Walla Walla Public Schools
Week in Review - April 18, 2008

In this Issue:

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District names Art Regier Volunteers of the Year
In celebration of Volunteer Appreciation Month, Superintendent Rich Carter announced Staci Wanichek, Karen McDaniels, and Laura Schueller as the district’s 2008 Art Regier Volunteers of the Year. This award is presented in recognition of the volunteers in our schools and their important contributions to our students and educational program.

Staci Wanichek - Prospect Point Playground Project Chair
Nominators - Rick Nebeker, Julie Wiley, Kris Takemura, Suzette Kennedy, Luz Phillips, and Christine Ludwig

Volunteer Highlights
- Raised more than $73,000 for new playground equipment
- Organized the project design and installation
- Organizes class parties and volunteers in the classroom
- Adopted a Prospect Point family at Christmas and provided a tree and gifts for the children
- Serves on district’s boundary review committee

Karen McDaniels - Berney, Pioneer and Wa-Hi longtime volunteer
Nominators: Britt Adkins

Volunteer Highlights
- Volunteered weekly in the classrooms of each of her four children for more than 15 years
- Active in the Berney and Pioneer PTSA for years
- Member of the Big Blue Boosters board
- Organized numerous school fund raisers and a college scholarship program through her church for graduates
- She takes time to get to know the staff and students at all of her volunteer sites

Laura Schueller - Garrison Middle School and Citizens for Schools volunteer
Nominators: Grace Ogoshi, Ronda Gabbard, Stacy McPherson, Beth Clearman, Chris Blackman, and Gayle Kinman

Volunteer Highlights
- Garrison PTA President
- Organized PTA Cookie Dough Fund raiser and Book Fair
- Facilitated “feeding of the staff” during conferences
- Organized refreshments at Citizens for Schools Levy Rally
- Tennis Team Parent — required her to attend all home matches and some away matches
- Explorer Program active volunteer


Edison students to perform “Stone Soup” play
Friday, April 25
6:30 p.m.
Edison Gym
Performed by Mrs. Barga’s/Rossi’s 2nd Grade and Mrs. Gogl’s 3rd Grade Classes
NO ADMISSION CHARGE!
Donations may be made to support our community service project-Books for Babes

History of Books for Babes -- An Edison Elementary Community Service Project
This year’s fifth graders, the 2004-2005 third graders, began a community project that we hope will continue. The students wanted to put new books into the hands of every newborn baby in the Walla Walla Valley in hopes of improving literacy. To accompany the commercially available children’s books, they wrote books themselves: ABC books, counting books, and books about reading to one’s child.

In May 2005, Birth Day bags started going home with each mother who delivered at St. Mary Medical Center or Walla Walla General Hospital. Each bag contained:
• A cloth book called Fuzzy Bee and Friends
• Two commercially available books, either in English or in Spanish
• A student’s book for parents about the importance of reading to your child
• A student’s counting or ABC book
• A reading list for ages Birth-9, with “Why Read to your Baby” on the front cover and “Strategies for Successful Reading” on the back
• A library card application for the parents

The 2005-2006 Second Grade class continued the project. Together they wrote an ABC book, designed cards, and made crafts to sell at the St. Mary Medical Center Christmas Bazaar. They stuffed bags for the babies several times during the year, and, bearing gifts, visited the hospitals. This year, as third graders, they have again stuffed bags full of books several times and have raised money — by selling newly designed note cards and handmade potted bulbs. Soon they will write books for next year’s bags. Not only do they know the joy of continuing a worthwhile project, but they are also developing stronger connections to their own reading.

To make this project possible, Earthlight, Book and Game, Hastings, and Inland Printing gave generous discounts on books and on printing, and the Walla Walla Public Schools graciously prints many student books and brochures.

Our deep gratitude goes to the Blue Mountain Community Foundation, the Bald Trust, the Pelo Trust, Altrusa, the Stubblefield Trust, and our almost 200 donors for helping us continue to encourage early literacy in Walla Walla.


Prospect Point Garden develops school garden
Prospect Point has begun a garden project that will serve to enrich the educational opportunities for students. The garden currently includes 14 mini-plots and will be planted and cared for by 12 different classrooms. Additional instruction is being offered on using organic methods in gardening.

Prospect Point teachers Lance Longmire (5th grade) and Kris Takemura (Kindergarten) are organizing the project with the help of Wa-Hi teacher Arch McHie, and some of his Agriculture students, and local farmers. Longmire’s class has also attended a “Farmer to Farmer” conference in Pasco that was specifically designed to teach 5th grade students basic farming practices and the importance of farming in Eastern Washington, as well as land conservation and stewardship.

“Agriculture is one of Walla Walla’s most important industries. Although we realize that most of our students will not grow up to be in the farming business, it is important that they understand the basic concepts behind farming so that they can be informed citizens of this region,” Lance Longmire.


Edison contractor bids reviewed
The district expects to name a contractor soon for the Edison Construction project. General contractor and sub-contractor bids for the project were unsealed and reviewed yesterday.

The project includes replacing the existing 70-year-old school at its current location with a modern two-story facility. Several houses near the site are currently being removed to expand the campus size. Construction is expected to begin in June.


Homelink to offer online courses
School board members approved a contract Tuesday night with K12 Inc. to provide online curriculum for the district’s Homelink program beginning in September 2008. Currently, the Homelink program serves approximately 85 students in grades K-8.

The K12 online curriculum will be added to the current Homelink choices. Learn more about K12 at: “http://www.k12.com.

School board approves calendars
School board members Tuesday night approved calendars for the 2008-2009 and 2009-2010 school years. Hard copies are available at each district school. The calendar will also be posted on the website under the calendar section (www.wwps.org).

Personnel Report (from 4/15/08 school board meeting)
• New Hires
(Certificated) Jennifer Nicholson, Library Media Specialist, Edison
(Classified) - Phil Daniel, Grounds Worker, Facilities Support
Brad Erdman, Grounds Worker, Facilities Support
Abigail Roman, Head Start/ECEAP Para-Educator, Blue Ridge
Robert Ruthven, Grounds Worker, Facilities Support

• Resignations/Retirements
(Certificated) Barb McRae, Middle School Alternative, Creekside, 13 years
• Barb was on a leave-of-absence for the 2007-2008 school year
Kelsee Anderson, Math, Wa-Hi, one year
Brad Hobbs, Bilingual Third-Grade, Green Park Elementary, 7 years
• Brad is resigning .5FTE and will continue as a .5FTE teacher for the 2008-2009 year
Siomara Hobbs, Bilingual Second Grade, Green Park Elementary, 6.5 years
• Siomara is resigning .5FTE and will continue as a .5FTE teacher for the 2008-2009 school year
(Classified) - Marilyn Brown, Superintendent’s Secretary, District Office, 41 years

• Leave of Absences
(Certificated) Scott Ford, PE Specialist, Berney Elementary, 4 years
Jason Harrison, Science Teacher, Lincoln Alternative High School, 9 years
• Jason will serve as the Graduation Outreach Advocate for the 2008-2009 school year
(Classified) Carmelita Guery, Para-Educator, Blue Ridge, 8 years
Kelley Hubbard, Head Start/ECEAP Assistant Secretary, Blue Ridge, 6 years


Johnston named permanent Business Manager
Tuesday night Superintendent Rich Carter permanently appointed Patricia “Pat” Johnston as the district’s Business Manager. She has been performing these duties in an interim capacity since November.
Superintendent’s Secretary Marilyn Brown to retire after 41 years of service
After serving six superintendents over nearly a 60 year span, Superintendent Secretary Marilyn Brown is saying good-bye to the district at the end of August after 41 years of service.

Brown began her career in 1950 as secretary to Superintendent Wesley Lacey. During her career she was the lead secretary to superintendents Arthur Jones (1951-1952 -- Marilyn stepped away from work for nearly 20 years to raise a family), Franklin “Pete” Hanson (1970-1980), Dr. Dennis Ray (1980-1990), Dr. Ellen Wolf (1990-2000), and Dr. Richard Carter from 2000 to present.

“I consider myself a very privileged secretary,” Brown said. “I offer my very best wishes to everyone for your continued success.”
Garrison students organize Penny Drive to improve Jefferson Park
Garrison Middle School’s Penny Drive netted more than $1,200 for the Jefferson Park Committee
“I am so proud to be a Trooper,” Principal Gina Yonts said. “Nice job again to everyone who participated.”
Green Park staff seeking Relay for Life donations
Green Park staff are participating in the 2008 Relay for Life in support of the American Cancer Society. Kindergarten teacher Karen Leier is the school’s team captain.

“Our staff has decided to do the walk this year in honor of all our friends and relatives who have had to deal with cancer,” Leier said. “We would especially like to honor Renee Ness, a former teacher at our school, who died of breast cancer last summer.”

Anyone wishing to make a donation to the Green Park team may visit the following site to participate: www.events.cancer.org/rflwallawallawa

If another school wants to start a team they need to contact Kim Porter at keporter@charter.net by May 1 to sign up.


Wa-Hi Future Problem Solving teams help developing countries debt issues
Two teams solved problems of debt in developing countries in a futuristic scene and wrote their way into second and third place in the senior division (grades 10-12) at the Future Problem Solving State Competition on April 10 in Stanwood, Wash.

Juniors Ryan Campeau, Jeff Ladderud, Tyler Hurlburt and Janet Hill captured second place and a berth at the International competition. This will be the third time that Campeau and Ladderud have qualified for the International competition and the second time Hurlburt has qualified.

“With this team’s experience, I fully expect them to place in the top ten at the International competition,” coach John Buissink said.

Seniors Brian James, Emily Hollenbeck, Ksenia Skorodohova and Kiernan Charnley-Ovens placed third using their extensive knowledge of economics.

Two additional state-qualifying teams competed. Juniors Luke Nelson and Jordan Ness teamed up with sophomores Amanda Hamilton and Anna Tupper-Bridges to place third in the presentation competition. Sophomores Emma Burgess, Denali Molitor and Tatum Tyynismaa also competed.

The International competition will be held May 29 – June 1 in Lansing, Mich. Campeau, Ladderud, Hurlburt and Hill will face competitors from Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Russia and the United States. The topic is child labor.

No more than one or two teams qualify to attend Internationals in the senior division from each state or country. Over 250,000 students participate annually.

FPS results from State competition:

Wa-Hi:
2nd place
3rd place

Garrison
1st place in scenario writing: Mac Clifton

3rd place (middle division—7/8/9)
Garrett French
Travis Stinebaugh
Rachel Schueller
Robert Miller

9th place (middle division)
Greggory Heller
Karri Mickelson
Matt Rothstrom
Teagan Coleman

10th place (Junior division—4/5/6)
Natalie Fink
Drue Erwin
Katia Bocanegra
Catherine Feistner

“All teams did well and had a great time,” Advisor Beth Clearman said.


Garrison Garden project featured on Blue Mountain Television
The Garrison Middle School Garden Project was highlighted on Blue Mountain Television’s Valley Viewpoint Wednesday night thanks to the Walla Walla Rural Health Community Partnership.

Future segments will air approximately every two weeks highlighting projects or programs in our community that address improving physical fitness and nutrition in Walla Walla.


Classroom Close-Up features Prospect Point teacher
This week Prospect Point 5th Grade Teacher David Parodi is featured on the district’s Classroom Close-Up weekly series.

A 60 second radio spot highlighting Parodi is playing on several stations. A fun, photo-filled newsletter and the radio spot will be posted on the district website (www.wwps.org — A to Z section) next week.


National Library Week opportunity to thank library media specialists
In honor of National Library Week our district library media specialists shared glimpses of the programs and opportunities they provide in their libraries to promote 21st Century learning skills for our students.

Janis Barton, Library Media Services Director, expressed her appreciation for their work to our District Library Media Specialists: Berney, Ben Ugaldea; Blue Ridge, JoAnne Savage; Edison, Sarah Maheras; Green Park, Michelle Shaul; Prospect Point, Margo Piver; Sharpstein, Linda Seibold; Garrison, Stacy McPherson; Pioneer, Diana Miller; WWHS, Lynn Waldron.

Also highlighted were the American Association of School Librarians, “Standards for the 21st Century Learner” which provide an up-to-date rubric for the work that our library media specialists do to foster skills, resources and tools that our ‘digital native’ students of today need to be successful, independent learners. These standards may be viewed at: http://www.ala.org/ala/aasl/aaslproftools/learningstandards/AASL_Learning_Standards_2007.pdf



ArtWalk calls for local talent
Event: Walla Walla First Friday ArtWalk
Dates: The first Friday of every month, May through December
Time: 5-8 p.m.
Location: Downtown Walla Walla

Musicians:
Can you play guitar, sing, drum, play harmonica or any other instrument that you would like to showcase to the public? Sign up and be a public performer for ArtWalk. All musicians will be able to perform for tips and donations, as well as sell cd’s of their music. Be prepared to perform acoustic (unplugged) as electricity might not be available.

Performers:
Do you have a break dancing crew, are you a magician, sketch artist, maybe a puppeteer, a juggler or maybe you have other talents you would like to showcase to the public? Sign up and be a public performer for ArtWalk. All participants will be able to perform for tips and donations, as well as sell their originally produced art.

How To Sign-Up:
Send an email to info@downtownwallawalla.com or call the Downtown Foundation at 509-529-8755. Let them know your talent (music or performance) and you will be signed up to receive a spot during the ArtWalk events. You will be notified in advance of where your performing location will be. Spots are limited to 10 per month so the sooner the better.