Washougal, WA — ‘Tis the season for giving and this year that giving extended to two Washougal community partners. The Camas-Washougal Historical Society recently bestowed a vintage sleigh to City of Washougal to add to its annual holiday celebration.
“We were excited to accept the gift of this beautiful sleigh,” said Molly Coston, Washougal Mayor. “It makes the perfect ride for Santa and Mrs. Claus on their yearly appearance at our Lighted Christmas Parade! It is so quaint and nostalgic and in great condition.”
“When our museum Display Committee reviewed the Carriage House for winter maintenance and updates, it was decided that the sleigh took up a lot of space and there was no real local story attached to it,” said Karen Johnson, CWHS display committee volunteer “It really did not get much attention where it sat up in the rafters.”
The antique wooden sleigh is a beautiful forest green with silver decorations and plush red horsehair padded seats. It was originally donated to the CWHS by the estate of Emory Donald Heberling in 2007. The gift also included a black doctor’s buggy and a small covered wagon which remain on display at the museum’s Carriage House facility.
“We are pleased that this beautiful piece is going to a home that can share it with the community during the holidays,” said Johnson.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/07074205/753E3DEF-5081-4658-9A66-76B2CA0C8B28.jpeg7091280Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2019-12-26 17:36:282019-12-26 17:36:34Vintage Sleigh Gifted to City of Washougal — Part of Annual Holiday Celebration
Washougal, WA — First grade students at Cape Horn-Skye Elementary learned the joy of giving by creating toys and blankets for dogs and cats residing at the West Columbia Gorge Humane Society (WCGHS).
“This experience was about empathy, caring for those less fortunate, in this case, animals,” said CH-S first grade teacher Darcy Hickey. “The students have been so excited for this project. It has become a first-grade tradition at CH-S.”
Students in Taryn Tedford’s and Nichol Yung’s first grade classes also participated.
Cathi Parent, Community Engagement Manager with WCGHS, came to CH-S to collect the gifts and talk with students about the shelter and their animals. She discussed ways that cats and dogs end up there, the foster program, success stories for animals, and volunteer activities. She also brought Purrgie the cat, a three-year-old tabby, who was a big hit with students.
“We love seeing children and youth of any age wanting to get involved in helping their local community and give back,” said Parent. “Their interest in helping animals is very heart warming. Many of these pets may have come from unwanted homes or were strays and never knew real love before. Living in a shelter situation, even though they are being taken very good care of and loved on by volunteers, can still be stressful. Having items like the blankets and toys that were made by the students, can help make their time at the shelter that much better.”
Students also learned about the importance of microchipping pets in case they get lost, spaying and neutering to control the pet population, and the process they go through to help pets get adopted. Parent made sure students were calm, quiet, and moved slowly as they approached Purrgie, who let anyone who wanted to meet her provide ear rubs, back scratches, and pets.
“The project also helps to meet a Washington State standard in Social and Emotional Learning (SEL),” Hickey explained. “This work provides an opportunity for students to consider others and show a desire to contribute to the well-being of our community”
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) is broadly understood as a process through which individuals build awareness and skills in managing emotions, setting goals, establishing relationships, and making responsible decisions that support success in school and in life.
First grader Jojo Stevenson thought it was fun to make blankets and toys for these animals. “I hope these gifts make them happy,” she said. “I want them to stay warm and stay alive.”
The timing of this challenge was not a coincidence. “We wanted to send kids off on their two-week break thinking about the joy of giving and that giving of yourself can bring as much joy and excitement as receiving,” Hickey explained. “We are so proud of these students.”
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/07074217/213B0571-6E8E-4545-8437-9251D0F02306.jpeg7821280Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2019-12-26 13:05:572019-12-30 23:20:55Cape Horn-Skye Students Create Toys, Blankets for Local Humane Society
Each year, many Washougal School District high school and middle school band students apply to be a part of regional and state honor bands. These bands select the top musicians from the region or state, and students spend several days together rehearsing and performing under the baton of conductors from major universities and professional ensembles. Congratulations to these Washougal schools students that have been selected to be a part of these ensembles.
Washington Music Educators Association All-State Honor Groups:
– Amara Farah, clarinet (Chamber Orchestra)
– Barret Hemminger, trumpet (Wind Symphony)
Pacific Lutheran University Northwest High School Honor Band:
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/07074222/0B0E1EFF-8C5D-473C-BA8F-C7BF53F026D3.jpeg5751280Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2019-12-26 12:09:292019-12-26 12:18:36Washougal Band Students Join Regional, State Honor Bands
Washougal, WA — New and returning Washougal School District (WSD) School Board members were sworn in to service at the December 10, 2019 board meeting after winning in the general election on November 5. Superintendent Dr. Mary Templeton administered the oath of office.
Jim Cooper was elected as the newest member to the WSD Board to represent District 1. Cooper brings a background as a college professor, higher education administrator, scientist, and business owner to the school board.
Board President Cory Chase (District 4) and member Angela Hancock (District 2) were re-elected in the November general election, and will serve four-year terms that expire in 2023.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/07074236/CFE52FAA-2FFA-449D-ACDC-6BA3D706CA22.jpeg5421280Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2019-12-11 14:00:132019-12-11 14:02:13Washougal School District Board Members Sworn in to Service
Washougal, WA — The third-grade students at Columbia River Gorge Elementary School learned the ways of the wolves at a Wolfways presentation on Friday, November 22.
“They teach about the re-population of wolves in the western US, the importance of balanced ecosystems and adaptations that allow wolves and other wildlife to survive in their habitat,” said CRGE third grade teacher, Ellen Hein. “The program aligns with 3rd grade NGSS (Science) standards in addition to our CKLA Animal Classification unit.”
The classes of Cindy Coons and Angie Barnes also participated.
Oregon Wild and Wolf Haven International sponsor the Wolfways program, which engaged students through a multi-sensory experience and helped bring the science topics they’re learning in class to life.
Co-founder Joanie Beldin said the presenters’ goal is to increase the students’ overall understanding and interpretation of these animals.
Sheila Redman, who has volunteered for Wolfways for four years, said there is a lot of misunderstanding when it comes to wolves, and that much of these myths stem from cartoons and fairy tales that portray them in a negative light.
“It wasn’t until people started to study wolves in the wild that they discovered their complexity and intelligence,” said Redman. “All information related to wolves is fairly new, and it has only been about 20 years since people started to make discoveries about the species.”
The third graders at Columbia River Gorge learned details about the strong family ties in a wolf pack and how parents, children, aunts and uncles all live together. They also learned interesting facts such as baby wolves remain in their den for 3-4 weeks, a wolf can hunt an elk by breaking its leg with two bites; and that wolves increase biodiversity and their presence can help maintain the presence of other animals, like aquatic life in streams and songbirds.
“I was surprised to learn that after wolves kill an animal for food, it can end up feeding a lot of different animals,” said third grader Aubree McConnville.
A highlight for students was the chance to run their fingers through wolf hair, compare their hand size to a wolf paw casting, and hold a wolf skull.
At the conclusion of the presentation, students were challenged to share the truth they have learned about wolves and to believe that they can make a difference in their protection. Each student was provided a wolf fact sheet and poster to take home.
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/07074329/47B73BE3-5DDC-4208-8FA8-13B078DF633F.jpeg5581280Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2019-12-04 06:46:182019-12-04 06:46:31Washougal’s CRGE Students Learn About the Ways of the Wolves
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.
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
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
What started as a small business networking group 12 years ago has turned into an annual Camas and Washougal School District food drive to benefit Children’s Home Society, the C.A.R.O.L. program and the American Legion of Skamania County.
It’s called Stuff the Bus.
“Typically we raise on average 60,000 pounds of food,” said Tabitha Shaffer, a Stuff the Bus organizer. “A couple years ago we hit 80,000 pounds, and we literally stuff the buses. There are usually two or three buses from each high school. A total of four to six buses, and we drive around to all the local schools and pick up literally tons of food! It’s a great event!”
Beginning November 1, the area schools will begin collecting food in designated bins.
“We pick up all the food on December 6 from the schools in Camas and Washougal,” said Angie Cherry, a Stuff the Bus organizer. “We collect from everyone who has participated, and all of the kids get a high five as they help us load the food in the bus.”
Each bus is weighed before it’s filled so organizers know how many pounds have been collected. Last year, Washougal beat Camas — but it’s a friendly competition. The students bring in canned food from home and sometimes classrooms are even rewarded for their efforts.
Beginning November 1, the Stuff the Bus organizers will rally the schools to start collecting food. Volunteers will stand out in front of Safeway (November 23, 24 and 27 from 10 am-6 pm) asking for food or money donations, and Grocery Outlet also runs a promotion for food bags that can be purchased, which helps Stuff the Bus get more food for their program.
“Our goal is to provide enough food for the entire year so that our beneficiaries can give to people in need,” said Cherry.
The C.A.R.O.L. Program gathers and delivers toys for kids 18 and under, as well as family food boxes during the holiday season. The American Legion of Skamania County distributes food baskets to Veterans and Children’s Home Society distributes about 365 bags of food to families in need per month.
Children’s Home Society also supplements the backpack program.
“Every year we count on our community to support the program with cash and food donations,” said Shaffer. “We usually raise about $7,000 per school district, which goes directly to the cause with the exception of our operating costs. Starbucks in Camas and Washougal also donates coffee and hot chocolate.”
And it all comes to a fun finish on December 6, kicking off with a meeting at each High School. They load kids on the buses and then they go to the schools and collect from the area middle schools — all with a fire and police department escort.
It’s literally stuffing the buses.
Once collected, the goods are delivered to the non-profits.
Stuff the Bus is looking for businesses or people to sponsor the event. Sponsors get their name on T-shirts and get advertising on their website — www.CWBusinessAlliance.com
https://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/07074648/7D8ADD06-34BE-4336-B8A0-2D8473DA7F17.jpeg6561280Ernest Geigenmillerhttps://cdn.lacamasmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/07074147/lacamas_white_2-300x300.pngErnest Geigenmiller2019-11-02 09:41:272019-11-02 09:50:28Annual Stuff the Bus Campaign Now in Full Swing — in Washougal & Camas
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