District News
Education Leaders Receive Most Effective Administrator Award PDF Print E-mail
Written by Stephen Holland   
Monday, 08 March 2010 08:52

YAKIMA, Washington—Today, the Washington Association of School Administrators (WASA) and PEMCO Insurance recognized Doug Curtis, principal of LaCrosse Schools in LaCrosse School District, and Steve Holland, superintendent of Raymond School District, as recipients of the 2010 Robert J. Handy Most Effective Administrator Awards. Jim Menzies of PEMCO Insurance presented the awards at the WASA Small Schools Conference in Yakima. A third administrator for the large district category will be recognized in May at WASA’s Superintendent Workshop in Chelan.

Three awards are presented each year, based on district-size categories, with a $10,000 award equally divided among the winners. Approximately one-third of Washington’s school districts are represented in each category. The award can be used for personal or professional growth and/or to support and disseminate information about a successful school or district program. A peer committee selects the winners from nominations that detail how each nominee is taking part in actualizing the nine characteristics of high performing schools/districts as defined by research from the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction.

During the past ten years at LaCrosse School District, Doug Curtis has provided a supportive environment between the relationships with administrators, staff, parents, and students. He encourages staff in professional development by providing the necessary time needed to focus on instruction and content. He also encourages staff by participating in Critical Friends, which staff meet twice a month to discuss classroom and instructional issues. Mr. Curtis is proactive in the classroom. He visits monthly to observe and give feedback to teachers; and he encourages both staff and students in creating a diverse culture that will create a healthy and accepting environment.

“I am thankful to WASA and PEMCO for this recognition,” states Curtis. “I am also very thankful to the LaCrosse School Board, staff, Superintendent Gary Wargo, and community for the opportunity to serve at LaCrosse Schools. The LaCrosse School District is a special place with a very focused and caring staff. I feel very blessed to work with some remarkable educators. I believe that I have learned more from observing and working with our staff than they could have learned from me over the past nine years. This recognition is more of team recognition rather than an individual award. Our staff has truly bought into the concept of “Doing Whatever It Takes” in striving to deliver on our mission of working in partnership with families, youth, and community to prepare students to become responsible citizens, reach their potential, and compete successfully in a changing, challenging, and diverse world. Our staff is in their fifth year of operating as Professional Learning Communities and believes in the importance of working together for student success. Our PLC model (Critical Friends) allows our teachers to discuss ways to support students and teaching strategies to increase student engagement in our classrooms.”

Dr. Steve Holland has been a leader for the Raymond School District over the past seven years. He has continuously set goals for administrators, staff, parents, and students. Staff and community members come together through the “Vision Alive Team,” which was created by Dr. Holland. This team works together toward developing a data-driven district, including setting goals that will enhance school district morale, improve student work habits, and focus on what is best for students. He also implemented the first formal new teacher program in the district, which includes mentor training. For students, Dr. Holland has guided eligible students to apply for the “College Bound Scholarship Program,” in which 84 out of 91 students have enrolled. High school students were able to receive laptops; the first and only small school district to provide this to students. Communications have also improved for everyone under his leadership. A variety of social networking methods have been developed, monthly meetings with classified and certified union reps are ongoing, automated phone calls and emails to parents notify when students are absent, and data reporting systems have been established, which parents and students can monitor performance via internet.

“This award recognizes the hard work of numerous people; whether it’s staff, parents, students, or community members, we achieve the results we do because so many are committed to our mission of “Every Child Learning,” states Dr. Holland. “It is truly a privilege to work with such dedicated people. I believe it is the role of a leader to help people identify their best vision and then work with them to create the environment that supports that vision. It has been my honor to work with our community for the past seven years to ensure our students have the very best opportunities we can provide. I wish to thank WASA and PEMCO for the honor and for their support of schools.”

The Robert J. Handy Most Effective Administrator Awards seek to recognize outstanding public school administrators in Washington State. Robert J. Handy, the awards’ namesake, founded the PEMCO Life Insurance Company. Handy was a Seattle school teacher during the Great Depression whose vision of providing low-cost loans to school teachers grew into what is now the School Employees Credit Union of Washington.

The Washington Association of School Administrators is a statewide professional association representing nearly 1,100 members including superintendents, central office administrators, and building principals.

ONLINE AT: www.wasa-oly.org/Content/NavigationMenu/ABOUTWASA/News/PressReleases/Releases/HandyAward2010_A/HandyAward2010a.pdf
 
October Board Minutes PDF Print E-mail
Written by Stephen Holland   
Tuesday, 27 October 2009 12:42

Raymond School District #116

Board of Directors

October 22, 2009

CALL TO ORDER: The regular meeting of the Raymond School District Board of Directors was called to order by Chairman Gene Maneman at 6:00 PM followed by the pledge of allegiance.

MEMBERS PRESENT: Present were Gene Maneman, Mark Hatfield, Bruce Montgomery, Karen Johnson and Clay Harwood.  Also present were Steve Holland and Paulene Maneman.  Guests present were Dale Bowen and Jason Koski.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:  Motion by Clay Harwood, seconded by Mark Hatfield, to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of September 24, 2009.  Motion carried 5-0.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA: Motion by Bruce Montgomery, seconded by Clay Harwood, to approve the agenda of October 22, 2009 as amended.  Motion carried 5-0

GOOD NEWS FROM THE SCHOOLS: Mr. Bowen gave a presentation on the Life Skills program being offered in the Junior High.  It is directed by Pat Shults and uses a Response to Intervention format.  It strives to prevent academic failure through early intervention, progress measurement, and instructional intervention. They will be working in groups learning study skills, attitude, and responsibility.

Superintendent – Dr. Holland reported on the response from the county auditor regarding the primary election costs, current timber excise tax issue for General and Debt Service Funds and upcoming levy in February.

Dale Bowen reported on an additional class offering in CTE, a Navigation 101 workshop attended, a health update on swine flu precautions and upcoming events.  Discussion was also held on community service guidelines.  It was the consensus of the board to allow partial credit for students working in the concession stand.  The intent of our policy was to encourage students to be involved in events that would give back to our community, churches, and civic clubs.  Dr. Holland and Mr. Bowen will meet and put together a recommendation for the student body.

The Lions Club Student of the month was Sarah Montgomery.

Athletic Director – Jason Koski reported on the upcoming league reclassification, surplus of old uniforms, football program, volleyball district, junior high programs, grade checks, and upcoming winter sports season.  Jason also shared with the board a new brochure he created that gives parents an overview of the athletic code, academic standards, appeal process and parent/coach communication.

Maintenance/Transportation – Dr. Holland reported on the arrival of our new school bus and the recent incident with a broken sprinkler in the cafeteria freezer.

Board-to-Board –  Karen Johnson shared handouts and other information she received at the recent WSSDA conference.

Financial – Paulene Maneman reviewed written reports on the district fiscal status.  Various spreadsheets including budget status reports for September, current expenditure report, graphs, and a cash flow projection for 2009-2010 were included.

Citizen’s Participation – None received.

CONSENT AGENDA: Motion by Clay Harwood, seconded by Bruce Montgomery to approve the consent agenda:

  1. General Fund Accounts Payable warrant #42758 through #42758 in the amount of $164,056.72, warrant #42859 in the amount of $338.12.  Payroll and benefits in the amount of $414,956.75.  Jr/Sr High School ASB warrant #297 through #313 in the amount of $11,848.66.  Transportation Vehicle Fund warrant #26 through #27 in the amount of $53,952.84.

Motion carried 5-0.

Motion by Bruce Montgomery, seconded by Mark Hatfield to approve warrant #42858 in the amount of 191.83.  Motion carried 4-0. Gene Maneman abstained.

CONTINUING BUSINESS

BOARD POLICIES: Motion by Mark Hatfield, seconded by Clay Harwood to approve the following policies:

Policy #2151 – Interscholastic Activities

Policy #3422 – Student Sports – Concussion and Head Injuries

Policy #4260 – Use of School Facilities

Motion carried 5-0.

NEW BUSINESS

TIMBER EXCISE TAX:  Discussion was held on the current excise tax deficit facing our debt service fund due to the slowdown of timber sales.  There were three possible scenarios and interpretations: the ESD, Pacific County Treasurer, and Seattle Northwest Securities.  Dr. Holland explained the options, one of which would be to pass a resolution authorizing an increase in our 2010 collection.  Consensus of the board was to wait on the resolution.

PERSONNEL: Motion by Bruce Montgomery, seconded by Mark Hatfield to approve resignation from:

William Martin – Bus Driver

Motion carried 5-0.

Motion by Bruce Montgomery, seconded by Karen Johnson to approve hiring

Joe Gallegos – Bus Driver

Motion carried 5-0.

Motion by Bruce Montgomery, seconded by Karen to approve hiring:

Somer Phimmasone – 7th Grade Girls Basketball and Paraeducator

Motion carried 5-0.

NOVEMBER MEETING DATE:  Motion by Clay Harwood, seconded by Bruce Montgomery to set the regular meeting for November on Tuesday, November 24th at 6:00 PM.

ADJOURNMENT

Motion by Bruce Montgomery, seconded by Mark Hatfield, to adjourn the meeting.  There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:10PM.
Last Updated on Thursday, 29 October 2009 07:45
 
Local Businesses & Organizations Support New Teachers PDF Print E-mail
Written by Stephen Holland   
Tuesday, 15 September 2009 14:45

Local Businesses/Organizations Support New Teachers

In true Raymond style, several local businesses and the PTA recently contributed to "Welcome Baskets" for our new teachers and Junior/Senior High principal. The district would like to thank:

  • Dennis Company
  • Flowers By Lynne
  • Terra Firma Cosmetics
  • Slater's Diner
  • Dairy Queen
  • One Moore Cup
  • Sagen's Pharmacy
  • The Barge Restaurant
  • Shoalwater Bay Casino
  • Everyone's Video
  • Shear Delight.
Last Updated on Tuesday, 15 September 2009 16:25
 
Raymond Schools Foundation Makes a Difference PDF Print E-mail
Written by Stephen Holland   
Wednesday, 29 July 2009 10:32
Raymond School District thanks the Raymond Schools Foundation for the support given to Raymond students, staff and programs.  Previously, large donations have been made for the athletic field and the elementary playground. During the 2008-09 school year, the foundation awarded grants in support of the following:
  • ASB officer training retreat
  • Drama class attendance to production of Disney's Lion King
  • Art supplies for jewelry class
  • Sammy Seagull mascot uniform
  • Cheerleader game boxes
  • Cheerleader camp
  • Supplies for high school math class
  • Materials for alternative education in business
  • Medical and science
  • Elementary library book purchases
  • 3 kindergarten learning centers
  • 1st grade laptop
  • 2nd grade Read Right books
  • 4th grade News Bowl
  • 5th grade writing supplies
  • Science videos for elementary
  • Elementary principal's fund
Last Updated on Wednesday, 29 July 2009 10:36
 
Neighborhood Emergency Training Available PDF Print E-mail
Written by Administrator   
Saturday, 20 June 2009 18:38

The following is a public service announcement via the school. If you have any questions, please contact Angel Casey by clicking This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Basic Neighborhood Emergency Team/Community Emergency Response Team training consists of 25 hours of emergency response training, including a final written and practical exercise. It is available free of charge to anyone who lives or works in Pacific County and is of at least 14 years or more in age. Attendance of all classes are required
in order to complete the program. Classes are generally held one weeknight a week for 8 weeks.

The course syllabus is as follows:
Session #1: DISASTER AWARENESS, HAZARD MITIGATION, NET CONCEPT

  • Disaster Awareness
  • Personal, Family and Work Place Preparedness
  • Neighborhood Preparedness and NETs

Session #2: UTILITY CONTROL, FIRE SUPPRESSION, HAZARDOUS MATERIALS

  • Gas, Electricity, Water--When to Shut Off and How
  • Fire Chemistry and Extinguishers--Types and Use
  • Hazardous Materials in the Home and Workplace
  • Personal Safety Review

Session #3: DISASTER MEDICINE (I)

  • Recognition and Treatment of Life-Threatening Injuries
  • Medical Triage--How to Decide Who to Treat and When

Session #4: DISASTER MEDICINE (II)

  • Secondary Patient Assessment
  • Treatment of Common Injuries
  • Setting Up a Medical Treatment Area
  • Public Health Considerations--Hygiene, Bloodborne Pathogens

Session #5 LIGHT SEARCH & RESCUE (I)

  • Earthquake Effects on Different Types of Construction
  • Visual Assessment of Damaged Buildings
  • Search Techniques

Session #6: LIGHT SEARCH & RESCUE (II)

  • Rescue Techniques
  • Patient Transport
  • Personal Safety Review

Session #7: TEAM RESPONSE AND MANAGEMENT

  • Disaster Psychology for Victims and Rescuers
  • NET Team Management
  • NETs in Action--Tabletop Exercise

Session #8: FINAL EXERCISE

  • Disaster Medical Triage and Treatment
  • Visual Damage Assessment
  • Fire Extinguishment
  • Urban Search Techniques
  • Cribbing & Victim Extrication

(If you want to pick and choose which sessions of the class schedule you are interested in attending, PLEASE DO SO!! We would rather you were that much more prepared to deal with emergencies than not. Please contact Angel
Casey, in person, to do so or via This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it )
Last Updated on Saturday, 20 June 2009 18:52
 


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