Camas-Washougal logo tag

Schools

September 28, 2010

Benefit event will help local school, Women Build program

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.

September 28, 2010

School district receives grant to enhance history teaching

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.

September 21, 2010
Christina Mackey and Owen Sanford are both new to the counseling department at Washougal High School. Mackey works with seniors and sophomores, and Sanford works with freshmen and juniors.

They’re striving for students to succeed

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.

September 21, 2010

School enrollment figures stay above projections

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."

September 20, 2010
Varun Medhal (center with plaque), stands with his mom, Vidyavathi and other dignitaries from the United States Tennis Assocation. Varun was honored with a weekend trip to New York City for his essay on famous tennis player Arthur Ashe's greatest accomplishment.

Camas youth one of 10 winners of national essay contest

Varun Medhal spent a weekend enjoying what most tennis enthusiasts can only dream of doing: He had an all-expenses-paid trip to New York City to tour the National Tennis Center, sat in a Presidential Box during Arthur Ashe Kids' Day, and ate lunch at the hospitality suite at the United States Open. The Camas youth was awarded the trip after being named one of 10 winners of the USTA's National Junior Tennis and Learning essay contest. The theme of the 12th annual contest was to write about whether he believed Arthur Ashe's greatest accomplishment was winning the U.S. Open.

September 7, 2010

District nixes cell phone use at school

In an effort to curtail texting during class, Washougal School District administrators have put together a new, detailed cell phone policy for students. The new policy, which went into effect when school began last week, explicitly prohibits the use of cell phones and other electronic devices during the day, except during lunch and passing periods.

September 7, 2010

Local rotarians provide 150 backpacks to students

Some local kids will have a better first day of school thanks to the Camas-Washougal Rotary Club. The club raised $2,900 for its backpack program, which will provide backpacks with required school supplies to 150 students.