Walla Walla Public Schools
Week in Review - June 17, 2011

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School board meeting - Tuesday, June 21
- Tuesday, June 21
- 4 p.m. (note new summer meeting time)
- 364 S. Park St.
- Meeting open to the public
District Office Summer Hours
- 8 a.m. to 12 noon and 1 to 4 p.m.
- 364 S. Park St.
- 509.527.3000

Walla Walla Public Schools plans public Strategic Planning meeting to get input
Strategic Plan to help set district vision and direction for the next five years

Meeting Date
- Thursday, June 23
- 5:30 to 7 p.m.
- District Office Board Room (364 S. Park St.)
- Open to the public
- Facilitator: Susan Newton, Development Strategies Plus

WALLA WALLA – Walla Walla Public Schools Board of Directors are planning a public meeting Thursday, June 23 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the District Office located at 364 S. Park Street to continue the strategic planning process with consultant Susan Newton of Development Strategies Plus.

Participants will learn why a strategic plan is necessary for the school district, review the strategic planning process, study survey and interview data and discuss the first draft of the five year plan. 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.

In May, 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 a 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.

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. The data suggests there is high regard 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.

For more information, contact Communications Director Mark Higgins: 509.526.6716 / email – mhiggins@wwps.org


Community leaders honored for service
Thursday evening Superintendent Mick Miller presented Community Leadership awards to Missy Peterson, Ruth Ladderud, Holly Howard, Alison Kirby, Katie Christianson and Kathryn Southwick-Hess during the Southeast Washington Association of School Administrators Annual Awards Banquet in Richland.

These volunteers have served in classrooms, school and district committees, parent programs and afterschool activities. Superintendent Milller praised these outstanding community leaders their service and support of Walla Walla Public Schools children and staff.


New district video promotes schools
The district Communications Department has produced a new video highlighting the school district. The seven minute video features district staff and students. The video will be used to help promote the district in the community. View it online: www.wwps.org

Video uses:
- District web site & welcome packets
- District employee recruitment
- Area business employee recruitment
- Realtors
- Chamber of Commerce



Summer school programs and activities
Contact your attendance area school for a complete listing of summer school programs and activities.

“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 - 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 obtain 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


Trilogy Recovery Community presents John Shinholser of the McShin Foundation
Creating a Community of Recovery
- Wednesday, July 6, 2011
- 6:30 to 8 p.m.
- Kimball Theater at Hunter Conservatory
- Whitman College Campus, across from Reid Center
- Free & Open to the Public

2011 Opera Camp Workshop - “An intensive summer repertory experience”
ALICE IN WONDERLAND, AN ORIGINAL OPERETTA BY KRISTIN VINING
“a contemporary youth opera written with developing voices in mind”
- August 1 to 5 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- August 6 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Culminating Performance is August 6 at 7 p.m.
- Workshop and Culminating performance at Wa-Hi Performing Arts Auditorium.

Summary: Students age 13 and above will engage in an intensive Opera Workshop under the direction of Kristin Vining (Instructor of Piano at Whitman College), Julie Jones (Director of Vocal Arts at WWCC), Dr. Christine Janis (Professor of voice at WWU/Artistic Director Choral Society), and Brian Senter (Director of Drama, WWHS). Days will include rotations in Alexander Technique, Dance, Theatre, Freedom in Performance, Confidence Building, Staging (interpretation of movement), and Individualized Coaching. Students will have opportunities for growth in such areas as singing, acting, stage crew, production, technique, costuming, instrumentation, set design and makeup.

Submit applications, along with a $50 fee (some scholarships are available by request), by July 1, 2011 to Walla Walla High School, Attention: Brian Senter, 800 Abbott Road, Walla Walla, WA 99362. Information and applications can be found on the Wa-Hi Website: wahibluedevils.org. Follow the link for Performing Arts and Drama.

Applications are also available by emailing operacamp@hotmail.com (This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it . Students 18 and above (as of August 1) will need a background clearance. Please e-mail operacamp@hotmail.com for more information. Preliminary interviews of students will be held on July 16, 2011. Questions? Contact Mary Senter at 509-200-1315.


Class of 91’ Reunion planned for August
- August 12, 13, & 14
- Various activities and events are planned over the three days
- Visit the Class of 91 Reunion website for all the details: www.wallawallabluedevilsclassof91.myevent.com