May/June/July ER - Selah School District

Selah School District’s 

**ECRWSS 

Selah Resident 

Education Report 

NON-PROFIT ORG. 

U.S. POSTAGE PAID 

Selah, WA 

Permit No. 3 

An education update for the Selah community 

105 West Bartlett, Selah, WA 98942 509-697-0706 

May, June, July 2006 

“I Hope You Had 

the Time Of Your Life!” 

Selah High School graduates 214 students 

Above: A group of graduating Selah High School girls celebrate their last day as Vikings--graduation day. Selah High 

School Seniors participated in graduation exercises on Saturday, June 10. 

The Class of 2006 Participates in Graduation Festivities June 10 

As he stood before his classmates during 

his commencement address, Edwin Rodriquez- 

Jenkins, Selah High School’s class chosen graduation 

speaker, stressed one main point to his fellow 

graduates, “I hope you had the time of your life!” 

Sprinkled amidst the traditional comments recounting 

class achievements and special memories, 

Jenkins’ words encouraged classmates to have fond 

memories of their school years together. However, 

Jenkins also stressed the importance that as comforting 

as it is to reminisce, it was time to look 

ahead. 

“...High school has been about friends and 

memories that we have shared together. We have 

shared good and bad. Now is not the time to look 

back, but a time to look forward.” 

For the Class of 2006, graduation exercises were 

not only an opportunity for the senior students to 

acknowledge the special moments in their school 

journey, but to also embrace the road which leads 

to more special times in their lives. 

Selah High School boys together before 

graduation exercises. 

Clad in the traditional blue graduation robes, 

Selah High School’s 214 seniors acknowledged that 

the past 12 years have indeed been a special time 

in their lives, but also look toward the future and 

the moments which lie ahead. 

“The time means everything,” said Rob Bosler. 

“It is 12 years of friendship and school, yet it is the 

beginning of new time of our lives.” 

Colby Davis, echoed his classmate’s outlook. 

“This has been great,” said Davis. “But, now is 

a new start in life. The next step in our future.” 

Selah School District Superintendent, Dr. Larry 

Parsons, opened the commencement ceremony by 

congratulating graduates on their accomplishment. 

“Congratulations to you soon-to-be ex-seniors 

for your accomplishments and for your perseverance,” 

said Parsons. 

Parsons then asked students to envision their 

20-year high school reunion. He stated that the interesting 

part of the reunion would be discovering 

the emergence of fellow classmates as adults, as 

moms and dads, as people. Parsons then went on 

to say that what matters from graduation day for- 

Please See Seniors/Page 7

lease read about what is 

P happening in the Selah 

School District. Information 

on school district news and 

classroom activities can be 

found on pages 3-12. 

lease take a look at 

PSelah’s 2006-2007 student 

calendar and its important 

dates. 

Please see page 3. 

lease take review health 

Prelated news as provided 

by the Selah School District 

nurse. 

Please see page 5. 

August 16 

Selah High School 

Football Practice Begins 

Grades 9-12 

August 21 

Remainder of Fall Sports 

Begin; Grades 9-12 

August 22 

Selah Junior High School 

Registration 

August 22 

High School Registration 

August 22 

Selah Intermediate School, 

John Campbell and Robert 

Lince Elementary School 

Class Lists Posted 

August 23-24 

Selah Academy Registration 

August 29 

Classes Begin Grades 1-12 

August 31 

First Day of Kindergarten 

September 1 

NO SCHOOL Grades K-12 

September 4 

NO SCHOOL–Labor Day 

September 11 

First Day of Preschool 

2• Selah Education Report 

News and Notes from Selah School District... 

Selah Academy Students Receive Diplomas! 

Six students earn diplomas 

at June 12 ceremony 

C 

ongratulations goes out to six Selah Academy students who earned their high school diplomas at a June 12 diploma 

awards ceremony. 

Honored during the ceremony which was held at the Selah Civic Center were: SJ 

Bryce Baptista, Jessica Songer, Blake Wharton, Molly Wharton, Angela Rohrbach, 

and Craig Adams. 

Selah Academy Principal, Ken Wilson, said students should have pride in their accomplishment 

but continue to work hard toward their future goals. 

“I want to congratulate all of these graduates and hard-working young people,” said Wilson. 

“They should be very proud of their accomplishment, but also continue to work hard so they can accomplish the goals which 

they have set for their future.” 

Selah School District Announces 

New Administrative Hirings 

Jones and Olsen two new District administrators 

Beginning next fall, there will be two new faces to the Selah 

School District administrative team. The District recently announced 

the hiring of Joe Jones, as principal of Selah High 

School, and Mike Olsen as the new assistant principal at John 

Campbell Elementary School. 

Jones, who spent time at the United States Military Academy 

in New York, has served as a building administrator the 

last six years at Enumclaw High School in the Enumclaw 

School District. Jones began his teaching career as a history 

and physical education teacher. Jones replaces Jerry Holsten 

who has accepted a job as the principal of South Kitsap High 

School. 

Notes and Incidentals... 

Transportation News... 

The 2006-2007 Selah School District Transportation bus 

information will be available beginning August 15, in the 

Ed Report. Check the August edition for route, time, and 

bus number information. 

Calls regarding the Fall 2006 bus routes will not be 

accepted until after August 15. At this time, if you have 

transportation questions, please contact Director, Debbie Heide. 

An Update on the 

Activities Calendar 

The Selah School District is in the process of finishing the 2006-2007 

Activities Calendar. This calendar is an overview of school and extracurricular 

events during the year. Copies of this calendar can be picked 

up at the Administration building or any office beginning August 10. 

Annual Reports Coming Your Way 

Be on the lookout for the 2005-2006 Selah Schools’ annual performance 

reports. 

The 1993 Education Reform Legislation Act (ESHB 1209) is RCW 

28A.320.205 and states that “each school shall publish annually a school 

performance report and deliver that report to each parent with children 

enrolled in the school and make the report available to the community 

served by the school.” Report requirements include: enrollment statistics, 

a summary of student scores on mandated tests, an annual budget 

report, attendance, and graduation rates. 

If you haven’t received your child’s school report by late August, 

please call Heidi Diener at 697-0708. 

Olsen, the new assistant principal at John Campbell has 

spent the last four years as a teacher in the Moses Lake School 

District. For the first three years of Olsen’s teaching career he 

taught second grade and most recently Jones was a fifth grade 

teacher. Jones replaces Cindy Egan who is retiring. 

According to Selah School District Superintendent, Dr. 

Larry Parsons, both Jones and Olsen are two strong administrative 

additions to the District. 

“I am confident that both Joe and Mike are a wonderful 

addition to the Selah School District, said Parsons. “Both are 

top quality men, who have the best interest of the Selah School 

District and its students as their focus. 

2006-2007 

School Start Times 

John Campbell Elementary School 

Classes Begin .................................. 8:45 A.M. 

Classes End ...................................... 3:00 P.M. 

Robert Lince Elementary School 


Classes End ...................................... 3:10 P.M. 

Selah Intermediate School 


Classes End ...................................... 2:00 P.M. 



Classes End ......................................2:10 P.M. 



Classes End ...................................... 2:15 P.M. 

Selah Academy 


Classes End ...................................... 2:15 P.M. 

**On Selah School District late arrival mornings next 

year, schools will begin two hours after their original 

start time. 

***These times and dates will once again be printed as a 

reminder in the August Ed Report.

Selah School District Calendar News... 

W 

ith the end of the 2005-2006 school year 

just concluded, it is never to early to 

look ahead to next year. 

In an effort to help parents and patrons plan 

for next year, here is a look at the 2006-2007 student 

calendar. 

The first day of classes in the Selah School District 

are scheduled before Labor Day on Tuesday, 

A Look at the Selah School District Calendar... 

More 2006-2007 Calendar News... 

A look at Friday, February 16, 2007 

Looking closer at the 2006-2007 school calendar, there is a particular date 

which requires further explanation. 

Friday, February 16, 2007, is scheduled as a non-school day. This day 

coupled with the Presidents’ Day holiday on Monday, February 19, allows for 

a four-day weekend. However, February 16, 2007, is also scheduled 

as a snow make-up day, meaning if school has been closed for 

snow, school will be in session on that day. If school has been 

closed prior to February 1, 2007, then the date of February 16 will 

be used as the make-up day. If school is canceled due to snow after 

February 1, 2007, then the snow-make up day will be scheduled on an alternate 

date. 

If you have any questions about this date in February, please contact the 

Selah School District at 697-0706. 

Another Look at the 

2006-2007 Calendar 

Schedule these Late Arrival dates 

August 29. Classes will continue on Wednesday, 

August 30, and Thursday, August 31. On Friday, 

September 1, the weekend preceding Labor Day, 

school WILL NOT be in session. 

Other important dates included in the 2006-2007 

calendar are: Winter Break—December 18 through 

January 1; Spring Break—April 2 through April 6, 

and the Last Day of School—June 14. For a com- 

plete look a the 2006-2007 calendar, please see the 

graphic below. A complete listing of Selah School 

District dates and activities will be included in the 

2006-2007 Activities Calender which will be available 

in August. 

If you have any questions about these calendar 

dates, please contact the Selah School District 

at 697-0706. 

Taking yet another look at the 2006-2007 school calendar, 

there are seven dates for which parents and patrons should plan. 

During the 2006-2007 school year the Selah School District will place seven 

late arrival days on the student calendar. These late arrival mornings will be 

used by staff for professional development. The dates approved by the Selah 

School Board are set for Wednesday, September 13, 2006; Wednesday, 

October 11, 2006; Wednesday, November 8, 2006; Wednesday, January 

10, 2007; Wednesday, February 14, 2007; Wednesday, April 11, 

2007; and Wednesday, May 9, 2007. On these mornings students will 

begin school two hours later than their original start time. 

If you have any questions about these seven late arrival dates, please contact 

the Selah School District at 697-0706. 

If you are new to the Selah School District and are 

needing to register your student for the 2006-2007 

school year, please call the District Registrar at 697-0715. 

Reminder! 

Reminder! 

Reminder! 

The First Day of school 

for Selah students is 

Tuesday, August 29. 

School News for 

Selah’s Smallest Students... 

Kindergarten starts Thursday, August 31 

Preschool begins Monday, September 11 

B 

y now everyone should know that the first day of school in the Selah 

School District for the 2006-2007 school year is Tuesday, August 29 

However, individuals have also been inquiring when the start days are 

for Selah School District kindergarten and preschool students. 

The first day of school for kindergarten students next year is Thursday, 

August 31. Kindergarten students will attend classes on this date and then 

have Friday, September 1 off, along with the rest of the students in the District. 

Classes will resume for kindergarten students on Tuesday, September 5. 

Both John Campbell and Robert Lince kindergarten sessions will remain the 

same times as this past year. 

The first day of preschool in the Selah School District next fall is scheduled 

for Monday, September 11. 

If you have any questions about the kindergarten or preschool start dates, 

please contact the school your child(ren) attend(s). 

Selah Education Report • 3

The Bond Levy and Survey Says... 

Thank you for your Responses to the 

Selah School District Bond and Levy Survey 

Valuable feedback included in survey responses 

Wow! The surveys kept rolling in 

and now we are sharing the responses! 

Following the February 2006 special election, the 

Selah School District sent a survey to patrons asking 

them to provide feedback regarding the failed 

School Construction Bond and Maintenance and 

Operations Levy. The District wanted patrons to 

share why they felt the bond and levy request failed 

(since the survey was completed the District’s Maintenance 

and Operations Levy has passed). 

In all 321 surveys were returned which included 

116 submitted from the web site and 205 returned 

from the insert included in an issue of the Educational 

Report. In addition, multiple phone messages 

were left on the District’s Levy Hotline. 

Selah School District Superintendent, Dr. Larry 

Parsons wants to thank Selah patrons fro taking the 

time to complete the bond and levy survey. 

“I appreciate the citizens who took the time to 

respond to the bond and levy survey,” said Parsons. 

“We received some very valuable feedback and 

good suggestions.” 

Responses were compiled and presented to the 

Selah School Board. This summer the Board will 

meet in a study session to determine what the 

District’s timeline is in regard to its facilities plan. 

As a review, items included in the District’s proposed 

$26.8 million Construction Bond included 

new construction of Robert Lince Elementary 

School and Selah Junior High School, a new auditorium 

located at Selah Junior High School replacing 

the unusable auditorium at Robert Lince, a new 

auxiliary gymnasium located at Selah High School 

and new maintenance and transportation facilities, 

just to name a few items. 

At right and below please review information 

regarding the survey questions. Due to space limitations 

and the fact that the total compilation of 

surveys included 58 pages, only limited information 

can be provided. 

If you have any questions, please contact the 

Selah School at 697-0706. 

Question #1 

The $26.8 million dollar bond request received just 49% “yes” votes in favor of 

the passage. The bond failed because: 

A. There were too many projects. 

B. The projects included in the bond are not needed. 

C. My taxes would have gone up. 

D. The local economy is not strong. 

A B C D 

Totals: 184 124 127 61 

REVIEW—The majority of responses for questioned one indicated that the $26.8 million dollar bond failed 

because there were too many projects. Correlating with that response an almost equal amount of surveytakers 

thought that the projects included in the bond were not needed and that there taxes would go up. 

**Note—While 321 surveys were returned not all of the questions on the surveys were completed and some of the questions on the survey reflected multiple 

answers for each question. Therefore, the numbers reflected in the “TOTAL” may not be consistent with the actual number of surveys returned. 

Question #2 

The two-year replacement Maintenance and Operations Levy failed because: 

A. People got confused between the bond and levy requests on the ballot. 

B. The programs included in the levy are not needed. 

C. People don’t understand what the levy provides 

D. It would raise taxes (about a $2.50 per month increase for a $150,000 

home). 

A B C D 

Totals: 117 59 93 92 

REVIEW—The majority of surveys for question #2 reflected that the two-year replacement Maintenance 

& Operations Levy failed because: People were confused between the bond and levy requests on the 

ballot. 

**Note—While 321 surveys were returned not all of the questions on the surveys were completed and some of the questions on the survey reflected multiple 

answers for each question. Therefore, the numbers reflected in the “TOTAL” may not be consistent with the actual number of surveys returned. 

Question #3 

Question #4 

(True/False) I have a clear understanding of the difference 

between a Construction Bond and a Maintenance and 

Operations Levy: 

TRUE: 280 

FALSE: 16 

REVIEW—Overwhelmingly the survey responses indicated that the majority 

of patrons felt they had a clear understanding between the differences of a 

school Construction Bond and a Maintenance and Operations Levy: 

**Note—While 321 surveys were returned not all of the questions on the surveys were completed 

and some of the questions on the survey reflected multiple answers for each question. 

Therefore, the numbers reflected in the “TOTAL” may not be consistent with the actual number of surveys returned. 

I would support a future Construction Bond that included 

the following projects: 

A. Replacing Selah Junior High School (including the 

auditorium) only. 

B. Replacing Selah Junior High School (including the 

auditorium) and Lince Elementary only. 

C. Re-run all the bond projects as listed in the February 

7, 2007 bond. 

D. I could not support any bond requests. 

REVIEW—Ninety-eight patrons said they could not support any bond requests. 

However, 89 residents said they would support replacing Selah Junior High 

School (including the auditorium) and Lince Elementary School. 

**Note—While 321 surveys were returned not all of the questions on the surveys were completed 

and some of the questions on the survey reflected multiple answers for each question. 

Therefore, the numbers reflected in the “TOTAL” may not be consistent with the actual number of surveys returned. 

4• Selah Education Report

News and Notes from the School Nurse... 

Immunization News... 

I 

More News 

from the Nurse... 

News on Emergency Care Plans 

Washington State law (SHB2834) mandates that 

students with life-threatening health conditions 

have medication/treatment/diet orders and Emergency 

Care Plan in place before the first day of 

school. 

This could include students 

with severe bee 

sting, latex or food allergies, 

severe asthma, diabetes, 

severe seizure disorders, 

and certain other 

health conditions. 

Your child may not be 

admitted to class until all necessary paperwork and 

supplies have been received, and you have met or 

talked with the Selah School District nurse to develop 

an Emergency Care Plan. This past June, the 

District’s nurse, sent paperwork for next year to 

those who currently have these plans in place. If 

you have an existing plan and did not receive the 

paperwork, please contact the nurse. 

Thank-you for your help in keeping all students 

safe. 

Please contact the Selah School District nurse, 

Sharon Conrad, at 697-0723, if you have any questions. 

n accordance with Washington State Law, children 

must be immunized against the follow 

ing diseases before they are allowed in school: 

diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), tetanus, 

poliomyelitis, measles (rubeola), rubella, and 

mumps. 

Parents must complete a Certificate of Immunization 

Status indicating the child’s schedule of vaccinations 

or sign a statement of exemption prior to 

the start of school. These forms are available at the 

school office or health department. 

The required list of vaccinations include a threeshot 

series of Hepatitis B vaccine for all children 

enrolled in preschool or entering kindergarten. The 

Hepatitis B vaccine must be given in three doses 

over a period of six months. Once a child has 

started the immunization process, he/she can be 

admitted (conditionally) to school with the understanding 

that the immunization process will continue 

at appropriate intervals until requirements 

are met. Children who are 

conditionally immunized are out-of-compliance 

with immunization regulations 

and are to be excluded from school if 

they fall more than one month behind 

schedule in getting an immunization. 

If you have any questions about these immunizations, 

please contact the school your child(ren) 

attend(s). 

An immunization update 

for Varicella (Chickenpox) 

Selah School District registered nurse, Sharon Conrad, has some updated immunization information 

for parents who will have students enrolled in school next fall. 

The Washington State Board of Health has adopted a change to add immunity to varicella, commonly 

known as chickenpox, as a requirement for students who attend school beginning July 1, 2006. 

Chickenpox is more than just an itchy rash. It is one of the most common childhood illnesses. It 

spreads easily and can have serious complications especially for infants, adolescents and adults. 

Chickenpox can lead to serious skin infections, pneumonia, meningitis and in some instances, death. 

Even in milder cases of chickenpox, it is uncomfortable and difficult to treat itchiness and there is 

potential for scarring. 

Children who are affected by the new varicella requirement are: 

1) Children 19 months of age up to kindergarten entry, attending licensed child care or preschools 

beginning July 1, 2006, 

2) Children attending kindergarten during the 2006-2007 school year, and, 

3) Children attending 6th grade during the school year 2006-2007. 

Your child can meet this immunization requirement by documenting one of the 

following on the Certificate of Immunization Status (CIS) form: 

1) The date (month, day and year) your child received one dose of varicella vaccine. The vaccine 

needs to have been given on or after the child’s first birthday. 

2) History of chickenpox disease and approximate date or age at the time of disease. 

3) Report of a blood test indicating that the child is immune. 

4) Philosophical, religious or medical exemption. 

It is requested that all students affected by the new immunization requirements have their CIS 

form updated before the first day of school in Fall 2006. The first day of school for the Selah School 

District next fall is Tuesday, August 29. 

Please contact your health care provider or local health department to make an appointment for 

your child to receive the varicella vaccine. If you have any additional questions, please contact Sharon 

Conrad, the Selah School District nurse, at 697-0723. 

T 

Health News Regarding Students 

with Non-Life Threatening Health Conditions 

he following information was provided by the Selah School District 

nurse, Sharon Conrad, and is in regard to students with non-life threatening 

health conditions. 

If a student has a non-life threatening health condition that requires a medication, 

treatment, or a special diet while at school, the law requires that the 

District have documentation authorizing the use of these while attending 

school. For parent convenience the required paperwork can be picked up in 

the school office the student attends and must be completed by a licensed 

health care provider. Please note that no medication, over-the-counter medication, 

treatments, or special diets can be administered by school staff unless 

these forms are completed and brought to school regardless if the condition is 

life-threatening or not. Any changes in a child’s medication/treatment/diet 

require new orders from a Licensed Health Care Provider. These orders must 

be update annually. This means medical requirements must be addressed 

prior to the first day of classes in August. These forms must be completed 

and returned before any medication, over-the-counter medications, treatments, 

or special diets are administered by school staff. 

Here is what must be done: 

1. Make an appointment with your doctor or licensed health care provider 

this summer. 

2. Pick up and take the Medication Authorization to your appointment. 

3. As the doctor/licensed health care professional to sign the medication, 

treatment or diet orders. 

4.. Be sure you sign and date the forms. 

5. Fill any prescription at the pharmacy. (Ask the pharmacist to put the 

label on the medicine, not the outside of the box). Medication must be 

supplied to the school in a pharmacy bottle, with the label current for 

the student’s prescription and name. Pharmacies will make up extra 

medication bottles at no charge for families. Over the counter medications 

must be supplied to the school in the original container labeled 

with the student’s name. At no time will school staff accept medication 

brought to school in other containers such as baggies or envelopes. 

6. Before school starts on August 29, call or set up an appointment to bring 

all paperwork, medicines and equipment to the Selah School District 

nurse. She will be available for a limited number of days in August. 

The safest way for medication to arrive at school is for an adult family 

member to deliver it. Every school office is open one-half hour before 

school starts. Only the number of doses needed should be brought to 

school. All medication (except for emergency medication will be kept 

in a locked cupboard and administered by staff. Older students may 

carry enough dosage for one day themselves (in a pharmacy labeled 

container) and self administrator medication with both a parent and a 

physician’s written authorization. Expired or unclaimed medication 

will be disposed of, if it is not claimed by the parent in a timely manner. 

For safety reasons, we do not send medication with students. 

If you have any questions, please contact Sharon Conrad at 697-0723. 


A Job Well Done! 

Selah School District recognizes 

the service of its 2006 retirees 

Saying good-bye at the end of the school 

year is hard. It's even more difficult when 

familiar faces and friends are saying farewell 

due to retirement. 

At the conclusion of the 2005-2006 school year, 

seven familiar faces retired from the Selah School 

District. As part of the Best of the Best Ceremony, 

certificated employees: Trudy Bray, Connie 

Selah School District Good News... 

Buckley, Nancy Crabb, Cindy Egan, 

Quannee Eilers, Patricia Herrington, Doug 

Howie, Sharon Liner and Ken Newkirk 

were honored for their excellence in education for 

the District which cumulatively spanned 246 years. 

The first five retirees have serviced the Selah 

School District and its students for 30 years. 

Over the past 30 years Trudy Bray’s speciality 

has been PE and health . Most recent, Bray taught 

PE and health at Selah Junior High School. 

From the beginning, Connie Buckley’s passion 

has been to guide the younger students in the District 

and most recently she worked at John 

Campbell Elementary School as a second grade 

The Selah School District Announces its Best! 

teacher. 

Nancy Crabb, too, has dedicated her teaching 

career to elementary school students. Crabb most 

recently taught third grade students at John 

Campbell Elementary School. 

Cindy Egan, who began her educational career 

as a teacher in the Selah School District, has also 

serviced the District as an assistant principal and 

special programs director. This past year, Egan 

served as the John Campbell Elementary School 

Assistant Principal. 

Quannee Eilers is the last of the District’s quintets 

who is retiring with 30 years service. Eiler’s, 

Please See Retirees/Page 7 


The 2005/2006 Selah School District Best of the Best Awards recipient group. 

Thorne, Taylor and Lydin Recognized with Top Awards 

The Selah School District is definitely bragging about its best! 

During an evening ceremony on Thursday, May 25, the Selah School District 

announced its Best of the Best recipients for the 2005-2006 school year. 

With that, the District honored its Volunteer of the Year, Classified Employee of the 

Year, and Certificated Employee of the Year. Also on this evening, the Selah School 

District 2006 retirees were honored. 

During the Best of the Best Ceremony, Barbara Thorne was honored as 

the Certificated Employee of the Year, Rosie Taylor as Classified Employee 

of the Year, and Janet Lydin as Volunteer of the Year. 

Thorne, is a sixteen-year veteran of the Selah School District. Working 

with elementary school students is Thorne’s passion and her current teaching 

assignment is in the second grade at Robert Lince Elementary School. 

Taylor, is a current fixture in the Teaching and Learning Office at the administration 

building. Taylor serves as the District’s teaching and learning 

secretary and has worked for the Selah School District for 23 years. 

Lydin has volunteered with the Selah School District for the past several 

years. Currently, she volunteers at John Campbell Elementary School where 

she is active in classroom volunteering and serves as the school’s Parent 

Teacher Organization’s president. 

Other individuals receiving 2005-2006 Best of the Best Awards included: 

Certificated Staff: Shane Backlund, Principal at John Campbell Elementary 

School; Scott Ruark, Assistant Principal at Selah Intermediate 

School; Lori Fletcher, Preschool Teacher at John Campbell Elementary School; 

Marie Smith, Fourth Grade Teacher at Robert Lince Elementary School; Kathy 

Woolman, Kindergarten Teacher at Robert Lince Elementary School; Roger 

Bennett Academy of Math Teacher at Selah Intermediate School; Penny 

McGrath, TOSA at Selah Intermediate School; Chris Yergen, Counselor at 

Selah Intermediate School; Krista Doll, Counselor at Selah Junior High School; 

Elizabeth Meissner, English and History Teacher at Selah High School and 

Kristin Morrison, English Teacher at Selah Academy. 

Classified Staff: Lyle Sayler, Carpenter at Selah School District; Nora 

Janet Lydin, Rosie Taylor and Barb Thorne. 

Bayless, Para-Educator at Robert Lince Elementary School; Nora Nehls, Para- 

Educator at Robert Lince Elementary School; Robi Nickell-Viernes, Para- 

Educator at Selah Intermediate School; Mark Loranz, Custodian at Selah 

Intermediate School; Nancy Bonsen, Transportation; and Jennifer Harvey, 

Food Services. 

Volunteers: Mike Bardill, Robert Lince Elementary School; and Rebecca 

Burson, Student Support Services. 

Community Organization: Tree Top, Inc. 

Other individuals nominated for a Best of the Best Award were: John 

Campbell Elementary: Trina Albano, Katie Littleton and Patricia Pratt; Robert 

Lince Elementary School: Sally Adams, Helen Anstey, Susie Au, Marvin 

Beard, and Melanie Lias. Selah Intermediate School: Karen Harris, Judy 

Please See Best of the Best/Page 7

More Selah School District News and Notes... 

Selah Vikings to Compete in the “AA” 

Central Washington Athletic Conference 

W 

ith the first athletic event of 

the year scheduled for September, 

Viking sports fans 

will have some new teams to learn. 

Beginning with a new sports year 

in the Fall, the Selah High School athletic 

program which consists of grades 

9-12, will participate as a member of 

the newly created AA Central Washington 

Athletic Conference. 

The 10 team conference came about 

because of the Washington Interscholastic 

Activities Association’s (WIAA) 

reclassification of athletic conferences 

this past winter. The WIAA’s decision 

to reclassify schools was done in part 

to distribute schools in each class more 

evenly than the old standards. 

The new cutoff points designate 

schools with more than 1,287 students 

as 4A, more than 921 students as 3A, 

REMINDER! 

REMINDER! 

Crusher Canyon project still underway 

when school resumes August 29th 

Even though the beginning of 

school still seems distant, this is 

just a reminder to parents that if 

you drive your students to and 

from school via Crusher Canyon, 

be on alert that the City of 

Selah is still expected to be involved in the reconstruction 

of Crusher Canyon Road when school resumes 

August 29. 

The improvement project which involves the 

Selah High School athletes participated in the AAA ranks last 

year. Now with the reclassification of state athletic 

conferences, the Vikings will compete in the newly created 

AA Central Washington Athletic Conference. 

more than 476 students 2A, and more than 193 students as 1A. This statewide reclassification is in effect 

for at least two athletic years. 

Members of Selah’s athletic conference include East Valley, Ellensburg, Ephrata, Grandview, Othello, 

Prosser, Quincy, Toppenish and Wapato. As part of the athletic schedule Boys’ and Girls’ Basketball, 

Baseball and Fastpitch will play a 20 game season which includes competition against every team in the 

entire conference. However, Boys’ and Girls’ Soccer and Tennis, as well as volleyball will play a 16 game 

schedule divided by North and South divisions. Selah will participate in the North Division which 

includes Ephrata, Quincy, Othello and Ellensburg. 

During post season competition the Central Washington Athletic Conference anticipates three berths 

to state for team sports. In addition there will be no regional tournament and the District tournament 

will be an eight team, double elimination tournament. 

reconstruction of a 20-foot wide roadway to a new 

35-foot wide arterial street with curb, gutter, and 

sidewalks on both sides of the street and street lighting 

is expected to continue until the end of September 

2006. 

The City of Selah appreciates patron cooperation 

and patience during this important construction 

project. If you have any questions, please contact 

City of Selah Public Works Director, Joe Henne, 

at 698-7365. 

N 

Now That’s 

Called Service! 

Selah School District employees 

honored for years of service 

ow that’s definitely called service! This 

past spring the Selah School District 

again honored employees reaching specific 

years of service milestones. 

At the end of June, Years of Service Awards 

were presented to all staff employees who have 

achieved various longevity levels within the District. 

During end-of-the-year ceremonies, service 

awards and recognition pins were presented to 

the employees who have dedicated themselves 

to Selah schools and students for 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 

30 and 35 years.. 

Service honors were presented to the following 

employees for their longevity: 

Thirty-Five Years: Kay Klashke 

Thirty Years: Cindy Egan, Karen Harris, 

Connie Buckley, John Sweesy, Nancy Crabb, Sue 

Record, Trudy Bray, Shirley Davis, Kathleen 

Bergstrom, and Darrell Gorman. 

Twenty-Five Years: Art Green, Merilyn 

North, Judy Eaton, and Cindy Poisel. 

Twenty Years: Sue Eishenhower, Sue McNew, 

Julie Archer, Reta Jump, Gloria Gonzales, and Alison 

Maybee. 

Fifteen Years: Chandra Anderson, Barb 

Truchon, Jerry Bounds, Mary Schend, Scott Gunner, 

Kari Sterns, Robin Dinsmore, Miriam Brown, Linda 

Briscoe, Kristin Jaren, Crystal West, and Chris Smith. 

Ten Years: Donna Raforth, Hugh Carney, Susie 

Au, Kim Munson, Kristen Harris, Elizabeth Meissner, 

Danita Tullis, jean Gustafson, Lance Barber, Laurie 

Mollett, Lori Fletcher, Marie Ehlis, Maria Gallardo, 

and Debbie Applehof. 

Five Years: Dr. Larry Parsons, Shane Backlund, 

Tina McKeel, Stacy Hull, Sharon Cooley, Renae 

Henning, Heidi Rikard, Stephanie Sevigny, Katie 

Littleton, Heidi Bunker, Don Bunker, Kim Bonsen, 

Debbie Sheppard, Brandy Anglin-Flores, Van 

Henderson, Tami Carpmail, Suzanna Wood, Linda 

Hale, Kari Oppliger, Jillian Garza, Herb Horn, Grazia 

Burger, and Frieda Stephens. 

Thank you Selah School District employees 

for your years of service. You are definitley appreciated! 

Please See Retirees/Cont. from Page 6 Please See Best/Cont. from Page 6 

who has also taught at the elementary school level, is retiring from John 

Campbell Elementary where this past year she taught second grade. 

After 21 years of service, Patricia Herrington is saying good-bye to the 

Selah School District. Herrington, whose speciality was English most recently 

taught at Selah Junior High School in the English Department. 

Industrial arts was his expertise and after 27 years of teaching students in 

the Selah School District, Doug Howie is retiring. Howie, who oversaw the 

wood-working and drafting classes, most recently split his time between Selah 

High School and Selah Junior High School. 

The last day of school also signified the retirement of Sharon Liner. Liner, 

has been a teacher in the Selah School District for 25 years and most recent 

taught sixth grade students at Selah Intermediate School. 

Rounding out this year’s retirement class is Ken Newkirk. Newkirk has 

worked in Selah for 23 years and has oversaw advanced science students and 

students in the SOAR Program. Newkirk’s most recent teaching assignment 

was at Selah Intermediate School. 

Hawes, Wayne Lalley, 

Kathy LeClair, Judy 

Eaton, and Linda Hale. 

Selah Junior High 

School: Cathy Bounds, 

Marc Gallaway, Bob 

Hinkle, Chad Quigley, 

Susan Bennett, Clinton 

Endicott, Debbie Johnson, 

and Biz Purdom. 

Selah High School: 

Jerry Holsten, Dan 

Smith, and Maria 

Sanchez. Support Personnel: 

Shirley Davis. 

Congratulations! 

Barb Thorne with her student, Cooper Gunner. 


More Selah School District News... 

More Selah High School Graduation News... 

Members of the Class of 2006 relax prior to graduation exercises at the Yakima Sundome. 

Please See Seniors/Cont. From Page 1 

For Selah’s 214 Graduating Seniors, the “Time of their Lives” Continues 

ward is strength of character, work ethic, and the 

willingness to live life as an honest and compassionate 

person and as a positive role model. However, 

most important, Parsons acknowledged the 

confidence he has in the Class of 2006. 

“I have treat faith that we have prepared you 

well and that you will, indeed, lead us with wisdom 

and with integrity,” said Parsons. 

Faculty chosen speaker, Mike Blanchard, provided 

perspective to the day’s event, as he told 

classmates that “Every cloud has a silver lining. 

“We have been prepared well. We have received 

the education and instruction to go off to college, 

the military and the workforce,” said Blanchard. 

“No matter how much we reminisce we have to 

come back to the realization that this is the last day 

of high school. But, every cloud has a silver 

lining...That is we go off to the future.” 

“Now is not the time to look back, 

but a time to look forward.” 

–Edwin Rodriquez-Jenkins; Class Chosen Speaker 

“Every cloud has a silver lining... 

That is we go off to the future.” 

–Mike Blanchard; Faculty Chosen Speaker 

Presiding over his last Selah High School graduation, 

principal Jerry Holsten acknowledged the 

Class of 2006 as one of excellence. Then, he thanked 

the seniors for the path taken the past three years. 

“These past three years we have traveled a path 

together,” said Holsten. “We have been learning 

and growing. We as a staff are very proud of your 

accomplishment and we wish you well.” 

For Selah High School’s 214 graduating seniors, 

graduation was not only an opportunity for reflection—remembering 

the times of their lives—yet 

also the foreseeing the times which await the future. 

As in any graduating class, time holds the tales 

of future accomplishment. However, Jenkins can 

rest assured that his fellow classmates definitely 

had the time of their lives, with more good times 

to come! 


Members of the Class of 2005 relax prior to graduation exercises at the Yakima Sundome. 

Selah High School’s 

Top Graduates... 

ongratulations to this year’s valedictorian and 

Csalutatorian at Selah High School, as well as 

the students comprising the top ten percent of the 

class academically. 

Valedictorian honors are shared by Morgen 

Anyan and Josh Burwell, while the class salutatorian 

was Mary LaBissoniere . 

The students in the Class of 2006 honored at 

graduation ceremonies as the top ten percent were: 

Morgen Anyan, Josh Burwell, Mary LaBissoniere, 

Daniel Way, Dylan Thomas, Kirren Mabee, Ana 

Gonzalez, Jacob Hanson, Breeana Sutton, Megan Gordy, 

Carmen Sterkel, Stephanie Lowrey, Emily Beemer, Amy 

Heinze, John Hagler, Felisha Yu, Daniel Watkins, Erik 

Lyon, Trevor Brink, Tiera Girard, Lacy Kabrich, Heidi 

Peterson, Jake Zeutenhorst, and Travis Mabee. 

Selah Students 

Graduate Twice... 

Six students earn degrees from 

Selah High School as well as Yakima 

Valley College! 

une 10, wasn’t the only graduation ceremony 

Jthat some Selah High School students attended. 

Earlier in the month, six Selah graduates also received 

their diplomas from Yakima Valley Community 

College where they completed requirements 

for their Associate Arts Degree as part of the Running 

Start program. Students receiving their high 

school diploma as well as their Associate Arts Degree 

were: Robert Deccio, Jordan Peterson, Mahanna 

Sadler, Breeana Sutton, Lacey Thorne, and Chad 

Womack. Congratulations!

Selah School District Classroom News... 

The following pages offer an inside 

look at our Selah School District 

classrooms and students. 

Anyan Named Washington Scholar 

orgen Anyan, a recent Selah High 

School graduate and the school’s co-valedictorian, 

Mwas recently honored as a recipient of one of the 

state’s 147 Washington Scholar Awards. 

Awarded each spring by the Washington Higher 

Education Coordinating Board and the Association 

of Washington School Principals, the Washington 

Scholar Award recognizes two high school seniors 

from each of the state’s 49 legislative districts. As 

part of the award Washington Scholar recipients 

receive full scholarships to any Washington public 

or private college or university. 

Washington scholar recipients are chosen from 

a selection committee comprised of high school 

principals and college admissions officers. As part 

of the selection criteria, students are evaluated for 

their outstanding academic achievement, leadership 

and community service. 

Former Selah High School principal, Jerry 

Holsten, said Anyan is very deserving of the Washington 

Scholar Award. 

“Morgen has worked very hard throughout her 

school career. She is very deserving of this award 

distinction,” said Holsten. “Not only is Morgen an 

outstanding student, but she is a quality young 

lady. She stands for everything the Washington 

Scholar Award represents. 

Congratulations Morgen! 

Selah Science Students are Once Again Tops! 

Selah Intermediate School Awarded Washington State Science School of the Year 

Taylor Vance Earns Best of Show Honors 

Morgen Anyan Wins Gold Medal at Washington State Science and Engineering Fair 

ow do they rate? Best in State! 

Science students in Selah have once again proven that they are among the top science 

Hminds in the state! In the Selah School District this past spring, Selah Intermediate 

School students as well as representatives from Selah Junior High School and Selah High School 

earned top awards at the Washington State Science and Engineering Fair as well as the Mid- 

Columbia Science Fair. 

Earlier this spring at the Washington State Science and Engineering Fair in Bremerton, Selah 

Intermediate School once again was awarded the honor of being the Science School of the Year! 

For the competition, sixth grade students won 7 of 12 first place honors. In addition, Taylor 

Dale Vance was awarded Best of Show for her science display. 

Other sixth grade students recognized at the state science fair were: First Place Honors: 

Alan Bucknum, Scotty Graf, Lily-Anne Hamill, Kacey Hartman, Brad Kahn, and Lindsey Smith. 

Students honored with Second Place recognition were: Michelle Bauman, Ashley Bond, 

jack Cavanaugh, Brennan Dallman, Austin Herbst, Jordan Kerslake, Ben Mobley, Conner 

O’Malley, Tensie Petersen, Joseph Roberts, and Dalainee Viernes. Third Place honorees 

included: Kaitlin Briggs, Kaiti Dell, Kevin Hocking, and Cierra Purdom. In addition, Connor 

Henning was awarded Honorable Mention . 

Not to be outdone by their sixth grade counterparts, seventh grade students also were honored 

for their outstanding science work. Seventh grade students earned seven out of ten first 

place prizes. Earning First Place Honors were: Elizabeth Baze, Jacklyn Brown, Whitney 

Bruneau, Derek Larson, Tanairi Lopez, Morgan McCallister and Brandon Riddle. Second 

Place Award recipients included: Cassidy Beebe, Erika Briscoe, Natalie Fickes, Adam 

John, Megan LaRoche, Rainan Viernes, and Kolton Wentz. Third Place award winners 

were: Billy Hennessey, Amanda Jaussaud, Avery Mottet and Josh Munson. In addition, 

Honorable Meniton distinction was given to Brooke Cikauskas, Brittney Schuler, Taylor 

Morgen Anyan and her gold medal winning state science 

Silverthorn, Sarah Smith and Michelle Underwood. 

fair display. 

Accompanying Selah Intermediate School students at the fair was Selah 

Junior High School’s lone competitor, eighth grade student, Marisol Garza. 

Garza, who last year as a seventh grade student earned Best of Show Honors, 

took home a first place prize this year. 

Participating at the Washington State Science and Engineering Fair in the 

high school division was Morgen Anyan. Anyan, a recent Selah High School 

graduate, won the Gold Medal, which is the top prize in the fair for that 

division. As part of her honors Anyan received numerous awards and scholarship 

as well as a trip to the International Science Fair. 

Leading up to the state science fair, Selah Intermediate School students 

competed at the Annual Mid-Columbia Science Fair held in Kennewick. 

As a result of their hard work and outstanding science projects, sixth grade 

students garnered 8 out of 12 first place awards, while seventh graders received 

half of the first place honors. 

Among the top award winners at the Mid-Columbia Science Fair included 

sixth grade student, Alan Bucknum, who earned first place in the Life 

Sciences Division and received the opportunity to attend a science camp at 

Western Washington University over the summer and seventh grader Sarah 

Smith who received specialized prizes which included savings bonds for almost 

$200.00. Congratulations to all Selah Science students! 

Taylor Vance and her state science fair Best of Show display. 


Another Run to Nationals 

I 

t’s another year and as usual the Selah High 

School Family, Career and Community Leaders 

of America (FCCLA) students have made 

another run to the national conference. 

Great students, award-winning projects, and 

excellent presentations combined to send six Selah 

students to the National FCCLA Conference. 

Earning first place honors this past spring at the 

State FCCLA Conference which qualified them for 

Nationals were: Ashleigh Reis, Kierea Meloy, Shene 

Davis, Trevor Brink, Melissa Bauman and freshman, 

Brian Vance. These students presented at the 

Character Counts at 

Selah High School! 

Character counts at Selah High School and it 

wants to make sure that students are recognized. 

During a spring banquet, 47 high school students 

were honored for outstanding character 

during the annual Character Counts Awards Banquet. 

Character Counts was originated to recognize 

students who display outstanding character 

including trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, 

fairness, caring and citizenship. 

Character honorees were: Arianne Judy, Caitlin 

Holbrook, LeeAnne Fiedler, Eddie Jenkins, Kirren 

Mabee, Kierea Meloy, Carrie Nevue, Michelle Avery, 

Carmen Sterkle, Michale McCormick, Myra Gonzales, 

Shene Davis, Kathleen Schoettler, Heidi Lopez, Trevor 

Brink, Jessica Raney, Tyler Tullis, Kayla Turner, 

Yesenia Cardenas, Greg Voigt, Heidi Peterson, Megan 

Gordy, Tiana Gunvaldson, Krista Garcia, Craig Beard, 

Mary LaBissoniere, Morgan Anyan, Brad Reeves, 

Lydia Wilkin, Jordan Stueckle, Megan Cyr, Chris Harris, 

Cecelia Morse, Michael Blanchard, Lucio 

Guerrero, Thomas Simpson, Alicia Faulkner, Angela 

Finley, Allyson Powell, Courtney Hutchins, Brittany 

Wells, Allison Edmisten, Caitlin Headley, Guilliano 

“Tony” Crane, Lindsey Gentz, Kelsey Wents and 

Rochel Burke. 

Congratulations to all Character Counts 

award winners. You prove that character really 

does count and you deserve to be recognized! 



801 North First Street, 697-0800 


411 North First Street, 697-0500 

A Message Worth Spreading... 

T 

When a quartet of Selah Junior High School students began their study of 

water pollution in the Selah ditch, little did they know it would lead them on 

a trek to the nation’s capital. However, after entering their water study as a 

project in the eCybermssion contest, an annual competition sponsored by the 

United States Army, Kevin Bertelsen, Joel Freeborn, Brad White and Jimmy 

Wood, not only earned top honors for the Northwest Region, but the opportunity 

to compete in Washington DC. eCYBERMISSION, a web-based science, 

math and technology competition allows students in grades six through nine 

to compete for regional and national awards, while utilizing scientific methods 

to solve community problems. 

The water study project evolved as Bertelsen, Freeborn, White and Wood 

suspected that a local ditch was polluted from phosphates entering from street 

runoff into storm drains. Concerned because the phosphates cause water pollution 

and lead to a decrease in wildlife and aquatic life, the students thus 

decided to embark on a water quality study last winter. Upon concluding 

their study, the boys’ presented their findings to the City Council along with a 

plan to solve the problem which included to paint and post signs on storm 

drains informing people that dumping pollutants into the drains can cause 

harm to the salmon habitat in the lower Selah Ditch. 

As a result of their award winning project Bertelsen, Freeborn, White and 

Wood were each awarded savings bonds as well as the trip to Washington 

o Washington State Attorney General, Rob McKenna, some messages are worth spreading. That 

is why McKenna visited Selah Junior High School and Selah High School students this past 

spring to educate them on the dangers of the drug methamphetamine. 

McKenna presented to Selah students his Operation: Allied Against Meth assembly, a combination of 

hard facts, video images, and frank testimonial discussion from a recovering addict. The assembly was 

part of an initiative the Attorney General launched last year to help prevent and curtail meth use statewide. 

Presentations have been given to numerous schools across Washington, in partnership with the 

nonprofit organization Lead on America and other community-based organizations. 

As part of the assembly students heard McKenna speak on the rapid increase of drug users in the 

country using meth as their drug of choice. 

“Did you know that Yakima County is one of the biggest meth drug trade areas in the state,” McKenna 

asked Selah Junior High School students during their afternoon assembly. “We need your help. We 

need to take action. Meth is one of the scariest drugs that we’ve seen in this state, and our state has one 

of the biggest problems in the country!” 

In addition students heard McKenna and a recovering Yakima addict speak about the possible effects 

of using meth, including loss of sleep for up to weeks at a time, yellowing or rotting of teeth, a rapid 

heart rate, seizures, paranoia and death. Also, one of the most dramatic demonstrations of what meth 

can do was broadcast via video from an MTV broadcast and highlighted a healthy 22-year-old woman 

who started using the drug. After suffering a psychotic episode, the woman underwent a brain scan. 

The scan revealed an image of the woman’s brain which appeared to have several holes in it—an image 

which would signify that of someone usually in their 60s or 70s who has suffered multiple strokes. 

In addition to his presentations, McKenna has addressed the Senate Human Services and Corrections 

Committee in support of an anti-meth bill. The bill would provide funds to help local governments 

effectively clean up meth labs and provide better treatment, public education and criminal penalties. 

“We need you to get involved in this issue,” McKenna urged students at the conclusion of the presentation. 

“We know you are going to be the leaders of our state. Our future is sitting here today.” 

Selah Junior High Students Team-Up to Win Big! 

national conference in early July in Nashville. 

Also recognized during the state conference 

were Tanner Meloy, Stephanie Lowrey, Kylie 

Lowrey, Mary LaBissoniere, and Rose Davis. These 

students earned first runner-up honors for their 

work. In addition, Kathleen Schoettler and Heidi 

Lopez were announced as National Leaders-at- 

Work award recipients and Brian Vance was presented 

with the Dynamic Leadership Award. In 

addition, Brian Vance was elected as a State FCCLA 

Officer. Other Selah students also competing at the 

state competition included: Allison Edmisten, Brittany 

Wells, and Eddie Jenkins. 

FCCLA is a national student organization that 

helps young men and women become leaders and 

address important personal, family, work and societal 

issues through family and consumer sciences 

education. FCCLA is the only national in-school 

organization with the family as its central focus. Involvement 

in FCCLA offers members the opportunity 

to expand their leadership potential and develop 

skills necessary in the home and the workplace. 

Selah’s Chapter of FCCLA is advised by Kathi 

Hendrix and Michelle McCartney. 

Congratulations students! 

The Selah Junior High School ecybermission contingent. 

DC. While in the capital, the boys’ participated in tours of the Pentagon, the 

Army’s Abergreen Proving Grounds, and the Smithsonian Air and Space 

Museum. While in D.C., Bertelsen, Freeborn, White and Wood, were accompanied 

by their advisor, science teacher, Mike Brown. Congratulations to the 

junior high students who experienced first hand where one project can lead!

T 

Selah Junior High School Students Fulfill Wishes and Dreams 

his past spring, members of Selah Junior High School’s Future Career and Community Lead 

ers of America (FCCLA) Chapter did their part to help provide wishes and dreams for some 

Yakima Valley residents. Participating in a community service project for Children’s Wishes 

and Dreams, a non-profit organization in Yakima, FCCLA students designed and made blankets then 

donated the items to the association. Children’s Wishes and Dreams is an organization for local children 

with life-threatening illnesses and severely life-altering injuries. Part of Children’s Wishes and 

Dreams mission is to grant wishes to local children from the ages of 3-21. 

Heather Fendell, the junior’s high’s FCCLA advisor, said that students wanted to participate in 

the project so children could feel happy and comfortable. 

“Our students wanted to be a part of a project aimed to helping children and providing them 

comfort,” said Fendell. Growing up, everybody had a favorite blanket which brought them comfort. 

Our students wanted to provide this comfort to these children.” 

Joni Moss, a FCCLA member said that she hoped the blankets brought smiles to many faces. 

“It makes me feel good to help someone. It brings a smile to my face,” said Moss. “I hope that 

these blankets put a smile on other faces.” 

Fendell said that FCCLA is a student organization that focuses on helping people through various 

community service projects. In fact, both the junior high and high school FCCLA programs do 

numerous service projects throughout the year—a point that Fendell said students need to learn. 

“I think young people need to participate in projects which give back to the community. They 

need to learn the value of helping others and that all efforts make our community a better place.” 

Robert Lince Elementary School 

316 West Naches, 697-0675 

Two junior high students begin designing their blanket 

which was donated to the Wishes and Dreams Trust. 

Robert Lince K-Kids Spearhead Springtime Community Service Drives 

Robert Lince K-Kids display some of the funds the school collected for the 

American Cancer Society. 

This past spring, the Robert Lince K-Kids team was hard at work again. 

Spearheading three different community service projects, the K-Kids organization 

led the Robert Lince student body in raising hundreds of dollars. 

First, by partaking in odd jobs around home and in the community K-kids 

earned money to make a donation to the Evan Mettie Fund. Mettie, who is 

enlisted in the United States Army, was injured while serving in Iraq. 

Second, in the aftermath of another community service project, K-Kids 

officers presented to Kiwanis a $500 donation to be used to send a child to 

burn camp, located near North Bend, Washington. The presentation of funds 

was made to a current Kiwanis member whose son, Jason Emhoff, was injured 

five years ago in the Thirty Mile Fire. 

In their last project of the spring, the K-Kids team, in conjunction with the 

Lince student body, participated in the Caring Makes “Cents” coin drive. 

Funds collected from the drive were donated to Relay for Life, the annual cancer 

awareness walk held each June. In addition, teams of students from Robert 

Lince comprised teams to walk a portion of the local Relay for Life event . 

K-Kids is a student run organization at Lince that works in conjunction 

with Kiwanis. Each year K-kids participates in numerous community projects. 

Selah Intermediate School 

1401 W. Fremont Avenue, 698-0400 

By Their Response Selah Intermediate Students 

Definitely Have the “Write” Stuff 

Standing in front of her classroom peers, Katie, 

a young student in Sharon Cooley’s seventh grade 

language class at Selah Intermediate School places 

a sheet of notebook paper on an overhead apparatus 

where the words are projected on to a projection 

screen. As she begins to share a piece of her 

self-authored words with her fellow classmates, 

Katie stands confidently and speaks with a tone of 

self-assurance which indicates that she has done 

this routine numerous times before. As Katie reads 

her selection, her voice relays written work which 

has a clear topic sentence, is well organized, follows 

standard English procedures, and is sprinkled 

with the appropriate amount of facts, examples and 

response answers like those needed for the Washington 

Assessment of Student Learning (WASL) Test. 

“We have worked on extended response writing 

all year,” said Cooley. “This helps students to 

successfully answer extended response questions 

on the reading portion of the WASL, and also aides 

them in the other writing aspects of the WASL test.” 

In the example of Katie the end result is presenting 

a piece of written work in front of the class. 

However, the process on the way to the final product 

is consuming. 

First, the students choose their topic for their 

extended response writings from reading selections 

in their literature book. The extended response exercises 

A student in Sharon Cooley’s class shares her 

extended response project with classmates. 

are generated from questions that were spe- 

students have had the opportunity to write an ex- 

quotes. By her response, Katie provides every indication 

that she, like the rest of her classmates, cifically designed to accompany the reading selections. 

Every selections has three types of ques- 

process as to how and extended response answer 

tended response answer, Cooley guides them in the 

definitely has the “write” stuff. 

Katie and the rest of the kids in Cooley’s language 

arts class participated this past year in an response, which mirror the types of questions the the writings and what selections should include in 

tions—multiple choice, short answer and extended should look. This includes the scoring details of 

extended response project which is a way of teaching 

students will encounter on the Reading portion of 

students how to successfully write extended the WASL exam. Once the topic is chosen and the Please See Extended/Cont. on Page 

12 


Please See Response/Cont. From Page 11 

order to receive a score of a three or four. Once the class has discussed the 

details of an appropriate response outline, Cooley then provides students a 

copy of what the class decided needs to be in an extended response answer. 

The guidelines for high scoring extended response papers include: restating 

the prompt (the exercise the student chose as their topic), having quality 

topic sentences and supporting details, using quotes from the selection as 

supporting details, a thorough answer of the prompt and using the correct 

form of standard English such as capitals, periods, spelling, sentence structure 

and paragraph formation. From there, the class begins the process of 

cross-scoring each other’s papers. During this process students are divided 

into small groups in which the papers are read aloud. Then using a sheet of 

paper fellow students in the small groups provide scores and constructive 

criticism for the paper’s author using the extended response guidelines. These 

scores are then used as a reference guide by the writers so they can not only 

see how to improve their responses, but also view what they did well. Ironically, 

it is not only the writer that is learning during this process. Obviously, 

the student providing the feedback is benefiting as they internalize what 

they felt the author did well and how they suggested the writer could improve. 

After several sessions of small group work papers are then passed 

throughout the room for assessment, and occasionally the work is shared in 

front of the class as in the example of Katie’s presentation. 

It is Cooley’s hope that with so much writing practice success will transfer 

to WASL testing. 

“Our goal through this process is that students will have been drilled in 

extended response answers all year that when it comes time for the WASL 

test the writing will come naturally and they will be successful,” said Cooley. 

And, Cooley feels her charges have been successful. 

“Throughout the year, students have learned to expand their answers 

using quotes and details from their selections,” said Cooley. “They have 

learned to organize their answers in paragraph format making sure they 

place their quotes in appropriate places and use the correct punctuation. This 

is improvement—they are becoming better writers.” 

After presenting her extended response project to her classmates Katie 

collects her paper from the overhead and returns to her seat. Cooley, praises 

Katie for her work and tells the girl she did a good job. Katie proudly soaks 

up Cooley’s praise. By her response, Katie knows, she has the “write” stuff. 

S 

tudents at John Campbell 

Elementary School are a 

page ahead after receiving 

complimentary books 

made possible by a grant from 

Page Ahead, a children’s literacy 

program. 

Suzann McFeat, one of the 

John Campbell teachers who, 

was instrumental in securing 

the grant, said the page Ahead 

Program is designed to put 

books into the hands of students. 

“Students benefit so much 

from this program because is 

puts books into their hands,” 

said McFeat. “Books encourage 

vocabulary growth and 

triggers the imagination. Reading 

is so important and this is 

another way to encourage students to read.” 

John Campbell Elementary School 

408 North First Street; 697-0725 

A group of John Campbell Elementary School students browse the selection of books 

provided by Page Ahead. 

The Page Ahead process works as students choose the books they want to 

read and then grant funds are used to purchase their selections. 

Another important element, 

in the Page Ahead program, is 

that it encourages parent involvement. 

“The Page Ahead program 

also impacts student learning as 

it encourages parent involvement,” 

said McFeat. “Page 

Ahead realizes that parents are 

their child’s first teacher and 

therefore wants them to become 

involved in their child’s literacy.” 

Page Ahead was founded in 

1990. Since then the organization 

has placed over 1.25 million 

new books into the hands of 

450,000 children through collaborations 

with schools, social 

service agencies, preschools, 

and early childhood centers 

across Washington State. 

With their new books in hand, and ready to read, John Campbell Elementary 

School students are definitely a page ahead. 

John Campbell Students have a Career Connection 

“What do you want to be when you grow up?” John Campbell Elementary students explored 

the possible answers to this question as they attended an elementary career fair this past spring. 

The fair was intended to connect school with future career choices. 

According to Stacy Hull, a John Campbell teacher and fair coordinator, the purpose of the 

event was to raise student awareness of the possibilities offered in the world of work. 

“One of our main fair goals was to introduce students to a variety of career options and with 

that the knowledge, attitude, and skills needed to be successful in the classroom and the workplace,” 

said Hull. “Students had the opportunity to explore various careers and see first hand 

what each one involved. From that students now have a better understanding of the importance 

of learning and how it connect to real life work.” 

As part of the fair, presenters provided students with interactive learning opportunities in 

academic areas such as English, reading, writing, math, and communications. Presenters demonstrated 

how these classroom subjects correlate with skills used every day on the job. For example, 

a local radio host demonstrated how English and writing skills applied to his occupation. 

“This made the learning real to the kids,” said Hull. “This helped them see that school and 

learning really does correlate to the jobs they might want to have when they are older.” 

After a day filled with learning about multiple careers, students had the insight to multiple 

professions. Some left the fair wanting to work in the media, while others wanted to pursue 

work in the medical field. However, most important, students left the fair understanding how 

important school is to their future professions. 

“Students benefited from this experience because they were motivated to see the importance 

of school and how learning and receiving a good education is valuable to their future,” said Hull. 

What do you want to be when you grow up? Although they may not know yet, John Campbell 

students were connected with many options. 


A John Campbell Elementary School student enjoys one 

of the many career fair displays. The career fair was 

planned to not only raise student awareness of the 

possibilities offered in the world of work, but also provide 

students with the insight into how education and careers 

correlate.

May/June/July ER - Selah School District

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