Tag Archive for: Washougal

CGRE Students Explore Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge

Just a mile from their school, students saw snakes, river otters, deer, waterfowl, and insects as part of a field trip to the Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge. Columbia River Gorge Elementary School (CRGE) fifth graders took part in a series of learning activities that involved cataloging wildlife and native plants, removing invasive species like blackberries, and learning from educators from the Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership based out of Portland, OR.

The field trip, which took place on September 20, 2024, was funded through a grant written in partnership with the Estuary Partnership, which promotes student learning centered around local ecosystems and helping students understand their impact on the web of life in the natural environment. Teachers Marie Klemmer and Jennifer Perry connect the field trip with science standards students study in fifth grade. Students use the data collected during the field trip as part of lessons that build upon their experience and help them apply these lessons to future learning.

“The educators from the Estuary Partnership do fantastic work in helping the students see real-world application of what they’re learning in the science classroom,” Kimmer said. “The high level of engagement and excitement of the students interacting with the natural areas surrounding our community is an invaluable learning experience.”

During the field trip, students participated in natural area stewardship by removing the Himalayan blackberry that was crowding out native plants along the Gibbons Creek Wildlife Art Trail at the refuge, put the knowledge acquired during an earlier classroom lesson with the Estuary Partnership into action by identifying different bird species the refuge and engaged in a creative multi-sensory exploration of nature using watercolors.

“Thanks to the Outdoor Learning Grant from the Washington Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction and State Recreation and Conservation Office, we have a fantastic opportunity to enhance students’ knowledge and confidence in the outdoors through stewardship, exploration, and observation” said Sam Dumont, Environmental Educator with the Estuary Partnership. “As an educator, it’s incredibly rewarding to witness the curiosity, sense of empowerment, and collaboration that develop as we progress through our six-part on-campus lesson series and three-part outdoor field experiences.”

Perry said, “The hands-on experiences provided by the Estuary Partnership educators, both in the classroom and in the field, are critical to fostering curiosity and enjoyment of the natural areas around us. Young students who are excited about nature grow into adults who care about the natural world around them.”

CRGE Principal Hannah Hartman said, “The excitement in our students coming back from their field trip was remarkable. We deeply appreciate these grants and working with the Estuary Partnership that provide such a valuable learning opportunity for our students. We are so fortunate to live in Washougal and for our students to be so close to amazing natural resources.”

The grant will also allow students to visit Ridgefield Wildlife Refuge for a canoeing trip, collect and analyze water samples from nearby Gibbons Creek, and have an opportunity to dissect trout. The grant provides lessons from tribal native educators, which will focus on traditional food that was gathered by native peoples and the importance of stewardship of local ecosystems.

The Washington State Legislature funded the Outdoor Learning Grants program, administered by the Washington Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, with the goal to develop and support outdoor educational experiences for students in Washington public schools. The Washington Recreation and Conservation Office manages this portion of the fund that is available for organizations that partner with public schools. This two-year funded Outdoor Learning project provides three outdoor field experiences as well as six on-campus lessons taught by Estuary Partnership educators and local native educators. CRGE is one of six schools in Clark County to participate in this program that will serve over 900 students.

CGRE
/0 Comments/by
, ,

City of Washougal Launches HOA and Neighborhood Registry

Washougal, WA — The City of Washougal is excited to announce the launch of its Homeowners Association (HOA) and Neighborhood Registry, aimed at fostering stronger community connections and enhancing local communication. Washougal is comprised of roughly 200 neighborhoods with their own unique character and appeal.

The registry allows HOAs and neighborhood associations to officially register with the city, providing a centralized resource for residents to access information about community organizations. Residents are encouraged to register their associations online to stay informed about city programs, initiatives, and opportunities for collaboration. The city is committed to supporting neighborhoods and strengthening community ties through this new initiative.

“Woven together to create a distinct tapestry, each neighborhood brings its own beauty, its own charm, and identity to the overarching community,” said Sherry Montgomery, Community Aesthetics Program Coordinator. “This registry is a fantastic opportunity for neighborhoods to connect and collaborate. We believe that by working together, we can enhance the beauty and spirit of our community.”

For more information and to fill out the registration form, please visit https://cityofwashougal.us/789/HOA-Neighborhood-Registry.

/0 Comments/by
, ,

Washougal SD Welcomes Jane Long as Newest School Board Member

Washougal School District’s newest school board member, Jane Long, was sworn into service at the September 10, 2024 board work session.  WSD Interim Superintendent Aaron Hansen administered the oath of office. 

Long was selected to represent Director District #2 through the end of 2025 when she may run for election to a four-year term if she chooses.

“I’m excited to be part of the board and to serve the community,” said Long. “Washougal has amazing teachers and excellent schools, and I want to use this position to continue to make sure our teachers and schools help every student succeed.”

Long has served as a class volunteer, ReadNW mentor, and been an active member of the boosters at the school her children attend. She has also served as a volunteer with local organizations serving youth. She brings professional experience working in human resources and budgeting.  

“We are excited to welcome Jane to the WSD Board of Directors,” said Hansen. “Her perspective as a current parent and volunteer with experience in our schools will be an incredible asset in serving the community as part of our school board.” 

/0 Comments/by

Washougal Seeks High School Students for City Council Representative Role

Washougal, WA — The City of Washougal is excited to announce an outstanding opportunity for Washougal High School juniors and seniors to make their voices heard and have a direct impact on their community. The city council is accepting applications for the position of Student Representative.

The Student Representative and one alternate will have the unique chance to attend City Council meetings, participate in discussions on important community matters, and bring forward the views and concerns of Washougal’s youth. High school students will gain firsthand experience in local government and civic engagement. The Student Representative will serve in an advisory capacity and will not have voting rights on matters before the City Council. They will serve a one-year term to begin in October 2024 with the possibility of an extended year for juniors.

“This is a fantastic way for students to gain valuable experience, develop leadership skills, and make a meaningful impact on their community,” said Washougal Mayor David Stuebe. “We encourage all interested juniors and seniors to apply and seize this chance to become part of Washougal’s future.”

Key Responsibilities

  • Attend and participate in City Council workshops and meetings twice a month.
  • Provide insights and feedback on issues affecting young people in Washougal.
  • Collaborate with other council members to develop and support initiatives that benefit the community.
  • Serve as a liaison between Washougal High School students and the City Council.
  • Observe how city government functions.
  • Alternates are expected to attend at least one workshop and meeting per month as an audience member and fill in for the student representative in their absence.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Must be a junior or senior within the boundary of the Washougal High School or Washougal city limits for the 2024-2025 academic year.
  • Demonstrate strong communication and leadership skills.
  • The alternate must be a junior or senior.
  • Meets general academic eligibility requirements as prescribed by the District.
  • Commit to attending regular City Council meetings and additional events as needed.

Application Process

Interested students are encouraged to submit applications to include:

  • A completed online application form available at https://cityofwashougal.us/StudentRep.
  • A one-page cover letter outlining interest in the Student Representative position and how they plan to contribute to the City Council. If the student is involved in community and extracurricular activities, they should explain their involvement in the cover letter.  
  • A resume of no more than two pages.

Important Dates

  • Application Deadline: Submit online by Thursday, September 18, 2024
  • Interviews: September 26, 2024; by appointment beginning at 3 pm. Interview questions are posted at http://cityofwashoual.us/StudentRep.
  • Oath of Office: October 14, 2024, at the 7 pm council meeting

For more information, please visit http://cityofwashoual.us/StudentRep.

/0 Comments/by
, ,

Bringing Rural Communities Up to Speed: Port of CW Partners With NocTel

Washougal, WA — In alignment with its slogan “It is our nature to thrive” the Port of Camas Washougal has partnered with its tenant NocTel to bring the best, fastest local Internet service to its tenants within the Port District. The Port is well known for being committed to helping tenants thrive through support and advocacy locally and beyond.

Port Executive Director, David Ripp said “Partnering with Cory Schruth of NocTel on this project is a clear choice for us, their goals and values in the community completely align with ours. They have proven they are a tenant that is committed to bringing a true quality service to Port tenants and local residents, which is the best and most reliable service to this area. This is why the Port exists, to continue to support companies like NocTel.”

NocTel has been around since 2011 and during Covid the demand for rural areas in SW Washington to have the opportunity for high speed Internet service became glaringly apparent, so they jumped at the chance to provide a solution. NocTel Fiber provides fast broadband to neighborhoods that do not currently have options for fast Internet access. As a local resident, Cory understood how frustrating using slow Internet can be. Parents, those working remotely, and students alike now had access to Internet service they didn’t know was an option for them at the time.

Abysmal, hopeless and slow were some of the words used to describe rural SW Washington Internet services, they reached out to many well-known entities, but no help came. Cory realized it was time to take charge and build a network. This is how NocTel Fiber was born. He determined fiber optic cable was the fastest and most reliable solution for rural areas. Now, NocTel Fiber has miles of cable in rural areas in SW Washington, with many future plans to expand their network.

Cory Schruth, Founder of NocTel Fiber said “We bring Fiber to the Forgotten. We don’t think anyone should not have the same opportunity as anyone who lives in a city, metropolitan area to have the same connection to the world. We are thrilled to work with the Port of Camas/Washougal to provide their tenants with exactly what they deserve, reliable, fast Internet service through fiber.”

/0 Comments/by
,

Washougal High School Earns 2024 Jostens Gold Tier School of Distinction Award

Earlier this month, Washougal High School (WHS) student leaders were recognized with the 2024 Jostens Gold Tier School of Distinction Award for their work to improve school climate and culture. Riley Vaughan, Jude Maddox, Gavin Johnson, Mackenzie Olkowski, and WHS teachers Kyla Ritchey and Tami Grant accepted the award at the Jostens Renaissance Global Conference in Orlando, Florida on July 18, 2024.

The Jostens Renaissance School of Distinction Award celebrates schools excelling in fostering a supportive and engaging school environment. Schools can apply for one of three levels of distinction: silver, gold, or platinum. Schools must meet specific criteria to qualify for the Gold Tier level, including implementing the Renaissance Program framework for building a positive school culture.

“Positive school culture brings better attendance, higher test scores, and overall makes school a place where you want to be rather than where you have to be,” said Maddox, 12th grade student leader at Washougal High School. “We’re a school that recognizes you for doing the things you should do and rewards you for going above and beyond. I think that encourages people to do what they’re supposed to do.”

For the first time this year, student leaders at the high school organized a Renaissance Rally to recognize students for academic and extracurricular achievements. Student leaders measured the success of their efforts to improve school culture by using data from the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) report card and interviewing students and staff. 

“We worked on planning the Renaissance Rally for a good two months,” said Vaughan, 12th grade WHS student. “We plan on doing that a lot more this next school year and I think kids are ready for it.” 

The leadership class also organizes the annual Stuff the Bus community fundraiser and a handful of other initiatives to promote a sense of belonging at school. “Stuff the Bus is when everyone comes together as a family to help out our community and brings us all closer,” said Olkowski, 11th grade student at Washougal High School.

Student leaders also have a voice in making decisions that impact school culture by participating in monthly Student Voice Council meetings with Washougal High School Principal Mark Castle. Student leaders also serve as representatives to the Washougal School Board to weigh in on districtwide decisions.

“Since 2020, our student leadership group has been implementing Renaissance program ideas to improve climate and culture at our school. This was our first year to apply for the award, and we’re all very excited that we’re being recognized as a Gold Tier school,” said Ritchey, Associated Student Body teacher at WHS.

In winter 2023, Washougal High School was also one of three schools to win the nationwide Jostens Culture Challenge for leading an initiative to express appreciation for Washougal school bus drivers. The group of students gave cups of hot chocolate, with motivational messages written on them, to bus drivers at the school.

Learn more about Washougal School District at www.washougal.k12.wa.us

Washougal
/0 Comments/by
,

Washougal School District Accepting Applications For Board Vacancy

Washougal, WA — The Washougal School District is accepting applications to fill a position on the Washougal School Board of Directors. The successful applicant serves Director District 2, succeeding Angela Hancock, who resigned June 12 from the board.

Applicants must be a registered voter and reside within District 2. This appointment will be in place through the November 2025 election. At that time, the appointed board member may file to run for the remainder of the unexpired term.

School Board members are responsible for policy and governance of the Washougal School District and for providing direction to the superintendent.

The application deadline is August 27, 2024. For more information about the position, residency requirements, and application process, please contact Kori Kelly, (360) 954-3014 or kori.kelly@washougalsd.org. Interested applicants can apply online via the district website. Those who are not able to use an online application can request one from Kori Kelly. 

Director District 2 includes most areas of the Washougal School District north of the Washougal River. 

/0 Comments/by
,

City of Washougal, Police Dept. Present National Night Out at Hathaway Park

Washougal, WA — The City of Washougal and the Washougal Police Department are excited to invite the community to National Night Out on Tuesday, August 6, 2024, at Hathaway Park. The event will begin at 6:00 PM and promises an evening filled with fun, family-friendly activities. National Night Out is a nationwide event designed to foster positive relationships between law enforcement and communities.

Chief of Police Wendi Steinbronn said, “This event is a testament to the commitment of the Washougal Police Department to engage with our community in a positive and impactful way. We look forward to connecting with residents, enjoying some great activities, and working together to ensure a safer, more connected Washougal.”

This year, the festivities at Hathaway Park will include a variety of exciting activities, including:

  • Ice Cream Floats: Enjoy delicious ice cream floats served with a free souvenir cup.
  • Dunk Tank: Test your aim and take the opportunity to dunk a cop for a good cause. Donations of $5 will go towards providing bike helmets for Washougal kids.
  • Family-Friendly Games: Participate in a range of engaging lawn games suitable for all ages.
  • Outdoor Movie: At 8:30 pm, settle in for a special 3-D screening of the beloved animated film “Monsters, Inc.” with free popcorn.

The event is free and open to all members of the Washougal community. It’s a wonderful opportunity to enjoy a fun-filled evening while building connections with neighbors and local law enforcement.

Rose Jewell, Community Engagement Manager, highlighted the significance of the event in the context of the city’s broader goals by saying “National Night Out is a prime example of our increased investment in community engagement, as outlined in our strategic plan.” 

“By hosting events like this, we’re bringing our community together,” she continued. “We’re excited to offer a fun and meaningful experience that aligns with our ongoing efforts to support and enhance community connections.”

National Night Out is presented by Washougal Police Department and City of Washougal. This year’s event sponsors are McCord’s Vancouver Toyota, Renewal by Anderson, Edward Jones, IQ Credit Union, Washougal Police Officers Association, WSCCCE 307-W, CRESA 911, and Starbucks.

For more information about National Night Out and other community events, please visit https://cityofwashoual.us/NationalNightOut. 

/0 Comments/by
,

Washougal Students Advance to Special Olympics Unified All-Star Soccer Game

Columbus, OH — Two Washougal High School students, Rilen Snethen and Boaz Brooks, represented the Seattle Sounders FC at the 2024 Special Olympics Unified Sports All-Star Game on Tuesday, July 23 at the Historic Crew Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. On July 24, the students will also be recognized on-field before the MLS All-Star Game presented by Target on July 24 at 8 pm Eastern Time.

The Sounders selected Rilen and Boaz from players around the state for this prestigious opportunity.

Overall, 52 Unified team members compete and represent 26 Major League Soccer (MLS) clubs at the event. The teams, composed of Special Olympics athletes and Unified partners, were outfitted in authentic uniforms provided by Adidas. MLS Greats served as celebrity coaches for the game.

At Washougal High School, Rilen and Boaz were invited to a school event to announce their selection. The two students, along with Unified Soccer Coach David Williams, were presented with jerseys from the Sounders at the event. Williams accompanied the pair to the event in Ohio this summer. 

The Unified Sports program in Washougal School District was founded in 2015. Unified Sports brings together students with and without disabilities to shape a more inclusive athletic environment for all student athletes. The program operates on core values of acceptance, community, and friendship. Washougal School District offers Unified soccer and basketball programs at Washougal High School. Learn more about Washougal School District at www.washougal.k12.wa.us.

/0 Comments/by
,

Camas, Washougal Issue Burn Ban Due to Regional Dry Conditions

Camas, WA — Due to dry conditions from lack of rainfall and the inherent fire danger with this condition, Camas-Washougal Fire Department’s Fire Chief Cliff Free and Fire Marshal Ron Schumacher have issued a recreational burn ban in the cities of Camas and Washougal.

All outdoor fires using wood fuel are prohibited. Barbecues or grills using charcoal or gas and gas fire pits are still allowed at this time.

This ban is effective immediately and will remain in effect until further notice.

Here are the definitions:
BAR-B-QUE: A cooking appliance that may be portable or permanent. Use conditions: Only clean and natural firewood, charcoal, pellets, wood chips, manufactured fire logs, LPG, and/or natural gas are permissible fuels.

BURN BARREL: A barrel or other container used to burn rubbish and other debris. ILLEGAL – NOT PERMITTED (Statewide Ban)

WEED BURNER: A gas fired torch used to burn weeds. ILLEGAL – NOT PERMITTED within the city limits of Camas and Washougal.

OPEN BURNING: The burning of vegetation from land clearing. ILLEGAL – NOT PERMITTED within the city limits of Camas and Washougal.

OUTDOOR FIREPLACE: An outdoor fireplace constructed of masonry or metal materials and
considered permanent in nature. Use conditions: Only clean natural firewood, charcoal, manufactured fire logs, LPG, and/or natural gas are permissible fuels. Fire shall be attended at all times.

PORTABLE FIRE DEVICES with OPEN FLAME: A non-combustible device such as a fire pit or fire bowl or chimney that contains the fire. Use conditions: Only clean natural firewood, charcoal, manufacture fire logs, LPG, and/or natural gas are permissible fuels. Fire Extinguisher with rating of 4-A or greater OR a charged hose with a nozzle attached is required to be readily available.

Below is a link that provides more details about what is banned and what isn’t.

Click to access outdoorfire2024.pdf

/0 Comments/by