Walla Walla Public Schools
Week in Review - June 20, 2008

In this Issue:

(Click on article
to read more)

Summer book study challenges administrators to make schools safer
This summer district administrators will conduct a book study on the book: The Respectful School: How Educators and Students Can Conquer Hate and Harassment by STEPHEN L. WESSLER, WILLIAM PREBLE.

“Research is clear students who fear coming to school do not meet their full academic potential,” Superintendent Rich Carter said. “This book provides a platform for helping the entire district understand the importance of safe and civil schools.”

Stephen L. Wessler explains fundamental changes that every school should make to preserve a respectful learning environment:

• What to do when students use degrading language, slurs, and hate speech
• How to intervene when students are being picked on and harassed in classrooms, hallways, and playgrounds
• What kinds of structures and policies promote respect and address the needs of victimized students
• How to cultivate students’ leadership and courage to take a stand against hate and prejudice


Walla Walla Valley Education Association Teacher’s Union awards student scholarships
WWVEA Scholarship
The WWVEA Scholarship was presented to Daniel DeBroeck. This scholarship requires the student to have a parent or guardian who is a current or retired employee of Walla Walla or College Place Public Schools. His parents are Dennis and Kathi DeBroeck. He intends to get his AA degree at WWCC and then transfer to WSU and major in Computer Science. He someday wants to work for the FBI.

Donna Manuel Future Teacher Scholarship
The Donna Manuel Future Teacher Scholarship goes to Taryn Cummings. She will be attending University of Idaho and wants to become an elementary educator and teach either 2nd or 3rd grade.

Facing the Challenge Scholarship
The Facing the Challenge Scholarship goes to two students this year. The first recipient is Jennifer Riggle. She plans to become a Psychologist and set up a private practice. The second recipient is Sierra Morford. She plans to get her MBA in business and accounting. She also plans to own her own hair and make-up salon.

“They are an amazing group of young adults and I wish them the best,” said WWVEA President Toni Lynn Steele.



Elsom Roofing Inc. lands wind damage repair contract
School board members Tuesday night approved a bid from local contractor Elsom Roofing to repair roofs at Walla Walla High School resulting from January’s destructive wind storm. Elsom Roofing will replace roofs on the library, auditorium, and gymnasium. The district upgraded to shingles rated for 130 mph winds as part of the contract. Total cost for the project is $205,253.

Plant Facilities Director Lowell Schneider says insurance dollars will pay for the repairs.

“This is a good bid for the district,” Schneider said. “Costs including the upgraded shingles will be covered by insurance. Elsom is a quality contractor and provided the district with a very competitive bid.”


Former student names Dohe as most inspirational teacher
Congratulations to Walla Walla High School English Teacher Lori Dohe for being recognized by the University of Chicago after a former student nominated her for an Outstanding Teacher Award.

“We are dedicated to excellence in teaching, just as you are, and we know, as you do, that true learning is a collaborative experience which depends as much on the dedication of the teacher as it does on the motivation of the student, said John Boyer, Dean of the College in his letter to Dohe announcing the award.

Although the name of the student was not revealed to Dohe, she says this recognition is special.
“I felt honored to receive an award from the University of Chicago, especially since the award was for intellectual inspiration,” Dohe said. “Twelfth-grade AP Literature students usually inspire me intellectually, not the reverse.”


District adopts new English, Sign Language and World Languages curriculum
Tuesday night school board members approved the following new curricula and materials: Grades 9-12 English; High School American Sign Language 1-2; and World Languages – Spanish, Spanish for Spanish Speakers, French

“Building level committees at Walla Walla High School have spent this year and most of last year reviewing, creating talking points, and piloting curriculum and materials for the three proposed adoptions,” said Assistant Superintendent Linda Boggs who heads the district’s Curriculum Department. “The curriculum and materials for each adoption proposal were reviewed and approved by the district Curriculum Advisory Committee and the Instructional Materials Committee.”

According to Boggs it was a team effort to complete these adoptions.
“Each committee included teachers, administrators and parent/community representatives,” Boggs said. “I would like to thank the committee chairs, Casey Monahan, English; Shelley Mann, American Sign Language; and Matt Bayley, World Language, for their leadership during the adoption process, as well their committee members.”

New Curriculum Overview:

1) Grades 9-12 English: McDougal Littell Literature – Where Great Lessons Begin - 2008 copyright. (This adoption will also be implemented at Lincoln Alternative High School.) The last adoption was finalized in 1997-98.

2) American Sign Language: High School American Sign Language 1-2, Sign Media, Inc. Publisher, copyright 2006. This course/curriculum is a Career Technical Education (CTE) vocational course and has been approved by OSPI. The recommendation will replace materials approved for use in 1999-2000.

3) World Languages: Realidades (Spanish 1-2, 3-4, 5-6) Prentice Hall, copyright 2004; Spanish for Spanish Speakers, publisher Santillana, copyright 2006; Discovering French, McDougal Littell, copyright 2007. German will not be finalized until 2008-09, as we are awaiting current updates by publishers to be completed. The last time all world languages were reviewed was in 1997-98.



Student learning focus of Technology summer projects
Although students are on summer break, the district’s Technology Department is busy getting ready for the new school year. According to Technology Director Janis Barton student learning is at the core of the work.

“Our district Technology Department staff are busy this summer with computer, hardware and software upgrades,” Barton said. “Our goal is to enhance student learning opportunities.

Technology Department Summer Projects include:

Remodels and moves:
• Set up of all computer workstations and lab after Lincoln remodel for Opportunity move
• District Music Coordinator secretary relocation at Garrison
• Setup of hardware after Sharpstein room relocations
• Pioneer Parent Computer Kiosk setup
• Relocation of all equipment after Pioneer office remodel
• WWHS ROTC storage room remodel as Special Ed classroom
• Reinstallation of all equipment after Garrison office carpet install
• Edison portable relocation for construction and reconnection
• WWHS Library 18 computer addition network preparation
• Decentralization of entire District Media Center
• Science Center relocation to Airport and transfer of Media Center kits/models
• Modifications and relocations for class room sound field systems
• Telephone system modifications due to classroom & office relocations

Installations or updates:
• Berney staff computer replacement (31) and repurposing for student use (21)
• WWHS General Education Computer Lab replacement (29) and repurposing of existing computers (29)
• Set up of multimedia teaching stations after Green Park video projector installs
• CTE software and RAM upgrades for all 4 CTE labs (120 computers)
• Finalize presentation system install in the Large Gym at WWHS
• Set up multimedia stations in 3 classrooms for Edison staff development
• Installation of Bell Commander interface at Lincoln
• Classroom intercom installations at Prospect Point
• Improve alarm coverage in breezeways at WWHS
• Set up phone auto attendant for Sharpstein
• Re-image 25 teacher stations Green Park
• 60 student stations to re-image at Sharpstein

Technology Staff Development:
• Prepare training materials for new teachers, classified staff and subs
• Design training materials for Easy Grade Pro & Online Grades for Elementary
• Provide training opportunities for district staff to improve skills in the use of online resources


Personnel Report (For the School Board Meeting June 17, 2008)

I. EMPLOYMENT
Certificated: Tammy Baker, Fourth Grade, Blue Ridge Elementary
Barbara Casey, Life Skills, Green Park Elementary
Erik Gordon, Science, Lincoln Alternative High School
Jerry Records, Math Teacher, Walla Walla High School
Nichole Riggs, Orchestra (.5 FTE), Garrison Middle School
Marcia Walters, Life Skills, Walla Walla High School

Classified: Sharon Quinn-Sears, Health Clinician, Blue Ridge Elementary

II. RESIGNATIONS/RETIREMENTS
Certificated: Matthew Bayley, Spanish, Walla Walla High School, 5 years
Chad Kopf, Special Education, Walla Walla High School, 10 years
Heather Nelson, Science, Berney Elementary Homelink Program, 3 years
( Heather will continue as a .5 FTE Science Teacher for the Homelink Program)

Classified: Marcia Clausen, Occupational Therapy Assistant, Special Programs, 23 years
(Marcia will continue as an Occupational Therapy Assistant two days per week)
Linda Coffman, Bus Driver, Transportation Department, 17 years
Yara Martinez, Para-Educator, Green Park Elementary, 5.5 years
Brandy Ulberg, Para-Educator, Garrison Middle School, 4 years

III. LEAVE OF ABSENCES
Certificated: Kim Cassetto, English, Walla Walla High School, 6 years
Laura Watson, ESL, Walla Walla High School, 1 year

Classified: Alicia Dankel, Intervention Specialist, Blue Ridge Elementary, 16 years

IV. TRANSFERS
Tracy Jones is now head custodian at Berney Elementary. He was an assistant custodian at both Pioneer & Lincoln
Jerry Munden will transfer from Berney to Pioneer Middle School. He will serve as an Assistant Custodian at Pioneer.


Blue Devil Athletic Development “BDAD” begins June 30
Program Goal: Improve Overall Athletic Ability for All Sports
• For Boys and Girls Grades 6-12
• June 30 to August 7 (Monday - Thursday)

Daily Schedule
Session 1: 8:00 - 9:00 a.m.
• Incoming 9th-12th grade students

Session 2: 9:00 - 10:00 a.m.
• Incoming 6th-8th grade students

Session 3: 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
• Incoming 9th-12th grade students

Instructors: Eric Hisaw, Amy Hisaw, Ryan Carter

Location: Wa-Hi Weight Room
Cost: $30 pre-registered and $35 at the door

Note: Students will need a medical release and a parent permission form. Both forms are available at the Wa-Hi Athletic Office, or at the door. (PHYSICALS ARE NOT REQUIRED)

Payment:
Make checks payable to Wa-Hi Athletics
Mail to: Wa-Hi Athletics, c/o Eric Hisaw - 800 Abbott Rd, Walla Walla, WA 99362