School board meeting Tuesday, Nov. 2
- Regularly scheduled school board meeting
- Tuesday, Nov. 2
- 6:30 p.m.
- District Office Board Room (364 S. Park St.)
- Meeting open to public

Walla Walla High School students receive Exchange Club of Walla Walla Youth of the Month awards
Congratulations to Walla Walla High School seniors Olivia Welker and Drew Christina for receiving Exchange Club of Walla Walla Youth of the Month Awards Tuesday. These students will also be eligible to compete for the Exchange Club of Walla Walla Youth of the Year Award and a special $1,000 college scholarship.

This year’s Youth of the Month/Year Essay Theme: “America’s youth and Community Service:  Shining the light of volunteerism

Olivia Welker
- 4.0 G.P.A.
- Walla Walla Symphony Youth Orchestra
- Walla Walla High School Orchestra
- National Honor Society
- Key Club
- Walla Walla High School Journal Newspaper
- Plans to attend Brown University and study medicine and become a surgeon
- Parents: Kimberly Montooth and Gerald Scott Welker

Drew Cristina
- 4.0 G.P.A.
- National Honor Society
- Drew has played baseball, basketball and football for four years
- Drew was not able to play football this year due to a head injury he sustained during baseball last year, so he has volunteered to film the varsity football games
- He plans to attend a four year university in the Northwest next year
- Drew has a twin brother named Brett
- Parents: Dan and Lynn Christina

Walla Walla High School “Trunk-or-Treat” offers safe Halloween experience Saturday
Walla Walla High School’s Key Club will be sponsoring “Trunk or Treat” Saturday, October 30 from 5 to 7 p.m. in the SCIENCE parking lot. (NOTE LOCATION CHANGE).

There will be a variety of decorated cars sponsored by various Wa-Hi clubs that will be giving out candy to area children. Admission is one can of food per attendee. The food donations will be delivered to local food banks. Wa-Hi FFA will be providing a “Haunted Barn” attraction this year. For more information, contact Shelley Mann: smann@wwps.org.

Downtown Walla Walla Foundation presents annual Downtown Trick-or-Treat
- Downtown Walla Walla Foundation annual Downtown Trick-or-Treat
- Friday, October 29
- 3 to 5 p.m.
- Goblins, superheroes and princesses of all sizes are invited to visit participating downtown businesses in this long-time

Halloween tradition: Thanks to the generosity of downtown merchants, families can come downtown and trick-or-treat door-to-door in a safe, supervised environment. Main Street from Palouse to Second St. will be closed to vehicle movement during the event. Cars may park on Main Street between 3-5 p.m., but must stay parked in place during that time.

- For more information, please call the Downtown Foundation office at 529-8755 or email info@downtownwallawalla.com.

Kirkman House Museum plans Pumpkin Party October 31
Join the Kirkman House FREE Halloween Party!
- Sunday, Oct. 31
- 1 to 4 p.m.
- Free, family friendly Halloween party for the community with pumpkin painting, apple “bobbling” and of course, candy! - Bring your pre-carved pumpkins to enter in the Peoples’ Choice Carving Contest!
The Kirkman House Museum is open throughout the year with exhibits and events that bring our history to life. Visit Wednesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Visit our website at www.kirkmanhousemuseum.org or contact 529-4373 for more information.

Walla Walla High School JROTC Cadets to host November 10 Veterans Day ceremony
Walla Walla High School JROTC Cadets are organizing a Veterans Day assembly to honor veterans Wednesday, Nov. 10 at 9:30 a.m at the school gymnasium. Any person honorably discharged from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard, retired from any of the same, and who served in any component of those (Active, Reserve, Guard) during any era, from World War II to present are invited. If the veteran has passed on, a family member may attend and participate in their stead. Veterans are asked to arrive at 9 a.m.

This event is free and open to the public. Special reserved designated parking for attending veterans and family members is available. Two cadets from the Walla Walla High School Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps “Blue Devil” Cadet Battalion are organizing the event.
- Cadet Lt. Col. Robyn Paul — 2010/11 Wa-Hi Blue Devil JROTC Cadet Battalion Commander
- Cadet Captain Kaylee Bialozor — Blue Devil Battalion Public Affairs Officer

Questions may be addressed to Lieutenant Colonel (Lt. Col.) Bill Bialozor — Wa-Hi Senior Army Instructor at the Wa-Hi JROTC program office by calling 509-527-3035, or email to wwhs_rotc@wwps.org.

“To and From” The Safe Travels Alliance co-chair updates administrators on safety committee progress
Tuesday morning “To and From” The Safe Travels Alliance Co-Chair Kathryn Southwick-Hess provided a progress report to district administrators on the efforts of the safety committee. She distributed school zone safety curriculum from the Washington Traffic Safety Commission and a suggested implementation plan to make the materials easy to use.

Southwick-Hess is also working with area hospitals to include school zone safety information with newborn packets. Walla Walla Public Schools is collaborating with the City of Walla Walla to apply for state grant funding for flashing school zone speed limit signs for Berney and Blue Ridge Elementary Schools. The city, county and school district are also working on plans to enhance traffic enforcement efforts in and around school zones. The group is also working on efforts to increase awareness of safe walking and biking practices by organizing school assembly productions.

Parent Katie Christianson is also co-chairing the task force. To get involved or learn more, contact Christianson at: 509.526.5469 or by email: ktchris@charter.net

Lincoln Principal talks about how stress impacts learning during annual Prayer Breakfast
Lincoln Alternative High School Principal Jim Sporleder and students Heidi Schoessler and Caleb Sherlock recently talked about the importance of community support for children during the annual Walla Walla Prayer Breakfast. Sporleder shared research on how Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and stress impacts brain development and the ability to learn.

“Some of us label students and families without understanding the whole picture,” Sporleder said. “We feel if they just pulled up their boot straps, they could make their life better. It is not that simple.”

Sporleder said the district continues to learn how ACEs impact children and what it takes to help them be successful.

WWPD Statement - Garrison student struck while riding bike to school
* City of Walla Walla Police Department Statement:
An 8th grade student from Garrison Middle School was struck by a vehicle Wednesday morning while riding her bicycle to school. The collision occurred at the intersection of 3rd Avenue and Morton Street at about 8:00 a.m.

The student was westbound on Morton and failed to yield the right of way to the vehicle that was southbound on 3rd Ave. The force of the impact knocked the child onto the hood of the vehicle. The student was wearing a helmet and was only slightly injured. She was transported to the school after being checked out by City Fire Department Paramedics.

Parents are strongly urged to talk to their children about following all traffic laws while riding their bikes and being a positive role model for younger riders. Cyclists who violate traffic laws can be ticketed.

Comment from Superintendent Mick Miller: “We are so thankful this student was not more seriously hurt and applaud her for wearing a helmet to reduce the risk of injuries and for having her bicycle equipped with lights and other safety equipment. We are committed to improving safety in our school zones and surrounding neighborhoods through enhanced enforcement, education and awareness.”

For more information on this accident, contact:
Tim Bennett #245
Public Information Officer
Walla Walla Police Dept.

Girl’s Council “Cottage Project” offers safe home for at risk girls: Fundraiser Saturday night
Girl’s Council is a non-profit group in our community which has been operating since 2006. Since then, Girl’s Council has served over 150 local girls by offering girls groups to at-risk girls ages 9 through 18, many who attend school in the Walla Walla School District. These groups teach girls crucial skills to manage their feelings and behaviors and empower them to take charge of their lives.

The next goal of the organization is to build a residential, ranch-like home for girls in the Walla Walla area. Once built, “The Cottage” will house up to six girls and will be staffed 24 hours. This home will be a safe place for girls ages 12-17 where they can grow and become empowered within a structured, nurturing environment.

On Saturday, October 30 from 7 to 10 p.m. the Girl’s Council is sponsoring its first annual Harvest Moon Auction and Dessert Showcase at The Marc. One hundred percent of the proceeds from this event will go toward “The Cottage Project.”

If you are interested in attending:
- Tickets are available for this event and may be purchased for $25 per person at the door.

Please contact Marci Knauft (mknauft@wwps.org), Brandi McIntire (bmcintire@wwps.org), Karen Neher (kneher@wwps.org), or Heather Strader (hstrader@wwps.org) if you would like to make a donation or purchase tickets for this event.

Walla Walla High School student has been selected for International Honor Band
Mckelle Wilwand was selected to perform at the 2010 Western International Band Clinic (WIBC) Honor Band Festival November 19-22 in Seattle. The selection was based on an MP3 recorded audition. Wilwand competed against nearly 1000 students from the United States and Canada. Approximately 660 students were selected to rehearse and perform in four separate concert bands.

“We are very proud of Mckelle for being selected for this annual event,” Walla Walla High School Band Director Andrew Ueckert said.

Area students invited to Moon-stravaganza at Whitman College Planetarium
Calling all elementary and middle school students! Come to Whitman’s Hall of Science Friday November 5 at 7 p.m. to learn all about Earth’s favorite satellite, the Moon, and the rest of our beautiful universe. Why does the Moon have the curious habit of turning blood red on occasion? Why is surfing impossible without the Moon? And, most importantly, is it really made of cheese? Answer these questions and more!

- When: November 5, 7 p.m.
- Where: Whitman College Hall of Science (signs will direct you once in the building)
- Who: 3-8 graders and their parents
- What: Learn about the Moon and play in the Planetarium

*This event is part of a senior Astronomy major’s thesis in Astronomy education. We ask that parents/guardians please accompany their children to this event and expect to be asked to fill out a consent form allowing the use of a short, anonymous quiz taken by the students in the study.

Questions: Contact Faith Tucker at fcmtucker@gmail.com or (650) 279-9179

2010 Walla Walla “Toys for Tots” campaign begins November 1
The annual Walla Walla “Toys for Tots” Campaign kicks off November 1 with 10 local drop off locations and the support of the Downtown Walla Walla Foundation. This is the 63rd year for Toys for Tots and the 4th year of the Walla Walla Campaign. Nationally, last year the Marines Corps Reserve and volunteers distributed over 16.7 million toys to 7.5 million needy children. Last year in Walla Walla, new unwrapped toys were distributed to 706 local children. All toys collected will be distributed to local families and children from Walla Walla to Dayton. This year “Toys for Tots” is working with St. Vincent de Paul to ensure every child in the Walla Walla Valley receives a little Christmas.

To request toys, pick up applications at St. Vincent de Paul (308 West Main Street) November 22 to December 3 or St. Paul’s Church (323 Catherine Street) December 5 to 10. Toys will be distributed December 18 and 19 from St. Paul’s Church.

“Toys for Tots” Drop-off locations include:
- Book & Game -38 E. Main Street
- Community Bank – 28 E. Alder Street
- Providence St. Mary Medical Center – 401 w. Poplar
- Inland Cellular, 1605 SE Meadowbrook , College Place
- Kirkman House Museum 214 N. Colville Street
- AAA Washington, 1361 Dalles-Military Road
- WW Motor Supply – 1830 E. Isaacs Ave
- Applebee’s – located behind Safeway on Plaza Way
- Tumac Outdoor Equipment – 902 W. Rose Street
- Tumac Machinery – 3037 E Melrose Street

“Toys for Tots” events:
- City Slickers Cut-a-thon on Sunday November 21 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Get a free hair cut in exchange for a new toy or cash donation. City Slickers is located at 14 West Main Street, downtown Walla Walla.

- Downtown Toy Drive – Saturday, November 27 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the corner of 1st & Main Street. Meet our local Marines, learn more about Toys for Tots and make a donation.

- Book & Game: From November 1 to December 15 Book & Game (1st & Main Street) will be giving a 20% discount for anything at the store purchased for Toys for Tots.

For more information please visit the local website www.walla-walla-wa.toysfortots.org or contact Beth Swanson at 509-301-7471 or bethswanson@charter.net

Wa-Hi JROTC cadet of the month earns on-the-spot promotion
The Walla Walla High School JROTC “Blue Devils” Cadet Battalion has selected its “Cadet of the Month” for October 2010 and rewarded his achievement with an immediate promotion.

Cadet Pvt. 1st Class Luke Hedine, 15, a freshman, was promoted to this new rank after he won the top spot with a total score of 288 points, according to the presiding official on the board.

The top cadet was selected from three candidates who were inspected and examined in oral interviews by a board of four advanced cadets, according to Lt. Col. Bill Bialozor, Senior Army Instructor for the Walla Walla High School’s Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps program.

Hedine said he joined JROTC to increase his self-discipline and bearing. He plans to attend Gonzaga University after high school. He enjoys soccer, reading, and working on his German language skills.

“His strongest competitive category was his outstanding military bearing,” said Cadet Command Sgt. Maj. Seth Thomas. “His peers did extremely well, also. It was a close and competitive board, considering all three candidates were in their first year with the JROTC program.”

Coming in as first runner up was Cadet Pvt. Michael Matthews, 17, a junior, whose strongest suit was self confidence, according to the board members. Second runner up was Cadet Pvt. Abel Saldana-Garcia Jr., 15, a freshman, who showed outstanding military knowledge.

“After the board tallied the points and the winner was clear, we held a ceremony to promote the winning cadet one grade higher, to recognize him for his hard work and personal success,” said Bialozor.

Wa-Hi JROTC cadets participate in the program to develop leadership skills and to strive to be better citizens in society. Many cadets compete on drill, marksmanship and physical training teams and get to travel and compete at meets that include Army, Air Force, Marine Corps and Navy cadet programs from the 16 schools in the Cascade Division.

Garrison Night School classes scheduled (adult Spanish classes offered too)
Registration will begin soon for Garrison Night School. This is an adult education program offered in a partnership between Walla Walla Community College and Walla Walla Public Schools. You can register at Walla Walla Community College any time during the day. On November 16-18, there will be evening registration at the college from 5 to 8 p.m. Classes begin Monday, November 29, 2010, and end Thursday, March 3, 2011.

The mission of Garrison Night School is to promote the education of Hispanic parents by connecting them to the school community, preparing them for a General Education Diploma and facilitating their enrollment in college, thus raising the educational level and standard of living of the family.

Classes are held at Garrison Middle School (906 Chase St.) in Walla Walla. Classes this year include General Education Diploma (GED) preparation and five levels of English as a Second Language (ESL). These classes are from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Basic E-Learning will be offered nightly from 5 to 6 p.m. A $25 registration fee which covers all classes taken is required for the E-Learning, GED and ESL classes. Some scholarships are available as is a free children’s program.

The extended day learning program for the children is supported through the Millennial’s program that serves Garrison Middle School students and Blue Ridge Elementary School students, a grant from the Vista Hermosa First Fruits Foundation and the Title III Federal Bilingual Program grant. Beginning Spanish for native English speakers will be taught on Monday and Wednesday evenings from 6 to 8 p.m., and Advanced Beginning Spanish for native English speakers will be taught on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6 to 8 p.m. The fee for the Spanish class is $150. Registration for these classes is at the Walla Walla School District Business office.

For additional information regarding the Garrison Night School, contact Program Coordinator Melito Ramírez at (509) 526-8638 or by e-mail at mramirez@wwps.org, or Diana Erickson at (509)526-6771 or by e-mail at derickson@wwps.org.

Information meeting scheduled for American Field Service (AFS) intercultural programs
- Tuesday, November 2
- Walla Walla High School library
- 7 to 8:30 p.m.

The local AFS chapter (American Field Service) will provide information and answer questions about how families can participate in one of the oldest, volunteer, intercultural programs for teens. AFS volunteers will be available, along with current exchange students and a recent returnee, to talk about becoming an exchange student, volunteer opportunities and hosting students. Whether you are thinking about becoming involved soon or in a year or two, now is the time to find out about timelines, applications, scholarships, hosting support and options.

Contact Holly Howard at 509.301.1859 if you are interested, but cannot attend, or if you have additional questions.

Walla Walla High School Drama department presents Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice”
The Walla Walla High School Drama Department is in high gear, preparing for their fall production. Come see the students shine in Jane Austen’s classic story, “Pride and Prejudice”, as adapted for the stage by Jon Jory.

To reserve tickets, contact the box office at 526-8613 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays and one hour prior to show times beginning November 8, and continuing through Nov. 20.

The Drama Department consistently provides great opportunities for students to gain skills both on stage and behind the scenes, while providing quality family entertainment to the entire community. If you would like information on supporting the program as a sponsor, or advertising your business in the production programs, contact Kirsten Schober at kirstenschober@gmail.com.

Show dates and times:
- November 11,12,13,18,19 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, November 20 at 2 p.m.

Cost:
- Adults: $12
- Students: $6

Location:
- Walla Walla High School Performing Arts Auditorium

Ticket box office: (509) 526-8613

Eastern Washington University President meets with Latino Club members
Dr. Rodolfo Arévalo, President of Eastern Washington University was a speaker at the Thursday, October 28 meeting of the Walla High School Latino Club meeting. At the meeting, Dr. Arévalo who grew up in a migrant farm worker family, described how his pursuit of education allowed him to make significant and “better” decisions in his life.

Born in Edinburg, Texas, Dr. Arévalo is the son of migrant workers who worked in Walla Walla and the Yakima Valley. In fact, his family lived at the Walla Walla Labor Camp for short periods of time. His eldest sister is a graduate of Walla Walla High School. He is a first-generation college graduate
.
As he addressed the 70-80 Latino Club students, he encouraged the students to seek an education beyond high school and to look at Eastern Washington State University as a great option for gaining that education. In EWU’s case, the number of Latino students at the University has doubled since 2006, which is the year Dr. Arévalo started at the University.

Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers discusses government with Walla Walla High School students
Fifth Congressional District Representative Cathy McMorris Rodgers was on the Walla Walla High School campus Friday morning to address the senior Government and Business Law students. Social Studies Teacher Bill Plucker coordinated the event with the support of Social Studies teacher Gary Peasley. Plucker sent out invititations to other elected officials but McMorris Rodgers was the only one who could visit. She says discussing politics with students helps ensure America’s democracy remains strong.

“When you think about America’s future, it’s our children that are our future,” McMorris Rodgers said. “It’s important that they understand what has made America great and why our form of government is unique. It’s important to challenge them to vote and open their eyes to the legislative process.”

Plucker says having an elected official visit the school and talk to students reinforces the learning taking place in his classroom.

“Cathy McMorris Rodger’s visit helps show the students there is a link in what we are studying to our government,” Plucker said. “This is a government by the people and for the people and we are directly represented in government. This type of visit doesn’t happen very often so we are very gracious Cathy McMorris Rodgers took time out of her busy schedule to meet with our students.”

Cathy McMorris Rodgers was elected to Congress in 2004 where she now serves in her third term representing Eastern Washington’s Fifth Congressional District.

She currently serves on the following committees:
- House Armed Services Committee
- Education and Labor Committee, where she is ranking member on the Workforce Protections Subcommittee
- Natural Resources Committee

She was chosen to be a member of the Republican Leadership team in 2009, where she is vice chair of the Conference. McMorris Rodgers is married to Brian Rodgers, a retired 26 year active-duty Navy Commander; they have one son.

Volleyball team advances to district finals - By Athletic Director Don Wilkins
Congratulations to coach Audra Cummings and the Walla Walla High School volleyball team for defeating Chiawana last night in the first round of the YVIAA District Tournament. The team now travels to Richland to compete in the district finals Saturday. The first game is at 12 noon versus the Richland Bombers.

Volleyball is joined in District/Regional competition this weekend by our Girls Swim team and our Cross Country teams. Coach Brad Daly and the swim team will be in Ellensburg at the Central Washington University pool competing today and tomorrow in the 4A District meet.

Coach Mike Locati and our Girls and Boys Cross Country teams will be in Wenatchee tomorrow competing in the Regional Meet with the Big Nine and Greater Spokane League teams. Races will be at Walla Walla Point Park in Wenatchee. The girls will race at 1:30 p.m. and the boys at 2:30 p.m.

Good luck athletes, coaches and teams. Go Blue Devils. Don Wilkins, District Athletic Director.

Classroom Close-Up features Green Park teacher
This week Green Park Elementary Teacher Lucy Gregoire 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 public service announcement radio spot featuring Gregoire is now playing on regional stations.