Chalk Talk May 25, 2016

Published 5:07 pm Tuesday, May 24, 2016

DISTRICT

Kindergarten registration for fall 2016 is ongoing at both elementary schools. Your child must be 5 years of age on or before Aug. 31 to attend kindergarten in the fall. To determine which elementary school your child should attend, go to the district’s website at www.sequim.k12.wa.us, under Our District. Registration packets and enrollment information are available on this webpage as well. Please bring your child’s official birth certificate, immunization record and proof of residence (rental agreement, driver’s license, mail with your physical address, etc.) to the school office.

Please note, there is no school on Friday, May 27, or Monday, May 30. The district office will be closed on May 30 in observance of Memorial Day.

The next school board meeting is June 6, with a workshop at 5:30 p.m., followed by a regular meeting at 6:30 p.m. in the boardroom. The boardroom is within the auditorium building at 601 N. Sequim Ave.

An agenda is available on the district website under Board of Directors.

The public is encouraged to attend and time is set aside at each meeting for public comment. For more information, contact Marilyn Walsh at mwalsh@sequim.k12.wa.us or 582-3262.

Parents, if you are planning to help out at school or on a field trip, please make sure you have turned in your volunteer registration form for the 2015-2016 school year. Call volunteer coordinator Patsene Dashiell if you have a question about volunteering.

GREYWOLF ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Fourth-grade students from Lara Hernandez’s class paired up with Erin Gray’s kindergarteners to play mini-golf during P.E. class in the gym. The older students, always ready to lend a helping hand, set a great example of following gym expectations and ended up making some new young friends as well. Kindergarteners beamed as they were accompanied by their “big” buddies. A wonderful learning experience and fun exercise for all.

HELEN HALLER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

On May 18, George Washington visited fifth-grade classrooms to talk about American history. Students in Rachel Oden’s and Eric Danielson’s classes listened to Washington’s presentation, then got to ask questions of the Commander in Chief of the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War! This beloved figure from our nation’s colorful past thrilled the schoolchildren further by eating lunch with them in the cafeteria.

Lead cook Ruth LaBelle was startled when she first saw him and asked, “Why is George Washington standing in my lunch line?”

Since Washington left public office in 1797, you may ask yourself how one of our nation’s Founding Fathers came to be at Helen Haller Elementary in 2016. George Washington is portrayed to near perfection by Vern Frykholm, who has made appearances in costume and character at the school in past years. Mr. Frykholm has visited many of the historical sites from Washington’s day and has read 60 books about the great man.

Mr. Frykholm estimates since 2012 he has performed as George Washington in front of over 13,000 people. Students and staff wish to thank Mr. Frykholm for making history come alive and they wish his father, who accompanied him on the school visit, a happy 100th birthday!

Our first U.S. president also delivered library slips to Chris MacDougall–Danielson’s first-grade class, much to the astonishment of the recipients of overdue notices.

OLYMPIC PENINSULA ACADEMY

OPA presents “Dorothy in Wonderland” at 7 p.m. Friday, June 3, and at 1:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday, June 4, in the Sequim High School auditorium. There is no admission charge, but donations gratefully will be accepted. Proceeds go toward OPA’s drama program. Directors are Michele Canepa and Deedee Nielson, with vocals coached by Jeanny Holtkamp. Come see the “mash-up” of Alice and Dorothy, and how their adventure goes, featuring 35 students in grades 5-12 and 20 students in grades K-4.

SEQUIM MIDDLE SCHOOL

Volunteers from local churches, including St. Luke’s Episcopal Church and Trinity United Methodist Church, under the direction of teacher Shannon Paselk, work with sixth-grade students on math after school on Tuesdays and Thursdays during Opportunity to Excel after-school program. The group, whose members have helped out at OTE throughout the school year, are planning a special treat for the students on May 24, their last day to work with the kids.

SEQUIM HIGH SCHOOL

Librarian Linsay Rapelje would like to remind students that library books need to be returned by June 1.

Future ASB publicity chair Annabelle Armstrong is getting the word out about an upcoming fundraiser: The Sophomore Class (Class of 2018) will hold a Dog Wash from 3-5 p.m. Wednesday, June 1, just outside the high school cafeteria. By donation, proceeds fund various projects put on by the Class of 2018 (Haunted Hallways, etc.). Dogs should be people-friendly and accompanied by their owners.

Life Skills students Eric Larsen and Jason Rosengren have taken on some light cleaning tasks in the high school cafeteria. Teacher Jennifer Mackey says Jason has been cleaning cafeteria tables after breakfast five days a week for two school years now, and Eric recently started working as a dishwasher in the cafeteria two days a week and is doing really well!

The annual Scholarship Awards Ceremony will be at 6 p.m. Wednesday, June 1, in the auditorium. Parents and community members are encouraged to attend. Students who have received scholarships will be recognized during this ceremony. A brief reception will follow in the cafeteria.