Walla Walla Public Schools
Week in Review - April 25, 2008

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School board approves bid award for Edison Construction Project
During a special board meeting Tuesday, Walla Walla Public Schools Board of Directors approved the bid award for a general contractor for the Edison Elementary construction project to Chervenell Construction of the Tri-Cities. Two other construction firms qualified to bid on the project. No Walla Walla firms chose to submit a bid.

“They have experience building schools in Richland, Sunnyside, Kiona Benton and Toppenish, so we are confident they will build a quality project in Walla Walla,” John Evans of Architects West said. “Even their competitors had good things to say about Chervenell as we did our reference checks.”

The base bid for the project was $11,505,000. Chervenell Construction will be responsible for managing the project and hiring subcontractors.
• Learn more about Chervenell Construction online: http://www.chervenell.com
• Learn more Architects West online: http://www.architectswest.com

Walla Walla voters approved a bond measure February 6, 2007 to replace the 70-year-old school. For more information on the project contact District Communications Director Mark Higgins.


Edison Elementary Construction Project Ground Breaking Ceremony Monday

Event Quick Facts
Event: Edison Construction Project Ground Breaking Ceremony
Location: Edison Elementary (1315 E. Alder – 509.527.3072)
Date: Monday, April 28
Time: 2:00 p.m.
Event Coordinator: Principal Nancy Withycombe

Event Agenda
2:00 p.m. – Welcome
2:05 p.m. – Edison Honor Choir
2:10 p.m. – Edison Story
2:15 p.m. – Contractor introduction
2:20 p.m. – Ground breaking introduction
2:25 p.m. – Ground breaking
2:30 p.m. – Event concludes


Hobson street to close near Edison Elementary Friday
With construction on the new Edison Elementary School scheduled to begin next week, Hobson Street will be closed from McCabe Street east. Project contractor Chervenell Construction of the Tri-Cities will first begin site preparation where houses have been removed at the east side of the campus. The cul-de-sac at the Hobson Street entrance of the new school is the next step in this project.

“All teachers will be outside during release time on Friday to help direct traffic and to remind students and parents of the new plan,” Edison Principal Nancy Withycombe said. “Staff will also be outside on Monday and Tuesday of next week.”

There will be no foot traffic or bicycles on Hobson Street near the school. School buses will load and unload at the front of the school on Alder, east of Bridge Street. There will be no parking in the school bus loading zone.

Student loading and unloading will occur on Alder Street from Bridge Street to McCabe Street in front of the school and on the east side of McCabe street. Withycombe is asking parents to turn north on McCabe from Alder, to pick up or drop off your children and then turn left on Hobson to proceed to Roosevelt.

“McCabe is such a narrow street that it will be safest for students if parents only head north on McCabe, the side closest to the building, rather than coming from Roosevelt and turning south on McCabe,” Withycombe said.


JROTC shooting teams take first in regional competition
The Walla Walla High School JROTC Sporter and Precision Shooting Teams placed first at the Regional JROTC meet in Prineville, OR. The four-man Sporter Team consisted of Senior Alex Hedine, Junior Riley Owens, Freshman Wyatt Wilks and Junior Kosit Vorateera. The four-man Precision Team consisted of Sophomore Logan Heater, Sophomore Elliot Holt, Senior Geoffrey Lewis, and Junior Cole Smith. Wa-Hi Junior Riley Owen placed first in the Expert Sharpshooter Division.

“Both teams placing first was my goal the whole year and I was pumped when they both went up there,” Hedine said. “I’m really impressed with my rifle team and am excited for next year, even though I’m not going to be here.”

The Sponsors unarmed drill team finished with a first place raw inspection score and a tie with Rogers High School for a first place raw exhibition score. The combined scores placed the team second overall.

“It was a strong finish and a reflection of how hard all the cadets worked throughout the year,” Advisor Retired Master Sergeant Gerald Taylor said.


Walla Walla High School’s Royal Blue earns national yearbook design honors
“Best of” yearbook covers showcased in Jostens’ 2008 “Gotcha Covered Look Book”

Walla Walla High School yearbook “The Royal Blue” was recently recognized for excellence and highlighted in the 2008 Jostens Gotcha Covered Look Book.

“The yearbooks chosen for the 2008 Jostens Gotcha Covered Look Book exemplify creativity and energy,” said Gary Lundgren, Jostens’ senior program manager/education. “The photography, design, content and journalistic excellence of today’s high school yearbook journalists reflect that of talented professionals. Those chosen for the pages of the Look Book are truly the best of the best.”

The Walla Walla High School Royal Blue was one of only 475 yearbooks selected from thousands submitted to a panel of judges that included nationally recognized scholastic journalism professionals and award-winning yearbook advisers.

The yearbook was led by yearbook adviser, Kathi DeBroeck. The 2007 yearbook staff responsible for creating the cover included Kelsey Beckmeyer, Lila Coleman, Reanna Johnson, Terralyn Jones, Margaret Kammer, Aubrey Mertens, Donna Miranda, Skyler Moore, Emily Pinney, Jazmin Rivas, Karen Saucedo, and Quinn Tomlin. DeBroeck and her yearbook staff received a Look Book certificate from Jostens to recognize their outstanding achievement.



Edison students to perform “Stone Soup” play tonight
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
District employees pitch in to create Fort Walla Walla Planet Walk at Fort Walla Walla Park
Mike Gobel, Walla Walla High School Math Teacher and Football Coach, and Marci Knauft, Lincoln Alternative High School Instructor, were part of the Sherwood Trust Leadership team that has provided another family attraction at Fort Walla Walla Park - the Fort Walla Walla Planet Walk. Blue Ridge Elementary also sponsored Neptune, which is the planet closest to the school.

This coming Sunday, April 27th, Fort Walla Walla Planet Walk is celebrating the installation of this new family activity that runs along the bicycle/walking path that connects Blue Ridge Elementary with Fort Walla Walla Park. We are celebrating in conjunction with Fort Walla Walla Museum’s FREE Admission Day between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. A ribbon cutting ceremony will be held at the “sun” at 2 p.m. Museum guests can pick-up a map at the museum’s entrance. Greeters will also be located by the Fort Walla Walla Ampitheatre’s parking lot between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.

The Sherwood Trust Leadership Class of 2007, in partnership with Fort Walla Walla Museum, the City of Walla Walla, and Eagle Scout Jacob Harold and Boy Scout Troup #305, has installed the Fort Walla Walla Planet Walk. The Planet Walk is located along the bicycle/walking path south of Jonathan M. Wainwright Memorial VA Medical Center.

The Fort Walla Walla Planet Walk is a new educational exhibit, as well as a new opportunity for family fun. Its location is convenient for Fort Walla Walla visitors, Blue Ridge Elementary students, Children’s Museum visitors, V.A. Medical Center patients and visitors, as well as valley residents and tourists.

The 8,996 foot trail is an educational model of the 3.7 billion mile solar system. This walking/biking exhibit is scaled to represent the actual distances between the sun and the eight planets.

Both entrances to the Planet Walk feature a replica of the famous Lunar Landing painting, as seen nationwide on the cover of TV Guide the week that Astronaut Neil Armstrong took Mankind’s first steps on the moon. The painting was created by Walla Walla resident Norman Adams. The original artwork is part of the Adams collection, housed at Fort Walla Walla Museum.

Fort Walla Walla Planet Walk is celebrating its grand opening in conjunction with Fort Walla Walla Museum’s annual admission-free Open House on Sunday, April 27th, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. A ribbon cutting ceremony will take place on that day near the Planet Walk’s sun, located near Fort Walla Walla Amphitheatre.

What is the Sherwood Trust Community Leadership Program?
The Ford Family Foundation in Roseburg, Oregon established the Ford Institute for Community Building in 2000 to help rural communities develop leadership and cohesiveness within the community. In 2002, the Institute developed a structured 60-hour curriculum called the Ford Community Leadership Program. The Sherwood Trust of Walla Walla was given permission to use the curriculum for leadership training in Walla Walla County. Right around 20 residents of diverse ages, ethnicities and socio-economic backgrounds are accepted into the program annually.

Each Sherwood class designs a community capital project, and strives to fund and complete the project together with a local non-profit (501 c-3) organization in a 9 month period. The group is challenged to apply leadership principles learned in the classroom throughout the life of the project.. It is the vision of the Sherwood Trust that the Walla Walla Valley will be populated with hundreds of graduates who go on to work actively and successfully in service to their community.

Meet the Class of 2007
Joey August, La Casa Cultural, Latin American Forum, Advocate for Youth
Fernando Avina, Blue Mountain Action Council, Habitat for Humanity
Jessica Baser, Walla Walla Community College
Dustin Brown, Washington Mutual Bank
Larry Brown, Jonathan M. Wainwright VA Medical Center, Block Watch Co-Captain.
Jennifer Castro, Walla Walla Valley Chamber of Commerce, Altrusa
Laura Dobbins, Banner Bank, Exchange Club
Armando Escareno, Sears Holding Corp. K-Mart, MECHA, teen outreach
Mike Gobel, Walla Walla High School, Football Coach
Louis Gonzales, Blue Mountain Action Council, Jefferson Park Volunteer
Shaun Gordon, AmericanWest Bank, Rotary
Timothy Hall, Tim Hall Photography, AFS Student Exchange
Gretchen Hormel-Tomkins, Walla Walla Community College, YWCA
Marci Knauft, Lincoln Alternative High School, Walla Walla Public Schools
Adan Longoria, Baker Boyer Bank, Walla Walla County Fire District #4
Gary Lunden, Whitman College, Rotary
Sarah Michelson, Community Volunteer
Doug Morton, Physical Therapist (retired), Audubon Society, environmental activist
Anabel Muro, WWCC Student, Senior Class Vice President
Tami Olmstead, Stylist at Attitudez Salon
Teresa Sinclair, WWCC student, WWCC Ambassador, TRIO President, ISO Secretary


Walla Walla University to host family of L.A. Lakers’ Magic Johnson
Walla Walla University will soon play host to Dr. Christine E. Johnson and Larry Johnson, mother and brother of Magic Johnson, of L.A. Lakers fame.

The Johnsons will speak for a vespers service on Friday, May 2, at 8 p.m. in the Walla Walla University Church, and again Saturday at 3:30 p.m. in the University Church. Dr. Christine E. Johnson is a community leader who has been honored for her hard work and dedication to encouraging others, particularly today’s youth, to set goals in life and to strive to achieve them. She and her husband are the proud parents of nine children, including Mr. Larry Johnson, founder of the Brotherhood Against Drugs, and Mr. Earvin “Magic” Johnson.

Johnson speaks all over the U.S. bringing attention to today’s youth and the problems they face. He has a passion for helping youth stay off the streets and off drugs.

One of the many things Brotherhood Against Drugs does is organize a late-night recreation alternative for males in the Greater Lansing (Mich.) area. This program is called Late-night Basketball League and its purpose is to offer a viable alternative to the lures of illicit street life at a time when the majority of criminal activities occur.

The presentations by the Johnsons, at 8 p.m. Friday, May 2, and 3:30 p.m. Saturday, May 3, are free and open to the public.


District custodians transfer to take promotions
Congratulations to Blue Ridge Custodian David Morales. He will transfer to Lincoln High School to serve as Lincoln’s Head Custodian. Pioneer Custodian Brent Bieloh will transfer to Blue Ridge Elementary to take the Head Custodian position. Congratulations on your promotions.
Bicycle Rodeo at Berney tomorrow
A bicycle rodeo is planned for Berney Elementary tomorrow (Saturday, April 26) from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the school playground. Participants will learn and demonstrate bicycle skills, learn how to properly fit bicycle helmets (helmets will be provided for those who don’t have one) and be able to get their bicycles tuned-up. There will also be a skills tests for safety and balance and instruction on the rules of the road and more. There are prizes donated by local vendors and
refreshments.
Pioneer students convince Wrigley to donate gum
Pioneer Middle School ASB Officers Tabitha Jones, Austin Hutherson, Kalia Wolf and Emily Gobel found out that sometimes, all you have to do is ask! The students found out that the Wrigley’s Corporation had grants available to support schools and student academic performance. Earlier this year they submitted a grant asking for the company to consider donating gum during WASL testing. They reasoned that it would be a reward and a help for students during the WASL.

“Chewing gum helps us concentrate,” “It keeps us from talking,” “It helps keep our braces from hurting,” were some of the reasons the students told the company that donating gum for use during WASL could help improve - if not test scores, at least their focus. Apparently the company agreed.

The students were awarded the grant, and this week, thanks to the Pioneer ASB Officers and Wrigley’s Corporation, every student in Pioneer will receive 2 pieces of gum during WASL. ASB Advisor Angie Gardea says this is a great experience for the students. “This is a great exercise for students who will be applying for scholarships in the near future,” she said. “All it takes is one successful experience to open doors.”


Wa-Hi student improves aviary at Pioneer Park to earn Eagle Scout Award
Walla Walla High School Senior Joey Jensen recently built bird shelters at the Pioneer Park Aviary to help earn his Eagle Scout award, the highest rank in Boy scouts. Jensen has been in the scouting program for 10 years starting with cub scouts while attending Davis school in College Clace. He completed his Eagle Scout his senior year at Wa-Hi.

Jensen’s Eagle Scout project also counted as his volunteer service hours to meet new state graduation requirements. Jensen has also served dinner for the blind, raised flags downtown on holidays, and served at crab feed fund-raisers.

Jensen says he has incorporated all of the boy scouts codes in every day life.

“Boy Scouts has helped prepare me for the real world and day to day life, not only at school but also in the work place,” Jensen said. “One of my fondest memories was attending the boy scouts national jamboree in Virginia in 2005, where President George W. Bush spoke, and meeting people from all walks of life.”


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.


Classroom Close-Up features Creekside teacher
This week Creekside Alternative Middle School Teacher John Carter is featured on the district’s Classroom Close-Up weekly series.

A 60 second radio spot highlighting Carter 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.