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Staff Celebration Video
Walla Walla Public Schools released its End of Year Staff Celebration video. The Staff Celebration video features words of encouragement and inspiration from School Board President Derek Sarley and Superintendent Dr. Wade Smith. The video also has a slide show honoring this year's retirees and the unveiling of Staff Achievement Grant recipients from Assistant Superintendent Chris Gardea.
Thanks to Roger Contreras, Andrew Sayers and Blue Devil Northwest for their amazing support and expertise in producing these videos.
Staff Celebration Video
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Staff Achievement grant recipients named
Walla Walla Public Schools has named its 2020-2021 Staff Achievement Grant recipients. The program started in 1988 to recognize teachers and support staff for superior performance, innovation, exemplary leadership and exceptional service. Staff Achievement Grant recipients, who are nominated and chosen by their peers, receive a $1,500 stipend and five days of paid release time for professional growth activities.
2020-2021 Staff Achievement Recipients
Juan Faba (Bilingual Para-Educator – Green Park Elementary)
- Nominators: Amy Reed, Annie Boyd and Corey Hobbs
Conor Fish (English Language Arts and Social Studies – Garrison Middle School)
- Nominators: Jill Meliah, Bianca Vieyra and Beth Clearman
Lisa Cox (Registrar – Walla Walla High School)
- Nominators: Stephanie Gomsrud and Shari Widmer
Brad Hobbs (3rd grade Dual Language – Green Park Elementary)
- Nominators: Amy Hartford, Alejandra Tiscareno and Leslie Rodriguez
Grace Ogoshi (Teacher – Walla Walla Online)
- Nominators: Peder Fretheim, Stacy McPherson and Keith Gradwohl
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Personnel Report (from June 15, 2021 School Board Meeting)
EMPLOYMENT
Certificated:
Jeffrey Bockert, School Counselor (2021-22 School Year), Location TBD
Taylor Hunt, Math Teacher (2021-22 School Year), Walla Walla High School
Amanda Meyer, Math Teacher (2021-22 School Year), Walla Walla High School
Fabiola Ochoa, Fifth Grade Dual Language Teacher (2021-22 School Year), Edison Elementary School
Brylie Fitzgerald, Music Specialist (2021-22 School Year), Green Park Elementary School
Nancy Rose, Science and STEM Teacher (Temporary for 2021-22 School Year), Walla Walla High School
April Sorensen, Special Education Teacher (2021-22 School Year), Lincoln High School
Veronica Solis Martinez, Fifth Grade Dual Language Teacher (2021-22 School Year), Edison Elementary School
Sydney Wallingford, English Language Arts Teacher (2021-22 School Year), Garrison Middle School
Hannah Webber, School Counselor (2021-22 School Year), Location TBD
Classified:
Stephanie Beltran, Bilingual Assistant Secretary/Receptionist (2021-22 School Year), Garrison Middle School
Stephanie Reyes Espinoza, Bilingual K-12 Migrant Specialist (2021-22 School Year), Equity & Dual Programs
Eugene Thompson, Transportation Coordinator (2021-22 School Year), SE Washington Transportation Co-Op
Yajara Torres Melgoza, Bilingual Assistant Secretary/Receptionist (2021-22 School Year), Garrison Middle School
RESIGNATION/RETIREMENT
Certificated:
Annie Boyd, School Psychologist, Special Education, 11 years
Kelsie Loree, RISE Teacher, Special Education, 7 years
Carrie Lujan, School Counselor, Walla Walla High School, 9 years
Jessica Vander Pol, Family and Consumer Science, Walla Walla High School, 1 year
Classified:
Serena James, Sign-Language Para-Educator, Special Education, 3 years
Nancy Montgomery, Health Clinician, Berney Elementary School, 7 years
Jamie Noffsinger, Bus Driver, SE Washington Transportation Co-Op, 5 years
Jolene Queen, Kitchen Manager, Sharpstein Elementary School, 32 years
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School board eyes taking study meetings on the road
Tuesday night school board members discussed their meeting schedule for the 2021-2022 school year. Board members were in favor of taking some of their study meetings on location to school settings. They said touring the school while in session and then relocating to a classroom or library for the formal study meeting was appealing to witness firsthand how their policies and budget decisions were being put into action.
Board members also expressed interest in continuing live stream services of their business meetings and asked Superintendent Dr. Wade Smith to research better technology systems for the boardroom to enhance the experience. Board members also discussed planning schedules for a new or updated Strategic Plan. The current plan expires at the end of the 2021-2022 school year. Consensus was reached to postpone the start of planning for a new Strategic Plan due to COVID impacts on the 2020-21 school year. Board members will continue discussing their calendar schedule and look towards beginning the Strategic Planning process later in the 2021-22 or early 2022-23 school years.
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Bond Program Update: Summer construction activity ramps up
Construction work at Pioneer Middle School and Walla Walla High School continues to dominate the landscape at both campuses. Walla Walla High School will look much different to start the 2021-2022 school year as the original science building, library addition and modernization, fitness facility and music building will be completed. The Commons renovation and addition will be completed later in the fall. Contractors will begin on the Wa-Hi Academic building next week and it will remain under construction throughout the 2021-2022 school year.
“We continue to Deliver on our Promise for the bond program,” said Superintendent Dr. Wade Smith. “Our pledge is to ensure accountability and fiscal transparency and build community trust.”
At Pioneer Middle School, phase one of the work will be completed before winter break of the 2021-2022 school year. This includes the gym renovation, 1950’s wing remodel, cafeteria addition, auxiliary fitness space addition, new music rooms and CTE addition. Contractors will shift to phase two of the project next school year which includes a science addition to the front of the school, site improvements and new parent drop-off/pick-up lane off Bridge St. Bids for the Lincoln High School renovation will be opened July 22 with construction beginning this fall.
Earlier this month Superintendent Dr. Wade Smith took members of the Bond Oversight Committee on a tour of the Pioneer Middle School project. This marks the 18th meeting with the group since the successful November 2018 bond election.
More Bond Updates
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Walla Walla Educator publishes article in state publication
Walla Walla Public Schools English Language Coordinator Amy Reed published an article in the Washington Association for the Education of Speakers of Other Languages Educator Summer 2021 issue. Reed has been an EL Coordinator in Walla Walla for the past eight years. She has a passion and dedication for English Language Learners and Dual Language education.
Amy Reed Article
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| School Stories |
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Graduation videos shine light on the Class of 2021
Congratulations to the Class of 2021! Check out these amazing videos capturing this year’s graduation ceremonies. Thanks to Andrew Sayers and Blue Devil Northwest for their outstanding support and expertise in producing these videos.
Lincoln High School:
• Class of 2021 Slide Show
• Graduation Video
Opportunity Program:
• Graduation Video
Walla Walla High School:
• Class of 2021 Slide Show
• Commencement Video
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Little Devils Youth Sports Camps
Tennis
• Location: Garrison Middle School
• Days: June 22, 23, 29, 30
• Times: (3rd to 5th grade) 11 a.m.-12 p.m., (6th to 8th grade) 12-1 p.m.
Girls Soccer
• Location: Reser Field
• Days: Aug 2,3, 4
• Time: 5-6:30 p.m.
Cheer
• Location: Berney Elementary
• Days: June 28 to July 2
• Times: TBD
Football
• Location: WaHi Football Field
• Days July 19 to 23
• Time: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Track & Field
• Location: WaHi Track
• Days: June 21- 23
• Time: 6:30-8 p.m.
Register on Family ID
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High School Champions Annual Recognition
Tuesday night Superintendent Dr. Wade Smith honored three high school students for state level success. In 2018-2019 Walla Walla Public Schools started a new tradition of honoring state champion individuals and teams at a board meeting. Students and teams qualify for this recognition by finishing in the top three at state for athletics, music, drama, FFA, FBLA, debate, JROTC and any other state qualifying activities.
Jocelyn Parker – FBLA Regional Champion
Jocelyn Parker has been a highly active member of Future Business Leaders of America for the past two years at Walla Walla High School as the Public Relations Officer and Vice President. Jocelyn qualified for FBLA Nationals and will be competing in Business Law as one of the top representatives from the State of Washington.
Isabella Baughman – SkillsUSA Medalist
Isabella Baughman, of the SEATech Criminal Justice Program, finished with a silver medal in the Prepared Speech Leadership competition and will represent the State of Washington in the National Championships this summer in her event.
Nicole Hunter - Junior Olympic State Champion
Nicole Hunter is the JROTC Company First Sergeant and next year will serve as the Battalion Command Sergeant Major. She has represented Walla Walla High School at three National Championship Rifle Matches and is scheduled to compete in two National Matches in Ohio this July. The Blue Devil Precision Rifle Team is currently the #6 ranked Army JROTC Rifle Team in the United States.
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Blue Devil Strength and Development program sets summer dates for in-person sessions
The 2021 summer Blue Devil Strength and Conditioning program for boys and girls grades 6-12 begins Monday, June 21 and continues through July 30. There will be two in-person sessions offered this summer at no cost for participants.
Session One
• 7 to 8:15 a.m.
• Monday-Thursday
• June 21 to July 30
• Wa-Hi Track & Field area and Track Shed
Session Two
• 10:30 to 11:45 a.m.
• Monday-Thursday
• June 21 to July 30
• Wa-Hi Track & Field area and Track Shed
Register on Family ID:
• https://www.familyid.com/organizations/walla-walla-high-school
• For more information, contact Wa-Hi Athletics – (509) 526-8633
Head Football Coach Greg Lupfer and PE teacher Marqui Shields will lead the program this year and are excited to resume in-person strength and development sessions to enhance athletic skills and success.
For more information, contact:
Coach Greg Lupfer – glupfer@wwps.org
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| Community Stories |
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W2Hoops Announces Upcoming FREE Summer Programming for boys and girls
We are excited to offer the following clinics and camps to all area boys and girls this summer at no cost. Our focus in the coming months is to provide opportunities for players to develop their skills in preparation of competing this fall with a full schedule.
• Sunday Shooting Clinics: (July 11 - August 15) 11:00 am - 12:30 pm
• Tuesday/Thursday Summer Basketball Skills & Scrimmage: (July 13 - August 19) 5:00 - 8:30 pm
• W2Hoops K-2 Camp: (August 2 - 5) 1:00 - 2:30 pm **ONLINE REGISTRATION REQUIRED**
• W2Hoops Tryout Prep Camp: (August 23 - 26) 4:00 - 7:30 pm **ONLINE REGISTRATION REQUIRED**
**PLEASE NOTE:
• All participants, coaches, and/or spectators will need to wear masks the entire time (required in all school facilities)
• Players will need to bring their own basketball and water
• Players will need to sign-in at each event
• At Clinics & Sessions WITHOUT online registration, Concussion and COVID-19 Liability Forms will need to be signed before players can participate! A parent/guardian will need to accompany their player into the gym and sign forms at their first clinic/session
For updated information (including confirmed locations), please check the “Club Calendar” on our website (w2hoops.com) and/or follow us on Facebook. Online registration for camps will be available on our website in the coming weeks; there will be no cost to register and/or participate.
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YMCA Youth Programs
Friday Night Dodgeball: Starting June 18 5-7PM Older youth and Teens Gym 2
Rookie Soccer June 21-25 Ages 4-6 9-10 AM $40.00 at Martin Field
Youth Soccer June 21-25 Ages 7-10 9-11 AM $65.00 at Martin Field
Pebbles Rock Climbing June 21-24 Age 4-6 3:15-4:15 $50
Pitons Rock Climbing June 21-24 Age 7-10 4:15-5:15 $50
Youth Basketball Camps June 28-July 2 Ages 4-6 9-10 AM $40.00- YMCA Main Gym
Youth Basketball Camps June 28-July 2 Ages 7-10 9-11 AM $65.00- YMCA Main Gym
Register Online: https://www.wwymca.org/
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Jump into Summer with Safety
• Bike Safety for Kids & Car Seat Check Up
• Give aways and prizes (bike helmets, snacks, goodies)
• Win a FREE bike or car seat
• Saturday, June 19
• 1:30 to 5:30 p.m.
• Children’s Home Society (1612 Penny Lane)
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Free books for kids
• Celebrate the ribbon-cutting for the first of several diverse little libraries offering free books for kids
• Saturday, June 19 @ 9 a.m.
• Colville Street Patisserie
• Diverse little libraries will be hosted around Walla Walla and College Place
• Contact Victoria Lidzbarski for more information: vlidzbarski@gmail.com
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Walla Walla Parks and Recreation Update
Veterans Memorial Pool Open Swim Hours for June 21 through September 6 – Monday through Friday 12pm-6:30pm, Saturday and Sunday 11am-6:30pm
In need of financial assistance to help with youth program costs? We have simplified the youth scholarship application process for 2021, thanks to private community donations we are able to help with 75% of the program cost! Call 527-4527 or email recreation@wallawallawa.gov us to request a scholarship for your child(ren). The only requirement is that you establish an online account so that we have a place to apply the scholarship.
Recreation Programs
• UPlay Summer Camp begins June 21 – 10am – 3pm, Monday – Friday. FREE for ages 7-12 years.
• Pickleball For Youth – Ages 10-16 years. Cost is $60.
• NFL Flag Football – Grades K-8. Cost is $50.
• Cornhole Throwdown Tournament – July 24 Ages 12 and up. Cost is $50/team.
• Youth Fencing – Beginning Classes for ages 8-18. Cost is $60. Equipment provided.
• Adult Fencing – Classes for ages 18 and up. Cost is $75. Equipment provided.
• Ukulele Class - Ages 12 and up. Cost is $65.
• Fall Youth Soccer League – Grades K-8. Cost is $60.
• Hatha Yoga – All ages. Cost is $60.
• Walla Walla Soccer Alliance Skills Clinic – Ages 5-10 years. Cost is $30-$50.
• All Comers Track Meet – Ages 1-12 years. Cost is $3.
• CJoy Yoga in the park – Ages 12 and up. Cost is $11-$100.
• Little Kicks Soccer – Ages 3-5 years. Cost is $70.
• Youth Track Clinic – Grades 1-5. Cost is $35.
Pool Programs
• Swimming Lessons – Ages 3 months and up. Session III registration opens 7/1. Cost is $35.
• Sea Monkeys Swim Team – Ages 6-16 years. Cost is $85.
• Discover Scuba – Ages 12 and up. Cost is $60.
• Lap Swim 101 – Ages 17 and up. Cost is $35.
• Sweat & Swim Boot Camp – Ages 16 and up. Cost is $40.
• Stretch and Move – Ages 12 and up. Cost is $40.
• Water X – Ages 12 and up. Cost is $40-$76.
NEW – Parks and Recreation App! Easy access to game schedules, program registration and more! Download it from your App Store/Google Play Store - Walla Walla Parks and Rec
Please visit our website at www.wwpr.us for updated information regarding recreation programs as it becomes available. If you have questions, feel free to contact the Parks & Recreation Office at 509-527-4527.
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