COLUMBIA RIVER WEEKLY NEWS
February 14. 2021
Columbia River High School
800 NW 99th ST.
Vancouver WA 98665
360-313-3900
Principal/ Head of School - Alex Otoupal
Associate Principal/Curriculum - Rob Duncan
Associate Principal/Activities - Ken Roberts
Associate Principal/Athletic Director - Nick Davies
Big news from IB:
As previously shared, we recently completed a survey for The International Baccalaureate regarding Columbia River’s ability to safely administer examinations in May, 2021.
IB has reviewed the data and had extensive conversations with school administrators globally to ensure consistency and fairness to all students and schools.
Based on the information we provided and in line with local or national health and safety restrictions we are considered unable to administer IB examinations, therefore our students’ results will be awarded using coursework marks and predicted grades for the May 2021 examination session.
We have been assured that IB deeply understands the impact that the global pandemic has had on our students, and that the grades awarded via the non-exam route will be the best estimation of what River students would have achieved had they sat for their examinations.
As I previously remarked, this decision is value-added to our students’ rich experiences in their daily interactions with their classmates and our faculty. This takes significant strain off of our system and allows us to focus on those situations that we can better influence. I want to thank Julie Nygaard, our Program Coordinator for her continued advocacy for our students and our faculty alike. We will finish the 2020-2021 school year strong.
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to email me: Alex.Otoupal@vansd.org or call 360-313-3900.
Sincerely,
Alex Otoupal - Head of School
River Athletics and Phase 2!
We have hit Phase 2! This means that competitions for Football, Girl’s Soccer, Slow Pitch Softball, and Volleyball may begin!
The league has moved away from the old 2AGSHL website. Our new site is riverathletics.com.
Here is a calendar for all team schedules.
Here are the varsity schedules
Slow Pitch Softball Schedule - To be released soon!
Girls Swimming - Still on Hold. Only workouts going on right now.
Cheer will be at select Football and Volleyball games.
We are planning on running traditional fall, spring, and winter sports this year. Here is a link to the timelines as of now.
Rules for fans coming soon… Expect no fans at any event to start this fall season.
Have you met Nick Alder?
CR@Home Weekly News Returns
Knowledge Bowl: League Champs!
The Columbia River Knowledge Bowl Team has finished the regular season at the top of the table for the Clark County Metro League. CR's varsity team have, at the end of four regular season matches that began in December, earned the top position against all participating high schools in the Vancouver Metropolitan league. They have also finished 2nd in the South West Washington region. The Junior Varsity 1 Team finished 3rd in league and 6th in region. Both Teams will represent River at the Regional finals in Longview on February 24th. CR's JV2 team had a good first season finishing 7th in league. All competitions have been conducted on Zoom this year. Congratulations to advisor, David Douglas, and all the players!
River Alumni
If you are a graduate, please fill out this short form so we can keep you updated on all Alumni news. Please share this form with your high school friends as well!
Help is on the Way!
Coffee with River Counselors
Graduation date is set!
Upcoming College & Military Visits
Click the links below to pre-register.
Tuesday, 2/16
Washington State University Vancouver, 12:10 PM
Did you miss a visit that you wanted to attend? Check out this document with videos from many of our frequently attended colleges. Not seeing one on there you want to know more about? Reach out to us!
Cascadia Technical Academy
What exactly is Cascadia Tech? Good question. Based in Vancouver, WA – Cascadia Tech is a free resource for all students in the Clark County area (11th and 12th grade). With over 15 innovative programs led by industry professionals, you can start learning the tools you need to get on track for a professional career right away. And not only will you gain invaluable skills, you’ll also have the opportunity to earn college credits, professional certifications and licenses, and real on-site job experience. Students at Cascadia Tech also gain access to exciting internships and hiring opportunities right out of high school! Imagine earring money right after high school to help further your education or jump right into the workforce. Register today to virtually tour Cascadia Tech and chat one on one with Instructors an/or former students.
Tours are from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. on February 17th.
Running Start Information Sessions
About this event: These optional information sessions are for students and their families who want to know more about beginning the Running Start program in the 2021-2022 school year. You’ll hear current Running Start students describe their experiences in the program and learn about eligibility, enrollment steps, placement options and tips for academic planning. There will also be a designated Q&A time at the end of the event.
What is Running Start? The Running Start program allows high school juniors and seniors to earn college credits while completing their high school education—saving students money while advancing their education. Students are able to attend college, at minimal cost, while still living at home as a high school student.
Virtual Running Start Information Night Dates (All nights are optional and provide the same information.)
Tuesday, February 9 at 6:30pm
Wednesday, February 24 at 6:30pm
Thursday, March 18 at 6:30pm
Location: Zoom Webinar
Registration: Register to attend on Eventbrite for a link to the Zoom webinar and reminders as the meeting approaches. All Eventbrite registrations will receive a packet of information and a link to the meeting prior to the event. You can also find links to the Zoom Webinar on the Running Start webpage.
Interested in Learning More about the Trades?
Did you know that you can make great money, even if you don’t go to college? Did you know that in an apprenticeship, they train you on-the-spot, WHILE you get paid?! We call this “earn while you learn”. Some apprenticeships even pay for tuition at a college! Would you like to consider going into a trade or apprenticeship that has these benefits? Hear what it’s all about directly from the people working in those trades!
Click on each link below to pre-register for an event. If you want to learn a little bit about what any of these are about before signing up, check out these videos!
Tuesday, 3/9 @ 12:10 PM
Tuesday, 4/13 @ 12:10 PM
Bricklayers
Tuesday, 5/11 @ 12:10 PM
Lineworkers
Check Out our Industry Insider Series!
Our Industry Insider series is a chance for you to learn about great careers that you may have never known existed! On Fridays during lunch time (11:40-12:10) you can hear directly from professionals working in these industries! Make sure to register in advance.
Friday, February 12th: Watershed Alliance
Join us during lunch (11:40-12:10) to hear from the Executive Director of Southwest Washington's Watershed Alliance, Sunrise O'Mahoney. Check out more about the Watershed Alliance on their website!
Click here to register in advance! After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
BigFuture Days College Fairs
Students can attend any (or all) of the events listed below.
BigFuture Day Southeast
Tuesday, February 23
BigFuture Day Northeast
Sunday, March 7
BigFuture Day Midwest
Thursday, March 11
NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATION
Vancouver Public Schools is an equal opportunity district in education programs, activities, services, and employment. The district does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, including gender expression or identity, age, families with children, honorably discharged veteran or military status, the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal. The district provides equal access to the Boy Scouts of America and other designated youth groups. The district complies with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 402 of the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Act of 1974, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, Older Worker Protection Act, and all other state, federal, and local equal opportunity laws. You may contact any of the following people at 2901 Falk Rd., Vancouver, WA, 98661, or by writing to them at VPS, PO Box 8937, Vancouver, WA 98668-8937 or by calling 360-313-1000: ADA & Affirmative Action/Title IX Coordinator––kathy.everidge@vansd.org; Title VII, 504–steve.vance@vansd.org; IDEA–daniel.bettis@vansd.org; Title IX Elementary–debra.hale@vansd.org; Athletic Equity & Title IX Secondary–james.gray@vansd.org. This notification can be provided in the appropriate language for communities of national origin and minority persons with limited English language skills by contacting 360-313-1250.