Walla Walla Public Schools
Week in Review - November 21, 2008

In this Issue:

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Parent Conference and Thanksgiving Holiday Schedule
No school for students Monday, November 24 through Friday, Nov. 28. Classes resume Monday, December 1.
- Monday, November 24 - Parent Conferences
- Tuesday, November 25 - Parent Conferences
- Wednesday, November 26-28 - Thanksgiving Break

**See parent conference schedule below.

Berney Elementary
Monday, November 24 - 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (K-5)
Tuesday, November 25 - 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon (K-5)
Book Fair will be open both days.

Blue Ridge Elementary
Monday, November 24 - 12:30 p.m. to 8:15 p.m.
Tuesday, November 25 - 12:30 p.m. to 8:15 p.m.
Dinner and a break from 4:30 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. each day.

Blue Ridge Preschool
Thursday, November 20 - 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Home visits
Friday, November 21 - 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Home visits
Monday, November 24 - 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Home visits

Edison Elementary
Monday, November 24 - 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Tuesday, November 25 - 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon

Green Park Elementary
Monday, November 24 - 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Tuesday, November 25 - 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon

Prospect Point Elementary
Monday, November 24 - 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Tuesday, November 25 - 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon & 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Sharpstein Elementary
Monday, November 24 - 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Tuesday, November 25 - 5:05 p.m. to 7:55 p.m.

Garrison Middle School
Monday, November 24
- 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Prep for Conferences
- 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Dinner Break
- 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Student-Led Conferences
Tuesday, November 25
- 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon – Student-Led Conferences

Pioneer Middle School
Monday, November 24
- 12:00 noon to 2:00 p.m. Prep for Conferences
- 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Student-Led Conferences
- 5:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Dinner Break
- 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Student-Led Conferences

Tuesday, November 25
- 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Prep for Conferences
- 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Student-Led Conferences
- 4:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Dinner Break
- 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Student-Led Conferences

Lincoln Alternative High School
Monday, November 24
- 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Scheduled Conferences
- 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Drop In

Tuesday, November 25
- 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon Scheduled Conferences & Drop In

Walla Walla High School
Monday, November 24
- 1:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Lunch
- 1:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Conferences
Tuesday, November 25
- 1:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Lunch
- 1:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Conferences
Conferences will be in individual teacher rooms.

Homelink Program @ Berney
Monday, November 24 - 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Tuesday, November 25 - 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.



Board approves boundary revisions
School board members approved boundary revisions Tuesday, November 18, per recommendations from the district’s Boundary Review Committee, culminating more than one year of study. The changes take effect next school year. The new boundaries will increase Edison Elementary enrollment for the new school, maintain neighborhood schools, and balance enrollment in district elementary schools.

Approved Boundary Plan includes:
- Revised Boundary Map (This is the map that was showcased this fall during public meetings and posted on the district’s website)
- A grandfather option for 2009 for 4th and 5th grade students
- Continued study on finding a new location for the district’s preschool programs currently located at Blue Ridge

The district continues to study the possibility of revising the middle school boundaries to incorporate a “feeder school” model:
- Pioneer Middle School = Edison, Berney, Green Park
- Garrison Middle School = Blue Ridge, Prospect Pt, Sharpstein
No action was taken on the middle school feeder model.

Special thanks to the Boundary Review Committee and its chairs Chris Gardea and Dana Jones.



Walla Walla Public Schools plans Holiday Food Drive

Last month, nearly 800 Walla Walla families used the Blue Mountain Action Council Food Bank. In these tough economic times, more than half of the students attending Walla Walla Public Schools live in poverty. Join us in helping make a difference for families in our community, so nobody goes hungry during this holiday season. “Spread the Joy” this holiday season!

Holiday Food Drive Fact Sheet

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

What: Holiday Food Drive — Project Goal: 40,000 lbs.

When: December 1st - 19th

Where: Collection sites at Walla Walla Public Schools (Types of food: Non-perishable items — tuna, macaroni & cheese, peanut butter, canned fruits & vegetables, pasta, granola bars, etc.)

For more information:
Mark Higgins, Communications Director
Walla Walla Public Schools
364 S. Park St.
Walla Walla, WA 99362
509.526.6716
mhiggins@wwps.org


Assistant Superintendent Linda Boggs earns Doctorate of Education Degree
Walla Walla Public Schools Assistant Superintendent Linda Boggs earned her Doctorate of Education degree from Washington State University and will participate in graduation ceremonies Saturday, December 13, at 10 a.m. at the Beasley Coliseum in Pullman, WA. Boggs’ doctorate program research was on gendered leadership.

“I’ve had friendship, guidance, influence and encouragement from people I work with, parents and community members throughout this journey,” Dr. Boggs said. “It was especially meaningful for me that former Walla Walla Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Dennis Ray and former Garrison Middle School Principal Dr. Jim Howard served on my dissertation committee. They’ve been mentors throughout my professional career.”

Dr. Boggs says she has no definite plans for the near future, but states serving as a superintendent remains a goal.

“I’ve been so focused in my role as Assistant Superintendent and serving the district’s mission while completing the all consuming doctorate program, that I’ve not had time to think about my next steps,” Dr. Boggs said. “Wherever my career takes me, I will continue to focus on kids and providing learning opportunities for all.”

Boggs also holds a Washington State Superintendent’s Certification, which she earned through Washington State University in 2005. Boggs has served as Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Assessment since 2005 and spent 10 years as Principal at Blue Ridge Elementary. Boggs began her career as a first grade teacher in Elma, WA and worked as a classroom teacher for six years in her career.

Boggs earned her Master’s of Education Degree with an emphasis in Administration from Eastern Washington University in Cheney, WA. She completed her undergraduate studies at Eastern Washington University where she earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education. She holds endorsements in K-8 Elementary Education and library science.


Geidl elected school board president
Tuesday night school board members elected Mary Jo Geidl to serve as school board president for 2009. Fellow school board member Cindy Meyer was elected to the vice president position. They will assume these duties effective Dec. 16, 2008.

Support needed for ill Berney staff member
Longtime Berney Elementary Para-Educator Mary Ellen Farr is battling a possible life-threatening illness. Unfortunately, her insurance provider is refusing payment for her medical treatment which is causing her family extreme financial hardship. A fund has been established to support her medical treatments. Donations to the Mary Ellen Farr Fund may be made at Baker Boyer Bank — Eastgate Branch, 1931 Isaacs. Donations can also be dropped off at Berney Elementary and they will be deposited in the fund.

Thank you so much for your support as we help Mary Ellen return to good health and continue her positive impact on Berney Elementary.


State Fine Arts Director praises Taming of the Shrew
OSPI Fine Arts Program Director Anne Renee’ Joseph was in Walla Walla last week and praised the Walla Walla High School Drama production the Taming of the Shrew.

“It was magnificent!” Joseph said in a telephone message she left on the school’s message system. “It’s the best production of the play I have ever seen!”

Taming of the Shrew Performance Schedule (remaining schedule)
November 21 - 7 p.m
November 22 - 2 p.m.

Tickets: The ticket box office will be open from 4-6 p.m. today and one hour before curtain time Saturday. Please stop by or call (509) 526-8613 to reserve your seats.

“The Taming of the Shrew” at a glance:
The battle of the sexes is on! This timeless struggle for power and dignity, penned by William Shakespeare over four hundred years ago, still stands as an enigma. Is it sexist? Does it go big and reach beyond the constraints of its time or is it only a testament to Elizabethan relations and male dominance?

Man wants a wife. Man gets a wife. Kate seems to not be the gentle mouse that ‘everyman’ wants. Instead she is an “Intolerable curse and Shrewd.” Against her wishes Petruchio weds her saying, “Will you nil you, I will marry you!” Take in the spectacle of “Mad Wooing” as it never was.


Personnel Report (from 11/18 school board meeting)
• New Hires
(Classified) J. Carlos Martinez, Para-Educator, Blue Ridge
Margaret Fazzari, Para-Educator, Prospect Point
Kristin Richard, Para-Educator, Prospect Point and Blue Ridge

• Resignations/retirements
(Classified) Ginny Schneider, Para-Educator, Sharpstein (21 years) -- (effective December 31, 2008)


Walla Walla High School music students named to All-Northwest Choirs
Outstanding music students from the six Northwest states (Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington and Wyoming) have received top honors by being selected to participate in the 41st biennial National Association for Music Education All-Northwest Band, Orchestra, Treble Choir, Mixed Choir, Jazz Band and/ or Jazz Choir. The Walla Walla High School students listed below will join nearly 1,000 other outstanding high school student musicians in this gala event.

The All-Northwest band, orchestra, choirs and jazz groups will convene in Spokane, Washington, February 12-15. The finest high school musicians in each of these musical genres will rehearse under the direction of world-renowned conductors and present their final concerts in Spokane’s beautiful INB Performing Arts Center. Musicians were selected through auditions to participate in this outstanding event, which is sponsored by the Northwest Division of The National Association for Music Education.

Many professional musicians credit their honor group experience as crucial in their decision to choose music as a career. Thousands of others whose career paths took them in other directions have great memories of participating
in this inspiring and motivating musical experience and claim that it was a life-changing experience for them.

Well-known Northwesterners who have participated in past years’ honor groups include world-renowned trumpeters Doc Severinson and Allen Vizzutti, The Seattle Post-Intelligencer’s Pulitzer Prize-winning editorial cartoonist and columnist David Horsey, 2008 National Teacher of the Year Andrea Peterson, and jazz saxophonist Kenny G.

Walla Walla High School students selected:
Michael Bell- Mixed Choir, Bass 2
Natalie Ingersoll-Allen - Treble Choir, Alto 2
AnneMarie Jones - Mixed Choir, Soprano 2
Malila Kiliona - Treble Choir, Alto 2
Eva Reich - Treble Choir, Alto 1
Thomas Rowley - Mixed Choir, Tenor 2
Martin Sanks - Mixed Choir, Bass 2
Sierra Tinhof - Mixed Choir, Soprano 1


Classroom Close-Up features Green Park teacher
This week Green Park First Grade Teacher Claudia Saldivar 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 radio spot featuring Saldivar is now playing on regional stations.
Wal-Mart names Lincoln educator “Teacher of the Year”
Thursday at a Lincoln Alternative High School assembly Patrick Kofler received the Wal-Mart Teacher of the Year Award. He was given a certificate and Lincoln received a check from a Wal-Mart representative for $1000.

Lincoln 12th grade student Mary Peery nominated Kofler for the award. He teaches 3 Tier II support classes in Reading, Writing, and Math. He is also the head basketball coach for the Lincoln boys team.


Gang Task Force studies local gang activity
This week City of Walla Walla Police Department Detective Kevin Bayne led a presentation to the Southeastern Regional Gang Task Force on gang activity in the Walla Walla area. Bayne and fellow detective Saul Reyna are part of the city’s Target Offender Police Team which is committed to curbing gang activity.

The Southeastern Regional Gang Task Force consists of law enforcement officers, school officials, and probation/parole staff. The group meets monthly to discuss new gang trends and to monitor teen hangouts and potential threats.

Bayne said the biggest mistake school officials can make is to let their guards down when they suspect a student is involved in gang activity.

“Denial can be a costly error in judgement, ” Bayne said. “We often hear ‘he’s just a wannabe’, or ‘he’s a nice kid.’ It’s often these youth who are the greatest threat and who are doing the work for the gang. We are not powerless to gang activity and we must continue to work together to keep it from spreading.”

During Thursday’s meeting, Bayne reviewed the following:
- What gangs represent (most Walla Walla gangs emulate Southern California style gangs)
- Gang definitions
- Gang mentality
- Gang belief system
- Walla Walla gangs
- Ways to identify Walla Walla gangs
- How to deal with gang members
- Graffiti recognition