Spring Sports Update

The most formidable opponent that the Washougal High School sports teams have faced this spring is the weather. There are no “game plans” or “strategies” that our coaches can come up with to defeat Mother Nature. Regardless, the Panther teams found a way to preserver through it all and have shown consistent, and in some cases dramatic, improvement as the skies have given us a bit of a break in these final weeks.

The baseball and softball teams slogged through the early weeks by playing every game on the road. Both teams seemed to be reaching their potential as they got outside to practice late in the season, but both failed to place high enough to extend their season into the District play-offs.

The WHS Boys Soccer team finished the regular season in third place in the Greater Saint Helens League. In the District Tournament the Panthers were defeated by Centralia in the first round, but bounced back to defeat W.F.West High School in a penalty kick shootout here at Fishback Stadium three days later. The Boys Soccer season ended with a defeat at the hands of Aberdeen on the road on May 12th  in the 3rd round.

The Girls Golf team competes in the District Tournament this week. Coach Allen indicates that the players have been showing consistent improvement and is hopeful that we might send a player or two to State, which is coming up on May 24th and 25th.

The Tennis team had a productive season despite several weather related delays and a couple of soggy matches. The doubles team of Alexandra Reeves and Shelby DeLong have advanced to the District tournament on May 20th and 21st. Congratulations and Good Luck!

The boys and girls Track and Field teams have continued to shine brightly through the dark and dreary rain this spring. The Sub-District Meet concluded last Friday with 20 Panther athletes qualifying for the District Meet in Longview on May 20th. Highlights from the Sub-District meet include school record performances by Brendan Casey who went 15’ 3” in the Pole Vault, and Kelley Young  who ran 15.64  in the 100M Hurdles. The State Meet is the next goal for the Panther Track athletes. They must finish in the top three at District to qualify for the meet on May 26th, 27th, and 28th.

Student Achievement

Christopher Norton-Watercare Industrial Services Student Achievement Highlight

 An Eagle Scout, fantastic chemistry student, and all-around outstanding person, WHS Senior Chris Norton will be hard to replace when he graduates this June.  Chris’s many activities include National Honor Society, the Interact service club, helping younger students as a STAR mentor, running the soundboard for the Washburn Auditorium, and working at various sports events.  The only WHS sophomore ever to earn a 5 on the Advanced Placement Chemistry exam, Chris plans to attend the U of WA and become a computer engineer.  An example to us all, this amazing young man stands up for what he believes and will soar high in life.  Our very best wishes go with him.

Eidelynn Stagg selected to study in Germany next year

Washougal High School is proud to announce that sophomore  Eidelynn Stagg has won the prestigious Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange scholarship.  This all-expenses paid, full academic year stay in Germany is funded by both the United States and Germany.  Her trip begins in July with a one-week stay in Washington D.C.  Upon her arrival in Germany, Eidelynn will attend a four-week, intensive immersion program of language study.  After meeting her permanent host family, Eidelynn will attend the Gymnasium in her city which is the prep school for university students in Germany.  Eidelynn is one of only 250 students selected throughout the United States. 

Travis Hibbs winner of Clark Public Utilities’ Stream Team 2011 Watershed Reflections Contest.

Travis Hibbs is a junior at Excelsior High School in Washougal School District. His photograph was selected as the winner for the 9-12th grade category in visual arts.

This year’s theme was "We all live in a Watershed". Teacher Trudy Tkach incorporated the watershed project into her botany class. Students could choose to write a poem or short story, take a photograph or paint a picture.

“It was great to see a student take interest in learning more about the local watersheds and Travis made an effort to go above and beyond the expectations of the assignment. We are all very proud of him,” said Tkach.

Travis and other winners were announced at Clark Public Utilities’ Earth Day celebration April 23.

Rotary Scholar of the Month for May:  Zechariah Friedrich

 Zechariah Friedrich was selected as the Camas Washougal Rotary Scholar of the Month for May 2011.  Zechariah is a sophomore at Washougal High School, and has a 3.85 GPA. WHS Spanish teacher Rochelle Aiton says “Zechariah Friedrich is a well-rounded, intelligent and diligent student.  He consistently achieves excellence in his work and in his relationships with other students. He has been a pleasure to have in class this year and I look forward to seeing what the future brings him.”  His Math teacher, Karen Wysaske, describes him as “a positive and polite young man” noting that he “uses his class time wisely and helps others without being asked.”  WHS Soccer coach Charlie Boyce says Zechariah is a coaches dream; he has great attitude and is a tremendous teammate!  Chemistry teacher Bruce Stanton says Zech is an excellent chemistry student.

Congratulations Zechariah Friedrich!

WHS Graduation Information-Updated 5/29/11

• All graduating seniors in the Class of 2011 must report to the Washburn Auditorium at 8:00 a.m. on Monday, June 13, for a two-hour "School Improvement Ideas" session facilitated by Mr. Hansen and other staff.  Tuesday, June 14, graduates are asked to report to the Washburn Auditorium at 8:00 a.m. to complete a post-high school survey and pick up diplomas.  

• Baccalaureate will be held on Monday, June 6, 7:00 p.m. in the Washburn Auditorium. Seniors are to arrive at 6:30 pm. This event is organized by Gateway Community Church of Washougal.

• Senior Tea and Awards Night will be on Wednesday, June 8, 6:30 p.m. in the Washburn Auditorium.  This will be the night for celebrating academic awards and scholarships that seniors have earned.

• Friday, June 10 the seniors’ day will begin at 7:55 AM in the Washburn Auditorium. We will have commencement practice and then the senior assembly at 9:30. Their day will end at approximately 10:30.

• Saturday, June 11, Graduation will begin at 7:00 p.m. in Fishback Stadium located on the Washougal High School campus at 1201 39th Street, Washougal, WA.   Seniors should plan to arrive at 6:00 p.m.

• At approximately 9:00 p.m. (following the ceremony) graduates will board the busses for the Senior Drug-and-Alcohol-Free All-Night Party. Graduates attending the party may NOT leave the school grounds between graduation and boarding the busses.

• At the commencement ceremony, seniors will receive a cover for their diplomas. The actual diploma certificate will be given to them on Tuesday, June 14, from 8:00 to 10:00 a.m. in the auditorium.

• We have some seniors who have not completed their High School and Beyond Plans. Since this is required by the Washington State Department of Education, we cannot let a student participate in the graduation ceremony or receive a diploma until this is done. If you have questions about your graduate’s completion of this step or any other aspect of their graduation status, you can call 360-954-3121, or e-mail CTE Director

& Career Specialist, Marsha Spencer at marsha.spencer@washougal.k12.wa.us.

• In previous years, we have had some families come into the stadium area during the day and “reserve” places to sit. We are asking that families not reserve seats in an effort to provide everybody the same seating opportunities when the gates open at 5:00 p.m.

• Most of the seating for graduation will be open in the stadium. However, each graduate will be given two tickets for seating inside the fenced area in front of the stage. Top ten students will receive an additional three tickets for this area. Individuals with disabilities or impaired mobility will also be seated here.

• Parking is limited. If possible, please car pool or walk.

• It is expected that seniors will be on their best behavior during the commencement and be dressed appropriately. Any exceptions to this could result in being removed from the ceremony. Clothing worn under the gowns must be school-appropriate. There is not to be any embellishment or decorating of caps and gowns.

• Students owing school fines will not receive a diploma or transcript until all fines have been paid. Fines from this semester will be given to students on Monday, June 13. If you have questions about a fine, contact Judi McDonald at 360-954-3107 or judi.mcdonald@washougal.k12.wa.us.

• As a result of previous year’s activities prior to graduation, we will have security at the school overnight and increased surveillance by the Washougal Police Department. If a student is found breaking the law or school rules, they will be charged with a crime by the police department and suspended from school. Please ensure that your son or daughter is not part of any such activity.

• Any other questions or concerns should be directed to Ann Jendro in our main office. She will put you in touch with the person who can help you.

Senior Project Update

Guests signing the Time Capsule and viewing all of the items to be buried

One of the requirements for graduating seniors is successful completion of the Senior Project.  The majority of WHS seniors are wrapping up the requirements for their projects.  Sunday, I was fortunate to witness part of Emily Carroll's project.

I was honored and thrilled to join several other students, friends, family and Washougal patrons Sunday, May 1 at 2:00 PM in the WHS courtyard and commons to celebrate the near completion of Emily Carroll's Senior Project.  Emily has made a time capsule that will be buried in the WHS courtyard.  It is obvious that Emily has put a tremendous amount of time, energy and effort into this project. Sunday's event demonstrated once again that we have amazing students, incredibly supportive parents and community members and a rich history that we can be very proud of.

Emily reflecting on the process and sharing her thanks

Emily is planning on completing her project in the next couple of days.  The capsule will be opened around the first of May in 2061.

Washougal High School completing Accreditation Process

Washougal High School is in Step 3 of the AESD Accreditation Process.  This particular step involves a site visit from a team from ESD112.  In the morning on May 12 the team will be interviewing staff, students and parents.  In the afternoon, the ESD112 team will be continuing to analyze the evidence we submitted demonstrating we are following the OSPI School Improvement Model.

The accreditation process is in place to ensure high schools are adequately preparing students for college. It is very important for the WHS community that we are an accredited high school.   The process we are following should include active participation and

input from staff, students, parents, and community representatives. The

school improvement planning process should be data-driven and research-based.  The school community's actions and strategies should result in continuous improvement of student learning, achievement and growth. 

 The AESD Accreditation Process includes four steps that focus on School Improvement Plans and processes.

1. School requests accreditation through the AESD, resulting in an initial

planning meeting with AESD-assigned ESD.

2. The ESD Team reviews the self-evaluation of SIP/Process.

3. School site visit by an ESD Team.

4. ESD prepares Accreditation Recommendation Report to the AESD

Accreditation Committee.

After all four steps are successfully accomplished, the ESD Team may make recommendations to the Washington State AESD Accreditation Committee to accredit schools. Accreditated status, once granted, will be retained for six years with a required program report at the end of the third.

The site visit will take place May 12.  I am looking forward to sharing with you their feedback.