Walla Walla Public Schools
Week in Review - (Enter Date Here)

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District seeks architect to study high schools
Superintendent Miller says conceptual designs are next phase
Tuesday night school board members during a special work session informally gave Superintendent Mick Miller the go ahead to submit a request for proposal for architectural services. Miller said this level of professional support is needed to advance the district’s facilities improvement planning process.

Miller plans to meet with Walla Walla and Lincoln High School staff members in the coming weeks to begin discussing priorities and needs for improvements on both campuses. Local facilities studies put Walla Walla and Lincoln High Schools at the top of the district’s list for improvements.


Personnel Report (from 10/19/10 school board meeting)
Employment
(Classified) Krista Garcia, Secretary to Director, Transportation
Bridget Jacobson, Asst. Secretary (temp), Walla Walla High School
Ashia Jordana, Para-Educator/Family Advocate (temp), Blue Ridge

Resignations/Retirements
Kristen Duede, Intervention Specialist, Berney, 2 years
Barbara Thatcher, Intervention Specialist, Green Park, 16 years

Staff Transfer
John Pemberton transferred from his assistant custodial position at Prospect Point to a Trades Assistant position in the Facilities and Operations department.


Garrison Night School classes scheduled (adult Spanish classes offered to)
Registration will begin soon for Garrison Night School. This is an adult education program offered in a partnership between Walla Walla Community College and Walla Walla Public Schools. You can register at Walla Walla Community College any time during the day. On November 16-18, there will be evening registration at the college from 5:00-8:00. Classes begin Monday, November 29, 2010, and end Thursday, March 3, 2011.

The mission of Garrison Night School is to promote the education of Hispanic parents by connecting them to the school community, preparing them for a General Education Diploma and facilitating their enrollment in college, thus raising the educational level and standard of living of the family.

Classes are held at Garrison Middle School (906 Chase St.) in Walla Walla. Classes this year include General Education Diploma (GED) preparation and five levels of English as a Second Language (ESL). These classes are from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Basic E-Learning will be offered nightly from 5 to 6 p.m. A $25 registration fee which covers all classes taken is required for the E-Learning, GED and ESL classes. Some scholarships are available as is a free children’s program.

The extended day learning program for the children is supported through the Millennial’s program that serves Garrison Middle School students and Blue Ridge Elementary School students, a grant from the Vista Hermosa First Fruits Foundation and the Title III Federal Bilingual Program grant.

Beginning Spanish for native English speakers will be taught on Monday and Wednesday evenings from 6 to 8 p.m., and Advanced Beginning Spanish for native English speakers will be taught on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6 to 8 p.m. The fee for the Spanish class is $150.00. Registration for these classes is at the Walla Walla School District Business office.

For additional information regarding the Garrison Night School, contact Program Coordinator Melito Ramírez at (509) 526-8638 or by e-mail at mramirez@wwps.org, or Diana Erickson at (509)526-6771 or by e-mail at derickson@wwps.org.


Girls Cross Country and Varsity volleyball teams win 4A Academic Championships
The Walla Walla High School Girls Cross Country and Girls Varsity Volleyball teams have won the State 4A Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) Academic Championships for their respective sports.

This was accomplished by having the highest team Grade Point Average (GPA) of any 4A school in the state. The Girls Cross Country team had a 3.937 GPA and the Volleyball team had a 3.79 GPA. Volleyball shared the championship with Wenatchee who had the identical GPA.

"Congratulations to the players and coaches for these outstanding accomplishments in athletics and academics,” said District Athletic Director Don Wilkins.

The Head Cross Country Coach is Mike Locati and the Head Volleyball Coach is Audra Cummings.


Walla Walla High School student-atheletes honored for academic achievement
The Washington Interscholastic Activities Association recently announced 13 of Walla Walla High School’s fall athletic teams earned scholastic awards. Each sports season the WIAA recognizes teams across the state for outstanding academic performance. The awards are based on the most current semester grades.

WIAA offers two awards: Distinguished Team Award for teams with a team accumulative GPA of 3.00-3.49 and the Outstanding Team Award for teams with a team accumulative GPA of 3.5-4.0. Seven Walla Walla High School teams earned the Outstanding Team award. These programs involve almost 400 student-athletes.

“Congratulations to the teams and their coaches and thank you to all the teachers and staff who inspire and guide their continued academic success,” said District Athletic Director Don Wilkins.

VOLLEYBALL
Varsity: 3.79 - Outstanding Team Award
JV: 3.777 - Outstanding Team Award
C Team: 3.264 - Distinguished Team Award
Frosh: 3.582 - Outstanding Team Award

FOOTBALL
Frosh: 3.227 - Distinguished Team Award

SOCCER
Varsity: 3.282 - Distinguished Team Award
JV: 3.238 - Distinguished Team Award

SWIM
Varsity: 3.659 - Outstanding Team Award

GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY
Varsity: 3.937 - Outstanding Team Award
JV: 3.554 - Outstanding Team Award

BOYS CROSS COUNTRY
Varsity: 3.639- Outstanding Team Award
JV: 3.446 - Distinguished Team Award

CHEER
Varsity: 3.06 - Distinguished Team Award



District team to present Response to Intervention model to Delaware educators
Walla Walla Public Schools Response to Intervention (RTI) Coordinator Maria Garcia and Walla Walla High School Associate Principal Mira Gobel have been invited by the Delaware Department of Education to travel to Dover, Delaware to participate on an expert panel November 5 to discuss Walla Walla High School’s RTI success stories with education leaders from Delaware. All travel expenses are paid for by the Delaware Department of Education.

Garcia and Gobel will participate in a half-day roundtable discussion with other education experts and then present individually for 10 to 15 minutes on the Walla Walla’s strategies and successes. Gobel said Walla Walla High School’s administrators, teachers and support staff have embraced the RTI model and have developed a culture committed to ensuring success for every student. She says the school’s 96.4 percent on-time graduation rate is just one of the school’s success stories.

Response to Intervention (RTI) is a way of organizing instruction and assessment that has two purposes:
1.) To identify children needing help in reading, math, writing, and prevent the development of serious learning problems; and
2.) To identify children who, even when given extra help, make very limited progress. Research has shown that these children sometimes have a learning disability.

Walla Walla High School RtI Mission Statement:
We will support the development, implementation, and monitoring of programs and efforts to ensure EVERY student’s success in school.

Delaware RTI Secondary Education Expert Panel
Research:
- Charles Hughes, Professor of Special Education, Pennsylvania State University
- John Hosp, Associate Professor, Department of Teaching and Learning, University of Iowa

Implementation:
State/Regional Perspective:
- Nanette Fritschmann, Consultant for the PA Training and Technical Assistance Network (PaTTAN) Harrisburg, PA/Assistant Professor of Special Education, College of William & Mary

District Perspective:
- Ken Geisick, Superintendent, Riverbank Unified School District, California
- Christine Lay, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Central Dauphin School District, Pennsylvania
- Martha Menz, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Upper Darby School District, Pennsylvania

School/Building Perspective:
- Mira Gobel, Associate Principal, Walla Walla High School, Washington & Maria Garcia, District RTI Coordinator, Walla Walls Public Schools, WA
- Howard McMackin, Consultant for the Rolling Meadows High School, Illinois

Attendees: Five Delaware Department of Education staff and administrators from 19 districts and three charter schools. Approximately 30-40 educators, including the experts and facilitator, are expected to attend.


Walla Walla - Columbia Retired School Employees Association offers scholarships
Two $1,000 scholarships are available from the Walla Walla -Columbia Retired School Employees Association.
Requirements:
1. Graduate of high school in Walla Walla or Columbia County
2. Student teach between September 2011 and June 2012
Applications available: November 1, 2010
Application due: April 1, 2011
Contact person: Mardel Bierwagen @ 525-6117 or gbierwagen6117@charter.net

"Where Are they Now?" - Your Alumni Connection
Walla Walla Public Schools has established a “Where Are They Now?” alumni program on the district web site: www.wwps.org. Just click on the web link and enter your information. It’s easy and a great way to stay connected!

Walla Walla High School students selected for Internation Honor Band
The following Walla Walla High School students were selected to perform at the 2010 Western International Band Clinic (WIBC) Honor Band Festival November 19 - 22 in Seattle. The students submitted an MP3 recorded audition for selection.

Amy Ueckert: Clarinet, Junior
Rachel Schueller: Flute, Sophomore
Ashley Taylor: Trumpet, Junior
Michelle Ruzicka: Clarinet, Sophomore

“Around 1000 students from the U.S. and Canada audition each year with approximately 660 students selected to rehearse and perform in four separate concert bands. We are very proud of the students selected for this annual event!” Wa-Hi Band Director Andrew Ueckert said. “Way to go Wa-Hi band students!”


Walla Walla High School Student to Participate in the National FFA Choir
Courtney Bruner, a member of the Walla Walla High School Future Farmers of America contingent at the National FFA Conference in Indianapolis, Indiana, was selected to sing the National Anthem at the event rodeo. Courtney is also a member of the Walla Walla High School Concert Choir and Chamber Singers.

Courtney is one of 80 students who were invited to participate in the National FFA Choir at the event. Courtney sent in an audition CD last spring to qualify. She was selected from live auditions this week to sing for the rodeo. This event will be televised.


Information meeting Scheduled for American Field Service (AFS) intercultural programs
- Tuesday, November 2
- Walla Walla High School library
- 7 to 8:30 p.m.

The local AFS chapter (American Field Service) will provide information and answer questions about how families can participate in one of the oldest, volunteer, intercultural programs for teens. AFS volunteers will be available, along with current exchange students and a recent returnee, to talk about becoming an exchange student, volunteer opportunities and hosting students. Whether you are thinking about becoming involved soon or in a year or two, now is the time to find out about timelines, applications, scholarships, hosting support and options.

Contact Holly Howard at 509.301.1859 if you are interested, but cannot attend, or if you have additional questions.


Walla Walla High School Drama department presents Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice"
Dates and times:
- November 11,12,13,18,19 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, November 20 at 2 p.m.

Cost:
- Adults: $12
- Students: $6

Location:
- Walla Walla High School Performing arts auditorium

Ticket box office: (509) 526-8613
- This play was adapted for the stage by Jon Jory.


Downtown Walla Walla Foundation presents annual Downtown Trick-or-Treat
- Downtown Walla Walla Foundation annual Downtown Trick-or-Treat
- Friday, October 29
- 3 to 5 p.m.
- Goblins, superheroes and princesses of all sizes are invited to visit participating downtown businesses in this long-time

Halloween tradition:
Thanks to the generosity of downtown merchants, families can come downtown and trick-or-treat door-to-door in a safe, supervised environment. Main Street from Palouse to Second St. will be closed to vehicle movement during the event. Cars may park on Main Street between 3-5 p.m., but must stay parked in place during that time.

- For more information, please call the Downtown Foundation office at 529-8755 or email info@downtownwallawalla.com.


Retirement party planned for Transportation Depratment's Judy Fowler
- Secretary Judy Fowler’s Retirement Celebration
- Wednesday, October 27
- 3 to 4:30 p.m.
- New Transportation Department Co-Op (1162 Ently)
Garrison National Junior Honor Society officers take rope courses
Garrison Middle School Junior National Honor Society officers recently participated in the Hawkpoint ropes course as part of a team building activity.

Special thanks to Norrie Gregoire of the Juvenile Justice Center for leading the students through the ropes course.

“It was a great day for learning about leadership, truth and communication,” said Garrison teacher and advisor Crystal Holmes.



Parent volunteers key to Sharpstein School success - By Beth Thiel
Thanks to parent volunteers, we’ve had an excellent fall season at the Sharpstein School Garden. Recently the 2nd graders learned some history about corn and plant facts while visiting the garden; experienced milling their own corn flour and making their own tortillas in the classroom then really enjoyed the final tasting of quesadillas they had made themselves.

Sara Moore treated 3rd grade students to a lesson about different types of seeds, which fits beautifully with 3rd grade science curriculum. They then toured the garden to collect lettuce seed, which they may plant as part of their spring garden activity. Students learned about plant adaptation as well as the importance of diversity while considering the life cycle of plants.

Recently the 5th graders each took part in harvesting, scrubbing, cutting, cooking and serving the potatoes they planted as 4th graders. We were able to serve colorful, delicious and nutritious roasted potatoes to the school. Besides the practical experience of creating their own dish, students also learned about the history and the nutritional value of potatoes.


Community Council gang study begins November 3 -- Public invited to participate
“How can prevention efforts reduce gang membership and the impacts of gang activity in the region?” That question will guide the 2010-11 Community Council Study Committee in its quest to address a serious issue for this region.

The study will begin November 3 and meet each Wednesday through May 2011 between 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. at the YWCA, 213 S. First Street, Walla Walla. Everyone interested in learning about gangs and in finding ways to prevent gang membership is encouraged to attend.

Rick Griffin, Executive Director of Jubilee Youth Ranch near Prescott, explained why he is chairing the study:
“The Walla Walla area has always been considered a great place to raise kids. Recently, it has gained a wonderful reputation as a vibrant cultural hotspot for wine enthusiasts. All of this is great for business development and tourism. However, a stray bullet from a gang member’s gun killing an innocent bystander changes the perception of our community instantly. After reading the U-B articles on gangs in the area this summer, I believe we are creeping ever closer to just such a tragedy.

“When I think about that as a real possibility an old adage comes to mind, “if you are not part of the solution then you are part of the problem.” That is exactly why I accepted the responsibility as chairperson for this year’s Community Council study. In my work at Jubilee Youth Ranch, I see first-hand the problem that gangs create for individuals, families, and communities. The fractured lives of many of the young men we serve bear witness of the problem. I want to be part of the solution.”

Through a series of presentations, the study will assess the scope of regional gang involvement, explore reasons for gang membership, assess gang prevention activities and programs currently in place, identify needs, and research programs successfully employed by other communities to counter gang recruitment. Presentations will cover the topic from many perspectives.

The committee will complete their work by recommending a comprehensive plan of action to prevent or reduce gang membership in this region. A report summarizing the committee’s findings, conclusions and recommendations will be published and reported to the community next summer. Summaries of each study session and the final report will be available at Community Council’s website, www.wwcommunitycouncil.org.

Upon adoption of the final study report, Community Council will support a two-year effort to implement the study committee’s recommendations for action. Reducing Gang Membership Through Prevention is the third study facilitated by Community Council. A task force led by Judge Robert Zagelow is entering its second year of addressing recommendations aimed at enhancing the educational attainment of our region’s children, the first study focus. Another committee chaired by Mark James will be working on issues related to value-adding businesses that use agricultural products, the study just finalized in September.

Community Council was organized in 2008 to inspire a citizen-driven, consensus-based, problem-solving process to prepare the region for future growth, change, and challenges and to enhance the quality of life for everyone.
For additional information about the organization or this study, call Julie Reese, Community Council Executive Director, 509-540-6720.


Sharpstein Family Night helps families learn more about public library
Sharpstein Elementary teacher Angelica Pedroza is organizing a Sharpstein Family Night Wednesday, Oct. 27 at 6:30 p.m. at the Walla Walla Public Library to better educate families on the resources available at the library.

“Many of our families may not be aware of the materials available, so I sent packets home with the students inviting them to this event along with registration forms to sign up for a library card,” Pedroza said. “I am very excited to make this project a success and improve literacy involvement of our parents through the use of the public library.”

Kate Hohimer and Pedroza have been working with Liz George from the public library to make this connection for our families at Blue Ridge and Sharpstein.

- Sharpstein Family Night at the Walla Walla Public Library
- Wednesday, October 27 (6:30 p.m.)
- Free Library Cards
- Snacks
- Transportation available:
- For more information: Angelica Pedroza at 527-3098 or send an email to: apedroza@wwps.org


Longtime Broadcaster Jim Brock 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. 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.


Kirkman House Musuem plans Pumpkin Party October 31
Join the Kirkman House FREE Halloween Party!
- Sunday, Oct. 31
- 1 to 4 p.m.
- Free, family friendly Halloween party for the community with pumpkin painting, apple “bobbling” and of course, candy! - Bring your pre-carved pumpkins to enter in the Peoples’ Choice Carving Contest!
The Kirkman House Museum is open throughout the year with exhibits and events that bring our history to life. Vistit Wednesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Visit our website at www.kirkmanhousemuseum.org or contact 529-4373 for more information.

Walla Walla High School students participate in Sasayama Home Stay 2010 - By Robert Keatts
Walla Walla Sister City Affiliation Committee’s annual home stay visit to Sasayama, Hyogo, Japan was conducted October 6 through October 18, 2010. The group of eight departed Walla Walla by air to Osaka Japan via Seattle. From Osaka bus transport was provided by the City of Sasayama. Participants included Colt Lippencott and Katie Forss from Walla Walla High School and Zac Brown and Cheyene Frohreich from Waitsburg High School. Adults accompanying the students included Robert Keatts, Chairman of Walla Walla Sister City Affiliation Committee, Linnea Keatts, Reggie Gonzales and Annie Gonzales.

The group was met by host families and city officials at City Hall in Sasayama. After a brief welcome ceremony the delegation went to their respective host family’s home.

On Friday, 8 October the Walla Walla Sister City delegation was greeted by Mayor Sakai and Sasayama Sister City officials at City Hall. The meeting gave each student the opportunity to introduce themselves in Japanese as well as share their first impressions of Sasayama.

After meeting Mayor Sakai the students were transported to Tambayaki Pottery District near Konda. This pottery area is over 800 years old. A walking tour of a portion of the district allowed the group to get an up close look at one of the oldest kilns still in use in Japan. After the walking tour a hands on opportunity was given so that each member of the group could create an object from Tambayaki clay.

The first weekend was filled with activities associated with Sasayama Food Festival and National Sports Day. The food festival, which is an annual event, gives participants the opportunity to taste the wonderful foods of Sasayama and Japan. Sasayama Beef, Edamame (soy beans), chestnuts, wild boar, and tofu donuts are just some of the great foods of Sasayama. In addition there is a wide variety of entertainment from Taiko drummers to street dancing.

The rest of the week was filled with classroom participation at Sangyo High School and visiting Fukusumi Elementary School. Students also visited the Aoyama Samurai history village, Old Tamba Pottery Museum, and Noh Play Material Museum in Sasayama. In addition the group visited the Tamba dragon fossil workshop where paleontologist are reassembling a fossilized dinosaur discovered in 2007. A visit to Kawashiro Ravine allowed everyone to have a first hand glimpse of the actual discovery site. The dinosaur is estimated to be 145 million years old. The students also had a first hand look at fossilized frogs and other items recovered from the site.

Each student and adult had individual experiences with their host families visiting other museums and historic sites in the local area as well as travel to Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe and Sanda. Shopping, sight-seeing, and participating with Sasayama students in after school activity was also on the agenda.

Walla Walla Sister City Affiliation Committee has been conducting the twelve day home stay program since 1994. Preparations are underway for recruiting students for 2011. Students and parents interested in participating are encouraged to contact the organization by calling 525-0049 or email to: robert_wwscc@yahoo.com. One can also visit “WallaWalla SisterCity” on Facebook to view photographs of past participants and activities.
• 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 Shelley Mann: smann@wwps.org


Classroom Close-Up features Garrison Middle School teacher
This week Garrison Middle School Physical Education Teacher Carl Robanske 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 Robanske is now playing on regional stations.