CHS Wellness Fair & PE Open House

You are invited to the 2011 Camas High School Wellness Fair and PE Open House this Monday in the commons.

The goals of this event are to:

• Educate and encourage our staff, students, and families to maintain active, healthy lifestyles and
• Give the CHS community the opportunity to tour our newly remodeled Fitness and Weight Rooms.

Date: Monday, May 23, 2011
Times: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Main Gym
Camas High School
26900 SE 15th St.
Camas, WA 98607

Wellness Fair Participants and Services:

• Apple Health (Washington State Insurance Program)
• Asthma & Allergy Center of SW Washington

Read more »

CEF Fun Run June 11

The Camas Educational Foundation is holding its second annual Fun Run on Saturday, June 11. This little corner of paradise is just one of many beautiful sites to see as you make your way around the Round Lake Trails.

Join the fun, experience Pacific Northwest natural landscapes, and get some exercise all in the name of supporting Camas kids!

Registration and details are available at the CEF website.

Camas DECA Students Impress at Nationals

Students in the DECA program at Camas High School outdid themselves at the 2011 International Career Development Conference.

Each student or student team competes against approximately 130 other students/teams in their category.  The top 20 then qualify to compete in the finals of their category.  The following students qualified for finals.

·         Chad Wiley- Business Services Marketing

·         Elijah Kent/Scott Feather-Sports and Entertainment Marketing

·         Sara Slayton/Evan Klein-Financial Literacy Promotion

From left: Keira Alkema, David Meyer, Sara Slayton,
Scott Feather, Elijah Kent, and Chad Wiley.

The 20 finalists in each category then solve another role play situation or present their project again.  At the final awards ceremony the top 10 are called up on stage.  Placing in the top 10 at the international conference were:

·         Sara Slayton/Evan Klein

·         Elijah Kent/Scott Feather

Although they were not in the finals, Keira Alkema and David Meyer were recognized because they placed in the top 6 in their competition area.

“The international conference continues to become more and more competitive as our neighbors to the north in Ontario, Canada are really becoming tough competitors,” commented DECA teacher David Johnson.  I believe this experience will stay with them forever.

History: Before 2011 International Career Development Conference (ICDC = International DECA competition), Camas DECA has had only 14 finalists, 4 of those who went on to become top 10 international winners. This year was the best Camas DECA has seen with 5 more finalists and 4 of those becoming top 10 international winners. So, now Camas has 19 finalists and 8 top 10 winners. 

CSD names new Deputy Superintendent

Jeff Snell

The Camas School District Board of Directors has approved the hiring of Jeff Snell as its new Deputy Superintendent of Technology and Education Services. He will join the district July 1 after wrapping up his current assignment as Principal of Fort Vancouver High School in the Vancouver School District. 

Snell replaces Tanis Knight, who retired last year. He was selected from a highly qualified pool of applicants and greatly impressed interview teams with his interpersonal skills, knowledge, professionalism and demonstrated commitment to student success. "We feel so fortunate to have such an incredibly competent, high quality individual to fill this role," said Superintendent Mike Nerland. "I am confident Jeff will be a great leader in helping us continually improve student achievement in Camas," he added. Nerland also praised Snell's expertise in the area of instructional technology and utilizing data to make decisions. "His knowledge in that area will provide huge benefits in meeting the educational needs of each individual student in the district," said Nerland. 

Snell is quite familiar with the caliber of education that has long been a common standard in Camas. Two of his three young children attend Prune Hill Elementary. "I'm excited about the opportunity to join a system that I'm already familiar with as a parent," said Snell. 
But one of the characteristics that most appeals to Snell is the small-district feel where everyone knows each other. "The district has a real collaborative feel to it. It's all about working together to do what's best for students," he said. 

When asked how he feels about following the 25-year legacy of Knight, he replied: "I can't fill Tanis' shoes, but I can bring many strengths to the job that will help the district make continuous improvements." Snell believes his role as principal of a large, diverse high school has prepared him well to work effectively with teachers, problem-solve tough challenges and make measurable academic strides. "I'm just thrilled to have the opportunity to help facilitate that effort," he added. 

Snell is also an Adjunct Professor in Concordia University's School of Education. He received his Bachelor of Science in Mathematics Education from Boston University and his Master's degree in Educational Leadership from Washington State University. Most recently, he was named the 2011 Southwest Washington Principal of the Year.