WALLA WALLA – Walla Walla Public Schools announces Cesar Hernandez has been named the new principal for Green Park Elementary School. Hernandez is currently the Assistant Principal at Green Park Elementary. The principal selection process was extensive, including 15 staff, parent, and school board representatives serving on the interview and walkthrough teams. The interview team spent four hours carefully reviewing the feedback staff provided on the principal input survey, participating in two comprehensive interview processes, and carefully deliberating between the two finalists. Also, approximately 50 participants attended “Meet and Greet” sessions to provide feedback into this important decision.
“Mr. Hernandez maintains a deep understanding of the dual program, the Green Park community, and is a shining example of our “grow your own" efforts,” said Superintendent Dr. Wade Smith. “Born in Walla Walla, he is a former Green Park Elementary, Garrison Middle School and Walla Walla High School student and graduate. He started his career with the district 10 years ago as a paraprofessional, then became a dual language teacher, and now serves as an assistant principal with two years under his belt at Green Park.”
Hernandez received an Associates of Art’s degree from Walla Walla Community College, a Bachelor’s Degree from Washington State University and a Master’s in Education and administrative credential from Eastern Washington University.
“Being asked to serve as the next Green Park Principal is a dream come true,” said Hernandez. “I look forward to providing the best education possible for all our students, supporting our outstanding staff and engaging with our community. This is where my heart is and I want to thank the staff and community for their support.”
Amy Ford, the other finalist for the Green Park Principal position, has been promoted to replace Hernandez as Assistant Principal at Green Park Elementary.
“With Cesar's appointment to principal, that left us with an opening for assistant principal,” said Dr. Smith. “It became clear throughout the interview process that the two of them together would be an outstanding leadership pair for our Green Park community.”
Ford is currently the Director of Walla Walla Online. She began her career in Walla Walla Public Schools 19 years ago as a teacher at Berney Elementary. She later relocated to Edison Elementary where she taught 4th grade and was the LAP/Title Assessment Specialist. Ford graduated from McLoughlin High School in Milton Freewater. She went on to earn an undergraduate degree in Communications and a Master’s in Education from Portland State University. She is currently enrolled in the Principal Certification Program through Eastern Washington University.
“I am so excited to be returning to my elementary roots and joining Green Park's staff as the assistant principal next year,” said Ford. “I look forward to joining the Panther family and working together with Mr. Hernandez to support the students, staff and families who make Green Park a special place in our Walla Walla community.”
Current Principal Rick Kline is retiring at the end of the school year. Hernandez and Ford will report July 1, 2022.
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WALLA WALLA – Walla Walla Public Schools established Partners in Learning Month in May 2010. This month the district sent nearly 200 proclamations and letters of recognition to its Partners in Learning.
“We so appreciate the individuals, businesses, organizations and agencies who engage with the district throughout the year in support of our students and our mission,” said Superintendent Dr. Wade Smith. “We simply could not do what we do without their generosity and commitment.”
During the May 17, 2022 school board meeting, Superintendent Smith named Chervenell Construction, Jackson Contractor Group, Big Blue Boosters of Walla Walla and the Walla Walla Valley Disability Network Partners of the Year.
“This school year the district made significant progress in returning to a more traditional learning experience after two years of living through a global pandemic,” said Dr. Smith. “During these difficult times we have relied heavily on the support of our partners to navigate and support our staff, students and parents through the ups and downs of COVID. It truly does take a village to support our children and continue to achieve our vision of Developing Washington’s Most Sought-After Graduates.”
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WALLA WALLA - Walla Walla Public Schools names this year's honorees for the Graduates of Distinction program. They are: Mark Thompson, Class of 1970; Russ Colombo, Class of 1974; J.P. “Jack” Fredrickson, Class of 1952 and Deborah Underwood, Class of 1979. This is the highest honor bestowed by the district.
These individuals have distinguished themselves in their communities and careers, and they continue to bring honor to the district. Celebrate alongside these distinguished alumni at a reception in their honor on Monday, June 6 (details listed below). Listen to their stories and hear who helped shape their lives during their school years.
RECEPTION DETAILS
Date: Monday, June 6, 2022
Time: 4 to 5:30 p.m.
Place: Walla Walla High School Commons (800 Abbott Road)
NOTE: This event is open to the public.
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WALLA WALLA – Walla Walla Public Schools announces Cesar Hernandez and Amy Ford have been named finalists for the Green Park Elementary principal position. Parents, staff, community members and students are encouraged to meet the candidates Monday, May 23, 2022 from 4 to 4:45 p.m. during public meet and greet sessions at the Green Park Library. Attendees are asked to complete candidate feedback cards and be present for both candidate sessions (translation services will be available).
Cesar Hernandez is currently the Assistant Principal at Green Park Elementary. Hernandez was born and raised in Walla Walla where he attended Sharpstein and Green Park Elementary schools, Garrison Middle School and Walla Walla High School. He received an Associates of Art’s degree from Walla Walla Community College, a Bachelor’s Degree from Washington State University and a Master’s in Education from Eastern Washington University. Hernandez has been employed with Walla Walla Public Schools for 10 years, including three years as a para-professional at Garrison Middle School and Green Park Elementary, five years as a dual language teacher at Edison Elementary and two years at his current position.
“In my two years working at Green Park, I can say that my passion is truly centered around working with the students, staff and parents and being at a dual language school in the district,” said Hernandez. “As principal at Green Park, I will continue to build on the effective work that I’ve been a part of in previous years and work with the staff as we strive to improve and continue to keep Green Park a safe learning community for all students and staff.”
Ford is currently the Director of Walla Walla Online. Ford began her career in Walla Walla Public Schools 19 years ago as a teacher at Berney Elementary. She later relocated to Edison Elementary where she taught 4th grade and was the LAP/Title Assessment Specialist. Ford graduated from McLoughlin High School in Milton Freewater. She went on to earn an undergraduate degree in Communications and a Masters in Education from Portland State University. She is currently enrolled in the Principal Certification Program through Eastern Washington.
“If given the opportunity, I would help Green Park Elementary reach its fullest potential as a place of warmth and joy for its students and faculty,” said Ford. “I would aim to lead by example, and I am confident that my combination of professional experience and genuine passion for the elementary system is exactly what Green Park Elementary needs as the school enters a new chapter of leadership.”
Meet and Greet Sessions (Monday, May 23 - Location: Green Park Elementary Library):
- 4 p.m. Candidate Cesar Hernandez
- 4:25 p.m. Candidate Amy Ford
Current Principal Rick Kline is retiring at the end of the school year. The new principal will report July 1, 2022.
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Supporting documents are available via the following link: https://meetings.boardbook.org/Public/Organization/997
Board of Directors Meeting Schedule & Information: https://www.wwps.org/district/information/school-board/board-meeting-schedule
WALLA WALLA - SEATech Construction Technology instructor Eric Matson is taking his classroom on the road this month as students frame a new storage building at Pioneer Middle School. Students in both of his classes, approximately 50 in all, will spend four weeks at Pioneer Middle School completing the structural framing, setting trusses and sheeting the roof on the building located next to the school’s track. The building will be used to store physical education equipment and maintenance supplies.
“This project has been two years in the making,” said Matson, who has also had students construct Habitat for Humanity homes in Walla Walla in the past. “The shop will have two large 10’ bay doors and two man doors so they will be able to use it for equipment and anything they want to store in it.”
All of the students were required to take an extensive construction safety class from project partner Jackson Contractor Group prior to beginning work. All students must wear safety glasses, hard hats, highly visible vests and work boots as part of the strict safety protocols in place. Matson says this amazing hands-on experience is difficult to simulate in the classroom.
“My students can actually experience real world construction to help them decide if they want to go into the industry,” said Matson. “Students in this class can earn math credit, learn how to read blueprints and other important skills of the trade.”
Construction jobs are in high demand, according to Matson. He says Jackson Contractor Group has hired some of his students and he believes this trend will continue. Students say they enjoy the fast-paced environment on the job site.
“It’s a lot more fun and we can apply all the skills we are learning in the classroom,” said senior Anthoney Betzold. “It’s also nice to do something good for the school district.”
Matson says he has other connections in the community and is constantly looking for construction projects to get his students on-the-job training. Learn more about Matson’s Construction Technology program and aother amazing programs at SEATech at: https://myseatech.org/
NOTE: Great photo and video opportunities!
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WALLA WALLA – As the district wraps up a successful 2017-22 Strategic Plan, the Board of Directors is seeking broad stakeholder input as they prepare for the future. Beginning this spring and throughout next school year, the district will engage parents, staff, students and community as they seek input towards the development of their next strategic plan.
Today the district launched a ThoughtExchange survey for all stakeholders, kicking off their extensive outreach and input process.
JOIN OUR THOUGHTEXCHANGE - Question: As we work towards achieving our vision of Developing Washington's Most Sought-After Graduates, what are the most important skills and attributes our graduates must gain in school in order to prepare them for success after graduation?
Please click HERE to join the exchange and share your thoughts (Link: https://tejoin.com/scroll/746697467)
ThoughtExchange Informational Video
Participating in ThoughtExchange (The Basics)
The survey asks the community to weigh in on what they feel are the most important skills and attributes Walla Walla Public Schools’ graduates must gain during their public school years in preparation for success after high school. This new ThoughtExchange interactive tool allows respondents to share their thoughts, as well as review and prioritize ideas shared by others. The confidential survey is offered in multiple languages and results will help inform future community engagements planned for the fall.
“Our collective vision continues focusing on ‘Developing Washington’s Most Sought-After Graduates,” said Dr. Smith. “Our school board is deeply interested in community input to help define what skills and experiences are critical for our future graduates.”
The current strategic plan, developed in 2017 with broad stakeholder input and involvement, sunsets at the end of next school year. The current plan includes four goals and established multiple success indicators. Over the last five years, it prioritized high quality instruction, improved aligned systems between schools and programs, helped to promote safe and engaging school environments, and established enhanced social and emotional supports for students. The district experienced remarkable success meeting or exceeding nearly all of the performance targets established. Under the current plan, graduation rates reached all-time highs, reading and math scores increased, 9th grade on-track graduation rates exceeded state levels for the first time, post-secondary success improved, and students and stakeholder perception results soared past nationwide rates. Additionally, student involvement in clubs, activities and athletics increased, attendance rates exceeded state levels, and student behavior rates improved.
The ThoughtExchange survey link is posted on the district’s website and has been shared with parents, staff and students via ParentSquare. The link has also been sent to media outlets and shared on the district’s social media channels. It will remain open through May 20.
Walla Walla Public Schools’ Strategic Planning Engagement process will ramp up this fall with more ThoughtExchange surveys, community engagement activities, focus group discussions and staff and student input sessions. The school board plans to have a draft Strategic Plan ready for public viewing in December with the plan finalized in March. The final plan will help the school board set funding priorities and will go into effect at the start of the 2023-2024 school year.
Contact Superintendent Smith for more information regarding the district’s Strategic Planning process.
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Supporting documents are available via the following link: https://meetings.boardbook.org/Public/Organization/997
Board of Directors Meeting Schedule & Information: https://www.wwps.org/district/information/school-board/board-meeting-schedule