| District Stories |
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June Pulse Video with Superintendent Smith
JUNE 2022 PULSE VIDEO
Superintendent Dr. Wade Smith released the June Pulse video. Superintendent Smith responds to the Texas school tragedy, addresses campus safety measures, celebrates athletic and student successes and wishes the best for the Class of 2022.
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School Board Regular Study Meeting
Tuesday, June 7
Walla Walla Public Schools District Office (364 S. Park St.)
5:30 p.m. – Regular Study Meeting (open to the public, in-person)
Board Meeting Agendas, Minutes & Recording: https://meetings.boardbook.org/Public/Organization/997
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Graduates of Distinction recognition Monday, June 6
Walla Walla Public Schools names this year's honorees for the Graduates of Distinction program. They are: Mark Thompson, Class of 1970; Russ Colombo, Class of 1974; J.P. “Jack” Fredrickson, Class of 1952 and Deborah Underwood, Class of 1979. This is the highest honor bestowed by the district.
These individuals have distinguished themselves in their communities and careers, and they continue to bring honor to the district. Celebrate alongside these distinguished alumni at a reception in their honor on Monday, June 6 (details listed below). Listen to their stories and hear who helped shape their lives during their school years.
RECEPTION DETAILS
Date: Monday, June 6, 2022
Time: 4 to 5:30 p.m.
Place: Walla Walla High School Commons (800 Abbott Road)
NOTE: This event is open to the public.
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2021-2022 Retirement Ceremonies (remaining)
Green Park Elementary
• Wednesday, June 8
• 2:30 to 4 p.m.
• Loretta Wright, Tensie Lovejoy, Ingrid Olsen, and Heraclio Torres
• Green Park Library
Garrison MS
Wednesday, June 8
2:45-3:45 p.m.
Garrison Commons
• Mike Braddock
• Mary Erdman
Pioneer MS
• June 14
• Pioneer Commons
• 3:45pm-4:45pm
• Laurie Bohnet
• Pam Spence
Walla Walla High School
Wednesday, June 8
Location- Walla Walla High School Commons
Time- 3:00pm
Lori Dohe, Robert Dutton, Pattie Eagon, Peder Fretheim, John Golden, Spencer Iacolucci, Dave Larson
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Superintendent Smith presents regional leadership award to Nikki Sharp
Wednesday School Board Superintendent Dr. Wade Smith presented Walla Walla County Department of Community Health Healthy Communities Division Manager Nikki Sharp with the Southeast Washington Association of School Administrators (SEWASA) Leadership Award at the SEWASA annual banquet in Richland.
Sharp has been instrumental in supporting the school district during the pandemic by organizing vaccine clinics in schools, assisting with the district’s testing program and procuring supplies and resources. Sharp has also supported the district over the years through counseling support, mental health resources and suicide prevention programs.
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Weather forces cancellation of today’s Día del Niño / Day of the Child event
Thunderstorm warnings and predictions of rain in the forecast have forced the cancellation of today’s Día del Niño / Day of the Child event at Fort Walla Walla.
“After months of organization and planning, we are disappointed that we will not be able to bring our families and community together to celebrate our children,” said WWPS Family Engagement Coordinator Pamela Clayton, who helped organize the event. “Understandably, we want to ensure that our children, families, and community members are always safe.”
Clayton thanked everyone for their support in preparation of the event.
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Friday, June 10 - Early Dismissal for Elementary students
Early Dismissal Times:
• 11:40 a.m. - Elementary students (K-5)
• Report card preparation time
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| School Stories |
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Wa-Hi Athletics Spring 2022 Post-Season Wrap Up - June 1, 2022 - By Athletics Director Chris Ferenz
Spring 2022 has been one of the more successful seasons in recent history for Walla Walla High School athletic teams. Thanks to the coaches and student-athletes for shining at state and representing the entire school, district, and community of Walla Walla in a positive manner.
Boys Track & Field - The Boys Track & Field team won a second consecutive state championship at Mt. Tahoma High School, May 26, 27, and 28. Led by MCC boy’s coach of the year, Eric Hisaw, the Blue Devils accumulated 66 points to outpace the second place team by 9 points. The following athletes earned individual medals at the meet on their way to the championship.
Brody Hartley – State 2nd place in 800m run, 4th place in the 1600m run, and 3rd place in 3200 run
Dash Sirmon – State 1st place in javelin, 1st place in long jump and 2nd place 4X100 relay
Logan Ashbeck – 3rd place in javelin
Dane Gardea – 1st place in high jump and 2nd place 4X100 relay
4X100 Relay Team – 2nd place (Aaren Lindsey, Caleb Morehead, Diego Jaques, Isaiah Roberson, Dash Sirmon, Dane Gardea)
Girls Track & Field - In addition, the Wa-Hi Girls Track & Field team had the following student-athletes earn medals at the state track meet also at Mt. Tahoma High School.
Individual State Honors:
3rd place 4X200 relay (Carly Martin, Jailyn Davenport, Ava Nelson, Ashlyn Nielsen, Talia Billingsley, Cami Martin)
Lucy Kelly – 3rd place in javelin
Girls Fastpitch Softball - After clinching a Region 8 Championship, the Girls Fastpitch Softball team earned the number one seed into the State 3A Softball championships. Led by MCC coach of the year, Arch McHie, the Blue Devils battled the rain, wind, and four very good opponents to advance to the championship where they earned the 2nd place trophy.
Golf - Blue Devil golf sent a handful of both boys and girls golfers to the District 8 Championships in Spokane, Washington. Junior Emerson Shulke and senior Sam Lastoskie each made the cut at the District 8 Championships to advance to the state championships also in Spokane. Although Emerson and Sam failed to move on to the second day, the experience and opportunity were well earned.
Baseball - The Blue Devil Baseball team advanced to the round of 16 for the 3A State Baseball tournament at Bannerwood Park in Bellevue, Washington. After a stellar performance in shutting out Bonney Lake HS, 3-0, the Blue Devils dropped a heartbreaker to the number one seeded team from West Seattle HS.
Tennis - After clinching the Mid-Columbia Conference 3A tennis tournament in the Tri-Cities, the boys tennis team sent two singles and three doubles teams to the District 8 Regional Tournament in Spokane, Washington. The girls tennis team sent one doubles team on to Spokane. For the seniors, it was a rewarding experience while for the younger athletes a valuable learning experience.
Mid-Columbia Conference All Conference Honors
In addition, the MCC named the following student-athletes to All-Conference teams for the Spring 2022 season. Congratulations to our student-athletes and their coaches for an outstanding season on the field of competition.
Softball
Kaitline Chapman - SR - 1st Team, 1st Base
Sidney McCauley - JR - 1st Team, 3rd Base
Lauryn Bergevin - JR, 1st Team, Shortstop
Sara Justice - SO, 1st Team, Outfield
Alizaeya Salcedo - SR, 1st Team, Designated Hitter
Tallulah Sickels - SR, 1st Team, Pitcher
Raquel Justice - JR, 1st Team, Catcher
Anna Delarosa - FR - 2nd Team, Outfield
Kylie Kemp - SR - Honorable Mention, 2nd Base
Tallulah Sickels - MCC Player of the Year
Arch McHie - MCC Coach of the Year
Boys Soccer
Rueben Ornelas - JR, Honorable Mention, Midfield
Owen Parker - JR, Honorable Mention, Defender
Boys Tennis
Ken Higgins - SO, 2nd Team
Ethan Kelnhofer - SR, 2nd Team
Micah Case - JR, Honorable Mention
Baseball
Carson Jones - SR, 2nd Team, Pitcher
Will Kytola - SR, 2nd Team, 1st Base
Brixen Betzler - JR, 2nd Team, Outfield
Andrew Hall - JR, Honorable Mention, Pitcher and 3rd Base
Hayden Lomeli - SR, Honorable Mention, Designated Hitter
Girls Track and Field
Sariah Hepworth - SR, 2nd Team - 800m, 2nd Team - 4x400m relay, HM - 1600m
Carly Martin - SO, 2nd Team - 4x400 m relay, HM - 400m, HM - 800m
Jaylin Davenport - FR, 2nd Team - 4x400m relay, HM - 4x100m relay
Ava Nelson - JR, 2nd Team - 4x400m relay
Lucy Kelly - SR, 2nd Team - Javelin
Ashlyn Nielsen - SO, Honorable Mention - 100m, HM - 4x100m relay
Jennifer Huntsman - SR, Honorable Mention, 300m hurdles, HM - 4x100m relay, HM - Long Jump
Cami Martin - SO, HM - 4x100m relay, HM - High Jump, HM - Triple Jump
Boys Track and Field
Dash Sirmon -SR, 1st Team - Javelin, 1st Team - Long Jump, 2nd Team - Discus
Caleb Moorehead - JR, 2nd Team - 400m, 2nd Team - 4x100m relay
Brody Hartley - JR, 2nd Team - 800m, Honorable Mention - 1600m, Honorable Mention - 3200m
Dane Gardea - SO, 2nd Team - 4x100m relay, 2nd Team - High Jump
Isiah Roberson - JR, 2nd Team - 4x100m relay
Diego Jaques - SR, 2nd Team - 4x100m relay, 2nd Team - Long Jump
Christopher Norris - JR, 2nd Team - Javelin
Jake Hisaw - JR, Honorable Mention- 110m Hurdles
Logan Ashbeck - SR, Honorable Mention - Javelin
Andrew Thomas - SO, Honorable Mention - Pole Vault
Dash Sirmon - MCC Field Athlete of the Year
Eric Hisaw - MCC Boys Track Coach of the Year
Golf
To be announced soon.
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Graduation Ceremonies and 8th Grade Recognitions
Opportunity Program and Walla Walla Online
• Wednesday, June 8
• 6:30-7:30 p.m.
• Walla Walla Fairgrounds
• LIVE Stream: https://bdnw.live/opportunity
Lincoln High School
• Thursday, June 9
• 6-8 p.m.
• Walla Walla Fairgrounds
• LIVE Stream: https://bdnw.live/lincoln
Walla Walla High School
• Friday, June 10
• 7-9 p.m.
• Walla Walla Fairgrounds
• LIVE Stream: https://bdnw.live/wahi
Walla Walla Online 8th Grade Recognition
• Tuesday, June 14
• 6-7:30 p.m.
• SEATech (525 Campus Loop – campus of Walla Walla Community College)
Garrison Middle School 8th Grade Recognition
• Wednesday, June 15
• 7-8 p.m.
• Walla Walla Fairgrounds
• LIVE Stream: https://bdnw.live/garrison
Pioneer Middle School 8th Grade Recognition
• Thursday, June 16
• 7-8 p.m.
• Walla Walla Fairgrounds
• LIVE Stream: https://bdnw.live/Pioneer
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Registration now open for FREE Summer Blue Devil Strength and Conditioning program
• Blue Devil Strength and Conditioning program
• June 27 to July 29
• Walla Walla High School
• Two Sessions Available (8 to 9 a.m. or 9 to 10:30 a.m.)
• For incoming 6th to 12th grade student-athletes
• Sign up on FamilyID
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SEATech Health Science Careers/Pre-Nursing pinning ceremony
SEATech Health Sciences Instructor Sandy Thomas organized the program’s annual Pinning Ceremony Tuesday night for 22 students after a two-year hiatus due to COVID. Approximately 140 family and friends flocked to this ceremony which recognizes pre-Nursing students for completing the SEATech Health Sciences program.
“I am so proud of these students as they continue to work hard and are excited to sit for their state board of nursing to become a certified nursing assistant June 8 and 9,” said Thomas. “Once they pass the test and get their state license they will be able to practice as a Certified Nursing Assistant.”
During the state boards students will perform five skills out of the 22 skills they have learned and take a two-hour written exam. Thomas says SEATech continues to receive an 86 to 90% passing rate during her eight-year tenure, but says she is hopeful for a 100 percent result with this group.
“Even during the last two years of the pandemic, we continued with a high passing rate,” said Thomas. “Students are applying for jobs and as soon as they pass their state boards they will be hired. Park Manor Rehab, Regency at the Park and Odd Fellows are also offering sign-on bonuses.”
Thomas says many of her students will continue their education in nursing in college and several of her past students are now working as registered nurses all over the country.
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Longtime Touchet educator named Pioneer Middle School assistant principal
Walla Walla Public Schools has named Lisa Franklin the new Assistant Principal at Pioneer Middle School. Franklin is a Principal Intern at Touchet School District this year. She has also been the Director of Special Education and a School Counselor at Touchet School District for the past nine years. Franklin has been an educator for nearly two decades. She also has experience as a school counselor at Prospect Point and Sharpstein Elementary Schools, a teacher at the Juvenile Justice Center and as a special education teacher.
“Lisa is described as a ‘kid magnet’ who brings with her a deep knowledge of counseling, student advocacy and inclusionary practices,” said Pioneer Middle School Principal Kris Duncan. “She has strong ties to our community and a dedication to helping all students, regardless of their specific needs, achieve at high levels.”
Franklin has her Principal’s Certification from Eastern Washington University, Master’s Degree in School Counseling from Heritage University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education from Gonzaga University. She is replacing Stacy Estes who accepted a position in the Kennewick School District. She begins her tenure July 1.
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Garrison students learn about business and personal finance through Business Convention
Thursday morning the Garrison Middle School gym was converted into a Business Convention Center as 8th grade students representing two social studies classes showcased their mock businesses. This project is the culmination of a yearlong study of economics students worked on every Friday.
Parents and community members attended the Business Convention. Participants were given 10, fake $1 bills to invest in the businesses they thought would have the best chance of succeeding in the real world.
“Students learn about personal finances, business skill, microeconomics and macroeconomics with this project,” said Social Studies teacher Beth Clearman. “This event creates a lot of competition with the students as they try to persuade people to invest in their businesses.”
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Meet Washington’s Most Sought-After Graduates Video Series
Walla Walla Public Schools is producing a video series this spring featuring seniors from across the school district. This series – Meet Washington’s Most Sought-After Graduates – aims to showcase how prepared these soon-to-be graduates are for life after high school. New videos will be released each week leading up to graduation ceremonies in June. Please take a few minutes to watch these videos and see why these amazing students are great representatives of the district’s vision statement of Developing Washington’s Most Sought-After Graduates.
Dominic Bayer – Wa-Hi
Andres Dankel – Wa-Hi
To see the entire series, click HERE
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| Community Stories |
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W2Hoops Summer 2022 Schedule
Tuesday/Thursday Skills & Scrimmage*
July 26 & 28, August 2, 4, 9, 11, 16, 18
5:00 - 8:30 p.m. (location TBD)
Sunday Shooting*
August 14, 21, and 28
11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. @ Pioneer Main Gym
K-2 Junior Camp - FREE TO ALL PARTICIPANTS***
Monday, August 8 thru Wednesday, August 10
12:30-2:00 p.m. (location TBD)
Sign Up
Tryout Prep Camp - FREE TO ALL PARTICIPANTS***
Monday, August 22 thru Thursday, August 26
3:00 - 8:00 p.m. (location TBD)
Sign Up
W2Hoops 2022-2023 Season Tryouts
Sunday, September 11
Walla Walla High School Main Gym (Times TBA)
*Available to players registered with W2Hoops
***Open to all, registration will be required
Please contact us by email with any questions -- walla2hoops@gmail.com
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Walla Walla High School 2022 Baccalaureate
Student musical performances and speakers sharing reflections on faith and this next chapter of life.
• Monday June 6
• 7-8 p.m.
• Refreshments following.
• Blue Mountain Community Church - 928 Sturm
• All seniors and family, community members welcome to celebrate and send off these kids into their futures with a faith perspective.
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Walla Walla Public Library updates
Calling all teen readers! Help plan the future of your public library through the Teen Advisory Group, Saturday June 11 10:30 a.m. at the Walla Walla Public Library, 238 E. Alder Street (across from Goodwill). Take a tour, learn about volunteering and the Summer Reading Program, and share your thoughts and ideas for how the library can best support and serve community youth. Teen Advisors are an important voice at the library and may earn community service hours for their involvement. Questions? Contact Liz George, Young People's Librarian at 509-524-4431 or email egeorge@wallawallawa.gov
Get Out And Read this summer at Walla Walla Public Library. Youth 0-18 can discover great new reads, participate in fun programs and activities, and earn tickets for a chance to win great prizes including bikes, scooters, longboards, pool passes, and more! Plus, get a free cookie or scoop of sorbet just for signing up! Visit https://www.wallawallapubliclibrary.org/kids-teens/summer-reading-2022 to get started or come in to the library at 238 E. Alder Street (across from Goodwill.)
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Color Our Community On Awareness plans Juneteenth Jubilee at Pioneer Park
• Sunday, June 19
• Pioneer Park, Walla Walla
• 9 to 11 a.m. (non-denominational service)
• 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (music, vendors, dancing and more)
• More details online: https://www.cocoawwv.org/juneteenth/
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Parks & Rec Update
Summer program registration is open!
Recreation Programs
• Blue Mountain Boys Baseball. Open to grades 6-10. Cost is $60.
• Swim, Play, Discover Camp open to ages 5-10 years. Free to those who qualify for our scholarship program.
• Fall Youth Soccer open to boys and girls grades K-8th. Cost is $50 ($60 after July 1).
• Golf Lessons open ages 7 years and over. Cost is $48.
• NFL Flag Football open to boys and girls grades K–8th. Cost is $50.
• Pickleball Skills & Drills Day Clinic open to all ages. Cost is $20.
• Spring Cemetery Tour open to ages 12 years and over. Cost is FREE.
• Symbol Quest open to all ages. Cost is $15-$35.
• UPlay open to ages 7-12 years. Lunch is included. Cost is FREE.
• Youth Sports Camps and more!
Aquatic Programs
• Dive Camp open to ages 10-18 years. Cost is $35. No experience required.
• Hatha Yoga open to all ages. Cost is $12-$180.
• Sea Monkeys open to ages 6-16. Cost is $45.
• Stretch and Move open to all ages. Cost is $14-$80.
• SUP Yoga open to ages 15 and up. Cost is $25-$35.
• Sweat & Swim Boot Camp is open to ages 16 and over. Cost is $14-$76.
• Swim Lessons, Session 2 July 5-14 registration opens on 6/24. Open to all ages. Cost is $31. SPACE IS LIMITED.
WE ARE HIRING! Parks & Recreation is looking for those interested in seasonal, part-time or full-time employment. Positions open in Park Maintenance, Recreation, and Aquatics. Positions available for those 15 years of age and up.
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, recreation@wallawallawa.gov
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