Camas High Students Win State Science Olympiad

Camas High science students won the State Science Olympiad competition this week at Clark College, while Liberty team members placed second in their division.

Team member Sophie Shoemaker said their team now moves onto National competition. Final results have not yet been released but will be published as soon as possible.
 
Science Olympiad
Back Row (left to right): (two tall guys behind the fish)-
Evan Roche, Eliot Shoemaker. Front Row: Jon Bartlett, Reesab Pathak, Yun Teng. Middle Row: Sophie Shoemaker (secretary), Tim Grote (Vice President), Marcus Bintz (Team Captain), Noah Wachlin (President), Rachel Fadlovich (Treasurer), Ryan Lim, Kevin Hsu, Mr. Ron Wright, Jonathan Ho. Photo by Yvonne Bintz.
 
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Camas Teacher Makes Every Day Earth Day

If you ask a student at Grass Valley what makes their school special, they’ll tell you that Grass Valley is a Green School!  First grade teacher Julie Della Valle is the leader who makes this happen, and Clark County Environmental Services agrees. The organization will honor Mrs. Della Valle with the “Make Every Day Earth Day” award at a ceremony on April 12.

Della Valle has initiated and managed many activities designed to get students and adults focused on the environment.  Most noteworthy of these are: the Eco Officers Club, a school-wide Earth Day celebration, and the accomplishment of being a Level II Washington Green School.

Having the Eco Officers club ensures the school’s green efforts start with kids.  Mrs. Della Valle hosts weekly meetings and guides students in their efforts to reduce Grass Valley’s trash output and maximize recycling potential.  The kids assess each classroom’s effectiveness in recycling through trash audits and award them for their efforts.  Eco Officers teach their peers how to decrease trash production and increase their recycling and reusing habits.

“What we have found is that the adults in our building and parents at home are learning right along with the kids,” commented Grass Valley Principal Patricia Erdmann.

 

Earth Day
Julia Della Valle teaches at Grass Valley Elementary in Camas.

 

For the past two years, the Eco Officers have contributed to the Washington Green School Summit.  The efforts of Eco Officers and their leader have spilled over into other Green Team activities, such as the SOS (Save Our Scraps) program in the cafeteria.

A great example of the community coming together in this recycling effort is the Bottle Cap Drive that Della Valle brought to Grass Valley.  In cooperation with a local business, Grass Valley students are collecting thousands of threaded bottle caps that would otherwise end up in landfills.  The Eco Officers spend hours collecting and sorting the bottle caps (which are recyclable, but need to be separated from the plastic bottles) to help with this effort. Once again, the grownups in these children’s lives have become caught up in the tide of this effort and are eagerly participating.

For the past seven years, Julie Della Valle has organized an annual, school-wide Earth Day celebration.  She involves every single student and staff member in the celebration along with many parents.  Each year students design and make their own Earth Day flag to decorate the school.  They also host a school-wide garden cleanup to help recognize the day and to beautify the school grounds.  Additionally, Della Valle created a walking field guide for nearby wetlands and park areas identifying many local species students can find along the way. Many classes have taken advantage of this resource to explore the native plants and animals in the area around the school.  This opportunity is something that all Grass Valley zebras look forward to every year.

Beyond Earth Day, Mrs. Della Valle maintains native perennial plantings in the school garden and composts in her classroom.

In 2012, Mrs. Della Valle led the way for Grass Valley Elementary to achieve Level II Washington Green School status.  Reaching Level II acknowledges that they sustained our goals to reduce trash and recycle, and are now making strides to conserve energy throughout the building.

Students and staff members at Grass Valley Elementary are proud of their accomplishments in conservation and stewardship of the local environment and recognize that Julie Della Valle has been the catalyst in these efforts. Her commitment to the environment and the passion for sharing her knowledge empower the children to ensure a green future. Thanks to her determination and enthusiasm the entire Grass Valley community is making our world a better place.

Content provided by Camas School District.

 

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Regional Science Olympiad Champions Prepare for State

Brain Power.

These kids represent several champion Science Olympiad teams from Camas High School, Liberty Middle School and Skyridge Middle School who recently took home honors from a regional competition.

Specifically, Camas High School won first and fourth place with two separate teams.

The Skyridge team won second place, while Liberty won third place.

They are now preparing to compete at the State level in April at Clark College. We’re covering their specific projects and ambitions in an upcoming article but wanted you to know today the success these youth are having in the world of science.

Back row, left to right: Conley Konsin, Sophie Shoemaker, Marcus Bintz, Erik Johnson, and Nkem Aduka. From row, left to right: Jeffrey Liao, Tybalt Thornberry, Zack Shafer, Ben Hutton, and Melody Hollar.

Science Olympiad


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Boyd Organizing “Future Papermaker Fitness Camp”

Boyd
Camas Senior Tucker Boyd is organizing
a fun track fitness camp for elementary-aged
kids (K-5).

Camas High School senior Tucker Boyd is excited about a project he’s been working on: the Future Papermaker Fitness Camp, to be held from April 1-April 5 at Helen Baller Elementary School.

For Boyd, this is his Senior Project, which is something all CHS seniors are required to do for graduation. But it’s more than that.
Boyd has had a successful track career at CHS and dominates most meets in the 800m and 1600m runs. He’s made a name for himself, to be sure.
So he thought it would be a good idea to teach young kids about a sport that he thoroughly enjoys.

He designed a fitness camp for elementary-aged youth wherein they’ll learn the fundamentals of track.

“The events will be spread across several days,” Boyd said. “They’ll learn a lot about running, as well as safety and nutrition.”

Boyd is coordinating the effort and has recruited volunteers to assist in the camp.
“We’ll start off with a daily warm-up routine,” Boyd said. “We’ll help with techniques and teach them the proper fundamentals. It’ll be fun.”
The camp will train on the following:
  • 100m
  • 200m
  • Softball throw
  • Standing long jump
  • 800m
 At the end of the camp, the participants will receive certificates of completion, as well as ribbons for placement in each event.
The cost of the camp is $25 and it runs from April 1-April 5 from 1-3 pm at Helen Baller Elementary. The program is for K-5 students.

To sign up for the event, fill out the attached registration form and send it in. For questions, refer to the email on the form.

The proceeds from the camp will be turned over to the CHS Track and Field program to help with increasing transportation costs.

“Camas Track and Field has grown in popularity,” Boyd said. “So our transportation costs to away meets has gone up. This money will help with that.”
Boyd presented his plan to the Senior Project Board and it was approved in early December. He’s recruited people to help market the camp and is looking forward to running the event.

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Sr. Sectionals: CRST Swimmer Sanders Makes Finals

As the “Senior Sectionals” 12-state regional swim meet continues in Federal Way, WA local Vancouver swimmer Julia Sanders is making her mark.

During the intense competition, Sanders has a full schedule and is competing in the following events: 100 Free, 200 Free, 100 Fly, 100 Back, 200 IM and 50 Free.

“Everything is cool,” said Sanders. “It’s good so far, I made finals in the 100 Free and I’m swimming the 200 Free in Finals tonight.”

This fall, Sanders is attending Texas Christian University on a swimming scholarship.

She has been swimming for Columbia River Swim Team (CRST) for many years, and enjoys the work and competition that comes from club swimming.

“It’s been such a great experience,” she said. “I’m so grateful for Coach Darlene and all the things she has taught us over the years.”

Stay tuned for further swim meet results.

About CRST

The CRST program is characterized philosophically by the principles of self-image. This discipline is concerned with guiding and direction individual toward maximum development of their talents and abilities. Similarly, the CRST coaching staff endeavors to teach, train and motivate young people to achieve their ultimate potential int swimming in the belief that this experience will prove valuable to them as they grow and develop.

The CRST program strives to instill in young swimmers and understanding of, and appreciation for such concepts as High self-esteem, personal accountability, self-discipline, and goal setting and goal achievement as these ideas relate to their success in training competition.

To learn more, visit www.crstwaveriders.org

 

Julia Sanders

 

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Rep. Herrera Introduces House Bill to Transfer Pearson Air Museum Property to Vancouver City

Jaime HerreraOn Thursday, U.S. Representative (WA-3) Jaime Herrera Beutler introduced a bill in the U.S. House of Representatives that would transfer Pearson Air Museum and the surrounding seven acres of land from National Park Service control to the City of Vancouver.  The bill would allow the City of Vancouver to restore its partnership with the Ft. Vancouver National Trust, and once again make Pearson Air Museum fully accessible and open to the local community.

“For years, Fort Vancouver was the shining example of a local community benefitting from a successful public-private management,” said Herrera Beutler.  “Forcing this change through congressional action was not my first choice.  I am still hopeful that the National Park Service will work out a solution with the City and the Trust, and I will continue to do whatever I can to facilitate a compromise.  However, if compromise fails, the Park Service needs to know a legislative fix is moving forward.”

The bill uses a “land conveyance” procedure to permanently transfer control of seven acres of land recognized as the Pearson Air Museum Complex from the National Park Service to the City of Vancouver.

The Fort Vancouver Trust quickly moved out of museum last week after the two entities failed to reach an operating agreement.

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Camas School District Statement on Recent Levy Passage

This week’s levy votes in Camas were approved by sizable margins with the Maintenance & Operation levy passing with 62.3 percent, and the Technology levy passing with 64.3 percent. Voters approved the levies for another four years to fund essential school district services.

The levy has multiple components – 1) Maintenance and Operation (M&O), which will allow the Camas School District to meet staff funding obligations; and 2) Technology, which covers the tangible and intangible, such as phone systems, laptops, 911 system, software licenses, etc.

The M&O levy will collect $11.45 million, $11.8 million, $12.2 million, and $12.75 million each year over the next four years.  And the Technology levy would collect approximately $1.3 million each year over the next four years.

“Thanks to all the voters in Camas who stepped up and voted to uphold our standards for our students, and the community in which we live,” said Doreen McKercher, of the Camas School District. “While we only needed a simple majority to win the levy elections, it warms the heart to see the overwhelming support.”


“It is clear that our community values the education of our children, but also the many intangible benefits of supporting and maintaining a strong public school system. One of the benefits is economic growth as businesses choose to locate in areas where they can attract employees who desire quality educational opportunities for their children. In fact, many companies in Camas have reported to us that one of the reasons they chose to locate here was the quality public school system. More business means more jobs, and that is good for everyone. Also, because if our strong industrial tax base, property owners pay less in taxes than in neighboring communities. Additionally, all of these factors play a role in increased personal property values.”

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Effort to Save Pearson Air Museum Gains Momentum

The Save Pearson Air Museum movement continues as supporters work with local and federal officials to push back against last week’s abrupt closure of the beloved facility.

Just over a week ago, after 18 months of failed negotiations, the National Park Service (NPS), which owns the Pearson Air Museum property, gave museum operators (Fort Vancouver National Trust) just a few days to vacate the premises. At issue is control of how the trust operates and coordinates with event organizers. The NPS wants to exert more control of day-to-day operations.

The trust has continually shown a profit for several years and has turned the Pearson Air Museum into a popular attraction, with 45 additional events slated over the next six months.

According to her office, U.S. Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler will introduce legislation this week that would turn control of Pearson Air Museum and surrounding land to the city of Vancouver.

It’s exactly what supporters like James Beckelhiemer have been hoping for.

“This museum really belongs to the people of Vancouver,” said Beckelhiemer. “The NPS, or the federal government, really shouldn’t have ownership.”

Herrera Beutler’s decision to pursue a legislative fix is happening alongside local efforts to overturn the NPS decision.

On Monday, the Vancouver City Council reassured concerned residents that they were working hard to overturn the NPS move.

The Fort Vancouver National Trust, which had been operating the museum on behalf of the city, removed belongings from facility.

“These planes and other property belong to many different people,” said Beckelhiemer. “Many were on loan to the museum, and they wanted to make sure their property was accounted for.”

NPS had thought the pieces would remain.

City Manager Eric Holmes wants to get the museum up and running as soon as possible.

“We are wanting to make sure we pursue any and all avenues,” Holmes said Tuesday. He said Herrera Beutler’s legislative fix “may be one way to get there, but I’m not ready to say it’s the only way.”

Holmes said on February 8 he spoke with staff members from the offices of Senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell, and Herrera Beutler.

Cantwell spoke with NPS Service Director John Jarvis and urged him to find a solution.

Tracy Fortmann, superintendent of the Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, who ordered the closure, said that she was not aware of any pending legislation, and declined further comment.

Herrera Beutler’s office plans to announce details of the pending legislation in the coming days.

The Pearson Air Museum has been vacant for more than a week.

 

Pearson Air Museum
The Pearson Air Museum land is owned by the National Park Service, a
federal entity, but has been operated by the Fort Vancouver National Trust,
on behalf of Vancouver, for many years.
Pearson Air Museum Protestors
Pearson Air Museum supporters continue to mount pressure on local
and federal officials to overturn the NPS decision.

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NPS Closes Pearson Air Museum

Earlier this week, the National Park Service (NPS) abruptly closed the Pearson Air Museum after months of negotiation failed to produce a new agreement between museum operators and the NPS.

As Pearson Air Museum operators and supporters cry foul, local politicians are speedily working to draft legislation to address several key issues involved in this debate.

On Saturday, dozens gathered at the museum and surrounding areas to protest the actions of the NPS. Former Mayor Royce Pollard and State Representative Liz Pike attended.

“We are protesting many things,” said one protestor. “They just can’t close it and move things out as quickly as they did. This is a public entity. We need to have our say.”

To learn more, visit www.fortvan.org

 

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Camas Votes on Proposed School Levy This Tuesday; Facts on the Maintenance & Operations, Technology Levy

This coming Tuesday, February 12, Camas citizens are voting on a four-year school replacement Maintenance and Operations funding levy, which is designed to address state funding gaps.

The levy has multiple components – 1) Maintenance and Operation (M&O), which will allow the Camas School District to meet staff funding obligations; and 2) Technology, which covers the tangible and intangible, such as phone systems, laptops, 911 system, software licenses, etc.

The proposed M&O levy would collect $11.45 million, $11.8 million, $12.2 million, and $12.75 million each year over the next four years. And the proposed Technology levy would collect approximately $1.3 million each year over the next four years.

“We’re planning ahead to allow for growth as enrollment has had a 3-5 percent annual increase,” said Doreen McKercher, of the Camas School District. “We are having to cover things that used to be covered by the state, but now these things are on the local tax payer.”

McKercher said the largest items covered by the M&O are transportation (buses), special education, utilities (huge expense), and technology staff, which is an unfunded state mandate.

 

Helen Baller graduates Tony Lattanzi and Jefferson Jackson.
The state-of-the-art technology at Helen Baller is funding by the current
Technology Levy that was passed several years ago.
The levy proposes more money per assessed property value than previous levies, however, the actual total combined rates for all school taxes will be less than voters currently pay.
Taxpayers currently pay $.38 per $1,000 of assessed value for technology; $3.27 per $1,000 of assessed value on M&O; and $4.35 per $1,000 of assessed value on bonds. The current rates amount to $8.00 per $1,000 of assessed value.
The proposed rate in for 2014 is $7.32 per $1,000 of assessed value. And go forward at $7.44 for 2015, $7.55 for 2016, and $7.61 for 2017.
The proposed M&O levy is based on these factors:
  • A change in the way the state calculates its levy formula
  • Continued growth in enrollment, which increases operational costs
  • Rising fuel, utilities and insurance costs
  • Start-up costs for the new Woodburn Elementary School, which opens in Fall 2013.
  • Increase in the number of students participating in extracurricular programs and sports.

 

Current levies expire at the end of 2013, and Washington has decreased funding in key areas at the local level.
“This is not a new tax,” said McKercher. “We’re simply replacing expiring levies so we can maintain the high standards we have here in Camas.”
McKercher said students benefit with smaller class sizes, more textbooks, improved student safety, quality grounds, funding for extracurricular activities, and numerous other programs.
Common questions:
  • If the assessed values increase, can the district college more? No.
  • If the district increases in assessed value over the next four years, will your cost per $1,00 increase. No.
  • Can the levy amount be increased without a vote? No.

Ballots were mailed on January 24 and citizens are asked to vote on or by February 12.

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