Garrison Middle School to dedicate new baseball backstop
Walla Walla Valley Select Baseball program fundraiser pays for project

Dedication Ceremony
- Thursday, April 14
- 3:45 p.m. (dedication ceremony prior to first pitch of the 2011 Garrison baseball season)
- Location: Garrison Middle School baseball field (906 Chase St.)

Garrison Middle School is planning a dedication ceremony Thursday, April 14 at 3:45 p.m. for its new baseball backstop. The Walla Walla Valley Select Baseball program, under the direction of fundraising chair Peggy Needham, led a successful fund-raising campaign which generated more than $9000 for the materials to replace the aging baseball backstop.

“This backstop was in desperate need of replacement,” Needham said. “Not only is the Garrison field utilized by the middle school, it is utilized by summer ball as well. It will be wonderful to have an additional field to use for summer and fall baseball programs.”

The backstop was originally installed by the Rotary Club of Walla Walla in 1958 for use as a Pony League field. The new backstop was installed by Eagle Construction of Walla Walla. Walla Walla Public Schools paid for the cost of the installation. The new backstop was moved forward to enhance competitive play and allow for additional fan seating, and improve safety by increasing the overhang to lessen the chance of cars and spectators being hit by foul balls. A sign donated by Key Technology with names of those who contributed $500 or more to the project will be placed on the backstop at the Garrison baseball field.

$500 or more donor list:
- Mike and Peggy Needham
- Tom and Sydnee Watson
- Stubblefield Trust
- Eric Kimball
- Walla Walla Babe Ruth
- Walla Walla Valley Select Baseball
- Rotary Club of Walla Walla
- Gary Carlson

Walla Walla High School Dance Team takes third at state competition
The Walla Walla High School dance team captured third place in the dance category at the 4A WIAA state Dance & Drill Championships held Saturday in the Yakima Sundome. The Blue Devil dancers finished just 1.5 points (out of a possible 500) behind second-place Eastlake.

The Wa-Hi dancers scored 447. Eastlake scored 448.5 and state champion Kentridge scored 460.5. Heritage took fourth (428) and Todd Beamer took fifth (425.5) of the 17 teams that qualified for state. Earlier in the season the Blue Devils won the Sunnyside Invitational championship.

Dance team members are Natalie Lugo, Cara Wernette, Natalie Ingersoll-Allen, Shyla McKibben, Jessica McVane, Summer Wardlaw, Alerionna Bogan, Brooke Cooffland and Teagan Coleman. Team captains are Emma Eskil and Merrit Filan. The Blue Devil dancers are coached by Abby Muro.

Pioneer Middle School students organize “Save the Aviary Tour!”
Chris Plucker’s 7th Grade Advisory Class from Pioneer Middle School and the Friends of Pioneer Park Aviary are organizing a public tour of the Aviary at Pioneer Park for donations.

This advisory class from Pioneer is organizing a self-guided tour of the Aviary where participants will go to five different stations and students will educate the public on various aspects of the Aviary: History, Endangered Birds, Why it should be saved, Other Birds, and Adopt-A-Bird Program. Participants will get a “Passport” which will be stamped at each station; they will then be given a certificate when they have completed the tour. Tickets will be pre-sold for suggested donations of $5/Student, $8/Adult, or $15/Family. Suggested donations will be $5/Student, $10/Adult, or $20/Family on the day of the event.

This event will occur at:
Pioneer Park Aviary, on Whitman St.

Saturday April 16th, 2011
from 11am-5pm.

Why are we putting this on? Most of us have been to the Aviary and have seen little kids with their parents there. We’ve watched their faces light up and smile from ear to ear when visiting the cute birds.

The public may or may not know that some of the birds at the Aviary are endangered and if it is taken away, ALL the birds will be shipped off and sold to unknown people. Right now they are safe, cared for, and appreciated by a lot of people. We need to keep it this way. These birds grew up here, just like us, and they deserve better than just practically being thrown away.

Why should we take this resource away from the younger kids of Walla Walla when we, as a community, can pull together to keep it open? We love the birds and want the rest of the community to love them too. We don’t want people to like the Aviary; we want them to love it! Only by falling in love and reconnecting with this wonderful place can we truly save it. That’s why we are holding this event, and that’s why you should come!

The public can support this event by coming and making a generous donation to the Friends of Pioneer Park Aviary. They will have representatives at the event to talk more about support. We also hope a lot of the families who attend will consider participating in the Adopt-A-Bird program.

Edison Elementary team takes first place in Elementary Math-a-thon
On Saturday, March 19, teams of local fourth and fifth graders from area schools participated in the Walla Walla Valley Elementary Mathematics Contest. After months of work with local teachers and coaches, school teams came to Edison Elementary School to takes tests in Addition/Subtraction, Multiplication/Division, Patterns/Spatial Relations, and Problem Solving.

Between the testing and the awards ceremony, students enjoyed a pizza lunch provided by WWPS. Special thanks to Whitman Math Professor and two-time Walla Walla Public Schools Art Regier Volunteer of the Year recipient Laura Schueller for coordinating the event.

Individual winners were:
1st Place: Andrew Buttice, Berney Elementary
2nd Place: Anna Moore, Berney Elementary
3rd Place: Miya Freeman, Edison Elementary

The top scoring schools were:
1st Place: Edison Elementary
2nd Place: Berney Elementary
3rd Place: Assumption School

NASA Astronaut tells high school students to dream big
Monday, NASA astronaut Dorothy “Dottie” Metcalf-Lindenburger visited Lincoln and Walla Walla High Schools to talk to students about her experiences. Metcalf-Lindenburger, a Whitman graduate and former high school teacher, flew to space on the Discovery Space Shuttle last year. She is currently studying Russian to attempt to make a return to the International Space Station on a Russian spacecraft.

Metcalf-Lindenburger challenged students to work hard and think big when it comes to their future. She said career opportunities in fields related to math and science continue to expand. She said she enjoys working with students and loves the energy they bring to our world. Special thanks to the American Association of University Women for bringing Metcalf-Lindenburger to our community. Last Saturday she was the keynote speaker for the Great Explorations adventure in science, technology, engineering and math for girls in grades 5 through 8.

Dorn’s Math Bill Passes Senate, Sent to Governor - By OSPI
OLYMPIA — State Superintendent Randy Dorn’s proposed math legislation (House Bill 1412) was unanimously passed 47-0 by the state Senate on Tuesday. Having already passed the state House, the bill will be sent to Gov. Chris Gregoire, who has five days – not including Sunday – to sign it into law from when she receives it.

Dorn’s legislation amends the current math assessment graduation requirement to allow students in the classes of 2013 and 2014 to pass one end-of-course (EOC) math exam instead of two. That will allow the assessment system to be better aligned in the transition from the High School Proficiency Exam (a single, comprehensive math exam) to two end-of-course exams (algebra 1 and geometry).

“I’ve said for more than a year how unfair this math graduation requirement was to students in these two classes,” State Superintendent Randy Dorn. “It’s extremely gratifying that legislators took the time to understand this issue and have passed the bill to the governor.”

Most 10th grade students this year are taking geometry, and will take the geometry end-of-course state exam in late May/early June. However, under current law, they would also be required to take an algebra 1 exam a year after taking the course. If the bill is signed by the governor, the requirement to take a second end-of-course exam will no longer be needed for students in the classes of 2013 and 2014.

Current 8th graders (class of 2015) will be the first to be required to pass two state end-of-course exams. Most of those students will take algebra 1 in 9th grade, meaning they take the end-of-course exam in the same year they took the course.
“This whole issue for me has been about fairness,” Dorn said. “End-of-course should mean end-of-course. This is a big win for students that we all worked together and found the right solution.”

Students in the classes of 2011 and 2012 (current 11th and 12th graders) are not affected by this legislation. Those students can still pass one state math exam or earn two credits of math after 10th grade to meet the math graduation requirement. In the coming days, the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction will issue amended math end-of-course policies and recommendations to school districts on the assumption House Bill 1412 is signed into law.

American Association of University Women scholarship opportunity
The American Association of University Women is accepting applications for AAUW scholarships. The program provides assistance to women who have completed at least one year of college and want to finish their undergraduate or post graduate education. To qualify, there must be a break of at least one year at some time during the college education process.

Past academic performance, demonstrated community commitment and financial need of the applicant will be considered in making the awards. Applicants must be residents of Walla Walla, Columbia or Umatilla counties. Applications are available online at www.aauw-wallawalla.org or from Alicia Quackenbush at 509 240-4116 or rquackenbush@charter.net. The applications are due April 22, 2011 and should be sent to Alicia Quackenbush, AAUW Scholarship Chair; 649 Hill Rd; Walla Walla, WA 99362. Scholarship recipients will be honored at AAUW’s annual banquet in mid-May.

Relay of Hope Walk-a-thon supports the prevention of child abuse
Children’s Home Society of Walla Walla and the WalMart Associate Volunteer Program are planning Relay for Hope: Walk Away Child Abuse on May 6-7 at Borleske Stadium in Walla Walla. The event kicks off Friday, May 6 at 5 p.m. and concludes Saturday, May 7 at 5 p.m.

The event features a walk-a-thon, Family Fun Night, and children’s Olympics. There will also be family education booths and information on family services. Cost: is $10 for individuals and $20 for the entire family. All participants receive a t-shirt and water bottle. All proceeds support the Walla Walla HomeTeam Parent Aide Program which mentors parents to build healthy families.

“We encourage you to join us in supporting the prevention of child abuse by participating in the Relay for Hope event this year,” HomeTeam Coordinator Stephanie Biegel. “We are excited to offer this fun and educational event to our community for a second year”.

To become a corporate sponsor, form a team, receive a walk-a-thon pledge form or need additional information, contact Biegel at (509) 529-2130 or by email: stephanieb@chs-wa.org

District partners with Whitman College for Community Violence Prevention Conference
Wednesday Walla Walla Public Schools participated in Whitman College’s 2011 Community Violence Prevention Conference. A team of educators from Walla Walla Public Schools, Walla Walla Community College, Walla Walla Catholic Schools, Adventist Schools, Walla Walla University and Whitman College received an overview on the Green Dot. etc. program.

The Walla Walla Public Schools Leadership Team will now discuss next steps and possible plans for implementation. For more, visit: http://www.livethegreendot.com/

Communications Director Mark Higgins and Risk Management Specialist Mark Thompson presented to a group 25 community members on the district’s Safe and Civil schools program and the district’s efforts to curb bullying. Superintendent Mick Miller met with representatives of the Gates Foundation about programs in Walla Walla serving families and students.

Mr. Wa-Hi Pageant focuses on leadership and character
- Mr. Wa-Hi Pageant
- April 21
- 7 p.m.
- $5 (open to the public and tickets sold at the door)
- Walla Walla High School Auditorium (800 Abbott Road)

The Mr. Wa-Hi Pageant is a senior male student competition showcasing the contestants talents, involvement in school and character. This is a senior class fund-raiser to help buy the senior gift for the high school.

Social Services Clearinghouse added to district web page
A Social Services Clearinghouse form designed to inform people about where to go for help in our region has been added to the district website: www.wwps.org. A Spanish version is coming soon.

Web Locations:
- A to Z = S: Social Services Clearinghouse
- Parent Resources area
- Staff Resources area
- Links area

Walla Walla High School 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 March 2011 and rewarded his achievement with an immediate promotion. Cadet Cpl. Abel Garcia, a 15-year-old freshman, was promoted to this new rank after he won the top spot with a total score of 358 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.

Garcia said that he joined JROTC because he wants to become a better leader and learn life long skills. He plans to join the Army after high school. He enjoys airsoft games, hanging out with friends, and video games.

“His strongest competitive category was his outstanding military bearing,” said Cadet Command Sgt. Maj. Seth Thomas.

First runner up was Cadet Pvt. 1st Class Joshua Lancaster, a 15-year-old freshman, whose strongest suit was his uniform. Second runner up was Cadet Pvt. 1st Class Kristen Chavre, a 15-year-old freshman, whose best subject was general military knowledge.

“After the board tallied the points and the winner was clear, we held a ceremony to promote the winning cadet one rank 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 as members of drill, marksmanship, and physical training teams, as well as attend the class. These cadets get to travel to and compete in drill meets at 16 other schools in the Cascade Division that include Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps cadet programs.

Lincoln High School drama students present Hip Hop Anansi
Lincoln Alternative High School’s Play Production Company will be performing Hip Hop Anansi at the Walla Walla Community College’s China Pavilion on April 2 at 7 p.m. and April 3 at 2 p.m. Donations are accepted. KIDS 10 AND UNDER FREE. Hip Hop Anansi is directed by Jessica Barkl (director of the last few summer musicals) and Riki Wauchek (drama teacher) with choreography by Gabriela Salazar (TRIO).

The Lincoln Play Production Company is also performing productions of Hip Hop Anansi at Walla Walla elementary schools. Email Riki Wauchek at ewauchek@wwps.org to book a performance.

Hip Hop Anansi is the story of Anansi and his trickster family put into a sleek, urban hip hop context in this modern adaptation of an Ashanti folktale. Anansi wants the Golden Fly Pie Award for Tricksterism and is not above outwitting his own children to win it. But his rhyming, break dancing, graffiti-ing children are ready to claim the prize in their own right. Who’s fly? Who deserves the pie?

Walla Walla High School and Gesa Credit Union team up for blood drive -- April 15
Crest Club members at Walla Walla High School are joining forces with GESA Credit Union to co-sponsor an American Red Cross Blood Drive on Friday, April 15, 2011, from 12 noon until 5 p.m. at GESA Credit Union, 1603 Penny Lane in Walla Walla.

Crest Club and GESA Credit Union are working together to communicate with the Walla Walla Community about the importance of donating blood. Approximately 60% of the U.S. population is eligible to give blood — only 5% do in a given year. Every two seconds someone in America gets a blood transfusion. Each unit of blood saves three people’s lives. Members of the community are encouraged to make an appointment for the April 15th Blood Drive by calling Jessica Crudup at 524-4782 or visiting the Red Cross website www.redcrossblood.org, enter code GCUwalla.

“We are excited to work with GESA Credit Union and the Red Cross. This is a great opportunity for our students and club members to help organize an event that impacts people’s lives,” said Michelle Higgins, Crest Club advisor and Social Studies Teacher at Walla Walla High School.

Sheriff Turner pledges to support school emergency planning
New Sheriff John Turner and members of his senior leadership team held a quarterly Sheriff’s Round Table community discussion Thursday night at the Walla Walla High School Commons. Turner provided a progress report to the group based on his first 90 days on the job. He said the department now has 24 hour coverage across the county, is working to enhance gang prevention and enforcement and is open to feedback from the public on department operations.

Turner also said he wants to partner with Walla Walla Public Schools to improve emergency planning and training for evacuation, lockdown and shelter-in-place. He would also like to establish a foundation to fund a working police dog to support law enforcement and drug-related operations.

Sheriff’s Roundtable Schedule:
- Thursday, June 30
- Thursday, Sept. 29
- Thursday, Dec. 15

* Meetings at the Walla Walla High School Commons
* Meetings times: 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
* Meetings are open to the public
* Contact Coordinator Debbie Zalaznic at (509) 526-5689

Ice Harbor Dam ‘open house’ set for April 2 - By U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Don’t miss your chance to get an inside look at Ice Harbor Lock and Dam during an open house event set for 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 2. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers park rangers and operations staff invite the public to join them to learn more about the many benefits that Ice Harbor Dam provides to the region. Self-guided tours include an up-close look at a hydroelectric generator inside the powerhouse, the navigation lock, fish-viewing room, fish ladders, removable spillway weir and a new wildlife display. Rangers and staff will be present to give detailed information at each location. Visitors will have the opportunity to meet Bobber, the Water Safety Dog.

Rangers will be available to answer questions about camping, picnicking, boating or other recreation opportunities offered
by the Corps’ Walla Walla District. Visitors can choose what they want to see and do during the open house. Shuttles will be available to assist visitors with disabilities travel to the top of the dam.

Visitors should be sure to wear closed-toe, sturdy shoes while touring the dam. Free parking is available at the front of the dam. Visitors 18 years and older will need photo identification to enter the dam. Visitors will not be allowed to bring in purses, bags, cameras, cell phones, briefcases and similar items into secure areas of the dam. These items cannot be checked in with the security guards and should be left in visitors’ vehicles. Visitor center access at the dam is subject to change without notice. For more information about this event or other recreation opportunities at Ice Harbor Dam, call (509) 547-2048.

YMCA Spring Break day camp helps keep youth active when school is out
Day Camp over Spring Break is the perfect way to keep kids occupied and active during their week off from school.
- Dates: April 4 to 8
- Time: 7:45 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Instructor: Ruby Mitchell
- Age Groups: Elementary grades
- Cost: $140 (Cost for members: $120)

Each day the Day Camp staff will lead campers in:
- group games (arts and crafts)
- sports activities
- field trips to local educational landmarks

All of the resources and activities at the Y will be incorporated as well, including:
- swimming
- archery
- basketball

Smithsonian Exhibit Continues through April 30 at the Kirkman House Museum
Only one month remains to visit Journey Stories, the Smithsonian Institution Museum on Main Street exhibit at the Kirkman House Museum, 214 N. Colville. The exhibit highlights how the different transportation technologies from the 17th century through to today, and the mobile nature of humans, led to the development of our nation.

While many immigrants traveled to America looking for a better life, others, like enslaved Africans, were captured and relocated against their will. Still, they brought their culture with them and kept it alive through many difficulties. On the other hand, Native Americans were already in residence in America, but were pushed aside by newcomers and relocated on journeys not of their choosing.

In examining the intersection between modes of travel and the human desire to feel free to move, “Journey Stories” offers a diverse yet focused look at immigration, migration, innovation and freedom.
The exhibit uses images, audio and artifacts to illustrate the critical roles that travel and movement have played in building the current diverse American Society.

The Kirkman House Museum is open Wednesdays through Saturdays from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM and Sundays from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Visit the museum’s website at www.kirkmanhousemuseum.org or call 509-529-4373 for more information about this and other museum programs and events.

For more information contact: Kirsten Schober, Director, Kirkman House Museum, khm@kirkmanhousemuseum.org