REPORT TO THE

CommunityVancouver Public Schools

OCTOBER 2003 • VOLUME 14, ISSUE 1

Annual Report Issue What’s new for 2003-2004? It’s the first day of school. You are cordially invited to attend the dedications of these schools: The bells ring. Franklin Elementary School Time’s up! Tuesday, October 28 Washington Elementary School Getting three new schools ready by opening day was no easy feat. Three longtime Vancouver Tuesday, November 4 elementary schools—Franklin, Washington, and Hazel Dell—were completely rebuilt and ready for students as scheduled on Sept. 4. It took extra effort from district staff members Hazel Dell Elementary School and volunteers who worked around the clock—moving furniture, connecting computers, and Thursday, November 6 setting up classrooms. With playgrounds and landscaping unfinished, people volunteered their time to paint hopscotch, four-square and other games on the pavement for recess Times: 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. activities. The public is invited to the dedications of these new school buildings. Tour the facilities, let students show you their work, meet the staff members, and see what opportunities these After a decade of growth in Vancouver schools, student enrollment has leveled off. Offi- buildings hold for kids, parents, and community members. cial count for the opening of the year was 21,888 students. Enrollment growth was up in the north end of the district and down in some schools in the south end. Boundaries will Continued on page 2 REPORT TO THE COMMUNITY • REPORT TO THE COMMUNITY • VANCOUVER PUBLIC SCHOOLS

What’s new for 2003-2004, continued from page 1

change next year when the new Thomas six-acre site. Space has been so cramped amenities the old school didn’t have— Jefferson Middle School, and rebuilt that kindergarten students have been a separate gymnasium and commons, a Salmon Creek and Sarah J. Anderson bused elsewhere for the past dozen years. stage, and a parking lot. elementary schools open. Now, Washington’s kindergartners have come home. The 50,000-square-foot Cooperative learning areas off classrooms This year, the focus continues on literacy school has a capacity of approximately give staff more flexible use of space and Photo at right: at all grade levels and in all subjects. The 500 students. allow small group instruction or large First-graders line district is addressing four critical areas: group activities. Adjacent to the reading up for a tour on the literacy, school improvement first day in their new planning, personalized learn- Franklin Elementary ing, and results. Supporting School. high standards for each student continues to be the hallmark of On the cover: Vancouver Public Schools. Eager for the first day of school, students Three new schools and families crowd in welcome students front of Washington Elementary. Franklin Elementary School A small, friendly neighborhood school is how Franklin Elemen- tary has been known since 1955, and that doesn’t change with the new 37,300-square- foot building that has capacity for approximately 300 students. As parents, staff, community members, and architects met to envision a new Franklin at a design symposium, a com- munity-centered school was at the heart of their plans. A new volunteer center gives parents The new building has a gymnasium, so specialist’s room, a volunteer center gives and volunteers room to work and meet. students have an indoor space for PE, Lunch Buddies and other volunteers a basketball and other activities. The Eng- place to work with the children they tu- Franklin Elementary is adjacent to 10 lish Language Learner program, literacy tor. The new building can serve approxi- acres that the City of Vancouver pur- programs, and learning support now are mately 550 students. chased for a future park. Vancouver-Clark located together by the media center so Parks and Recreation and Vancouver services can be coordinated for students. Most of the old school, built in 1948, was School District will coordinate park plan- A community center and family resource demolished, but a newer portion with the ning. room give parents and volunteers places to commons remains to house the Boys and work with students and access computers. Girls Club of Southwest Washington. In the new building, a Head Start classroom Washington Elementary School serves preschoolers from the Hazel Dell Bold, primary colors announce that this Hazel Dell Elementary School area. ✦ school is child-centered. The new two-story, 58,000-square-foot Vancouver School District The new building is the Hazel Dell Elementary School boasts PO Box 8937, Vancouver, WA 98668-8937 third since 1911 on the 360-313-1000 • www.vansd.org

Vancouver Police Lt. Doug Luse (left) and Mayor Royce Pollard (right) demonstrate safe walking procedures with Washington Elementary student Courtney Ogden and her mother Nita Gartner. International Walk Our Children to School Day was Oct. 8. All of Washington Elementary’s 390 students live in the neighborhood, close enough to walk to school.

Board of Directors Mari Greves • Sam Gunn • Randi Holland Dr. Edward Rankin • Dale Q. Rice

Superintendent Dr. John W. Erickson

Public Information Office Kris Sork, Patricia Mattison, Mary Sisson

Photos by Ed Vidinghoff

Notice of Nondiscriminatory Policy The Vancouver School District is an Equal Opportunity District in education programs, activities, services, and employment. Vancouver School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, disability, national origin, marital status, or age or any other protected classification under state, federal, or local law. We comply with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 402 of the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Act of 1974, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, Older Worker Protection Act, and all other state, federal, and local equal opportunity laws. This District will endeavor to maintain an atmosphere free from discrimination and harassment. ADA Officer: Leland Goeke. Title IX: DaVerne Bell. Athletic Equity: Ellen Boggs.

2 OCTOBER 2003 OCTOBER 2003 3 REPORT TO THE COMMUNITY • VANCOUVER PUBLIC SCHOOLS REPORT TO THE COMMUNITY • VANCOUVER PUBLIC SCHOOLS Flags welcome students at Fort Vancouver High When Haddi Sowe came to orientation At Fort Vancouver, the colorful and varied Woodford got his first leadership train- at Fort Vancouver High School this fall, flags have become a symbol of a new ing at Truman Elementary School, where she was greeted with a flag from Gambia, culture developing at the school—a shift he learned to be a “self manager.” As he the country where she was born. For José from celebrating diversity to creating uni- leads students at Fort, he still is guided Valle there was a flag from Mexico. For ty. “The kids are thrilled with them,” said by the “Responsibility Song” he learned in Anzhela Robu, who had been in America Principal Nancy Faaren. “There seems to second grade. only a month, there was a flag from her be a real pulling together.” home country, Ukraine. “Next year I will go to a university, and I “Rather than focusing on the differences want to leave town knowing that my high “I wanted Forty flags now fly at the school to cel- and where we come from, it’s what we school is a better place than when I came ebrate the various birth countries of every can do when we come together,” said here,” said Woodford. students to student. Each year, as students enroll at Woodford. Fort who were born in a country not rep- When he graduates, the flag of the United enter the resented, a new flag will be added. Even Last summer Woodford and Emily War- States of America—the flag of Woodford’s school and when Sowe, the only student from Gam- ner, a junior at Fort, represented Wash- birthplace—will remain at the school to bia, graduates, her flag will remain and ington state at the 2003 National Associa- represent him and the other Fort students think, ‘A piece become part of an ongoing story about the tion of Student Councils Conference in born and raised in the U.S. The American of my home is school’s students and history. Lancaster, New York, under the guidance flag must, by law, hang just a little higher of Fort’s Associate Principal Cathy Sork, than the rest, but Woodford is quick to with me.’” The display of flags was the brainchild of an experienced facilitator of student lead- emphasize that every student at Fort is this year’s ASB President, Mark Wood- ership training. That’s when Woodford just as important as he. Mark Woodford, ASB President, ford, who wanted to bring Fort students decided to make a positive impact on the about the 40 flags representing the students of Fort Vancouver together and capitalize on their strengths. school. “We all come from different backgrounds, High School The idea materialized last summer at a but at the end of the day, we’re all Fort national leadership conference. “It (the conference) changed my life.” Vancouver Trappers,” he says. And, by He decided, “I have the power to make now, Americans. ✦ Woodford took it upon himself to re- changes for 1,600 people and I’m going search the school’s student population to do that.” and discover that the school’s students came from 40 different countries. By As Fort’s ASB president, Woodford’s getting the support of other ASB mem- enthusiasm is infectious. His 24 ASB bers, school administrators and custodi- members are boosting school spirit. ans, he was able to order flags and have Participation at school sporting events them mounted just hours before students is up, and more students are wearing returned for orientation. school colors. Spirit assemblies have been turned into studies on American “I did it thinking, ‘I’m going to make kids culture for English Language Learner feel welcome at Fort,’” he said. (ELL) students.

“The power of a flag is incomprehen- “I want the Vancouver community to sible,” he said. “Every culture has a flag. know that Fort’s a great school,” says In America we look at the flag every day Woodford. “It’s strict. Our (overall) when we say the Pledge of Allegiance. test scores may be lower than other Some kids can’t even show their own flag schools, but we are one of the most in their home countries. diverse schools in the state, maybe the nation.” Of the school’s 1,600 stu- “I wanted students to enter the school dents, 500 are from homes that speak a and think, ‘A piece of my home is with language other than English; 287 are in me.’” the ELL program. Woodford sees this as a strength, not a weakness. “Real life is filled with diversity,” he said.

25 school projects completed, six to go Just over a decade ago, Vancouver schools lieve overcrowding in the district’s other were in dismal shape. Many had been middle schools. Two more elementary built in the 1940s and ’50s, and some had schools—Salmon Creek and Sarah J. The good news/bad news been constructed quickly during the peak Anderson—are being rebuilt and also will about boundary changes growth years of World War II. open next fall. Construction and remodeling will ease overcrowding in Since 1990, voters in Vancouver School Eisenhower Elementary School will be Vancouver schools, but when most of the schools are District approved three bond measures. rebuilt on its site and open the follow- finished, students will need to move where there’s space. The timing, with interest rates at an all- ing year, in 2005. The school’s property The district has been holding off boundary changes until time low, combined with state matching adjoins property owned by the county, the 2004-2005 school year when the new middle school money, has allowed the district to upgrade so the district and county are working and two more expanded elementary schools open. or build new schools throughout the dis- together to transform the 20-acre site Changing schools is never easy for students or families. trict. So far, five new schools have been into a neighborhood park. From com- However, when compared with other school districts constructed to accommodate growth, 11 munity meetings, plans are developing for (including some in Oregon with class sizes of 60 or schools were remodeled, and nine schools a playground, soccer and baseball fields, more), Vancouver School District is fortunate to have were rebuilt as new structures. Other open space, and paths for walking, jogging additional space. buildings received new roofs, carpet or or biking. other necessary improvements. Technol- Beginning in January, parents will be invited to ogy, including computers and fiber optic A wing with three additional classrooms community forums to look at boundary options. Dates, networks, were added to all schools. will be added to both Felida and Sacaja- times, and places will be published at a later time. wea elementary schools to alleviate Watch for them in your school newsletters. What’s left in the plans? A new Thomas overcrowding. Jefferson Middle School is now under construction in the Felida area. When All projects should be completed within it opens in the fall of 2004, it will re- the next two to three years. ✦

2 OCTOBER 2003 OCTOBER 2003 3 REPORT TO THE COMMUNITY • VANCOUVER PUBLIC SCHOOLS REPORT TO THE COMMUNITY • VANCOUVER PUBLIC SCHOOLS Classes prepare freshmen for rigors of reading When students get to high school, reading All teachers of these three courses were “Both new courses for ninth-graders are takes on whole new challenges, not just trained in Reciprocal Reading, which pro- excellent. They are research-based,” said in language arts but in all of their courses. motes active involvement with reading. Tom Dudley, chief of secondary educa- Literacy is essential, though different, for Techniques of predicting, questioning, tion. “Also, with training in new reading all areas of study, including science, math, clarifying, and summarizing text are used strategies, all ninth-grade teachers are hav- social studies, and technology. throughout the courses to make students ing a positive influence on reading skills more literate in these subject areas. for ninth-graders throughout the core For the past year, teachers and curriculum curriculum.” Hudson’s Bay specialists in Vancouver School District To help some students even more, two freshmen Chelsea have taken a close look at literacy devel- new courses were added at the ninth- Dana Newsom, technology teacher at Sponsler, Heather opment in Vancouver from pre-kinder- grade level. Academic Literacy gives Skyview High School, gives the Stan- Nicewonger and garten to grade 12. This evaluation led to readers a toolkit of strategies to apply dardized Test for Assessment of Reading Austin Peachey dramatic changes at the ninth-grade level. when they don’t understand their reading. (STAR) reading test in her technology take a spelling test All freshmen now benefit from a literacy Freshmen learn how to handle the specific class to determine how students’ reading in Jason Moore’s focus in freshman block, a two-period demands of reading in science, social stud- compares with a nationally tested sample honors English course which integrates English and Tech- ies, math, or literature. of students. In the past she would hand class. nology, plus Integrated Science. the scores off to the English teacher and Linguistics, which be done with them. Now she works with was piloted the English teacher on the best reading successfully at strategies for students in each block, and several secondary shares STAR scores with science teachers, schools last year, so they know how to work most effec- is now offered tively with individual students. for ninth-graders. This course helps “It’s our intent to prepare students to struggling readers meet the state standards as tenth-grad- become proficient. ers,” Layne Curtis, curriculum director It can help stu- said. “If they can do that, it will be an dents who have indication of the many things they’re able learning styles that to do. It will mean they’re competent have made read- readers and writers and competent in the ing difficult, those areas of math and science as well.” who have moved from other areas Dudley, a former counselor and principal and missed cur- at Hudson’s Bay High School, wholeheart- riculum offered in edly supports the emphasis on literacy at Vancouver schools, the high school level. “I think it is very or those with positive and we’ll see some pretty dra- English as a second matic results,” he said. ✦ language.

Employees earn honors, take leadership roles • Lee Goeke, associate superintendent • Connie Vowels, field supervisor for tions were produced by Vancouver School for human resources and management, Nutrition Services, was installed in Pasco District’s Public Information Office with was appointed by Gov. Gary Locke to the Aug. 5 as president of the Washington writing by Kris Sork and Mary Sisson and House and Senate Select Committee on School Food Service Association. This graphic design by Pat Mattison. Pension Policy. The committee will study elected statewide position involves a four- pension issues and financial conditions of year commitment and includes public • Lilly Boulianne, producer of Vancou- state pension systems speaking with legislators and industry ver School District television programs, and originate legisla- leaders. Vowels oversees a board of 25 received a Videographer Award for a Will the distinguished tion affecting the members. program, “Sharing Your Heritage,” about retirement of state the cultural variety of students and staff alum please step forward? employees. • Jim Wilson, football and baseball coach in Vancouver schools. This international When Vancouver School District Superinten- at Fort Vancouver High School, was award recognizes talented individuals and dent John Erickson received the Distinguished • Cathy Sork, as- named to the Oregon State University companies in the video production field. Alumni Citation for Achievement in Education sociate principal at Hall of Fame. He played both football from Willamette University, he was upstaged a Fort Vancouver High and baseball while at OSU in 1980-82, • The 2003 winner of the Washington bit by another alumnus—his father. School, was selected and was honored for his abilities in both Water Environment Education Award as the 2002-03 sports. went to Ann Smith, fifth-grade teacher At a special ceremony Sept. 20, Dr. John Greater St. Helens at Eleanor Roosevelt Elementary School. Erickson was honored for his achievement. 4A League Assistant • Janine Blackwell, video production The Pacific Northwest Clean Water Asso- His father, George Erickson, previously had Principal of the Year teacher at Columbia River High School, ciation presented the award. Smith leads been inducted into the school’s Athletic Hall of by the Washing- was named adviser of the year for the her students in monthly water quality Fame and also had a distinguished career in ton Association of southwest region of Washington State testing, litter cleanup and data record- education. On this night, however, at the age Secondary School Skills USA-VICA. She was selected from ing of Burnt Bridge Creek. They present of 91, he was honored as the oldest alumnus Principals. 75 advisers in the region. their conclusions at the annual Watershed in attendance. Congress. She also earned a 2003 Sammy • Corrine Anderson- • Vancouver School District received Award from Clark County. Ketchmark, school three national awards from the National social worker at Fir Grove Children’s School Public Relations Association. The • George Bryant, facilities manager, re- Center, was elected to a second two-year district’s brochure, “Picture Yourself in ceived a Sammy certificate of merit from term as president of the School Social Vancouver Public Schools,” and this news- the Clark County Commissioners. Bryant Worker Association of America. School letter, Report to the Community, both won implemented an integrated pest manage- social workers help children with issues Awards of Excellence, the highest honor ment policy for the district to reduce pes- that can impede academic progress. given in the Publications and Electronic ticide use and improve the environment Media competition. The 2003 calendar for people and fish. ✦ won an Award of Merit. The publica-

4 OCTOBER 2003 OCTOBER 2003 5 REPORT TO THE COMMUNITY • VANCOUVER PUBLIC SCHOOLS REPORT TO THE COMMUNITY • VANCOUVER PUBLIC SCHOOLS Students excel in . . .

Academics • Kyle Bounds, junior at Columbia River National Merit Semifinalists named High School, won the 145-pound Greco- • Fifteen Columbia River High Vancouver School District had 11 Semifinalists and Roman championship at the USA Wres- School 2003 graduates were 19 Commended Scholars in the 2004 National Merit tling Cadet Championships in Fargo, N.D. notified this summer that they Scholarship Competition! had successfully completed the • Elizabeth Palmer, a 2003 graduate of requirements for the Interna- Semifinalists are Jennifer Bufford, Jeana Vancouver School of Arts and Academics, tional Baccalaureate Diploma. Devlaeminck, Samuel Early, Alan Hsieh, Eugene and her skating partner, Ryland Stucke, They completed a two-year pre- Kim, Christina Metea, Tristan Orford, Nathaniel placed second in novice pairs ice dancing paratory program and two-year Reed, Alistair Rockoff and Miriam Smith of at the North American Challenge Skate, rigorous course of studies, 150 Columbia River High School; and Erin Stuhlsatz of an international event. They are hopefuls hours of community service, and Hudson’s Bay High School. All go on in competition for the 2006 Olympics. a 4,000-word original research for National Merit scholarships. essay before taking and passing all of the course exams. Commended Scholars in the National Merit Leadership and program are Christina Belter, Dylan Carlson, Blake Awarded diplomas were Mary Herrington, David Kim, Andrea Kussman, Weston Service Brown, Katelin Delano, Cecelia LeMay, Nicholas McGuiness, Molly Roberts, Amy Fortner, Renae Hamilton, Chris VanderZanden, and Keith Wong of Columbia River • African American Youth Awards went Helgeson, Heather Hughes, High School; Patrick Carpenter and Toni Martello of to four students in Vancouver School Nikhil Jacob, Bharath Kuman- Fort Vancouver High School; Zack Lapidus, Cynthia District. Karisti Tihanyi of McLough- dan, Tri Van Le, Angela Lee, Fels and Amy Jeffries of Vancouver School of Arts lin Middle School received the Harriet Hanna Lee, Yuh-Chi Niou, and Academics; and Evan Cate, Erik Ellertson, Tubman Award; Felicia Turay, Hudson’s Tegan Pennell, Rachelle Robin- Andrew Nordmeier and Matt Wu of Skyview High Bay High School, the Alexander Pushkin son, and Ashley Van Allen. School. Award; Jordyn Jackson, Columbia River High School, the Jackie Robinson Award; IB certificates were awarded and Jason Hall, Fort Vancouver High to the following 2003 gradu- and Zachary Jacob of Lewis and Clark School, the Rosa Parks Award. ates who scored well on their IB course High School. requirements: Jonathan Fackler, Sheena • Clark County Commissioners gave Sam- Ingenthron, Amber Lyon, Elizabeth Pat- • Two Columbia River High School my Awards for the restoration of salmon terson, Justin Peavey and Rachel Stoker. students are state officers in Skills USA/ habitat to students in the Lewis and Clark VICA. Danielle Alexander is state trea- branch at Columbia River High School. • Henry Rolfs was elementary chess surer and Rachel Giffoni is state secretary. They received a Sammy for their work to champion in the Washington State restore riparian habitat along a section of Scholastic Chess Tournament last spring Cougar Creek near the school. Students as a fifth-grader at Chinook Elementary Arts and are Rob Anderson, Gabe Bailey, Gary School. Baltazar, Ryan Dekarske, Melissa Dick- Athletics erson, George Goodrich, Terry Hersh, Matt Jones, Celeste Snelling, Jake Swan, Career • Jason Lee Middle School’s band and Marc Vincent, and Will Weglage. Tim color guard took first place in the Junior Smith is the teacher. ✦ Development Rose Parade. Dave Kinch is the director.

• Two 2003 graduates of the Commu- • Shane Smith, freshman at Skyview nications Academy placed second in the High School, took his bagpipe to Scot- nation in TV production at the Skills land in August for the World Pipe Band USA-VICA National Leadership and Skills Championships, where his band, the Sir Conference in Kansas City, Mo., in June. James McDonald band, placed third in Student artists lauded in Olympia Adam Huson, graduate of Hudson’s Bay the juvenile category. Shane was the top Gina Siciliano of Vancouver School of Arts and Academ- High School, and Shannon Achenbach, player in his level in competition among ics earned a “Jury Choice” graduate of Sky- Washington, Oregon and British Columbia award at the 30th annual view High School, pipers. High School Art Show at the took the silver Office of Superintendent of medal. • Lucy Holmes, junior at Vancouver Public Instruction in Olym- School of Arts and Academics, had one of pia. Her piece, “Self Cristina Romento, her photographs accepted for use on Jones Portrait,” was who graduated Soda bottle labels. purchased from Skyview and for the • Julia Higgins, 2003 graduate of Sky- the Communica- state’s view High School, finished in the top 10 tions Academy, perma- and was a preliminary talent winner in placed 12th in nent collec- America’s Junior Miss Pageant in Mobile, prepared speech at the national event. tion. This piece Alabama, in June. Also representing Vancouver were Jake and work by Natika Ball, Michels, a 2003 graduate of Skyview who • Alki Middle School eighth-grader Jeni also a VSAA student, are competed in video production, and Kris Pulliam won in competition for her age featured in Educational Ser- Anderson, senior at Fort Vancouver High group at the annual International Model vice District’s 2003-2004 School who competed in job skills. and Talent Agency in New York City this calendar. summer. She has been in several local • Automotive Technology students at Other students whose art was in the state art show plays and television commercials. Clark County Skills Center made an included Natika Ball, C.J. Frederickson and Andy Lyons, impressive statewide showing in test- • Three films by Vancouver School of Arts VSAA; and Jacob Colebank and Olga Burchak, Fort ing certification as Automotive Service and Academics students were among the Vancouver High School. Excellence (ASE) technicians. This was 25 accepted for the 2003 Young People’s the third-highest number of students from Regional Award winners at the Educational Service Film & Video Festival in Portland in July. any school in the nation to pass all four in District 112 High School Art Show were Kari Asai, Max The films were made byRobert Thach, a four-test battery. The group included Wilson, Kenneth Minh Nguyen and Kristen Miles, VSAA; Taylor Nida, and C.J. Frederickson Cameron Callaghan, Craig Callaghan, and Loren Shaw and Mike Staub, Skyview High School. and Ken Minh Nguyen, all members of and Brice Wagner of Hudson’s Bay High Todd Dormaier of Fort Vancouver and Sarah Bader of VSAA’s class of 2003. School; Joshua Coombes and Jacob VSAA received honorable mentions. Wright of Fort Vancouver High School;

4 OCTOBER 2003 OCTOBER 2003 5 REPORT TO THE COMMUNITY • VANCOUVER PUBLIC SCHOOLS REPORT TO THE COMMUNITY • VANCOUVER PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Report for 2003-2004 Vancouver Public Schools

The mission Quick Facts of Vancouver School Report Cards available Enrollment: 21,888 (Oct. 1, 2003) Public Schools Report cards for each school in Vancouver School District are available on the district website: www.vansd.org. Go to “School Number of schools: is to assure that, Information,” drop down to “School Performance Reports,” and 21 elementary schools (K-5) within a nurturing then select the school name. Complete reports for all K-12 schools Six middle schools* (6-8) Six high schools* (9-12) and stimulating in Washington state are on the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) website: www.k12.wa.us. * includes Vancouver School of Arts and environment, each of Academics (grades 6-12) our diverse students Paper copies of Vancouver School District reports are available at Early Childhood Center (preschool) Fir Grove Children’s Center/Vista Program (1-12) and graduates the Jim Parsley Administrative Center, 2901 Falk Road. Each school also has a paper copy of their report at the school office. Annual Scheduled school days: 180 achieves literacy school report cards are required by the federal Elementary and Sec- Number of bus routes: 128 buses, 500 routes and appropriate ondary Education Act (ESEA). Number of pupils transported daily: 11,000 core competencies, Size of district: 58 square miles and becomes a Per-Pupil spending: $7,234 (includes transportation) responsible and Student characteristics Average student-teacher ratio: compassionate Kindergarten-Grade 3 24 to 1 Minority students as percentage of total enrollment 20.12% Grade 4-Grade 5 27 to 1 citizen. Students enrolled in English Language Learner program 8% Grade 6-Grade 8 28 to 1 Students with a home language other than English 3,319 (15%) Grade 9-Grade 12 29 to 1 Number of different languages spoken by students 64 Elementary students eligible for free- or reduced-price lunch 47.9% Student enrollment stability (percent in district for the entire year) 81% Some facts about our employees Students receiving special education services 2,730 Number of employees 2,770 Certificated staff 48.1% Gifted students enrolled in Challenge Program 515 Classified support staff 48.7% Students participating in summer programs 1,809 Administrative staff 3.2% Schools that offer extended day activities 100% Teachers’ average years of experience 12.95 High school students enrolled in magnet programs 1,599 Teachers with an advanced degree 869 Graduation rate 85.7% Beginning teachers’ salary $29,149 Dropout rate 2.1% Most experienced teachers’ salary $56,588

Literacy fund to benefit Salmon Creek Elementary Parents are paving the way to the new The engraved bricks will be laid in a curv- new building opens in 2004, and parents Salmon Creek, selling personalized bricks ing pattern to reflect Salmon Creek. Cost are researching the school’s history and for a walkway leading to the school’s main is $40 for present students and staff and looking for people who attended Salmon entry. Money raised from the sale will $50 for alumni. Families or businesses Creek. For information on the bricks or be allocated to the Travis Hays Literacy can pay $100 for an 8 x 8-inch brick, big the history, contact Connie Hays at Fund. The fund will help support a high- enough for a company logo. 573-6397. ✦ tech area where students and community members will be able to do research and But it’s not just about bricks. Salmon create and give presentations. Creek will be 150 years old when the

Seeing Seeing Double Double?? Teachers at Chinook Elementary School were seeing double by the end of last school year. Graduates of the school’s kindergarten class 2003 included five sets of twins! Left to right, they are Morgan and Jordan Foster, Cameron and Erin Hutchison, Isaiah and Gabriel Kerlegan, Mauricio and Daniel Alvarez, and Alexa and Paulina Barbosa.

6 OCTOBER 2003 OCTOBER 2003 7 REPORT TO THE COMMUNITY • VANCOUVER PUBLIC SCHOOLS REPORT TO THE COMMUNITY • VANCOUVER PUBLIC SCHOOLS

school hours 2003-2004 School Calendar Elementary schools Sarah J. Anderson, Chinook, Eisenhower, Felida, Franklin, Fruit Valley, Sept. 4, 2003 First day of school Harney, Hazel Dell, Hough, Martin Luther King, Lake Shore, Marshall, Oct. 2 Late start, 2 hours Peter S. Ogden, Salmon Creek, Eleanor Roosevelt, Sacajawea, Truman, Walnut Grove, and Washington Oct. 10 State inservice, no school attendance AM Kindergarten ...... 8:30 – 11:10 a.m. Oct. 23 Parent conferences, elementary and PM Kindergarten ...... 12:10 – 2:50 p.m. middle schools only, no student Grades 1 – 5 ...... 8:30 a.m. – 2:50 p.m. attendance Lincoln and Minnehaha Oct. 24 Parent conferences, all schools, no AM Kindergarten ...... 9:10 – 11:50 a.m. student attendance PM Kindergarten ...... 12:50 – 3:30 p.m. Grades 1 – 5 ...... 9:10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Nov. 11 Veterans Day Middle schools Nov. 26-28 Thanksgiving holiday Alki, Discovery, Gaiser, Jason Lee, and McLoughlin ...... Dec. 11 Late start, 2 hours ...... 9:10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. High schools Dec. 22–Jan. 2 Winter holiday Columbia River, Fort Vancouver, Hudson’s Bay, and Skyview Jan. 19, 2004 Martin Luther King Day ...... 7:30 a.m. – 2:05 p.m. Lewis and Clark High School Jan. 29 Late start, 2 hours Morning Program (Mon.–Fri.)...... 8:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. Feb. 2 Semester break, no student attendance Afternoon Program (Mon.–Fri.) ...... 1 – 4:40 p.m. Evening Program (Mon.–Fri.)...... 6 – 9 p.m. Feb. 13 and 16 Presidents’ Day holiday Vancouver School of Arts and Academics March 12 Parent conferences, high schools only, ...... 9:35 a.m. – 4:05 p.m. no student attendance Fir Grove Children’s Center March 18 Late start, 2 hours Grades 1 – 8 ...... 8:30 a.m. – 2:05 p.m. Vista Program ...... 7:45 a.m. – 1:15 p.m. April 5-9 Spring break Vancouver Early Childhood Center May 31 Memorial Day AM Preschool...... 8:20 – 10:50 a.m. PM Preschool...... 12:20 – 2:50 p.m. June 18 Last day of school*

* make-up day in case of school closure is June 21 SCHOOLS Elementary Schools Address Principal Phone 1 Sarah J. Anderson ...... 2215 NE 104th St., 98686 ...... Karen Leary...... 313-1500 2 Chinook ...... 1900 NW Bliss Rd., 98685...... Joe Lapidus ...... 313-1600 3 Eisenhower ...... 9201 NW 9th Ave., 98665...... Glenys Paveglio ...... 313-1700 Phone Numbers 4 Felida...... 2700 NW 119th St., 98685 ...... Scott Leary...... 313-1750 5 Franklin...... 5206 Franklin St., 98663...... Mary Ellen Brunaugh...... 313-1850 General information 6 Fruit Valley...... 3410 Fruit Valley Rd., 98660...... Debbie Elliott...... 313-1900 Central Office Receptionist — 313-1000 7 Harney ...... 3212 E Evergreen Blvd., 98661 ...... Donna Jeffries...... 313-2000 Public Information — 313-1230 8 Hazel Dell ...... 511 NE Anderson Rd., 98665...... Craig Homnick...... 313-2050 9 Hough...... 1900 Daniels St., 98660 ...... Sean McMillan...... 313-2100 Information Hotline — 313-1234 10 King...... 4801 Idaho St., 98661 ...... Steve Klinski...... 313-2200 Internet — www.vansd.org 11 Lake Shore ...... 9300 NW 21st Ave., 98665 ...... Steve Lindblom...... 313-2250 12 Lincoln...... 4200 Daniels St., 98660 ...... Mona Boyer ...... 313-2300 Specific departments 13 Marshall...... 6400 MacArthur Blvd., 98661 ...... Julie Kassner ...... 313-2400 Assessment, Research & Evaluation Services – 313-1180 14 Minnehaha ...... 2800 NE 54th St., 98663 ...... Dr. Jackie Merz-Beck ...... 313-2500 Boundary Exceptions (in district) – Call your home school 15 Peter S. Ogden ...... 8100 NE 28th St., 98662 ...... Curtis Smith ...... 313-2550 16 Eleanor Roosevelt...... 2921 Falk Rd., 98661...... Marianne Thompson ...... 313-2600 Boundary Exceptions (out of district) – 313-1330 17 Sacajawea...... 700 NE 112th St., 98685 ...... Edna Nash ...... 313-2750 Challenge Program – 313-4888 18 Salmon Creek...... 1601 NE 129th St., 98685 ...... Dr. Bill Nicolay...... 313-2800 Clark County Skills Center – 604-1050 19 Truman...... 4505 NE 42nd Ave., 98661 ...... Dr. Retta Hamilton...... 313-2900 20 Walnut Grove...... 6103 NE 72nd Ave., 98661 ...... Ellen Bucek...... 313-3000 Clothes Closet – 693-8514 21 Washington ...... 2908 S St., 98663 ...... Bertha Stuurmans ...... 313-3050 Elementary Education and Operations – 313-1010 Middle Schools English Language Learner Program – 313-1250 22 Alki ...... 1800 NW Bliss Rd., 98685 ...... Karla Schlosser...... 313-3200 Facility Planning – 313-1040 23 Discovery...... 800 E 40th St., 98663 ...... Susan Cone ...... 313-3300 Federal Programs – 313-1260 24 Gaiser ...... 3000 NE 99th St., 98665...... Betty Roberts ...... 313-3400 Fiscal Services – 313-1340 25 Jason Lee...... 8500 NW 9th Ave., 98665 ...... Janet Gillingham...... 313-3500 26 McLoughlin...... 5802 MacArthur Blvd., 98661...... Richard Reeves ...... 313-3600 Human Resources, Certificated – 313-1090 Human Resources, Classified – 313-1088 High Schools 27 Columbia River ...... 800 NW 99th St., 98665...... Mike Stromme ...... 313-3900 Learning Improvement – 313-1020 28 Fort Vancouver ...... 5700 E 18th St., 98661 ...... Nancy Faaren...... 313-4000 Jim Parsley Community Center – 313-4980 29 Hudson’s Bay...... 1206 E Reserve St., 98661 ...... Kathy Everidge...... 313-4400 Nutrition Services – 313-1190 30 Lewis and Clark ...... 2901 General Anderson Ave., 98661.Stephen Friebel...... 313-4350 31 Skyview ...... 1300 NW 139th St., 98685...... Ed Little ...... 313-4200 Partnerships – 313-4720 32 Vancouver School of Arts and Academics (grades 6 through 12) School Boundaries – 313-1011 or 313-1230 ...... 3101 Main St., 98663 ...... Chris Olsen...... 313-4600 School Rentals – 313-4710 Vancouver Early Childhood Center Secondary Education and Operations – 313-1011 33 ...... 301 S. Lieser Rd., 98664...... Laura Dilley ...... 313-4850 Special Education – 313-1250 Fir Grove Children’s Center Student Records – 313-4896 34 ...... 2920 Falk Rd., 98661...... Mike Palshis ...... 313-1800 Superintendent’s Office Other Facilities Superintendent – 313-1200 A Jim Parsley Center ...... 2901 Falk Rd., P.O. Box 8937, 98668-8937 ...... 313-1000 Associate Superintendent – 313-1201 Jim Parsley Community Center ..... (entrance is from Plomondon Rd.)...... 313-4980 Transportation – 313-4800 B Center for Ed. Leadership...... 2921 Falk Rd., 98661 ...... 313-2700 Vancouver School District Foundation – 313-4730 C Propstra Aquatic Center...... 605 N Devine Rd., 98661...... 313-3625 D Stadium (Kiggins Bowl)...... 40th & H Streets Visual & Performing Arts – 313-4621 E Transportation ...... 2501 Stapleton Rd., 98661 ...... 313-4800 F Warehouse ...... 2419 Stapleton Rd., 98661 ...... 313-4750

6 OCTOBER 2003 OCTOBER 2003 7 REPORT TO THE COMMUNITY • VANCOUVER PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Are new reading programs helping? Just ask the kids If you want to know how to read well, ask tary reading specialists were trained. It step to ensure that a student understands Kyody Kutz and Jacob Walthrip, third- was so successful, curriculum was pur- all the basic fundamentals of reading. By graders at Sacajawea Elementary School. chased for all second-grade classes for this lesson 38, students are reading at the 2.4 They didn’t start out as good readers, but year, and some teachers are expanding its grade level and have a solid foundation. now they are. Like lots of kids, they had use for third grade and beyond. missed some of the early fundamentals A new Read Well K program also was for successful reading. The Read Well pro- The Read Well program, which is based added for kindergarten students this year. gram and reading specialist Bobbi Terret on research of the National Reading Panel, The Read Well K lessons include whole are helping them get back on track. adds instruction in phonics, fluency and group activities with chants and rhyming. comprehension. Vancouver teachers also It’s a fun way to learn the sounds and get Kyody, who has moved to several different continue to use Silver Burdett Ginn read- a start on being a fantastic reader. schools, can sound out and read the words ing curriculum, which is literature based. in his reading workbook, comprehend When asked what kind of progress she what he reads, and discuss it. By now, he’s “We wanted the best of both worlds—ba- has seen in students at Sacajawea, Terret also an expert on the Read Well program sic phonics instruction and rich literature,” responds, “Astronomical!” and how it works. He can explain the stu- explained Curriculum Director Layne She adds, “It’s absolutely amazing when dent parts versus the teacher parts (which Curtis. “Phonics instruction, by itself, can a first-grader comes in and doesn’t know he now tends to read, too). be flat—‘Ann can fan the man’—but Read Well combines phonics with meaningful the sounds of the alphabet, and by the Both boys demonstrated how to sound text. If there’s something to talk about, end of the year they are reading at the out words with the “stretch and shrink” there’s a reason to read. We already had second-grade level.” She says that in tool, a modified Slinky. They can print rich literary resources in our schools. some cases, it turns students around who tough words legibly, too, using the Theo Now we have wonderful and balanced otherwise would be slated for failure. Bear Guide with the “hat line,” “belt line,” reading programs.” Jason and Kyody have improved their and “foot line.” The Read Well program, reading skills tremendously, and they have which stresses accuracy and fluency, not The basic Read Well program consists of advice for younger students. “You need to only teaches 38 lessons, which can be taken step-by- try your best to read. Try and students to read sound out the words,” said but helps them Kyody. “It’s real important write neatly and because if you aren’t a good communicate reader, you won’t learn that well, too. much about stuff. The Read Well “I just got my library pass Kyody Kutz and Jacob program is add- for the city library and I can Walthrip demonstrate ing a basic pho- check out books now,” he their reading skills. nics component added. He prefers books to Vancouver about bugs, birds, and snakes. School District’s reading curricu- “I like all of them . . . and lum. The pro- magazines and comic books, gram was intro- too,” added Jacob. “It’s fun.” duced last year in all first-grade “We’re a lot better readers classes, and all than last year . . . and all the first-grade teach- other years,” said Kyody. ers and elemen- “It’s cool.” ✦

American Red Cross CEO Festival of Trees supports students

will deliver Marshall Lecture Students from Vancouver schools will be singing, tapping, and fingering the ivory keys at the Festival of Trees Nov. 28-30 at the Inn at the Quay. Musical groups American Red Cross President and CEO Marsha “Marty” from Walnut Grove, Chinook, Eleanor Roosevelt, Sacajawea, and Truman elemen- Evans will deliver the 2003 Marshall Lecture Friday, tary schools are among the performers. Nov. 7, at the Hudson’s Bay High School gymnasium. By participating in this fund-raising event, students are raising money to help High school students from schools throughout Clark themselves. Sponsored by Vancouver Rotary, the Festival of Trees supports scholar- County are being invited to attend. In addition, Evans ships for Vancouver students, the Lunch Buddy program in eight Vancouver schools, will meet with students at Marshall Elementary School school picnics, and annual contributions for school supplies. and provide interview opportunities for high school jour- nalism and video students. For a schedule of events, see www.festivaloftrees.net.

Prior to joining the Red Cross, Evans was chief of staff of the U.S. Naval Academy, and executive director of the Girl Scouts of the USA. After 29 years of service in Vancouver Public Schools the U.S. Navy, she retired as a Rear Admiral, a position PO Box 8937 Non-Profit Organization attained by only two women. Vancouver, Washington 98668-8937 U.S. POSTAGE PAID Vancouver, WA The Marshall Lecture is part of part of Celebrate PERMIT NO. 233 Freedom, a program of the Vancouver National Historic Reserve Trust. Vancouver School District and the City of Vancouver host the annual lecture. Lecture tickets are available to the public. Call the Historic Reserve at 992-1800. The audience must be seated by 10:45 a.m. POSTAL CUSTOMER for the 11 a.m. to noon lecture.

8 OCTOBER 2003