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Schools

January 7, 2014
From left, Lacamas Heights Principal Julie Mueller, alumna Sharon Carmichael and parent volunteer Karen Wood, with the help of a committee, are organizing a celebration to mark the school's 50th anniversary.

Happy birthday, Lacamas Heights

In 1964, The Civil Rights Act was signed into law, the "race to the moon" made headlines and a new home cost $13,050.In Camas, Lacamas Heights Elementary School opened its doors to 500 students for the 1963-64 school year. On Jan. 17, the school. located at 4600 N.E. Garfield St., will celebrate that milestone with a birthday party. Duane Freeman, a sixth-grade teacher that first year, will be attending the party, along with several alumni and current students and staff members. Principal Julie Mueller, a parent committee and school alumni have been working since last spring to create an event that all attendees will enjoy. "I think it is awesome," Mueller said. "I started teaching at Lacamas in 1995 and was there until Liberty Middle School opened.

December 31, 2013
Approximately 5,000 cookies, sweet breads, chocolate treats and other goodies awaited staff at Camas High School the Monday before winter break. It was courtesy of families who are part of a staff appreciation group started by parent Elizabeth Emmet in 2009.

They’re making a sweet connection

It seems as if most people run in about 10 different directions during the holidays. With gifts to buy, family in town and meals to prepare, other things often get put aside.But a group of 80 dedicated families spent a weekend baking a plethora of holiday treats for staff at Camas High School, which were served after school on Monday, Dec. 16. From cookies to banana bread to chocolate covered treats, the tables at the counseling center overflowed with goodness. Approximately 85 percent of staff members at the high school attended, according to Principal Steve Marshall's estimate. "The adults were very excited and very appreciative of the parents' thoughtfulness," he said. "I overheard teachers say things like, 'This is the best day of the year.' 'I have never seen anything like this!' and 'I am grading papers tonight so this might be my dinner.' This is an event centered around giving, which is why it fits so perfectly with the holidays."

December 26, 2013

Design process begins for Jemtegaard pedestrian trail

A path designed primarily for children to get to and from Jemtegaard Middle School safely is a step closer to reality. The Washougal City Council has approved a local agency agreement with the Washington State Department of Transportation, to proceed with the design process beyond its current conceptual phase.

December 26, 2013
Abby Mihaiuc plays the violin with the Junior Symphony of Vancouver. Mihaiuc, 15, of Washougal, started playing nine years ago when she was in kindergarten. "After having one violin lesson, I knew it was the instrument for me," she said.

Abby Mihaiuc is leading by example

The daughter of Romanian immigrants is demonstrating her talent as a violinist with the Junior Symphony of Vancouver. Abby Mihaiuc, 15, of Washougal, is in her third year with the JSV. She enjoys the variety of music that can be played on a violin.

December 26, 2013
Hathaway Elementary School student body officers accept a donation of 36 coats from the East Clark Professional Firefighters Local 2444 for fellow students in need.

Firefighters provide warmth to local kids

The last day of school before winter break is always a festive one, but it was especially so for some local kids. On Friday, Dec. 13, student body officers at Hathaway Elementary, in Washougal, accepted a donation of 36 coats for fellow students in need.

December 26, 2013

School notes

Registration is now open for Journey Theater Arts Group acting classes and the production of Disney's "Aladdin Jr." for kids ages 6 to 18.

December 17, 2013

School notes for Dec. 17, 2013

Excelsior names 'Phoenix on Fire' Matthew Quist is the December student of the month at Excelsior High, Washougal's alternative school. The "Phoenix on Fire," award goes to a student who is, "inspiring, responsible, respectful, has great attendance, an excellent work ethic and positive attitude."

December 17, 2013
Students in Camas and Washougal take a break to celebrate during Stuff the Bus food collection efforts. The combined efforts of Camas and Washougal students brought in a combined total of more than 57,000 pounds of food for several local charitable organizations.

Stuff the Bus helps local charities

Every first Friday in December since 2008, students in the Camas and Washougal school districts have worked feverishly to see which among them could amass the most food for local charities during the annual Stuff the Bus food drive. With the win came a trophy and a year's worth of bragging rights for their school. But this year, things were noticeably different in two regards. For the first time ever, Stuff the Bus was postponed due to inclement weather. Also, students from the high schools worked as a team instead of a competition. The only winners were the local charitable organizations, that received large quantities of food.