Walla Walla Public Schools
Week in Review - December 4, 2009

In this Issue:

(Click on article
to read more)

Community Facilities Task Force Chair Dan Reid leads effort to develop long-range facilities plan
Wednesday longtime community member and Walla Walla High School graduate Dan Reid of Opp and Seibold General Construction organized a planning meeting of the Community Facilities Task Force to begin developing a long-range facilities plan. The Community Facilities Task Force make up includes community members, parents, school board members, teachers, support staff and administrators.

Reid is a charter member of the Community Facilities Task Force which was formed in the Spring of 1995. This group has developed two comprehensive plans in the past and has weighed in on facilities related decisions since its existence. Reid has agreed to chair the group again and coordinate a series of meetings to learn more about district facilities and ultimately make recommendations to the school board for future consideration. Reid is planning eight meetings This week’s meeting was meant to serve as an orientation and set the vision for the work ahead. The next meeting is planned for Wednesday, Jan. 13 from 4 to 6 p.m. at the district office.

Community Facilities Task Force members:
VOTING MEMBERS
Dan Reid (Chair), Opp and Seibold Construction
Jim Dumont, City of Walla Walla Parks and Recreation
Darcy Fugman-Small, Woodward Canyon Winery
Mary Koch, Retired Educator
Jim Peterson, Walla Walla Community College
Pat Johnston, WWPS - Chief Financial Officer
Karen Carman, Parent
Craig Sievertsen, Parent/Banner Bank
Melito Ramirez, WWPS Intervention Specialist
Gay Buissink, Teacher - Business Education at Walla Walla High School
Jim Sporleder, Principal - Lincoln High School
Kim Lyonnais, City of Walla Walla - Development Director
Allan Gillespie, Owner, Gillespie Roofing
Ruth Ladderud, Whitman College
Scott Krivoshein, Investment Broker, Raymond James
Dan Hess, Lawyer/School Board Member
Jerry Zahl, Walla Walla Farmers Co-Op

NON VOTING MEMBERS
Lowell Schneider, Plant Facilities Director
Dan Johnson, Facilities Support Director
Dr. Rich Carter, Superintendent
Mark Higgins, Communications Director
John Evans, Architects West
Kay Schisler, Task Force Administrative Assistant


Holiday Concert Series (remaining concerts)
December 6 - Feast of carols, Cordiner Hall, 7:00 PM
December 7 - Green park Holiday Tour
December 8 - Wa-hi Choir Gift concert, Wa-Hi Auditorium, 7:00 PM
December 9 - Garrison 7TH & 8TH GRADE HOLIDAY CONCERT, Gym, 7:00 PM
December 10 - GREEN PARK HOLIDAY CONCERT, 1st-3rd Grade , 1:30 PM
December 10 - Pioneer 7/8th Grade holiday concert, Wa-Hi Aud., 7:00 PM
December 11-12 - Wa-Hi Choir Perform at The Grotto Festival of Lights, Portland, OR
December 11 - GREEN PARK HOLIDAY CONCERT, Preschool & Kindergarten , 1:30 PM
December 11 - EDISON Holiday Concert, K-2, 12:30 PM, 3-5, 1:45 PM
December 11- BLUE RIDGE HOLIDAY CONCERTS, K-2, 9:00 AM, 3-5, 10:00AM
December 14 - Wa-Hi Band Holiday Concert*
December 15 - GREEN PARK Holiday concert, 4, 5 & Choir, 1:30 PM
December 15 - Prospect Pt HOLIDAY CONCERTS, K-2, 12:30 PM, 3-5, 1:30 PM
December 15 - Walla Walla Symphony Holiday Concert, Cordiner Hall, 7:30 PM
December 16 - Wa-Hi Orchestra Holiday concert*
December 16 - SHARPSTEIN HOLIDAY CONCERT, K-1, 12:30
December 17 - Wa-Hi Choir Holiday Concert*
December 17 - BERNEY Holiday Concerts, K-2, 12:30 PM; 3-5, 1:45 PM
December 17 - SHARPSTEIN HOLIDAY CONCERTS, 2-3, 10:30 AM, 4,5, Choir, 12:30 PM
December 18 - Berney Holiday Tour

*Wa-Hi Auditorium, 7 p.m.; Suggested Admission - $2/adults, $1/students, $5 family


Lincoln High School receives $20,000 grant
Monday during a school celebration assembly, Lincoln Alternative High School Principal Jim Sporleder was presented with a check for $20,000 as a result of a grant Blue Mountain Community Foundation and First Fruits/Vista Hermosa to provide additional support for staff and students.

Sporleder says the grant came with no restrictions and was provided to Lincoln to spend at the principal’s discretion. According to Sporleder, the Blue Mountain Community Foundation Board felt Lincoln needed the additional funding and support. Lincoln was the second largest recipient this year of Blue Mountain Community Foundation grant funds.

Sporleder says the funds will be used to fund the following:

- A new school sound system
- Digital cameras and video camera for Lincoln’s Yearbook class
- Enhancing Lincoln’s technology plan
- Technology support to Lincoln teachers
- Lincoln’s student Weekend Leadership Conference
- Providing students with diploma covers with Lincoln’s name and colors
- Additional funds to support teachers with classroom materials

“The funds will help us to continue to promote Lincoln and will move us forward as we are defining our own identity,” Sporleder said.

Sporleder says his relationship with First Fruits/Vista Hermosa was cultivated years ago when he was getting his start in education.

“When I was a classroom teacher in the mid-80’s at Garrison Middle School, First Fruits helped fund the Weekend program for my kids,” Sporleder said. “Over the years our paths have crossed once again and First Fruits is still supporting students who need support and encouragement. The funds will allow us to purchase some items that will enhance our programs and our school. I am very grateful to the Blue Mountain Foundation and First Fruits for their continued support. We will use the grant to keep moving our school forward by providing our students with some resources that help make Lincoln feel like a real school and one that they can be proud of.”


District Holiday Food Drive continues through December 18
Theme: Everyone “CAN” make a difference

Who: Food donations support the Blue Mountain Action Council Food Bank (cash donations also accepted)

What: Holiday Food Drive — Project Goal: Help replenish local food bank supplies

When: Now to December 18, 2009 (Look for us at area grocery stores December 5 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.)

Where: Collection sites at Walla Walla Public Schools and Walla Walla General Hospital through December 18. Look for us at area grocery stores Saturday, December 5 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Types of food needed: Non-perishable items — tuna, macaroni & cheese, peanut butter, canned fruits and vegetables, pasta, granola bars, etc.)

Why: This year’s focus will teach students the importance of helping others.

For more information:
Michelle Carpenter
Green Park Teacher
509.527.3077 or e-mail: mcarpenter@wwps.org

Lori Finn
Lincoln Alternative High School Teacher
509.527.3083 or e-mail: lfinn@wwps.org


Staff, students and parent support “Fill the School Bus” food drive event Saturday
School buses will be parked in front of area stores for shoppers to fill with donated Holiday Food Drive items. Students are decorating signs for the school buses to draw attention to the Holiday Food Drive. Staff, students and parents will be in attendance collecting food items and promoting the event.

“Fill the School Bus” Event
Date: Saturday, December 5
Time: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Store locations and support teams:
Albertsons
- Wa-Hi Crest Club
- Wa-Hi FBLA

Safeway (Rose Street location)
- Wa-Hi ASB/Leadership team

Safeway (Plaza location)
- Wa-HI FFA and Cheerleaders

SuperOne
- Wa-Hi Latino Club

Loney’s Harvest Foods
- Lincoln Leadership Team


Felony police activity near Pioneer prompts school lockdowns
Tuesday morning an armed bank robbery at the Eastgate branch of American West Bank led to intensive police activity on Fern Avenue near Pioneer Middle School. This potentially dangerous situation prompted the district to activate school emergency plans and lockdown four district schools -- Pioneer, Edison, Berney and Sharpstein.

Terry Heisey from the WW Police Department notified the district shortly after the robbery that the police possibly had the bank robbery suspect pinned down in a home near Pioneer. Police blocked streets and isolated the home. This immediately pushed the district to put its emergency plans in place by implementing the lockdown at the four schools and placing all other schools on alert.

By 1:40 p.m. the police had made an arrest and SWAT team members searched the home. Once it was clear, the police notified the district the situation was under control and that police activity had concluded. The district was then able to lift the lockdowns and resume normal operations.

“We work closely with law enforcement officials to keep our staff, students and visitors safe,” District Communications Director Mark Higgins said. “Whenever there is felony police activity near our schools we take all precautions to follow our emergency procedures and make safety our top priority. We want to thank the City of Walla Walla Police for keeping us in constant contact as we worked through this situation.”


Walla Walla High School student gets special access to Sarah Palin during book signing event
Walla Walla High School student and aspiring journalist Jessica Wilson received press access to the Sarah Palin book signing event last Sunday in Richland. Numerous media representatives were in attendance at the event which drew thousands of spectators.

Wilson was able to interview Palin’s father, mother and aunt. She also had access to take photos and video of Palin signing books. Walla Walla High School Technology Teacher Dennis DeBroeck played a key role in helping Wilson gain media clearance. Wilson’s work at the Sarah Palin event linked to her studies in DeBroeck’s Media Technology and Animation class. DeBroeck helped make telephone calls to event organizers and escorted Wilson to the book signing.

“Jessica did an amazing job,” DeBroeck said. “One TV station thought Jessica did so well she interviewed her as part of the story.”

Wilson also interviewed people in line and former National Football League player Clint Didier who announced that he will be running for Senator during the next election. Although Wilson is still in high school, she has another big media success story to her credit. In the past she was able to interview former NBC anchorman Tom Brokaw.


Governor Gregoire calls for flags to be at half-staff for National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day
Governor Chris Gregoire has directed that flags at all Washington State agency facilities be lowered to half-staff Monday, December 7, for National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. Other government entities, citizens and businesses are encouraged to join this recognition. National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day was created by Congress in 1994 in honor of those Americans killed, missing or injured as a result of the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. The December 7 flag lowering is concurrent with the Governor’s December 1 directive to lower flags until close of business Tuesday, December 8, for the Lakewood police officers.


Walla Walla High School weekend varsity sports highlights
Boys Basketball vs. Pasco
Friday, Dec. 4
7:30 p.m.
Wa-Hi gym

Girls Basketball vs. Pasco
Friday, Dec. 4
7:30 p.m.
Pasco High gym

Girls Basketball vs. Kennewick
Saturday, Dec. 5
7:30 p.m. night
Wa-Hi gym

Boys swimming
Saturday, Dec. 5
12 noon
Whitman College Pool

Wrestling
Saturday, Dec. 5
Location: Kennewick
All day event


Students in Walla Walla High School autism program make home-made dog bones to fund WII system
Students in the Walla Walla High School Autism program, under the direction of teacher Jennifer Wylie, are making home-made dog bones to purchase a WII system and television to support their classroom.

“Having a WII in the classroom, our students with Autism will be able to increase their activity level while also improving their hand/eye coordination,” Wylie said.

The dog bones for sale are handmade by the students. The students also package the products and place them in baskets for delivery to various locations. According to Wylie, the project helps skills which extend well beyond fundraising.

“Each of these activities help our students become more self-sufficient in their day-to-day activities as well as assisting them in the future in the job place,” Wylie said. “The goal of our program is assisting students to become more independent in their daily life and skill full workers in our community.”

Wylie says the products are a hit.

“We have been selling the dog bones for one week and the community response has been overwhelming,” she said. “Not only do people in the community love the product, they also like doing something that supports such a great cause.”

The dog bones are currently being sold through various local businesses including coffee shops and hair salons. Dog bones are also available at Walla Walla High School, several of the elementary schools and the district office. Baker Boyer Bank has also been a supporter of the program by purchasing some to hand out to drive through customers at their main branch location. Cost is $2 a package for the “itty bitty” bones, $2 for small bones and $3 for the “humongous” bones.

Orders can be taken by Jennifer Wylie at 520-8028 or jwylie@wwps.org.


Walla Walla High School German Language program students plan Carol Sing-a-longs
What: German Christmas Carol Sing-a-longs
When: Saturday, December 5, 10 a.m. and Saturday, December 12, 10 a.m.
Where: Walla Walla University, Fine Arts Center Room 208 (204 S College Ave, College Place)
Who: Anyone interested in German, Music and/or Christmas; you are welcome regardless of your level of German
Why: To celebrate the Messiah’s birth
What else: Music, treats, and a brief description of how Christmas is celebrated in Germany (we have real live Germans who will give us a first-hand account!)

For more information, contact:
Curtis Schafer, Walla Walla High School German & Spanish Teacher
509-527-3020 ext 4703
Classroom: L-3
cschafer@wwps.org


District students take first place in city’s “America Recycles Day” Poster Contest
Students from Edison, Prospect Point and Sharpstein took top honors in the City of Walla Walla “America Recycles Day poster contest sponsored by Cartridge World of Walla Walla. Area first through fourth grade students were invited to participate and showcase their support and artistic abilities with the theme, “What recycling means to me.”

Two winners were selected for each grade from area schools, and each will receive prizes provided by Cartridge World located in downtown Walla Walla. Approximately 100 posters were submitted and judged by City Council member, Barbara Clark, Jim Pearson, manager of Cartridge World, and Justin Stokes, Environmental Outreach Specialist with the City of Walla Walla.

Poster Contest Winners:
1st Grade:   Dante Maiuri & Christian Chavez (Assumption)
2nd Grade:  Kaleilani Cordeiro & Logan Jones (Assumption)
3rd Grade:  Drew Hollopeter (Edison) & Nyah Allgood (Prospect Point)
4th Grade:  Kamryn Coleman (Sharpstein) & Kiri Smith (Prospect Point)

“Walla Walla has some very creative and expressive young students, and I’m very pleased to have been involved in this event,” said Jim Pearson, manager of the local Cartridge World location.


Winter Break Schedule
Friday, December 18 is the last day of school prior to the winter holiday break. Classes will resume Monday, January 4.


Police report Walla Walla area plagued by burglaries and vehicle prowls
Press Release from City of Walla Walla Police Department: Since the middle of November, Walla Walla and College Place Police and the Sheriff’s Office have responded to a rash of vehicle prowls and burglaries in the area. While we are experiencing daytime burglaries, several of these burglaries have occurred at night, when the residents were home. This is especially dangerous if a resident accidently or purposely confronts a burglar in their home or a vehicle prowler in their driveway.

It is not unusual to see an increase in this type of activity around the holidays. What we are seeing is a rash of crimes taking place in areas that are just inside / outside the city limits, where law enforcement response can be several minutes away if a crime is reported in progress. These neighborhoods are generally quieter than those closer to town and suspects can be scared off by the sound of vehicles entering the area. Due to the locations of these reports, it is most likely the criminals have a vehicle nearby.
There are steps residents can take to decrease the likelihood of being victimized:

1. Make sure all doors and windows are locked and sliding glass doors are secured with a wooden dowel or other device to prevent the door from being opened.

2. Install new lighting and/or check the working condition of your exterior lighting.

3. Be aware of trees and shrubs that can be a hiding place for criminals. Trim these areas if possible.

4. Make sure all vehicles are locked and parked off the street if possible. Never leave any valuables inside your vehicle. Many car prowlers will only enter vehicles that are unlocked as they don’t want to risk making noise to gain entry.

5. Be alert of suspicious people or vehicles parked in your neighborhood, whether they are occupied or not, call 911. This is how many of these crimes are solved.

6. If you are going to be away from home, have your newspaper and mail held, or have a neighbor you trust hold them for you. Also, have someone remove your garbage container from the curb. It can let thieves know you are not home.

From November 12th through December 3rd, local law enforcement agencies have responded to 46 vehicle prowls and 35 burglaries. Many of the vehicle prowl reports include multiple victims.

One tactic burglars use is to knock on the front door. If the resident answers the door, the burglar may ask for something like a drink of water, the use of a telephone, or some other ruse. If there is no answer the burglar may walk around to a back door or other point of entry to the house, even a “doggie door”. A burglar may also kick a door open or break a window, then wait to see if he or she has drawn any attention, whether a neighbor or a response by law enforcement. After several minutes the burglar will return to gain access to the house.

If you hear noises outside your home, make noise or turn on lights to let them know the house is not empty and call 911. If you hear someone inside your home, call 911 immediately and try to lock yourself inside a room. Think twice before confronting a criminal, even if you are armed. There have been many instances where the victim’s weapon has been used on the victim.

Officer Tim Bennett, #245
Public Information Officer
Walla Walla Police Dept.
15 N. 3rd Ave
Walla Walla, WA 99362
(509)524-4381
Cell (509)520.9114


Wa-Hi FFA Holiday Wreath sale continues
The Walla Walla High School FFA Chapter will be selling 16" Holiday Wreaths again this holiday season. Wreaths will be made and delivered on a first ordered, first served basis. Deliveries to schools and businesses will began this week. FFA Advisor Arch McHie said he will try to give each school at least a one day notice before the delivery.

Wreath Information:
- 16" ring means the wreath will be 20"-24" wide when it is finished.
- Each wreath comes with 3 large pine cones and your choice of bow color
- Bow Color options: Red, White or Blue
- Cost: $20 payable upon delivery or pickup

If you would like to place an order for a wreath, please email FFA Advisor Arch McHie at: amchie@wwps.org. Please include the following information:
Name:
School:
Room #/Delivery Point:
Business Location:
Phone # (in case we get lost):
# of Wreaths:
Bow Color:
Special Instructions/Needs:

Thank you for all of your continued support!

Audrey Smith
Chapter President

Natalie Crum
Chapter Vice President


Big Blue Weekend coordinator extends thank you for support
By Jillian DeBritz, Walla Walla High School teacher, ASB and Big Blue Weekend Coordinator

I want to publicly thank all those who supported and attended Wa-Hi’s 3rd Annual Big Blue Weekend this year. I have been humbled and encouraged beyond belief by the level of commitment and service shown by staff within our district. I couldn’t be prouder to be a part of a team of people committed to changing students’ lives for the better! I truly believe that the 301 people who experienced this year’s Big Blue Weekend will never be the same and as a result our school, community and world will never be the same either. I am truly honored by the opportunity to work with such amazing, inspiring people. Thank you for your support, and for making our students your priority!

Another special thank you to a couple sources of funding and support from our community:
- Mary Garner Esary Trust - $7500
- Columbia REA - $500
- Anonymous donation - $400
- Sweet Basil Pizzeria - donated prizes
- Jazzercise (Janet Byerly) - donated prizes

A special thanks to the 50+ district staff and community members who set aside the weekend to make Big Blue Weekend a priority:

Wa-Hi Staff
Laura Bertinelli
Chris Blackman
Lindsey Butcher
Cheryl Drumheller
Kris Duncan
Shelli Fullen
Pat Hanford - work crew
Julie Laufenburg
Jeanne Lothspiech
Susan Morasch
Jerry Records
Refugio Reyes
Mary Schumacher
Matt Shaw
Carina Stillman
Sarah Stone
Julie Woods - work crew

Garrison Staff
Carl Robanske
Shannon Kerrigan - work crew

Pioneer Staff
Kimberly Gradwohl
Kyle Hurst
Marcus Kisling
Chris Plucker
Kelli Jo Smith - work crew

Blue Ridge Staff
Krissy Corbin - work crew
Green Park Staff
Mell Gribnau - work crew

Community Volunteers
Corey DeBritz - program
Christa Hilt - head leader
Brooke Lucas-Roberts - program
Brad Gentry - head leader
Jill Gentry - head leader
Shane Prudente - work crew coordinator
Terri Hanson - work crew
Mary Sumerlin - work crew
Janet Byerly - work crew
Ruth Ladderud - work crew
Meaghan Unruh - work crew
Mackenzie Patterson - work crew
Kris Oleen - medical team/work crew
Corey Oleen - work crew
Kyle Eggers - work crew
Don Holbrook - work crew
Tad Willis - work crew
John Mades - work crew
Marilyn Mades - work crew

Rodger DeBritz - work crew
Shelly DeBritz - work crew
Charlie Wyman - work crew
Curtis Long - work crew
Kyle King - work crew
Sarah Scarborough - medical team
Jeff Wenner - medical family


Walla Walla High School’s new Debate Team competes in regional tournament
Walla Walla High School’s new Debate Team recently attended the Eisenhower Speech and Debate Tournament in Yakima. The team competed against students from Yakima, Pasco, Wenatchee, Moses Lake, Leavenworth, Ephrata and other schools in the 5/6 Debate District. The team coach is a former Whitman College debater and current Green Park Elementary teacher Jean Tobin.

Nine students attended the tournament: Ty Holmes, Carrie Moore, Marisol Beck, Rosa Tobin, Hope Grant-Herriot, Jessie Allen, Maddie Bronstein, Clement Cantil and Calvin Brigham.

“Once again, students’ hard work paid off and Wa-Hi returned with a variety of awards,” Tobin said.

Awards highlights:
- Hope Grant-Herriot earned 1st place in Expository Speaking and Interpretative Reading
- Maddie Bronstein also received a first place trophy in Impromptu Speaking
- Clement Cantil took 2nd place in Impromptu and Interpretative Reading
- Rosa Tobin earned 3rd place in Oratory
- Carrie Moore also received high marks in her Expository speech.

In Lincoln Douglas debate, Wa-Hi’s team almost “closed out” their division, sending three students into the semi-final rounds. These students were Jessie Allen (with a 4-0 record in prelims rounds), Maddie Bronstein (a 3-1 record in prelims), and Calvin Brigham (3-1 prelim record). In the final results Maddie Bronstein took 1st place, competing against Chiawana High School in the final round, with Calvin Brigham earning 3rd place and Jessie Allen 4th. On December 12 a few students will attend a smaller district tournament in Wenatchee, according to Tobin.

“During December the team will be working on raising funds to continue competing in January and February,” Tobin said. “All donations are welcome. The students will also continue to work on Individual Speech events and begin preparing to debate a new topic in January. The team’s goal this year is to send several of the students on to the State Speech and Debate Tournament in March. Although our team is young, comprised mostly of freshmen, I know that this goal is attainable. The students are bright and very hard working. Their dedication is admirable.”

Please send contributions to the Wa-Hi Debate Club at Walla Walla High School. Contact Tobin at: jtobin@wwps.org.


Latino Club names staff member of the month
The Walla Walla High School Latino Club is pleased to announce that Psychology Teacher Julie Johnson has been selected as the Walla Walla High School Latino Club Staff Member of the Month for November 2009. This recognition is based on her faithful service to students that are Latino Club members. As a staff member, Johnson is making a significant impact on all students at Walla Walla High School.

Comments from Latino Club members included:
- Mrs. Johnson helps us understand how our minds work
- She is awesome, open, caring, and respectful
- She loves our Latino culture and truly cares about all her students
- She really knows how to connect with her Latino students
- She is a great teacher who always helps out when we are having trouble


Winter weather is coming: District school closure communications plan
At Walla Walla Public Schools, we make every effort to post up-to-the-minute school closure information due to inclement weather or any circumstance that would delay or cancel the normal school schedule. Decisions to delay or close school usually are made by 5:30 a.m. or earlier. This triggers the district’s comprehensive school closure/delay announcement plan. The district makes every effort to begin announcements by 6 a.m.

Announcements include:
- Media release (radio, tv, newspaper)
- Telephone automated message (staff and parents)
- Web posting (www.wwps.org)
- Staff e-mail (GroupWise)
- E-news message (sign up on the district web site)
- Twitter message (twitter.com/wwschools)
- Orange signs posted in front of schools


Follow the district on Twitter
The district is now signed up on Twitter at: twitter.com/wwschools

“We want to use all the vehicles available to share our messages,” Communications Director Mark Higgins said. “It’s important to do whatever we can to keep our stakeholders informed and engaged in the work of the district.”

District Twitter Page Profile:
Name: WW Public Schools
Location: Walla Walla, WA
Web: http://www.wwps.org/
Bio: Walla Walla Public Schools - Student Achievement #1


Classroom Close-Up features Prospect Point teacher
This week Prospect Point teacher Kate Van Cleve 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 Van Cleve is now playing on regional stations.