| District Stories |
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Remember to Vote
Ballots have been mailed to voters for the November 5, 2019 General Election. Please remember to vote.
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District survey seeks name ideas for new Early Learning Center
SURVEY LINK
Following eight months of study, stakeholder engagement and research, the Walla Walla Public Schools’ Board of Directors reached a unanimous decision in October 2019 to repurpose Blue Ridge Elementary School into a regional Early Learning Center for children and families effective the 2020-21 school year.
The center will provide Birth-to-Five services for students and families as a coordinated and comprehensive community learning hub. From parent training and supports to infant care to early learning, the center will be far more than just a preschool. Programmed services will address and help overcome the staggering access gap for many Walla Walla youth and families, promoting an inclusive community resource that encourages integration, engagement and opportunity for all.
With the repurposing of the facility from an elementary school to a comprehensive early learning center, the district is seeking public input as to what name should the school board consider calling the new facility. Please complete the survey to share your thoughts. The survey will remain open through Wednesday, Nov. 13.
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School Board Regular Study Meeting
• Tuesday, Nov. 5
• 5:30 p.m.
• Meeting open to the public
• Anne Golden Boardroom (WWPS District Office - 364 S. Park St.)
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Veterans Day Holiday
• Veterans Day Holiday - No School Monday, Nov. 11
• Thank you to all our Veterans!
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Leadership Walla Walla Education Day
Leadership Walla Walla participants visited district schools Wednesday as part of the program’s Education Day experience. Guests toured Edison Elementary to learn about the Dual Language program. Wa-Hi student leaders led a tour of their school and SEATech instructors provided an overview of their programs. The afternoon program included an overview of Walla Walla Community College, Whitman College and Walla Walla University. The presentation focused on how these higher education institutions partner with local public schools.
2019-2020 Leadership Walla Walla members:
Shelly Rasmussen
John Knowles
Julie James
Lonnie Roberts
Kyle Tarbet
Carolyn Holm
Melissa Rodriguez
Carlo Calvillo
Allison Window
Susie Golden
Tim Donahue
Ambra Bryant
Jamie Anderson
Jordan Schilling
Caleb Flippo
David Hoffer
Norman Shaw
Liz Knapke
Jodi Worden
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Social Studies teachers identify Promise Standards
As part of the district’s five-year Strategic Plan, classroom teachers from across the district are collaborating to develop district-wide Promise Standards. This week, Social Studies teachers from WWPS secondary schools gathered to examine the newly adopted state standards and identify which of those standards are essential for students to master. Over the course of the day, teachers asked themselves, “which of these standards are essential for all students to develop to ensure that they will graduate from Walla Walla Public Schools college, career and civic ready?”
These newly defined Promise Standards will soon be shared across the district and posted on the WWPS website for public view.
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WSU teacher recruitment visit
Equity and Dual Programs Department coordinator Sergio Hernandez recently traveled to Washington State University to recruit potential teachers at its Career Fair. Hernandez meets regularly with college students to encourage them to apply for open positions in Walla Walla. The district’s teacher recruitment plan aligns with Goal 2 of the Strategic Plan focused on skilled educators delivering high quality instruction.
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Graduates of Distinction nominations now accepted
Walla Walla Public Schools’ Graduates of Distinction program provides an avenue for recognizing high school graduates of Walla Walla Public Schools. These outstanding graduates have distinguished themselves in their communities and professions. This award also provides a platform to honor Walla Walla Public Schools’ staff members who were the most inspirational in their lives.
The Walla Walla Public Schools’ Graduates of Distinction selection committee encourages you to consider nominating a Walla Walla Public Schools graduate for this prestigious award. This program is the highest honor for district graduates. More information is available on the district’s website: http://www.wwps.org/programs/graduates-of-distinction including nomination packet forms that may be typed and printed. Nominations are due March 15, 2020.
Should you have questions or need assistance, feel free to contact Walla Walla Public Schools Director of Communications and Program Chair Mark Higgins at 509-526-6716 / mhiggins@wwps.org or Susie Golden at 509-526-6715 / sgolden@wwps.org.
Graduates of Distinction Selection Committee
Mark Higgins, Chair
Doug Bayne
Tera Davis
Roger Esparza
Myrna Anderson
Ron Higgins
Terri Trick
Mary Jo Geidl
Susie Golden
Sergio Hernandez
Susan Prudente
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| School Stories |
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Blue Devil football players show love for student with disability
KEPR TV Reporter Myck Miller visited Walla Walla this week to meet student Devon Adams and learn how his dream to don Walla Walla High School football gear became a reality thanks to his classmates. Adams is legally blind and has ADHD. As a member of the school’s pep band as a drummer, Adams regularly cheers on his team as he plays the school’s fight song. Longtime classmates and Wa-Hi football players Dylan Ashbeck, Hunter Polley and Anthony Parish took it upon themselves to help Devon become even closer to Wa-Hi football. Following a recent win, Ashbeck, Polley and Parish invited Adams to the field to put on his own Blue Devil football pads and jersey. Click on the link below to learn more about this amazing bond between friends.
KEPR TV STORY
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Senior night planned before football game
Walla Walla High School will honor senior student-athletes Friday night at Borleske Stadium before the last home football game of the year as the Blue Devils face the Wenatchee Panthers. Senior night will celebrate fall sports athletes beginning at 6:15 p.m. with the game to follow at 7 p.m.
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Walla Walla Youth Speaks (Ted Talks)
• Friday, November 15, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
• WWCC Health Science and Performing Arts Center
• Walla Walla Youth Speaks 2019-2020, a showcase of student speakers presenting great, well-formed ideas in 60 seconds.
• Garrison Middle School and Pioneer Middle School 7th and 8th grade creative writing students, Garrison University 8th grade students.
• This event is open for all to attend. Please come and support our students. If you can’t make it in person watch it online. Visit the Garrison Middle School website for more information.
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| Community Stories |
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W2 for Drug Free Youth Community Input Survey
Behavior Health Prevention Specialist Peggy Needham is encouraging community members to make their voices heard by taking the W2 for Drug Free Youth Community Input Survey. This anonymous survey provides data on youth substance use so they may be better served in the community.
Survey Link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WAWAWAWA2019EN
Results from the W2 for Drug Free Youth Community Input Survey determine priority areas for programs and funding from the Community Prevention and Wellness Initiative.
Questions or Additional Information:
Peggy Needham, Behavior Health Prevention Specialist
Walla Walla County Department of Community Health
509-524-2684
Email: pneedham@co.walla-walla.wa.us
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Amahl and the Night Visitors
• Featuring Sharpstein 5th grade student Logan Goss as Amahl
• Friday, Nov. 1 @ 6:30 p.m.
• Saturday, Nov. 2 @ 7:30 p.m.
• Sunday, Nov. 3 @ 2 p.m.
• Walla Walla University Village Hall (207 S. College Ave., College Place, WA)
• Presented by Walla Walla University Department of Music
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