The Excellence Award recipients for May (pictured from left) are:
• Calvin Winz, paraeducator, Anderson Elementary
• Juan Mendoza, teacher, Harney Elementary
• Rachel Honsinger, teacher, Ogden Elementary
• Jami Phelps, teacher mentor, human resources
• Tami Ammerman, mental health specialist, Fir Grove/Vista
The recipients were honored at the May 22 school board meeting.
"You see tomorrow in the children you teach," said Vice President Rosemary Fryer. "What you do every day is to help them see their tomorrow. We are very grateful for the work that you do, not only with children, but also with adults because you're nurturing those teachers that we want to keep. Thank you for lending your passion, your skills and your love for educating our children."
Design II Showcase
Evening preschool expands to nine schools
Thanks to funding from the Foundation for Vancouver Public Schools, the evening preschool program has expanded to nine elementary schools this year: Fruit Valley, Lincoln, King, Washington, Anderson, Roosevelt, Ogden, Truman and Marshall. The evening program features preschool learning and dinner for the 3- and 4-year olds, and ends with a family engagement activity with parents.
Kendra Yamamoto, teacher mentor and early learning teacher, shared with the board of directors more about the program at the May 22 board meeting.
"One lovely component about the program—there are many—but just one is that we say 'yes' to everyone who wants to participate," said Yamamoto.
The program serves students who may not have had any prior preschool experience. In addition, the program is open to all VPS families regardless of income.
"Time and time again, we hear the gratitude of families, teachers and students," said Yamamoto. "The parents are very appreciative for the support and the offering that we are giving their little ones, especially those who haven't had this opportunity before. We all in the end want our kids to succeed, and this is one step in making that happen."
Schematic drawing of the future Truman Elementary School
Bond projects update
Several projects now underway
Community activities, the public is welcome:
Truman Elementary, design plans for replacement school, open house, June 1, 6 p.m.
Marshall Elementary and McLoughlin Middle School, groundbreaking, June 15, 10 a.m.
Ogden Elementary School, groundbreaking, June 29, 10 a.m.
Summer 2018 projects:
Paving at Hudson's Bay and Skyview high schools, Gaiser Middle School
Playground resurfacing at all non-replacement elementary schools
Roofing repairs at Skyview and Fort Vancouver high schools
Flex Academy – remodel for a project-based learning lab
Projects coming up next:
Columbia River High School – remove 500 wing, incorporate new classroom space into existing building; restoration of stadium; improve parking area; remove portable classrooms
Franklin Elementary – classroom additions, remove portables, improve drop-off and pick-up area
Walnut Grove Elementary – replacement school
Sacajawea Elementary – replacement of commons, kitchen, gym and stage area
Fir Grove/Vista – initiate pre-design phase fall 2018
Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary – replacement school design underway
Skyview High School welcomed state Superintendent Chris Reykdal on May 18 for the official launch of new state educational technology K-12 learning standards. Reykdal toured the Science, Math and Technology magnet program and then visited with students who showcased their Advanced Placement art history coursework. Students also shared projects created in the school's makerspace, where learning is expanded through hands-on projects.
The new educational technology standards focus on the learner while providing a roadmap for educators to navigate decisions about curriculum, instruction and professional development.
“Transforming education for the digital age means thinking critically about how we learn and teach,” Reykdal said. “These educational technology standards empower our state’s innovative educators and administrators to reimagine their schools and classrooms for today’s digital landscape and inspire students to become digital citizens and computational thinkers.”
Said Superintendent Steve Webb, "We're excited about our progress in using digital technology to prepare future-ready graduates, and we're grateful for the opportunity to assist OSPI in rolling out the Washington state educational technology standards."
Have you read the latest issue of Inside VPS print magazine?
The Unified sports program brings students of all abilities together to compete in sports, be a member of the team, make friends, exercise and have fun.
Did you know?
VPS is mobile
Get our mobile app for calendar information, the latest news, Skyward Family Access and more!
Upcoming:
Dates to know
May 28 – Memorial Day, no student attendance
June 8 – Graduation, GATE program
June 11 – Graduation, Vancouver Flex Academy and Vancouver School of Arts and Academics
June 13 – Graduation, Fort Vancouver and Columbia River
June 14 – Graduation, Hudson's Bay and Skyview
June 15 – Graduation, Vancouver iTech Preparatory
June 15 – Two-hour early release
June 18 – Two-hour early release, last day of school
Our address is:
2901 Falk Rd., Vancouver, WA 98661
P.O. Box 8937, Vancouver, WA 98668
Superintendent: Dr. Steve Webb
Board of Directors: Rosemary Fryer, Michelle Giovannozzi, Dale Q. Rice, Wendy Smith, Mark Stoker
Vancouver School District is an Equal Opportunity District in education programs, activities, services, and employment. The district does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, including gender expression or identity, age, families with children, honorably discharged veteran or military status, the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal. The district provides equal access to the Boy Scouts of America and other designated youth groups. The district complies with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, 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. You may also contact any of the following people by writing to them at Vancouver School District, PO Box 8937, Vancouver, Washington 98668-8937 or by calling 360-313-1000: ADA–Kathy Everidge; Title VII, 504–Kym Tyelyn-Carlson; IDEA–Daniel Bettis; Affirmative Action–Kathy Everidge; Title IX Elementary–Debra Hale, Doug Hood; Title IX Secondary–Chris Olsen, Doug Hood; Athletic Equity–Albert Alcantar. This notification can be provided in the appropriate language for communities of national origin and minority persons with limited English language skills by contacting 360-313-1250.
