Curtis Crosby has two great loves: Cooking and fajitas. So, it was no surprise that the 12-year-old Washougal resident decided to combine his two favorites into a winning combination: A fajita burger, which took first place at the Washington Square Mall Red Robin Kids Burger Cook-Off contest.
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After struggling in math for several years, teacher and former journalist Jonathan Burton knows what it's like to feel confused by the subject. That's why when he heard Dr. Frank Wang speak at a conference earlier this summer, he really connected with the topic. "Doctor Wang was deemed unteachable when he was in grade school and was a very marginal student," Burton said. "I struggled as a kid so I could really relate to him."
school notes
Interested in a trip to Waikiki, exclusive holiday shopping in downtown Camas or a 3D television with Blue Ray? If so, then mark Saturday, Oct. 23 on the calendar, because that is the date of the Camas Educational Foundation's 12th annual auction. The event, which benefits the foundation's grant program for local schools, is undergoing a number of changes this year. It will be held locally at Camas Meadows Golf Club, instead of downtown Vancouver. Another plus is that childcare will be offered at the nearby Grass Valley Elementary School by students in the Camas High School Key Club and child development program.
When Donna Gregg began her new job as director of business services for the Camas School District, she knew it would be a challenge. That's because she was hired to replace Ina Evers-Martin, who had the job for some 26 years. "It's been a challenge walking in Ina's boot steps," she said. "The saying is that those are some big shoes to fill, but she has got boots."
Pacific Crest Academy in Camas will be the main beneficiary of Quintessential Production's Second Annual Benefit Tea at the Heathman Lodge later this month. The event will take place from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 16. Last year, the event raised $7,329 for Pacific Crest Academy, which is a private, Catholic school, and $1,465 for Evergreen Habitat for Humanity's Women Build program. "Our hope for you is that at this event, if you come in tired, you will leave rested.
Washougal School District is one of just two districts in the state to receive a Teaching American History Grant from the Department of Education. The $996,999 grant will enhance teachers' understanding of American history through intensive professional development, including study trips to historic sites and the opportunity to be mentored by professional historians and other experts, according to a press release from the school district. The grant's focus is on civil rights. It is guaranteed for three years and may be extended to five, pending funding.
Christina Mackey and Owen Sanford can sum up their first two months on the job in just a few words: A steep learning curve. That's because both are brand new to Washougal High School's counseling department. Mackey, 33, works with seniors and sophomores, and Sanford, 31, with freshman and juniors. They both recently received their masters' degrees in counselor education, Mackey from Portland State University and Sanford from Heritage University. Both attended northwest schools for undergraduate work. Mackey graduated from Eastern Oregon University in 2001, and Sanford graduated from Central Washington University in 2003.
Student enrollment is higher than expected in both the Camas and Washougal school districts. Washougal began the school year with 2,799 students, which was 14 more than expected, while Camas counted 5,628, or 85 more than projected. "Camas schools have a reputation for academic achievement at all grade levels, so the increase in numbers is not surprising," Finance Director Donna Gregg said. "Between the talented staff, supportive community and wonderful facilities, I believe people know Camas is a place where their children will receive an excellent education."
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