| District Stories |
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May 20 deadline to “Join the Conversation” through ThoughtExchange
Nearly 200 people have already shared 795 thoughts via ThoughtExchange. Click on the link below to “Join the Conversation” and help the district learn what it is doing well, where it can improve and what might be missing. ThoughtExchange is a third party vendor and by contract your identity will remain confidential. The deadline to participate is May 20. This information will help shape the direction and priorities of the district. http://wwps.thoughtexchange.com/invitation
ThroughtExchange Process:
- It is a three-step process. Stakeholders begin by sharing their thoughts online. Then each participant has the opportunity to review and star the thoughts of other ThoughtExchange contributors. The benefit of the process is discovering what the community values. The process is confidential. The names and email addresses of participants will never be publicly associated with a thought or response. However, participants will see each other’s thoughts.
All the results of the process will be shared with the public. The first phase of this round of engagement is expected to be completed by mid-June. Results from the spring 2015 “Community Engagement” will result in an issue specific ThoughtExchange engagement in the fall.
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School board approves Head Start/ECEAP grant
Wednesday, school board members held a special school board meeting at Blue Ridge Elementary to review the Head Start/ECEAP needs assessment plan, strategic planning goals, calendar and budget. Board members unanimously approved the 2015-2016 Head Start/ECEAP grant submission. Director Kerri Coffman reported the district serves 217 preschool students in the Head Start/ECEAP program. Most students attend school at Blue Ridge, with some attending preschool at Green Park Elementary. Coffman says the program focuses on the whole child’s well being and is geared to prepare students for kindergarten. School board members ate family style lunch with students and staff in their classrooms following the meeting.
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Personnel Report (from May 13, 2015 Special School Board Meeting)
EMPLOYMENT
Coaching:
Dana Evans, Head Girls’ Soccer Coach, Walla Walla High School
Conor Fish, Head Girls’ Basketball Coach, Walla Walla High School
RESIGNATIONS/RETIREMENTS
Certificated:
Katie Redar, Special Education Teacher, Garrison Middle School, 1 year
(Effective May 8, 2015)
Classified:
Becky Fink, Head Secretary, Garrison Middle School, 19 years
Ivonne Gainza, Para-Educator, Walla Walla High School, 22 years
Tanya Hoffmann, Para-Educator, Walla Walla High School, 8 years
Amber Olson, Para-Educator, Garrison Middle School, 4 years
Cynthia Wolski, Para-Educator, Walla Walla High School, 13 years
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Early dismissal for elementary students June 5
- Friday, June 5: Early dismissal for elementary students
- This time is used by elementary teachers for report card preparation
- Students in grades 6-12 are on a regular schedule
- The last day of school is Friday, 12 (early dismissal for all students)
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School board public work sessions and regular meeting May 19
- 4 p.m. - Public Work Session #1: School Board discussion with Superintendent Search consultant Dr. Dennis Ray of Northwest Leadership Associates
- 5:30 p.m. - Public Work Session #2: Elementary science curriculum review
- 6:30 p.m. - Regular School Board meeting
- Location: WWPS District Office (364 S. Park St.)
- Meetings open to the public
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District retirement Celebrations
WWPS District Office
Betsy Adkins
Friday, May 29
3 to 5 p.m.
District Office
Edison Elementary
Mary Lynn Thompson, Mary Perkins, Leslie Hanson Anderson
Tuesday, May 12
3:15 p.m.
Edison Elementary
Pioneer Middle School
Judy Anderson and Yvon Barber
Tuesday, June 9
3 to 4:30
Pioneer Multipurpose room
Sharpstein Elementary
Kathy Emmert, Carolyn Smith and Kate Venneri
Friday, June 5
3 to 4:30 p.m.
Sharpstein atrium (lobby)
Walla Walla High School
Terry Willcuts, Ivonne Gainza and Gretchen Baker
Wednesday, June 10
2:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Wa-Hi Commons
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Communications Department award submissions score best in category
The Communications Department Focus on Education radio public service announcements and new teacher recruitment card received perfect scores to earn Best in Category awards at the Washington School Public Relations Association annual conference in Leavenworth earlier this month. The district’s video featuring the Southeast Area Technical Skills Center received an Excellence award and the annual report earned a Merit honors. The district’s Focus on Education community newsletter and Why I Teach video series received Honorable Mention recognition.
“Thanks to radio expert Jim Bock of Alexandra Communications, graphic designer Becky Wilson of Wilson Design and videographer Dinah Morrison of Charter Cable for their collaboration on these projects,” said Communications Director Mark Higgins. “These local business professionals share our district’s passion for helping students learn and become contributing citizens. It is an honor and privilege to serve the children, families and staff of Walla Walla Public Schools.”
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Mark Your Calendars! End of Year Celebrations
Opportunity Program Graduation
- Thursday, June 4 / During school day / Opportunity Program (1917 E. Isaacs Ave.)
Lincoln High School Graduation
- Thursday, June 4 / 6 p.m. / Marcus Whitman Hotel
Walla Walla High School Commencement
- Friday, June 5 / 7 p.m. / Commons Grounds
Pioneer Middle School 8th Grade Recognition
- Wednesday, June 10 / 7 p.m. / Walla Walla High School Gym
Garrison Middle School 8th Grade Recognition
- Thursday, June 11 / 7 p.m. / Walla Walla High School Gym
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| School Stories |
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Providence and Walla Walla Public Schools offer $10 sports physicals
Area students in grades 6-11 will be able to get sports physicals for $10 in the Walla Walla High School Main Gym May 29 from 3:30 to 7 p.m.
Providence St. Mary Rehabilitation Department, Providence Medical Group and the Walla Walla Public Schools are partnering to provide inexpensive exams at a convenient location for student athletes and their parents. Proceeds will be donated to the Walla Walla High School Athletic Department for athletic training supplies. The event is open to all area students.
The exams will include height and weight, a vision test, blood pressure, musculoskeletal exam, and a physical. They will be conducted by family practitioners in concert with physical therapists, athletic trainers, physician assistants and therapy assistants.
To receive a sports physical, all student athletes under the age of 18 must be accompanied by their parent/legal guardian or bring a release and health history form signed by a parent or legal guardian.
No appointments are necessary. For more information, call 509-526-8403.
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Lincoln High School student receives Exchange Club award for overcoming barriers
Monday the Exchange Club of Walla Walla honored area youth through the Accepting the Challenge of Excellence (A.C.E.) Award Program. The A.C.E program awards students from local high schools who have exhibited excellence in turning their academic and personal lives around after being faced with significant challenges. Lincoln High School student Carla Kitts earned first place honors and a $500 scholarship. She has overcome numerous physical and emotional challenges and is now on track to graduate from high school. Katelyn Huesby from Touchet High School was named first runner up and received a $300 scholarship. Samantha Fedderson from Prescott High School and Erika Ibarra Perez from Walla Walla High School received second runner up awards and $200 scholarships. Club member Kim McDaniels is the ACE program coordinator.
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Last weekend to see 2015 Spring Musical Drama Guys and Dolls
May 15 - 7 p.m.
May 16 - 2 p.m. & 7 p.m.
Tickets on sale now:
- Adults - $12 Students (18 & under) - $6
- For ticketing information call (509) 526-8613
- Tickets available in the Wa-Hi ASB office Mon. - Fri. 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
- Tickets available online and in person one hour prior to curtain
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Garrison Middle School students inducted in National Junior Honor Society
Thursday evening, 40 Garrison Middle School 7th grade students were inducted into Garrison's chapter of National Junior Honor Society. These students all have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher, been active leaders in the school, and have served in the community in various ways. Current 8th grade NJHS officers President Hannah Peha, Vice President Alyssa Nielson, Secretary Abby Peters, Treasurer Addie Snow, and Sargent-at-Arms Katie Harvey conducted the ceremony. Garrison's NJHS is advised by Jami Eggart and Sue Schulz.
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| Community Stories |
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Saturday Ducky Derby fun for the entire family
The Baker Boyer Ducky Derby presented by the Exchange Club of Walla is tomorrow from 11 to 4 p.m. at Walla Walla Community College. The Family Fun Festival sponsored by Columbia REA begins at 11 a.m. There will be activities, food and games for children. The duck race begins at 2 p.m. and the winners will be announced at approximately 3:30 p.m. All proceeds stay in Walla Walla to support child abuse prevention programs and positive youth activities.
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Walla Walla students ready to amaze during AcroKnights show
This weekend the Walla Walla Valley Academy AcroKnights are performing at Walla Walla University. This year nine Walla Walla Public Schools elementary and middle school students are on the AcroKnights team.
The theme of this year's show is Get Smart...the Martin Smart story. The show will feature aerial hoop routines, chair stacking, amazing acrobatic stunts and ceiling silks!
AcroKnights Show information:
- May 16 at 9 p.m. and May 17 at 2 and 7 p.m.
- Walla Walla University
- This year's theme is Get Smart! It's a "secret agent satire" - and YES there will be a shoe phone!!
- Cost: $5 students and $10 for adults
- Proceeds from the show are used to pay for the team's bi-annual Mission Trip where they work with orphans through the Embracing Orphans program.
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Kirkman House features World War II exhibit
The Kirkman House is a historical home of a prominent Walla Walla family located at 214 N. Colville. It is furnished with many original family owned items. The house is open to the public Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. A donation of $5 is suggested. Kirkman House supports local educators. Teachers are encouraged to bring classes to the museum at other times at no charge. The current World War II exhibit is on display through Labor Day (September 7, 2015). To learn more about the Kirkman House, call 529-4373 or visit online at: kirkmanhousemuseum.org
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Local students to perform in “A Celebration of Dance”
The Walla Walla Dance Company under the direction of Nancy Wells presents Spring Finale 2015 “ A Celebration of Dance” Saturday, May 30, 7:30 p.m. at Cordiner Hall. All new choreography in Jazz, Contemporary, Modern, Ballet, Hip Hop, and Lyrical with 125 of the most talented and exciting dancers in the area.
We are proud to include up and coming young choreographers, as well as our talented resident artists. A new piece featuring teachers/dancers: Justine Clark, Jennifer Clark, and Chloe Danielson will be premiered. Come share the magic and delight that is our celebration of spring and dance in Walla Walla! Tickets on sale at Earthlight Books starting May 14 and at the door on the night of the performance.
Reserved: $15
General: $12
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Walla Walla Kids’ Races and Bike Rodeo
- Saturday, May 16
- 10 a.m. to 12 noon
- Pioneer Park
- Registration: 9:45—-10:55
- Bike Rodeo: 10 a.m. to 12 noon
- Learn rules of the road, bike handling skills, mountain bike course
- Free helmets to first 200 participants
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