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Camas Washougal Community Chest Grant Inspires Young Readers

Washougal WA — Books inspire young readers and lay an important foundation for their success in education. Getting books into the hands of Washougal preschool children has been the work of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs Camas-Washougal (GFWC C-W) since 2017.   Now, thanks to a very generous $6,000 grant from the Camas-Washougal Community Chest (CWCC) in early March, GFWC C-W will be able to purchase books for all children enrolled in both Washougal and Camas School District Pre-K programs.  Extended Learning Coordinators from both districts will be ordering and distributing the books throughout the year. 

GFCW C-W’s original program was to reward students for attending a weekly 1-2-3 Grow & Learn session at Hathaway Elementary School.  An additional program was created in 2020 to place books into the hands of all children enrolled in Pre-K programs in the Washougal School District. Books are distributed several times each year to preschool programs through WSD Community Education and Developmental preschools, EOCF (HeadStart), ECEAP, and 1,2,3 Learn and Grow.  

“We are thrilled and grateful for the generous support that the GFCW CW provides to our early learners in Washougal” said Lisa Young, WSD Extended Learning Manager. “We feel very fortunate that the GFCW CW understands the value that these books provide to our community. We are so fortunate to benefit from their continued commitment to our youngest students and their families.”

“We believe by making books available to young children we are helping to enhance their love of reading and their school readiness skills,” said GFCW C-W Vice President, Susan Bennett. 

In 2020 GFCW received a CWCC grant to expand the program to include all children enrolled in Pre-K programs in the Washougal School District. “But due to greater community needs brought on by the pandemic, we, like many local organizations, were asked to return any unspent funds to CWCC for redistribution,” Bennett explained. 

Chest
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Because of the connections that have been established within the school district, books were able to be delivered during the 2019-2020 school year, even though students were engaged in distance learning.  Young learners were able to stay engaged by attending online classes. More than 140 children attended virtual classes daily via Zoom that are presented by four Early Care and Education Specialists from ESD 112 who are part of the 1-2-3 Grow & Learn Program.  Children throughout Clark County and Washington State attend these daily sessions.  Washougal attendees are receiving backpacks full of books through this program. Mid-year books were delivered by school bus to students who attended a specific number of classes.  

“We have been reading books to our four-year-old son Luca every day since he was born,” said preschool parent, Willa Bateman, of Camas.  “He loves reading books, and he can’t go to bed without a story or two! We are so thankful for the General Federation of Women’s Clubs Camas-Washougal and their Reach for the Stars through Books program. By attending preschool children learn valuable lessons and skills as well as have lots of fun with teachers and classmates. This is a great program to build a strong foundation for young learners!”

Children enrolled in Washougal School District Pre-K programs were awarded books numerous times throughout the year. And at the end of the year, more books were handed out as a reward at the drive through Washougal preschool graduation.  Another set of books were given out this fall to students attending the preschool programs. 

“CWCC as our main benefactor of the Reach for the Stars Through Books,” said Susan Bennett. “Without the CWCC funding we would not be able to offer this amazing program.”

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COVID-19: Entire State of Washington Now In Phase 3 of Inslee’s Reopening Plan

Effective March 22, the entire state of Washington entered Phase 3 of Governor Jay Inslee’s reopening plan for the COVID-19 pandemic. But, what does that mean?

Phase 3 will allow up to 50 percent occupancy or 400 people maximum, whichever is lower, for all indoor spaces. This applies to all industries and indoor activities currently allowed including:

  • Restaurants
  • Gyms and fitness centers
  • Movie theaters

Sports guidance will change in Phase 3 to allow in-person spectators. Spectators will be allowed to attend outdoor venues with permanent seating with capacity capped at 25 percent. The change affects both professional and high school sports, as well as motorsports, rodeos, and other outdoor spectator events. Social distancing and facial covering are still required.

The new phase also allows for up to 400 people maximum to attend outdoor activities, as well as events in indoor facilities — so long as 400 people does not exceed 50 percent capacity for the location, and physical distancing and masking protocols are enforced. Larger venue events are capped at 25 percent occupancy, or up to 9,000 people, whichever is less, and must follow spectator guidelines.

Church congregations will also be allowed to sing.

COVID-19
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Camas Schools: In Solidarity With Our Asian and Pacific Islander Community

Camas, WA — Camas Superintendent Dr. Jeff Snell released this statement Friday about local solidarity with the Asian and Pacific Islander community.

Dear Camas Community,

We are devastated by the heinous attacks targeting Asian Americans including the murders that took place on Tuesday in Atlanta. We want every member of our Asian and Pacific Islander community to know we see you; we mourn and stand with you.  We remain committed to lifting up the voices of Asian American students and families as they combat this wave of violence and all acts of racism. We know six of the total eight victims are women of Asian descent. We only know four of the names of victims so far: Delaina Ashley Yaun Gonzalez, Paul Andre Michels, Xiaojie Tan, and Daoyou Feng. 

Chung Ho, Juanito Falcon, Yong Zheng, Vicha Ratanapakdee, Christian Hall, Angelo Quinto, and others have also lost their lives in the last three months because of racist hate that our country and community has far too often allowed to fester. 

We continue to witness and experience acts of violence and harassment toward marginalized groups across this country and locally.  This is why we will not relent in our pursuit of equity and social justice.  We must continue to uproot and condemn all racist, xenophobic, and other hate-based behaviors. Each and every person deserves the right to exist, learn and thrive in our community.  

We will continue to support our students in discussing and learning from what they are seeing and experiencing. Our state education agency makes the following commitment in their Reopening Washington Schools publication: “The impacts of fear, hatred, and systemic and structural racism within institutions cannot be ignored, and they yield tragic outcomes. Washington’s public education system must engage in anti-racist capacity building, leadership, and resource allocation. Dismantling systemically racist structures will make progress on inclusivity and will better serve students of color, students with disabilities, students who are English learners, students who are migratory, students experiencing homelessness, students in foster care, students experiencing intergenerational poverty, and students who identify as LGBTQ+.” 

In the Camas School District, we will continue to amplify this commitment through our policies, resolutions, and practices.

Our students and staff should know that in our schools, in our hallways, and in our community, it is a shared responsibility to call out injustice and racism. We will continue to stand up for equity in learning and teaching and work towards accepting and understanding the differences that contribute to our rich tapestry of community. This work has never been more important than it is now and in Camas, we will continue to support one another and stand up for what’s right and against injustice, inequality, and all forms of systemic racism.

To learn more on how you can stand in action, visit stopaapihate.org.  Join us at our next Community Equity Forum on April 14, 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM as we engage in conversation around how to support our AAPI students and families. 

Thank you,

Jeff Snell, Superintendent

Asian
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Inslee: Anyone 60+, Restaurant Workers Among New Group Eligible For Vaccines

Olympia, WA – Anyone 60 years old and older, along with restaurant, manufacturing and construction workers, will soon be eligible for a coronavirus vaccine in Washington, said Governor Jay Inslee.

The next group of state residents will be eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine starting March 31, giving two million more people the opportunity to get their shot.

“I’m happy about the general pace,” Inslee told reporters. “This timeline is much faster than we would’ve predicted a few months ago.”

The newly eligible group includes:

  • Anyone from age 60 through 64
  • Additional workers in congregate settings, such as restaurants, manufacturing and construction
  • Anyone with two or more underlying medical conditions, such as cancer or heart disease
  • People living in a congregate setting, such as a correctional facility or group home, and those experiencing homelessness.

These people join those 65 and up, 50 and up in a multigenerational household, and K-12 teachers and childcare workers. Additionally, pregnant women, people with disabilities that put them at higher risk for COVID-19 and high-risk critical workers, including agriculture, grocery store and public transit workers, became eligible Wednesday.

Inslee
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CDC Revises Social Distance Guidelines For Schools — Now 3 Feet

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revised its guidelines for schools Friday, declaring three feet of distance between students is sufficient for all elementary and many middle and high schools.

This announcement lays the groundwork for districts to reopen full-time for in-person classes.

The CDC published new research that found limited coronavirus transmission in schools that require masks but not always six feet of distance, which had been the standard used to reopen schools around the nation. That was true even in areas with high community spread of the virus.

CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky said that the issue is urgent.

“Indeed, because six feet has been such a challenge there, science has leaned in and there are now emerging studies on the question between three feet and six feet,” Walensky told Sen. Susan Collins during a hearing of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee.

Inslee
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What’s in the CDC guidance

As always, masks are recommended. At times when it’s not possible to accommodate masks, like when eating, CDC says six feet of distance should be maintained.

The agency recommends keeping student and teachers in distinct groups, or cohorts, throughout the day and maintaining 6 feet of distance between those groups, when possible. In middle schools and high schools where community transmission is high, CDC advises students to stay 6 feet apart, if cohorting is not possible.

CDC also recommends 6 feet of distance in common areas, like lobbies and auditoriums, and during activities like singing, shouting, band or sport practices. They say it’s better to move those kinds of activities, where increased exhalation occurs, outdoors or to well-ventilated spaces.

In classrooms, CDC says layout changes, like removing nonessential furniture and facing desks in the same direction, can help maximize distance between students. On school buses, the agency recommends seating students one child per row, skipping rows and opening windows to increase ventilation.

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CW Community Chest, CW Rotary Foundation Announce 2021 Grant Awards

The Camas-Washougal Community Chest is celebrating its 75th anniversary by announcing the award of 28 grants totaling a record $127,671 to local non-profit organizations delivering services, exclusively, to children and families in Camas and Washougal. CWCC is also excited to announce a partnership with the Camas-Washougal Rotary Foundation to help fund additional grants each year.

“We are pleased to join forces with the Community Chest. Together we can do more good in Camas and Washougal. The Rotary commitment to Service above Self will also add volunteers to the mix as we work to make a difference for many families,” said Rotary Foundation President Kathy Bussman.

The grants will fund such diverse services as emergency food assistance, aid to families in crisis or needing emergency services, safe temporary shelter for at-risk youth, a severe weather shelter program at the Washougal Senior Center, a homeless family day center located at Saint Thomas Aquinas in Camas or enhancing the habitat of Gibbons Creek in the Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge. New organizations receiving grants for the first time are offering services such as financial support for low-income cancer survivors, helping low-income families pay for their pet’s veterinary bills and scholarships for children in need to use a local indoor skatepark.

Some of the non-profit organizations being funded in 2021 include Inter- Faith Treasure House, Children Home Society’s East County Family Resource Center, Janus Youth Program, Pink Lemonade, Family Promise of Clark County and Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership. For a complete listing of the grant awards see the grant summary below.

Community
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Thanks to CWRF and to major donations from the GP Foundation, GP employees, Camas School District employees, City of Camas employees, Port of Camas-Washougal employees, Windermere Foundation, Columbia Technology Manufacturing Center and Watercare Industrial Services. CWCC is well on the way to funding these grants. To reach its 2021 fundraising goal of $127,671, however, the CWCC needs additional donations from individuals and businesses in Camas and Washougal. More information and donation forms can be found on the CWCC’s website at www.CamasWashougalCommunityChest.org. 

The CWCC and CWRF are registered 501 (c) (3) non-profit organizations for federal charitable tax deduction purposes. Says CWCC Co-President Joelle Scheldorf, “we are excited that our partnership with the Rotary Foundation will help more local charities thrive by supporting much-needed programs and services for residents of Camas and Washougal financially and with volunteers”.

2021 Grant Program Summary

Total number of grants awarded – 28

Total value of grants awarded – $127,671

Estimated number of individual services funded by grants – more than 19,500

Community
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Clark County COVID-19 Activity Rate Drops to 88.8 Cases Per 100,000

Vancouver, WA — Clark County Public Health announced today that the county’s COVID-19 activity rate dropped again to 88.8 cases per 100,000, which is down from 103.5 cases per 100,000 last week.

Today’s COVID-19 update:

  • 30 new cases 
  • 18,843 cases to date
  • 1 new confirmed death
  • 232 total deaths to date (208 confirmed, 24 suspect)
  • 259 active cases (in isolation period)
  • Clark County COVID-19 activity rate is 88.8 cases per 100,000 (down from 103.4 cases per 100,000 last week)
  • 19 COVID-19 patients hospitalized
  • 3 people hospitalized awaiting COVID-19 test results

Deaths are reported once the death record is finalized in the state database. On average, deaths are reported 10-12 days after they occur. A confirmed death means COVID is listed as cause of death or contributing factor on the death certificate and the case has a positive COVID test.

Camas
www.gevurtzmenashe.com

COVID-19 activity is determined by calculating the number of new cases per 100,000 residents in the county over 14 days. Public Health calculates the current COVID-19 activity level in Clark County once a week and posts the updated rate on the website every Tuesday.

Recent COVID-19 activity levels (rate is calculated weekly):

  • Feb. 8: 262.2 cases per 100,000
  • Feb. 15: 209.8 cases per 100,000
  • Feb. 22: 137.0 cases per 100,000
  • March 1: 105.4 cases per 100,000
  • March 8: 103.4 cases per 100,000
  • March 15: 88.8 cases per 100,000

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EDUCATION: Q&A With Camas Schools Superintendent, Dr. Jeff Snell

Camas, WA — Several days ago, Dr. Jeff Snell, Superintendent of Camas School District, announced he accepted an offer to lead Vancouver Schools. Snell answered several questions about his tenure and what to expect going forward.

Question: When will you start your new job as Vancouver Schools Superintendent?

Answer: July 1.

Question: What appeals to you about Vancouver Schools?

Answer: I started my career there, and spent 15 years and when you’re in a relationship business and you spend that much time with people those relationships don’t go away. There’s work that I still want to be a part of. There are things we can do better on behalf of students. I’ve been very fortunate in Camas to learn about all aspects of an organization and that happens when you’re in a smaller district so I’m excited to apply that learning.  People reached out and said I’d be a good fit there in Vancouver and I’m humbled to have this opportunity.  It was the right time to consider something, and it’s been a whirlwind and also bittersweet. I love Camas and I love this community. 

Question: What are some of the challenges you will face at Vancouver Schools?

Answer: Similar challenges as we deal with the pandemic. The way we’ve served students has had to change so dramatically and there have been challenges for kids, staff, and families.   All schools want every kid to be successful so the challenges are similar to what we face in Camas.  How do we empower staff to create conditions for students to be excited about learning and be their best? So pandemic response is priority number one. 

Some other priorities I identified in the selection process and what they shared with me is they want a more collaborative culture and a focus on student equity. 

Question: What do you mean by student equity?

Student equity means that we shouldn’t be able to predict a student’s success based on their race, gender or economic/social status. It’s about the opportunities we create. Our society needs every child ready to contribute as young adults. 

For me, I really try to start and stop with student voice. Ask students what is working for them, what’s not working for them. In Camas, we’ve done a lot of that. That empowers a community so I’d like to continue that practice moving forward.

Question: When did you begin your tenure as Camas Superintendent?

Answer: 2016.

Question: How long were you Assistant Superintendent?

Answer: 2011.

Question: You’ve dealt with heavy issues like the teacher’s strike, the Liza Sejkora situation, and a yearlong pandemic. What’s been your legacy at CSD? What have you learned?

Answer: I learned that you need a great school board that’s really committed to the community, that doesn’t have an ego, and wants the best for the children and families they serve. We are blessed in Camas to have a school board that has consistently been that way. They focus on how we best raise our children in this community. We have gone through many crises. This last year has been significant for everyone. Consistent leadership from a school board is critical and we’ve been fortunate to have it in Camas for a long time. I know this year has been hard for people.  I really challenge people to appreciate their school board; they really want what is best for everyone and volunteer as leaders.

We have a really talented staff in Camas and I have been so fortunate to work with these amazing people for 10 years.  They’ve done so many great things for kids. I am grateful to a community that supports its schools and rallies around each other.  I’m grateful to our amazing students.  I learn something from them every day.  I’m proud of being able to be a part of this district. 

Question: What’s it been like to work with parents and all their concerns?

Answer: Why are people passionate about this issue about our pandemic response? They love their family. They want what’s best for their students. They care about each other. They want to be safe.  These core values have sometimes come in conflict during the pandemic because we can’t adequately address them all at the same time. I’ve had to sacrifice some relationships with people because my family wellbeing has been a priority, and I know others have had to make these really difficult decisions in working through their core values of safety, friendship, and family.  Regarding stakeholders that are frustrated or upset about the decisions our district has made, I’m grateful they trust me enough to be honest with me and share their concerns. I think about why the reason for why they share with me and it is because they love their kids; they love their spouse and want their spouse to be safe at work. They want the best for their kids and their families.  When you are genuine about that people know. The majority of people are appreciative of that.  We may not always agree on whatever the next step is, but we do have common ground about the care we have for our families, community and hopefully each other. 

Question: What’s happening with getting vaccines to Camas teachers?

Answer: It’s a really good situation now, as the Governor’s proclamation is making this a priority and community health providers have been amazing. We think we will have everyone who wants to be vaccinated, vaccinated by spring break.  

Question: Given the decreased enrollment, issues parents have with so many teachers, and the curricula, is public education in a free fall? Or is this a bump in the road?

Answer: Our student enrollment has been very consistent over a long period of time (Enrollment data).  With that consistency in mind, what might be causes for a drop in enrollment this year?  I think the natural conclusion is the impact of the pandemic.  Our world has changed pretty dramatically in a lot of different ways including public education.  Bumpy moments like navigating pandemics create great opportunities to innovate for the future.  I believe public education will be stronger on the other side of the pandemic.

Question: What are the priorities of the next CSD administration? How will the next Superintendent be selected?

Answer: Those are questions that our school board will be working towards in the coming months.  We have been working towards a strategic plan for 2025 which the Citizen Advisory Committee spent the last several years drafting and the board has reviewed several times this year.  There is still some fine tuning needed as the district moves forward.

Snell
Camas School Board.

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Camas High School Classes To Continue Remote Learning Through March 16

Camas, WA — Camas High School Principal Tom Morris announced today that CHS will continue remote learning through March 16. On Wednesday, CHS closed its doors just days ahead of its one-year anniversary of closing due to the pandemic because of an outbreak stemming from an on-campus social gathering.

“Thank you for your support as we continue to work with Clark County Health Services to complete our COVID-19 case investigation and contact tracing,” Morris said.

He continued:

“At the time of this release, there are 16 known positive cases and 34 close contacts among youth who attend Camas High School. To date, all confirmed cases are tied to a non-school, off-site event that occurred over the weekend involving CHS students.

“Although Cohort A students attended school in-person Monday and Tuesday last week, we are relieved to report no current confirmed spread of the virus at school. Safety protocols and excellent adherence to mask-wearing and social-distancing by students and staff at school are likely to thank for the lack of spread in our school or classrooms.

“That said, with the growing number of cases, and to prevent the spread of the virus that can occur before a person knows they are sick or if they have the virus without feeling symptoms, we will continue teaching and learning through Remote Learning through Tuesday, March 16.”

At this time, CHS plans to return to in-person learning starting Thursday, March 18.

Cohort B will return to Thursday/Friday  in-person learning on Thursday, March 18.

Cohort A will return to Monday/Tuesday in-person learning on  Monday, March 22.

In-person athletics and activities will resume on Wednesday, March 17. This decision is made collaboratively with District leadership and in consultation with Clark County Public Health.

Camas
www.acreativetwistcorp.com

STAY SAFE AND HEALTHY

At this time, those who were not at the event, and/or not in contact with someone who was at the event, and/or are COVID-19 symptom-free are considered low risk for COVID-19 exposure.

Students and families, please wear a mask and practice physical distancing, avoid group settings and stay at least 6-feet from other people.

Additionally, please be aware of the following:  

  • Monitor for fever, cough, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, or new loss of taste or smell. *Please seek out COVID-19 testing and notify CHS if your student develops symptoms.
  • If your student’s temperature is above 100.4°F at any time, or you get a cough, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, or new loss of taste or smell
    • Have them avoid direct contact with household members and others and wear a mask any time you are in a shared space.
    • Contact your primary care provider or urgent care clinic and tell them you were exposed to someone with COVID-19 and have symptoms.
    • If you can’t contact your provider and are very ill, call 911, and tell them that you are at risk for COVID-19 and have developed symptoms.
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Education: Washougal Students Find Success In Smaller Learning Groups

Washougal, WA — Students are filling the classrooms, hallways, and playgrounds of Washougal schools after nearly a year away.  However, approximately 200 students were already meeting in school buildings in small groups one to four days a week since September 2020 for personalized education.

“These learners needed specialized instruction that could not be offered effectively with distance learning,” said Penny Andrews, WSD Director of Special Education.  “Some students had formal Individual Education Plans (IEP), while others either were not able to connect to the internet or not successfully learn online. Our staff worked hard to bring in as many students as possible to support them with their learning goals, their assignments and even some tutoring thrown in there.” 

Noah Dentler, a six-grade student at Canyon Creek Middle School, is an example of the significant progress these students were able to make during the pandemic.  “He is a student that has really blossomed in small groups with in-person-learning,” said CCMS teacher Katherine Baxter.  “The small group offered him a lot of one-on-one support. Now that we are in hybrid, he is flourishing. He is loving school and has a great attitude. He is more focused than he was at the beginning of the year.” 

“It was hard with everything online,” Noah explained.  “Now I feel more confident in my regular classes and I am working hard to keep up on all of my work.”

“The end of last year was rough… really rough, with the sudden move to online learning,” said his mother, Anni Dentler.  “It was so stressful for him that I took him out of the school.  The start of this year was also difficult, with the change to a middle school schedule with more teachers teaching different subjects.” But thanks to the improved communication between parents and teachers, development of a plan and small group instruction, Noah is doing much better now.” 

“Noah started out in the small groups as quiet and shy,” said Baxter.  “He would appear alert, focused and on task, but he was struggling and never let anyone know. His missing work was growing, but now we have a plan in place to work with the paras that helped him get caught up and keep him caught up.” 

“He now only has five missing assignments,” said Anni Dentler.  “And that is such an improvement. I’m proud of him.” 

The small groups allowed Baxter and the para educators to really get to know the students like Noah. “With the first two hours of study hall and Asynch learning, we were able to see what they know and how they learn,” she explained.  “The paras and I were able to see them in all their classes and how they focus and teach them how to start on assignments, to ask questions and advocate for themselves.”

Washougal
www.clarkcountyrelocations.com

With the move to hybrid learning, Noah and others continue the small group instruction two or three days a week as well as attend school on their regular days with peers.

“This 1:1 teacher support is important to providing them a focus on their learning goals to prevent them from losing ground,” said Andrews. “We have also had an increase of communication with families as teachers develop support plans to meet the needs of each individual student and family.”

“The communications between me and Noah’s teachers have tremendously improved,” Anni Dentler said.  “We have created a bond as we work together to help him.”

“Just the time of letting Noah know how much we all care for him and for him to be successful plus coaching from home, he began advocating for himself and asking clarifying questions,” Baxter said. “He has such a great support system at home that keeps us updated on things there or how he was doing.” 

“We have a number of ways our teachers are working to support students with special needs or IEPs at this time,” said Andrews. Those supports include: joining students in their class Zoom sessions, zooming with them to offer tutoring on assignments and learning goals, advocating for more time in person when students were struggling, request home visits from school personnel when students struggle with attendance, holding group sessions for students to work on collaboration and social goals, helping students access their classroom zoom meetings and assignments while at school, helping students stay organized and working proactively with families to offer assistance. I am proud of our entire special education staff in Washougal. And, by watching the work that Katherine is doing, and how she advocates for students, I can see she feels strongly that students do best when there is a human connection and when the students know that they have an adult who is cheering them on and supporting them.” 

“It is nice to see a child come out of their shell and go out of their way to learn all they can and to be successful,” said Baxter. “Noah is that student. He is a hard worker and has managed to persevere through this time to stay on track.” 

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