| District Stories |
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Commencements and End of Year Celebrations
Walla Walla High School Commencement
• Friday, June 8
• 7 p.m.
• Walla Walla High School (grounds near Commons area)
Pioneer Middle School 8th grade Recognition
• Monday, June 11
• 7 to 9 p.m.
• Walla Walla High School Main Gym
Garrison Middle School 8th grade Recognition
• Tuesday, June 12
• 7 to 9 p.m.
• Walla Walla High School Main Gym
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Wa-Hi Commencement Facebook Live Stream
SEATech’s Audio & Video Production students in Jeffrey Townsend’s class have stepped up to offer a FaceBook Live Stream of the Wa-Hi Commencement Friday, June 8 at 7 p.m. This feed will also be shown in the Wa-Hi Auditorium for those wishing to view it on campus.
WWPS Facebook page:
• https://www.facebook.com/wwschools
• Click the live video streaming.
This year’s production promises to be a more intimate experience, according to Instructor Jeffrey Townsend. SEATech students will be using their state-of-the-art 3-camera wireless live stream equipment. This year, having three different camera positions—with student camera operators and a student technical director—will offer a more professional viewing experience. This will provide the Facebook Live audience a close-up of speakers at the podium, more detailed shots of the assembled crowd as they respond to speeches, awards and music.
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Community leaders add another layer of accountability serving on new Bond Oversight Committee
Tuesday, June 5, School Board members approved the membership of a 10-member Independent Bond Oversight Committee. This group will carefully monitor the delivery of the proposed bond program to ensure accountability, fiscal transparency, and community trust. Superintendent Wade Smith will serve as the direct liaison to the group.
Bond Oversight Committee Members:
• Bonnie Bowton (Business)
• Yolanda Esquivel (Parent)
• Mark Hess (Financial)
• Lawson Knight (Business Owner/Operator, Financial, Parent)
• Kim McDaniels (Business Owner/Operator, Financial)
• Terry McConn (At Large)
• Dick Moeller (Business Owner/Operator, Facility/Construction, Community Facilities Task Force)
• Scott Morasch (Business, Business Owner/Operator, Financial, Facility/Construction, Parent)
• Jennifer Mouat (Financial, Parent)
• Ken Seibold (Business, Business Owner/Operator, Facility/Construction)
Bond Oversight Committee Charge:
Walla Walla Public Schools desires ongoing, independent review of the projects proposed to voters on the November 6, 2018, election. The Committee will meet regularly and plan to provide written progress reports to the community and Board of Directors.
The Committee will be responsible to:
• Review, and when applicable, participate in the process to solicit, qualify and select general contractors, architects, vendors, and consultants for major projects;
• Review financial statements, project scope, construction documents, and bid solicitations to ensure that bond dollars are only being spent on projects approved by voters;
• Regularly inspect school facilities and grounds to ensure bond revenues are expended appropriately;
• Make recommendations to the Superintendent as to policies and procedures which will enhance accountability for bond dollars to district stakeholders;
• Assist in maintaining public trust and confidence in the district through active involvement in communications related to the bond projects; and
• Ensure that any remaining bond proceeds after project completion will be used to pay down debt and reduce the rate for taxpayers; using such resources to make debt service payments on the bonds outstanding or to call and redeem a portion of the Bonds prior to maturity.
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Staff Achievement grant recipients named
Walla Walla Public Schools has named its 2017-2018 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.
2017-2018 Staff Achievement Recipients:
Sue Schulz (Science Teacher – Garrison Middle School)
- Nominators: Armida Contreras, Susan Prudente, Angie Gardea and Aylin Contreras
Claudia Saldivar (Bilingual Education Teacher – Sharpstein Elementary)
- Nominators: Angie Pedroza, Jesse Torres, Elizabeth Razo and Sofia Parsons
Monica Nelson (Math Teacher – Walla Walla High School)
- Nominators: Jimmy Hill, Vivian Glaeser and Kathy Pritcher
Pam Jacobson (Attendance Secretary – Walla Walla High School)
- Nominators: Kim Cassetto, Carrie Lujan, and Anne Bickelhaupt
Kelsey Dill (Athletic Trainer – Walla Walla High School)
- Nominators: Eric Hisaw, Amy Hisaw, John Golden and Tracy Rotert
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Superintendent’s Pulse Video (June 2018)
Click HERE to watch the June Pulse video. Superintendent Wade Smith provides timely updates and insights on district operations and accomplishments.
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Senior Celebration Video Series – Hear their stories
This week Walla Walla Public Schools honors its seniors from the Class of 2018. Visit the district's YouTube page to learn more about the amazing students from the Class of 2018.
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Latino Graduation Celebration
On Sunday, the Walla Walla Latino Alliance and WWPS held the first annual Latino Graduation Celebration for AVID and Latino Club members. The students and their families were honored for their hard work and perseverance. Thanks to the WWPS Bilingual Department for organizing this event.
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Last Day of School June 13
The last day of school for the 2017-2018 school year is Wednesday, June 13. This is an early dismissal for all students. Check with your school child’s school for specific early dismissal times. Also, be sure to take advantage of the district’s summer program opportunities.
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District honors Graduates of Distinction
Tuesday afternoon, Walla Walla Public Schools honored this year’s recipients for the Graduates of Distinction program. They are: Terry Atchison, Class of 1966; Dr. Randall Barton, Class of 1971; and Dr. Elizabeth MacDonald, Class of 1995. Terry Atchison is a humble community leader with tireless devotion to the Walla Walla Fairgrounds and local military efforts. Dr. Barton is a lifelong contributor and volunteer in improving the lives of others locally, nationally and internationally. Dr. MacDonald is a pioneer in citizen science initiatives and mentor for aspiring scientists of all ages.
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Personnel Report (from June 5, 2018 school board meeting)
EMPLOYMENT
Administrative:
Rick Kline, Principal, Green Park Elementary School
Certificated:
Jacqueline Fisbeck, Third Grade, Berney Elementary School
Stephanie Penrose, STEM, Garrison Middle School
Dana Timm-Ballard, Third Grade, Green Park Elementary School
Classified:
Elaine Flores, Kitchen Assistant, Walla Walla High School
Michelle Paine, Para-Educator, Walla Walla Public Schools
Jenyfer Reese, Secretary to Director, Blue Ridge Preschool Programs
Laura Snowberger, Kitchen Assistant, Walla Walla High School
Bryan Winn, Bus Driver, SE Washington Transportation Co-Op
RESIGNATION/RETIREMENT
Administrative:
Peter Peterson, Director of Assessment and Student Services, District Office, 8 years
Classified:
Jacqueline Alonso, Intervention Specialist, Walla Walla High School, 5 years
Nichole Alvarado, Para-Educator, Pioneer Middle School, 3 months
Fabiola Ochoa, Para-Educator, Walla Walla High School, 3 years
Katie Mulvaney, Para-Educator, Edison Elementary School, 1 year
Grecia Rojas, Para-Educator, Green Park Elementary School, 1 year
Emily Ward, Para-Educator, Berney Elementary School, 5 months
Heidy Wiese, District Security and Student Records Coordinator, 30 years
LEAVE OF ABSENCE
Certificated:
Heidi Cohan, Fourth Grade, Blue Ridge Elementary School, 4 years
• for the 2018-2019 school year
Stefanie Crumpacker-Flerchinger, Music, Blue Ridge Elementary School, 5 years
• for the 2018-2019 school year
Classified:
Sharis Colvin, Para-Educator, Walla Walla Public Schools, 3 years
• for the 2018-2019 school year
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| School Stories |
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Kline named principal of Green Park Elementary following extensive selection process
Walla Walla Public Schools has named Rick Kline principal of Green Park Elementary following an extensive applicant screening process from a vast pool of qualified candidates. The selection process included parent and staff meet and greet sessions, classroom observations, a formal interview and site visit to his school from WWPS representatives.
Kline has 10 years of experience as a school principal. He is currently serving as the Skyway Elementary Principal in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. He has also been an elementary principal in the Lake Pend Oreille School District in Sandpoint, Idaho and Plumas Unified School District in Portola, California. Kline has experience as a Title I Director, elementary teaching coach, and elementary classroom teacher.
Kline received his Bachelor’s Degree (Math major) and Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership and Administration, both from Eastern Washington University.
“I am looking forward to making the move to Walla Walla, being a part of the community, and working with the passionate staff at Green Park Elementary” said Kline. “The people of Walla Walla have a strong history of supporting education, their schools and students. During my visit to Green Park last week, it was obvious the entire staff puts students and student learning as a priority.”
Current Principal Gina Yonts has accepted a position with the Association of Washington School Principals. Her last day as Green Park Elementary Principal is June 30. Kline’s contract begins July 1.
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Middle School students earn Seal of Biliteracy distinction
This school year 22 students from Garrison and Pioneer Middle Schools earned four high school credits by obtaining the Seal of Biliteracy. The distinctive Seal of Biliteracy award recognizes students who have studied and attained proficiency in two or more languages by high school graduation. These students will have the Biliteracy Seal displayed on their high school diplomas upon graduation.
This year the Bilingual Department decided to begin the Seal of Biliteracy recognition at the 8th-grade level to help motivate students to continue taking advanced level classes in high school so they can begin earning college credits.
“We know several 8th graders are already showing the highest levels of proficiency in their second language so we decided to acknowledge this huge accomplishment at the end of their middle school journey,” said Dr. Victor Vergara, Director of Bilingual Education Programs. “Walla Walla Public Schools embraces diversity and encourages its students to become biliterate.”
Pioneer Middle School recipients:
Esmeralda Quezada, Rosa Ceja Lopez, Katye Perez, Bryan Osorio, Diego Martinez de Santiago, Mizraim Garcia, Consuelo Sarmiento, Roberto Rodriguez, Ana Pedroza Velazquez, Isabel Vergara Ramos, Genevieve Zanger.
Garrison Middle School recipients
Tiffani Carrillo-Villegas, Olivia Isenhower, Rosalinda Villagomez, Edward Vu, Kiara Martinez, Amilia Gutierrez, Lauren Adams, Natalia Salazar, Jaqueline Ruiz, Brianna Ramirez, Yamileth Castillo De Leon
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Walla Walla Wrestling Club announces summer programs
Click HERE to read the Walla Walla Wrestling Club Summer 2018 newsletter. This publication features camp opportunities, work out programs, celebration stories and more.
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Wa-Hi student hits his mark on Debate Team
Walla Walla High School junior Joshua Rose will compete in the 2018 National Speech and Debate Tournament in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida on June 18 for Extemporaneous Debate. Leading up to this tournament, Joshua has placed at the state Speech & Debate Tournaments in multiple events in each of his first three years in the program. He has also competed well at the national level, according to Coach Keith Swanson. Rose will be president of the debate team next year.
“Josh is a fearless debater, who has thrived particularly well in Congressional Debate, where debaters propose and debate the passage of bills in a congressional setting,” said Swanson. “He is very good at thinking on his feet.”
Joshua’s Debate Team achievements:
1. Congressional Debate Championship Level, 1st Place, Thomas S. Foley Memorial Forensics Tournament (University High School, Feb. 1-3, 2018)
2. Washington State Speech Tournament at Univ. of Puget Sound, March 10, 2018, 3rd Place Extemporaneous Debate
3. 47th Annual Tournament of Champions at University of Kentucky, April 28-30, Semifinalist in Congressional Debate Division (there were 128 students from around the U.S. competing in the Congressional Debate Division)
4. Joshua will compete in the 2018 National Speech and Debate Tournament in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida on June 18 for Extemporaneous Debate
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GEAR UP offers summer camps for graduating seniors
Walla Walla High School’s GEAR UP program will be offering two summer programs for graduating seniors of the class of 2018. College Survival Camps will be held at both WSU and EWU. These camps are created to help ease the transition for new college students. Each camp will be fully funded for GEAR UP students including all transportation, housing and food. Students attending either WSU, EWU or WWCC as future transfer students are encouraged to attend. Sign up at the GEAR UP offices at Wa-Hi or call 509-526-8621.
• Future Cougs College Survival Camp on campus at WSU Pullman: June 27-29
• Future Eagles College Survival Camp on campus at EWU Cheney: July 31-Aug 2
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Garage sale planned to support AVID program
The Walla Walla High School AVID program is planning a garage sale Saturday, June 9 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 1135 E. Chestnut St. The proceeds will be used for field trips to visit colleges, job shadowing programs, and program enhancements. If you have any items that you would like to donate to the program, please contact Jen Hein at jhein@wwps.org.
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| Community Stories |
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FREE SUMMER MEAL PROGRAM
The City of Walla Walla Parks and Recreation Department has teamed with the USDA and Walla Walla Public Schools to offer FREE meals to all children ages 1 to 18. Meals are provided at several locations throughout Walla Walla from June 18 to August 17. For a listing of all locations, TEXT - Food 877877 or online at: www.wwpr.us
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City Library plans Ferocious Fiddles
• Saturday, June 9
• 11 to 11:45 a.m.
• Walla Walla Public Library
• Sounds Like Fun! Series of children’s concerts is made possible by the generosity of Columbia REA.You don’t always think of string players as being ferocious, but these aren’t your average classical musicians. We’ve got some music about mean old kitchen rats, which makes for some ferocious fiddling.
• Information: Elizabeth George, 509-524-4431
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City plans public neighborhood Block Party at Prospect Point
- Thursday, June 14
- 5:30 p.m.
- Prospect Point Elementary
- Free and open to the public
- Free pizza
- Free Dairy Queen ice cream
- Live music by Eddie Manzanares
- Win emergency supply kits
- Bring your bikes for the bicycle rodeo
- Play cornhole
- This event is not sponsored by Walla Walla Public Schools
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BioBlitz opportunity to discover and explore biodiversity of Walla Walla
• Saturday, June 30
• BioBlitz Walks – New walks every hour beginning at 6 a.m. (last walk 12 noon)
• Rooks Park
• Food trucks, specialists and naturalists on site
• Host: Blue Mountain Land Trust – www.bmlt.org/bioblitz/
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City Parks and Recreation Update
Veterans Memorial Pool Programs
Sea Monkeys Swim Team - $77
Swimming Lessons - $35 – 3 months and up
Aqua Zumba - $60 – Ages 12 and up
Sweat and Swim Boot Camp - $12/$76 – Ages 12 and up
Adaptive Swim - $2 – All Ages
Hatha Outdoor Yoga - $12/$76 – Ages 12 and up
We are hiring!
Lifeguards for Veterans Memorial Pool – apply at https://www.wallawallawa.gov/depts/humanresources
Soccer Referees for Fall Youth Soccer – email Clay Lindsey at clindsey@wallawallawa.gov for information
Summer Recreation Programs
UPlay – Free – June 18 to August 10
Youth Summer Meals – Free – June 18 to August 10
Little Kicks Soccer - $46 – Ages 3 to 5 years
Lacrosse Fundamentals Clinic - $15/$45 – Grades 1-9
Youth Golf Lessons - $46 – Ages 7 to 16 years
Youth Track and Field Clinic - $10 – Ages 4 to 12 years
UK International Soccer - $94/$177 – Ages 4 to 14 years
Flag Football - $55 – Grades 2 to 8
Fall Youth Soccer - $50 – Ages 5 to 14 years (Registration deadline June 29)
Buti Yoga - $10/$99 – Ages 12 & up
CJoy Yoga in the Park - $11/$189 – Ages 12 & up
First Aid/CPR/AED - $70 – Ages 12 and up
Pickleball for All - $48 – Ages 16 and up
For more information on these programs or to register, please go to www.wwpr.us.
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