Legislation that would improve how the state identifies highly capable students unanimously passed the House Education Committee last week.

House Bill 1641, sponsored by Rep. Brandon Vick, would require school districts to develop an assessment, referral, and placement process for highly capable students.  Each student would be screened at least once prior to 6th grade. The legislation would also ensure students are able to receive transportation services to and from school.

“School districts are currently doing their best to identify and educate highly capable students, but the simple fact is, there are a large number of students who remain unidentified and are falling through the cracks. By standardizing the process across rich and poor districts, we should be able to identify the students who need and deserve the service,” said VickR-Vancouver. “Not only does House Bill 1641 benefit our highly capable students and their futures, but it will have a positive impact on our state’s economy and workforce.”

The legislation would:

  • Modify school district procedures related to identification, selection, and placement of highly capable students.
  • Direct the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction to designate staff to provide technical assistance and guidance to school districts regarding the Highly Capable Program.
  • Require that the state fund, and school districts provide transportation to and from programs for highly capable students.
  • Specify staff training requirements related to identifying and serving highly capable students.
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“Education is not one size fits all. What I am trying to accomplish with this legislation is ensure each student is getting the education they deserve regardless of their socio-economic status,” said Vick. “This legislation will assist in unlocking lifelong potential for our highly capable students. There should be no barriers or limits to what these students can accomplish in or outside the classroom.”

The bill now goes to the House Appropriations Committee.

The Legislature is scheduled to adjourn the 105-day legislative session on April 28.

CAMAS, WA — The Clark County Sheriff’s Office is reporting that George Regis, a 63-year-old pilot, who was last seen departing Grove Field Airport in Camas, is listed as missing.

In their press release, authorities say that Regis departed Grove Field Airport (which is located at 632 NE 267th Ave. in the Fern Prairie area) around noon on Friday, January 25, and that he has not been heard from since that departure.  The Clark County Sheriff’s Office believes Regis may have been traveling Southwest —  to either Arizona or Texas.

His cellular telephone sent a final signal in the Newberg/Dundee, Oregon area on Saturday, January 26. A flight plan was not filed, and is not required of pilots and aircraft departing Grove Field, which is part of the Port of Camas-Washougal.

If anyone has information about Regis or his whereabouts, the authorities are asking you to call 911.

Grove Field is home to many local airplanes, both new and active, as well as vintage, and there are long-range plans to expand the airport. There has been a growing interest in aviation in the last few years, and Grove Field has been instrumental in helping people learn about the industry and how to fly aircraft.

Olympia, WA — With the measles outbreak in Clark County continuing to grow, Governor Jay Inslee issued a proclamation Friday morning declaring a State of Emergency.

The proclamation directed the Washington State Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan to be implemented, which allows state agencies and departments to utilize state resources to assist in prevention and response efforts.

There are now 30 confirmed cases of measles across Clark County. Friday evening, the following lawmakers from Washington’s 17th and 18th Legislative Districts issued the statement below:

  • Sen. Ann Rivers, R-La Center
  • Sen. Lynda Wilson, R-Vancouver
  • Rep. Paul Harris, R-Vancouver
  • Rep. Brandon Vick, R-Vancouver
  • Rep. Larry Hoff, R-Vancouver

“We appreciate Governor Inslee issuing a State of Emergency this morning. The outbreak of measles in our local communities is extremely concerning, but we are thankful every resource has been made available to help the Department of Health respond quickly and effectively.

“The governor’s proclamation not only provides essential resources and personnel, but also brings a heightened public awareness about this dangerous and preventable disease. While this is an uncertain and unfortunate time for many across our county, this State of Emergency will help reduce the spread and length of the outbreak. We will continue to closely monitor the situation.”

For more information about the measles outbreak in Clark County, as well as resources on how you can prevent its spread, click here to visit the Washington State Department of Health’s website.

Town Hall

From left: Representative-elect Larry Hoff, Senator Ann River, and Representative Brandon Vick.

Vancouver, WA — As part of their group meeting at Green Meadows Thursday evening, the Clark County Republican Women (CCRW) presented a check to Pathways Pregnancy Center of Camas and Washougal.

The check, which was presented by CCRW president, Brook Pell, is part of the group’s annual “Impact Award,” which raises funds for local charitable organizations that support women throughout the county.  Funds come from group members, with a matching donation from CCRW.

“CCRW membership is honored to present this monetary contribution to Pathways,” said Pell. “We could not have selected a more deserving organization as the first recipient of our annual CCRW Impact Award. Each year, volunteers and staff at Pathways are saving lives and helping women in need.”

Pathways Pregnancy Clinic provides services to young women who are coping with the fears and anxieties of an unplanned pregnancy. The faith-based organization provides counseling, ultrasounds, and free pregnancy tests.

Pathways is open during regular business hours, and is located at 2926 E Street in Washougal. For more information, call Pathways at 360.834.2829.

The presentation was part of a larger meeting that included a silent auction, dinner, group updates, and a keynote address by expert forensics accountant, Tiffany Couch, who addressed myths about public school funding. She provided information about confusion that surrounds the current McCleary school funding legislation, and its impact on local school districts.

To learn more, visit ClarkCountyRepublicanWomen.org

Camas, WA — More than 50 community members and friends gathered outside Discovery High School Thursday evening to officially dedicate NW Nan Henriksen Way, which is named after the former Camas Mayor.

Henriksen officially cut the ribbon following two brief speeches by Camas School District Superintendent, Jeff Snell, and by Henriksen herself. The former mayor received the honor for the vision she had more than 30 years ago to have Camas look beyond the industry of the mill. She was instrumental in creating the Camas industrial park that is now home to multiple high-tech firms that attract living wage jobs.

Snell called her a visionary and heralded her tireless efforts to improve Camas during her tenure as mayor, and to this day.

“I just want to thank all of you for coming and celebrating with me,” said Henriksen. “I can’t tell you how much it means to me and I particularly want to thank my family members who were able to make it here. I wish my dad could be here … he would have been so happy to be here, and I wish he could have been up on the sign, too. I also want to thank Jeff Snell and the school district for this amazing honor.”

“You may think that this is a very short street, but it’s the perfect street for me because of all the symbolism involved. I get goosebumps just thinking about it, because this was Sharp Way and led to our very first tenant in our industrial park that was really only a vision until Sharp agreed to locate here and started to make that vision a reality for Camas. I still get goosebumps thinking about that.”

She spoke of the groundbreaking of the Sharp building, which started the industrial park, and the tree she planted with Sharp leaders.

”Now, this is the street to exciting new learning opportunities,” she added. “It’s so great I can’t think of anything I’d like to see more than these schools dedicated to collaboration, cooperation, teamwork, problem solving, creative thinking, and inclusion of all kids. You don’t have to be a super student or super athlete to be a star at these schools. I’m very proud of this school district.”

Following the official dedication, participants headed over to Discovery High School for its official dedication by Snell.

”I think my greatest joy is that I’m still alive to enjoy this,” she said. “Usually groups wait until you die and then they say let’s honor her with a street. You guys all get to celebrate, but I don’t.”

 

Camas, WA — Most haven’t seen the interior of the brand-new Lacamas Lake Elementary School, located in Fern Prairie, so Wednesday is your chance! There are also two more dedicatory events on January 24.

All are welcome to the dedication of Lacamas Lake Elementary School, which includes an open house and building tours for current students, former students of Lacamas Heights Elementary, CSD families and friends, and community supporters. It’s going to be a very special night!

What: Lacamas Lake Elementary Dedication
When: January 23 from 5:30 – 7:00 PM
Where: 4825 North Shore Blvd., Camas, WA 98607

For more information, contact the school at 360-833-5740.

Dedication

The Lacamas Lake Elementary library.

 

 

Dedication of Nan Henriksen Way and Discovery High School

All are welcome to the dedication of NW Nan Henriksen Way and Discovery High School on the Camas School District’s Project-Based Learning Campus! Attend one event or both – we’d love to see you there.

ABOUT NAN HENRIKSEN WAY
In honor of Camas School District alumna and former City of Camas Mayor Nan Henriksen, we’ve renamed Sharp Drive “NW Nan Henriksen Way.” This special renaming honors Henriksen’s foresight and innovative thinking, which helped usher in a new technology sector in and around the campus where learning now thrives.

What: Nan Henriksen Way Dedication
When: January 24 at 5:30 PM
Where: 5125 NW Nan Henriksen Way

ABOUT DISCOVERY HIGH SCHOOL
Thanks to the vision and support of our community, in the fall of 2018 the doors to Discovery opened and 115 9th graders kicked off the inaugural school year. DHS is now the third high school option for students of Camas Schools and could eventually serve 600 students. The school offers a small, personalized learning environment and project-based approach, as does Odyssey Middle School, which opened in 2016 and resides right next door.

What: Discovery High School Dedication
When: January 24 from 6-8 PM
Where: 5125 NW Nan Henriksen Way

 

Rep. Larry Hoff was sworn in to office Monday as the newest state representative for the 18th Legislative District. He replaces former Rep. Liz Pike, who did not run for reelection.

Hoff, who has lived in Clark County for more than 40 years, recently retired as president and CEO of the $1 billion Fibre Federal Credit Union.

“It is truly humbling to have the opportunity to serve our 18th District communities in this new role as state representative,” said Hoff, R-Vancouver. “I look forward to bringing the voice and perspective of so many of my friends and neighbors to Olympia, and to delivering results on their behalf.”

Hoff has been appointed to three House committees. He will serve as the assistant ranking member of the House Consumer Protection and Business Committee, which considers an array of consumer protection issues, as well as the safety and soundness of state banks and credit unions, the regulation of consumer credit and lending, and the regulation of securities and investments. He will also serve on the House Appropriations Committee, which considers the operating budget, and on the House Labor and Workplace Standards Committee, which reviews legislation related to industrial insurance, unemployment compensation, collective bargaining, family leave, safety and health standards, occupational health, and employment standards.

“Each of these committees plays a vital role in the day-to-day operations of Washington state’s economy,” added Hoff. “The actions we take will affect millions of people, so it is my hope that we work together in a bipartisan way to get it right. We know Washingtonians don’t want tax increases, nor do they want unnecessary regulations that stifle economic growth. We should instead be focused on supporting policies this session that keep Washington state competitive, grow jobs, and encourage entrepreneurship and innovation.”

The 2019 legislative session began Jan. 14, and is scheduled to run for 105 consecutive days.

Photo by Steven Nelson.

Camas, WA —  Brook Pell, a Republican living in Camas, announced her candidacy today for Clark County Council District 4.

Brook is the Chief Operating Officer for a family owned construction company which builds residential and commercial steel buildings. Prior business experience includes CRE property manager of a diversified capital management firm where she managed a portfolio that consisted of a 340,000 rsf commercial office campus, several retail centers and residential/multi-family properties.

Pell is a Clark County native having grown up in Washougal, and is married to Sascha Pell. They have five children; four in the Camas School District and their oldest is a freshman at Clark College.

Pell’s priorities are policies that attract job creators to Clark County, transportation solutions that are supported by the taxpayers, lean and efficient government, policies that respect the rights of urban and rural land owners, good roads, adequate funding for law enforcement and infrastructure to support growth.

“Clark County is growing and along with that comes the challenge of providing the services that citizens need and want. As a small business owner, I know from experience how decisions made by government can negatively impact the economy or encourage prosperity. When I hear that people are forced to sell their homes due to higher property tax, I know we need a better solution. Focusing on what matters most to the people in Clark County is my pledge to the voters.” said Pell.

To learn more, visit her website at www.electbrookpell.com

The website isn’t yet up and running.

Clark County, WA — This notice is to solicit nominations for individuals who wish to appear before Clark County Republican PCOs to present themselves as candidates for the position of Clark County Council for District 4. Nominees must reside in County Council District 4 and be of the Republican Party.

Self-nominations should include full contact information and a statement that they are of the Republican Party and live within District 4. Nominations that are not self-nominations should include full contact information of the nominee with the attachment of a signed statement from the nominee that he or she agrees to serve if nominated.

The Clark County Auditor has certified the 2018 elections results and Eileen Quiring has been elected to the position of Clark County Council Chair. Ms. Quiring will take office as Clark County Council Chair on January 1, 2019, and at that time, she will vacate her seat as County Councilor for District 4.

Pursuant to Article II, Section 15 of the Washington State Constitution, the Clark County Republican Central Committee is required to nominate three (3) individuals as candidates. Pursuant to the state constitution, all nominees must: 1) reside in County Council District 4; and (2) be of the same political party as Ms. Quiring, namely the Republican Party. Nominations will be voted upon by Clark County Precinct Committee Officers on January 15. The names of the three individuals nominated will then be forwarded to the Clark County Council. Upon receipt of the names of the three nominees, the Clark County Council will review the nominees, conduct interviews in an open public session, and appoint one of the individuals to the office of Clark County Council District 4.

Any person interested in being considered for nomination by the Clark County Republican Party Central Committee must notify Clark County Republican Party Chairman Earl Bowerman in writing, and must be received no later than January 10, 2019 . Email notifications to earl@earlbowerman.com will be accepted and must be received no later than January 10, 2019. All nominations will be acknowledged within 12 hours with further information on the ensuing process; if acknowledgement is not received, notify Chair Bowerman by email. The mailing address of the Clark County Republican Party is P. O. Box 205, Vancouver, WA 98666.

Camas, WA — Amanda Brinkman, host of The Small Business Revolution’s “Main Street” web TV series, and several members of their talented film crew will be visiting Camas this Wednesday and Thursday to see what makes Mill Town tick.

As part of their visit, city leaders will host the “Main Street” team at 6 pm Wednesday at Grains of Wrath, which is located in Downtown Camas. The public is invited to attend.

On December 11, Camas became a Top 10 contender to be chosen as the focus town for season four of their ground-breaking series, which is helping to reinvigorate small towns and businesses across the United States. They’re coming to Camas to learn about its accomplishments, history and current struggles. Following their visit, they will travel to Arlington, WA, another Top 10 contender, and all other cities on their list. Camas is their first stop.

”We have such a compelling story to tell,” said Carrie Schulstad, Executive Director of the Downtown Camas Association. “We have a great history and we’re also a town in transition with the mill closing in the next couple of years.”

Schulstad said she hopes that Camas will make Top 5. Once that happens, those five cities will be subject to national voting. It’ll be a matter of which city gets the most votes.

It’s also one reason why Camas citizens have been posting #MyCamas on their social media posts and sharing stories about what it’s like living in Mill Town. It’s also a reason why Lacamas Magazine continues to produce the #MyCamas videos.

”It’s about getting the word out about what an amazing place this is,” said Schulstad. “We also have many businesses who could use the help that the Small Business Revolution provides.”

The winner of the contest will be featured in Season 4, in which six businesses will receive a total of $500,000 in revitalization funds. The show features Brinkman, and Ty Pennington, of “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” fame.

”I’m so excited they’re coming,” said Camas Mayor, Shannon Turk. “I really look forward to meeting them, and showing them what we’re all about.”

The crew arrives mid-day on Wednesday at a private reception, and then they will be visiting local shops and store owners to hear their stories.

Schulstad is also grateful to Maria Gonser, owner of Attic Gallery, who nominated Camas to appear on the show.

”Camas would be great for Season 4 of ‘Main Street,’” said Gonser. “There’s so much to see here, and we have some real struggles.”

To learn more, visit www.smallbusinessrevolution.org