No early release Wednesday, June 1 for secondary schools
Math testing to keep Pioneer, Garrison, Walla Walla and Lincoln High School students in school all day June 1.

No Early Release
- Date: Wednesday, June 1
- Schools impacted: Pioneer and Garrison Middle Schools and Walla Walla and Lincoln High Schools
- Elementary schools will have early release as scheduled

Middle and high school students at Pioneer and Garrison Middle Schools and Walla Walla and Lincoln High Schools will be in school a full day Wednesday, June 1 to complete their math End of Course Assessments. These math assessments are now a state requirement. This represents a change to the 2010-2011 school year calendar. Elementary students at all six district elementary schools will have an early release schedule as originally planned. Contact your school secretary for more details.

School board studies data during Strategic Plan public work session
Walla Walla Public Schools Board of Directors conducted a public work session Tuesday, May 24 to continue the strategic planning process with consultant Susan Newton of Development Strategies Plus. The district began work on a new strategic plan earlier this school year with a goal to have the finalized plan completed prior to the start of the 2011-2012 school year.

The strategic planning process started with a comprehensive data collection phase which included more than 220 survey responses, 50 one-on-one interviews with various stakeholders and four student focus group sessions at Walla Walla High School and Lincoln Alternative High School.

The Board of Directors and members of Superintendent Mick Miller’s leadership team spent seven hours at the Port of Walla Walla Conference Room during Tuesday’s public work session reviewing the data, studying trends and beginning to frame goals for the plan. All school board members were present. The district will also rework its mission and vision statements as part of the strategic planning process.

“This retreat was an opportunity for the board, leadership team and some of the principals to put together the roadmap for the district’s future based on input from others” said Newton. “When done, this document will allow all members of Walla Walla Public Schools and the community to understand the district’s vision for the future and the steps necessary to achieve this vision.”

Next steps include:
- Prepare the first draft of the strategic plan
- Invite members of the community to review the first draft and discuss the district’s direction based on the input
- Review first draft of the strategic plan with school district administrators and other district leaders
- Finalize plan for school board approval
- Share with all administration to ensure that building plans are in place to support the district plan
- Develop a communications plan to share new strategic plan with students, staff, parents and the community

Data suggests nearly 80 percent of the people believe the district is headed in the right direction and say Superintendent Mick Miller is off to a great start in his first year. There are high regards for Miller’s outreach efforts and transparent communication style. The community would like to see the district better involve parents, students and community partners in the school system. Data calls for ensuring programs and educational choices are available to meet the needs of all students. There is a desire to maintain high standards for staff, balance state testing with other school activities and offerings, continue to provide a safe learning environment and communicate to all audiences.

“The input we have received will help guide us in the development of this plan and the actions we take in the coming years,” said Superintendent Mick Miller. “We appreciate all those who took the time to weigh in on this process and want people to know we will continue to seek their input as we develop action plans to meet the objectives of the goals we set.”

Wa-Hi Staff vs Students soccer match a hit!
A tradition has been started at Walla Walla High School with the Blue Devil College Cup staff vs. students soccer match. The May 20 game was a huge success! The students won 2-1.

The AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) Club raised nearly $900 for a new Wa-Hi scholarship thanks to this event and the Kick Like a Pro event held earlier this month. Thank you to all of the staff, students and fans who supported these events.

Special thanks to the AVID Club officers:
Victor Rubio - President
Vice President - Ana Andrade
Secretary - Cristina Sosa
Communications - Caitlyn Lun
Senior Class Representative - Juan Villegas
Junior Class Representative - Erika Torres
Sophomore Class Representative - Marilyn Melgoza
Freshmen Class Representative - Ori Van Dyke

Russ Larsen Music Scholarship recipients named
Walla Walla High School students Mallory Livingston and Mary Lubbers received the Russ Larsen Scholarship. This scholarship is presented to one or more Walla Walla High School Seniors who plan to major or minor in music in college. Livingston will receive a $1000 scholarship, while Lubbers will receive $500. The funds for this scholarship are generated by the Walla Walla High School Holiday Concert admissions.

Russ Larsen was the Walla Walla High School Band Director and Music Coordinator for the school district from 1950 – 1973. He was a terrific teacher, and incredibly talented musician, as well as a caring, selfless individual. In our selection each year, the music staff strives to choose young people who exemplify some of Russ Larsen’s characteristics.

Mallory Livingston is the daughter of Jeff and Paula Livingston. Mallory plans on attending Pacific Lutheran University majoring in music, with an emphasis on voice. Mary Lubbers is the daughter of Sara Kingman and Bryan Lubbers. She plans on attending Reed College in Portland, where she will study psychology and minor in music.

“Be a Hero”, from Age Zero parent meeting June 2
- Thursday, June 2
- 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
- District Office (364 S. Park St.)
- Meeting Coordinator: Connie Taylor-Randall

Meeting Topics include:
- Bullying prevention and gang awareness
- Title I Federal program overview and budget
- Parenting skills and district information

Special Education Director to return to classroom
Marcia Walters, Walla Walla Public Schools Director of Special Education, recently announced she plans to return to the classroom for the 2011-2012 school year.

She says the decision is based in large part due to the needs of her family. Walters thanked the staff in the Special Education program for their hard work and continued support of students with diverse needs. Walters will continue as Special Education Director until July 1. The Personnel Department has started the process to hire a new director.

Walla Walla High School AVID Seniors celebrate during recognition evening
Thursday night 15 Walla Walla High School seniors involved in the AVID, Advancement Via Individual Determination, program were honored for their accomplishments during a Senior Recognition Night celebration at the school’s commons.

These students represent the first class of seniors who have been involved in the program since it began during their sophomore year. The AVID program supports students by providing them with skills necessary to be successful in college. All 15 seniors plan to continue their education in college or the military.

Currently there are 100 students involved in the program at Walla Walla High School with plans to expand to 125 students next year. AVID students are expected to access rigorous curriculum and the elective class is an avenue for students to acquire the skills in communication, critical thinking, note-taking, peer-tutoring, organization and time-management. In addition, the AVID elective class becomes a family. Students stay together for four years with the same group of peers and teachers where deep relationships are nurtured. AVID is also offered at Garrison and Pioneer Middle Schools.

“AVID helped give me the vision to become the great student I am today,” said Senior Janella Bermudez, who is also one of the school’s four Valedictorians with a perfect 4.0 grade point average. “The support I received in AVID from teachers and my classmates allowed me to focus on making a college education more than just a dream.”

Assistant Superintendent Dr. Linda Boggs, Walla Walla High School Principal Pete Peterson and Walla Walla High School Associate Principal Mira Gobel presented the awards to the students during the event. Teachers Sherry McConn, Mike Gobel and Mary Matau are the school’s AVID teachers this year.

Next year, teachers Carina Stillman and Vivian Glaeser will join the AVID team. AVID students praised their parents and family members for their support. They also said the support they received from their teachers and AVID support staff made the evening possible.

“These students mean everything to me,” said teacher Sherry McConn. “I am so proud of them for all their hard work and determination.”

The Walla Walla High School Culinary Arts students, under the leadership of teacher Barbara Buttice, served a delicious dessert to those in attendance. Mireya Vargas offered translation services and the Wa-Hi Floriculture students, under the direction of teacher Arch McHie, made beautiful flower arrangements. Students in the Computer/Media Technology program in Dennis DeBroeck’s class made a inspirational video set to music highlighting the messages the students wanted to share.

Class of 2011 AVID Seniors: Jose Beleche, Janella Bermudez, Jahaira Chavez, Beatriz Fuentes, Lizzette Gomez, Zitlalli Lopez, Sarai Luna, Angelica Meza, Chelsea Moss, Berenice Salazar, Dakota Vails, Juan Villegas, Rubi Villegas, Lucy Zamora and Nancy Zamora.

Walla Walla High School Spring Sports state tournament schedule
Softball (State Tournament)
- Game 1: Walla Walla vs. Thomas Jefferson
- Date: May 27 and 28
- Time: 12 noon for game 1 - May 27
- Radio Coverage: KTEL 1490 AM
- Win or loose game, the Blue Devils will play again (double elimination). Tournament brackets, with pairings and time, are posted on the WIAA web site at: wiaa.com
- Site: Merkel Park in Spokane -- directions on the WIAA site - www.wiaa.com

Girls Tennis (State)
**The Girls doubles team of Tianna Cummings and Claire Konen placed second at the Regional tournament last weekend and have qualified for state.
- Site: Vancouver (Vancouver Tennis and Racquetball Club)
- Date: May 27 and 28 - The first match on May 27 is at 10:15 a..m. vs. the doubles team from Olympia High School. If they win, they play again at 2 p.m. If they lose the first match, they play again at 12:45 p.m. in the consolation round. They play until they lose two matches.
* the bracket and time schedule are on the WIAA website at” www.wiaa.com

Track (State Meet)
**The Blue Devil track teams have qualified ten athletes to State and will be competing over three days
- Date: May 26, 27, and 28
- Time: First event was on May 26
- Site: Tacoma (Mt. Tahoma High School)

*event schedule is available on the WIAA website at: www.wiaa.com

Walla Walla High School Campus Pride event attracts big draw
More than 60 students and several staff volunteered to clean up campus last Saturday in preparation for graduation as part of Campus Pride Day. More than 200 plants were planted during the event. Work crews pulled weeds and spread new bark to help the campus look its best!

“Mr. Dill and his crew were especially helpful,” said Arch McHie, Leadership Program teacher who helped organize the event. “Their guidance and help with equipment got us done in record time. They are amazing. Thanks to everyone for making Wa-Hi a great place to be everyday.”

Middle School Film Festival winners announced
The following films won the first-ever audience awards at the Garrison-Pioneer Middle School Film Festival held last Saturday night.

Garrison Audience Award:
- Help! Police! We lost our rights! A film about student rights
Film makers: Taylor Richardson, Anne Baker, Kaelie Coleman, Sammy McNeley

Pioneer Audience Award:
- An aPeeling Story - the Walla Walla Sweet Onion
Film makers: Gabby Frenzel, Corina Vernon, Velia Saldivar, Ben Northam

“We used a text voting system so votes were tallied immediately and awards were presented at the end of the festival,” said Dan Calzaretta, Pioneer teacher. “Over 100 people attended the festival this year. Next year we hope to include other local schools in the festival.”

Walla Walla High School Latino Club Present Annual Awards
LEARNING FOR LIFE LEADERSHIP AWARD
The Learning for Life Leadership Award is a distinguished award for those who have provided exceptional leadership to our program. Awardees have demonstrated exceptional dedication and given their time to make our program a success.
Anthony Olivos
Rubi Villegas
Sergio Galván
Marissa Castillo
Bahia Parrish
Cristina Sosa
Ana Andrade
Grasiela Ocampo
Jahaira Chávez

YOUNG AMERICAN AWARD
First presented in 1968, the award is given to students who have achieved excellence in the fields of art, athletics, business, education, government, humanities, literature, music, math, religion, science, or service and have been involved in service to their community that adds to the quality of life.
Roger Contreras
Jennifer Golden
Mariela Bahena
Alex Cerón
José Beleche
Gesner Rangel
Jazmín Llanes
Cristián Marín
Yessica Olivos
Alexis Enriquez
Yvonne Segovia
Janella Bermudez
Saraí Luna
Erica Salgado
Juan Villegas
Max Weber

“ADELANTARSE” SCHOLARSHIP: Jazmin Llanes
It is our pleasure to announce that Jazmín Llanes is the first recipient of the Walla Walla High School Latino Club’s “ADELANTARSE” Scholarship. The scholarship of $1000, will be designated to a college of her choice for tuition expenses.

Walla Walla High School Car Wash to fund summer trip
- Sunday, May 29
- 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Autozone (9th Ave near Hastings)
- Funds will support theWalla Walla High School French students for their two week trip this summer to Italy and France

Spring Dance Finale 2011
- Saturday June 4
- 7:30 p.m.
- Cordiner Hall on Whitman Campus
- Tickets are available at Earthlight Books and at the door
- Cost: Reserved $12, General $10, Students/Seniors $8
- Information: Nancy Wells - nkwwdance@bmi.net or 522-1338

A celebration of SPRING and DANCE in Walla Walla featuring over 100 dancers three-years-old and up performing original choreography in jazz, ballet, hip hop and contemporary dance. The opening section will have special guest performance by Emily Richardson from The Orlando Ballet Company.

The premiere of “The Fantastic Toyshop” will delight audiences of all ages. Topher Murphy takes the stage as the toymaker with Amanda Galloway, Jason Ilaoa and Lisi Dobson as the children. It is pure magic as puppets, dolls, racecars, teddy bears and more come to life to dance and win the heart of a 5 yr old little girl. The performance ends with a spectacular dance party of awesome 80’s favorites with music that will make you smile and dancers that know how to move! This show is local entertainment at its finest and is one night only!

Walla Walla Public Schools teams with Walla Walla Sweets for start of summer bash!
Join the Walla Walla Sweets and celebrate the start of another summer! With two (2) ticket options, join your friends at the ballpark on Wednesday, June 8, at 7:05 pm. Tickets are $4 or $8 for a dog/soda/ticket combo. Start the summer off right...with the Sweets!

Ticket Information:
Order forms are available at district schools and at the Sweets Shoppe at 109 E. Main St. Suite C in Downtown Walla Walla. Bring in the completed form and payment to the Sweets Shoppe no later than June 6, 2011. Tickets will not be available at the box office at this price, so please make sure to bring it by the Sweets Shoppe.

Game Details:
- Wednesday, June 8
- 7:05 p.m.
- Borlseke Stadium
- Cost: $4 (1 reserved ticket) or $8 (one reserved ticket and a hot dog and soda)

Register for Kids College 2011 Today
Before we know it, Summer Break will be here and Kids College at Walla Walla Community College will kick-off the summer the week of June 13.

Walla Walla Community College provides five afternoons dedicated to youth enrichment for 9, 10, 11 and 12 year-olds. Kids College is dedicated to providing fun yet challenging activities and is held between 1 and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, June 13, 14, 15, 16, and 17.

Registration brochures have been delivered to Walla Walla Public Schools. It is time to double-check your child’s backpack to find a neon bright Kids College registration brochure.
You can also register on-line. Find the Kids College webpage on Walla Walla Community College’s website: http://www.wwcc.edu/CMS/index.php?id=3059

Questions? Do not hesitate to call Gretchen Hormel-Tomkins, Kids College Coordinator, at 509-527-4329.

Walla Walla High School JROTC selects their final Cadet of the Month for the 2010-2011 school year
The Walla Walla High School JROTC “Blue Devils” Cadet Battalion has selected its “Cadet of the Month” for May 2011 and rewarded her achievement with an immediate promotion. This marks the final Cadet of the Month to be selected for the year.

Cadet Sgt. Sara Margret Beko, 14-year-old freshman, was promoted to this new rank after she won the top spot with a total score of 336 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.

Beko said that she joined JROTC because she was interested in learning how the military works. She plans to go to college to become an astronomer after high school. She enjoys star gazing and helping around the house.

“Her strongest competitive category was her outstanding bearing and knowledge,” said Cadet Command Sgt. Maj. Seth Thomas. “I was pleasantly surprised at how well each Cadet did, especially considering that this was the last Cadet of the Month of the year.”

First runner up was Cadet Pvt. First Class Loren Peter Kauffman, 14 year old freshman, whose strongest suit was his well put together uniform. He came in second with 332 points.

Second runner up was Cadet Pvt. First Class Kevin Grant Krupkat, 15 year old sophomore, whose strongest suit was his military courtesy. He came in third with 281 points.

“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 her for her hard work and personal success that was carried out through the year and shone through during the final Cadet of the Month,” 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 with 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, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Navy Cadet programs.

End-of-year activities
June 2 - Lincoln High School 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

Walla Walla High School Latino Club elects new officers for the 2011-2012 school year

The newly elected officers are:
President – Vanessa Alvarado-Rivas
Vice President – Iris Salazar
Secretary – Brenda Lopez
Treasurer – Jose Albarran

The purpose of the Walla Walla Latino Club is:
- To promote education and cultural support, and represent the Latino Community at Walla Walla High School;
- To develop and implement activities to develop relationships and understanding of all students in the high school community;
- To mentor and provide information to increase the educational and career opportunities of Latino students;
- To provide opportunities for club members to serve Walla Walla through community service.

District Names Graduates of Distinction Honorees
Walla Walla Public Schools names this year’s honorees for the Graduates of Distinction program. Honorees are: the late Edward Aliverti, Class of 1950; Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Robert D. Beckel, Class of 1955; Larry B. Siegel, Class of 1968; and Drew M. Bledsoe, Class of 1990.

Note: Due to scheduling conflicts, Drew Bledsoe is unable to participate this year and will be honored next June with our 2012 Graduates of Distinction.

These individuals have distinguished themselves in their communities, professions, or careers and continue to bring honor to the district. Celebrate alongside these distinguished alumni at a reception in their honor on Tuesday, June 7. Listen to their stories and hear who helped shape their lives during their school years.

RECEPTION DETAILS
Date: Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Time: 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Place: Walla Walla School District Board Room

- Edward Aliverti - The late Edward Aliverti was Valedictorian for his 1950 graduating class at Walla Walla High School. His nominators were Betty Landoni Scoralle and Don Locati. His inspirational staff members, according to his nominators, were Wa-Hi Principal Robert Klavano and Band Director Russell Larsen.

- Robert D. Beckel - His nominator was Les Johnson. His most inspirational staff member was Major Charles Flanagan Jr., his high school ROTC instructor.

- Larry B. Siegel is a 1968 graduate of Walla Walla High School. His nominator was Jim McCarthy. His inspirational staff member was Alvis East, his 5th and 6th grade teacher at Jefferson Elementary School.

“BDAD” - Blue Devil Athletic Development program June 28-August 4
- Improve Overall Athletic Ability for All Sports!
- For Boys and Girls Grades 5-12
- June 28 to August 4

Weekly Schedule (Monday - Thursday)
- Session 1: 8:00 - 9 a.m. (for incoming 9th-12th grade students)
- Session 2: 9-10 a.m. (for incoming 5th-8th grade students)
- Session 3: 10-11 a.m. (for incoming 9th-12th grade students)

Instructors: Eric Hisaw & Amy Hisaw

Location - Wa-Hi Weight Rm & Gym
Cost: $30 pre-registered or $35 at door
Note: Students will need a medical release and a parent permission form, which they can get at the Wa-Hi Athletic Office any time or at the door.

Information: Contact Eric Hisaw at 527-3020 or by e-mail at: ehisaw@wwps.org or Amy Hisaw at ahisaw@wwps.org

Blue Mountain Action Council plans food distribution event
A truckload food distribution will be combined with the first local visit of the DSHS state services assistance van in Walla Walla on Wednesday, June 1.

The food distribution will be held 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Walla Walla Housing Authority gym, 501 Cayuse St. (north entrance). Those needing food assistance are asked to bring a box to receive free produce and perishable products, said Kathy Covey, Community Services Director. The event is co-sponsored by Blue Mountain Action Council (BMAC) and Second Harvest of the Inland Northwest. Food provider Second Harvest is based in Spokane.

Those receiving food must self-declare that they are “low-income’ and in need of food; no documentation is required. Food will be given only to those present; extra food cannot be given on behalf of other individuals or families who are unable to attend. No appointment is necessary, and the event will occur rain or shine. Community volunteers will be on hand to assist, Covey said.

The state’s DSHS Mobile Community Services van will also be across the street at Washington Park to provide a variety of social services from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. No appointment is necessary.

The 40-foot Mobile CSO (Community Service Office) van is staffed by experienced financial workers who are able to provide help concerning food stamps, child support, child care, financial and medical services, EBT cards, public assistance programs, and eligibility reviews.

For more information about the food distribution or Mobile CSO van, please call Blue Mountain Action Council at 529-4980.