Naselle school board hears reports

Jada Rupley, associate superintendent for the Educational Service District (ESD) 112, presented the Naselle-Grays River School Board an ECEAP update at the May 19 meeting. ECEAP is the acronym for Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program, which is the state’s comprehensive pre-kindergarten program for income eligible families.

The program provides free preschool, developmental screenings, nutritious meals and snacks, health and dental screenings and fun activities for families. Enrollment for next year’s program has begun, however, space is limited. For more information call 484-7121 or 1-800-660-9843 ext. 378.

In other business, kindergarten teacher Sue Holt, with a group of her students, showed the board some of the new technological learning programs they use in the classroom. Programs like Starfall.com teach students how to count, read and write letters. The program also has interactive learning games.

During “center time,” Holt’s students use the computers to learn word processing, or phonics skills. A math program helps the students learn number skills. A program called KidPicks teaches the children how to write letters. When they have finished, the program reads back what they have written.

The board accepted the resignation of bus driver Shannon McLucas and voted to hire Russ Hickman as girl’s basketball coach. Director Steve Sultemeier said he has heard Hickman is a very experienced coach and is certain he will do a good job.

Head Principal Karen Wirkkala reported the Naselle K-8 school received recognition in the Evergreen Freedom Foundation Report. The school, she said, came in 28th place after considering a multi-way tie out of 1,130 K-6 schools in the state.

The Evergreen group looks at overall improvement based on the Washington Assessment of Student Learning (WASL) tests from the 2007-08 and previous school years. Wirkkala said the school earned the highest rating in Pacific County, and is the only elementary school in the county to “demonstrate upward trend and one of 123 to have improved significantly since 2004." The research was conducted by the Fraser Institute in Vancouver B.C.

Assistant Principal Jon Tienhaara said the GEAR-UP grant was approved for the 2009-10 school year. The school will be receiving $37,700 for the class of 2011 to spend on GEAR UP activities. Student led conferences are scheduled for June 1-2. Students have already started practicing, he said.

Naselle Youth Camp Principal Lisa Nelson said the Department of Natural Resources will remain at the camp. Efforts are being made to keep them at maximum capacity. The night school will be essential for the students working with DNR during the day, she said.

Graduation ceremonies for the Naselle-Grays River Schools are; kindergarten on June 15 at 6:30 p.m., eighth grade moving up on June 11 at 6 p.m., and high school on June 13 at 4 p.m.

There are two positions on the Naselle School Board becoming vacant, including the representative for Rosburg. Any interested parties need to apply by June 1 at the Wahkiakum County Courthouse.