March Cougar News
Wallowa School District - March 31, 2022
Welcome Back Visitors and Volunteers!
Visitors
Visitors are now allowed in our buildings. For the safety of our students, all visitors must check in and sign in at the office.
Parents are welcome to visit their child's classroom. Arrangements must be made in advance, so that an appropriate time can be selected. We work hard to maintain an environment focused on learning and minimize distractions to the teaching and learning process. Visitors to our classrooms must have background checks completed prior to visiting. A lunch visit can be arranged in advance through the office.
Volunteers
Volunteers can serve important roles in supporting our school and student learning. Individuals wishing to volunteer must complete annual background checks in the office and meet with the principal prior to volunteering. Volunteers must also show proof of vaccination or complete a a medical or religious exception form.
Volunteers can sign up for specific tasks throughout the school. Volunteers can assist with lunch and recess support. Volunteers can also sign up for specific tasks with individual teachers.
If you have any questions regarding visiting our schools and volunteering, please call our office!
Calendar of Events
Every Thursday is Cougar Pride Day! Wear your orange and black!
APRIL CALENDAR
13 Kindergarten Round-Up 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
14 @ 6:00 Regular School Board Meeting Virtual option available:
Google Meet: https://meet.google.com/qsd-rizi-rmy Or dial: (US) +1 505-738-1517 PIN: 825 519 005#
28 Wallowa Elementary Pride Assembly
MAY CALENDAR
9 @ 6:00 Regular School Board Meeting
26 Wallowa Elementary Pride Assembly
30 No School: Memorial Day
JUNE CALENDAR
**There is school Friday June 3rd
4 Graduation
9 Last Day of School
Wallowa Elementary Students Earn Awards!
Each month Wallowa Elementary students focus on a character trait. Character traits are kicked off in the monthly assembly and a lesson is taught using a book tied to the monthly focus. March focused on kindness and empathy. At our assembly students received awards for modeling kindness and empathy. The assembly kicked off next months theme, creativity and possibility. After the assembly, students went to their mixed grade family groups and participated in a literacy lesson around the book, The Most Magnificent Thing, by Ashley Spires. Students completed an activity to test their creativity and perseverance!
Lego Robotics is a Hit!
Wallowa High School Students Engage in Service!
Please welcome our new Jr. High/High School Principal, Mrs. Sara Hayes!
We are excited to introduce our new Jr. High/High School Principal, Mrs. Sara Hayes! Sara is 4th generation Wallowa County, raising 3 children as the 5th generation with her husband Andrew Hayes. She graduated from Oregon State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Science which led to her beginnings in Wallowa as the Head Start Teacher. Seen for her leadership abilities, she went on to lead in various regional leadership roles in Early Childhood Education (ECE) across 8 counties in rural Eastern Oregon. Her work focused on bringing ECE opportunities to the rural landscape and developing educators across the region, bringing excellence to the ECE field and Early Childhood Special Education with students at the foremost center.
Sara went on to earn her Master’s Degree in Elementary Education and soon after enrolled in the Educational Leadership Principal Licensure program through Lewis and Clark College where she expanded her experience into 7-12th grade at both Joseph Charter School and most recently as Interim Principal at Wallowa High School. Sara comes to us with 13 years in education, 8 of which in an administrative capacity, and a holistic lens tying home, community, and school together.
In her off-time, Sara enjoys first and foremost being a mom of 3 and ensuring they experience life to the fullest. She loves to travel and anything outdoors, however the canyon country of Imnaha where her roots began remains her favorite spot to be.
Capital Projects Underway!
During demolition of the bleachers and the gym, the workers from CB Construction uncovered what many consider to be a "time capsule!" Programs from sporting events and musicals, toy cars, candy wrappers, and much more that span decades were found. A lost wallet was returned to its owner. Coach playsheets, athlete and student signatures on walls and 2x4s, and even a ponytail from a winning coach were discovered!
Wallowa High School Accreditation
Accreditation involved the submissions of data and a review of the performance standards. It also involved interviews of parents, community members, students, administration, and staff. Wallowa was commended for their engagement in continuous improvement, noting the work of the staff over the last couple of months. They were also commended for creating strong connections between adults and students. Staff have been working on building systems of support for students and looking more deeply at data. It was noted of our improvement in this area. Continued engagement around data is recommended. Work to build engagement with community is another area of focus! All of Wallowa's scoring landed in impacting and improving. Way to go Wallowa High School staff!
Wallowa School District
Website: https://www.apps.wallowa.k12.or.us/
Location: 315 East 1st Street, PO Box 425, Wallowa, OR, USA
Phone: (541)886-2061
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Wallowa-School-District-1990252624535155