School notes for April 7, 2015

Grass Valley students fare well in ‘Math is Cool’ contest

Fifth-grade students from Grass Valley Elementary recently competed in the “Math is Cool,” competition. It featured 60 fifth-grade teams from Southwest Washington and Oregon. Grass Valley, the only Camas team, came in fifth-place.

Team members are Jeremy Mohn, Ryen Howard, Arnav Patniak, Jake Dolan, Kevin Klave, Olivia VanDaele, Hannah Ferdows, Grant VanHoff, Owen Walker and Ashley Bauer. The students are coached by math teacher Jackie Graue.

CHS senior will perform with VSO

Yun Teng, a senior at Camas High School, will play his violin as a guest artist with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra.

Teng was one of three young musicians from the Clark County area to be selected to perform in the concert, set at 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, April 18 and 19, at Skyview Concert Hall, 1300 N.W. 139th St., Vancouver.

Aside from his passion in music, Yun is a two-time National Science Olympiad medalist, National AP Scholar, and National Merit Semifinalist.

In 2013, he placed second in the American Protege International Concerto Competition.

Concert tickets are available at www.vancouversymphony.ca/.

Youth photo contest opens

The Columbia Gorge Refuge Stewards are sponsoring a Youth Photo Contest.

The deadline is Sunday, May 17.

Contestants can submit their favorite nature and wildlife images taken at the Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge in Washougal.

Contest prizes include a GoPro Hero, gift cards to Pro Photo Supply and a 1-year family membership to the Columbia Gorge Refuge Stewards.

For complete contest rules and information, visit www.ProPhotoSupply.com/events/contests.htm.

Locals named to winter dean’s list at Azusa Pacific University

Two Camas residents, Lauren Lamb and Joy Richter, made the dean’s list at Azusa Pacific University.

To qualify for the list, students must earn at least a 3.5 GPA.

Azusa Pacific University is an evangelical Christian university located at seven regional centers throughout southern California.

WHS names its ‘Academic All Stars’

Washougal High School has announced its Academic All Stars for the first semester.

Each department within the school recognizes students from all grade levels who consistently demonstrated the type of qualities and behaviors that contribute to achievement and top academic performance.

“Through this recognition, the WHS staff is able to share our appreciation for many of our students who consistently demonstrate skills that potentially lead to their successes in the classroom,” said Aaron Hansen, Washougal High School principal.

“The demonstrated skills and work habits looked for in students that are recognized includes critical thinking, problem solving, perseverance, leadership, collaboration and teamwork.”

Students are given a certificate and are recognized at grade level assemblies.

The list of winners can be found on Hansen’s blog at washougalsd.blogspot.com/2015/03/whs-academic-all-star-list-for-fall.html.

Youth invited to prevention and awareness event

Unite! Washougal Community Coalition is hosting a youth event where participants will have the opportunity to conduct neighborhood surveys.

The surveys will involve questions about alcohol, tobacco, electronic vaporizers, drug paraphernalia, sales and advertising.

Middle and high school age youth, with adult team leaders, will conduct the surveys.

The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, April 25, at River Rock Church, 3250 N.E. Third Ave.

To participate, contact Margaret McCarthy at 635-7449 or washougalcommunitycoalition@gmail.com.

Excelsior names student of the month

Liam Boyle, a junior, has been named Student of the Month at Excelsior High School.

Staff note in a press release that Boyle excels in his classes and has developed many friendships.

“He is respectful of the staff and students,” the release stated. “He is looking forward to new and exciting challenges in his senior year.”

Drug and alcohol free party set

Strong Teens Against Substance Hazards & Abuse is hosting a drug and alcohol free party from 8 to 11 p.m. Friday, April 17.

It will take place at Marshall Community Center, 1009 E. Mcloughlin Blvd., Vancouver.

The event includes free food, swimming (lockers are 25 cents), basketball, dancing (with DJ, video games, table games, volleyball and prizes.

For more information, call 397-2130.

Preschool program opens registration

Camas Extended Day is starting a new program for 3-year-old children. It will focus on early childhood behavior for children who turn 3 by Aug. 31.

It will be led by paraprofessional teachers with early childhood experience. Students will learn social skills by sharing with their classmates and exploring the world around them.

The program will be held from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.

Camas Extended Day also offers a pre-kindergarten program, which focuses on kindergarten readiness for children who turn 4 by Aug. 31.

Students learn classroom, social and academic skills to prepare them for kindergarten.

Snacks are provided. Childcare is also available before and after class for an additional fee.

Morning and afternoon sessions are available.

For more information, call 833-5544, email debbie.mcenry@camas.wednet.edu or visit www.camascommunityed.org.

There is a non-refundable $25 registration fee for each program.