November 2007
Skyridge salutes holidays around the World
Sixth graders at Skyridge traveled the world this month exploring cultures, governments, religions and traditions of many countries. These month-long research projects culminated in an extravaganza on the last day of classes in December. Parents and students traveled the sixth-grade wing to view reports, listen to music, play instruments, and taste a wide variety of culinary delights including basmati rice from India, and gingersnap cookies from Germany.
While the reports focused on a variety of topics, presentation boards on display focused on significant national and cultural holidays. From Mexico's Festival of Guadalupe to Sweden's Saint Lucia Day, students explained and shared the meaning of each nation's cultural and national celebrations.
When asked what she enjoyed most in her research on Germany, student Amanda Fleck cited, "The props! We learned to play 'We Wish You a Merry Christmas' on the melody harp. It is really fun and pretty easy."
Sixth grader Olivia Moar was surprised that the government in India is similar to the U.S. in that they have a president and cabinet members.
Teacher Lisa Washburn felt the event was a huge success. "It was wonderful to see the students so excited about their presentations. Everyone was overwhelmingly pleased by the responses they received from parents and other students," Washburn commented. "The students all did exceptional work and should be proud!"
Adding ambiance to the cafeteria
Last spring Prune Hill students created images from throughout the state of Washington using colorful ground glass pieces that were fused onto clear 5" x 5" glass tiles. Now, more than 300 glass tiles have been strung together and suspended in the school’s expansive cafeteria window.
Working with local artist Jenny Wells, students first brainstormed and researched images, and then made rough drafts by creating mosaics to simulate their glass project. Teacher Megan Johnson was pleased with the results.
"It took some doing to get the tiles installed, but it was well worth the effort," commented Principal Pat Edwards. "The students are so pleased to have created such a beautiful addition to the school that they know will be here for a very long time."
CHS soccer players named to national teams
Camas High School senior Christina Stulbarg received double honors this month when she received not only a Player of the Year award from the Greater St. Helens League, but also a nod from The National Soccer Coaches of America and Adidas (NSCAA) when she was selected for the 2007 Girls All-America Soccer team.
Recent graduate Greg Beasley also was honored by the NSCAA for his placement on the Boys All-America Soccer Team. The team was formed for the 2007 calendar year, and Beasley helped the Camas reach state competition last spring.
"This community has been established on the soccer map of Washington with state championships and recognition, national rankings and recognition are the next level," said soccer coach Roland Minder. "This is a tremendous honor for Christina and Greg, Camas High School and our entire community, to have two All-Americans, especially in one calendar year."
Camas High receives gift of life-saving device
Camas High School is set to receive a donation of an automated electronic defibrillator (AED) thanks to Legacy's Community Health Fund. The total donation of $56,700 was presented to Educational Service District 112 to coordinate the purchase and installation of AEDs in high schools across Clark County. AEDs should be installed in schools by December 31, 2007, and staff training will be completed in early 2008.
In addition to the AED, the grant also provides an alarmed cabinet, AED/CPR training for each receiving school, and assistance in developing related policies and procedures. CHS will locate its AED in the athletics office.
Cardiovascular disease, including Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA), is the second leading cause of death in Washington and Clark County, accounting for approximately 24 percent of all deaths. Although the risk of SCA increases with age and for those with existing heart problems, a large percentage of victims are people with no known risk factors, including children, teenagers and athletes. As defibrillation is the only treatment proven to restore a normal heart rhythm, the American Heart Association recommends that Automatic External Defibrillators (AED) be available in public areas including schools, fitness facilities, sports arenas, shopping malls and airports.
Writing about heroes and winning top honors
Four Helen Baller students answered the call from the Veterans of Foreign Wars and Ladies Auxiliary Department of Washington and received top honors for their efforts. In fact, these prolific writers swept the third-grade competition.
First place went to Alyssah Marshall, second place went to Hayden Hunsaker, in third place was Lucas Abrahmsen, and Jack Little received an honorable mention.
Another Baller Bear, fifth grader Julie Hoefs, also received an honorable mention but was not available for the photo.
Held in conjunction with Veterans' Day, each essay submission in the annual contest was no more than 250 words in length. Winners were selected from more than 700 entries.
"These kids are pretty impressive!" exclaimed Principal Jerry Moss. "But on a larger scale, it is wonderful to see the real-life results of our focus on writing skills here at Helen Baller. It validates our efforts to improve writing skills of our students," he added.
Caution: gingerbread builders at work
A long-standing activity in the district made its first showing at JDZ earlier this month. As an extension project of the structured inclusion program, second graders at J.D. Zellerbach built beautiful gingerbread houses in teams with special education students.
Students had built the bones of the houses a few days prior to the decorating event. Once the structures were in place, students set out to adorn their abodes in baubles of gum drops, licorice, frosting and other delectable items.
"It was more fun than you can imagine," enthused teacher Janna Lee. "We had typically developing kids working with the highest needs special education students in the district—seamlessly!"
Board Certified teachers, our numbers are growing
Great news from teaching staff! Four more Camas teachers recently received certification from the National Board Professional Teacher Standards. They are: Karinna Jones, Eric Linthwaite, Monica Murdock, and Christen Palmer.
National Board Certification is the highest credential in the teaching profession. A teacher-driven, voluntary process established by NBPTS, certification is achieved through a rigorous, performance-based assessment process that typically takes one to three years to complete. As part of the process, teachers build a portfolio that includes student work samples, assignments, videotapes and a thorough analysis of their classroom teaching. Additionally, teachers are assessed on their knowledge of the subjects they teach via different types of examinations.
“This distinction is comparable to an accountant sitting for the CPA exam or an attorney passing the bar,” commented Assistant Superintendent Tanis Knight. “A teacher who has achieved National Board Certification has completed an extremely rigorous review process and has certainly earned the distinction of a highly-qualified teacher,” Knight remarked.
Other teachers in the district who have previously achieved board certification are: Jessica Crowe, James Dewey, Betty Dietzen, Mark Gardner, Christina Macaya, Connie Pappas, Paula Perkins, and Shelly Youngblood.
Created by educators and policymakers in 1987, the NBPTS is an independent, nonprofit organization. NBPTS advances the quality of teaching and learning by developing professional standards for accomplished teaching; creating and administering National Board Certification; and integrating certified teachers into educational reform efforts. Today, more than 55,000 National Board Certified teachers are making a positive difference in the lives of students across the nation.
December 19, Winter Break begins
- January 2, Classes resume
- January 8, Liberty Choir concert, 7 PM, Garfield Performing Arts Center
- January 8, JDZ PTA general meeting, 7 PM, JDZ library
- January 9 & 10, Secondary Late Start, classes begin at 10 AM for all high school and middle school students
For more calendar events,
visit the district Web Calendar and click on your school in the left navigation
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A district icon retires, enjoying greener pastures
After more than 20 years of outstanding service to the district, Sandy Straub is transitioning to the relaxed lifestyle of a retiree. She has trained five leaders during her tenure in the district as the administrative assistant to the superintendent. As a lifelong resident of Camas, a product of the Camas schools, a parent of Camas graduates, and a grandparent of Camas kids, Straub is synonymous with the district and a pillar of this community.
Straub plans to read, travel, and spend more time with her family now that she is retired.
"We'll miss Sandy tremendously here at the district office," said Superintendent Mike Nerland. "In my time working with her, I've greatly appreciated her integrity, thoughtfulness and stewardship of this district," he added.
Replacing Straub is former ESD superintendent's administrative assistant Shelly Merlino. She comes to Camas with more than 20 years of experience in the education sector. "Shelly is doing an outstanding job filling some very large shoes," Nerland commented. "Please help me in welcoming Shelly to the district. Her duty is keeping me on track—and that's a big job!"
Get the word out about the good things happening in our schools!
Do you have something you would like to include in Connections, on your school's Web site or the local media? Please e-mail photos and news items such as classroom activities, awards, and honors that recognize our students, parents and staff to doreen.mckercher@camas.wednet.edu.