderstanding, Dorn said.
“Our goal was to ensure that every student developed their math skills at the proficiency level needed,” Dorn said. “But there were certainly unintended consequences from this requirement and we felt the law needed to be changed to be fair to all students.”
The Class of 2013, this year’s eighth graders, will be the first to be required to pass a high school math assessment and science assessment to graduate. Next year, the high school WASL will be replaced by the High School Proficiency Exam (HSPE), currently in development. If students already passed the WASL, they will not be required to take the HSPE.
In addition, the Class of 2013 will be required to earn three high school math credits (grades 9 through 12) to be eligible to graduate, an increase from the current minimum state requirement of two.
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Fort Walla Walla Museum offers free admission to students for field trips
• District students and teachers offered admission-free trip to Fort Walla Walla Museum
• Share the legacy of the Walla Walla Valley with your students
• Fort Walla Walla Museum matches well with mandated EALRs and CBAs
• Visit the Museum’s web site at: www.fortwallawallamuseum.org
• Download our Teacher’s Guide to Fort Walla Walla Museum and our Visitor’s Guide to the Museum
For more information, call Museum Operations Manager Don Locati 525-7703, weekdays from 8:00 am - 4:00 pm or write to info@fortwallawallamuseum.org.
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Latino Club names Walla Walla High School staff member of the month
The Walla Walla High School Latino Club is pleased to announce that Agriculture Education teacher Arch McHie has been selected as the Walla Walla High School Latino Club Staff Member of the Month for March.
This recognition is based on his faithful service to students who are Latino Club members. As a staff member, Mr. McHie is making a significant impact on all students at Walla Walla High School.
Comments from Latino Club members included:
• Mr. McHie is an outstanding teacher!
• He makes his students want to go to class.
• He is very helpful and we greatly appreciate the things he has done for his students and Latino Club.
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FFA Floriculture team wins state title
The Walla Walla FFA Chapter won the 2009 Washington FFA State Floriculture Contest March 27. They will now represent Washington at the National FFA Convention next October in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Team Members included: Brianne Javaux, Desiree Helm, Jordan Davin, Sarah Fuller and Elise Pettyjohn.
The contest was held at Flower World in Snohomish, WA.
Team awards:
• First in Problem Solving and Test
• Second in Plant Identification
• Third in Team Activity and Practicum.
Individual Honors:
• Brianne Javaux placed high individual
• Desiree Helm was 2nd
• Elise Pettyjohn was 3rd
• Sarah Fuller was 5th
• Jordan Davin was 18th.
There were 15 teams from throughout Washington and 78 contestants.
“This is the 7th year in a row that Walla Walla has won the state contest and Brianne was the sixth person from our chapter to win individual high honors since we started competing 9 years ago,” Advisor Arch McHie said. “Mt. Baker had won all 5 of the regional contests prior to state.”
At Warden High School on February 8, Mt. Baker defeated Walla Walla High School by more than 100 points, according to McHie.
“We knew we had our work cut out for us,” McHie said. “For almost a month the girls worked harder than any team I’ve ever coached. They came in early, stayed after school and worked during the evenings many hours on their own to make the difference. We beat Mt. Baker by 172 points at state.”
Three weeks prior to state we had a team member who had a conflict and was not going to be able to compete, McHie said.
“The girls recruited Elise Pettyjohn and she proved she was up to the task. It’s rare for someone to come in on such short notice and do as well as she did. I was super proud of her and the team for supporting one another so well. National contest rules create a disadvantage for us. Once a contestant participates in the National contest they are no longer allowed to participate in the same state contest again. Since we have been so successful in the Floral Contest we have to start each year with a brand new team. It’s a testament to the quality of teachers and students we have at Wa-Hi that we continue to do so well.”
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FARM Days offers elementary students chance to experience farm life
This week Walla Walla High School students in the Agriculture program organized FARM Days for district first graders. The students are also having an open house for the public Saturday, April 11 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Walla Walla High School farm is located on the west-side of the campus near the school’s red barn.
For more information, contact Agricultural Education teacher Lindsey Butcher at: lbutcher@wwps.org.
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Dayton Historic Depot exhibit features rural schools
The Dayton Historic Depot invites teachers to bring their students to see the current gallery exhibit; The Rural Schools of Columbia County. The exhibit features photographs, written information, and artifacts dating from the 1800s to the early 1900s. Columbia County had 54 rural schools during that era. Visits are free of charge for school field trips and there is a great outdoor space to eat sack lunches.
The exhibit will be on display until October 1, 2009.
Dayton Historic Depot Hours:
• Wednesday - Saturday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. through the end of April.
• Summer hours begin in May. During the summer we will be open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. -- Wednesday- Saturday.
For more information, contact Mary Byrd, Dayton Historical Depot Society Depot Manager at: mibyrd@daytonhistoricdepot.org
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Edison PTA Sponsors an Applebee’s Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser
Date: Saturday, April 18
Time: 8 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Location: Applebee’s Restaurant (1604 Plaza Way)
Cost: Tickets are $5 per person and include a short stack of pancakes, sausage and a beverage
Tickets: Tickets are available from Andrea Cortinas, 525-6331 or cortinasfamily@msn. Tickets may also be purchased at the door.
Proceeds: Money raised will benefit an indoor climbing wall in the new Edison gymnasium.
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Wa-Hi student receives prestigious Washington Scholars scholarship
Walla Walla High School senior Ryan Campeau was named a Washington Scholars recipient which recognizes the accomplishments of three high school students from each of the state’s 49 legislative districts. Students can use the grants at any public or independent college or university in Washington.
This merit scholarship award, the highest honor the state bestows each year to graduating high school seniors, recognizes academic excellence, leadership, and community service. The scholarship helps pay for up to eight semesters of in-state undergraduate study. High school principals nominate the top one percent of their graduating class on the basis of academic achievement, leadership, and community service. A committee, composed of high school principals and college admissions staff, makes the final selection.
The scholarship is good for four years - $6,720 per year. Campeau has decided to attend Whitman College and plans to double major in English and Theatre.
Campeau plans to attend a luncheon held in Olympia on May 20, in which Scholars will be honored by members of the state legislature. For more information about the Washington Scholars program, visit: http://www.hecb.wa.gov/Paying/waaidprgm/wsp.asp
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Edison students to perform in support of ‘Books for Babes’ program
Performance: A Race to the Finish
Date: Friday, April 24
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Location: Edison Gym
Cast: Performed by Mrs. Barga’s/Rossi’s 2nd Grade and Mrs. Gogl’s 3rd Grade Classes
Cost: NO ADMISSION CHARGE! (Donations may be made to support Edison’s community service project -- ‘Books for Babes’)
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Edison student’s art project advances to state
Congratulations to Edison Elementary first grade student Kyle Carver for winning at the state level for his Reflections Art Project. Carver was honored in Olympia over Spring Break. He is in Karen Fuller’s class and his parents are Kelly and Adam Carver.
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Two Garrison Middle School students serve as Legislative Pages in Olympia
Garrison Middle School 8th grade students Ronnie Weisner and Ryan Yonts recently paged in the House of Representatives. They were sponsored by their 16th District State Representative Maureen Walsh.
During their week in Olympia, the young men distributed documents to representatives and staff and attended page school each day to learn about the inner workings of the Legislature.
They also sponsored mock bills that they proposed to other student pages from around the state. Weisner and Yonts co-sponsored a mock bill to address gangs throughout Washington. Their proposal would require convicted gang members to be sentenced to self-sustaining hard labor camps.
“It’s great to see students working in the Legislature and learning about their government,” Walsh said. “I hope this will encourage their civic participation in the future.”
Since 1891, students from around the state have participated in the Legislative Page program. Pages earn $35 for each day they serve in the program.
Interested students must be between the ages of 14 and 16, have permission from their school and a parent, and be sponsored by a legislator. For more information about the House Page Program, visit: http://www.leg.wa.gov/House/PageInternProgram/housepageprogram.htm.
For more information, contact: Sarah Lamb, Public Information Officer: lamb.sarah@leg.wa.gov or (360) 786-7720.
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City Arbor Day event helps Blue Ridge students learn more about trees
Wednesday Blue Ridge Elementary fifth grade students helped plant a tree at their school as part of an Arbor Day activity organized by the City of Walla Walla. Students also planted seedlings to take home and grow as part of the education component of the event. Students in Amy Hartford and Corey Hobbs’ classes made banners and signs to celebrate the event. They also sang a chant they produced to celebrate Arbor Day.
John Christy of the Parks, Recreation and Urban Forestry Advisory board discussed with students how trees help our world. Mayor Dan Johnson served as the event Master of Ceremonies.
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Volunteers needed to help Pioneer students assemble food packets for African children
Pioneer Middle School students and families will be packaging meal packets for African children Friday, April 24, from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Additional volunteer support is needed. The project is linked to the “Children of the Nation” organization. Volunteers will be assembling food packets that will then be directly shipped to Africa to feed hungry children.
“A truck from Children of the Nations will be coming from Seattle with all packaging materials and supplies needed for the project,” said Pioneer PTA President Holly Carrera. “We are seeking 50 to 60 volunteers for this event. We held a candle fundraiser in December with 100 percent of the proceeds going to support this project.”
For more information, contact Carrera at: mcarrera@charter.net.
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Walla Walla High School featured in national publication
The National Association of Secondary School Principals publication Principals Leadership magazine featured Walla Walla High School in its April 2009 issue. The school’s Three Tier program is featured. The article is posted online at: http://www.principals.org/s_nassp/sec.asp?CID=1753&DID=59384.
The Three Tier program is a way of organizing instruction and assessment that has two purposes:
1.) To identify children needing help in reading, math, writing, and prevent the development of serious learning problems; and
2.) To identify children who, even when given extra help, make very limited progress. Research has shown that these children sometimes have a learning disability.
Services and strategies our district provides to ensure all children are learning:
Tier I: The student receives core instruction from their general education teacher at a particular age or grade level.
Tier IIa: The student receives research based interventions used with students whose progress places them at some risk for not meeting instructional goals and whose skill needs are easily grouped with other students of similar needs.
Tier IIb: The student receives individualized research based interventions used with students whose progress places them at high risk for not meeting instructional goals and whose skill needs are so unique as to require individualized instructional approaches.
Progress monitoring will be conducted on all students to identify the effectiveness of the intervention and make adjustments accordingly.
When children continue to have difficulty:
The school will keep you informed of your child’s progress. If you and the school have tried several interventions, and progress continues to be limited, you may be asked to give consent for an evaluation. The purpose of such an evaluation is to determine what your child’s educational needs are, and to consider whether your child may have a learning disability.
A parent may request an evaluation for special education services at any time, including any stage of the RTI process. To request a special education evaluation, contact your building learning specialist or school counselor.
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Nationally Recognized Technology Educator & Innovator, Ian Jukes, to speak in Walla Walla
HD-L3 - Leading, Learning, Living in a Digital World
Date: April 16, 2009
Time: 4 - 8:30 p.m.
Location: Reid Center Ballroom - Whitman College Walla Walla, WA
Cost: $20 per person (includes dinner)
Registration Deadline: April 6 (Sign Up Online: Registration: http://www.esd123.org/hdl3/)
Please visit www.esd123.org/hdl3 to register and for more details on the upcoming HD-L3 Conference: “High Definition Leading, Learning, Living in a Digital World”.
“Two of our own staff will be presenters: William Calhoun from WWHS and Martin Telstad from Green Park,” said Technology Director Janis Barton. “Ian Jukes, the featured speaker, is a long time educational innovator who has a vision for how today’s classrooms can prepare students for our digital world.”
HD-L3 Agenda
4 p.m. - THIN SLICES
“Thin Slices” features a series of dynamic speakers from K-12, Higher Education and the Business community, speaking on what it is to lead, learn and live in a digital world. In these fast paced powerful presentations speakers will capture the essence of the topic quickly and succinctly!
- Open Educational Resources - Cable Green, Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges
- Mathematica - a visual approach to learning math -Eric Schulz, WWCC
- Increasing Classroom Democracy & Participation -Martin Telstad, Walla Walla Public Schools
- Assessing Digital Assessment - William Calhoun, Walla Walla High School
- Key Technology TBA
- From concept thought to high volume production / Education & Technology Intertwined -Fred Sweet, Nelson Irrigation
- You Can’t Replace the Face -Dale Ingram, LIGO
- Maintaining Your Ground Game on a Tech Savvy Campus - Julie Dunn, Whitman College
- Effective use of technologies for distance Education - Russ Beard, Big Bend CC
6 p.m. - DINNER (included)
7 p.m. - IAN JUKES - “LIVING ON THE FUTURE EDGE”
Ian Jukes has been a teacher, administrator, writer, consultant, university instructor and keynote speaker. He currently is the Director of the InfoSavvy Group, an international consulting group that provides leadership and program development in the areas of assessment and evaluation, strategic alignment, curriculum design and publication, professional development, planning, change management, hardware and software acquisition, information services, customized research, media services, and on-line training as well as conference keynotes and workshop presentations.
Register Online: http://www.esd123.org/hdl3/
HD-L3 Conference Sponsors:
• Whitman College
• Walla Walla Public Schools
• Pocket iNet
• College Place School District
• Walla Walla Community College
• ESD 123
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District featured on KAPP/KVEW (ABC) television show School Scene Magazine Saturday
KAPP/KVEW (ABC) will continue airing School Scene Magazine featuring Walla Walla Public Schools the next few months. This 30 minute program features student and staff interviews showcasing district programs and activities. Prosser School District Superintendent Dr. Ray Tolcacher is the show’s host.
Walla Walla Public Schools will also post the School Scene Magazine program on its website and use it for staff recruiting, parent information meetings and community presentations.
School Scene Magazine schedule to air on KAPP/KVEW (ABC)
Saturday, April 11 - 4 p.m.
Sunday, April 26 - 4 p.m.
Saturday, May 9 - 4:30 p.m.
Sunday, May 24 - 4 p.m.
Sunday, May 31 - 9 p.m.
Sunday, June 7 - 8 p.m.
Tuesday, June 9 - 9 p.m.
Sunday, June 14 - 8 p.m.
Tuesday, June 16 - 9 p.m.
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Classroom Close-Up features Prospect Point teacher
This week Prospect Point first grade teacher Julie Wiley is featured as part of the district’s Classroom Close-Up series. A fun, information filled newsletter will be posted on the district website next week - (www.wwps.org). A radio spot featuring Wiley is now playing on regional stations.
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Exchange Club Easter Egg Hunt - Saturday, April 11
The Walla Walla Exchange Club is holding its 50th Annual Children’s Easter Egg Hunt Saturday, April 11 at 9 a.m. in Pioneer Park. This year’s Easter Egg hunt features 21 prizes, including three bicycles, which will be awarded in categories, 1-3 years old, 4-6 years old, 7-10 years old and special-needs.
Special thanks to sponsor Alexandra Communications and volunteer Master of Ceremonies Jim Bock. For more information call Chris Drake at (509) 301-1777.
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BUNKO Benefit & Silent Auction planned for ailing Prospect Point dad
All proceeds from this event go to help pay for Adam Piercy’s medical expenses. Adam is a single dad of two Prospect Point Elementary School boys. He is currently waiting for a heart transplant.
Date: Sunday April 19, 2009
Place: Marcus Whitman Hotel, Explorer Ballroom — Corner of 2nd & Rose, Walla Walla, WA
Time: 2 p.m.
Tickets: May be purchased in advance.
Ticket Cost: $25 each or - 2 or $40
Ticket Information:
- Contact Jodi Ferguson: 301-2042
- Penny Dimino: 522-7055 - diminomk@msn.com
- Kim Corcoran: 529-5333 - kimcorcoran@bmi.net
Get Your Tickets Today!
Can’t come? Donations also accepted.
Prizes, Prizes, Prizes!
Gather your friends & buy tickets for all, come and enjoy an afternoon of fun for a great cause! There will also be a silent auction on-site.
Make Checks Payable to: Adam Piercy Donation
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