School notes for Sept. 14, 2017

YWCA Clark County accepting applicants to help children in foster care Volunteer applications are currently being accepted at YWCA Clark County, which serves more than 12,000 people each year who are survivors of domestic violence, homelessness, sexual assault, child abuse and neglect, and oppression, according to a press release. The fall volunteer training cycle starts Sept. 14. The greatest need is for volunteers in the Court Appointed Special Advocates Program, as well as the sexual assault and domestic violence programs. Volunteers represent the best interests of abused and neglected children in the court system, provide advocacy and support to survivors of sexual assault, and support the safety and healing of families experiencing domestic violence. CASA has seen a large increase in children coming into foster care and needs volunteers, who are trained to conduct independent investigations, and report their findings to the court with recommendations for what is in the best interest of the child. Children in foster care who have a volunteer CASA assigned, frequently experience shorter time in care, while also experiencing better outcomes, states the YWCA. Quite often during this time, CASA volunteers serve as the only constant adult presence in their lives. Volunteer CASAs are currently advocating for approximately 350 children assigned to the program, with staff advocates covering an additional 300 children. The number of children coming into care continues to increase each year. To learn more about becoming a CASA volunteer, browse ywcaclarkcounty.org/casa. Application and pre-training interview are required. For more information, call 360-906-9131 or info@ywcaclarkcounty.org. CHS grad night sets date for Holly Days Bazaar The Camas High School Grad Night Committee's 2017 Holly Days Bazaar will be Saturday, Dec. 2 at Liberty Middle School in Camas. For more information, contact this year's committee chair, Ursula Hood, at 2017hollydays@gmail.com for registration or specific details. The Holly Days Facebook page will also be updated soon for the latest information. For information on Camas High School's Grad Night Committee, contact Julie Brown at camasgrad2018@gmail.com. CHS student receives perfect ACT score Monica Chang, daughter of Yayun Yang and Mingjei Chang, and a junior at Camas High School, earned a perfect ACT score of 36. On average, less than one-tenth of 1 percent of students who take the ACT earn a top score, according to the organization. In the U.S. high school graduating class of 2016, only 2,235 out of nearly 2.1 million graduates who took the ACT earned a composite score of 36. The ACT consists of tests in English, mathematics, reading and science, each scored on a scale of 1-36. A student's composite score is the average of the four test scores. In a letter to Chang recognizing her achievement, ACT Chief Executive Officer Marten Roorda stated, "Your achievement on the ACT is significant and rare. While test scores are just one of multiple criteria that most colleges consider when making admission decisions, your exceptional ACT composite score should prove helpful as you pursue your education and career goals." ACT test scores are accepted by all major U.S. colleges. Free preschool available ESD 112 has 180 preschool slots available. They're free to eligible families. ESD 112's Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) provides referrals to housing, employment and other resources for families. These services have helped families overcome homelessness and find stable employment, according to a press release from the ESD. "We have high quality preschool programs that not only support the child but also provide resources for the entire family," said Jodi Wall, ESD 112 Early Care and Education executive director. "ECEAP literally changes lives, and we want as many people to benefit from the program as possible." She notes that it can be difficult to reach parents and families who would benefit from the program, and that there are 180 grant-funded slots that will disappear if not filled by October. These include slots in Washougal. Call 360-952-3466 to find out about eligibility and enrollment. Apple Festival will be Oct. 8 The 27th annual Apple Festival, hosted by Riverside Christian School, will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 8 at Riverside Christian School, 463 N. Shepherd Road, in Washougal. The festival is famous for its homemade apple pies, apple dumplings, and low prices on apples sold by the pound. There are also games and activities. In addition to food and fun, over 30 local vendors will be offering an array of shopping and entertainment. The festival is the biggest fundraiser of the year for Riverside Christian School. This year's proceeds will go towards the new outdoor education area and summer camp. It will also go towards technology and programs that enrich student learning in the classrooms. Free parking is available down the street near the Sandy Swimming Hole. Additional free parking is available at the site of the old bowling alley and skate park on the corner of Shepherd Road and Third Ave. There is a free shuttle service to the school that runs every few minutes.

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