Olympia, WA — Governor Jay Inslee issued new statewide recommendations Wednesday that encourages Washington schools to begin a phased return to in-person instruction that should begin with younger students.
Citing new data that indicates COVID-19 doesn’t spread as prominently among young children, Inslee said he is confident that following proper safety measures will control virus spread in schools. He emphasized the wearing masks at all times, maintaining six feet of physical distance whenever possible, improved ventilation, and increased cleaning.
“Now that we have a better understanding of how the disease spreads and have developed health and safety protocols specific to schools, we are in a better position, we have more confidence when it comes to phased-in, in-person learning,” he said.
Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal said he doesn’t believe remote learning has been successful “for a lot of kids.” Reykdal said his ability to re-open schools is limited. Inslee echoed that sentiment.
Inslee said that while he does have the ability to close schools for emergencies, he does “not have the statutory authority to make them reopen.”
He is, however, hoping that these new recommendations will give school districts the confidence to begin in-class instruction.
Inslee’s new reopening guidelines include the following:
Districts in counties where COVID cases are less than 50 residents per 100,000 people: In-person learning should be made available to all students.
Districts in counties where COVID cases are between 50 and 350 residents per 100,000 people: Districts are encouraged to phase in in-person learning, starting with elementary and middle school students.
Districts in counties where COVID cases are greater than 350 per 100,000 people: Districts are encouraged to bring elementary students “and those with the highest needs” back into classrooms in small groups of 15 or fewer.
Clark County currently has 450 cases per 100,000.
“Our teachers and school administrators have done a phenomenal job navigating unprecedented challenges,” Inslee said. “This updated guidance provides a framework and will help schools plan and prepare so that when the metrics reach the appropriate level, they’re able to resume in-person instruction quickly.”
Inslee advises against high schools returning to classrooms until “areas see a plateau and decrease in cases.”
Camas, WA — Natalia’s Cafe is hosting a fundraiser and silent auction this week for Camas resident Mariah Corbin and her family. Mariah was diagnosed with Stage 3 anaplastic pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma (an extremely rare brain tumor) in September and is undergoing chemotherapy and radiation treatments following two brain surgeries.
The purpose of the fundraiser, said Wendy DelBosque, is to help the Corbin family through the financial burdens associated with Mariah’s treatment, including medical and travel expenses, as well as employment income loss. Mariah’s mother, Michal, is a yoga instructor and owner of Camas Yoga & Co. While Michal fights for her daughter’s life, she is also trying to keep her business afloat during the pandemic.
“We are coming together as a community to try to raise money that will allow Michal to focus on her daughter, her treatments, and God willing, her recovery instead of worrying about her business and the overhead she continues to have while she is shut down due to the pandemic,” said Samantha Horner-Boucher, who is organizing the silent auction. “Your generous gift will make this happen.”
The silent auction begins this Thursday, December 17 at 10 am and runs through Sunday, December 20 at 8 pm.
Camas, WA — The Camas City Council has approved the acquisition of 115 acres of land on the west side of Green Mountain adjacent to Ingle Road in Camas with the intent of preserving it as open space.
The acquisition includes 60 acres of donated land and 55 acres for purchase, including the top of Green Mountain itself and the area north of the former Green Mountain Golf Course. The land is currently zoned for residential development and includes 159 preliminarily approved property lots near Ingle Road. Construction of the lots had not yet begun and, as a result of the acquisition, will not move forward.
The city plans to engage the community and explore possibilities for the land’s use that are consistent with the city’s Comprehensive Plan and its Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan.
The city will acquire the land, which has been valued at $20.1 million, for $3.8 million. The purchase price of the 55-acre parcel will be paid in October 2021 to allow leaders the option of securing grant funding.
“The advantages of acquiring this Green Mountain land are tremendous,” said Mayor Barry McDonnell. “By securing this property, the City of Camas will preserve more forested areas, ensure public access to green spaces, and provide connections to recreational amenities in the region for the foreseeable future.”
The acquired land has been part of the community vision for over 20 years due to its importance in linking existing and proposed public trails, viewpoints and recreational opportunities around Green Mountain, Lacamas Lake and Camp Bonneville. The existing Lacamas Lake recreation and conservation corridor includes nearly 1,000 acres on the south, east and west sides of the 320-acre Lacamas Lake.
The acquired land also preserves significant open space in Camas, as requested by the Camas community. It is positioned in an area where considerable open-space acreage is owned by other public agencies, including Clark County, Camas School District and the Washington State Department of Natural Resources.
The current owners of the property, who applied and received approval from the City for the Green Mountain Planned Residential Development, recently approached the city with this opportunity. The appraised value of the 60 acres of donated land is $15.5 million and the appraised value of the additional 55 acres has been estimated at $4.6 million. The timing of the acquisition is connected to year-end charitable gifting rules, as represented by the developer.
The vision for the city’s open spaces has been developed over several years with substantial input from citizens, stakeholders, city staff and key conservation partners. It reflects a variety of city, county and regional plans, including the Clark County Conservation Areas Acquisition Plan; the City of Camas Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan; the Lacamas Corridor Master Plan and the City of Camas Strategic Plan. The council considered the details and impacts of the acquisition at the Dec. 7 workshop and regular meeting before formally approving the acquisition.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/07073830/916C6F57-4941-4CC7-BB2B-E6464E74EED9.jpeg393878Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2020-12-14 17:30:412020-12-14 17:30:48Camas City Council Approves 115 Acres of Land to Preserve as Open Space
Everett, WA — The first shipment of the COVID-19 vaccine, manufactured by Pfizer, arrived in Washington state today, as medical professionals start working to distribute it to citizens most at-risk.
The vaccine is authorized by the Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup, which is comprised of health experts from Washington, California, Oregon and Nevada. The workgroup has been meeting in recent weeks to review the vaccine to ensure its safety.
Governor Inslee’s office said the first groups to receive the vaccine will be those most at risk, including healthcare workers, firefighters, paramedics, ambulance drivers and others who come into direct contact with COVID-19 patients. Inslee said he would get the vaccine himself once he is eligible. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said it is 95 percent effective.
Michele Roberts, acting Assistant Secretary of the Washington State Department of Health, said this first round of 62,000 doses is not enough.
“It’s tight right now. 62,000 doses of vaccine is not enough for that whole 1A group, which is at least a half-million people,” Roberts said.
Roberts is optimistic, though. The DOH believes it will take two months to administer the two-dose vaccination to frontline workers, and that it could take several months to get it to the general population.
By the end of of December, the state is expected to get a total of 220, doses. Roberts also expects the Moderna vaccine to be approved for distribution within two weeks. Pending approval, Washington would receive 180,000 doses of Moderna’s version before the New Year.
Pfizer’s vaccine offers some protection after the first dose, with nearly full protection after the second dose, according to the Food and Drug Administration. The information was made public before a meeting 10 days ago of the Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee, or VRBPAC — an advisory group to the FDA that voted to grant emergency use of the vaccine to the general public.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/14163113/59840288-923A-421D-8071-F8163E839DDF.jpeg570850Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2020-12-14 16:56:272020-12-14 17:06:19Washington State Receives First Shipment of COVID-19 Vaccine
Washougal WA — Washougal School District’s mission to know, nurture and challenge all students to rise was given a boost last spring when it was awarded a Pre-K Inclusion Champions grant worth $20,000. The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) grant aligns with the state’s goals of prioritizing inclusive practices in early childhood learning as well as the K-12 system.
“This is the perfect grant for us as our district focuses on equity, diversity and inclusion,” said Penny Andrews, WSD Special Education Director. “By creating supportive and inclusive classrooms and learning experiences for our preschool students, we are laying the groundwork for improving our inclusion practices into K-12 classrooms. Part of the grant money is designated for creating inclusive classrooms for our earliest learners by having activities designed for learners with specific needs.”
The inclusive practices grant is helping school districts shift to a model where students with special needs are able to access general education classroom settings as much as possible.
Other funds are being used for professional development including an inclusionary practices book study, Universal Design for Learning in the Early Childhood Classroom, for all preschool staff as well as a series of seminars through ESD called The Inclusionary Practices Project that staff are participating in.
“This year, as we focus a lot of energy into equity, the Pre-K Inclusion Grant from OSPI has been of great support,” said Leslie DeShazer, Birth-5 Teacher on Special Assignment. “A portion of the grant money was used to purchase material to support inclusion in our six preschool classrooms.”
They include equity driven books to support social/emotional differences, tools to accommodate fine/gross motor differences, tools to accommodate sensory processing differences, and tools to accommodate communication differences.
“The materials purchased with the grant will provide the opportunity for students with special needs or learning differences to participate and attend preschool with their general education peers,” said Maggie Jennings, preschool speech language teacher. “Inclusion is a wonderful opportunity for students with special needs as well as their general education peers.”
“I’m confident that these materials will help each and every one of our students feel more supported and empowered in our preschool classrooms,” DeShazer added. “In combination with the professional development our teachers have been hard at work with, these materials will make the huge task of embracing equity much more attainable.”
“I can’t tell you how impressed I have been with the preschool classrooms during ‘regular times,’ but especially this year with the COVID challenges,” said Mary Templeton, WSD Superintendent. “They have all created inviting, vibrant, exciting environments for our youngest learners! I appreciate their commitment and passion to see our littlest ones known, nurtured, and challenged to Rise! The investment of this grant into equity makes my heart happy!”
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/08155232/E00847A8-E2E2-4F3B-8F36-841702B8B4A4-e1607471667196.jpeg6361177Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2020-12-08 16:41:582020-12-08 16:42:07Washougal Uses Pre-K Inclusion Champions Grant to Assist Special Needs Students
Olympia, WA — Governor Jay Inslee announced today additional economic supports for workers and businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as a three-week extension of the state’s current restrictions which will now be in place until January 4, 2021.
“What we do between now — when COVID activity is still at crisis levels — and the time when vaccines are widely available, is literally a matter of life and death,” Inslee said today.
Inslee was joined by Department of Commerce Director Lisa Brown who announced an additional $50 million, doubling the number of Washington small businesses that will receive aid. Brown said industries recently shut down, such as restaurants and fitness centers, as well as businesses that have been severely impacted by the pandemic, like music and event venues, have been prioritized.
“The needs among our small businesses are profound, and speed is of the essence,” Brown said. “This additional funding allows us to double the number of small businesses we can provide aid to, but we know it’s not enough. As we battle the toughest months of this pandemic, we need Congress to step up so we can support our businesses and workers as we continue asking them to do these hard things.”
In addition, Inslee also announced the state’s readiness to step in in the case of Congressional failure to extend the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance funding in the CARES Act by the end of the year. Washington will be able to fill some of the funding gap for residents that aren’t eligible for regular unemployment insurance, such as self-employed workers, freelancers and independent contractors.
“Whether it is through federal or state aid, if Congress fails to act by Christmas, we will step up to help workers and their families who are not covered by pre-pandemic unemployment insurance benefits,” Inslee said.
The three-week extension of statewide restrictions come as the state’s healthcare system nears dangerous occupancy levels. With the effects of Thanksgiving on infection and hospital numbers still unknown, the extension is designed to grant the state’s medical system much needed time to increase Intensive Care Unit (ICU) capacity.
“We all hoped a fall surge would not materialize. Sadly, that was not the case and our hospital systems continue to be heavily impacted by rising cases,” said Secretary of Health John Wiesman. “It’s important we stay the course right now. We cannot let our guard down, even though it’s hard and we’re tired. We need people to mask up, stay home as much as possible and delay gatherings with anyone outside your home.”
Currently, nearly 80 percent of ICU beds are currently occupied, with approximately 1,000 residents in those units. Even in the best-case scenario, hospitals across the state would need to add surge capacity to ensure enough ICU beds to care for COVID-19 patients in the weeks and months to come. In the worst-case scenario, state ICU capacity would need to be doubled before the end of the year.
“They’re not all COVID patients taking up the ICU beds, which is very important to remember: If COVID overwhelms our medical facilities, every other person with a significant medical need will be affected, not just COVID-19 patients,” Inslee said. “We are all, quite literally, in this together.”
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/08154158/6C8DE441-CF08-4AE2-BD88-380F3BC3E6E7-e1607470995910.png4531077Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2020-12-08 15:46:212020-12-08 15:46:27Inslee Extends Current COVID-19 Restrictions Through New Year
Camas, WA — A weeklong Downtown Camas Association (DCA) “Winter Wonderland” series of online events culminates this Friday with a cookie walk, winter wonderland displays, snowman, winter photo ops, and art shows. Visitors can also enjoy the downtown Christmas tree, which is all decorated and will be lit up.
The fun begins at 5 pm on Friday, December 4.
Enthusiasts have been able to enjoy new games or activities posted on the Downtown Camas First Friday Facebook Page every morning between November 29 and December 4, and can enjoy a Facebook Live event on First Friday (December 4) at 5 pm where the DCA will announce the winners from the week.
First Friday will also be right in the middle of the DCA’s Winter Wonderland in Downtown Camas event, which consists of 12 days of activities! These activities will be following social distancing and safety guidelines.
Here are the daily activities:
Sunday – Winter Wonderland Word Jumble
Monday – Pick & Pic–Pick your favorite snowman and then post a pic of you having fun in the snow or a picture of a fun snow scene!
Tuesday – Seek & Find the Snowman in Downtown Camas (also find the hidden woodland animals in the Downtown Winter Wonderland windows!)
Wednesday – Where is this product from in Downtown Camas?
Thursday – Post your favorite Holiday Cookie Recipe
Friday – Two different passports!
**Virtual “Elf on the Shelf” Merchant Passport
**Downtown Merchant In-Store Passport will be a Cookie Walk in Downtown Camas and Vote for Your Favorite Downtown Winter Window!
According to the DCA, enthusiasts have until 3 pm on First Friday to complete each of the daily activities to be entered to win downtown gift cards and prizes. You have until 9 pm on First Friday to post your in-store merchant passport to be entered to win!
In-town First Friday events include:
Cookie Walk in Downtown Shops! Start at the DCA table by Papermaker Pride & pick up a “Cookie Bag” & fill it with a free wrapped cookie from each while you shop!
Winter Wonderland Window Displays! Vote for your favorite on First Friday & be entered to win prizes
Snowman & Winter Photo Ops in town
Enjoy art shows and after-hours holiday shopping & dining in Downtown Camas!
First Friday prizes are sponsored by the DCA and Bear Insurance to support our downtown merchants.
PORTLAND, OR — The bi-state Interstate Bridge Replacement Program is accepting applications from community members interested in serving on one of two new advisory groups: the Community Advisory Group and the Equity Advisory Group. Along with the Executive Steering Group, these advisory groups will play a critical role in helping the program define a replacement bridge solution.
Optional information sessions will be facilitated in English at the following times and dates, with interpretation provided on specific dates. All of the information sessions can be accessed at the following link: go.participate.online/CAGInfoSession
The Executive Steering Group encourages individuals with diverse backgrounds to apply to serve on either advisory group. Representation from those who experience transportation barriers firsthand, regularly use the Interstate Bridge, or will be potentially affected by the program is desired, as are community members who are passionate about social equity and transportation equity issues.
The advisory groups are part of a comprehensive effort to actively engage with the public, elected officials, stakeholders, and partnering agencies from both states to build consensus through an open and public process. The first meetings for both groups will occur in early 2021.
The Community Advisory Group will develop recommendations to shape program work that reflects the community’s needs, issues and priorities. The Equity Advisory Group will make recommendations regarding processes, policies, and decisions on program work that has the potential to affect historically underrepresented and/or underserved communities.
Each group will consist of approximately 30 members, acting as individual community members or as representatives of organizations. Approximately eight at-large members for the Community Advisory Group and approximately 10 at-large members for the Equity Advisory Group will be selected through the application process. The remainder of the representatives in both groups will be appointed by a selection committee in coordination with agency partners.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/01191016/03C10B2A-F2AF-45CA-86D4-F126424D56BC.jpeg321845Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2020-12-01 19:18:592020-12-01 19:26:56Interstate Bridge Replacement Program Seeks Members For Advisory Groups
Washougal and Camas, WA — The 14th annual Stuff The Bus event is happening now through December 11, and the need is greater than ever, say event organizers.
The primary beneficiary, Children’s Home Society, is serving 350 families a month, which is about 100 more families than a year ago. Children’s Home Society is also serving local families through the backpack program.
“We’ve had to come up with a new plan,” said Stuff The Bus organizer, Tabitha Shaffer. “All schools in Washougal and Camas are allowing anyone to drop off food at the schools during normal business hours. You may also drop off food at the Camas Fire Department (Station 42) on Parker Street.”
What type of food is needed?
Non-perishable canned food, such as fruits, vegetables, stew, beans, and soup. They need cereal (small boxes), oatmeal, peanut butter, tuna fish, canned meats, such as SPAM, ham, etc. Spaghetti, spaghetti sauce, individual sized apple sauce, Mac and cheese, rice.
The C.A.R.O.L. Program works hard every year to serve 150 families each Christmas, which includes serving dinner, extra food, and presents.
Under normal circumstances, students from both school districts participate by gathering donated food from all schools, and then distribute that food to various charitable organizations, such as Children’s Home Society, C.A.R.O.L., and American Legion Skamania County.
Key Stuff The Bus sponsors are: Long Building Technologies, Dan Jones Conveyor, and Caliber Home Loans.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/30120604/57DB2000-0FD5-4BE9-81B9-9AD4B69CF8A1.jpeg6841279Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2020-11-30 12:12:122020-11-30 12:12:21Annual Stuff The Bus Event Changes With COVID Restrictions
Washougal WA – Several classrooms at Columbia River Gorge Elementary had extra faces in boxes during their ZOOM lessons on Wednesday, November 18 when Washougal School District (WSD) Board members joined in.
“Typically, the Board takes learning walks at our schools to see first-hand the education and learning going on,” said Renae Burson, WSD Assistant Superintendent. “But in the new virtual world that education is in, today’s visit took place via ZOOM classrooms.”
The session began promptly at 7:30 a.m. and, over several hours and through a number of ZOOM links, board members visited CRGE first and fifth grade classrooms, Kindergarten music class and a presentation by Wolfways to the entire third grade.
“My school team has forged ahead successfully,” Tracey MacLachlan, CRGE Principal told board members as they prepared to join the classrooms. “They are very innovative, and they understand just how important it is for them to be reaching out and connecting to all students. No one is happy with the status quo.”
Board members witnessed fast paced, yet calm instruction and activities that are necessary to capture and hold the attention of students.
“We can’t just sit back, or the kids will check out,” said MacLachlan. “What is important to me as an administrator is our teachers are knowing their students and engaging them. Engagement is the number one priority to support learning at CRGE.”
In the past, only the first couple weeks of school may have included a lot of classroom community building. “With remote learning, teachers are keeping more of those activities as a way to engage,” explained MacLachlan. “Morning meetings and community building activities, that include recognizing and connecting with individual students, hold a lot of value for engagement.”
CRGE first grade teachers report connecting with approximately 90 percent of their students and they continue to reach out to those who are missing.
“We have to support them wherever they are at and provide individualized attention as they need it,” said CRGE first grade teacher, Sydney Termini. “It is about knowing what is going on with a student and keeping the student accountable for their own learning and setting expectations.”
MacLachlan said her teachers understand it is all about relationship building, for instance encouraging use of cameras. “If there is a black screen or the student can not be seen in the image, the teacher may call on that student during the lesson to check their engagement,” MacLaclan explained.
“They find many are participating but just not on camera.”
If it is clear the student is not present, the family is contacted. However, some students may have poor wifi connectivity so the camera can not operate or they may be in a difficult living situation. If a student privately requests their camera not be used for good reason it can be approved.
“This is all a huge puzzle and being honed to each individual student,” MacLachlan said. “What is important is for teachers to know the student and know the situation so they can offer the right help at the right time. We can’t challenge if we don’t know them and can’t challenge if we don’t nurture. I want us to persevere every time!”
“I was impressed with how organized the virtual classroom was and the quality of instruction from the teachers in a virtual environment,” said WSD Board president, Cory Chase. “It was fun to see the kids engaged in learning and interacting with one another. The pandemic has provided some significant challenges, but I was really happy to see how everyone was adapting and making the most of our unique circumstances.”
Chase found the virtual music class a pleasant surprise.
“I had heard about them but being able to experience it first-hand really gave me a new perspective. It was fun to see and hear music, movement, and sign language combined in the lesson,” he said.
“I was impressed by the community building and engagement and pleased that kids were learning important skills like how to operate in a group (hand raising and waiting their turn), as well as applied math skills in the first grade classroom,” said Board member Donna Sinclair. “The classroom mantras that reinforced respect and kindness were also terrific.”
Sinclair noted that the board understands there are kids whose needs are not being met. “But I appreciate that teachers and paraeducators are working hard to stay in contact with them,” she said.
“Our elementary teachers are really hitting the mark,” said WSD Superintendent Mary Templeton. “I am encouraged at what I saw and impressed with how they manage relationships, expectations and connections. We hope the Board feels they benefited by having eyes on the product we are providing. We wanted them to know how this looks and how it sounds. I am enormously proud of our Washougal teachers and staff and the work they are doing on behalf of our students.”
The WSD Board will visit other Washougal schools virtually in early 2021.
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