Walla Walla Public Schools
Week in Review - September 10, 2010

In this Issue:

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District launches school zone traffic safety awareness campaign
Superintendent Mick Miller reported to school board members Tuesday night on efforts the district is taking to improve traffic safety in school zones and area cross walks. Last week’s accident involving two Pioneer Middle School students who were hit in a cross walk on their way to school prompted the awareness campaign.

Miller has contacted all principals and asked them to remind staff, students and parents to use extreme caution while driving in school zones. He has also been in contact with city and county law enforcement leaders to encourage additional patrols in school zones. Walla Walla Public Schools is also purchasing additional school zone orange marker cones and “Little Green Men” figures to help drivers know they are entering a school zone.

Miller said he will continue the public awareness campaign throughout the school year and will fully support the efforts of an upstart Community Traffic Safety Task Force led by parents Kathryn Southwick-Hess and Katie Christianson.
District enrollment count up to start school year
Chief Financial Officer Pat Johnston reported to school board members Tuesday night the district is serving about 100 more students in grades K-12 than it was at this time last year. As of September 1, the district recorded 5957 Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) students.

Johnston reported September 8 will be the district’s first official enrollment count to the state of Washington for the 2010-2011 school year. She said the enrollment numbers could change based on Running Start, Greenways Academy of Washington Online School and Alternative Education Program enrollment figures which will come in later this month. Johnston said it appears district enrollment is up at all grade levels this fall.
District receives energy efficiency grant for improvements at Blue Ridge and Prospect Point
Walla Walla Public Schools received a $380,000 state energy efficiency grant to help pay for a new energy management system at Blue Ridge Elementary and lighting retrofits at Blue Ridge and Prospect Point Elementary Schools. The total cost of this project is approximately $950,000. The district estimates it will save $30,000 per year in utility fees from these upgrades.

The district will now apply for additional energy efficiency grant funds to offset costs for a new boiler at Pioneer and other energy projects. The district reinvested the under budget funds from the Edison construction project to successfully secure these match required grant funds. District funds must be used as a match in order to apply for these state energy efficiency grants.
2010-2011 calendar correction
The 2010-2011 school year calendar has an error. The early dismissal days of September 24, March 4 and June 3 are for elementary schools only. The 2010-2011 calendar incorrectly states these early dismissal dates are for all district schools, K-12. These half-day early dismissals are to allow elementary teachers more time for conference and report card preparation.

Corrected calendars will be printed and sent out to all schools and posted on the district website. Parents are encouraged to check with elementary schools for their specific early dismissal times. Walla Walla Public Schools regrets this error.

Personnel Report (based 9/7/10 school board meeting)
Employment
(Certificated)
- Mikayla Cummings, Kindergarten, Edison
- Amber Ferraro, Third Grade, Blue Ridge
- Kelsie Loree, First Grade (Temp.), Blue Ridge
- Hilary Tinnesand-Darnold, LAP .6 FTE (Temp.), Berney

(Classified)
- Daniel Coffey, Para-Educator, Garrison Middle School
- Jennie Courtney, Health Clinician, Pioneer Middle School
- Juana Diaz, Para-Educator, Sharpstein
- Yaneth Hernandez, Intervention Specialist, Blue Ridge
- LaVonda Hinrichsen, Para-Educator (Temp.), Berney
- Kate Keyes, Para-Educator (Temp.), Edison
- Brian Kitamura, Para-Educator (Temp.), Edison
- Raquel Martinez, Para-Educator (Temp.), Edison
- Monique Morris, Para-Educator (Temp.), Sharpstein
- Chanel Parke, Para-Educator (Temp.), Green Park
- Cleo Peterson, Para-Educator (Temp.), Lincoln
- Megan Shane, Para-Educator (Temp.), Garrison

Resignation/Retirement
(Classified)
- Wendy Jones, Health Clinician, Pioneer, 4 days
- Yajaira Page, Para-Educator, Blue Ridge, 3 years
- Kyle Sullivan-Jones, Para-Educator, Walla Walla High School, 2 years

Leave of Absence
(Certificated)
- Jeremy Hubbard, Third Grade, Blue Ridge, 9.5 years
(Jeremy will serve as a math coach at Blue Ridge for 2010-2011)

(Classified)
- Araceli Garcia, Para-Educator, Sharpstein, 1 year

Staff Transfers
Eddie Walker has transferred from Pioneer Middle School as assistant secretary to Garrison Middle School as Secretary for the Music Department. Walker replaces Ginger Calvario who transferred from the Music Department Secretary to Secretary to Director of Preschool Programs at Blue Ridge.

 


Superintendent’s Patron Tour program invites community members to visit schools
Superintendent Mick Miller is beginning the Superintendent’s Patron Tour program this fall to reach out to community members by offering school tours and a chance to meet with him.

Miller’s goal with the program is to build relationships, learn about each other and listen. Patron Tour guests will eat a light breakfast with Superintendent Miller, tour schools and conclude with lunch and a debriefing. If you are interested in participating in a Patron Tour, contact Communications Director Mark Higgins: 509.526.6716 or by email: mhiggins@wwps.org

2010-2011 Superintendent’s Patron Tour Schedule
Thursday, September 16
- Time: 8 a.m. to 12 noon
- Location: District Office (364 S. Park St.)
- Breakfast and lunch with Superintendent Mick Miller
- Tour Walla Walla High School and Edison Elementary

Thursday, October 14
- Time: 8 a.m. to 12 noon
- Location: District Office (364 S. Park St.)
- Breakfast and lunch with Superintendent Mick Miller
- Tour Lincoln High School and Sharpstein Elementary

Thursday, February 3
- Time: 8 a.m. to 12 noon
- Location: District Office (364 S. Park St.)
- Breakfast and lunch with Superintendent Mick Miller
- Tour Pioneer Middle School and Berney Elementary

Thursday, April 21
- Time: 8 a.m. to 12 noon
- Location: District Office (364 S. Park St.)
- Breakfast and lunch with Superintendent Mick Miller
- Tour Garrison Middle School and Blue Ridge Elementary


Walla Walla High School Debate Team prepares for another school year - By Coach Jean Tobin
Members of the team attended a Debate Camp in Wenatchee on August 16th, 17th and 18th. Ten Wa-Hi students attended: Rosa Tobin, Marisol Beck, Maddie Bronstein, Kera Parsons, Carrie Moore, Hope Grant-Herriot, Julia Cosma, Bryan Preston, Machado Mijiga and Calvin Brigham as well as Annie Capestany (a parent) and myself (Jean Tobin). Students from Eisenhower H.S. (Yakima) and Wenatchee H.S. (Wenatchee) also attended. The camp was designed to help students develop a stronger grasp of three different forms of debating: Lincoln-Douglas Debate, Public Forum Debate, and Student Congress. A variety of issues were debated including: off-shore oil drilling, trying juveniles as adults in the criminal justice system, and the Armed Forces “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy. 

Also, one of our debaters, Marisol Beck, attended the prestigious Whitman Debate Institute at Whitman College this summer. She studied and competed in Public Forum debate. Topics that she researched and debated included: the recent immigration law passed in Arizona, off-shore oil drilling, and current policies on whaling. 

The Wa-Hi Debate Club held a mini Wa-Hi debate camp on August 12th and 13th at Green Park. Kevin Loomer, theater instructor at the Walla Walla Community College, came and presented on speaking techniques and strategies. As a team we practiced impromptu speaking and rebuttal skills. 


“Tabitha’s Closet” offers teens free formal wear for special events
The youth committee at Christ Lutheran Church (1420 S. Ave.) is beginning a program called Tabitha’s Closet, which will allow teens access to rent free formal wear for “special” events like homecoming and prom. In exchange for the use of the clothes, participants are being asked to have them dry cleaned after use. Financial aid is available. This service is open to all teens in the Walla Walla Valley, and students are not required to demonstrate financial need. The church will be open for Homecoming shopping Wednesday, Sept. 15 through Friday, Sept. 24 from 3 to 8 p.m. every weekday. Daytime and weekend appointments can be made by calling 525-2243.

Donations Needed: Tabitha’s Closet is still accepting donations of clean, modern, and gently-used formal dresses, as well as shoes, jewelry and tuxedos. Please contact Anne Van Kley, Director of Youth Ministry at Christ Lutheran Church, or program director, Kim Morasch at 522-0130.


Walla Walla High School “Trunk-or-Treat” offers safe Halloween experience
Walla Walla High School’s Key Club will be sponsoring “Trunk or Treat” Saturday, October 30 from 5 to 7 p.m. in the SCIENCE parking lot. (NOTE LOCATION CHANGE). There will be a variety of decorated cars sponsored by various Wa-Hi clubs that will be giving out candy to area children. Admission is one can of food per attendee. The food donations will be delivered to local food banks. Wa-Hi FFA will be providing a “Haunted Barn” attraction this year. For more information, contact Shelly Mann: smann@wwps.org

Girls Council “Cottage House” project offers safe home for at-risk girls
Girl’s Council is a non-profit group in our community which has been operating since 2006. Since then, Girl’s Council has served over 150 local girls by offering girl’s groups to at-risk girls ages 9 through 18, many who attend school in the Walla Walla School District. These groups teach girls crucial skills to manage their feelings and behaviors and empower them to take charge of their lives.

The next goal of the organization is to build a residential, ranch-like home for girls in the Walla Walla area. Once built, “The Cottage” will house up to six girls and will be staffed 24 hours. This home will be a safe place for girls ages 12-17 where they can grow and become empowered within a structured, nurturing environment.

On October 30, 2010, Girl’s Council is sponsoring its first annual Harvest Moon Auction and Dessert Showcase at The Marc. One hundred percent of the proceeds from this event will go toward “The Cottage Project.” If you are interested, here are two ways that you can support Girl’s Council:
1. We are currently accepting high quality, new items for our silent auction (items between $50 and $100) or larger items for a live auction. The deadline for donations is Friday, September 17.
2. Tickets are available for this event and may be purchased for $25 per person.

Please contact Marci Knauft (mknauft@wwps.org), Brandi McIntire (bmcintire@wwps.org), Karen Neher (kneher@wwps.org), or Heather Strader (hstrader@wwps.org) if you would like to make a donation or purchase tickets for this event.


Blue Mountain Action Council (BMAC) offers Basic Food support program
Community members may qualify for Basic Food if they work, receive SSI, unemployment benefits or other income. Community members may also be eligible even they live with others or own a house and/or a car. Once people qualify for Basic Food, they will receive their benefits on a plastic card similar to a credit card. This card allows them to buy food at most grocery stores. Visit BMAC at 342 Catherine Street or call 529-4980 for an appointment or more information about Basic Food.


Community Center for Youth (CCY) offers teens exciting fall programs - By Program Manager Johnny Johnson
Wow, everything is really hopping at CCY this fall! New Fall Programming is underway and, most exciting of all, we are seeing astonishing growth. We are adding new members every night.
Some of our new programs include: Yoga, Guitar, Self Defense/Karate, Cycle Repair 2

Some of the existing and summer programs are so popular that they will continue. These existing programs include: Cartooning, Bread Baking, Excel 2 Excellence (after school tutoring and computer lab), Cooking/Nutrition, Girls Chat and Youth Leadership. Look for more programs to come.

Our focus for all programs from here on out is on outcomes. We believe in giving back to our community through CCY programs. This includes performing guitar at benefits and hospitals. We plan on making bread and selling it at the Farmers Market. These are just a few of our goals this year We have new Zero Tolerance Policies in place regarding cyber bullying, weapons and gang activities. This includes posturing, displaying “gang signs” or intimidation. As we are dealing appropriately with gang related problems and gang members CCY will definitely gain a renewed reputation as a safe place for “Two Walla” teens to hang out and truly enjoy themselves stress free. The kids are now experiencing this freedom and the morale runs high.

Community Center for Youth (CCY) Location:
St. Patrick’s Youth Center, 408 W Poplar St.
Walla Walla Washington 99362
Operating Hours: Monday, Wednesday (6 to 9 p.m.) / Friday (6 to 10 p.m.)


Walla Walla High School Homecoming Week - September 20-25
Monday, Sept. 20
- Class Color Day
- JV Football - 4 p.m.
- Royalty Assembly - 9:30 a.m.
- Buff Puff - 7 p.m.

Tuesday, Sept. 21
- Stoplight Day
- Pack the Pitch - JV & Varsity Soccer at 5 p.m.

Wednesday, Sept. 22
- Western Day
- Powder Puff - 7 p.m.

Thursday, Sept. 23
- Pajama Day
- Fill the Pool - Varsity Swimming at 6:30 p.m.
- Jam the Gym - C Team & JV Volleyball at 5:30 p.m. & Frosh & Varsity Volleyball at 7 p.m.
- Frosh football - 5 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 24
- Blue and White Day
- Homecoming Game at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 25
- Homecoming Dance at 8 p.m. (Wa-Hi Gym)


Walla Walla Valley Select fall baseball program underway
Goal: The main goal of fall ball is to improve the skills and talents of players between the ages of 13-16 years of age living in the Walla Walla Valley.

Dates: September 9 to October 3
Schedule: Practice days are Tuesday/Thursday from 6 to 7:30 p.m. and on Sundays from 1 to 3:30 p.m.
Location: Practice will take place at Murr Field in Walla Walla
Cost: $50 for the season
Information: Contact Peggy Needham at 301-0971 (cell) or 529-7408 (home)
Practice Drills include:
- Fielding
- Pitching
- Base-running
- Hitting

Coaches
- Zach Armijo
- Kevin Mc Neil
- Mike Needham
- Todd Smith
- Thane Stone

Walla Walla Valley Select Baseball 2010 Board Officers:
President –George Flippo
Vice President –Wes Hibner
Secretary –Carla Haen
Fundraising –Peggy Needham
Treasurer –Elida Flippo


Boise Inc. makes big paper donation to area schools
Donation demonstrates Boise’s community commitment
Boise Paper Inc. recently donated four pallets of paper (approximately 160 boxes) to the Kennewick, Richland, Pasco and Walla Walla school districts.

“We’re happy to help ensure the next generation of scientists, environmentalists, engineers, paper makers, and craftspeople have the supplies they need as they begin the school year,” said Nick Nachbar, Wallula mill manager.


Child Car seat safety clinic planned
Date: Friday, Sept. 24
Time: 2 to 4 p.m.
Location: Providence St. Mary Medical Center (7th St. side of the hospital at the covered patient drop off area)

This Child Car Seat Safety Clinic is sponsored by Safe Kids Blue Mountain and the WW County Traffic Safety Task Force
Questions? Contact Nancy at 524-2920


Student registrations now accepted for Walla Walla High School’s Big Blue Weekend
Adult volunteers, donations and sponsorships needed to support event

Big Blue Weekend Program Chairs: Walla Walla High School teachers Kris Duncan & Carina Stillman
Event dates: October 1-3
Location: Washington Family Ranch - Antelope, OR
Student participation: 300 students
Cost: $75 (transportation, room and board and sweat shirt – NOTE: no district funds used for this event)

What is Big Blue Weekend?
Big Blue Weekend is a school-wide retreat aimed at building positive relationships between students and with staff members. Intentionally designed activities allow students to step outside of their comfort zones, break down social barriers, and develop skills they can integrate into their lives.

Who can attend?
All Wa-Hi students are invited to attend Big Blue Weekend, with priority registration given to freshmen and sophomores.

What happens during the weekend?
- Large group activities meant to break down social barriers.
- General sessions with speakers on relational skills.
- Small group discussions and team-building activities led by student leaders and Wa-Hi staff.
- Free-time activities that allow students to take calculated risks and gain confidence by stepping out of their comfort zone, such as: Rock-Climbing, Gym with Basketball/Volleyball Courts, Weight Room, and Pool Tables, Indoor Skate Park, Three-Person Swing, Frisbee Golf, Soccer Field
- Dorm-style housing with adult chaperones in every room.
- High-quality, family style meals prepared by property staff and served by volunteers from the Walla Walla community.

How are the costs of Big Blue Weekend paid?
Big Blue Weekend is covered completely by student registrations ($75 each), ASB fund-raising, community donations, and grants. No part of the weekend is paid by building or district funds.

Where is it held?
Big Blue Weekend is held at Washington Family Ranch, a first class facility in central Oregon, where students have access to a wide variety of free-time activities not offered by any other retreat location in our region. The resort-like atmosphere and facility promote excellence in all activities, and property staff provide meals, house-keeping services, and program support. WFR has the capacity to serve several hundred people at a time, allowing more students and staff to participate.

How can I get involved?
You can attend the weekend as a chaperone who stays in a cabin and participates with a small group of students, or you can volunteer to join the work crew which prepares and serves meals all weekend. You can also donate money to cover a portion of one student’s registration fee, in order to provide scholarships to students who need financial help.

For more information about this event:
Carina Stillman
cstillman@wwps.org
509.527.3020

Kris Duncan
cduncan@wwps.org
509.527.3020


School board meetings to start at 6:30 p.m. beginning in October
School board meetings will start at 6:30 p.m. beginning in October. Superintendent Mick Miller recommended starting the meetings one hour earlier to better meet the needs of staff, parents and students.

He said this change will allow parents and staff to be home earlier to get their children ready for bed or to complete their studies.

Walla Walla Public Schools special guests for WSU Cougars vs. USC Trojans football game
Take advantage of significantly discounted tickets for the WSU Cougars vs. USC Trojans football game Saturday, Sept. 25 at 12 p.m. (noon) at Martin Stadium in Pullman by participating in the Walla Walla Public Schools football group outing.

Through this special group offer, staff members, family, friends, parents and students can purchase sideline seats for $25 (regular price $50) or end zone seats for $15 (regular price $35). One person will be randomly selected to win two field passes for the game through the Walla Walla Public Schools group offer.

Here is how to get your tickets:
1. Click on www.wsucougars.com
2. Click on the tickets tab (select group ticket window)
3. Go to login screen
4. Sign-in ID: WWPS
5. Password: COUGS
6. Purchase your tickets!

The group ticket window expires Sunday, Sept. 12 at midnight. For more information:
Adam Ganders
Assistant Ticket Office Manager
Washington State University
aganders@wsu.edu
509.335.0215 (Phone)
509.335.8585 (Fax)
wsucougars.com


Preschool program needs used children’s books
In an effort to increase literacy skills and help the district’s youngest learners develop a love for reading, the Head Start/ECEAP program is seeking gently used children’s books for its school-to-home book check out program.

If you are interested in donating used children’s books for this worthwhile cause, please drop them off at Blue Ridge Elementary School. Contact Preschool Director Kerri Coffman for additional information: kcoffman@wwps.org.


Edison Family Bicycle Rodeo Saturday
What: Edison Family Bicycle Rodeo
When: Saturday, Sept. 11 (9 to 11:30 a.m.)
Where: Edison Elementary School
Event Overview: The annual Edison Bicycle Rodeo will take place this Saturday at Edison Elementary School. Children of all ages are invited to participate in the bicycle rodeo which will include a safety course, minor bicycle repair, and other bicycle related activities. Children are encouraged to bring their bicycles.

The Whitman College cycling team will be at Edison to assist in the rodeo. Bike helmets will be handed out to those in need. Also, students who participate in the safety course will be included in a drawing for one of two bikes donated by Allegro Cyclery.


Providence St. Mary Medical Center offers Pioneer Middle School coaches and students training on concussions
This week more than 60 Pioneer Middle School student-athletes participated in the ImPact Concussion Management in Sports program offered by Tim Conley of Providence St. Mary Medical Center. Participation in the ImPact program was strictly voluntary and free of charge. The students took a 20 minute test to measure cognitive functions, reaction time and memory. If the students tested ever experience a concussion, they will be given the same test at the appropriate time to measure any changes and help physicians provide the best possible care.

“Concussion Management in Sports is something for which we are very strong advocates at Providence St. Mary Medical Center,” said Tim Conley, Director of Occupational Health and Rehabilitation. “The more we can educate the athletes, coaches, administrators and parents, the better we can prevent or lessen the impact of these debilitating injuries.”

According to Pioneer Middle School Principal Dana Jones the ImPact program was well received at her school.

“Mr. Conley provided our coaches with an excellent class regarding concussion injuries,” said Jones. “Our coaches were very impressed with his knowledge and felt his presentation was valuable and well done.”

District Athletic Director Don Wilkins said Walla Walla High School is also enrolled in the ImPact Concussion program to test all student-athletes. Garrison Middle School is also making arrangements to participate in ImPact.