First Week of School at WHS.....Good Start

This last week the WHS staff welcomed our students as we kicked off the 2014-15 school year.  I had an opportunity on Friday to speak with the WHS students and staff at our first assembly.  I shared with them that I was starting my fifth year as principal and that it really is an honor and a privilege to be the principal at Washougal High School.  I am looking forward to the 2014-15 school year and the work we are going to do as a staff.  It is apparent to me based on my observations this week, that this is going to be a monumental year for the PANTHERS!

Looking at student behavior through a different lense

All of the WSD teachers and administrators were together on Wednesday, August 28.  I had the opportunity to work with another principal and the WSD Technology Director as we facilitated a workshop focused on successfully supporting student behavior.  Much of our presentation was based on Ross Greene's work.  Prior to completing our planning, I emailed Dr. Greene.  I was absolutely amazed when the next morning I received an email from him.  I appreciated his advice.  I had shared with him that I was a little concerned that I was attempting to cover too much information in a 60-minute workshop...he agreed and gave me a some helpful advice.  

9th Grade and New Student Orientation

On Thursday night we invited all 9th graders and new students to an orientation.  We had schedules available prior to the event starting in the auditorium.  We had no idea how many guests we would have.  I knew we were in for a good night when students and parents started to arrive at 6:00 pm when the event started at 6:30 pm.  The auditorium was packed.  I felt good about the information we provided and I was thankful for my guidance counselors, CTE Director and other educators who presented.  The students and parents then had a chance to tour the building either with an student volunteer or themselves using a building map.  The main purpose was to provide some basic information about WHS, our focus and to provide students an opportunity to get to know the building and staff.  I believe we accomplished just that.

Our first day of school was Tuesday, September 2.  We had a two-hour late start so we could support all 9th graders and new students get comfortable with their new school.  I enjoyed watching staff provide building tours for their 2nd period students. 

Learning Target for Geometry

Learning Target for Algebra II

Tuesday, I was able to visit a few classrooms, but the visits were brief.  On Wednesday and Thursday, I visited several rooms and was  pleased with what I observed.  I believe it is important for the student to know what they will be learning.  Providing students with the daily learning target is reinforced with our instructional framework.  It is referred to as "communicating the learning target".  What I witnessed were teachers posting the daily learning target.  In addition, they were speaking to the learning target.  It isn't just enough to write it down, but to speak to the learning target.   In one of the rooms, each student had a chromebook.  The students didn't need to write the learning target down because they each had the presentation in front of them.  In another classroom, the teacher asked the students to write down the learning target for the day.  In that same classroom, the teacher also shared with the students how they would be measuring and constructing segments.  She shared with them when they would know they were successful meeting the learning target.  This is also supported in our instructional framework.  It is important for the students and the teacher to know what it will look like and sound like when students are successfully hitting the the target.....this is known as the success criteria. 

Learning Target for Algebra

Each classroom I visited, I was quickly able to determine what the learning target was for that day.  From what I observed, the tasks were aligned to the learning target....very important! 

Thursday I observed a 10th grade English class in which the students were using ipads.  The teacher was sharing with the students how they could use quizlet to support learning specific vocabulary.  I was impressed with the activity for a variety of reasons.  The Washougal School District is in the second year of a 1-to-1 technology initiative.  Although, WHS will not be participating until next year, I am excited to see that we are putting our mobile lab to use.  I am a huge proponent of using technology to enhance learning.  The class I observed had a very high engagement level.  Not only could I see it, but I could hear it as the ipads were sounding off.  During the same observation, I watched students taking out their cellular devices to retrieve the quizlet app.  This happens to be what I did with my device. During this ten minute walk-through, I witnessed a high-level of engagement, the use of technology, student collaboration and student appearing to be enjoying themselves.   I also appreciated that when I walked into the room the first thing Mrs. Salas did was ask me if I wanted to participate....that was cool!

WHS Sophomores Gain Job Interview Experience

Washougal High School sophomores were interviewed as a part of the Job Acquisition unit in the English classes of Michael Wareham, Marcee Salas and Heather Carver on June 10, 11 and 12.  Thirty-six community members from local businesses reviewed cover letters, applications resumes and interviewed the 181 students.  Students were dressed and prepared using job interview guidelines from Future Business Leaders of America.  For many students it was the first experience they have had in an interview situation and helped them learn and test these skills as they prepare to find that first job.

On to FBLA Nationals for Two WHS Students

Two Washougal High School freshman, Sayre Glaser and Matthew Hickey, will be among the state finalists vying for a national title at the Future Business Leaders of American (FBLA) National Leadership Conference in Nashville, TN June 29 – July 2, 2014.

 “The FBLA National Awards Program recognizes and rewards excellence in a broad range of business and career-related areas,” said Kathy Sturdyvin-Scobba, WHS Teacher and FBLA Advisor.  “At our State Leadership Conferences, students competed in events testing their business knowledge and skills. These two students were top state winners and earned a chance to compete for national awards at the National Leadership Conference coming up.”

Glaser took third place at the Washington State competition in FBLA Principals and Procedures.  “I will compete by taking an online test about my knowledge of the FBLA organization,” Glaser explained.   To prepare for her competition, Glaser plans to spend a lot of time online at the FBLA website to learn its history, bi-laws, handbook, mission, goals, and rules of parliamentary procedure.  “I will really need to focus on all the details in the bi-laws.  And there are a lot of dates and names to remember too,” she said.

Matthew Hickey earned his spot at Nationals with a third place at State in “Introduction to Information Technology”   This event tests a student’s understanding of the impact of computer technology and how to effectively harness it to drive business.  To prepare for his online test, Hickey has been reading study guides and using flash cards.  “This is a new event this year so there is not a lot of study materials out there.  There were other similar topics so I am combining those,” he said.

“I really love technology.  I have even since I was a little kid,” Hickey said.  “I plan to go into some type of career that uses computer technology.  I’m just not sure what it will be yet.”

"As freshmen they came in with enthusiasm, drive, and dedication to FBLA. It was nice to see the immediate impact they had on the chapter,” said Sturdyvin-Scobba.  “As for the future Matt will take on the Public Relations Officer next year while we will miss Sayre due to her studying abroad."

In addition to the competing in the events they are slated for, the two are excited to take in workshops, participate in several open competitions and even a take a trip to a water park.

FBLA competitive events fall into three categories: individual, team, and chapter. Individual and team events focus on skills useful in leadership and career development; chapter events recognize overall achievement and performance in chapter management and growth.

Dakota Payne wins $500 Rotary Scholarship

Rotary Scholarship Winner: Dakota Payne
Dakota Payne, who won the Rotary Scholar of the Month in April,  was selected as the the Camas Washougal Rotary $500 scholarship winner for 2013-2014.  Dakota is a sophomore at Washougal High School and has a GPA of 3.62.  Barbara Samojedny, WHS Family and Consumer Science teacher, says that "I had Dakota in Food and You.  He was amazing!  He is one of those kids who always does the 'Right Thing.' He would stick up for kids and put other in their place if they needed it!  He was always pleasant and professional in his classroom behavior.  He is a great role model."  Rachel Webb, WHS Health and Fitness teacher, adds that "Dakota is a kind and polite young man to his peers and staff, and is always willing to do whatever it takes to go the extra mile.  I am so proud of him."

WHS Spanish teacher Rochelle Aiton describes Dakota as "a cheerful and dedicated presence in class.  He is cooperative and consistent."  Athletic Trainer Lisa Bennett notes that "I can always count on Dakota to be extremely polite, respectful, humble, and pleasant whenever I work with him or speak with him."  Mary LaFrance, ASB Secretary, adds that "I have found Dakota Payne to be one of the most polite and respectful young men at WHS.  He is so considerate and his manners are quite refreshing.  Dakota always has a smile on his face and seems willing to go the extra mile to help anyone.  My hope is that other students are watching him and following his example."

WHS Spanish teacher Brian Eggleston said "Dakota Payne is one of those small handful of students who are so attentive, respectful, and diligent in all that comes his way that a teacher counts his blessings to have him in a class.  The phrase “eager to learn” describes Dakota perfectly in his intermediate Spanish class.  He enjoys learning new concepts and practicing them in speaking, reading, writing, and listening.  He also works well with any partner I select for him, and brings a consistently positive attitude that I know others appreciate too.  It can be rare to see a teenager so consistently positive in his attitude each and every day.  But Dakota seems to know that all of these learning experiences are really rehearsals for later life challenges, and so we at WHS see him each day in class and in athletics building strong character, integrity, effort, and self-discipline.  It is truly rewarding for a teacher to see such a fine young man enjoying life's challenges.  As he continues his studies I have full confidence that Dakota can reach fluency in another language, and given his intelligence, he'll continue to progress very well in all academic areas.  But just as importantly, he is developing into an extremely well-rounded and ethical person, and a valuable role model for other youth."

Dakota is the son of Gregory and Jodi Payne.  Congratulations Dakota!

WHS Sophomore Competes in FC Bayern Youth Cup

Congratulations to WHS Sophomore Joe Snedeker, who is competing as part of the adidas Timbers Alliance Team in the FC Bayern Youth Cup, in Munich Germany.

Joe will spend about 6 days in Germany, playing with a regional team from the Portland Metro area, and competing against other teams from around the world.  To read more, please visit the Timbers.com website here:

http://www.timbers.com/news/2014/05/team-comprised-timbers-alliance-club-players-compete-international-fc-bayern-youth-cup

Salsa Dancing at Washougal High School

On Monday, May 5, Washougal High School Spanish classes were treated to a hands-on lesson in Latino culture to celebrate Cinco de Mayo.  WHS Spanish teachers Rochelle Aiton and Brian Eggleston helped students to learn and perform salsa dancing set to its unique and beautiful rhythm.  Students got the opportunity to practice several steps, from basic to more challenging, and all had a great time.  At first, some of the students were nervous about their ability to dance, but they found out just how creative they could be.  This year, Mrs. Aiton led the lessons, drawing from her own dancing skills.  
The students gained confidence and a new appreciation, in a spirit of fun collaboration.  Students studying Spanish at WHS are regularly exposed to cultural aspects and practices in Spanish-speaking countries, including El Dia de Muertos and La Semana Santa, and they learn about key historical periods in Spain and Latin America.

Salsa Dancing at WHS -May 5, 2014

Rotary Scholar of the Month for May: Bailey Hammond

Rotary Scholar of the Month for May: Bailey Hammond
Bailey Hammond was selected as the Camas Washougal Rotary Scholar of the Month for May 2014. Bailey is a sophomore at Washougal High School and has a GPA of 3.78. Bailey's English Teacher, Marcee Solas, describes her as "a great student, hard worker" and adds, "I see a very bright future ahead of her." Algebra II Teacher Rochelle Aiton notes that Bailey "comes in with a smile, with her homework done, and and is ready to learn."  Honors Chemistry Teacher Bruce Stanton says "She is respectful and helpful to other students and it is a pleasure to have her in class."

WHS Band Teacher Kelly Ritter says "Bailey is a clarinet player in the Symphonic Band and Pep Band.  She is a hardworking, bright young lady with a positive attitude and friendly demeanor.  She is a great leader and role model for other band students."   Congratulations Bailey!