School notes for Oct. 20, 2016

Local foundation receives grant

The Washougal Schools Foundation, a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization to enhance public education in Washougal, has been awarded a $1,000 grant from the Staples Foundation to be applied by teachers towards creative programs and projects in the classroom.

Creative Classroom Grants of up to $1,000 are available to teachers, faculty, parents and students for projects that would not be typically funded by the school district. Recent examples include children’s theater, authors and artists as guest speakers and classroom organization projects.

Other funding opportunities include mini-grants of $250, available year-round to teachers, and college scholarships for WHS seniors of $1,000 per year for two years. Mini-grants and scholarships were recently increased to reflect the strong growth of the endowment.

“Because of smart decisions by the founders, the Washougal Schools Foundation endowment has been progressing towards a point where larger foundations will see us as a viable place to donate,” said Ernie Suggs, WSF president. “Gifts like this get us closer towards our goal of $1 million, and in turn increases our ability to help teachers enhance the classroom environment for their students.”

WSU Vancouver professor helps to bring ‘Dracula’ to life

There will be a live production of “Dracula” by the Willamette Radio Workshop at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 27 at Kiggins Theatre, 1011 Main St., Vancouver.

The performance is part of Washington State University Vancouver Creative Media and Digital Culture professor John Barber’s Re-Imagined Radio project.

Each production begins with a live re-creation of a drama with voice actors and Foley sound artists. Willamette Radio Workshop is providing the voices.

Directed by Sam A. Mowry, “Dracula” is based on the 1938 performance by Orson Welles and the Mercury Theatre on the Air. The original radio drama was adapted from Bram Stoker’s novel “Dracula,” first published in 1897.

The doors will open at 6 p.m. and costumes are encouraged. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for children ages 12 and younger. Concessions, beer and wine will be available for purchase.