District seeks health committee members

The Camas School District is seeking individuals to serve on the district’s “Student Health Advisory Council” (SHAC) beginning in September for the 2011-12 school year. Ideally volunteers would have a background/interest in one of the following areas: comprehensive school health education, physical education, health services, nutrition services, counseling, psychological or social work, health promotion for staff, and/or family/community experience. Committee members will also be a representative/liaison for a specific school building - elementary, middle or high school. Parents, teachers and community members are encouraged to apply.

This year SHAC members will primarily be assisting in implementing a $3,000 grant “Fuel Up to Play 60” from the Washington State and America’s Dairy Farmers.”Fuel Up to Play 60” is a nationwide movement focused on fighting childhood obesity by empowering kids to take control of their own health. Grant activities include: a once-a-week, before-school physical fitness program at Liberty Middle School; a cooking contest for middle school students; and creating posters with healthy messages and nutritional content of foods to be displayed in the Liberty School commons.

SHAC consists of about 20 school district stakeholders who advise school administrators and board members on a variety of health and fitness issues. Meetings are held on the third Wednesday of each month during the school year. SHAC members serve a three-year term.

Interested citizens are encouraged to send a letter of interest and resume to Kathy Tomei at 1612 NE Garfield Street, Camas, WA 98607.

Part VI, 2011 Staff Award Winners

Join us this summer as we spotlight our 2011 Staff Award winners each week. In our sixth post, we honor our team award recipients, the Camas Extended Day staff.

Left to right: Sue Rombeek, Linda Jacobs, Casey Greening, Barb Heckman, Carla Kanekoa, Eileen Kutch, Julie Werner, Nancy Pham, Glenda Starks, Jinx Handley, Cindi Morawski, and Theresa Larsen. Not Pictured:  Eileen Formento, Heidi Greening, Debbie McEnry, Jill McNealy, Jamie Nakamichi, and Connie Wilson. 

Before- and after-school care is made fun because of the team members at Camas Extended Day (CED) program who go above and beyond the call of duty. They don’t just sit back and monitor students; they are constantly up and moving, assisting, offering choices, redirecting students to new areas, and helping parents with the pick-up and drop-off process.

The joy is palpable when you enter one of the six rooms located at CED. There is a hum of chatter and enjoyment witnessed in every room. The staff has created so many opportunities; it is sometimes difficult for students to choose. Along with caring for the before/after school program kids, CED staff also does an outstanding job in creating activities and curriculum for the half-day kindergartener program (KCARE) kids.

Anyone can see the staff is consistently engaged and very busy at Camas Extended Day. There are over 240 students enrolled, ranging from kindergarten to sixth grade. Each staff member takes pride in working with the students and making sure that everyone has something to do. Most importantly, they want the students to have fun while attending. Camas Extended Day staff is truly a team of people who make a difference for many Camas School District students and parents. The program continues to grow because of the great CED team.

Part V, 2011 Staff Award Winners

Join us this summer as we spotlight our 2011 Staff Award winners each week. In our fifth post, we honor Ruth Woodruff.

For Grass Valley Elementary media specialist Ruth Woodruff, students always come first. She exemplifies this by discovering each child’s ability and needs. She assists students in finding just the right book for specific assignments based on personal interests; offers monthly poster incentives to reinforce reading activities; designs lessons to accommodate students with particular challenges or skills; and researches best practice pedagogy to reach all students.

Ruth demonstrates enthusiasm and a true love of learning. Her wonderfully attractive and inviting library displays drives home the message that she loves the places books can take you. If you ask her about her favorite books like Guyku or The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, you will be awed by her vivid portrayal and presentation. Students volunteer to be in the library just to spend time with Mrs. Woodruff and soak in this atmosphere.

As a colleague, Ruth is a true media specialist. She assists teachers immediately with specific media issues; constantly provides materials and resources at the drop of a hat—even chasing down items from other libraries if she doesn’t have it; and she is more than willing to assist teachers in mining resources for units in any subject. Teachers report that Ruth sends them emails with resources for reading, writing, and social studies that perfectly align with their learning matrices—without being asked. Ruth is a team player and a special lady.

Part IV, 2011 Staff Award Winners

Join us this summer as we spotlight our 2011 Staff Award winners each week. In our fourth post, we honor Lisa Wilderman.

Lisa Wilderman is a consummate professional who connects with students at all levels at Skyridge Middle School. She goes the extra mile to get to know her students as learners and differentiates her instruction to meet their needs. She also gets to know them as individuals and intentionally creates a classroom environment that is safe, positive, fun, and productive. Lisa is a strong advocate for students at risk and has created special programs, such as the “Highlanders” team to support students who need extra structure and organizational support. The Highlanders program was created in response to students’ various academic needs in math and reading. Within the first year, students showed growth in both reading and math. She continues to be an advocate for all students, helping them realize their potential.

In addition to being great with kids, Lisa is always willing to do what is best for Skyridge. She has willingly taught multiple subjects at different grade levels and serves on many committees, such as the Shared Leadership Team. When she sees a need, she responds swiftly with a plan.

Lisa exemplifies excellence in collegiality and professionalism in both word and deed. Team playing is her mantra in her daily practice.