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Schools

February 4, 2014
Contributed photo Natalie Burton had the opportunity recently to participate in a work session with world-renowned pianist Vladimir Feltsman.

Piano with a master

Camas resident Natalie Burton was one of four students who participated in Portland Piano International's "Up Close with the Masters," last month. The master was Vladimir Feltsman, one of the best known concert pianists in the world. Feltsman was in the area to play sold-out recitals for Portland Piano International. His style of music encompasses everything from Baroque to 21st-century composers. He has appeared with all the major American orchestras and at musical stages and festivals worldwide. "Up Close with the Masters" are work sessions to promote music education. They are offered to the public free by Portland Piano International and provide an opportunity to see and hear a "master" teach and the student learn."

February 4, 2014

School notes for Feb. 4, 2014

Camas School District sets Childfind screening There will be free screenings for all children ages 3 to 5 living in the boundaries of the Camas School District on Wednesday, Feb. 19. The screenings test children in hearing, vision, speech, concepts and motor development, and last approximately one hour. Results are confidential and shared with parents only. Call the Special Services Department at 833-5570 for an appointment.

January 28, 2014
Natalie Wilson instructs students in the Grass Valley Vocal Jazz group during a recent early morning practice. The program is one of just a few in the nation. Recently, Wilson received regional and national accolades for her work.

Something to sing about

Natalie Wilson is definitely not singing the blues. The Grass Valley Elementary School music teacher and vocal jazz instructor has received regional and national accolades for her work.

January 28, 2014

School notes

The Camas School District is hosting a "Big Learning for Little Learners" event from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 3 at Helen Baller Elementary, 1954 N.E. Garfield St., aimed at parents and their children ages 3 to 6.

January 27, 2014
Kelly Milner Halls is the author of more than two dozen books and more than 1,000 articles for newspapers and magazines - all geared toward children and youg adults.

Entertaining and inspiring students

When some of your book subjects include ghosts, Big Foot and aliens, fact checking and reliable sources are very important aspect of the research process. Author Kelly Milner Halls writes non-fiction, science based children's books, several of which deal with these topics. Recently, she spent a day at Dorothy Fox Elementary School in Camas. A highlight was the author's lunch, which included fourth- and fifth-grade students. Her book, "The Tales of the Cryptids," is currently one of the most popular choices in the school library. "I don't tell you for sure Big Foot is real, I don't tell you for sure aliens are real. I don't tell you for sure ghosts are real. I give you the evidence that I found through years of research, and I leave it for you guys to decide," she said. "You have to control the rest of your lives what you believe. You're smart. People forget how smarts kids are. You can take that information and you can make a decision for yourself, or you and your parents can sit down and you can say 'Hey, Mom and Dad, look at this book, what do you think'?"

January 21, 2014

School notes for Jan. 21, 2014

College planning events helps with financial aid, includes workshops Clark College and Washington State University Vancouver will again team up to host College Goal Washington.

January 17, 2014

Locals qualify for honor roll

Several local students have been named to the Warner Pacific College dean's list for the Fall 2013 academic term. To qualify, students must be enrolled full-time and achieve a 3.5 or greater grade point average.

January 15, 2014

Local student fundraising for Habitat for Humanity project

Gabrielle Roscher, a pre-med student, is raising funds for a March 2014 trip to Malawi, Africa, through Habitat for Humanity. The 21-year-old Washougal resident attends Clark College and is the vice president of student government. Her career goal is to specialize as an OB/GYN and work in Third World countries. "Participating in Habitat for Humanity's Global Village program has been a dream of mine for years, and I finally built up the courage to apply," she said. "This trip is a perfect fit for me because it's during my spring break and we will be working with their Orphans and Vulnerable Children Project."

January 14, 2014

A legacy of inspiration

William Leamer loved coaching basketball.And for many of the athletes he mentored at Canyon Creek Middle School, it was their first real introduction to the sport. "Coach Leamer did more than coach our athletes in basketball, he also coached them in life," said Sandi Christensen, principal. "He always modeled polite and respectful behavior, and he expected his athletes to act the same on and off the court. He was very supportive of academics and helped school staff send the message about the importance of learning and school." Leamer, a Washougal resident, passed away unexpectedly on Christmas Day, at the age of 46. "He was like Santa Claus," recalled his wife, Suzanne. "He loved to give people gifts and just got the biggest kick out of it. I think he chose Christmas Day because he knows I'm terrible with dates and it would be the day I remember because of what it meant to him." An account for the Leamer family has been set up at Riverview Community Bank under William Leamer. To donate, visit any branch.

January 7, 2014

School notes for Jan. 7, 2014

WSU Vancouver to host Scholarships 101 information night Washington State University Vancouver will hold a "Scholarships 101" information night for students interested in learning how scholarships can help them pay for college. The event will be held at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday in the Dengerink Administration Building, Room 110, and is free and open to the public.