Students at Jemtegaard Middle School presented hands-on team projects at the JMS Science Fair on June 6, 2023. Judges recognized three students from each grade level, plus a Best of Fair overall winner, at the conclusion of the event. First place winners Olivia Nichols and Charlene Foote (6th grade), Macey Babic and Brianna Deziel (7th grade), and Silas Ellsworth and Riley Rose (8th grade) celebrate district and community recognition for their innovative presentations. Hunter Monks, Ben Termini, Henry Timmons, Ethan Dowell, Stephen Fernandez-Ramirez, Ciaran Jay, Keagan Streeter, Lainey Hajek, Amberlin McBee, Kenzie Jones, Sicily Belvin, and Jean Frazer-Ross also placed in grade level categories. Maelynn O’Bryant, 8th grade student at Jemtegaard Middle School, won Best of Fair Overall.
Middle school student teams presented research projects ranging from physics to earth science. Students learned scientific investigation, creativity, leadership, and teamwork skills while preparing for the fair. “I love science and I just love doing this stuff. Making the projects was the most fun, but the second most fun part was presenting to people about our project during the science fair,” said Olivia Nichols, 6th grade student at Jemtegaard Middle School.
Five dedicated science teachers at Jemtegaard Middle School guided 6-8th grade students as they conceptualized and created unique science fair projects. “The most inspiring part of the planning process for me has been watching the students engage in the scientific method and get excited about their experiments,” said Kaitlyn Huegli, science teacher at Jemtegaard Middle School. “It's never too early or too late to start thinking like a scientist!”
The JMS Science Fair was made possible by the JMS Boosters and community support. A donation by United Precision Corporation, a leading aerospace manufacturer in the Port of Camas-Washougal industrial park, funded student prizes for the winning fair presentations. Supplies for the JMS Science Fair were generously donated by the Washougal Schools Foundation.
“Students entering their projects in the fair are building more confidence and competence in a healthy competition with peers,” said Rona Ager, JMS Boosters Volunteer and Science Fair Chair. “They are thinking critically, solving problems, learning time management and beefing up their communication skills.”
Science fair judges included members of the Washougal community, district leadership, and representatives from ESD 112.
This event represents a culmination of scientific learning this school year. The JMS Science Fair is one example of hands-on, job-readiness education at Washougal School District. Community support enhances student-centered programs like the science fair for students in Washougal. Washougal School District emphasizes opportunities for students to apply classroom knowledge to solve real world problems.
Twenty-four Washougal High School student athletes representing four sports advanced to state competitions this spring. Golf, tennis, track and field, and equestrian athletes competed against teams in the Washington 2A division to wrap up the spring athletics season. Girls track placed 7th in state, with Washougal High School student Sydnee Boothby taking 1st place in the 800 meter and 2nd place in the 1600 and 3200 meter races.
Golf athletes Mason Acker, Brayden Kassel, Sky Linden, Mather Minnis, Keagan Payne and Katie Zillman competed in state tournaments on Tuesday, May 23 and Wednesday, May 24 in Liberty Lake, Washington.
Washougal High School tennis players Jaisa Wilson and Hadley Jones competed in state matches on Friday, May 26 and Saturday, May 27 at University of Washington. “We’ve been doubles partners since our sophomore year and we’ve been first doubles team since our junior year,” said Jaisa Wilson, 12th grade student at Washougal High School.
Equestrian athletes competed at Moses Lake on May 18-21. Kali Buchanan, Natalie Bratton, Braedyn Domeyer, Olivia Eldridge, Lillian Grindy, Aubrey Hettling, Karen Phelps, Carmen Rish, and Hermione Rivera showcased their skills as part of the state equestrian competitions.
Track and field athletes Holden Bea, Iris Hancock, Tanner Hardley, Kaya Johnson, Tucker Kneipp, Jaden Leonard, Anna Lundberg, Jamie Maas, Kendra Pass, Gracie Perry, Danica Stinchfield, and Elle Thomas compete in events ranging from the high jump, long jump, triple jump, and pole vault to 200, 400, 800, 1600, and 3200 meter races.
Athletic events are funded by the Washougal School Levy, which Washougal voters generously approved this spring. The EP&O levy supports great opportunities for students to explore their interests, develop their talent, and share their passion with our community for the next three years.
“We’re so proud of these Panther athletes for their hard work across this Spring season, culminating with the chance to compete one more time among the best in Washington,” said Athletic Director Brian Wilde. “Our teams have accomplished amazing things this school year. We’re excited to see what the 2023-24 school year brings for our student athletes, and we’re sure that the class of 2023 senior athletes will continue to make us proud as they move forward to their next steps following graduation.”
Washougal High School students in the Child Development & Education course are gaining hands-on job experience by assisting in classrooms at Gause Elementary School. The innovative program exposes Washougal High School students to possible career paths in the education field while earning high school and college credits.
“Students learn highly transferable skills in this class,” said Washougal High School teacher Carla Ecklund. “Students taking Child Development & Education may be interested in becoming teachers, pediatricians, childcare workers, paraeducators, children’s dieticians, and more in the future.”
Child Development & Education is a part of the Career & Technical Education (CTE) program at Washougal High School. The class is a prerequisite for the Careers in Education class that completes the Education & Training career pathway at the high school. CTE courses are designed to allow for early career exploration.
“I do a mix of observing and helping out and then I go back to my class at the high school and write notes about what I did and what I learned and what was being taught,” said Claire Zakovics, student in the Child Development & Education class at Washougal High School. Zakovics spends time in Gause Elementary School classrooms each week helping to assist with homework grading, provide one-on-one support to younger students, and more.
Elementary and high school students both benefit from the extra help in Gause classrooms. Older students are not only helping hands in the classroom, but also serve as positive role models to younger children. “When we're feeling like this is too hard, they’ll come and help us,” said Emmalyn Pfeifer, second grade student at Gause Elementary School.
“When we’re mapping out course curriculum, our focus is on how to best prepare students for successful careers and lives in the future,” said Director of Career & Technical Education Margaret Rice. “This class prepares high school students interested in working with children for successful futures. It gives them the opportunity to apply classroom learning while supporting elementary school students in their classroom.”
Washougal School District challenges all students to rise to their highest potential by creating opportunities for career experiences and growth. CTE classes like Child Development & Education bring job-readiness and employability to the forefront of curriculum at Washougal High School.