School notes for Nov. 2

CEF auction earns $65,000

After the last bids were tallied and the bills were paid, the Camas Educational Foundation’s 12th annual auction raised nearly $65,000 that will be applied towards educational innovation across the Camas School District.

Teachers will soon be able to apply for mini and major grants to try out new and scale up proven ideas.

“Even during a deep recession, the Camas community showed their support for education,” said Ron Gompertz, CEF President. “Nearly 200 generous patrons and sponsors turned out to have some fun and invest in a strong school district.”

A special collective bid raised nearly $5,000 to supplement reduced field trip budgets. This money will be applied across all schools in the district.

The auction was held at Camas Meadows on Oct 23, and was the work of many dedicated volunteers. Master of Ceremonies was Doug Quinn and auctioneer was JillMarie Wiles.

“This year, we really made some big changes in the format of the auction,” said Bonnie Carter, CEF treasurer.” We moved it back to Camas, eliminated the sit-down dinner and added a section just for gift cards. Based on the ‘roar of the crowd,’ it sounded like everyone had a great time. “

The auction brings in donations of goods and services from more than 100 merchants, artists, and medical professionals across town.

This year, a labradoodle puppy, many vacation homes, a round trip plane ride to the coast, and many school principal-for-a-day certificates were sold.

The net profit from this event will help CEF provide educational grants in spring 2011.

CHS hosts college and career fair

Camas High School is hosting a college and career options event from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 10. This event is free, open to the public and is designed to encourage students to explore post high school options, including two- and four-year public and private colleges, technical training and military opportunities.

The event will take place in the CHS gym, 26900 S.E. 15th St., and students and parents can speak directly to admissions representatives to gather information on schools and programs of their interest. Then, there will be informational breakout sessions on topics such as SAT vs. ACT and College Planning 101.

Questions can be directed to Suzie Downs, the career specialist at CHS. The main line is 833-5750, ext. 78365.

Skills Center Restaurant opens

On Wednesday, the student-operated restaurant at the Clark County Skills Center re-opens to the public.

Breakfast and lunch will be served on the Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays that the Skills Center is open with breakfast from 8:45 to 10 a.m., and lunch from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The restaurant, named “A Touch of Class,” is located on the Skills Center campus at 12200 N.E. 28th St., in Vancouver. Students are enrolled in the Restaurant Management/Culinary Arts program which is accredited by the American Culinary Federation.

The restaurant will be closed all day on Thursday, Nov. 11; closed for lunch only on Wednesday, Nov. 17; and closed all day Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, Nov. 24, 25 and 26, for the Thanksgiving holiday break.

The Skills Center also offers meeting room and dining room space for community groups and businesses.

Opened in 1983, the Clark County Skills Center is owned and operated by ten southwest Washington school districts, including Camas and Washougal, providing technical and professional training programs that prepare Clark County high school and college students for the workforce.

For more information, contact Skills Center Caterer Robbin McColley at (360) 604-1050 or Skills Center Director Dennis Kampe at (360) 604-1050.

Library hosts worm watch event for kids

Preschoolers, kindergartners and their parents are invited to come to the Camas Public Library, 625 N.E. Fourth Ave., at 11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 15. Kids are invited to look at real worms and see how they look, feel, smell and act. Snacks and a craft will be provided as well.

The event is free, but sign-up is required by calling 834-4692.

Local residents graduate from Perry institute

Two Washougal natives were among the students graduating from Perry Technical Institute on Oct. 21.

Michael Green and Josh Monstrud graduated from the electrical technology program.

Perry Technical Institute is a private, non-profit educational institution in Yakima, which offers 10 specialized technical training programs.