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White Salmon Schools
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The White Salmon Valley School District is off to a great start. We are implementing many new changes this school year including the following - Whitson Elementary School: Reading First grant, all-day, everyday kindergarten, student lunches served in classrooms, and an after-school intramural program (which is paid for by a grant); Henkle Middle School: Connections Program and a student management center room; Columbia High School: 5-period trimester schedule, Navigation 101 - teacher led conferences in the fall, leading to teacher advisor conferences in February, and new, and revamped courses as a result of the trimester schedule, as well as the new White Salmon Academy (alternative school). If you are interested in learning more about any of these new and exciting programs, please contact the principal of the respective school. In this article I would like to continue where we left off last school year in discussing each of the bulleted items in the school district's vision/belief statement, and that is, "There are many ways to motivate students to graduate and continue the life-long learning process". When students are meaningfully involved in their schoolwork, educational plans and extracurricular activities, they are more motivated to learn. Research tells us that there is greater interest in academic achievement, gains in test scores, higher graduation rates and increased student engagement. Our schools at all levels provide opportunities for meaningful student involvement such as student-selected reading materials, district assessment results review, student learning plans, portfolios, student interest driven electives, extracurricular activities, career exploration, celebrations and many more. Technology in our schools supports our vision as well. Starting in kindergarten we encourage students to develop computer skills. As students progress through their succeeding years, they develop technology knowledge that will be used throughout their lifetime. In high school, on-line classes can provide a chance to understand how to successfully complete a digitally-delivered class. Many educational opportunities are now done through this delivery system, and it takes a special understanding and commitment to complete a course. Our new alternative school, the White Salmon Academy, is an example of this. We utilize the OdysseyWare program, and we currently house 25 students in this program. The White Salmon Valley School District's ultimate goal is to see our students graduate from high school and continue to be life-long learners. We believe we have programs in place and certainly have the highly-qualified, dedicated, staff to motivate students at all grade levels to make this goal happen. Please visit your schools and become involved.September 2006 |
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White
Salmon Valley SchoolDistrict 405-17
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Welcome back! 
