Walla Walla Public Schools
Week in Review - May 13, 2011

In this Issue:

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School board meeting Tuesday, May 17
- 6:30 p.m.
- District Office Board Room (364 S. Park St.)
- Meeting open to the public

Walla Walla High School Spring Sports post season competition schedule

Baseball
- Walla Walla vs. Richland
- Time: Noon
- Site: LaPierre Field (Kennewick)
- Date: May 14, 2011

Softball
- Walla Walla vs. Wenatchee
- Time: 12 Noon
- Site: Richland High School
- Date: May, 14, 2011
- **Walla Walla will play again at 2 p.m. for sure and possibly at 4 p.m.

Golf
- Time: 10 a.m.
- Girls: Wenatchee (Three Lakes Golf Course)
- 5 Girls participating
- Date: May 16, 2011

- Time: 7:30 a.m.
- Boys: Moses Lake (Moses Lake CC and Moses Point Golf Club)
- 6 Boys participating
- Date: May 16, 2011

Tennis
- Time: 9:30 a.m.
- 12 Girls participating
- 12 Boys participating
- Date: May 14 @ 9:30 AM & May 16
- Site: Yakima (Kiessel Park, Franklin MS and Davis HS)

Track
- Time: 3:30 p.m.
- 35 Girls participating
- 35 Boys participating
- Date: May 13, 2011
- Site: Yakima (Zaephael Stadium – Eisenhower HS)

Soccer: Season is over


Big Nine 4A Baseball All League selections
Tennis
1st Team: Cameron Davis
Honorable Mention: Jack Crouter & Kevin Leier
Girls Coach of the Year: Keven Peck

Softball
2nd base: Libbie Jimenez - 2nd team
3rd base: Ashley Bezdicek - Honorable Mention
SS: Andrea Hamada - 2nd Team
OF: TraeAnn Payne - 1st Team
OF: Mariah Gerling - Honorable Mention
Pitcher: Alyson Ambler - First Team
Pitcher: Hope Klicker - 2nd Team
MVP: Alyson Ambler
Defensive Player of the Year - Andrea Hamada

Boys Soccer
GK: Andrew Glaeser - Honorable Mention
DEF: Adrian Tello - Honorable Mention
DEF: Jose Saldana - Honorable Mention
DEF: Marco Lopez - Honorable Mention
MF: Salvador Esquivel - Honorable Mention
MF: Sean Williams - Honorable Mention
FW: Richardo Saldana - Honorable Mention

Baseball
- Pitcher of the Year: Drew Christina (WW)(SR), 9-0 with a 1.71 ERA and 70 K’s in 49 innings.
- Player of the Year: Kevin Toon (WW)(SR), .552 avg., .617 on base % and a 19 game hitting streak.
- Co-Coaches of the Year: Keith Gradwohl (WW), Quintz Whitaker (ML)
- First Base: 1st team - Jake Campeau (WW)(SR), .383 avg., 3 HR’s and 17 RBI
- Second Base: H.M. - Michael Pontarolo (WW)(SR), .364 avg.
- Third Base: 1st team - Jake Jimenez (WW)(SR), .369 avg., 20 runs scored
- Outfield: 1st team - Matt Watson (WW)(SR), .407 avg., 5 HR’s, 36 RBI’s.
- Catcher: 2nd team - Conner Holbrook (WW)(SR), .395 avg., defensive specialist
- Pitcher: 1st team - Jake Campeau (WW)(SR), 3-3, 45 K’s in 39 innings. HM - Matt Watson (WW)(SR), 3-1, 39 K’s in 39 innings.

Track & Field: Results to come after this weekend



Campbell Soup Label collection brings new televisions to Sharpstein

Sharpstein Elementary recently installed two flat screen television in the lobby to help communicate with parents, staff and students. The televisions were purchased as a result of the Campbell Soup Label collection program at Sharpstein. The school banked 62,600 labels to redeem the flat screen televisions. These TV’s are going to act as information boards for Sharpstein news and events. One will feature messages in English and the other will be in Spanish.

Collins wins Pioneer’s Got Talent contest
Last month more than 40 students auditioned for the Pioneer’s Got Talent contest. Judges narrowed it down to six acts for the competition. The final six performed for the entire school. The judges’ votes accounted for 50 percent of the vote and the students’ electronic votes accounted for the other 50 percent of the votes. Pioneer 8th grader Jenna Collins won top honors and a $50 gift card. Michael Dandrea and Emily Prull’s performance and Ben Parsons’ act tied for second place. These students received $10 Subway gift cards. All prizes were donated by the staff.

Pioneer’s Got Talent line-up:
- Heather Ball
- Sydney Perez and Lexy Groom: Dance routine
- Michael Dandrea and Emily Prull: Performed White Stripes “7 Nation Army” song
- Ben Parson’s- Sang and played the ukulele
- Talia Grandstaff, Jeff Randolph and Brisa Reyes: Sang “Grenade”
- Jenna Collins: Sang “American Honey”
- The staff entry “Lawn Chair Evolution” is now featured on You Tube and is linked to the Pioneer Website.



Fort Walla Walla Museum planning Summer Kids Camps and more
Visit the Fort Walla Walla Museum for all the details on the Summer Kids Camps. www.fortwallawallamuseum.org

For more information:
Paul Franzmann, Communications Manager
509.525.7703
info@fortwallawallamuseum.org


Filan receives scholarship to Seattle Art Institute
Walla Walla High School senior Madison Filan recently earned a $25,000 scholarship to the Seattle Art Institute for his portfolio submission and essay.

Filan recently won the state award for the 38th Annual Superintendent’s High School Art Show. Madison won with his piece titled “Grass Land” that was created in 3D space. His piece was selected as the “SBE Choice.”

The State Board of Education (SBE) and the Professional Educator’s Standards Board (PESB) pieces will go to their offices once they have been on display in the OSPI foyer for one year following the awards presentation. Madison’s piece will be purchased for $200. Filan is in Dennis DeBroeck’s Media Technology and Animation course.



Latino Club names Staff Member of the Month

The Walla Walla High School Latino Club is pleased to announce that English teacher Mary Schumacher has been selected as the Walla Walla High School Latino Club Staff Member of the Month for April 2011.

This recognition is based on her faithful service to students who are Latino Club members. As a staff member, Mrs. Schumacher is making a significant impact on all students at Walla Walla High School.

Latino Club members comments included:
- “Mrs. Schumacher is smart and funny
- She challenges us to do our best and I thank her for it
- She teaches us to “work smart,” not hard.”


Sharpstein Elementary fundraiser supports Japanese earthquake victims
By- Kathryn Wolcott, Lacey Owens, Ellie Sievertsen, Bailee Lechner, Kloe Bump, and Elise Gryler

On March 11, 2011, a disaster hit Japan with a 9.1 earthquake and tsunamis. Later the disasters would include a nuclear power plant leaking radiation, as well as aftershocks.

Sharpstein’s dual fourth grade classroom decided to take action and organize a fundraiser for the children of Japan. The funds would be donated to the American Red Cross, Blue Mountain Chapter. The fundraiser was held from March 28 to April 1.

After brainstorming, discussion, and voting, the students chose the motto, “Help the Pacific be terrific” and then began to organize flyers, posters and presentations to each classroom. After announcing the fundraiser at morning exercises, pairs of students went to each classroom to present information and answer questions. A collection box was left at the office and students were amazed at the amount of coins left in support of Japan.

There were a few adorable and hilarious stories during the fundraiser. One little girl, about preschool age, walked up to the box with her mom and said she wanted to “donate to the salami”. Another touching story was when students were counting the coins, a $120 check was found. Everyone was curious, so Mrs. Gilbert did some investigating and found out that a kindergartener donated $12 of his own. His parents promised to donate ten times his amount. A third heartwarming story was the first grader who decided to donate her book order money instead of ordering a book.

The students collected $844.79 and donated it to the Blue Mountain chapter of the American Red Cross in support of Japan. That’s how the fourth grade students “helped the Pacific be terrific.”


Aliverti, Beckel, Siegel and Bledsoe named Graduates of Distinction
Walla Walla Public Schools has chosen this year’s honorees for the Graduates of Distinction program. They are: the late Edward Aliverti, Class of 1950; Lt. Gen. Robert D. Beckel, Class of 1955; Larry B. Siegel, Class of 1968; and Drew M. Bledsoe, Class of 1990.

These individuals have distinguished themselves in their communities, professions or careers and continue to bring honor to the district. Members of the selection committee were Art Griff, Peggy Sanderson, Anne Golden, Doug Bayne, Joshua Gonzales and Mark Higgins.

The 2011 Graduates of Distinction will be honored at a reception Tuesday, June 7, 2011 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the district office Board Room.


Walla Walla High School plans AVID Senior Night
AVID Senior Night
- Thursday, May 26
- 7 p.m.
- Walla Walla High School Commons – 800 Abbott Road
- How many will be recognized: 15

What is AVID? AVID, Advancement Via Individual Determination, is an elementary through postsecondary college readiness system that is designed to increase schoolwide learning and performance. The AVID system accelerates student learning, uses research based methods of effective instruction, provides meaningful and motivational professional development, and acts as a catalyst for systemic reform and change. Learn more at: http://www.avid.org/


Students score big in kicking competition
The AVID Club collected nearly $300 at the Kick Like a Pro fundraiser last week at Walla Walla High School bringing total donations to $721. Students paid $1 to kick against the County Sheriff’s radar unit over three days of competition. At the end of 3 days of competition the fastest kick at 61 mph, by Andrew Glaeser, still holds the record. Finalists for each bracket will compete for top spots at the half-time of the Blue Devil College Cup.

Fastest Guys
1. Andrew Glaeser
2. Adrian Tello
3. Jose Beleche

Fastest Gals
1. Paige Pontarolo
2. Angelica Escalante
3. Janet Leon

Fastest Staff
1. Ms. Buissink
2. Mr. Schafer
3. Mr. Curry

This event did more than accomplish the goal of raising money and awareness for the upcoming student versus staff soccer match on May 20, it brought hundreds of students out to kick in the competition or to cheer on fellow classmates.

“It’s not just a soccer event,” said one club member. “It’s a fun way to involve students and raise money for the Wa-Hi college scholarship fundraiser.”


AVID Club announces staff versus students charity soccer match
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. For more information about Blue Devil College Cup, contact Sue Weber at 526-8353 or email sweber@wwps.org.


Classroom Close-Up features Pioneer Physical Education teacher
This week Pioneer Middle School Physical Education teacher Brian Richard 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 Richard is now playing on regional stations.

Media Moments: Education stories from around the state - Compiled by Wa-Hi Junior Brittany Higgins
• 16-Year-Old Earns WSU Degree without Stepping On campus
The Seattle Times: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2014985971_younggrad07m.html

• High poverty but high hopes: West Seattle Elementary School making progress
The Seattle Times: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2014994638_westseattle08m.html

• President Obama not coming to Bridgeport High School
The Seattle Times: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2015013313_bridgeport11m.html



Wa-Hi Drama Department presents Fiddler on the Roof
The tradition of marvelous High School Musicals continues with Fiddler on the Roof. The Walla Walla High School’s Performing Arts Auditorium has been transformed into a small village in Russia. Immerse yourself 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.

Performances (remaining):
May 13 at 7 p.m. - May 14 at 2 p.m.
Get your tickets at the box office in the lobby of the auditorium May 6 and May 9-13 between 3:30 and 6 p.m. The box office is also open one hour before performances on Saturdays. Stop by to purchase tickets or reserve over the phone at (509) 526-8613.

For more information, contact Denise Marr at denise.marr@wwcc.edu.


End-of-year activities and retirements (as submitted to date)
May 19 - Cathy Spanish: Retirement reception, 3 to 4:30 p.m., Prospect Point Library

May 20 - Pam Lee: Retirement reception, 3:30 to 5 p.m., Sharpstein Lobby

May 25 - JROTC Military Review, 9:30 a.m., Wa-Hi Small Gym & Soccer Field

May 25 - Teresa Mobley: Retirement reception, 3:30 to 5 p.m., Garrison Library

June 2 - Lincoln Graduation, 6 p.m., WW Fairgrounds/Pavilion

June 3 - Walla Walla High School Commencement, 7 p.m., Walla Walla Commons area

June 7 - Pioneer 8th Grade Recognition, 7 p.m., Wa-Hi/Large Gym

June 8 - Garrison 8th Grade Recognition, 7 p.m., Wa-Hi/Large Gym


Immunization law requires parents to get info on benefits and risks of vaccine - WA State Dept. of Health
OLYMPIA - Washington has one of the highest school immunization exemption rates in the nation. On Tuesday Governor Gregoire signed a bill requiring a parent or guardian to show that they have received information from a health care provider on the benefits and risks of immunization before opting out of school vaccination requirements.

“Childhood immunizations save lives and are one of the most effective ways to protect kids from serious, preventable illnesses,” says Secretary of Health Mary Selecky. “There’s a lot of confusing information about vaccine circulating around, this law makes sure that parents will get reliable facts from one of their most trusted sources — a health care provider.”
Previous state policy made it easy for parents to exempt their child from school immunization requirements based only on convenience. Washington’s exemption rates have more than doubled over the last 10 years — during the 2009-2010 school year, 6.2 percent of children had a signed exemption. The national average for exemption rates is estimated at less than 2 percent.

Unvaccinated kids are more likely to catch and spread serious illnesses like whooping cough and measles, which can be prevented by vaccines. Making sure kids have all recommended immunizations protects them, their classmates, friends, and families from preventable diseases. Kids who aren’t fully immunized may be excluded from attending school, preschool, or child care if a disease outbreak occurs.

A health care provider does not need to sign the Certificate of Exemption form for parents or guardians who show membership in a church or religious group that does not allow a health care provider to provide medical care to a child.

Beginning July 22, 2011, parents or guardians who want to exempt their child from school or child care immunization requirements must fill out and submit the updated Certificate of Exemption form to their school or childcare.

More information and an updated Certificate of Exemption form will be available online as soon as the forms are finalized. Health care providers can use the CHILD Profile Immunization Registry to help parents with the necessary paperwork by printing it from the CHILD Profile system. For help finding a health care provider or an immunization clinic, call your local health agency (www.doh.wa.gov/LHJMap/LHJMap.htm) or the WithinReach (www.withinreachwa.org) Family Health Hotline at 1-800-322-2588.

Contacts:
- Michele Roberts, Immunization Program CHILD Profile, 360-236-3720
- Julie Graham, Communications Office, 360-236-4022