School notes for Dec. 29, 2016

Students educate peers on danger of vaping Students at Canyon Creek and Jemtegaard Middle schools in Washougal have stepped up recently to help educate their peers about the dangers of vaping, by scripting and creating their very own public service announcements. The completed short videos were shown during morning announcements at each school. Wendy Butler, student assistance counselor and Bobby Walker, tobacco prevention coordinator from Educational Service District 112, led the project. While planning the script with students, the idea of having a single person suggesting they are going to try vaping and inviting others to participate was born. One student considers it but asks if it is safe. The remaining students then share their knowledge around the dangers. "It is so important to get rid of the myths around vaping," Butler said. "I hear kids say all the time that smoking is bad for you, but vaping is OK. That is just not correct." In the end, the students portrayed in the video agree not to try vaping and move on to a better activity to do together. Keeping conversations positive is a big part of Butler's focus. "We ask students to think about what their natural high is and what do they enjoy doing that they would not want to give up for smoking?" Gingerbread Adventures runs through Jan. 2 This winter break Gingerbread Adventures at OMSI will include sculptures, science demonstrations, and build-it-yourself workshops, The exhibit highlights the innovation, engineering and food science aspects of assembling elaborate gingerbread sculptures. Programmatic elements intertwine biology, technology, engineering, architecture, physics and food science. "Our guests have been mesmerized with the artistry on display, and at OMSI we appreciate how marrying food science with a beloved holiday tradition carries out our mission in such a festive way," said Andrea Edgecombe, OMSI events director. "It has been so exciting to see our vision come to life through the creativity of the baking and architectural communities, and to watch our guests participate in the fun activities." Activities include gingerbread building workshops, cookie lab experiments and the opportunity to vote for the "People's Choice Award." The exhibit is on view through Jan. 2, 2017. OMSI opens daily at 9:30 a.m., and extended winter hours will vary. Visit www.omsi.edu for details. Gingerbread Adventures is included with museum admission, which is $14 for adults, $10.75 for seniors and $9.75 for youth ages 3 to 13. OMSI is located at 1945 S.E. Water Ave., Portland. Library celebrates 'Star Trek' There will be a 50th anniversary celebration of "Star Trek" at the Camas Public Library, 625 N.E. Fourth Ave. It will take place from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 14. For more information, call the library at 834-4692. Blue Note Cafe performances set for Jan. 27 The Blue Note Cafe will be held Friday, Jan. 27, at the Washburn Performing Arts Center, 1201 39th St., in Washougal. The event will include live acoustic folk, blues, jazz, and rock music performed by Washougal High School students, school district staff and members of the community. Interested performers can audition a week before each show. For more information, contact WHS choir teacher Jen Mahorney at jen.mahorney@washougalsd.org, or BNC Club President Jessie Larson at jessie.larson@washougalsd.org.

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