Baller Bears are calling all volunteers

Would you like to help some elementary students learn more about the world of work? If you have a little extra time on January 28, please consider volunteering for the annual Helen Baller Enrichment Day. Contact teacher Cindi Pederson for more information!

Sixth grader wins school Geo Bee

Satya Hariharan, a 6^th grade student at Skyridge Middle School, won the school-level competition of the National Geographic Bee on January 15, 2010, and a chance at a $25,000 college scholarship. The school-level Bee, at which students answered oral questions on geography, was the first round in the 22^nd annual National Geographic Bee.

The kickoff for this year’s Bee was the week of November 9, with thousands of schools around the United States and in the five U.S. territories participating. The school winners, including Satya, will now take a written test; up to 100 of the top scorers in each state will be eligible to compete in their state Bee April 9, 2010.

The National Geographic Society will provide an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C., for state champions and teacher-escorts to participate in the Bee national championship rounds on May 25 and 26, 2010. The first-place national winner will receive a $25,000 college scholarship, a lifetime membership in the Society, and a trip to the Galápagos Islands, courtesy of Lindblad Expeditions and National Geographic.

“Jeopardy!” host Alex Trebek will moderate the national finals on May 26. The program will air on television. Check local listings for dates and times.

Everyone can test their geography knowledge with the new and exciting GeoBee Challenge, an online geography quiz at www.nationalgeographic.com/geobee. The game poses 10 new questions a day.

The National Geographic Society is one of the world’s largest nonprofit scientific and educational organizations. Founded in 1888 to “increase and diffuse geographic knowledge,” the Society works to inspire people to care about the planet.

Parents needed for pilot webinar sessions

Parent U is a new program designed especially for parents who are looking for answers for their children in grades K-12. Perhaps you have a child who is struggling with reading. Maybe you have a teenager that hasn’t made the connection between their level of effort and their success in school. Or possibly, you have worries about the dangers that the Internet poses for your child. You need information and some ideas. We’re here to help.

The Parent U webinars are presented by experts in their fields, and will provide you with ideas and insights that will help your child succeed in school and will keep them safe. These one-hour webinars are conveniently scheduled in the evening and are delivered over the Internet. And, the webinars are recorded and stored online for two weeks so that you can view the session at a later time if you can’t participate in the live session.

Click here for more information.

Superintendent Mike Nerland's Winter Podcast

In this episode, the ASB President and Vice-President at Camas High School ask Superintendent Mike Nerland questions about the upcoming Maintenance & Operations Levy.

Click here to visit the Podcast page.

CHS earns top designation

Camas High School was recognized as one of “America’s Top High Schools” in the January 2010 issue of US News and World Report. In producing these rankings, the magazine evaluated more than 21,000 public high schools’ state test scores and the comparative success of students from underprivileged and minority backgrounds; it also factored in a school’s participation in, and performance on, Advanced Placement examinations. The high schools that met key criteria fell into three categories of distinction: Gold, silver, and bronze. CHS is just one of 21 high schools in the State of Washington (out of our state’s four hundred and fifty three high schools) to earn this honor.

Skyridge recognized by state with the Great School Award

Skyridge Middle School has been named as a “great school” for exceptional improvement in reading and math performance over the last five years. Skyridge was in the top five percent of schools ranked across the state showing improvement on the Washington Assessment of Student Learning tests.

“We are extremely proud of the Skyridge students and staff who have worked so hard to improve scores in these subject areas,” said Tanis Knight, assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction.

The award is sponsored by Phi Delta Kappa of Washington and the Center for Educational Effectiveness, but it uses the same methodology as the state-sponsored “Schools of Distinction” award program of 2007 and 2008. The state award is being expanded this year to include writing and science test scores.

Camas School District is working to save taxpayer dollars

Several cost-reducing practices and programs have been put into place to leverage resources and stretch taxpayer dollars. The Capital Projects team was recently awarded an energy efficiency grant from the state which would bring an additional $330,000 to upgrade the district’s HVAC systems. Many other energy-efficient programs have already been put into place that will save the district roughly $200,000 this year. The district’s Operations Department, led by Bryan McGeachy, has implemented a full-scale energy savings plan. A daily classroom checklist reminds staff to turn off the lights, shut down computers and equipment, close curtains and blinds. Staff are no longer allowed to bring in microwaves, portable refrigerators or heaters for their classrooms.

Community Education posts winter offerings

Community Education has the class designed for you! From Phlebotomy to 19th Century Art History, there is something for everyone. Click here to view the winter catalog.

Bid farewell to the old Doc Harris, hello to new

The old Doc Harris Stadium was torn down in mid December, making way for the construction of the new Doc Harris! Set to open in time for the 2010 football season, the new structure will seat 3,000 spectators on the home side and 1,000 in the visitor stands. The home seating will be completely covered, and thanks to a competitive bidding climate, the visitor section will be covered as well.

Forms for the foundation footings are currently being set. We can expect to see walls being erected in the coming months.

Click here to view elevation drawings.

Camas School District needs substitute bus drivers!

Substitute driver positions are a great way to help students, learn some new skills, learn about our schools and their programs, and earn some extra money! Hours and routes can vary. You pick your assignments!

Job Posting

Application

CHS Athletic Hall of Fame

Do you know a great Papermaker athlete? Now is your opportunity to nominate him or her for the Camas High School Athletic Hall of Fame. Nominations will be accepted until April 30, 2010.

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