Walla Walla Public Schools
Week in Review - Sept. 5, 2014

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District Stories

School Stories

Community Stories

District Stories
School board to vote on superintendent search schedule

The school board will vote during its next school board meeting on two options regarding the search for a new superintendent.

One option the school board is considering is conducting an extensive search for a new superintendent this school year. The second option is extending the contract of Interim Superintendent Dr. Bill Jordan for another year and conducting the extensive search for a permanent superintendent next school year. This option would keep Dr. Jordan as superintendent for a total of two years. All board members agreed a decision must be made soon.

Dr. Jordan expressed his passion for the school district during Tuesday night’s meeting and said it is an honor to serve the students, staff and parents. He also said he will do whatever is necessary to ensure the district finds the right person to serve as the permanent superintendent. Dr. Jordan’s current contract expires June 30, 2015.


First official enrollment count due to the state today

Executive Director of Business Services Ted Cohan will submit the first enrollment count to the state later today. The district’s budget target for Full-time Equivalent (FTE) is based on a projection of 5975 FTE. This number was lowered this school year to account for College Place High School ninth grade students leaving the district. Yearly enrollment figures are based on the monthly average tallied throughout the school year. 


Public invited to learn more about Common Core aligned assessments through online review

Common Core standards and the assessments aligned to test student learning have received a lot of attention in recent months. Walla Walla community members have an opportunity to learn about the Smarter Balance Assessment Consortium and the Common Core Standards as part of an online panel.

Participants may select a time convenient for their schedule during the open window period of October 6-17. Panelists can complete the activity at any time during the two-day window they selected, in one sitting or in multiple sittings. All registrations must be submitted by September 19, 2014.

This unique opportunity will allow thousands of K-12 educators, higher education faculty, parents, and other interested parties to participate virtually in recommending a score for grade-level proficiency. This activity will also provide input and ensure that the results from these Common Core-aligned assessments are based on challenging, yet fair expectations for students.

Participating in the Online Panel will take up to three hours to complete an orientation, review test questions, and recommend a score. The Online Panel requires the use of a personal or office computer or tablet.

Registration Instructions:
- Log on the Smarter Balanced home page at www.smarterbalanced.org
- Click on the Register Now – Online Panel October 6-17, 2014
- Follow the registration instructions and complete the online sign-up form

For more information on this exciting opportunity, contact Casey Monahan in the WWPS Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment Department:
- cmonahan@wwps.org
- 509.526.6783


Personnel Report (from Sept. 2, 2014 school board meeting)

EMPLOYMENT
Certificated:
Sergio Hernandez, Access and Equity Coordinator (.5 FTE retire/rehire, CIA)
Staci Humphrey, Third Grade (temp.), Berney Elementary
Classified:
Roger Contreras-Rodriguez, Para-Educator, Garrison Middle School
Jennifer Davis, Assistant Secretary, Walla Walla High School
Erika Franco, Bilingual Para-Educator, Edison Elementary
Linda Leighty, Assistant Secretary (temp.), CIA
Jazmin Ornelas, Bilingual Assistant Secretary, Edison Elementary
Karen Ruzicka, Para-Educator, Green Park Elementary
Yvonne Segovia, Para-Educator, Edison Elementary
James Sengsavang, Custodian, Facilities & Operations/Trans./Opportunity/SEA-TECH

RETIREMENT/RESIGNATION
Classified:
Sandy Leos, Para-Educator, Green Park Head Start/ECEAP, 4 years

LEAVE OF ABSENCE
Certificated:
Kathleen Gilmore, Third Grade, Berney Elementary
- Kathleen will continue as a .5 FTE Resource Teacher at Berney for 2014-2015


WWPS Nutrition Services implements new healthy practices 

Last spring the Nutrition Services Department completed its Child Nutrition review and results indicate the district is meeting the new nutrition standards. Nutrition Services Director Pamela Milleson reports the department participates in several USDA programs: National School Lunch Program (NSLP), School Breakfast Program (SBP), After School Snack Program, At Risk Supper Program, Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program , Farm to School Program.

“We are very proud to be able to state that 84 percent of the Nutrition Services staff have received a School Nutrition Associations level one certification,” Milleson said. “Staff member must complete 10 hours of training in Basic Nutrition and 10 hours of training in Safety and Sanitation.”

The Nutrition Services Department is implementing the new Smart Snack guidelines for all snacks and beverages sold during the school day. Milleson says the district is working toward the Healthier U.S. School Challenge with staff seeking to obtain this special certification.

Also this year, the Nutrition Services Department, based on a recommendation from the School Health Advisory Committee, is limiting the amount of chocolate milk served in district cafeterias. Chocolate milk will only be available the first Friday of the month in elementary schools and on Fridays weekly in middle and high schools.

“The American Heart Association recommends that children consume no more than 12 grams of added sugar per day,” Milleson said. “Walla Walla Public Schools students consume 10 grams of added sugar each time they drink one carton of the chocolate milk served in the district’s school meal program.”



SEA-TECH Skills Center Public Dedication
- Thursday, Sept. 18
- 9:30 to 10 a.m. (Program)
- 10 to 11 a.m. (Tours)
- SEA-TECH Skills Center (525 Campus Loop -- WWCC)
- Event open to the public

School Stories
Latino Club impresses judges at annual fair parade

The Walla Walla High School Latino Club earned the “Best Community” Sweepstakes Award for their participation in the Walla Walla County Fair and Frontier Days Parade August 30. This is the fourth time the club has earned this award. With this year’s fair theme being “It’s a Wild Ride,” the Club’s entry this year included Walla Walla Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Bill Jordan’s 1965 Corvette. In addition, Mariachi Huenachi was part of the Club’s parade entry. The Wa-Hi Latino Club and the Walla Walla County Fair sponsored the high school mariachi band from Wenatchee, Washington.
The Walla Walla Fair and Frontier Days is a big event for the Wa-Hi Latino Club. Members have been busy since mid-August helping to get the grounds ready for the fair by performing the initial cleaning of the pavilion area and fair grounds by sweeping floors and cleaning glass cabinets. Club members also helped set up many of the display areas in the pavilion. Club members and friends provided 165 hours of community service prior to the Fair.

Exploring Post 311 and Latino Club members also managed a concession stand and sold food and Coke products in the grandstand during the concert, demolition derby, and three nights of the rodeo to raise funds to support Latino Club activities during the school year.

Overall, 65 club members and friends were involved by working over 575 hours during the fair.

Exploring Post 311 is a subsidiary program of the Blue Mountain Council of the Boy Scouts of America that supports the Wa-Hi Latino Club. Exploring Post 311’s charter organization is the College Place First Presbyterian Church Men’s Breakfast Group in College Place.


Explorer parent meeting planned

- Tuesday, September 9
- 6:30 p.m.
- Sharpstein cafeteria
- This meeting will provide an opportunity for parents to learn about the new changes in the Explorer schedule and offers time for a question and answer session.


Wa-Hi ASB announces Homecoming Week schedule

Monday, October 13 - Class Color Day, Royalty Assembly and Buff Puff
Tuesday, October 14 - Tourist Day
Wednesday, October 15 - Wacky Wednesday, Powder Puff 7 p.m. @ Borleske
Thursday, October 16 - Twin Day
Friday, October 17 - Blue and White Day, Homecoming Game, Halftime Royalty Ceremony
Saturday, October 18 - Homecoming Dance @ Wa-Hi 8 p.m. -11 p.m.


2014 Open Houses and Welcome Back Socials (remaining dates)

Berney Elementary: September 24
- 5 to 7:30 p.m.

Blue Ridge Preschool: September 25
- 5:30 to 7 p.m.

Blue Ridge Elementary: September 18
- 5:30 p.m. (potluck dinner for parents, staff and students)
- 6 to 7 p.m.

Prospect Point Elementary (Curriculum Night): September 18
- 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Sharpstein Welcome Back to School Night: September 18
6:40-8 p.m.

Garrison Middle School: September 23
- 5:30 to 7 p.m.

Pioneer Middle School: September 15
- 5:30 to 8 p.m.

Walla Walla High School: September 22
- 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.


Walla Walla High School and Washington State University GEAR UP host College and Technical School Fair

Walla Walla High School and WSU GEAR UP are hosting local and regional college representatives from community colleges, universities and technical colleges Tuesday, Sept. 30. Representatives will be meeting with students during their school day (7:30 a.m.-3 p.m.) talking about their own admission policies, scholarships and attendance cost, along with answering specific questions from students. The fair will also feature an open session where families, parents and community members are encouraged to attend and bring their questions. The open session is after school from 2:30-4 p.m.. All activities for the day will take place at the Walla Walla High School ‘small gym’ located at 800 Abbott Rd in Walla Walla.

Washington State University GEAR UP, which is located on campus at Walla Walla High School, involves a variety of innovative partnerships and initiatives to support students in college and career readiness skills.

For more information contact Claircy Clizer in the Walla Walla High School Career Center, cclizer@wwps.org.



Community Stories
WWPS and Shakespeare WW partner to celebrate Hispanic culture

Walla Walla Public Schools and Shakespeare Walla Walla present a Fiestas Patrias concert on Saturday, September 20, beginning at 7:30 p.m. at Gesa Power House Theatre. Proceeds will benefit Walla Walla School District’s Ballet Folkorico, an after school program for students at Garrison Middle School and Pioneer Middle School, as well as the Shakespeare Walla Walla education program.

Walla Walla Public Schools and Shakespeare Walla Walla, along with Whitman College, Artwalla, and other local organizations present the Second Annual Dia de los Muertos Festival on October 24 and 25 at the Gesa Power House Theatre. This two-day community festival celebrates the Mexican “Day of the Dead” holiday and will include free activities, live music and dance, art demonstrations, food vendors, and more.

“Fiestas Patrias”
- Saturday, September 20
- 7:30 p.m.
- Gesa Power House Theatre
- $10 (proceeds support local educational programs)
“Fiestas Patrias” is a benefit concert on Saturday, September 20, starting at 7:30 p.m. at the Gesa Power House Theatre. Tri-Cities band Fino, featuring Garrison Middle School Principal Robert Elizondo, will headline the event which will also include performances by Walla Walla School District’s Ballet Folkorico, Salvador Hernandez, and Julio Cesar. Proceeds ($10 admission) will benefit the Shakespeare Walla Walla education program and the Walla Walla School District’s Ballet Folkorico, an after school program for students at Garrison Middle School and Pioneer Middle School.

“This is a great opportunity to raise awareness and support for the district’s Ballet Foklorico program,” says District Equity and Access Coordinator Sergio Hernandez. “We are enthusiastic about giving the students the opportunity to participate in an exciting community activity.”

Fiestas Patrias is a collective name for the independence days of eight Latin American countries which celebrate between Sept. 15 and 21: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Mexico, Chile, and Belize.

Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) Festival
- October 24 & 25
- Mariachi Huenachi from Wenatchee High School
- Dancers from Walla Walla Ballet Foklorico
- “Steamroller Print Project”


City Parks and Recreation Fall Program guide coming soon

Parks and Recreation's Fall Program Guide will be released on Monday, September 15. To view this guide, please go to www.wwpr.us<http://www.wwpr.us> or visit our facebook page at www.facebook.com/wallawallapr<http://www.facebook.com/wallawallapr>.


Trilogy Recovery Run September 7

- 4th Annual Run for Recovery 5K
- Sunday, September 7
- 8:30 a.m.(registration begins at 7:45 a.m. with check-in beginning at 8 a.m.)
- Rooks Park
- Cost to participate is $25, including tee-shirt.
- To register online, please go to:http://www.active.com/walla-walla-wa/running/races/trilogy-s-run-for-recovery-2014


The Health Center update

New Director of Mental Health Services
Michelle Coleman LICSW has accepted a position as Director of Mental Health services for The Health Center (THC). In her role she will have clinical oversight for the excellent team of THC therapists providing services for the students of Lincoln High School and Blue Ridge Elementary School. Coleman has a long history with us as a board member as well as a provider for THC.

Mental Health services at Blue Ridge
Grant funding from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation is allowing a dedicated mental health staff person at Blue Ridge to support the students and staff of the elementary school and HeadStart/ECEAP program. Julie Case MSW and Michelle Coleman are coordinating this effort.

New AmeriCorps member
Erin Slomski-Pritz is the new AmeriCorps member for the 2014-15 school year. She graduated from Whitman in May and is excited to join the team. At Whitman, she was involved with the Whitman Events Board as a Cultural Events Director and helped coordinate a Power and Privilege Symposium that addressed manifestations of race, gender, and class in the surrounding community. Erin’s interest in the health and well-being of young people is largely due to her work as a wilderness guide in northern Minnesota. Her limitations to address the health needs of her campers outside the scope of a two-week trip led to an interest in pursuing such work in a more urban context. Erin enjoys exploring new places on bike, foot, boat, and train as well as reading literature and writing poetry. She is looking forward to spending her third year in Walla Walla.

Whitman Community Research Fellow to focus on outcomes
Documenting and showcasing evidence the work at THC is making a difference is crucial. Starting in September, the Outcomes Research Fellow’s mission will be to develop and implement a process for monitoring and reporting change in specific indicators related to the work we provide for the students of Lincoln and Blue Ridge. The outcomes of interest include: Truancy, Graduation, State Test Scores, Student Discipline Referrals and Incidents requiring police action. The project will start with historical data and follow the impact of our services on the indicators. Upon completion of the project there will be a report of our outcomes over the past five years and a best practice process and system in place for continued assessment and reporting into the future.


Carnegie Picture Lab seeks volunteers to work with area students

Kids love art! Do you? Become a Carnegie Picture Lab volunteer and bring art history and art creation lessons to Walla Walla Public School elementary students. This year's artists include Georgia O'Keeffe, Diego Rivera and Vincent Van Gogh. You choose your time commitment -- volunteer opportunities include: teaching in the classroom, helping with events, chaperoning field trips and much more.

Fall Volunteer Training dates:
- Wednesday, September 17 from 5:30 - 7 p.m.
- Thursday, September 18 from 10 - 11:30 a.m.
- Carnege Picture Lab Studio at 55 E. Main Street in downtown Walla Walla.

For more information, visit www.carnegiepicturelab.com, or visit us on Facebook



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