Preparations continue for start of local schools

Preparations for the 2008-09 school year are underway. The first day of school for the Wahkiakum and Naselle/Grays River Valley Districts is September 1. Teachers report for duty on August 26 in both districts.

Both districts are in the process of hiring new staff. For WHS, four candidates are being discussed for the half time math teacher position, while NHS has two open positions. The contracts of individuals will be discussed at each districts' school board meetings this week.

Julius A. Wendt Elementary School will have a Back to School Night on August 28 from 6 p.m. until 7 p.m. for students and parents to have the opportunity to meet their teacher for the coming school year.

That same evening, John C. Thomas Middle School will have a middle school curriculum night from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Students and parents are encouraged to attend.

At 7 p.m., Wahkiakum High School will hold freshmen orientation for students and parents. New students are welcome to attend as well.

Fall sports are ready to begin practices. All athletes must have sports physical forms turned into their school offices.

Wahkiakum high school and middle school cross country practices begin on Monday at 3:30 p.m. in front of the swimming pool. Naselle HS and MS begin at 4 p.m.

JCT Middle School will begin volleyball practice on August 25 at 3 p.m. until 5 p.m. in the gym. In order to participate, all players must have proof of insurance and physical. They should also have gym shoes, shorts, t-shirt and knee pads. WHS Volleyball practice will be from 3:30 p.m. until 8 p.m.

NHS Volleyball begins at 5 p.m., middle school begins at 3:30 p.m.

Middle school football practice with Coach John Hannah begins at 3 p.m. on Monday. Naselle Middle School begins football practice on Tuesday at 3:15 p.m.

Naselle High School started their football practice on Wednesday.

WHS Mule football started last Tuesday evening with a parent meeting. The first practice started at midnight yesterday (Wednesday) on the practice field.

Coach Eric Hansen reiterated that all athletes must have a current physical and proof of insurance on file with the high school office. If any new students would like to turn out, they should give Coach Hansen a call at 795-8505.

The KM Mountain game will begin again with the Mules hosting the Comets on September 5, the teams' first game of the season.