Walla Walla Public Schools names Volunteers of the Year
Tuesday night Walla Walla Public Schools Superintendent Mick Miller announced Jennifer Northam, Marla Carmody, Jeneen Webb, Abel Hernandez, Bill Erickson, Patrick Carman, Stephanie Kytola and Melissa Gardner as this year’s recipients of the Art Regier Volunteer of the Year award.

Marla Carmody (Nominators: Carolyn Smith, Teresa Adams, Nicole Redman)
Volunteer Highlights: Marla Carmody provides support to Sharpstein Elementary first grade teacher Carolyn Smith. She helps her prepare materials for the students, design creative bulletin boards and assist with special projects. By teaching enrichment classes to students in need of extra support in reading, math and writing, she provides another layer of intervention to help them achieve success. Marla’s time and talents have had an amazing impact on the staff and students at Sharptein.

Jeneen Webb (Nominator: Kim Doepker)
Volunteer Highlights: Jeneen Webb’s fundraising talents helped Blue Ridge Elementary School raise nearly $5000 for the school. Her hand painted mural of an eagle on the wall at Blue Ridge demonstrates to students how art can inspire everyone to soar. She is often found in the “Eagles Nest” supporting learning at Blue Ridge. Her talents, enthusiasm and determination are truly positive for the school district.

Abel Hernandez (Nominator: Kim Doepker)
Volunteer Highlights:
Abel Hernandez coordinates and organizes the Blue Ridge Elementary morning activities. His energy and passion helps students witness the importance of exercise and learning. This program has opened the doors to the YMCA to students who would not have the means to participate. Abel’s generosity has allowed Blue Ridge students to experience Karate and Zumba for the first-time. His volunteer service to the school district has had a positive impact.

Bill Erickson (Nominators: Walla Walla High School Latino Club, Armida Contreras, Refugio Reyes)
Volunteer Highlights: Bill Erickson’s support of the Walla Walla High School Latino Club has helped students have an organized presence in the community. His support of positive activities like the Science Bowl, Hispanic Youth Engineering Camp and the Cascade Challenge expose our students to new opportunities and experiences. Bill is often seen at school activities and programs to show his support of Walla Walla High School students. His volunteer service is truly a gift to our school district.

Patrick Carman (Nominators: Elizabeth George and Beth Swanson)
Volunteer Highlights: Pat Carman’s vision to create Walla Walla Kids Read has helped the school district promote the importance of reading and the magic a book can bring to life. Students also have the opportunity to visit a college campus as a result of his generosity and forward thinking. Walla Walla Kids Read unites our diverse student population around books. Thank you to Patrick Carman for support of Walla Walla Public Schools and the community.

Stephanie Kytola (Nominators: Laura Grant, Lisa Davis, Annette Matlock and Stacy Morrison)
Volunteer Highlights: As the coordinator for the Berney Elementary School “Mile Club”, Stephanie Kytola helps students and staff see the key role exercise plays in learning. Her support of the Math Team has been vital to the school’s success. Walla Walla Public Schools appreciates Stephanie’s assistance with the vision and hearing screening program and with the school’s flu clinic. Her active and consistent support is making a difference for the school district.

Melissa Gardner (Nominators: Jackie Scholl, Grace Ogoshi and Chris Gardea)
Volunteer Highlights: Melissa Gardner’s long-standing support at Prospect Point Elementary, Garrison Middle School and Walla Walla High School has been a tremendous gift to the school district. As a PTA officer for many years, she has provided vital leadership and strength to these organizations. From book fairs and carnivals to conferences and open house activities, Melissa has been involved at every level. Her consistent classroom support also connects students to a safe adult role model to help guide their learning.

Jennifer Northam (Nominators: Joshua Wolcott and Lucia Mumm)
Volunteer Highlights: Jennifer Northam’s service to the Edison Elementary PTA is a tremendous gift to the school and district. She also makes time to support classroom activities and special events. Jennifer’s leadership on the most recent Maintenance and Operations Levy helped the district secure vital funding for Walla Walla youth. Your time, talents and gifts make our school district a better organization.

Personnel Report from April 19, 2001 school board meeting
Employment
(Certificated) Nichole Riggs, Music, Garrison Middle School
(Classified) Becky Jo Curtis, Intervention Specialist, Berney

Resignation/Retirement
(Certificated) Jennifer Kontos, Special Education, Sp. Ed Dept., 2 years
Diana St. Hilaire, Language Arts/Social Studies, Pioneer, 33 years

(Classified) Jerald Munden, Assistant Custodian, Pioneer, 19 years
Cathy Spanish, Para-Educator, Prospect Pt., 22 years
Cheryl Zuver, Kitchen Manager, Wa-Hi, 34 years

Leave of Absence
(Certificated) Daisy Amrizadeh, Kindergarten, Blue Ridge, 1 year
(Daisy will be on leave for the 2011-12 school year)
Kyle Hurst, Science, Pioneer, 6 years
(Kyle will be on leave for the 2011-2012 school year)

Staff Transfer
Jill Meliah will transfer from Garrison Middle School to Walla Walla High School for the 2011-2012 school year. She will be an English teacher at Walla Walla High School.

Piver elected new Walla Walla Valley Education Association president
Congratulations to Walla Walla High School Special Education Teacher Margo Piver for being elected President of the Walla Walla Valley Education Association. Piver succeeds Richelle Palmer and will serve a two year term. Lincoln High School Business Education teacher Lori Finn will continue serving as the association’s Vice President and Edison Elementary 2nd Grade Teacher Kay Barga remains the WWVEA Secretary/Treasurer.

“I am honored to have been chosen to serve the teachers of the Walla Walla Valley,” Piver said. “In these difficult economic and political times it is even more important for school districts and teachers to work together to find creative ways to maintain high levels of programming for children. It is difficult to be in education right now and we are lucky to have such a supportive community that recognizes our teacher’s efforts on behalf of kids.”

Walla Walla High School Drama Presents: Fiddler on the Roof
Show Dates: May 5, 6, 7, 12, and 13 at 7:00 pm along with two matinees at 2:00 pm on May 7 & 14

This May the Walla Walla High School’s Performing Arts Auditorium will be transformed into a small village in Russia as the Wa-Hi Drama department presents “Fiddler on the Roof.” Theater goers will be immersed in the family life of Anatevka, Tevye, a poor dairyman, as he tries to instill in his five daughters the traditions of his tight-knit Jewish community in the face of changing social mores and the growing anti-Semitism of Czarist Russia.

Rich in historical and ethnic detail, “Fiddler On The Roof” has touched audiences around the world with its humor, warmth and honesty. It’s universal theme of tradition cuts across barriers of race, class, nationality and religion, leaving audiences crying tears of laughter, joy and sadness.

Dates: May 5, 6, 7, 12, and 13 at 7:00 pm along with two matinees at 2:00 pm on May 7 & 14.
Cost: Adults $12 / Students and children $ 6
Ticket Purchases/Information: The box office in the lobby of the auditorium will open April 25 - 29, May 2 - 6 and
May 9 - 13 at 3:30 to 6 p.m. and one hour before performances on Saturdays.

For tickets please call box office at (509) 526-8613 or contact Denise Marr at denise.marr@wwcc.edu

Community members visit Wa-Hi and Lincoln as part of Superintendent’s Patron Tour
Thursday community members participated in the Superintendent’s Patron Tour program. Patron Tour guests had time to meet with Superintendent Mick Miller, tour Walla Walla High School and Lincoln High School and then provide the district feedback.

April 21 Patron Tour guests:
Alison Kirby
Meagan Anderson-Pira
Lenel Parish
Kelly Hartley
Cheryl Heller
Lounny Boualapha
Lenore Barkan
Jason Wicklund
Michelle Aguilar
Paul Aguilar
Jodi Wagner
Ben Case
Randy Stober
Zedell Jackson
Varga Fox
Allyn Griffin
Keith Crain

Strategic plan survey available online
The district continues its work with Susan Newton of Strategic Development Plus to create a new strategic plan for Walla Walla Public Schools. Please visit the district web site and take the survey to help the district with its strategic planning process. This input will help define the district’s priorities and set a vision for the coming years.

Please talk to other parents, students and community members and encourage them provide the district feedback as well. The survey only takes a minute. This is a great opportunity to have a voice in the district’s future. Thanks again for all your support and help in making Walla Walla Public Schools one of the state’s premiere school districts. Strategic Plan Web Page: http://www.wwps.org/leadership/strategic_plan.htm

Walla Walla Public Schools staff receive ESD 123 “Shoot for the Moon” awards for excellence
Educational Service District 123 recently announced four Walla Walla Public Schools employees received “Shoot for the Moon” honorable mention awards for demonstrating innovation and excellence in leveraging WESPaC towards the achievement of school district goals.

The award is significant in that the recipient is considered to be the “best” in developing creative approaches and demonstrating consistently high performance that ultimately benefits district operations and/or student achievement.

2011 “Shoot for the Moon” Recipients
Kim Doepker: Principal, Blue Ridge Elementary
Nominators: Meg Cochran, Tina Brennan, Janifer Sams, and Tina Holbrook

“In her two years with us at Blue Ridge, she has indeed embraced the passion for Blue Ridge students and their families. She expects our staff to be innovative in our efforts towards meeting the standards and expectations set by our district and state —no excuses.” Tina Holbrook

“Kim knows there are no shortcuts and no silver bullets. Conquering the challenges that face our students requires belief, passion and inspired leadership.” Tina Brennan

“Kim has a unique way of leading that inspires you to continually reflect upon your connections with your students as well as the planning, preparation, delivery and then analysis of your teaching. Student data absolutely drives instruction at Blue Ridge Elementary School. From the first day of her leadership, this work ethic challenge was made clear. This philosophy is understood and embraced by all who teach here. Kim has created an environment of high expectations not only for students, but for staff as well.” Janifer Sams

Heidy Wiese: WESPaC Coordinator
Nominators: Linda Boggs, Judy O’Brien

“Heidy is one of my main role models within our district. She stays calm, confident, and listens well to whatever situation I may present to her or whatever request I make. She took the time to train me to submit the special education count through the EDS website this fall, and whenever I have problems with the submission process, she takes the time to help me figure it out. In a word, I think Heidy is AWESOME.” Judy O’Brien

Britt Adkins: Registrar, Pioneer Middle School
Nominator: Yvon Barber
“Britt Adkins is a pioneer when it comes to using Skyward to its highest potential. She jumped in with both feet, explored, went to in-services, and now has embraced the web-based applications and even set up a workshop for district staff to help them understand the intricacies of the upcoming changes. It’s a pleasure to watch her embrace the challenge of change with a positive attitude and a willingness to share with others. “ Yvon Barber

Nancy Taylor: Payroll Officer
Nominator: Pat Johnston
“Nancy is a member of our business office team, all of whom are dedicated and take their responsibilities seriously, but Nancy is truly the driving force of our office regarding WESPaC. She goes above and beyond in all situations.” Pat Johnston

Learn more about the “Shoot for the Moon” award at: http://www.waswug2011.org/pages/awards

AVID Club announces staff versus students charity soccer match and student kicking fundraising competition
Spring has arrived and soccer is in the air. Walla Walla High School’s AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) Club is eagerly planning two major soccer events in May: Soccer Week’s Kick Like a Pro competition foreshadowing AVID Club’s highlight event the student versus staff Blue Devil College Cup soccer match.

Kick Like a Pro Competition
- May 2-4
- Soccer ball kicking student competition
- Walla Walla High School
During Soccer Week, May 2nd-4th, Kick Like a Pro competition will allow students to demonstrate their true soccer abilities. Students pay $1 per kick to see how fast they can kick a soccer ball; the speed being monitored by the Walla Walla County Sheriff Department’s radar unit. Fastest kicking times will be posted daily, with the top five fastest kickers as finalists. The five finalists will compete at half time of the Blue Devil College Cup game for first place. AVID Club is pleased to partner with the Walla Walla Sheriff’s Department for the fun half-time competition.

Blue Devil College Cup (Staff vs. Students Soccer Match)
- Friday, May 20
- 6 p.m.
- Free
- Walla Walla High School Soccer Field (800 Abbott Road)

Proceeds for the Blue Devil College Cup will go toward a new Walla Walla High School Scholarship. Donations will be accepted at the match. Pitting Wa-Hi staff against Wa-Hi students in a soccer match for the first time in Wa-Hi history, the College Cup, not only provides a new annual scholarship for future Wa-Hi students, but also provides a unique and fun opportunity for Wa-Hi staff and students to partner together in an entertaining experience that everyone will enjoy.

AVID CLUB
AVID Club promotes a college-going culture at Wa-Hi so that every student is ready for college or a career. As part of that goal, AVID Club sees the community as a tremendous resource to partner with. The first week in April, the club is planning a donation drive to garner community support from local businesses. AVID Club’s goal to promote college awareness throughout Wa-Hi and the greater Walla Walla community could not be achieved without partnership with local businesses and community members to provide support for our Wa-Hi students. This is why AVID Club chose to create an annual scholarship available to any Wa-Hi student!

For more information about Blue Devil College Cup or Kick Like a Pro contact Sue Weber at 526-8353 or email sweber@wwps.org.

Balloon Stampede School Launches
- Friday, May 13
- 6:30 a.m.
School Locations:
Pioneer Middle School
Garrison Middle School
Prospect Point Elementary
Lincoln High School
Blue Ridge Elementary
Sharpstein Elementary
Edison Elementary
Walla Walla High School
Berney Elementary

Walla Walla High School senior José Beleche to attend Whitman College on full-ride scholarship
Walla Walla High School senior José Beleche received news that he has been accepted to attend Whitman College this fall. Included in the offer to attend Whitman, the college will provide a $50,000 per year academic financial package to cover the cost of attending the four year institution. Jose is the son of Irma Durán of Walla Walla.

As a student at Walla Walla High School, José has been very active in a variety of activities during his high school years both in school and in his community. José has been active in Hispanic Youth Exploring Engineering Camp at Washington State University, Walla Walla High School Latino Club, Exploring Post 311, National Honor Society, Link Crew, Education Talent Search (ETS), Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID), Math Club, WA-HI Varsity Soccer, Math Lab Tutor, and Bonneville Power Science Bowl 2010 and 2011. Jose was the captain of his BPA science bowl team, WA-HI “Student of the Month” November 2008, and has served as the President of AVID Club.

Math and science are of special interest to José. He has an educational goal of becoming an electrical engineer. José also plans on playing soccer at Whitman College for his current coach Mike Washington, who is also the Whitman coach during the college’s fall sports season. Last season as a WA-HI player, Jose was selected to the CBBA Honorable mention All Conference Soccer Team.

“José understands the value of his education and throughout his high school career has worked hard for the opportunity to continue his education,” states Max Weber, Education Talent Search Advisor at Walla Walla High School. “In fact, he will be the first person to attend college in his immediate and extended family.” “I have really been overwhelmed with the immense difficulties he has dealt with in his life and what he has overcome to make him the young man he is.” Max is a recent Graduate from Whitman College who played for Coach Washington while attending the college.

As a member of the Walla Walla High School Latino Club, José contributed over 125 hours of community service during the 2008-2009 school year. For his efforts, he received the “Bronze Award” – President’s Volunteer Service Award for providing sustained community service during that time period. The award is given by the President of the United States to groups and individuals who have demonstrated a sustained commitment of volunteer service over a 12 month period.

In the spring of 2010, José received the “Learning for Life Leadership Award.” The Learning for Life Leadership Award is a distinguished award for high school participants who have provided exceptional leadership in Exploring or Learning for Life programs.

“José has been an extraordinary student and has taken advantage of many of the programs available to students in our school district,” stated Diana Erickson Bilingual Coordinator of the Walla Walla School District. “José’s example and positive image as a student, athlete, leader, and the support of Coach Washington and Max Weber, make him a great fit for Whitman College.”

Staff Grants available - Deadlines approaching!
• Staff Achievment Grants (five release days, $1500!)

• Gillespie Golden Onion (New this year - $500!)
http://www.wwps.org/atoz/gillespie_golden_onion_award.htm

FFA plans Farm Day Saturday, April 30
Date: Saturday April 30
- 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Come see the farm animals at Walla Walla High School Saturday April 30 from 10 am to 1 pm. Donations to the Blue Mountain Humane Society are welcome. Items needed at the shelter include: Bleach and laundry detergent, cat and dog food, kitty litter, Blankets, dog leashes, 33 gallon garbage bags, dog and cat toys.

Bermudez receives Gates Millennium Scholarship to attend Gonzaga University
Walla Walla High School senior Janella Bermudez was selected as a Gates Millennium Scholar to attenda Gonzaga University this fall.. The Gates Millennium Scholars Program, established in 1999, is funded by a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to provide 1000 scholarships each year.

As a Gates Millennium Scholar, Bermudez will receive a good-through-graduation scholarship to use at any college or university.
Applications are assessed on three main areas: academic achievement, community service, and leadership potential.

The Gates Millennium Scholarship Award Provides: Support for the cost of education by covering unmet need and self-help aid; Renewable awards for Gates Millennium Scholars maintaining satisfactory academic progress; Graduate school funding for continuing Gates Millennium Scholars in the areas of computer science, education, engineering, library science, mathematics, public health or science; Leadership development programs with distinctive personal, academic and professional growth opportunities.

“This wonderful accomplishment and also a thanks needs to go out to all of the individuals and programs who assisted her along this path,” Max Weber, Assistant Director & Advisor TRiO-Educational Talent Search. “This is a great achievement for not just Janella, but for the pre-college programs here at Wa-Hi, the teachers who influenced and guided Janella, and for the entire Wa-Hi community.”

Altrusa and Chamber of Commerce plan for elementary Spelling Bee - Registration deadline April 27!
Altrusa and the Walla Walla Valley Chamber of Commerce are taking registrations for the upcoming Elementary Spelling Bee on May 14, at the Balloon Stampede. Registration forms are available on the district web site. The deadline for applications is Wednesday, April 27. Registration for the Spelling Bee will be limited to the first 100 entry applications received.

The Bee is for 3rd, 4th & 5th graders whose principal residence is in the Walla Walla Valley.

Spelling Bee Information:
Linda Thorson, Altrusa of Walla Walla
- 527-4300 (w)
- 522-0812 (h)
- 540-0203 (cell)

Spring sports student-athletes earn state academic achievement awards
Walla Walla High School Spring sports athletic teams were recently honored by the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association for academic achievement. Seventeen of the school’s 20 teams participating in spring sports received academic achievement awards. This spring more than 450 student-athletes are participating in spring sports.

“Congratulations to the student-athletes and their coaches for a job well done,” District Athletic Director Don Wilkins said. “Thank you to the coaching staffs for the emphasis you place on academic success and thanks to all the teachers and staff who support these student-athletes each day. Go Big Blue—keep up the great work on the field and in the classroom.”

The Outstanding Team award (for team GPA of 3.5 or better) was earned by:
- Girls Track: Varsity 3.552 (Coach Eric Hisaw and staff)
- Girls Tennis: JV 3.605 (Coach Arthur Curry)
- Girls Tennis: Varsity (3.658 Coach Keven Peck)
- Boys Tennis: Varsity 3.513 (Coach Ted Cummings)
- Baseball: Frosh 3.608 (Coaches Ryan Van Dyke and Justin James)

The Distinguished Team award( for team GPA of 3.0-3.49) was earned by:
- Girls Golf: Varsity 3.276 (Coach Mike Patterson)
- Boys Track: JV 3.176 (Coach Eric Hisaw and staff)
- Boys Track: Varsity 3.225 (Coach Eric Hisaw and staff)
- Girls Track: JV 3.108 (Coach Eric Hisaw and staff)
- Boys Golf: JV 3.312 (Coach Jim Smith)
- Boys Golf: Varsity 3.325 Coach Jim Smith
- Boys Tennis: JV 3.438 (Coach Gayle See)
- Softball: Frosh 3.003 (Coaches Marnie Johnson and Kate Keyes)
- Softball: JV 3.167 (Coach Gina Eggers)
- Softball: Varsity 3.418 (Coaches Jerry Humphreys and Arch McHie)
- Baseball: JV 3.109 (Coach Jason Parsons)
- Baseball: Varsity 3.192 (Coaches Keith Gradwohl and Scott Tibbling)

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,” said 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

City Crime Prevention program plans graffiti clean up day
- Saturday, April 30

To get involved, contact:
Vicki Ruley, Crime Prevention Coordinator
Walla Walla Police Department
15 N 3rd
Walla Walla WA 99362
509-524-4409

Applications now accepted for Whitman Institute for Summer Enrichment (WISE)
Whitman College is recruiting students who are currently in 7th or 8th grade to apply to the WISE program. The dates for the 2011 program are August 7-9. Applications are due May 20.

WISE is an all-expenses paid program that aims to introduce local middle school students to college life in order to generate excitement for pursuing a college education. Studies show that pre-college counseling and intervention have a proportionally higher impact on students who are low-income or whose families are not college educated, and students from those groups will be given priority in selection for the WISE program.

The students participating in the program are on campus for three days and stay in a college dorm for two nights. They attend classes taught by Whitman professors and college prep workshops. In addition there are many opportunities to interact with current Whitman students who act as Resident Assistants and mentors and lead various activities such as art projects and college panels. There will be recreational activities and social time as well. The program also includes a workshop for parents, providing guidance for financial aid, academic choices at the high school level and addressing other concerns about preparing for college.

If you know students who would benefit from this opportunity, please encourage them to apply. One of the required forms is a recommendation from a teacher or a counselor. Applications may be picked up from the student’s middle school counselor or by contacting Sonja Aikens.

WISE Program Contact:
Sonja Aikens, Whitman College
345 Boyer Avenue
Walla Walla, WA 99362
aikenssl@whitman.edu
509.527.5596