Washougal WA — Congratulations to the Cape Horn-Skye Science Olympiad team who competed on November 16 at the SW Region A Tournament at Clark College in Vancouver. The team of 18 fifth grade students earned 1st place in Rockets, 2nd place in Weather, 3rd in Benthic Bugs and 4th in Electricity.
The group met once a week for two months under the leadership of CH-S teachers Darcy Hickey and Hana Gustely.
“My favorite part about this year has been bringing in community members such as water resource educators, a pilot, an electrician, and a retired science teacher to talk with the kids about their field of expertise,” said Gustely. “We had a lot of hands-on time as well as a field study along the nature trails near our school.”
Gustely is proud of how confident and supportive the students were during the event.
“They not only learned a lot of science, but practiced perseverance, problem solving and teamwork,” she said. “After this experience, some students may choose to participate in our school’s after-school STEM club, and then they will have another opportunity to participate in Science Olympiad at Washougal High School.”
“I see science as a gateway subject,” explained Penny Andrews, CH-S principal. “Science helps to students to be curious, innovative, engaged and active in hands on work. We hope students will take lessons they have learned in the study of science to their math and reading work. It is a win-win for everybody.”
Science Olympiad is an international nonprofit organization devoted to improving the quality of science education, creating a passion for learning science and providing recognition for outstanding achievement in science education by both students and teachers. These goals are accomplished through classroom activities, research, professional development workshops and the encouragement of intramural, district, regional, state, national and international tournaments.
The Camas School Board voted unanimously Monday night to approve Levy Rate Resolution 1902, which restores the 2017 voter-approved levy, and brings an additional $4.05 million in district revenue through 2021.
The levy calls for $2.15 per $1,000 of assessed property value, and becomes effective January 2020. The 2018 McCleary legislation cut the Camas School District levy authority in half, which contributed to budget deficits and staff reductions. In 2019, the Washington State Legislature authorized school districts to levy up to $2.50. The current levy is $1.50.
“If we stayed at $1.50 there would be no added revenue,” said School Board member, Connie Hennessey. “At $2.15, it brings in an additional $4.05 million, which puts us at the amount voters approved before McCleary.”
School Board member Tracey Malone said “We have to be good stewards of the taxpayer money” while School Board member Erika Cox felt “very comfortable with $2.15.”
“We had authority by the state to go to $2.50 but we felt $2.15 honors what the taxpayers approved in 2017,” said CSD Communications Director, Doreen McKercher.
The board also voted unanimously to increase contingency funds for The Heights Learning Center Seismic Upgrade Project, as well as approve final acceptance of Energy Services Agreement for district-wide projects.
WSSDA Conference
The board spent November 21-24 at the Washington State School Director’s Association (WSSDA) Annual Conference. Superintendent Jeff Snell addressed topics learned at the conference, which include the following:
Budget process
Communication with community
Social emotional learning
Changes in law/requirements/procedures
Best practices related to inclusion, highly capable, pathways to graduation
Hot topics around the state
The resolution was unanimously passed by the Camas School Board.
Legislative Priorities
Snell also identified CSD’s legislative priorities:
Continue progress towards fully funding special education: Ensuring students served through special services have full access to their basic education, continues to require the use of CSD’s local enrichment levy. Possible solutions are 1) increase the multiplier for each special education student; and 2) lower the threshold required to attain safety net funding.
Sustain regionalization: Regionalization factors for some districts begin declining in 2020-21, 1% per year. It is unclear why this is the case, and this is challenging CSD give the cost per employee will continue to rise annually. Possible solution: Do not phase out funding using “regionalization” existing factors over time.
Update staff allocation formulas: The staffing allocations in the Prototypical School funding need updating. Not only are schools staffed beyond the allocations in important areas such as mental health and safety, the cost of each staffing unit exceeds the funding received. This is particularly evident in funding school administrators. Possible solutions: Begin phasing in updated ratios to achieve more realistic state-funding staffing levels and increase funding levels to better reflect market rate for positions; and follow recommendations of OPSI prototypical workgroup.
Monitor the impact of School Employees Benefit Board (SEBB): As the new employee benefits system is implemented, assess the additional costs for school districts and the impact of enrichment levies. Possible solutions: Fully fund the cost of employee health benefits for all eligible employees; and, if unable to fully fund employer costs, adjust eligibility to reduce costs and align revenues and expenditures for SEBB.
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Monthly Budget Report
Jasen McEathron, Director of Business Services, presented his monthly budget report. In the August 2019 Budget Status, preliminary vs. final, the numbers are:
General Fund: Minor accrual adjustments
Revenues: August revenues increased about $118,000.
Expenditures: August expenditures increased $317,000.
September 2019 status:
Capital Projects Fund — LGO Bond revenues of $5.27 million were received to reimburse the fund used to purchase the Underwriters Laboratory property.
Debt service — normal
October 2019 budget status:
General Fund: Local tax revenues of $3.62 million.
ASB Fund: Normal activity
Transportation vehicle fund — normal activity
Enrollment:
Head count: 7,407
Basic enrollment continues at about 2.2 percent.
Running Start is up 10 percent this year.
CTE numbers are holding strong as well with over 7 percent growth in 9-12.
The CSD School Board meeting is held twice a month.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/07074420/4B5C927B-E790-4B39-B6B6-D4728658DDDF.jpeg4731280Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2019-11-25 23:04:542019-11-25 23:08:34Camas School Board Passes Resolution to Restore 2017 Voter-Approved Levy
Outgoing Camas Mayor, Shannon Turk, presided over her final City Council meeting Monday night — a busy evening in which council members voted on several ordinances and resolutions.
Earlier in the day, at the Council public workshop, Downtown Camas Association Executive Director, Carrie Schulstad, publicly thanked Turk and Council Member Deanna Rusch for their years of public service, and presented them with mugs full of candy.
“Thank for you what you did for Camas,” said Schulstad.
Several firefighters publicly thanked Turk and Rusch, who were both defeated in the November 5 election. Camas School Board member, Erika Cox, also expressed her gratitude toward Turk, who has served Camas for years: 7 as city councilor, and 1 as Mayor.
Cox said the following: “Your passion for educating our neighbors on processes, and your encouragement for involvement was evidenced by your volunteering in our schools, your mentorship of Camas High School youth, the club CYAC for civic-minded students, your years as a council member, and your service about volunteering for an appointment as mayor in the middle of a resignation, during your service to Camas in a myriad of ways I’ve mentioned you’ve inspired young leaders, you’ve encouraged your neighbors to be involved, and you’ve given hours upon hours representing our city …”
Rusch also expressed gratitude.
“It’s been a pleasure to serve you the last two years,” said Rusch. “It’s probably been one of the best things I’ve done in my life so thank you for the opportunity. The results of the election are disappointing but I will not love Camas any less … it’s really easy for these things to tear us apart, but I’m hoping that these things bring us together …”
From left: Council member Deanna Rusch, Port of CW Commissioner John Spencer, and DCA Vice President Randy Curtis.
Lake/Everett Roundabout
At workshop, Camas city staff provided an update on the Lake/Everett Road roundabout, which continues to progress. They also showed a video of the finalized landscaping selection, which uses native and hearty ornamental species (including the Camas lily) for easy maintenance. It was noted that the city will repurpose a lot of the cut trees into benches.
Brady Road Project
The Brady Road project is progressing well, thanks to good weather. However, staff has run into soil underneath the road that is softer than expected, requiring excavation and replacement of a stronger base. Costs right now are $250,000 on this phase of the project. Cost overruns on this project are budgeted, said the city, which expected the project to cost $6.2 million, but it was bid at $5.6 million.
New Staff Positions
Council members approved, as part of the 2020 budget re-adoption, the addition of three new city staff positions: Communications Manager, Economic Development Manager, and School Resource Office for Camas High School.
Council member Bonnie Carter emphasized how citizens want better communication so she is very supportive of the new Communications Manager position.
Camas resident Margaret Tweet objected to the creation of an Economic Development Manager.
In the public comments, resident Margaret Tweet objected to the creation of the Economic Development Manager position.
“The city is not running these businesses or operating these businesses,” said Tweet. “There are things the city can do to help a business to help attract a company. Sometimes economic development work is non-sensical. I remember Paul Dennis and the former mayor taking credit for Sharp. It’s important to understand these economic development groups take credit for things they don’t do. The marketing aspect isn’t always what it’s cracked up to be. We need to see an audit report of CWEDA (or Camas-Washougal Economic Development Association).”
To which Mayor Turk replied: “The audit is ongoing, and we can see there are things need to be changed. In the past year, the CWEDA board put into place the requirement of agenda, minutes, and audits. We set up a treasurer and there is public review of payouts being made. There were a lot of growing pains, and we are working to correct them. The audit report will be made public.”
After receiving final assessed values from the Clark County assessors office, Council members voted to approve the next levy, which will be $3.11 per $1,000 of assessed value. By law, the property tax levy cannot exceed one percent annually.
Camas Library Bond
Council also voted to make a final payment on the 20-year Camas Library bond, which is $610,000, or about 12 cents per $1,000 of assessed value.
Hagensen/Webberly Annexation
The Hagensen/Webberly Annexation was presented by Robert Maul, and calls for annexing property just north of Camas High School into city limits. The council voted 4-3 to reject the annexation at this time. Here’s how the vote was split:
Carter: Yes
Burton: No
Smith: No
Anderson: No
Hogan: No
Rusch: Yes
Chaney: Yes
Block Grant to Rehabilitate 12th Avenue
Council voted to apply for a community development block grant of $250,000 to make extensive repairs to 12thAvenue.
Emergency Rescue Fund 2020
Council voted to support a levy to raise $21,000 for the Emergency Rescue Fund.
Crown Park Improvements
Council votes to amending the city of Camas 2019-2020 budget ordinance to include improvements to Crown Park, which includes new bathrooms.
Parks and Recreation Meetings Location Change
Council voted to move the location of Parks and Rec meetings from Lacamas Lodge to City Hall so the proceedings can be recorded.
At the close of the meeting, Turk expressed a heartfelt statement about public service. Please click the link to watch this short video: https://youtu.be/1s6ROYInCug
Mayor-Elect Barry McDonnell will be sworn into office on December 2.
Washougal, WA — Washougal Police were out in force the morning of November 13 at the Washougal High School parking lot to catch students. Catch them doing good, that is! Students who were found wearing seat belts were rewarded with a $5 gift card from Dutch Bros Coffee. This was a part of the Target Zero Safe Driving Task Force “Click it Bro” program in partnership with Unite! Washougal.
“It feels good to be out here to reward good behavior,” said Washougal School District Resource Officer and WHS Alumni, Kelly Anderson. “It is great to be working with Target Zero on this and reinforce the importance of seat belt use.”
The Target Zero program believes our culture should motivate people to aspire to become safe drivers, in the same way, smoke-free environments are now valued.
“We need our culture to embrace, celebrate, and promote the responsibility each of us has to be a safe road user,” said Hillary Torres, Region 6 Target Zero Manager. “When we reach this place, being a safe driver will not only be important for our own self-esteem and sense of belonging, but it will also be the foundation to ensure the safety of our family, friends, neighbors, and colleagues.”
Through a grant from State Farm, Target Zero provided one hundred $5 Dutch Bros certificates for high school drivers “caught doing the right thing” by wearing their seat belts at five area high schools throughout Clark County. Dutch Bros matched this with an additional $500 of gift certificates. These certificates are being given out by School Resource Officers at each location.
“Unite! Washougal is excited to be leading on the organization of this project,” said Margaret McCarthy, Unite! Drug Free Community Program Coordinator. “This is also an excellent way of promoting positive relationships between law enforcement and our youth.”
Torres and McCarthy attended statewide prevention training and through discussions, discovered opportunities to work together and are planning to bring several future programs to Washougal.
“A group of WHS ASB students called PEP Unite! are the leaders of this project,” said Megan Kanzler, Unite! Drug Free Community, Youth Engagement Coordinator, Washougal Youth to Youth Advisor and WHS Interact Advisor. “They are a leadership workgroup that is focused on positively engaging people in their community. A part of their work was to collect data on student seatbelt use at the high school before today and then follow up to see if the program helped to change behavior.”
On September 26, PEP Unite! members volunteered to stuff envelopes with the Dutch Brothers certificates and appreciation awards to be distributed by SROs at WHS and other schools. Washougal Mayor and Rotary member, Molly Coston, also volunteered to help.
“Steps like Target Zero are moving us in the right direction around safe driving to make our community a better place to live,” Coston said. “I appreciate the idea of saying thank you for positive behavior.”
“It’s all about community,” said Brianna Gonser, WHS Interact President. “It is about being positive and about being safe. All the Target Zero partners have the same mindset and values, which is cool. It is great to notice the positive. The positive does exist and is worth celebrating.”
WHS juniors Olivia Dinnel and Brianna Ruth were stopped on their way into the parking lot as a part of the program.
“At first I wondered what the officers were doing and did not know what to expect,” said Ruth. “I think it is really cool that they are giving rewards for wearing seat belts. I think it will work to encourage other students to wear them.”
“We need to collectively make safe driving not just normal, but admirable,” said Torres. “Together we can improve safe driving beliefs and behaviors until we reduce the risk of death and serious injury to zero — because every life counts.”
Target Zero is a call to action. It shakes the roots of the belief that “accidents happen” and that the loss of life and health are acceptable outcomes of driving. Other initiatives they support include signaling, not speeding, and avoiding driving while distracted.
Washougal WA – Washougal High School held their second annual Pathways Conference for students on Thursday, November 7. This year’s focus was careers in Hospitality, Tourism, Human Services, Ag, Food and Natural Resources. The event was designed to prepare students for the world of work while bringing a more personal approach to the standard “Career Day.”
“We’re really trying to provide students with exposure to a professional conference setting while giving them an ‘up close and personal’ learning experience from local business folks about career pathways that are of interest to them,” said Margaret Rice, Washougal School District Career and Technical Education Director.
Conference planning began last year in order to identify and recruit a wide variety of professionals to speak.
“We had representatives from Disney College to Agri business to event planning,” said Lisa Leonard, WSD Career Specialist and Work Site Learning Coordinator. “We are so grateful to all of our speakers who took time out of their busy day and away from their businesses to share their expertise. Many were either Washougal residents, alumni or own a business in Washougal.”
The conference keynote speaker was WHS Alumni Matthieu Grant, who spoke about opportunities and skills needed to work for Disney. Other break session speakers included Drew Bergerson, Quest Events; Alex Yost, Our Bar; Mychal Dynes, Little Conejo; Michelle Weeks, Good Rain Farm; Robert Hensley, iFill Cup; Nathan Day, You Move Me; Beth Nelson, United Flight Attendant; Tera Yano, Sea Mar; Jayodin J. Mosher NIC-M, Interpreter for Sorenson; and LaDonna Davis, Cosmetology, Hairy Kari’s.
After a morning of speakers, students loaded buses to visit either Ilani Casino in Ridgefield or Skamania Lodge in Stevenson.
“Both businesses went out of their way to show students a wide variety of career opportunities,” Leonard said.
The Ilani Casino Human Resources representatives provided Pathways Conference students with a complete overview of career opportunities as well as a tour of their guest services.
“They were very encouraging to the students,” said Leonard. “You could tell they are very passionate about what they do.”
Students also heard about the company’s tuition reimbursement for full-time employees and how they promote from within.
“Students were able to hear about every aspect of guest services at Skamania Lodge,” said Leonard. “The team there is great! Our Culinary teacher would hope to build an apprenticeship program with Skamania for students interested in hospitality careers.”
“Our goal is to have a Pathway Conference each year covering all 16 Career Clusters over a 4-year period that way our students the opportunity to participate in a different conference each year of their high school career,” said Rice.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/07074509/5DEFBB42-60CA-4C94-8676-AD9CB9C3CB94.jpeg5361280Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2019-11-18 15:06:442019-11-18 15:06:52Washougal Pathways Conference: Career Focus on Hospitality, Tourism, Ag + More
That is the amount of time it took citizens to inform each other, via social media, email, and neighbor-to-neighbor conversations.
Six weeks to rally around Aster Davis & her desire to remain in her home, rather than being forced to sell to the city’s eminent domain demands.
Six weeks to rally around Barry McDonnell as a local citizen willing to stand up for the people and common sense.
Six weeks to raise just under $5,000 to buy yard signs, a few banners, put together a web page. Six weeks to have Lars Larson spread the word on his radio show, and three local TV stations do news reports exposing the real nature of this overreach.
Six weeks for citizens to find new friends from a very diverse set of backgrounds, all sharing similar concerns over the outrageous nature of this overreach.
Six weeks to expose the facts — spending 30% of your local city taxes on a pool and rec center. Six weeks to expose $850,000 annual operating losses. Six weeks to expose $800 per year fees for a family to use a pool they are paying for with their property taxes, but don’t own.
90 percent rejection — history in the making in Washington state. All in just six weeks, by citizens having to dig to expose details city staff and city councilors hoped would remain hidden from public view.
Six weeks to shine the light of truth and expose legitimate facts.
Thank you to my fellow citizens for all the amazing work you did! All in just six weeks.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/07074537/447E5B97-9575-4536-A571-AF6326A2AF3F.jpeg268621Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2019-11-11 17:39:052019-11-11 17:39:14Letter to the Editor: Six Weeks — A Look at Local Events Leading to Election Day
Washougal, WA — The role of high school libraries is evolving as technology changes the way information is accessed and researched. Washougal High School Librarian, Hillary Marshall, is helping to forward the new vision for how libraries interact with students by helping establish Makerspaces throughout Washington schools.
Makerspaces are collaborative work spaces devoted to using high tech and other tools and materials for creating, making, learning, exploring and sharing. Marshall, who is the Washington Library Association, School Library Division Chair, worked over the summer with a team of nine other educators and librarians to develop the “Makerspace Your School Library” curriculum for teacher librarians. The project was funded by a grant from the Institute for Museum and Library Services (IMLS) though the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) and written by Siri Hiltz, Youth Services Consultant, Library Development, Washington State Library, Office of the Secretary of State. The group worked for two full days to develop the training for all grade levels that will be shared throughout the State of Washington.
“Libraries used to be the center for information, but now students have the internet,” explained Marshall. “The makerspace activities bring students back into libraries. The concept is also effective when paired with school curriculum and can be used to move the challenge a student faces in that area of study up a notch. We also provide students who may never have tried computer sciences a place to experiment and explore. They find out that it may not be as hard as they had thought it might be.”
Sections in the Makerspace program training include Robotics (Computational Thinking), Design Challenge (Collaborative Problem Solving), Creation Station (Innovative Design), Circuitry (Computational Thinking) and Break & Make (Innovative Design). “The Break & Make section focuses on taking parts of unrelated or broken items to design and create something brand new,” Marshall explained. “The Circuitry section allows students to explore electricity and building circuits in fun ways like the MakeyMakey banana piano. Students create a loop circuit through the conduit of a banana, alligator clips, and the programming found online through the MakeyMakey website. Once it is properly set up students can play various bananas that emit different sounds on their Banana Piano.”
Fur Pom Beanies at LILY ATELIER in Downtown Camas. $78!! Get Yours Before They’re Gone!!
Other training will be available at various locations throughout the state of Washington. However, Marshall and training partner, Craig Seasholes, Dearborn Park International Elementary Librarian, Seattle Public Schools, also have a training scheduled at Fort Vancouver Regional Library on Saturday, November 16. They are paired to offer six different trainings up the I-5 corridor and the Olympic Peninsula throughout the school year.
“We have school librarians and teachers attending from a variety of instructional areas ranging from elementary to high school,” said Marshall. “All are interested in bringing makerspace ideas and more STEAM (Science, Technology Engineering, Art and Math) concepts into their curriculum, library or classroom.”
According to Marshall, the development of this type of educational experience for students is driven by best library practices, OSPI Educational Technology standards and industry job requirements. “Our students need opportunities to be challenged and problem solve,” she explained. “We don’t know exactly what jobs will be available to these kids, so we need to prepare them with a variety of 21st century skills.”
At the WHS Makerspace, students’ named the BETA Base, students are encouraged to come to the library to tinker and practice design principles as they explore computer science through monthly projects. “They come in before school, at lunch, during Hop and Stop (study period) and after school,” explained Marshall. “Each month I set up a new challenge for them to work out.”
The October challenge of programming with a Micro:bit was developed by a recent WHS graduate. The materials were purchased with funds raised through the WHS student Keepers of the Library social club through sports concessions and the proceeds from their entry into the Festival of the Trees. The club members voted on what they wanted to support with the funds and chose both art supplies and computer coding robotic tools. WHS also has a strong relationship with FVRL Washougal branch and regularly borrow maker materials to support dual programming offered after school, during Tween/Teen nights at the Washougal Community Library, or for special MakerSpaces programs for some of the activities.
WHS Junior, Maxwell Malcom, has made use of the library makerspaces to learn about 3D printing. “I used to come to the library to do research,” he said. “Now I come here to learn a new skill that I never even knew about. I really enjoy 3D printing. It is a technology that wasn’t available to us a few years ago.”
Malcom’s first project was a simple Christmas ornament and he most recently created an impressive six-piece Halloween lantern.
“Makerspaces provide opportunities for students to create, innovate, and collaborate,” Marshall explained. “They help to build a sense of community and allow students to make connections with students, staff, and community members as well as with technology. I love that this work is not being graded so they may freely experiment and learn through trial and error.”
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/07074546/20F76DF4-1D45-410F-862D-9026A78C00D5.jpeg6621280Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2019-11-08 12:29:282019-11-08 12:29:38What Are Library Makerspaces? Washougal High School Explains What’s Happening
Wendi Steinbronn, a 25-year veteran of the City of Portland, OR Police Bureau, has been appointed the City’s new Police Chief by City Manager David Scott. Steinbronn will replace Chief Ron Mitchell, who is retiring at the end of November, after serving the Washougal community for 23 years. In Washougal, she will oversee a department of 25 employees, including 21 commissioned officers and a $4.2M budget. Steinbronn will assume the Washougal Police Chief duties at the end of November.
“Wendi has strong law enforcement credentials. She impressed everyone involved in our selection process. As a Camas resident for some time, she is familiar with Washougal. I am confident Wendi has the right combination of experience and qualities that will make her a great fit for our community and a successful police chief,” stated Scott.
Steinbronn comes to Washougal with over 25 years of experience with the Portland Police Bureau. She started in 1993 as an officer and rose through the ranks, including Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain and Commander. She is currently the Commander of the Bureau’s North Precinct, serving a population of approximately 190,000 with 135 personnel and a $9.3M budget. Prior to her appointment as North Precinct Commander, Steinbronn served in various roles, including: supervising property crimes detectives and a Neighborhood Response Team, commanding officer of the records division, executive officer to the Assistant Chiefs, government relations liaison, managing the day to day operations of the Family Services Division, serving as a member of the Bureau’s Strategic Planning Committee and engaging with citizens and businesses via a number of committees.
“I’m honored and excited to be your next Chief of Police,” said Steinbronn. “I look forward to getting to know my new co-workers, learning my job and meeting the community. I’m committed to maintaining the trust and confidence of the community as well as continuing to deliver the high level of service everyone expects.”
The announcement follows a nationwide search and comprehensive selection process facilitated by the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs, and an extensive background review.
“I want to thank the members of the Washougal community, the Mayor and City Council, and the men and women of the Washougal Police Department who provided input in the process,” said Scott, “as well as the members of the community leadership and City department heads who interviewed the four finalists. It was important that our process include broad input, and I am grateful for everyone’s participation.”
Steinbronn holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Portland State University. She and her husband reside in Camas and have one son, a student at Camas High School.
The Clark County Elections Office provided an update on the Camas Mayoral race today.
According to Greg Kimsey, the final results from the Camas Mayoral race won’t be known until the middle of next week due to the high volume of write-in ballots coming in from Camas and throughout Clark County. Other cities are taking a priority, as well.
Each ballot will be closely analyzed by elections personnel and members of both major political parties. They will confirm signatures, analyze hand-writing and then have each ballot counted and tallied.
If a name is misspelled, but it’s clear the intent of the voter, it will count. There are still 27,000 ballots countywide left to count.
At stake, is the manual count of more than 2,700 write-in ballots cast in the Camas Mayoral race. Voters cast votes for at least three candidates: Barry McDonnell, Melissa Smith, and Awna Underwood. Currently, the write-in votes account for about 60 percent of total votes cast for the Camas Mayor position.
Washougal, WA — Washougal High School Fine Arts Woodworking students have to think “outside the box” when faced with a design and manufacturing issue posed by a local business called Foodie in Training.
The Camas-based startup, Foodie in Training, offers subscribers a collection of tried-and-true recipes to help bring a family table experience back to today’s time-strapped, technology dominated household. Their members receive monthly recipes, how-to cooking videos and quarterly mailings of recipes to add to their collection; recipe cards which fit nicely into a robust Foodie in Training recipe box.
“The basic challenge was for students to make a better box at a better price,” explained Brent Mansell, WHS Wood and Metal Technology Teacher. “With the target finished price $10 per box, students had to think critically about materials used, including type of wood, hinges, stains, and nails, as well as how to reduce labor costs by choosing the best cut of wood and keeping in mind efficient assembly time.”
In a presentation to students in October, Foodie partners Stephanie Millman, Kelly Bruce and Kasey Morales, explained their recipe boxes were previously constructed by a crate manufacturer in Wisconsin from scrape pallet materials.
“After three orders, we found that they were too heavy and expensive to ship and the quality was not high enough to represent our brand,” Morales explained. “We like the rustic look of the existing boxes, the fact they are made in the USA, and the internal size that allows for the expansion of a recipe card collection.”
What they were not satisfied with was the weight (leading to a high cost of shipping) and the overall appearance of the finished piece.
Building a better box.
“We’re delivering a high quality, tactile experience,” explained Morales. “We want the boxes to look good enough to proudly display on kitchen counters.”
The three most important aspects for students to consider were design, function and cost.
“We asked the students to keep the customers in mind,” said Millman. “Our target market includes Foodie members and gift givers. We asked them to do their own research and consult with their family about the project to get their thoughts.”
Once students heard the design parameters and expectations, they got busy taking measurements of box samples, jotting down notes on paper and creating new design ideas. Their next step was to take those ideas out to the wood shop to begin creating prototypes.
“Students are learning valuable lessons through this process,” said Mansell. “They are considering the needs of a customer in the look, function and quality of the final product. They are also realizing how their time is money and the importance of considering how manufacturing elements affect the cost to construct each box.”
“We are very excited to connect with a local business that can bring a real-world problem to our classrooms and students,” said Margaret Rice, Washougal School District Career and Technical Education (CTE) Director. “Not only are CTE students presented with an actual business challenge to solve, but once a winning box design is created, the Foodies will have a better product and will need ongoing manufacturing which could result in a job for students.”
“This has been a very exciting process for us,” said Morales. “We love providing this classroom opportunity for our high school students and are impressed with the enthusiasm they have brought to the project.” To demonstrate student pride, the final boxes will be signed by the individual students who built them.
WHS sophomore, Aiden Baalaer, admits that this project feels different from other class assignments.
“It seems like we are working as a team on a real job,” he said. “It is challenging to make sure that every part of the box fits flush and perfect.”
Baalaer enjoys the hands-on aspect of woodworking. Before the box project he built a scribe and a cutting board.
In the classroom.
“In this day and age, it seems like more people are moving toward working with technology, so it is good to learn a skill that you use hands, tools and saws for,” he said.
“We would like to continue to work with local businesses to provide authentic business challenges for our students in the classroom,” said Rice. “Real-world application of 21stCentury Skills like problem solving taught in this way are critical for students heading into the job market.”
Customers can get a look at the student created boxes and learn more about Foodie in Training at the upcoming Washougal High School Bazaar on Saturday, November 16.
“We are excited to meet new customers and show off the wonderful talent of these WHS students!” said Bruce.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/07074619/A445E4DC-ADA3-48FA-A5BF-232FE395529C-e1573087876246.jpeg5561280Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2019-11-06 17:03:192019-11-06 17:03:29Foodie In Training: Washougal Students Solve Real-World Business Problem
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