The first senior class meeting for parents was held on Wednesday night this week. Principal Tenney announced to those present that, “Our goal is to have all of our Seniors complete their FASFA before we go out for the Holiday break in December.” Mrs. Sheppard and Mrs. Tenney have also begun meeting personally with all of the Seniors to go over required course credits, missing course credits, and explaining to both parents and students what they need to do to remain on track or achieve the necessary credits required by the State of Washington for them to earn a diploma and graduate from White Swan High School. If you have any questions related to whether your son or daughter is on track to graduate with the Class of 2023, please call the office and make an appointment to meet with Mrs. Sheppard or Mrs. Tenney. (509) 874-8601
Teachers Visiting Other Teachers in Classroom Walks - This week the High School Teacher Leadership Team began conducting peer classroom walks. That means that teachers get to visit and observe other teachers teaching. The District developed a form for the classroom visit that will help the observer specifically watch for student ownership of learning. Teachers see this as an opportunity to learn from one another and to help teachers develop their own teaching strategies so that our students take more ownership of their own learning. Research has proven that when students take responsibility for his or her own learning success, that the learning increases and chances of subject mastery excels greatly. Our Mt. Adams teachers are consummate professionals as they have chosen to use this methodology to improve their work and service to our students. If members of the Board of Directors would like to participate in any of these classroom visits, please let us know.
The Yakima Herald Republic is Interested in Our White Swan Attendance Strategies - A Yakima Herald reporter visited White Swan High School this week and interviewed Mrs. Tenney about how the campus is addressing attendance including our new schedule. The reporter appeared to be very impressed with all of the things that White Swan High School and the Mt. Adams School District are doing to address attendance. In fact, the reporter was so impressed that she returned on Wednesday to interview some of our students. We are not sure yet when the story will appear in the paper but we are excited to see that the great work our staff, community, and students are doing is recognized and will be highlighted in the Yakima Herald Republic.
Agriculture/Future Farmers of America/Central Washington State Fair - Mrs. Grooters, our new AG/FFA teacher, has begun setting our FFA program back on track. Our students are enthusiastic and are in the middle of making their fair display. If you are at the fair, please stop by and see the display and give our students a thumbs up for all their hard work. We expect to have pigs in the barn this year. Students and families are excited and expressing interest.
Spring Feast to Return to the White Swan Campus - Principal Tenney is working with Helen Haggarty and Brettagne Aleck on a planning committee for Spring Feast to be held here on the White Swan Campus in May 2023. We are excited and believe strongly that this important cultural event will strengthen our school and community. Thank you to all those who are willing to help and if you would like to volunteer, please contact Mrs. Tenney and she will pass your name and contact information along to Helen and Brettagne.
New Play Structure at Harrah - Mrs. Widener reports that Harrah students are getting excited watching as the first parts of the new K-4 playground are on site and some things have been placed. The Swing is up as well as the posts for the new Zip Line. They must wait for the cement to set and cure, and then the other parts of the structure as well as the rubberized ADA compliant pay surface will be finished soon… stay tuned!
Charger Football is Almost Here - Our Mt. Adams Middle School football team plays their first game ever this week. As of this writing, the score is unknown and our next game is next Thursday, September 29, 2022. The new Charger Field is beautiful so I hope that you will be able to join us to watch our Chargers in action!
Volleyball on the Harrah Campus - The New Assistant coach for volleyball was added due to the large number of girls that are playing. She approached me today asking if she could come early on Wednesday to help the kids with study tables and to pull athletes to do drills. She is so excited about building relationships with our athletes.
Happy Birthday from a Caring Community! A sixth grade student was observed carrying a large poster board around the cafetorium. When asked what the poster was, she replied "My sister didn't get any happy birthdays last year." So, I am asking everybody to wish her a happy birthday. We have such caring, respectful, safe, and kind brothers, sisters, fellow students, and staff in the District. Thank you for continuing to be kind to one another and be thankful for the ability to part of the Mt. Adams School District Learning Community!