Camas-Washougal Post-Record

July 2, 2013

Dale Lancaster, Kirsten Muskat and Sherry Brookshire, members of the Camas Camera Club, will have their work featured in the Second Story Gallery this month. Muskat founded the camera club in 2011 so that local photographers could meet in a non-competitive environment and share their work.

Work of Camas Camera Club members will be featured in ‘The Call of the Open Road’ exhibit

A buggy on a misty country road. A skateboarder weaving his way down the street. A desert highway that seems to stretch forever.These are a few of the images Camas Camera Club members will share during their photography exhibit this month. "The Call of the Open Road," will be featured at the Camas Public Library's Second Story Gallery. The official unveiling and reception are on Friday from 5 to 8 p.m. The opening will coincide with a popular classic car show, which is a part of Camas First Friday. Club members participated in the exhibit last year and enjoyed it so much, they came back for a second round, said Kirsten Muskat, club founder.

June 26, 2013

Students pause to look for birds during a hike at the Gibbons Creek Wildlife Art Trail. It is part of the 1,049 acre Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge.

C-W residents can escape into nature by hiking trails in their backyard

"Leave nothing but footprints. Take nothing but pictures. Kill nothing but time." This popular quote describes some of the unwritten rules of hiking. In the Camas and Washougal areas, with close access to the Columbia River Gorge, there are a multitude of beautiful areas one could wander on for hours. Whether you are seeking a short, challenging hike with stunning views of the gorge, observing nature in a wildlife refuge, or traversing near local waterways, hiking spots in Camas and Washougal offer something to suit most interests and ability levels.Cape Horn TrailAt the Cape Horn Trail eight miles east of Washougal on Highway 14, hikers are greeted with an easy-to-moderate path that winds up through the Columbia River Gorge. During the spring, the wildflowers are dazzling and views are phenomenal on a sunny day. The trail is a complete, 7 mile loop with 1,200 feet of elevation gain. It continues to evolve with more routes and improvements.

June 26, 2013

Seth Teeters and his daughter, Lela, enjoy the Books and Breakfast event at Cape Horn-Skye Elementary. It gives students and their parents a chance to read and eat together, and is one of the unique programs at the school.

Programs help create a sense of community for Camas-Washougal elementary, middle school levels

One of the unique aspects of Camas and Washougal are the schools. From small buildings tucked away in Skamania County to brand new facilities with all the latest technology, the area has a bit of everything. What makes these schools different, besides the physical structures, is the programs they have. The Post-Record is featuring a few of these unique opportunities offered at the local schools. Some were the result of parent volunteers, others were designed by teachers or administrators.Helen Baller ElementaryAt Helen Baller in Camas, students have the opportunity to participate in a parent-led drama team, a running club or student leadership.

June 26, 2013

Cyclists stop near a historical house, one of the points of interest during Joseph Blanco's history rides in Camas. Cycling is becoming an increasingly popular way to spend leisure time, but it is still developing as a lifestyle.

Cycling in C-W

With its network of trails, well-paved roads and scenic views, the Camas and Washougal areas are fast becoming home to an emerging cycling culture.

June 25, 2013

Children from birth through age 19 are welcome to participate in the Washougal Public Library's summer reading program.

Summer programs at Camas and Washougal libraries offer incentives, fun events

A flyer from the Fort Vancouver Regional Library District delivers the following message: "Get Smarter: READ!"Those who sign up for local "Dig into Reading" programs get an added bonus: Prizes to reward minutes read. The Camas and Washougal public libraries both have reading programs in place to encourage children and teenagers to read during their school break. "Youth who read during the summer will practice their reading and comprehension skills, and are likely to start school in the fall more prepared," said Ellen Miles, Camas youth services librarian. "That leads to smart kids who will grow up to be doctors and scientists who will change the world for the better."

June 18, 2013

CHS graduates are all smiles after receiving their diplomas and walking across the stage to loud cheers from family and friends.

CHS class of 2013 celebrates its achievements

All four high schools in Camas and Washougal recently held their graduation ceremonies. Post-Record reporters were on hand to capture the special moments. Camas High School Cheers, tears and laughter could be heard throughout Doc Harris Stadium Friday night, where more than 500 proud Papermakers participated in commencement ceremonies. The class of 2013 is not only the largest class ever in school history, but it is also the first senior class to compete at the 4A level, and set a new record for scholarships, with approximately $9.3 million amassed.

June 18, 2013

A fifth-grader in the iPad pilot program shows Washougal School District Superintendent Dawn Tarzian some of what she learned using her tablet this past year. The district has decided to expand the pilot to include all fifth-and sixth-graders next year.

iPads in the classroom allow more creativity, teachers say

After a year of using iPads, student absences and tardies have significantly decreased, and students are more engaged in learning.These results come from a fifth-grade iPad pilot program in the Washougal School District. At the start of the school year, students in three classrooms were given an iPad to see how it would impact learning. "Both students and teachers in the iPad pilot report high levels of interest in continuing the pilot, and look forward to showcasing the student projects and learning that have taken place throughout the year," said Les Brown, technology director. Results from the pilot group show unexcused absences to be nearly half of those who did not have the devices in the classroom. In addition, excused absences are 34 percent lower and tardies are about 30 percent lower. "This translates into more students being at school and ready when school starts," Brown said.

June 18, 2013

Washougal School District plans to renew levies

The Washougal School District will seek to renew its maintenance and operations, and technology levies next year. "It is very clear the Legislature is not going to fully fund schools," said Blaine Peterson, School Board president. "We'll have to figure out the best way to get funding to our kids." The School Board will wait until the Legislature approves a budget to decide whether to renew the levies at current levels, or ask voters for an increase. "We will seek to replace the levy, we just don't know how much yet," Peterson said.

June 18, 2013

Washougal to host summer lunch program

During the school year, children have access to a hot, nutritionally balanced lunch at school. For those who arrive early enough, breakfast is also included. Many of these students receive the meals for free or at a reduced price due to family income levels. But come summer, many may go hungry. That's why the Washougal School District will sponsor the Simplified Summer Food Program for the fifth year in a row. During July and August, free hot and sack lunches will be offered to all children, ages 1 through 18, who want to come.

June 11, 2013

Emmy Campen (front) and Shelby Jolly search for birds during a nature walk at Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge, located just east of Washougal.

Outdoor school gives students the opportunity to discover more about the Columbia River Gorge and its history

Ask a sixth-grader what their favorite aspect of outdoor school is, and a likely response will be the opportunity to get out of the classroom. And that's the point. Outdoor school, aligned with state science standards, is meant to give students a hands-on approach to the natural world they can't get by going online or looking at photos in a textbook. Students learn through inquiry and practical application by doing hands-on activities.