HELEN HALLER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
During library time, teacher-librarian Marsha Omdal has worked with fourth-graders for many weeks to complete a research project on “Notable Washingtonians.” They each researched a person important to Washington, took notes, turned the notes into a storyboard and prepared a PowerPoint presentation complete with pictures and, in some cases, sound. These were presented to their classmates so everyone could learn about the people that have made a difference in our state. Among the lesser-known topics were Minoru Yamasaki, Dale Chihuly, George Washington Bush (not the president), Betty McDonald, May Awkwright Hutton, Mother Joseph, Bonnie Dunbar, Carl Maxey and William O. Douglas.
Three students from Sharle Osborne’s class shared what they had learned about the people they researched:
Samantha Gonzalez on Microsoft founder Bill Gates: When he invented Microsoft Windows, he had a lot of money and he would give it to people in need.
Kaden Sleeper on Chief Joseph, leader of the Wal-lam-wat-kain band of Nez Perce (1840-1904): His tribe was forced off of their native land and he tried to lead them to a place in Canada he felt would offer better opportunity. However, he had to surrender. He went to Washington, D.C., to speak out against the treatment of his people by the U.S. government.
Kiandrice Ersland on botanist David Douglas (1799–1834): He was from Scotland. He traveled the Pacific Northwest in 1823-1827. He found new plants and animals. He had a tree named after him, the Douglas-fir.
A volunteer reception was held in the library after school on May 28 with refreshments provided by staff members. Two volunteers, Ken Finger and Rebecca Chen, received special recognition for making a difference at the school through their volunteer work. Finger comes to school every day, working with fifth-graders in the morning, then fourth-graders in the afternoon, and stays to help at OTE after school on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Chen has been a part of all the PTO’s activities and serves as PTO president. Their names will be added on a plaque that hangs in the front office with past recipients from each year since 2005 when the recognition program began. All of our volunteers are deeply appreciated for their service to the school, the staff and the students!
In honor of Earth Day, Teresa Thorson’s second-grade class read a book of poems called “Dear World” by Takayo Noda. The poems are written in the form of a child’s letter to the Earth and the creatures that dwell there. The students then wrote their own letters, using some of the ideas modeled by the author in the book. Enjoy our letters to Dear Earth and its inhabitants.
Dear Plants, How do you make medicine? I always wanted to know. I am sorry that people step on you. Please tell me how you make clothes. Thank you for some things that you have done for the people all around you. Thank you for keeping the planet healthy. Do animals eat you because of your medicine? Kika Oldham
Dear Sky, Please tell me why your face is so sparkly. Please tell me why you twinkle every night. Please tell me how bright you are every morning and sunset. Thank you for the fresh air you give us. Tell why you’re so pretty when you turn into orange, red and yellow. Your friend, Jacob Oliver
Dear Ocean, I am sorry, Ocean. We humans should be ashamed of ourselves. I heard that your manatees are dying out from boat propellers and all that sea junk in the ocean. I am also sorry from all that pollution from boats in the ocean that have killed your wonderful coral reefs. I know how important your coral reefs are and that makes me even sorrier. When I grow up I want to change all that. Signed, Andrew Crigler
Dear River, You sparkle in the sun. Please tell me why you attract fish so easily. Please tell me why you flow down so fast. Please tell me why you defeat any obstacle in your way. Please tell me why you keep fish in you. I just would like to say you’re great. Sometimes I like to imagine that I’m with you. Can you answer me all my questions? River Jensen
Dear Stars, You twinkle and shine. Can you go in water? Can you smell like something? You are in the sky. Why do you have to be in the sky? Can someone on another planet see you? You are pretty, as you shine at night. Why are you bright? I wish on a shooting star sometimes. It does come true. Chloe Marquez
Dear Crabs, I’m sorry we eat you. I’m sorry we are mean to you. Crab is good to eat, but I’m being nice to it. Alden Smith
Dear Earth, Your flowers are so pretty. I think the Earth is meant for me. I’m sorry for throwing garbage on the ground. Your color is beautiful everywhere. How do you make clothes for us? Thank you, Earth. Earth is meant for people to live on. On Earth Day, people help the earth. The Earth is like family. Arkista Rose
SEQUIM MIDDLE SCHOOL
April Students of the Month were nominated by their teachers for demonstrating the character trait of fairness and included Kyla Armstrong, Tayler Breckenridge, Brett Cary, Emily Conlin, Riley Cowan, Dalton Daugaard, Hunter Davidson, Nathan Despain, Kyah Fukunaga, Emmanuel Gomez, Dominique Hatton, Jilian Hutchinson–Blouin, Abbee Jagger, Seth Johnson, Jessica Lato, Stephanie Lemus, Nadia Martin, Mikhail Ostrovsky, Ian Parker, Madeline Patterson, Irie Reeder, Corey Reeves, Caden Robert, Lauren Titterness, Ryan Tolberd, Tyler Waseca, Sarah Whitney and Sierra Zumkeller.
SEQUIM HIGH SCHOOL
Graduation ticket distribution for graduating (walking) seniors is Wednesday, June 11. Seniors will need to pick up and sign for their tickets in the main office. Sorry, family and friends are not allowed to pick up the tickets. Please note lost or stolen tickets can’t be replaced. Graduation will be at 6 p.m. Friday, June 13, at the stadium. Ticket holders will be admitted to the stadium between 5-6 p.m. Seating will be on a first-come basis. There will be no reserved seating. A section will be marked off near the bleachers for those that need wheelchair access. Also, the first row of the bleachers will be for those not able to climb stairs/steps.
Important dates:
June 6 – Campus Day. All classes will be on a shortened schedule. There will be a senior recognition assembly at 11:15 a.m. in the gym. After the assembly, students will be able to pick up their yearbooks in the library. Those who wish to purchase a yearbook may line up outside the office after the senior assembly and the cost will be $60. The afternoon will be a fun-filled campus activity day. School will be dismissed at the regular time at 2:45 p.m.
June 7 – SAT test at 7:45 a.m. in the cafeteria
June 9 – Senior Project Presentations at 7:45-9 a.m., Senior Party planning meeting at 6:30 p.m. in the library
June 10 – Band concert at 7 p.m. in the auditorium
