Valley Voice

April/May 2015Valle

y School District

This community publication is provided by the Valley School District | Valleysd.org

HIGHLIGHTED: Supt. Message, p. 2 | Spring Drama Awards, p. 5 | Valley Community Almanac, p. 7

Learning Through A First Grader’s Experience

May is CdLS Awareness Month and this group of family and staff members have joined together to make it happen at Valley for Chloé Cliett (front, with glasses). Pictured are (from left) Torrianna Farnsworth (cousin), Alyssa Bellevue (teacher), Trinity

Farnsworth (cousin), Heather Gilbert (mom), Kim Goot, (para-pro), Kaylee Gilbert (aunt), and in front, center, Miley Cliett (sister).

Chloé Cliett is a Valley School first grader who loves music, dance, art and sports. She started at the Valley Early

Learning Center four years ago and has become known on campus for her contagious smile and loving heart. She is also noticed as the girl who is unique in some ways, but many people aren’t sure how, exactly. In May, Chloé’s family, friends and teachers are going to change that.

“We are thinking to bring in sunflower seeds for all the kids to plant, because that’s Chloé’s favorite flower,” said Chloé’s mom, Heather Gilbert, who was also wearing a t-shirt showing a sunflower with Chloé’s picture in the middle and the phrase “Let It Be Known” printed across the bottom.

The purpose of the seeds, shirts and other ideas that are currently in the works is to raise awareness about a rare genetic condition called Cornelia de Lange Syndrome (CdLS), which is what Chloé was born with.

According to the CdLS Foundation website, CdLS “is a ge-netic disorder present from birth, but not always diagnosed at birth. It causes a range of physical, cognitive and medical challenges and affects both genders equally. CdLS does not discriminate – it’s seen in all races and ethnic backgrounds. The

occurrence of CdLS is estimated to be 1 in 10,000 live births.”In Chloé’s case, she was not diagnosed right away, which

her mother said is not unusual. “It is the number one undiag-nosed or misdiagnosed syndrome,” Heather explained, noting that it has been quite the learning experience. Heather and her husband Jimmy Cliett have been working on getting medical insurance approval to see the closest specialist in Philadelphia, PA since Chloé was about six months old. A new clinic is now opening in San Jose, however, and the family is happy to have just received their approval to make the trip in April.

In the meantime, Kim Goot, a Valley School para-educator who works with Chloé, is encouraging classmates and every-one else to “ask questions” and to get to know Chloé better. “CdLS is not contagious and she also should not be defined by some label. She [Chloé] just wants to have fun, to learn and grow, and to be loved, just like any other kid.”

The CdLS Foundation has designated the month of May as the official awareness-raising month and May 8th is the date to save on the calendar for a yet-to-be specified event on campus, probably around 3 p.m. T-shirts can also be ordered through the Valley School Office.

www.valleysd.org

2 | Valley Voice | April/May 2015

School BoardBill Wilson (President)

Doug ElledgeRenae FitzgeraldCrystal Hubert

Paul VoelkerSuperintendent

Kevin Foster

Non-Discrimination StatementValley School District does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, honorably discharged veteran or military status, sexual orientation including gender expression or identity, the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability, or the use of a trained guide dog or service animal by a person with a disability in its programs and activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following employees of the Valley School District at 3030 Huffman Rd., Valley, WA 99181 are designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination: Danielle Tupek, Title IX Liaison; Janet Williams, Section 504/ADA Coordinator; Kevin Foster, Compliance Coordinator for State Law (RCW 28A.640/28A.642). A complaint regarding alleged discrimination may be made by e-mail to: compliance@valleysd.org, or by calling the district office at 509-937-2791.

VSD Board Meeting Notice

Upcoming VSD Board meetings are April 15th & May 20th at 6:30 p.m.

Kevin FosterSuperintendent

As I mentioned in the December/January edition of the Valley Voice, the Common Core Standards are a

good reference point for what students need to succeed in careers and college level learning and will help create comparable learning expectations from district to district and state to state. However, the related state testing sys-tem is a tremendous waste of time and money. Our Val-ley students, teachers and many other staff are spending countless hours getting ready for the Smarter Balanced Assessments (code name, S-BAC) this spring. While these tests purport to provide useful information about the prog-ress of students, that information could not be helpful be-cause we do not get the results until the end of the school year or the summer. Besides, we have our own short-term assessments that provide much more useful information about student progress.

When asked why we have to give these tests, our state education agency, the Office of the Superintendent of Pub-lic Instruction (code name, OSPI) , informs us that federal law, based on the No Child Left Behind Act, requires these tests. If we don’t take the tests we will lose federal funds. Additionally, our state legislature has passed laws requir-ing these tests, as well as others, be linked to high school graduation. It seems to me that whenever we are told the reason for doing something is that somebody else says

we have to, we better take a close look at it. In education, the answer to all questions has to be, “Because it will help students learn and be successful in their lives and work.” I just don’t see how these tests will help students learn.

Let me be clear, I support and insist on accountability. The taxpayers should be provided with ample evidence that our students are learning as they should, and if students aren’t learning, we are taking action to make sure they do. But if these tests are intended to make districts and states accountable for student learning, they go about in the wrong way. There is already a system in place for com-paring district and state achievement called the National Assessment of Educational Progress (code name, NAEP).

My point is this: the whole testing thing has lost con-nection with learning. Across the country, billions in tax dollars are being wasted on a system that doesn’t help kids. We should be spending that money to directly benefit our kids. This is far more a political problem than an education problem. The federal No Child Left Behind Act is up for reauthorization this year. I encourage you to learn about it and communicate your own perspective to our Represen-tative McMorris-Rodgers, Senator Cantwell, and Senator Murray. There are also several bills affecting testing that are currently being considered in the Washington State Legislature. Again, I encourage you to learn about them and communicate your own perspective to Representatives Small and Kretz, and Senator Dansel.

By the way, I am always willing to discuss issues related to our schools with anyone in the community. I am starting a regular, weekly public conversation time. You can find me on Wednesday mornings at the Valley Store having a cup of coffee from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m.

Message from the Superintendent

If you would like to receive phone call notices from the Valley School District about school activities, events and

in case of emergency, just let us know! Contact 937-2413 and we’ll add you to the auto-call list.

Want School Notices?

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April/May 2015 | Valley Voice | 3

Paideia High School students taking individual voice lessons from PHS music teacher Brian McDougall, in

addition to group choir, gave a vocal recital in March. Zara Cruden performed a traditional Scottish tune, “Charlie is My Darlin’” and “Garden of Shadows” from Hocus Pocus. Amber Norman sang “Come Again, Sweet Love” by John Dowland and “Thinking Out Loud” by Ed Sheeran. Cristi Cummings gave voice to “Nymphs and Shepherds” by Henry Purcell and performed “Loch Lomond,” another traditional Scottish tune. Mr. McDougall opened the event with his rendition (in German) of “Wohin?” by Wihelm Müller and closed the recital with an amusing and animat-

ed delivery of “Oh is There Not One Maiden’s Breast?” by Gilbert and Sullivan.

“Art is not created in a vacuum,” remarked Mr. Mc-Dougall. “It is meant to be presented/performed for an audience.” Also, in addition to meeting some of the Wash-ington state music standards, the recital provided a good opportunity for the students to gain stage experience. “Some of the students were worried about performing for an audience, but it went very well and it will be an en-couragement to them. The more opportunities they have to perform, the more comfortable they will become with it. I might also add that it is just fun!”

PHS Vocal Recital

Zara Cruden Amber Norman Cristi Cummings Brian McDougall, Music Teacher

Valley School students selected as winners of this year’s Valley

Fair Book Cover Contest were (from left): Kallie Evers (K), Max Anderson (1st grade), Emma Evers (2nd grade), Alysia Capoeman-Yniguiz (3rd grade and overall winner), and Gavin Lawrence (3rd grade and honor-able mention). Alysia’s picture was chosen for the cover and the other winning pictures will be displayed on either the inside or back cover. Each winner will receive game tick-ets and a meal ticket for the day of the fair, which is scheduled for Saturday, August 8, 2015. Fair books will be available on June 15th. For questions or to volunteer for this year‘s event, call Theresa Carr at 937-2635.

Fair Book Cover Contest Winners

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4 | Valley Voice | April/May 2015

Thank You Lane Mountain!

On behalf of the Valley School District, I would like to extend sincere thanks to Lane Mountain Company,

and especially to Plant Manager Joe Scates, Jr., for the donation of a street sweeper. That machine has great value in helping us clean up dust and dirt around our campus. Lane Mountain has a long history of generosity and partnership with our school district, which is very much appreciated.

Sincerely,Kevin Foster, Superintendent

Pep Club UpdatePep Club students have been a busy bunch, making

Valentine’s Day crafts with the preschoolers and deliv-ering more than 200 Flower Grams in February and orches-trating their annual Food Drive for the Valley Food Pantry in March. Pep Club will be keeping up the pace in April with their softball/baseball spirit challenge, Earth Day preschool visits and annual carnival for lower wing level 1 students. They will also be selling Valley spirit stickers, buttons and other items in blue and white. Thanks, Pep Club and advisor Gail Churape, for all you do!

Tommy Clark, of the Valley School District Facilities Crew, put-ting the street sweeper donated by Lane Mountain Co. to good use during spring clean-up activities around campus.

‘Design An Ad’ Winner

Valley School 5th grader Mi-

chelle Navarro was selected as one of the winners of the Statesman-Exam-iner’s “Design An Ad” contest. The program was cre-ated to provide 1st through 6th grade students an oppor-tunity to explore the field of graphic design by creating a newspaper ad. Stu-dents chose from a list of participating businesses and then the business selected their favorite ads. Michelle’s ad for Zips Drive-In earned her a spot on the winner’s page and $10. Michelle said she had never drawn an ad before but when she went to work on this one, she thought about food and being happy.

Valley School Gets Arts Guild Grant

Special thanks to the Chewelah Arts Guild for awarding Valley School the Rainbow Grant, which

brought Gina Greenwood (pictured in background) and her “Dance and Movement” classes to the school.

www.valleysd.org/valley-community

April/May 2015 | Valley Voice | 5

Best Characters played by PHS:

Most Devilish: Shelton TwitchellMost Heavenly: Andrea FranksBest “Script Reader” on Stage: Joe Phillips

Most Delightful Characters played by preschool to 1st Grade Students:

The Woodland Animals:Cutest Cottontail Rabbit: Emily Aken The Finest Floppy Eared Bunny: Emily HowderMost Radiant Rodent: Torianna FarnsworthMost Rascally Raccoon: Trinity FarnsworthMost Precious Puppy: Jade JonesMost Beautiful Blue Bird: Hailey KlemishThe Most Worthy White Owl: Hazelle TwichellThe Rarest Red Breasted Robin: Kai TwichellBest Porkiest Little Piggy: Nicholas Aken

Most Enjoyable Characters played 2nd through 5th grade students:

Seven (Eight) Dwarfs:Smallest Dwarf with the Biggest Voice: Landin ChurchBest Female Dwarfs: Nakyia Miller and Hazel CloudCutest Dwarfs: Eli Johnson and Ashton MedranoTallest Dwarf: Gavin LawrenceYoungest Dwarf: Joel StanleyOldest Dwarf: Cole Henn

Most Eloquent Queen and Best Student Playing an Adult Character: Kylee HowderMost Memorable Characters: Queen’s PeddlersPrettiest Evil Character: Miah ChristenBest Costume: Kylea FitzgeraldScariest Character: Heather PettyBest Bats and Best Characters to watch and Most Improved:Chloe Fechner, Kaylee Gilbert and Miranda HarrisBrightest young stars: Arianna Hatch and Julian HennBest Newcomer: Julian HennBest Voice Annunciator: Arianna HatchMost Creative performers: Mia Bellevue and Bailey Jones Best Characters to watch: Austin Paladin and Skyler PhillipsBest Stage Presence and Charisma: Jasmine PaladinMost Fun, Funniest, Most Unusual Character: Zach RindlisbacherIncredible and Completely Awesome stage performers: Caitlin Martin and Eden Clemmer Best Quick Change Artists: Jade Jones, Austin Paladin, Skyler Phillips, Mia Bellevue, Bailey Jones, Andrea Franks and Shelton Twichell

Effort Award:

3rd - 5th: Landin Church, Hazel Cloud, Miah Christen, Chloe Fechner and Julian Henn

6th - 8th: Kaylee Gilbert, Heather Petty and Skyler Wilhite Best Tech Guys: Gavin Barrett (and Jim Paladin) Best backstage set changers: Andrea Franks and Shelton TravisEighth graders: Zach Rindlisbacher

Special Awards

Voice Projection, Enunciation and Volume Awards: For those who excelled in these areas during the performances: Miranda Harris and Mia Bellevue

Drama Awards: For those who excelled in their performance on and off of the stage, followed directions, needed minimal guidance, needed minimal cues, and always did what the director or back-stage helpers asked: Eden Clemmer and Caitlin Martin

Special Acknowledgement Awards: Chloe Fechner, Jasmine Paladin, Kylea Fitzgerald and Austin Paladin

Spring Drama AwardsThe Rockin’ Tale of Snow White

Girls

MVP: Alysa FitzgeraldMost Improved: Katie MaupinCoach’s Award: Nicole Clemmer

Boys

MVP: Cory HubertMr. Hustle: Dawson ViningMost Improved: Ethan Skok

Coach’s Awards: Nolan Hansen & Jerrin Hubert Posey

Basketball Awards

6 | Valley Voice | June/July 2014

www.valleysd.org

6 | Valley Voice | April/May 2015

Rearview Mirror

Mrs. Weasleman’s 1st and 2nd grade class in 1939, Valley, WA. Photo courtesy the Valley Historical Society.

The following students advanced as the winners for their age bracket in the Knights of Columbus Free Throw

Competition held at the Valley School. All winners received first place medals for the county and district shoot-offs.

• Jaden Hollingsworth, Valley School, 9-year-old boys

• Austin Paladin, Valley School, 10-year-old boys• James Macrae, Chewelah, 11-year-old boys• Christian Norman, Chewelah, 12-year-old boys• Jerin Posey, Valley School, 13-year-old boys• Zachary Kubik, Chewelah, 14-year-old boys• Mekenzie Acevedo, Valley School, 13-year-old girlsThe combined scores of the first three rounds for

each winner have been submitted to the state level. If a participant has the highest total number of successful free throws for their age category, they will be awarded the state championship.

Knights of Columbus Free Throw Winners

CVA Earns Re-Accreditation

The Valley School District’s distance learning pro-gram, Columbia Virtual Academy (CVA) partici-

pated in a strenuous standards review, self-study and third-party assessment to determine how well the pro-gram is meeting the unique requirements of digital learning institutions. CVA’s educational practices were reviewed and evaluated against benchmarks for best practices and specific indicators within the following five standards:

• Purpose and Direction

• Governance and Leadership• Teaching and Assessing for Learning,• Resources and Support Systems• Using Results for Continuous ImprovementAdvancED Accreditation, the organization conducting

the review, applies specific standards for distance educa-tion agencies and promotes continuous improvement to enhance student success. CVA passed the review with high marks and CVA’s accreditation is now renewed through 2020. Congratulations for a job well done!

Child FindValley School District offers many academic pro-

grams and services for all children residing within district boundaries, including developmental screenings and comprehensive assessments for those suspected of having a disability which could adversely affect their success in school. Early identification and intervention helps children become more independent and achieve at higher levels.

Schools provide educational support programs such as Title I, Learning Assistance Program (LAP), special ed-ucation and speech, physical and occupational therapy.

Families with low-income, experiencing homelessness, foster children, and/or children with developmental delay or disability, including speech difficulties, may qualify for preschool services (ages 3-5) at no cost. If you have con-cerns about your child’s development, contact the school to arrange a free screening for speech, hearing, language, motor, social and learning skills. Individuals from birth to twenty-one (21) years of age may be screened and eligible for district services. For more information or to arrange an appointment, please contact the Special Services Director at (509) 937-2859, or the district office at (509) 937-2791.

www.valleysd.org/valley-community

April/May 2015 | Valley Voice | 7

Valley Community AlmanacApril

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4“Ham” radio breakfast | 9 – 10 am | Valley CafeCommunity Easter Egg Hunt & Breakfast | 9 – 11am | Valley GrangeOpen Computer Lab & Coaching | 10am – 12pm | VSRC @ the VLCash Mgmt. Workshop - By Appt. Only | 12:30 – 2:30pm | VSRC @ the VL

Valley Historical Society Meeting | Valley Store | 9 - 10amValley Community Fair Meeting | Valley Grange | 6:30 - 7:30pm

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Valley School Book Fair

Chamber of Commerce | 11am – 12pm | Springdale Fire Station

20Coffee with the Superintendent | Valley Store | 10 - 11amESL Workshop - By Appt. Only | 4 – 6pm | VSRC @ the VLCommunity In Progress (CIP) Meeting | 5 – 6:30pm | Valley School District Broadcast StudioVSD Board Meeting | 6:30 – 8pm | VSD Broadcast Studio

1 Coffee with the Superintendent | Valley Store | 10 - 11amESL Workshop - By Appointment Only | 4 – 6pm | VSRC @ the VL

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Coffee with the Superintendent | Valley Store | 10 - 11amESL Workshop - By Appointment Only | 4 – 6pm | VSRC @ the VL

22Open Computer Lab & Coaching | 10am – 12pm | VSRC @ the VLCash Management Workshop - By Appt. Only | 12:30 – 2:30pm | VSRC @ the VL

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The Valley Voice is a publication of Valley School District #070. For submission information, please contact Gabriel Cruden at (509) 937-2775 or by email at gabriel.cruden@valleysd.org.

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Chamber of Commerce | 11am – 12pm | Springdale Fire Station

Open Computer Lab & Coaching | 10am – 12pm | VSRC @ the VLCash Management Workshop - By Appt. Only | 12:30 – 2:30pm | VSRC @ the VL

Coffee with the Superintendent | Valley Store | 10 - 11amESL Workshop - By Appt. Only | 4 – 6pm | VSRC @ the VLCommunity In Progress (CIP) Meeting | 5 – 6:30pm | Valley School District Broadcast StudioVSD Board Meeting | 6:30 – 8pm | VSD Broadcast Studio

Mary Walker School Board Meeting | 6:30 – 8pm

Coffee with the Superintendent | Valley Store | 10 - 11amESL Workshop - By Appointment Only | 4 – 6pm | VSRC @ the VL

Springdale Town Meeting | 7 – 8pm | Springdale Town Hall

Coffee with the Superintendent | Valley Store | 10 - 11amKindergarten Orientation | 3:30 – 4:30pm | Valley SchoolESL Workshop - By Appt. Only | 4 – 6pm | VSRC @ the VL

“Ham” radio breakfast | 9– 10 am | Valley CafeOpen Computer Lab & Coaching | 10am – 12pm | VSRC @ the VLCash Mgmt. Workshop - By Appt. Only | 12:30 – 2:30pm | VSRC @ the VL

Valley Historical Society Meeting | Valley Store | 9 - 10amValley Community Fair Meeting | Valley Grange | 6:30 - 7:30pm

6 Coffee with the Superintendent | Valley Store | 10 - 11amESL Workshop - By Appointment Only | 4 – 6pm | VSRC @ the VL

Open Computer Lab & Coaching | 10am – 12pm | VSRC @ the VLCash Management Workshop - By Appt. Only | 12:30 – 2:30pm | VSRC @ the VL

Valley Grange #1048 Meeting | 5:30 – 6:30pm | Valley GrangeSpringdale Town Meeting | 7 – 8pm | Springdale Town Hall

Coffee with the Superintendent | Valley Store | 10 - 11amESL Workshop - By Appointment Only | 4 – 6pm | VSRC @ the VL

Open Computer Lab & Coaching | 10am – 12pm | VSRC @ the VLCash Management Workshop - By Appt. Only | 12:30 – 2:30pm | VSRC @ the VL

Springdale Town Meeting | 7 – 8pm | Springdale Town Hall

Open Computer Lab & Coaching | 10am – 12pm | VSRC @ the VLCash Management Workshop - By Appt. Only | 12:30 – 2:30pm | VSRC @ the VL

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Valley Grange #1048 Meeting | 5:30 – 6:30pm | Valley GrangeSpringdale Town Meeting | 7 – 8pm | Springdale Town Hall

18Open Computer Lab & Coaching | 10am – 12pm | VSRC @ the VLCash Management Workshop - By Appt. Only | 12:30 – 2:30pm | VSRC @ the VL

16Open Computer Lab & Coaching | 10am – 12pm | VSRC @ the VLCash Management Workshop - By Appt. Only | 12:30 – 2:30pm | VSRC @ the VL

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Coffee with the Superintendent | Valley Store | 10 - 11amESL Workshop - By Appointment Only | 4 – 6pm | VSRC @ the VL

18 Mary Walker School Board Meeting | 6:30 – 8pm

6-7 Spring Break - No School

Valley School District #070 3030 Huffman Rd.Valley, WA 99181-9749(509) 937-2791

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NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE

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y School District

8 | Valley Voice | April/May 2015

COMMUNITY  EASTER  EGG  HUNT  AND  

PANCAKE  BREAKFAST  

Saturday,  April  4th,  2015  

Breakfast:  9:00  AM    Easter  Egg  Hunt:    11:00  AM  

At  the  Valley  Grange  Hall  in  Valley  

Sponsored  by:  the  Valley  Grange,  Communities  in  Progress,  and  the  Valley  Community  Fair  

 Bring  Your  Own  Egg  Basket!  Ages  0-­‐3,  4-­‐6,  7-­‐9,  10-­‐12  Join  us  for  fun  and  prizes!  

 Join  us  9:00  to  11:00  for  pancakes,  eggs,  and  sausage.  

All  funds  raised  through  donations  for  breakfast  will  go  to  support  the  Valley  Grange.    

If  you  can’t  afford  to  donate  much,  join  us  anyway!      

For  more  information,  e-­‐mail  theresa102@centurytel.net  or  call  (509)  937-­‐2635                                                                      

 

April 15, 16 & 17, 2015

Kindergarten Orientation! April 29th from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. at Valley School. For attending the orientation and turning in a complete enrollment packet, new students will get a free backpack filled with school supplies. For additional information, please contact Curriculum Coach, Wendy Farquharson at (509) 937-2854 or by email at wendy.farquharson@valleysd.org.