Rotary Scholar of the Month for February 2015: Rebecca (Millie) Munster

Rebecca (Millie) Munster was selected as the Camas Washougal Rotary Scholar of the Month for January 2015.  Millie is a sophomore at Washougal High School and has a GPA of 3.87.  Jeff Condon, Millie’s AP US History Teacher, shares that “She wants to understand why things happened, how they happened, the impact they had…” and that she “has a strong work ethic that serves her well.”   Geometry Teacher Karen Wysaske adds that “Millie does Geometry well, showing and explaining her thinking.  Her work is neat and clear.  She is dedicated to her success.”

Millie’s Spanish Teacher, Rochelle Aiton, describes her as “an athletic, intelligent and determined student.”  She further says “When she sets her mind to a task she accomplishes it with tenacity.”  Biology Teacher Pauline Rule also sees great characteristics in Millie.  She says “Millie is an outstanding all-around student. Intelligent, hard-working, respectful, polite, and fun!”  She adds that Millie “Enjoys learning and her fine mind is always working ahead...she is the quintessential student who will ask the question that is a segue into the next topic.”  Millie is the daughter of Armando and Natalie Rivas. Congratulations Millie!

Calibrating Observations & Walk-Throughs

Posted Behavior Expectations

Thursday morning I had an opportunity to participate in walk-throughs at JMS and CCMS with other principals in an effort to "calibrate" our observations and learn from each other.   Prior to the walk-throughs, we met in the main office at JMS to discuss what aspects of instruction we were going to target and what content area we would be observing.  The process we decided on involved establishing two teams of observers.   We identified the two rooms we would visit for roughly ten minutes each and then switch rooms.  Each group or team would go into a room and after each visit we briefly  discussed what each person observed....this is the key to the "calibration."  When the observation period at each school was over, we met in a conference room to discuss our observations as a whole and to debrief the process. 

6th Grade Math Learning Target

It is important that the lens administrators use during observations and walk-throughs are similar. The term that is used to describe consistency among administrators is referred to as inter-rater reliability.  The goal is for evaluators to be accurate and consistent during observations and their thoughts and judgments to be based upon evidence observed.  We really want to make sure that as evaluators, we are seeing things the same way and we are able to identify specific use of those strategies that are most closely tied to student achievement.  If we are not seeing those strategies, then we want to be provide accurate, feedback to teachers that promotes growth of teacher practice.

8th Grade Service Project

8th Grade Service Project

I was pleased with our discussions and am looking forward to continuing the walk-throughs with the other principals. The process that we used was helpful for me and allowed for a great deal of insight and reflection into what each of us observed.  I was also very impressed with the level of instruction and learning taking place at both middle schools. At JMS we observed six classrooms and at CCMS we observed four.  I am going to offer the same opportunity to teachers at the high school.  The level of instruction and student engagement that I observed was impressive.  I saw an effective team of teachers co-teaching a class of 6th graders in which the students were completely engaged in the activity.  I observed a science classroom in which the students were working in groups preparing for a brief presentation they had prepared on whiteboards.  Each group was able to use a variety of sources to research their topic.  This particular day they were researching and presenting on weather patterns.  During the presentations, students were recording important information on a graphic organizer they were provided.  Students teaching students is an effective way to increase engagement.  We observed a classroom of 6th graders joining their teacher's blog.  The teacher really wanted the students to connect with the text so she asked them to provide textual evidence to support their analysis of what they read and to blog their evidence. Finally, I walked the CCMS hall with all of the service project boards hanging.  What a great 8th grade project. The bottomline is that greatness can be found in every school and on every campus.  I had a wonderful visit to JMS and CCMS on Thursday.  It was such a privilege to visit and observe the learning that is happening at both schools.    

Rotary Scholar of the Month for January 2015: Joshua Stout

Joshua Stout was selected as the Camas Washougal Rotary Scholar of the Month for January 2015.  Joshua is a sophomore at Washougal High School and has a GPA of 3.950.  Marcee Salas, Joshua’s English Teacher, describes him as “hard working, polite, and an overall great student.”  Salas further adds that “he always turns in every assignment and is a major contributor to class discussions.”

Brian Eggleston, Joshua’s Spanish Teacher, adds that “Josh has a natural spirit of inquiry that I would love to see in more students; he enjoys learning new concepts and practicing them in speaking, reading, writing, and listening, and he asks thoughtful questions to deepen his skills and knowledge.”  Eggleston notes that “he also works well with any partner I select for him, and brings a consistently positive attitude and strong work ethic that I know others appreciate too.  He stands out as an avid learner with a bright future.”  Eggleston also adds that “I can also tell that his efforts and attitude in class are a mirror of his work outside of the classroom too, where he strives through self-discipline and helping others to become a better person each day.  From what I know of Joshua, I am confident that he richly deserves this award and is an ideal example for other youths to follow in many ways.”

Geometry Teacher Karen Wysaske says “Josh is one of the hardest working students I have ever had.  He perseveres no matter how challenging the problems are.”  In her work with Joshua she has found that “he comes in frequently to check his understanding, ask questions, and to complete work,” and that “he takes his time and meticulously shows his work to demonstrate his understanding in Geometry.”  Joshua is the son of Harley and Sierra Stout.  Congratulations Joshua!

WHS December Students of the Month

Bryce Samwel

Creative and dedicated, WHS Senior Bryce Samwel excels as a student, a leader by example, and a golfer! Both staff and students are drawn to his bright smile, positive, encouraging attitude and courteous, respectful manner. Bryce not only is actively involved in life at WHS, but he is active in the community as well, volunteering at a large hospital and in various programs such as Loaves and
Fishes, Earth Day Cleanup and a community education golf camp. Bryce is a
bright light that will continue to shine wherever he chooses to go in life.

Karina Miller

Always positive, WHS Senior Karina Miller is dedicated to excellence in all that she does. This talented, diligent, hardworking young lady plays tenor sax in the Wind Ensemble and Jazz Band and has been selected for several honor bands.

Karina's Senior Project this year involved supporting Stuff-the-Bus.  She did a tremendous job and her efforts along with everyone else who was involved provided thousands of pounds of food for the Washougal community.

Washougal High School Students Share the Love of Reading

Washougal High School Childhood Development students recently got up close and personal with understanding childhood literacy.

“As an assignment, my high school students were required to bring an age appropriate book for a literacy field trip to Gause Elementary,” Rachel Webb, WHS Childhood Development teacher explained.  “The idea is to encourage literacy across the district through our older students reading to our elementary students.  We were welcomed into Mrs. Darling’s classroom where the high school students read to the first graders and then the first grade students read to the high school students.”

“I could sense that the kids liked the independence they showed by reading to us,” said WHS senior Emily Perkins.  “It was cute to see them excited about what they were doing on their own. They were proud to show the big kids what they could do.”

There was also a lesson in not always getting things right. “Sometimes my brain reads faster than my mouth and I messed up reading aloud a couple times,” admitted Hannah Couture, 10th grade.
“It was good for the kids to see a big kid mess up reading too.”

Sidney Childers, 10th grade, was impressed at the reading level of one of the first graders she worked with.  “He was so proud that he could read a big chapter book,” she said.  “It was a huge National Geographic book about jaguars.  I was amazed!”

Besides giving encouragement to these young readers, some students hoped they would leave a lasting impression. “I hope we made an impact on them and they will remember this experience so when they are in high school they will do this for younger students,” said Couture.  Several WHS students agreed, recalling instances when they were young readers and interacted with older students and how inspirational that experience was.

“I had a reading buddy when I was in the second grade and now I get to be that big kids helping,” Brooke Otto, 10th grade, remarked.  “It is important for the little kids to understand that older kids like to read too.  It’s not just something they are expected to learn right now, but something they will enjoy.  You are never too old to read!”

“It is a field trip they will always remember because of the excitement of all students and the impact they made on each other's lives,” Webb said.  “This literacy field trip is what lifelong learning is all about.”

Rotary Scholar of the Month for December: Hannah Lintala

Hannah Lintala was selected as the Camas Washougal Rotary Scholar of the Month for December 2014.  Hannah is a sophomore at Washougal High School and has a GPA of 3.675.  Hillary Marshall, WHS Teacher Librarian, said that “Hannah is a determined young woman. She is a fantastic runner and encouraging to other teammates who are less talented.  She also volunteered last year with the WHS Stride and encouraged me in my running efforts!”  Kathy Scobba, Hanna’s Computer Applications teacher, adds that Hannah “works diligently to not only learn the skills but understand the importance of technology to further her academic career” and that “she strives for perfection and when does not obtain it, she will try again.”

Scott Boothby, Hannah’s freshman World Geography teacher, describes Hannah as “always willing to go above and beyond in class” and also noted that “It wasn't just her work ethic that made her stand out. The smile she wore each day and the care she showed for everyone made her class one of the memorable ones.”  Hannah’s Spanish teacher, Rochelle Aiton, says that “Hannah is a delightful student.  She comes into class with a smile and an eagerness to learn.  It's not always easy for her but, because of her hard work and determination, she is successful.  She is also an artist and has designed this year's Spanish club sweatshirt.  I'm happy to have Hannah in class!”

Hanna lives with her parents Earl and Deanna Swigert.  Congratulations Hannah!

WHS Musicians Selected For Regional Honor Bands

Each year, music students in our area audition/apply to participate in the musical equivalent of an all-star team - honor bands.  This year, ten WHS musicians were selected for several upcoming honor bands. Congratulations to them on their hard work!

Riley Miller - All-Northwest Honor Band, Pacific Lutheran Univ. Honor Band, North County Honor Band (Trombone and Tuba)
Colton Gale - Pacific Lutheran Univ. Honor Band, North County Honor Band (Trumpet)
Emma Boyle - Pacific Lutheran Univ. Honor Band, North County Honor Band (String Bass)
Nick Torres - Pacific Lutheran Univ. Honor Band, North County Honor Band (Trumpet)
Maddie Gregory - Pacific Lutheran Univ. Honor Band, North County Honor Band (Clarinet)
Tess Russell - Pacific Lutheran Univ. Honor Band (Oboe)
Vanessa Scheg - North County Honor Band (Bass Clarinet)
Patrick Neill - North County Honor Band (Trombone)
Karina Miller - North County Honor Band (Tenor Saxophone)
Monica Wilcox - North County Honor Band (Clarinet)