School notes for Oct. 13, 2016

WSU wins grant to increase ELL teachers Washington State University has won a five-year, $2.2 million grant to increase the number of certified kindergarten teachers with bilingual and English learners (EL) endorsements, and to provide professional development to improve instruction. One of the main goals is to build on the strengths and talents of experienced paraprofessionals, according to a press release. The project will provide full scholarships to a minimum of 52 paraprofessionals to complete their bachelor's degrees in education with EL endorsements. It is anticipated that at least 30 percent will be bilingual. Other goals of the project, funded by the U.S. Department of Education, will be to improve parental, family and community engagement, and build resources for local outreach and national replication. None of the 295 school districts in Washington had their ELs meet all reading or math standards during the 2013-14 school year, according to the state Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. Harvest Carnival set for Oct. 22 Cape Horn-Skye Elementary School will host a harvest carnival Saturday, Oct. 22, from 6 to 8 p.m. in the gym, 9731 Washougal River Road. There will be games, a haunted house, food for sale, candy, raffles, a costume contest and a $500 Black Friday Visa gift card raffle. For more information, call 954-3600. Preview Day offered Prospective students are invited to WSU Vancouver's Preview Day at 1 p.m. Saturday. Guests will learn about the school's academic programs, the application process, financial aid and scholarships, campus life and more. There will also be campus tours beginning at noon for freshmen, and 12:15 p.m. for transfer students. Tours will meet at the Firstenburg Family Fountain. An admissions seminar will provide a campus overview, and cover admissions requirements and how to apply. Representatives from student organizations will share information about recreational and co-curricular activities. Student ambassadors will give insight into campus life, academics and student support services. Members of WSU Vancouver's staff and faculty will be on hand to answer questions. RSVP to vancouver.wsu.edu/preview. WSU Vancouver is located at 14204 N.E. Salmon Creek Ave. CHS sets college and career fair Camas High School will host its annual college and career fair from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 19 in the gym, 26900 S.E. 15th St. Families will have a chance to talk with representatives from more than 50 colleges, technical schools, apprenticeship programs and military representatives in a college fair setting. The event will include large and small group sessions covering information on post high school planning resources and what students can do to prepare for the next step, and small group breakout sessions with college representatives. For more information, email Amira.Walcott@camas.wednet.edu. Pumpkin Harvest Festival coming to Washougal Local families are invited to wear their Halloween costumes and receive free pumpkins at the annual downtown Washougal Pumpkin Harvest Festival on Wednesday, Oct. 19, from 3 to 6 p.m. at Reflection Plaza, 1703 Main St. More than 100 pumpkins will be harvested from the city garden plot behind City Hall for the event. An additional 600 pumpkins have been purchased with a donation from Triple C Auto Brokers. Students from Gause Elementary planted the pumpkin seeds last spring during a field trip to City Hall. Washougal True Value donated the seeds. City council members, representatives from the Washougal Community Library and other volunteers also planted and cared for the pumpkins. The event will also feature free reflective candy bags from the Washougal Police Department, carnival games run by Washougal High School volunteers, apples, popcorn from the Camas-Washougal Fire Department, a selfie station and more. The event is presented by the City of Washougal and the Downtown Washougal Association. Volunteers are needed for the event. For more information, email DWAVolunteers@gmail.com. Volunteer program for teenagers creates community stewards The City of Vancouver and the Clark County Parks Department are hosting a series of volunteer opportunities for youth ages 14 to 19 every month during the school year. The #VancouverVolunTEEN program gives teenagers in Clark County opportunities to give back to their community, earn volunteer requirements for graduation and college enrollment, build their resume and meet new people. Teens help with a wide variety of projects that vary from washing windows to removing litter on Columbia River beaches. Volunteer events are held most Thursdays, September through May (except December and January), from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at different locations, including parks, community centers, the Water Resources Education Center. A list of upcoming events can be found at www.cityofvancouver.us/VolunTEEN. Volunteers should dress for the weather and wear long pants and closed-toe shoes. Youth younger than 18 must bring a completed minor consent form to their first event. The form is available on the #VancouverVolunTEEN web page.

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