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

In this Issue:

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Replacement levy on February ballot
• Replaces levy funding nearly 68 percent of voters approved in 2004
• Provides 14 percent of district’s operating budget
• Helps maintain existing programs and activities
• Pays for 30 teachers and 50 support staff members
• Funds all extra-curricular activities
• Ballots mail to homes February 1
• Ballots must be postmarked by midnight February 19
District earns national energy conservation award for being green
Teachers and staff at Walla Walla Public Schools are leading the way for other school districts while achieving big savings with energy-efficient behavior — and now those good habits are earning the district national recognition.

Walla Walla Public Schools recently received a national Energy Pacesetter Award for recording $2,200,136 in cost savings in just eight years since forming a strategic alliance with Energy Education, Inc., a national energy conservation company. This savings is a direct reflection of the energy-efficient behavior teachers and staff members have bought in to across the district according to Energy Education, Inc.

“The superintendent and school board, along with other administration, faculty and staff members are to be commended for clearly fulfilling their commitment to being good stewards of the taxpayers’ money and the environment,” said Ed Graff of Energy Education, Inc.

District Energy Manager John Butenhoff tracks energy consumption — including electricity, water, sewer, natural gas and fuel oil — using energy-accounting software. By tracking consumption and analyzing energy use, he can quickly identify and correct areas that need immediate attention.

“The energy savings that we have achieved is a group effort from all Walla Walla Public Schools staff,” Butenhoff said. “Custodians, teachers, food services, maintenance and operations, administration and all staff have had a hand in controlling the energy we use. The dollars they have saved have helped to put more dollars into the classroom and for the maintenance of our buildings and grounds.”

Eight years ago the Walla Walla Public School Board had a vision to bring this program to Walla Walla, according to Superintendent Dr. Richard Carter. Superintendent Carter says the district staff have bought into this program and continue to make energy conservation a priority.

“Each year we continue to find ways to cut usage and record greater savings,” Carter said. “It took us five years to record our first million dollars savings, but we continue to improve and it only took us three years to get our second million dollar savings.”


Prospect Point Elementary Principal to retire
After 31 years in the district including 15 years as principal of Prospect Point and three years as Principal at Edison, Rick Nebeker has decided to call it a career at the end of the school year. Nebeker and his family recently donated $10,000 to a fund-raiser to replace the Prospect Point Kindergarten playground later this spring.

Parent volunteers organize successful Levy Rally
Thanks to parents and Citizens for Schools members Laura Schueller and Lynette Fog for organizing last week’s successful community Levy Rally. Parents and guests learned more about the district’s replacement levy while enjoying student performances. Numerous additional parent volunteers and staff pitched in to help at the rally.

The replacement levy funds essential educational programs and pays for 30 teachers and 50 support staff. Ballots mail to homes February 1.


January is School Board Appreciation Month
Posters, cards, flowers, school t-shirts and more filled the board room Tuesday night from the outpouring of staff support for School Board Appreciation Month.

Superintendent Rich Carter thanked school board members for their volunteer service and commitment to helping children learn. School board members volunteer hundreds of hours each year to help children realize their dreams through education. Thanks for all you do!



Graduation requirements policy revised
Tuesday night school board members approved a revision of Policy 2410 which pertains to Graduation Requirements.

This move aligns local requirements to new state graduation targets this year’s Class of 2008 will be responsible for meeting, according to a report from Wa-Hi Assistant Principal Mira Gobel.

The four steps to graduation for the Class of 2008 and beyond:
1. High School and Beyond Plan
2. Earn required credit
3. Earn Certificate of Academic Achievement (WASL)
4. Culminating Project

Soon Wa-Hi seniors will be presenting their Culminating Project. The students are creating PowerPoint presentations, professional binders, video productions, visual aids, and/or combinations of various modes of presentation. Students will tell their stories via their accomplishments in music, visual arts, academics, athletics, community involvements and/or challenges they had to overcome.

Gobel is actively seeking community members to participate on evaluation panels.
“We believe that this event will be a celebration of our collective efforts and will provide each senior a moment to reflect on their past, present, and the future.”

Those interested in serving on an evaluation panel are asked to contact and RSVP to Mira Gobel @ 526-8661 or mkgobel@wwps.org. More information regarding new state graduation requirements is available on the Wa-Hi website.


Personnel Report (from 1/15/08 School Board Meeting)
• New Hires
(Classified) Donald Carlyle, Bus Driver, Transportation
Willard Fairbanks, Bus Driver, Transportation
Rosa Flores, Migrant Records Clerk, Special Programs

• Resignations/Retirements
(Administrative) Rick Nebeker, Principal, Prospect Point, 30.5 years

(Classified) Russ Slack, Head Custodian, Lincoln, 22 years
Meghan Wysong, Para-Educator, Wa-Hi, 4 months


Wa-Hi Lady Blue Devils basketball hosts youth clinic
For Girls in grades 4-8
Saturday, January 19
Wa-Hi LARGE GYM

Clinic Time 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Clinic Cost: $15.00

• Wa-hi coaching staff and players will create a fun and exciting atmosphere through hands on instruction of both individual and team skills.
• Players should bring the following to be ready to play:
- Gym shoes
- Comfortable clothes
- Water bottle (optional)

For more information please contact Jack Mehn at 509-527-3020 or at jmehn@wwps.org


Community experts weigh in on growth as boundary committee studies projections
With 1000 residential lots on the books and commercial building permits coming in at rates never seen before, City of Walla Walla Development Director Kim Lyonnais believes Walla Walla will continue to grow.

“Projecting where that growth will produce students is where it gets tough,” Lyonnais said to school board members Tuesday night during a special work session linked to the district’s boundary adjustment study.

Lynonnais said approximately $200 million in construction projects are in the works for our area and strategic steps are being taken to introduce more affordable housing to Walla Walla. Lynonnais said areas south of Prospect Point continue to witness development which could support families. He said the Myra Road extension west of Blue Ridge is being developed with residential planning in mind and land north of Highway 12 in the current Green Park boundary could produce future residential neighborhoods.

Boundary Review Co-Chairs Dana Jones and Chris Gardea are leading this study as the district prepares for a new, larger capacity Edison Elementary.
District students advance to state in PTSA Reflections program
Earlier this month 76 district students were honored with awards for their advancment to the county PTSA Reflections Program. All 500 plus Reflections entries are on display in the art gallery at Carnegie Art Center until January 23.

The following students were chosen to advance to the State Reflections Programs from our district. The state program begins later this month. Special thanks to volunteer Theresa Hampson for chairing the Reflections Program.

VISUAL ARTS
Bethany Benavides, 1st grade, Edison
Katia Bocanegra, 6th grade, Garrison
Hannah Cabasco, 3rd grade,Prospect Point
Janie Gannon, 4th grade, Sharpstein
Maya Hull, 3rd grade, Sharpstein
Julia Kajita, 4th grade, Sharpstein
Madelyn Knight,1st grade, Prospect Point
Milan Mumm, Kindergarten, Edison
Vienna Mumm, 2nd grade, Edison
Lenorah Stott, 3rd grade, Sharpstein

MUSIC
Sara Gibbs, 4th grade, Prospect Point
Greggory Heller, 8th grade, Garrison
Vienna Mumm, 2nd grade, Edison
Aubrey Sinden, 4th grade, Berney

PHOTOGRAPHY
Reagon Bond,1st grade, Prospect Pt.
Alyssa Pope, 7th grade,Garrison

LITERATURE
Taylor Anady, 8th grade, Garrison
Emma Case, 2nd grade, Prospect Point
Abbie Chacon, 5th grade, Prospect Point
Mac Clifton, 8th grade, Garrison
Tommy Tyynisma, 5th grade, Green Park
Sabine Vernon, 5th grade, Green Park


Health series planned at Garrison Night School
The Walla Walla Rural Health Partnership will be hosting the first of a two series health night at Garrison Night School Thursday, January 24. Activities will be designed to educate night school families on the importance of a healthy lifestyle. A short skit will be included, as well as games and prizes.

The second session will be scheduled Tuesday, February 12 and will address physical activity and exercise for the family.
Funding for this project and other Partnership activities, including the Lifestyle Management Sessions is provided by the Washington Health Foundation and their Healthiest State in the Nation Campaign. Find out more at www.whf.org.

For more information, contact the Partnership coordinator:
Christa Guerrero
Coordinator, WW Rural Health Community Partnership
Walla Walla Community College
500 Tausick Way
Walla Walla, WA 99362
509.529.1113
christina.guerrero@wwcc.edu


Garrison students help out those in need
Garrison Middle School students volunteer to support a charitable cause of their choice through the “Students Helping OUT” or S.H.O.U.T. program. This program is part of Garrison’s Trooper Time advisory program and was coordinated by teacher Susan Bauer.

In December, students at Garrison accomplished the following projects:
- Odd Fellows Retirement Home - Delivered cookie bags and cards
- Blue Mountain Humane Society- Delivered litter, bleach, dog and cat food, and pet shampoo
- Christian Aid Center- Delivered two boxes of donations
- St. Mary Medical Center Herring House- Donated $117.59
- Heifer International- An organization that provides animals as a way to feed families throughout the world with the idea of the animals sustaining a food supply over time. The students raised $411.40 for this organization which purchased 1 Goat, 2 Trios of Rabbits, and 2 Promise Baskets which contain chickens, ducks, geese, and rabbits.



Wa-Hi Latino students participate in state leadership conference
Thursday 20 students from Walla Walla High School traveled to Tacoma to attend the 8th annual Latino Educational Achievement Project conference. The conference allows students to participate in workshops in leadership and public education.

Today the students travel to Olympia to spend the day visiting the state capitol. While there they will have the opportunity to see the Legislature while it is in session. The trip is being sponsored by local programs including Gear-up, Educational Talent Search, Walla Walla Latino Club, and Walla Walla School District.


Wa-Hi Latino Club names Staff Members of the Month
This week the Walla Walla High School Latino Club named Biology Teacher Peggy Payne as WA-HI Latino Club Staff Member of the Month for January. This recognition is based on her faithful service to students that are Latino Club members. As a new staff member to WA-Hi this year, Dr. Payne has already made a significant impact on students.

Comments from Latino Club members when voting included:
“She loves her students. She is awesome and very kind… always helps her students when they are in need. She is very positive and ...is the kindest teacher ever.


Parent Information and Resource Center offers free classes
This month the Washington Parent Information and Resource Center (WA PIRC) is offering FREE classes in English as a Second Language, how to use a computer and many, many more to all Walla Walla parents.

There is still time to participate. The classes began January 14 and will continue through mid February at the PIRC site located downstairs at Blue Ridge Elementary School. The January-February calendar of classes and presentations was sent home with students earlier this month.

A class schedule is also available at Blue Ridge Elementary or at the Walla Walla Public School District Office. CHILD CARE IS PROVIDED. For more information call Nancy Carter, Parent Educator for WA PIRC, at 1-877-492-7472 or 509-492-0481.



Garrison Middle School plans Science Family Night
Garrison GEAR UP, Millennials, GMS Science teachers, and college reps will be having a Family Science Night at Garrison Middle School January 25 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Families are invited to enjoy free pizza, hands-on science activities, and meet college representatives.

Date: January 25
Time: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Location: Garrison Middle School (906 Chase St.)

Science Booths Presented By:
• Washington State University - Volcano Activity & College Information
• Walla Walla Community College - College Information
• Whitman College – Astronomy Activity – College Info
• Walla Walla University - Information
• Garrison MS Science Classes:
- Reid - Battery or magnet Activity
- Schulz & Ahrens – Connect Cars and Mouse Trap Cars
- Hulett – Exploding coffee can demonstration or dry ice activity
- Hamada – Glow Germ activity
- Parrish - TBD
• Walla Walla High School – Animation Team
• Millennials - Robotics Activity
• Gear-Up - College Information

For more information contact Jerri Doyle at 527-3040.


Youth Entrepreneurial Award Nominees due by Jan 30
Do you have a young entrepreneur in the family? Key Technology, Inc. in partnership with the Walla Walla Valley Chamber of Commerce, would like to honor your rising star! Nominations are being accepted through January 30 for the 2008 Youth Entrepreneurial Award, which will be presented at the Baker Boyer Business Awards Showcase on March 11 at the Marcus Whitman Hotel and Conference Center. Key Technology, the award sponsor, will present a $500 cash award to the winning nominee!

Your children, grades K through 12, who have operated a business within the past 12 months are eligible. If your budding professional promotes and provides a service or product - consider this fun approach that reinforces ambition and creativity in the context of basic business.
The deadline to submit your nomination to the Chamber of Commerce is January 30. Download the form at http://awards.wwvchamber.com.

Additional Information:
Jennifer Castro
Event Coordinator
Walla Walla Valley Chamber of Commerce
509.525.0850
509.522.2038 Fax
jcastro@wwvchamber.com


Explorer Program nominations due
Nominations for the 2008-09 Explorer (gifted education) Program are now being accepted at all district elementary and middle schools. The deadline is January 31, 2008. Students may be nominated by their parents, teachers or peers. Program information and nomination forms are available in English and Spanish at district schools and through the following link on the district website: http://www.wwps.org/programs/explorers.htm

District seeks Graduates of Distinction nominations
Walla Walla Public Schools graduates who have distinguished themselves in their communities, professions, or careers will be formally recognized this spring through the Graduates of Distinction program. Nominations for inductees to this special program are now being accepted.

ELIGIBILITY FOR NOMINATION
• Must have graduated from high school in the Walla Walla Public Schools at least 10 years prior to nomination.
• Need not be a current resident of Walla Walla.
• Need not be present to accept the award, but will make a concerted effort to be present or send a representative to accept the award.

HOW TO NOMINATE
Complete an application form (available at the district office, 364 South Park Street and online at www.wwps.org), and return it by April 15, 2008. Inductees will be recognized during a public reception and at the Wa-Hi Academic Recognition evening.

For more information, please contact Kay Schisler at 526-6735.


Classroom Close-Up features Homelink teacher
This week Homelink Art Teacher Vicki Shafer is featured via the district’s Classroom Close-Up series.

A 60 second radio spot highlighting Shafer 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.