CHS Graduation Photos

Three Papermakers win credit union scholarships

Lacamas Community Credit Union (LCCU) has announced the recipients of three $1,500 Joseph J. Boyle Memorial Scholarships.

LCCU’s President/CEO Kathleen Romane presented the scholarship awards during a ceremony at the credit union’s Terrace Branch in Camas on June 1st. The three recipients are:

• Joanna Guo is a graduate of Camas High School, and is the daughter of Wen Zhang of Camas. She is enrolled at the University of Southern California.
• Stephanie Guo is a graduate of Camas High School, and plans to attend the University of Southern California. She is the daughter of Wen Zhang of Camas.
• Martin Horn is a graduate of Camas High School. He is the son of Dean and Gail Horn of Camas. He will attend Seattle Pacific University.

Left to right, Martin Horn, LCCU President/CEO Kathleen Romane, Stephanie Guo, Joanna Guo.

“These three students exemplify the best qualities of today’s young adults. In addition to their academic achievement, they are also actively engaged in volunteer work and they truly reflect the credit union practice of giving back to the community. LCCU is pleased to help them in their pursuit of higher education,” said Romane.

Lacamas Community Credit Union was the first credit union established in Southwest Washington, chartered in 1936. The credit union serves anyone who lives or works in Southwest Washington. A full-service financial institution, LCCU serves its members through six convenient branch locations in Clark and Skamania Counties as well as online banking. For more information about Lacamas Community Credit Union, visit our web site at www.lacamas.org, or call (360) 834-3611 or (888) 834-3611.

Camas Student Wins National Scholarship

Lisa Nicholson, a Camas High School senior, has been named a recipient of a NASSP/Herff Jones Principal's Leadership Award Scholarship (PLA), co-sponsored by the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) and Herff Jones, Inc. One hundred national state PLA winners were chosen from among more than 3,000 applications. Each winner will receive a $1,000 college scholarship.

To quote Principal Steve Marshall "There are many students who succeed academically, but shy away from taking the time, or risk, to get involved and challenge themselves in areas outside of scholastics.  Lisa takes on all challenges and stretches herself as a student, citizen, and leader."

Participating high school principals from across the country could nominate one senior high student to compete in this year's program. Winners were selected on the basis of their leadership skills; participation in service organizations and clubs; achievements in the arts and sciences; employment experience; and academic record. They also were required to write an essay.

While at Camas High School, Lisa has held leadership positions in several clubs, been a state participant in tennis, performed weekly community service hours, and served as one of only 11 International Trustees for Key Club International, while maintaining a 4.0 GPA.

"The qualities recognized by the PLA scholarship and demonstrated by Lisa Nicholson have never been more important than now. Academic excellence represents an aspiration for all students, leadership exemplifies an essential skill to possess in the 21st century, and service to others symbolizes the spirit of America. Students like Lisa stand out to bravely face the  challenges of today and lead us to a better tomorrow," said Gerald Tirozzi, executive director, NASSP. "We warmly thank our partner, Herff Jones, without which this program would not be possible."

Change in Immunization Exemption Law

The 2011 Washington State Legislature passed a law that changes the process for obtaining an immunization exemption. Beginning July 22, 2011, the new law says that if a parent/guardian wants to exempt their child from school or child care immunization requirements, they must first talk with a licensed health care provider about the benefits and risks of vaccinations. The provider will sign the Certificate of Exemption form for parents to submit to the school in order to exempt their child. Instead of signing the form, providers may choose to write and sign a letter verifying the same information.

Parents or guardians who demonstrate membership in a church or religious body that does not believe in medical treatment do not have to have a health care provider sign the exemption form.

See Washington State Department of Health “Vaccines Requires for School/Child Care and 2011 Immunization Exemption Law” for additional information.

Last Day of School Bus Schedule

The last day of school this year is Wednesday, June 22. It is a very short day--the following outlines the bus departure schedule:

9:15 a.m.     Hayes Freedom
9:30 a.m.     Camas High
9:50 a.m.     Liberty and Skyridge
11:00 a.m.   Elementary Schools

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.

Science Olympiad Team Set for Nationals

Our Science Olympiad team won state and will now move on to the National tournament in Wisconsin on May 18-22. The team hopes to raise funds to contribute to the cost of the trip. The CHS Cheer Team is holding a fundraiser at Big Al’s on Sunday, May 15, to build an endowment fund for Camas students to attend extra-curricular activities like Science Olympiad Nationals. CEF has provided an online donation page at their website.

Please help our Magnet students by taking a quick survey on energy!

Students from the CHS Magnet Program are working on a project for an upcoming symposium, and they need input from the community. They have created a survey to assess general public opinion on transparent solar panels and organic LEDs. If you are 18 or older, please take the survey. Thank you for supporting the Camas Magnet Program!

District Seeks Health Committee Members

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

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 841 NE 22^nd Avenue, Camas, WA 98607 or kathy.tomei@camas.wednet.edu by June 1, 2011. 

Interest Form Now Available for Advanced Middle School Classes

The Camas School District offers a Pre-Advanced Placement (Pre-AP) program for Language Arts and Social Studies (LA/SS) and Advanced Math at the middle-school level. Both programs reflect high academic expectations and are available for sixth, seventh, and eighth grade students. Click the link below to read more and complete the interest form.

Pre-AP and Advanced Math Interest Form

Parent Education Night

What will be covered? Our parent education night will focus on:

1. Current drug and alcohol trends and issues affecting Camas kids 
2. Results from the Fall 2010 Healthy Youth Survey 
3. District drug & alcohol curriculum and tobacco prevention program 
4. Resources available to Camas parents 

… and featuring the following presenters:

• Glenn Hartman and Linda Hutchins, CSD Drug and Alcohol Intervention Specialists 
• Sherrie Geiger, Skyridge MS Health Teacher 
• Rachel Williams, CHS Health Teacher 
• Detective from the Clark County Drug Task Force 
• Students involved in the CHS Prevention Club 
• Drug and Alcohol Treatment Professionals 

Who should attend? Any CSD Parent or member of community member who is interested in protecting the health of Camas youth should attend.

When is it? Wednesday, April 20, from 6:30 – 8:00 PM

Where will it take place? CHS Library

We hope you are able to attend this year’s Parent Education Night. This will be an informative evening that both students and parents will find relevant and useful. 

Senior Project: Style-Your-Sole

Help out a Camas High School senior project and give a pair of shoes to someone in need! CHS student Amanda Rutter’s senior project is to learn and help companies that give back to their communities. Her focus is TOMS shoes. If you aren’t familiar with TOMS, their company purpose is to provide shoes to men, women, and children who have to go without. For every pair of shoes that is purchased a pair is given to people around the world.

Amanda is hosting an event called Style-Your-Sole on May 7 at Crown Park from 1-4 p.m. People from around the community (like you!) can pre-order TOMS from Amanda by contacting her by April 20. At the event, the shoe orders will be available for pick up and there will be fabric paint, stencils, markers, etc. for everyone who would like to decorate their new TOMS!

There will also be a viewing of the award-winning documentary, For Tomorrow: The TOMS Shoes Story, so their story is shared and that everyone gets to learn about their great cause! Order any kind you like but in order to decorate your TOMS it is suggested that you buy their basic canvas shoe but the color is up to you!

If you would like to place your order for TOMS, the deadline to do so is fast approaching! All orders must be in by Wednesday, April 20. In order to place an order, Amanda will need the quantity of shoes you’re going to purchase, shoe size(s), shoe style name(s), and a cash or check for the amount of the shoe(s) order plus $5 for each pair for shipping (ALL PRICES AND STYLES ARE ON THE TOMS’ WEBSITE!). If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact Amanda at anytime at amandamekenzi@gmail.com!