Walla Walla Public Schools
Week in Review - October 15, 2010

In this Issue:

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School board work session and meeting Tuesday, October 19
- Work Session: 4 to 6 p.m. (School board will discuss the hiring of an architect to assist in facilities improvement planning)
- Regularly scheduled meeting: 6:30 p.m.
- Location: 364 S. Park St.
- Both meetings open to public

Community members visit Lincoln High School and Sharpstein Elementary during Patron Tour
Thursday morning 12 community members met with Superintendent Mick Miller to learn more about the district as part of the Patron Tour program. Miller shared stories about his personal life and professional career and discussed this year’s goals for the school district.

Guests then boarded a school bus and traveled to Lincoln High School and Sharpstein Elementary to tour the schools and learn more about the staff, students, facilities and programs. The Patron Tour session ended with a debriefing with Miller and completion of a survey. Special thanks to Lincoln teacher Tim Bow for escorting the guests at Lincoln and to Sharpstein Principal Matt Bona and teacher Terri Gilbert for organizing students to lead the guests on a tour of Sharpstein.

There are two more Patron Tours scheduled this school year: Thursday, February 3 and Thursday, April 21 from 8 a.m. to 12 noon. Contact Communications Director Mark Higgins at 526-6716 or mhiggins@wwps.org if you are interested in participating.

Patron Tour guests
- Ruthanne Haider
- Beth Thiel
- Mona Geidl
- Bill Bieloh
- Gary Lunden
- Ted Sams
- Emily Jaceks
- Anne-Marie Zell Schwerin
- John Turner
- Maria Oralia Franco
- Jerry Zahl
- Kari Tupper


Pioneer “Fund Run” promotes health and fitness to raise money for school activities
Wednesday Pioneer Middle School students took a break from their classrooms to go outside and walk or run to raise funds for school activities as part of the Pioneer “Fund Run.”

Students generated pledges based on the distance they walked or ran. Pioneer staff donated more than $1000 dollars in prizes for students to earn for meeting donation goals. All proceeds go to support activities and programs at Pioneer Middle School.

Assistant Principal Jack Mehn organized the event which is expected to bring in more than $10,000. Mehn says the Pioneer “Fund Run” is a great way to raise money for important school programs and help the students learn the importance of fitness and healthy lifestyles.


Walla Walla Public Schools Free Tutoring Provider Fair Saturday
- Saturday, October 16
- 1 to 3 p.m.
- District Office School Board Room (364 S. Park St.)
Does your child need extra help in reading or math? Your child may qualify for free tutoring. Attend the Provider Fair Saturday, October 16 from 1-3 p.m. in the Walla Walla Public Schools Board Room (364 S. Park Street). Take time to ask questions and find out what tutoring services might be available for your child. For more information contact Connie Taylor-Randall at (509) 526-6748.
Walla Walla High School Choir students plan Talent Show
- Tuesday, October 19
- 7 p.m.
- Walla Walla High School Auditorium.
- Cost is $3 (Students with ASB Cards - $2)

Prospect Point Elementary students organize schoolwide “Pink Out” to find cure for Breast Cancer
Monday Prospect Point Elementary turned various shades of pink as students and staff organized a schoolwide Pink Out to raise awareness for breast cancer cure. Prospect Point 5th grade teacher Kate Van Cleve and 5th grade students in the Peer And Leadership Support or PALS program planned the activity.

Students at all grade levels donned pink shirts, hats and even tu tu’s in support of the effort. The students formed a “Pink Crew” to make posters, do school announcements and reminders. Van Cleve said she is proud of the students for all their leadership to make this inspirational project a huge success.

“We have many students in our school whose lives have been touched by breast cancer, and Mr. Gardea and the staff saw this as a great way to show support to those students,” Van Cleve said.

The PALS group helps make everyone feel welcome and works as leaders to teach good behaviors to all.


Washington State Penitentiary surprises students with special Halloween treat
This week staff from the Washington State Penitentiary delivered thousands of pumpkins to area elementary schools to offer students an early Halloween treat. The pumpkins were grown on the penitentiary grounds under the care of inmates. Penitentiary employee Kelly Fulbright says the inmates take pride in growing the pumpkins for area children.

“The inmates enjoy doing something positive for the community and children,” Fulbright says. “It’s quite a process to grow this many pumpkins, but the end result of seeing all of the smiling faces make it very worthwhile.”


District receives energy grant for Pioneer improvements
Walla Walla Public Schools received a $350,000 energy grant from the Department of Commerce to help pay for energy efficiency improvements at Pioneer Middle School. Improvements at Pioneer Middle School include new heat pumps and cooling system upgrades and energy efficient lights.

The total cost of this project is approximately $868,000. The district estimates it will save nearly $14,000 annually in utility fees from these upgrades.

“In these times of reduced revenues from the state, we are looking for any opportunity to reduce our operating costs,” said Chief Financial Officer Pat Johnston.

Pioneer Middle School Principal Dana Jones says these improvements will enhance the learning environment at her school.

“The upgraded heating and cooling equipment will improve the learning environment and comfort in several of our classrooms,” said Jones. “Improved lighting has also been found to be a factor for academic achievement gains.”

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.


Walla Walla High School Youth Cheer Camp and Clinic
- Saturday, October 16
- Registration: 9 to 9:30 a.m.
- Clinic: 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
- Walla Walla High School Small Gym
- All students kindergarten through 5th grade are invited
- COST: $20 per child ( includes t-shirt and shaker pom)

Participants are asked to wear comfortable clothes and bring a camera if they would like their picture taken with the cheerleaders. All students who participate will be invited to perform during the halftime show at the football game Friday, October 22. For more information, contact Cheer Coach Cathy Rasley at 509.520.3887.

Walla Walla High School JROTC cadet donates “Locks of Love” to aid young patients
A Walla Walla High School JROTC “Blue Devil Battalion” cadet recently made her fourth hair donation to the “Locks of Love” program.

Cadet Captain Kaylee Bialozor, 17, a class of 2011 senior, took up this cause after learning about the program from her father’s sister. “She looks a lot like her aunt and has always looked up to her as a role model,” said Lt. Col. Bill Bialozor, Senior Army Instructor for the Wa-Hi Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps program.

Kaylee, currently serving as the cadet battalion Public Affairs Officer, or “S5”, has been deliberately growing her hair for about a year for this donation. She plans to pursue an ROTC scholarship at Central Washington University next year and hopes to seek a commission as an Army officer. Like father like daughter, in that respect, said a source close to the program and the family.

Bialozor had her 10 inches cut at Fantastic Sams in the Tri-Cities, which is an active supporter of the Locks of Love program. Donors give a minimum of 10 inches of undyed hair.

According to the “Locks of Love”’web site, the donations help develop a sense of self, confidence and normalcy to children suffering from hair loss. She noted that her younger sister Mattie made her first donation to “Locks” several years ago.

More information about the “Locks of Love” program is available at their web site: www.locksoflove.org .



Walla Walla High School JROTC cadets lauded for state Hunter Education program support
Two cadets from the Walla Walla High School JROTC “Blue Devil” cadet battalion were commended today for supporting the most recent graduate class for the state hunter education program in the community.

Cadet Captains Katie Chavre and Drea Retherford, both seniors in the Wa-Hi class of 2011, were presented letters of appreciation by Gerald W. Taylor, course director for the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife Hunter Education Program classes at the downtown training site.

The letters cited Chavre, the rifle team captain, and Retherford, a member of the rifle team for: assistance that helped “achieve our obligation to ensure that all training was conducted in a safe and supervised manner at all times,” according to Taylor.

These, and many other Wa-Hi JROTC students, support events and activities throughout the academic year. The program helps students develop leadership skills that prepare them for their future.



Blue Ridge Elementary plans Family Night at the Walla Walla Public Library
Blue Ridge Elementary parents and children will spend a night at the public library Tuesday, October 19 at 7 p.m. to encourage reading at home. Students and parents will receive free library cards. “Friends of the Walla Walla Public Library” will provide refreshments and transportation from the school to the library to encourage widespread participation.


Former superintendent makes generous donation to Lincoln High School
Former Walla Walla Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Ellen Wolf and her husband Jim Healy provided Lincoln High School with a $500 grant through the Blue Mountain Community Foundation. These grant dollars helped fund “The Weekend” student leadership activity at Camp Wooten which was developed to build positive relationships and improve the school’s climate.

“Generous gifts such as this have helped us do special things for our Lincoln students,” said Principal Jim Sporleder.



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

Longtime broadcaster Jim Bock sits down for a conversation with Superintendent Mick Miller
Walla Walla Public Schools Superintendent Mick Miller recently sat down with longtime Walla Walla broadcaster Jim Bock for an in-depth video interview highlighting Miller’s personal and professional background, his philosophy on leadership and his goals for the district.

“A Conversation with Superintendent Mick Miller” is now showing on the Walla Walla Public Schools website at www.wwps.org and on Charter Cable Channel 3 at various times for the next three weeks. This is an excellent opportunity to learn more about Miller and his vision for Walla Walla Public Schools.

Charter Cable Channel 3 Airing Schedule (remaining)
Saturday, Oct. 16 – 10 a.m.; 6 p.m.; 9 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 17 – 10 a.m.; 6 p.m.; 9 p.m.

Monday, Oct. 18 – 10 a.m.
Tuesday, Oct. 19 – 6 p.m.
Wednesday, Oct. 20 – 9 p.m.
Thursday, Oct. 21 – 6 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 22 – 10 a.m.
Saturday, Oct. 23 – 10 a.m.; 6 p.m.; 9 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 24 – 10 a.m.; 6 p.m.; 9 p.m.

Monday, Oct. 25 – 10 a.m.
Tuesday, Oct. 26 – 6 p.m.
Wednesday, Oct. 27 – 9 p.m.
Thursday, Oct. 28 – 6 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 29 – 10 a.m.
Saturday, Oct. 30 – 10 a.m.; 6 p.m.; 9 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 31 – 10 a.m.; 6 p.m.; 9 p.m.

Tuesday, Nov. 2 – 6 p.m.
Thursday, Nov. 4 – 6 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 6 – 10 a.m.; 6 p.m.; 9 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 7 – 10 a.m.; 6 p.m.; 9 p.m.


Walla Walla High School National Honor Society organizes youth track meet in support of Cystic Fibrosis research
Walla Walla High School National Honor Society is organizing the “Breath for Life” youth track meet Sunday, Oct. 17 from 1 to 4 p.m. at Martin Field in Walla Walla. All proceeds from this event will support Cystic Fibrosis research and Walla Walla High School’s National Honor Society Program. Adult and student volunteers are needed in support of the track meet. Donations are also being accepted.

“The National Honor Society students feel strongly this is a worthy cause that fulfills our mission of community service,” said Walla Walla High School English teacher Karen Peddicord who is the school’s National Honor Society advisor. “We are offering another positive and healthy activity for youth in the Walla Walla valley. Youth can have fun while we raise money for a very worthy cause.”

Event Fact Sheet
- Event name: “Breath for Life”
- National Honor Society Youth Track and Field Meet to support Cystic Fibrosis research
- Date: Sunday, Oct. 17 from 1 to 4 p.m.
- Location: Martin Field (near Borleske Stadium)
- Ages: K-5
- Cost: $3

Running Events:
50 meter, 1 mile, 50 meter hurdles, 100 meters, 200 meters, 400 meters
Field Events:
Softball Throw, Javelin, Long Jump

- Students may participate in as many events as they want.
- Participation ribbons will be awarded as well as ones for 1st, 2nd, 3rd places.

For more information, contact Karen Peddicord at 527-3020 ext 4622 or by e-mail at: kpeddicord@wwps.org


Classroom Close-Up features Sharpstein Elementary teacher
This week Sharpstein Elementary Teacher Rob Griffith 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 public service announcement radio spot featuring Griffith is now playing on regional stations.