COLUMBIA RIVER WEEKLY NEWS
February 5. 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
Welcome to Semester 2!
New Attendance procedures on Wednesdays: We have simplified
Starting on Wednesday, February 3, 2021 we will be using a new method for student attendance on Wednesdays.
Each Wednesday, students will be assigned a Weekly Goal setting survey in Canvas, prompting students to complete weekly goals for all their classes. Students who complete this assignment will be considered present for Wednesday. Students who do not complete the assignment will be marked absent. The Weekly Goal setting survey will be available to students on Wednesday from 12:01 am until 3 pm. Students must complete before 3 pm to be considered present on Wednesday.
We are hopeful this Weekly Goal setting will encourage students to reflect on each class and set short term goals, while creating a consistent, one-stop method for attendance on Wednesdays.
School Day SAT for the Class of 2022
River will be offering the School Day SAT to students in 11th grade in March and April. Currently, two dates are scheduled; Wednesday, March 24, 2021 or Tuesday, April 27, 2021.
We are currently planning for exam assignments for one of the two days for our students. Assignments will be based on student groupings determined when students return to school for Hybrid learning. VPS is again paying all fees for all 11th grade students this year for the School Day SAT.
PSAT
Every year, Vancouver Public Schools offers 10th grade students the opportunity to participate in the PSAT - a practice version of the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT), a college entrance exam. This year, because of COVID 19, we were not able to offer the PSAT in the Fall or early Spring.
Columbia River is planning to hold the PSAT 10, a practice SAT for 10th grade students, on April 21, 2021. (This will be dependent on any COVID 19 restrictions). In order to plan for safety, we need an estimate of those students who plan to take the PSAT 10. This is an optional exam opportunity, free of charge. Space may be limited due to COVID 19 restrictions.
On test day:
- students will be spaced at least 6 feet apart
- students will be required to wear a mast at all times
- students will be excused from any classes on this day
- bus transportation will be provided
If you/your student would like to participate in the PSAT 10 on April 21, 2021, please use the link below to sign up. This link was sent via Canvas earlier this week. The deadline to sign up is Friday, February 12, 2021. Space may be limited and participation will be based on sign-up date.
Sophomore Families!
Have questions? Contact our 10th grade team:
Rachael Howington, 10th grade counselor: rachael.howington@vansd.org
Morgan Parker, Pathways Coordinator: morgan.parker@vansd.org
A special message for our Class of 2024
Career Exploration Opportunity: Take the ASVAB
If you'd like your student to take the ASVAB, please complete this form and we will get into contact with you regarding logistics.
Want to learn more about the ASVAB? Check out their website.
River Athletics
Over 325 athletes have signed up for ‘Fall’ sports! It has been great to have so many athletes back on campus. It is not too late to sign up still - Sign up through FamilyID! Athletics is a great way to get out of the house, do something active, and be a part of a great team!
Each coach will be sending out information about their virtual parent meetings. We have also put together a Parent Night website that is active and we will continue to update through Monday February 8th. This website has contact information for head coaches and almost all of the schedules as well.
River Knowledge Bowl Team continues to dominate
CR's Varsity Knowledge Bowl team maintained its position at the top of the regional scoreboard by taking first Wednesday night in the 3rd Metro-Vancouver Round Robin competition. There is one more Round Robin next week before regionals (and possible state finals). Congratulations!
CRs 2 JV teams also continue to have a strong year. Taking 3rd and 6th place. Please also congratulate these knowledge warriors.
Student Feedback
As we begin Semester 2, Counselors want to know how they can best support students, remotely, and as we return to in-person learning. Students have been sent an “assignment” in Canvas with the link to the CRHS Student Feedback survey.
Are you a Columbia River Graduate?
Extended Deadline for IB Magnet Applications: February 10
Check out our YouTube channel to learn more about the program from the perspective of our Principal, Coordinators, teachers and staff and our students as well.
Want to stay up-to-date on all things IB throughout this process? Check out our newsletter that is updated with information and links regularly.
Parking Lot Bingo!
Pre-order everything you’ll need (including lunch) at:
Applications Open February 1st for 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.
Want to complete an application? You can apply between February 1st to February 28th. Just click here.
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.):
Monday, January 25 at 6:30pm
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.
Do you know about apprenticeships and 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, 2/9 @ 12:10 PM
Laborers
Tuesday, 3/9 @ 12:10 PM
Operating Engineers
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 5th: US Army Corps of Engineers
Join us during lunch (11:40-12:10) to learn more about what it's like to join the US Army Corps of Engineers from mechanical design engineers Yuliya Nikiforets and Ryan Sonders!
Click here to register in advance! After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
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.
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.