Walla Walla Public Schools
Week in Review - April 17, 2009

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School Board meetings Tuesday, April 21
• I-728 meeting: 6:30 to 6:45 p.m.
• Budget work session: 6:45 to 7:25 p.m.
• Regularly scheduled board meeting: 7:30 p.m.

District Board Room: 364 S. Park St.
All meetings open to the public


Walla Walla Community College agrees to lease land for Skills Center
The effort to bring a a branch campus of the Tri-Tech Skills Center to Walla Walla took another step forward this week after the Walla Walla Community College Board of Trustees unanimously approved a long-term land lease at Walla Walla Community College for the future development of the regional high school skills center facility.

“The location at Walla Walla Community College presents an opportunity for high school students to have a more seamless transition from high school to college,” Superintendent Rich Carter said. “It is also close to Highway 12 which makes it very convenient for other regional school district’s participating in the program.”

The WWCC land lease represents a collaborative partnership between Walla Walla Community College and our school district,” Carter said.

Carter also reported State legislators are expected to approve $100,000 in state funding this session to authorize the district to complete preliminary designs for a high school skills center.

“Thanks to the support of our 16th District elected officials, this funding source became available in the capital budget,” Carter said.

Once preliminary designs are completed, the district will apply for state funds for detailed design fees, construction, supplies and equipment. Carter says the district remains committed to seeing this process through to completion. Feedback on the skills center has been positive, according to Carter. He says the demand is clear.

Learn more about Tri-Tech at: http://www.ksd.org/tritech/


Rotary teams with district to plant trees at Blue Ridge
Special thanks to the Rotary Club of Walla Walla, City of Walla Walla and Sherwood Trust for partnering with Blue Ridge parents, staff and students to plant 60 donated trees at Blue Ridge Elementary as part of a city-wide reforestation program.

Last Saturday nearly 40 Blue Ridge families and several Blue Ridge staff members joined volunteers from the Rotary Club and City of Walla Walla to plant the trees across the sprawling campus. The program also helps Walla Walla youth learn about the importance of trees in our environment.


Homelink Information meetings planned
• May 18, 6:30 to 8 p.m. - Berney Library
• May 20, 10 a.m. to 12 noon - District Office Blue Mountain Room (364 S. Park St.)

“These meetings are for parents looking for information about Homelink and K12,” said Homelink Advisor Teacher Pam Clayton. “We will have registration packets available to pick up or fill out during the meeting.”

For more information about the Homelink Program, contact Clayton at (509) 527-3010 or by e-mail: pclayton@wwps.org.


Blue Ridge and Berney plan car wash Sunday to raise funds for Grant-Herriot visit
Berney and Blue Ridge Elementary students are planning a trip to Olympia April 23 and 24 to visit Laura Grant-Herriot. Grant-Herriot is in her first term as representative of the 16th Legislative District. She is on leave from her fifth grade teaching position at Berney Elementary to serve the legislative district.

Car Wash scheduled Sunday
- Super One Foods
- Sunday, April 19
- 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Student participating:
- 39 Blue Ridge
- 69 Berney

Funds raised to date:
- $1,300 in car wash
- $2,765 in pizza sales
- $1,000 private donation

Fund raising goal: $7,500

Both schools are also selling pizza certificates for Big Cheese for $10 each.

Olympia Trip highlights:
• State Capitol Civic Education tour
• Meeting with Governor Gregoire
• Dinner, campfire activities and overnight camp at Panhandle Lake 4-H Camp in Shelton, WA
• Visit Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium



Balloons to launch from district schools Friday, May 8
Get an up-close look at hot air balloons featured in this year’s Balloon Stampede during early morning launches from district schools Friday, May 8 at 6:30 a.m. They will not launch from Edison this year due to construction. They will launch at the west-side of Pioneer Park instead of Edison this year.

Balloons will also be launched from Garrison Middle School Saturday, May 9 and Sunday, May 10. (weather permitting).
For more information about this year’s Balloon Stampede, contact the Walla Walla Valley Chamber of Commerce, 509.525.0850. Event Coordinator Susan Hall is also available at 509.629.1141.


Green Park takes first at valley math contest
Students from Green Park Elementary School rose to the top during the March 14 Walla Walla Valley Elementary Mathematics Contest to take first place in the team category. More than 100 local fourth and fifth graders participated in the contest held at Garrison Middle School. Teachers and students worked for months in preparation to takes tests in Addition/Subtraction, Multiplication/Division, Patterns/Spatial Relations, and Problem Solving. Students were also treated to a pizza lunch and an awards ceremony.

Top scoring schools were:
1st Place - Green Park
2nd Place - Assumption
3rd Place - Prospect Point

Overall individual winners were:
1st Place - Reid Reininger, Sharpstein
2nd Place - Kathleen Thompson, Assumption
3rd Place - Eric Cho, Green Park

Special thanks to Whitman professor and longtime district volunteer Laura Schueller for coordinating the event.


Conference brings light to aligning teaching practices with 21st Century technology skills - By Janis Barton, Technology Director
Thursday evening nearly 200 local business leaders, K-20 educators and technology experts met at the Reid Center on campus of Whitman College to participate in HD-L3, a conference focusing on “High Definition Leading Learning and Living in a Digital World.”

The focus of the evening was to raise awareness that we have to magnify and implement new instructional technologies in our classrooms to engage students and improve their learning. District technology master teachers Martin Telstad and William Calhoun showcased technologies they are implementing in their classrooms to enhance these skills. Telstad’s presentation was titled: “Increasing Classroom Democracy & Participation”, while Calhoun’s centered on “Assessing Digital Assessment”.

Their presentations were part of a segment called “Thin Slices” which focused on today’s High Def learning in education and business. Walla Walla business leaders and higher education instructors also presented efforts from their areas.

The keynote speaker was Ian Jukes and he discussed ‘Living on the Future Edge: Thinking About Tomorrow Today’.
Juke said: “In a world where change is the constant you can’t trust your eyes because what you see will replaced tomorrow. You think your eyes are showing you reality, in fact, they are showing you history. The only way to see the reality of a world on the move is to look for global trends. By carefully examining the significance of several global exponential trends, fundamental assumptions are challenged about the world we live and the future that awaits us.”

Ian challenged listeners to question our unconscious assumptions about schools and learning by exploring the global exponential trends. He examined how these changes will affect the classroom, the curriculum, learning, instruction, evaluation and assessment with a shift in curriculum and thinking necessary to equip students for success in the 21st century.

He stressed that schools can prepare students for this ever-changing world by developing an instructional and learning strategy that simultaneously focuses on content and 21st century skills such as critical thinking, problem solving, information and technological fluency, project-based learning and cognitive skills needed to survive in the culture of the 21st Century.

Because the traditional teaching practices are becoming increasingly out of sync with our rapidly changing world he challenged educators to effectively engage learners so that they can not only perform exceptionally well on state exams, but also simultaneously learn the critical twenty-first century skills needed to excel in both school and life.

This was a powerful four hour discussion to collaborate on how we can make the necessary advancements in these areas. This is critical to the future of education and it will take a community effort to see it through. Thanks again to our district’s master teachers for presenting and to all of you for your commitment to using technology in our classrooms.


District students excel in Future Problem Solving competition
Garrison Middle School update
Garrison Middle School sent 10 teams and 39 students to the state level Future Problem Solving competition in Stanwood, WA April 8-10. Coach Beth Clearman is delighted to report that two Junior Division teams placed in the Top 10 and three Middle Division teams placed in the Top 10 as well.

In the middle division, team members: Tim Caudill (8), Connor Stone (8), Ruben Avalos (7) and Junior Ruiz (7) placed 7th in Washington State; team members Julia Cosma (8), Drue Erwin (7), Jessica Allen (8) and Kendra Hinger (8) placed 6th in Washington State; and team members Teagan Coleman (8), Lila Weglin (8), Carrie Moore (8) and Ashley Cornia(8) placed 9th in Washington State.

In the junior division, team members Madyson Gabriel (6), Andrew Miller (6) and Jennifer Cho placed 8th in Washington State and team members Hannah Mitchell (6), Seth Chapman (6), and Emily Pryor (6) placed 5th in Washington State.

Additionally, Garrison 8th grader Julia Cosma took home first place for the entire state of Washington for her writing piece titled “I Did it for Jain”. She is currently competing at the International Competition.

Pioneer Middle School update
Pioneer Middle School students in Dan Calzaretta’s Explorer classes are participating in the Community Problem Solving part of Future Problem Solvers. Instead of looking at potential future problems, students look at real issues in the community, work with other organizations, and try to be part of a solution, according to Calzaretta.

This year Pioneer teams are working with the Blue Mountain Humane Society and with the Walla Walla Christian Aid Center. Pioneer projects will be completed sometime next school year.

Walla Walla High School update
Four state-qualifying Future Problem Solving teams from Wa-Hi competed at the state finals on April 9 in Stanwood, Wash.

Two of the teams solved the problem of a counterfeit economy in a futuristic scene and wrote their way into third and fourth place in the senior division (grades 10-12).

Seniors Ryan Campeau, Jeff Ladderud, Tyler Hurlburt and Janet Hill captured third place. They also placed third in the action plan presentation competition, where they portrayed a futuristic musical version of Hamlet relating to counterfeit economy.

Juniors Will Bergstrom, Emma Burgess, Denali Molitor and senior Eva Reich placed fourth. During their action plan presentation competition, they placed second with a musical rendition of the counterfeit economy showcasing their talents.

Two additional state-qualifying teams competed. Freshmen Michellie Hess, Beth Meyer, Brianna Nelson and Emily Schueller competed in the middle division (grades 7-9) against 34 other teams. Freshmen Sean Hollenbeck and James Tupper-Bridges teamed up with juniors Amanda Hamilton and Anna Tupper-Bridges in the senior division.

Scenario writer Mac Clifton received his state award during the closing ceremonies for placing third in scenario writing in the middle division.

Future Problem Solving is a Wa-Hi club coached by John and Gay Buissink.


Berney student wins Balloon Stampede Art Contest
The third graders were having a normal lunch in the Berney cafeteria on April 6, 2009. But then a bullhorn announcer called for their attention, asking how many of them had ever watched a hot air balloon rising into the sky. A sea of hands rose, and when asked how many had drawn a picture of that experience and entered it into this year’s art contest as a design for the Official 2009 Balloon Stampede kids’ t-shirt, the majority of those hands stayed up, waving at the WWVCC Balloon Stampede Awards Team!

Chamber Manager Dave Warkentin and assistant Julie Dawson assisted volunteer art contest coordinator Judy McDole, long-time area teacher, in presenting Katy Pasqual as this year’s t-shirt design contest winner. She is a Berney third grader in Claudia Ford’s class. Katy’s mother was in on the surprise and was there as Katy’s name was announced and she came forward to receive a bright yellow t-shirt, decorated with her colorful design of drifting hot air balloons and neatly included this year’s theme of “Keeping Spirits High for 35 Years—2009”.

Katy received her cash prize of $25 in $5 bills, enthusiastically counted out with the help of her classmates. Katy will also be a special guest at the Pilot and Crew briefing on Thursday evening of the Stampede and be a VIP on the field when she gets to be part of the Saturday Nite Glow crew!

A classroom party followed, where Katy received five of her designed t-shirts for her family: her mother and father, her first grade sister, and 6-month-old youngest sister. McDole showed a slide show which presented a brief history of ballooning, highlighted and discussed the parts of the balloon, and the pilot and crew’s launch procedure to become one of the “hounds” chasing the “hare” in the Saturday morning, May 9, “Hare and Hound” chase. In exchange for correct responses to fact-based questions, Dawson awarded students in her class with Stampede memorabilia from past years. The balloon cookies and class photo ended a wonderful day, full of surprises and education!

This year there were 448 designs collected, submitted by students in grades kindergarten through 5th in 13 area schools. These young citizens were eager to become part of this exciting community event, thanks to the encouragement of thier teachers and families, according to McDole. Chamber members judged from more than 40 finalists and chose Katy’s as the best overall representation of the Walla Walla Hot Air Balloon Stampede. Come to the horticulture (“flower”) building at the fairgrounds to see a burst of color with ALL of the entries on display during the Stampede, May 8 to 10, 2009.


Former Inland Printing owner donates paper
Walla Walla Public Schools Print Shop recently received boxes of donated paper from Brooks Graves, former owner of Inland Printing. Graves recently sold the business to retire.

Various paper stocks and sizes were included in this generous donation. Some of the paper is heavier stock and can be used for covers and flashcards.

“Walla Walla High School uses a lot of flashcards in the Foreign Language and English Departments,” District Printer Kelly Gabel said. “Since we had ran out of donated paper from Boise Cascade, these departments haven’t been able to afford $60 a box for flashcards. Now that we have additional donated paper to cut up for flashcards, we will be able to fill these orders.”

The paper donation fills two pallets, stacked approximately 3’ high, according to Gabel. There is also about 15 boxes of paper in the donation.

“I am just so excited about this,” Gabel said. “There is literally thousands of dollars worth of paper here. We are very thankful to Brooks Graves for this generous paper donation.”


Edison students to perform in support of ‘Books for Babes’ program
“A Race to the Finish” - Based on Aesop’s fable, “The Hare and the Tortoise”
Date: Friday, April 24, 2009
Location: Edison Elementary Gym (1315 E. Alder)
Cost: FREE - No admission cost

6:30 p.m. Performance
• Performed by Mrs. Barga’s/Rossi’s 2nd Grade and Mrs. Gogl’s 3rd Grade Classes

7:15 p.m. Performance
• Performed by Mrs. Kaaen’s 2nd Grade and Mrs. Klein’s 3rd Grade Classes

Donations may be made to support our community service project - “Books for Babes”


Central Washington University choral director discusses music with Walla Walla High School students
This week Central Washington University Choral Director Dr. Gary Weindenaar offered a music clinic for Walla Walla High School students involved in the Concert Choir and Chamber Singers music groups during a visit to the Ellensburg campus.

“We performed in their wonderful new Concert Hall,” Wa-Hi Choral Director Norb Rossi said. “It is an amazing place to sing and offers extraordinary acoustics for singers. We also heard their Chamber Choir perform. It was a valuable experience for our singers and they enjoyed themselves.”


Edison PTA Sponsors an Applebee’s Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser
Date: Saturday, April 18
Time: 8 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Location: Applebee’s Restaurant (1604 Plaza Way)
Cost: Tickets are $5 per person and include a short stack of pancakes, sausage and a beverage
Tickets: Tickets are available from Andrea Cortinas, 525-6331 or cortinasfamily@msn. Tickets may also be purchased at the door.
Proceeds: Money raised will benefit an indoor climbing wall in the new Edison gymnasium.
Volunteers needed to help Pioneer students assemble food packets for African children
Pioneer Middle School students and families will be packaging meal packets for African children Friday, April 24, from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Additional volunteer support is needed. The project is linked to the “Children of the Nation” organization. Volunteers will be assembling food packets that will then be directly shipped to Africa to feed hungry children.

“A truck from Children of the Nations will be coming from Seattle with all packaging materials and supplies needed for the project,” said Pioneer PTA President Holly Carrera. “We are seeking 50 to 60 volunteers for this event. We held a candle fundraiser in December with 100 percent of the proceeds going to support this project.”

For more information, contact Carrera at: mcarrera@charter.net.



District featured on KAPP/KVEW (ABC) television show School Scene Magazine
KAPP/KVEW (ABC) will continue airing School Scene Magazine featuring Walla Walla Public Schools the next few months. This 30 minute program features student and staff interviews showcasing district programs and activities. Prosser School District Superintendent Dr. Ray Tolcacher is the show’s host.

Walla Walla Public Schools will also post the School Scene Magazine program on its website and use it for staff recruiting, parent information meetings and community presentations.

School Scene Magazine schedule to air on KAPP/KVEW (ABC)
Sunday, April 26 - 4 p.m.
Saturday, May 9 - 4:30 p.m.
Sunday, May 24 - 4 p.m.
Sunday, May 31 - 9 p.m.
Sunday, June 7 - 8 p.m.
Tuesday, June 9 - 9 p.m.
Sunday, June 14 - 8 p.m.
Tuesday, June 16 - 9 p.m.


Classroom Close-Up features Edison Library-Media Specialist
This week Edison Elementary Library-Media Specialist Jennifer Nicholson 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 Nicholson is now playing on regional stations.

BUNKO Benefit & Silent Auction for ailing Prospect Point dad planned for Sunday
All proceeds from this event go to help pay for Adam Piercy’s medical expenses. Adam is a single dad of two Prospect Point Elementary School boys. He is currently waiting for a heart transplant.

Date: Sunday April 19
Place: Marcus Whitman Hotel, Explorer Ballroom — Corner of 2nd & Rose, Walla Walla, WA
Time: 2 p.m.
Tickets: May be purchased in advance.
Ticket Cost: $25 each or - 2 or $40

Ticket Information:
- Contact Jodi Ferguson: 301-2042
- Penny Dimino: 522-7055 - diminomk@msn.com
- Kim Corcoran: 529-5333 - kimcorcoran@bmi.net

Get Your Tickets Today!
Can’t come? Donations also accepted.

Prizes, Prizes, Prizes!
Gather your friends & buy tickets for all, come and enjoy an afternoon of fun for a great cause! There will also be a silent auction on-site.
Make Checks Payable to: Adam Piercy Donation


Berny choir featured in event to stop child abuse
Event name: A mile in their shoes, city-wide walk
Date: Sunday, April 26
Time: 1 to 4 p.m.
Location: Walla Walla Superior Court grounds (315 W. Main St. - Walla Walla)
Website: amileintheirshoes.org

This is the first city-wide walk and informational fair in support against child abuse. Our purpose is to make the community aware of the reality and devastation of child abuse. Many organizations will be there to share important information on where you or someone you know can go for help.

Event agenda
1 - 1:10 p.m. - Introduction
1:10 - 2 p.m. - Walk
2 - 2:15 p.m. - Skit by: WWCC Theatre Arts Department
2:15 - 2:30 p.m. - Story of a survivor
2:30 - 2:45 p.m. - Berney Elementary School choir
2:45 - 3:15 p.m. - Keynote Speaker: Janelle Carman
3:15 - 3:30 p.m. - Story of a survivor
3:30 - 3:40 p.m. - Musical Solo
3:40 - 4 p.m. - Closing remarks

Sponsors
- Child Abuse Council
- Children’s Home Society
- WWCC
- Black Tie Audio and Staging