Everything you need to know about the

White Salmon Valley School District

2009-2010

The White Salmon Valley School District had a great start to the 2010-2011 school year. Our enrollment is up approximately 22 students over last year. We have hired some new, very highly qualified building and district staff including a new principal at Columbia High School. We have a very committed and dedicated staff including our school bus drivers, custodians, maintenance and grounds workers, kitchen workers, classified and certified staff, administrators, and our school board. The quality of our teaching staff is reflected in the high number of Nationally Board Certified teachers that teach in our district. We currently have 9 and others are working toward this challenging certification. Our district facilities are well maintained and the district provides a wide variety of extracurricular activities for all students. Our district is committed to making continuous improvement and in providing a quality education for each of our students. Last year the district administrative team was selected to participate in the Washington Leadership Academy. This leadership program was developed and sponsored by the State of Washington for the purpose of providing local support to school administrators in becoming more effective instructional leaders in their respective schools and districts. Our administrative team is in the second year of this program and currently working on a problem of practice that is focused on narrowing the achievement gap within our district. This focus requires a comprehensive district plan that will address the learning needs of our students that are either struggling in a particular content area or who require more challenging learning opportunities. Through a collaborative effort, the administrative team is working on a district-wide approach that will support our instructional staff through a common K-12 instructional framework, dedicated teacher collaboration time, staff professional development, and K-12 assessment tools. This is a process that will take time and resources to implement and will require the continued support of our community. I appreciate the support our community has given our school district over the years and I look forward to that continued support as we move through some very challenging economic times in providing a high quality education for each of our students. Please know that I am always open to a phone call or a visit to discuss any questions or concerns you may have. I truly want us to have a school district we can all be proud of. Sincerely, Dr. Jerry Lewis Superintendent

White Salmon Valley School District provides a safe environment where each student is encouraged to dream, is inspired to succeed, and is empowered to become a life-long learner.

Our School District The White Salmon Valley School District is a small, consolidated district serving students from the towns of White Salmon and Bingen, and the outlying areas of Husum, Underwood and Snowden. Approximately 1200 students are served by Whitson Elementary School (grades K-4), Henkle Middle School (5-8), Columbia High School (9-12) and the alternative school, White Salmon Academy. The district is financially sound and has an annual budget of $12.6 million. The district benefits from many of the programs offered by ESD #112, which serves districts in Southwest Washington. It is also involved in many state and federal grants including Title I, Title II, Migrant, Learning Assistance, Career and Technical Education, Beginning Teacher Assistance, Bilingual, Math and Science, and Gifted programs. The community has a history of strong support for schools, regularly approving two-year maintenance and operation levies, and involving itself in many ways through classroom and schoolbased events.

Academic Success White Salmon Valley School District students have established a strong tradition of excellence and academic growth. Attracted by our region’s extraordinary beauty, outdoor recreation, and fine arts community, teachers from around the United States have settled here. Their talent and enthusiasm, as well as strong community support, result in much success. District students regularly demonstrate more academic growth from their entry in school to the time they take the 10th grade state tests than do their peers statewide. The success of each child is important, and we strive to ensure that each is given the structure, challenge, and help they need to become life-long learners. Many of our high school graduates go on to attend four-year universities, community colleges, and technical schools. Several have been National Merit Scholar semi-finalists. Our rigorous curriculum provides students the tools they need to be successful in whatever career or field of study they choose to enter.

COLUMBIA HIGH SCHOOL  HENKLE MIDDLE SCHOOL  HULAN L. WHITSON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Our Region and Community

We believe… All students can learn and feel successful. Reading is the foundation of education. Schools should be student-centered in philosophy, organization, and educational practices. There are many ways to motivate students to graduate and continue the life-long learning process. Each student can reach his/her fullest academic and social potential. Successful schools develop partnerships among parents, schools, students, businesses and the community. Civic and community involvement is an important component of each student’s education. Education should be based on strong basic skills, that also encompass creative usage, problem solving, critical and analytical thinking, and cooperative work traits. Success in the modern workplace requires schools and students to be proficient in the use of technology. Sound fiscal management includes maintaining a minimum cash reserve of five percent of the district’s budget. Education is enhanced in safe and wellmaintained facilities. All students and their families are welcome in our schools and all our activities. White Salmon Valley School District PO Box 157, White Salmon, WA 98672 Ph 509-493-1500 http://schools.gorge.net/whitesalmon

The White Salmon Valley School District is located in a beautiful rural setting in the heart of the scenic Columbia River Gorge, home to world-class wind surfing, kite boarding and white water kayaking. White Salmon offers a variety of environments and lifestyle activities. At nearby Mt. Hood you will find several ski areas including year-round facilities at Timberline Lodge. Other local activities include hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, river rafting, golfing, waterskiing, rock climbing, hiking, sailing and boating. The area has a variety of public facilities available, including five tennis courts, seven golf courses, swimming pools, several parks, and a number of lakes. The town is self-contained and has its own hospital, doctors , dentists, optometrists, attorneys and other professional services. The towns of White Salmon and Bingen include a number of restaurants, nearby lodging, a variety of stores and shops, as well as churches of various denominations. Finally, the cultural amenities available in urban areas such as Vancouver, Washington and Portland, Oregon, are just a little more than an hour away.

Community Leadership The White Salmon Valley School Board plays a crucial role in maintaining the standards of educational excellence for the community. The board believes that involved and informed parents and citizens are vital to the district’s success. The district is governed by a five-member elected board, whose primary function is to establish policies, set educational standards and goals, review all phases of the district’s instructional programs and to oversee financial, property and facilities needs of the district.

Board Members Board Chair Paul Mosbrucker, District 5 Board Vice Chair Jeff Cooper, District 1 Board Member Deborah Bergstrom, District 2 Board Member Kris Kreps, District 3 Board Member Tom Stevenson, District 4 Non Profit Bulk Rate US Postage PAID—Permit No. 36 White Salmon, WA 98672 “Box Holder” An Equal Opportunity Employer