This will be the last Web Update of the 2022-23 school year. It is hard to believe that we have made it through these thirty-six weeks of school, but we have and we are proud of the learning that has been accomplished! Many thanks to teachers, staff, and administration who have given daily for the service of our students and community. I hope that the summer is also filled with learning and we look forward to seeing all of you again in August.
Message from Principal Widener: “Wow, I cannot believe that we are here at the end of the 22-23 school year. We all, teachers, staff and students, learned a lot this year. We made friends, we worked through conflict and we ended the year stronger. Even as we wind down this year, planning for next year has begun. Our school improvement plans are complete and have been submitted. Our goals are focused on Reading and Math Achievement, improving attendance and discipline. We will be working to improve communication with parents and the community and working to improve the climate and culture that supports our sense of belonging for all. We will continue to live up to our mission of “Every Student, Every Day, Every Way.” I can confidently say that Harrah Elementary and Mt. Adams Middle School are on the road to becoming one of the ‘Schools of Excellence.’
This week was a big week for end of the year activities on the Harrah Campus. The middle school field day was on Tuesday and the K6 field day was on Wednesday. These activities are planned and organized by our specialist crew. They do a wonderful job finding activities that are engaging and fun for all. Each grade level participated, for 45 minutes. Fun was had by all.
The last round of the PBIS Staffle was enjoyed by all. The students really enjoy getting the opportunity to face paint the staff of their choice.
The Middle School promotion is here. A huge shout out to the eighth grade team and their leader Melissa Besemann. Their hard work planning and organizing this event was appreciated by all. The ASB sponsored a dance for the students following the ceremony.
The Bill and Melinda Gate Foundation, Washington State Initiative on Education invited me to attend a state-wide gathering that took place this week at the Gates Foundation Headquarters in Seattle. The purpose of the convening of about 200 educators and lawmakers was to learn about the Gates initiative to increase support across the state to support high school students transition from highschool to postsecondary education. The event introduces the development of regional Learning Networks to develop plans to help students with this transition. Mt. Adams will apply for one of these planning grants as well as the actual funding of projects and hope to receive funding for this opportunity. More on this later.
Networking from the Gates Foundation event garnered $2, 500 in funding to support a college visit for Native Students from our District and informational meetings for parents and families of high school students to learn about post-secondary options and process for these students. In addition, I met the owner of Houdini the Hamster and have secured at least one visit and maybe more from Houdini for our Pre-K and Kindergarten students for next school year to learn about Healthy LifeStyles and to receive books about Houdini’s journey through life.
Director Jarnecke is pleased to announce that funding will be continued to support our proven efforts to recruit, train and place tutors strategically with students during the 2023-24 and 2024- 25 school years. Mt. Adams was awarded during the 2022-23 competitive cycle and due to Mrs. Jarnecke’s skillful reporting and application skills submitting the FP 204 Intensive Tutoring Program Grant Renewal form in iGrants, will receive an additional two years of funding. Exact awards will be determined based on requests made, data provided and available funds. Congratulations to the students who are the real beneficiaries of this grant and thank you to Mrs. Jarnecke for her dedication and service to our students’ learning and success.
Our student Dalia Vera-Gonzales has been selected to attend a summer program with the Simons-New York University Science exploration program. It is an intensive, three-week residential program for high school students interested in studying Biology, Chemistry, Neural Science, Physics, and Psychology at the introductory college level. The program is designed to give students a taste of college-level coursework and research, with exposure to disciplines central to the life and physical sciences, while also providing opportunities to learn from distinguished NYU faculty and guest speakers. The program will be held on the NYU campus and is open to rising high school juniors, seniors, and college freshmen, with a demonstrated interest in any of the following subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Neural Science, Physics, and Psychology. During the course of this three-week program, Dalia will have the chance to participate in laboratory research and attend lectures and workshops where they will be exposed to the basic principles of all five of these major disciplines. Students will also take part in social and cultural activities in New York City. Congratulations to Dalia who is a White Swan Junior and has been selected to attend the program this summer. She is very active in school sports such as volleyball, and has participated in wrestling and softball. She also is the Jr. Class President and is involved in Gear Up, Upward Bound Chair of the Prom Committee and a volunteer for Ma’s Closet. Please congratulate Dalia for being selected among the eighty students selected nationwide!
Bald for Bucks: During the month of June. Three leadership students held a fundraiser and raised over $500 for Ma’s closet. Mr. Olden, Mr. Strang, Mr. Givens, Mr. Horn and Mr. Mueller all volunteered to have their heads shaved for donations. On Wednesday, Ms. Sauceda shaved their heads and beards! The students and staff had a great time watching the hair fall! Thank you men for being such great sports for an even greater cause!
Credit Completion Lab – The White Swan team would like to, “Let's take a moment to celebrate the wins from Credit Completion Lab this year.” This is a celebration well deserved -- There were ten seniors that graduated last night that would not have crossed the finish line without the Credit Completion Lab!
Fall Semester: 22 courses completed = 11 credits total
11 ELA courses
6 Math courses
4 Science courses
1 History course
Spring Semester: 32 courses completed = 16 credits total
13 ELA courses
3 Math courses
7 Science courses
6 History courses
3 Elective courses (Art, PE, Spanish)
Ms. Trease writes, “I feel like this was an incredibly successful experiment! Way to go, ya'll! There are definitely some things to iron out and try differently for next year, but man oh man, do I feel accomplished!” Congratulations students and teachers!
Speaking of Graduation and Promotion. Yesterday was the fulfillment of our Mt. Adams School District Mission – 37 Seniors graduated and 77 eighth grade students promoted and 100% on-track for graduation in four years.
Congratulations to our class of 2023!
