Henkle Middle School

Viva Musica to feature great food and music

2012-01-26T19:26:00.000-08:00

It is with great pleasure that the White Salmon Performing Arts Booster Club announces the 5th annual Viva Musica, a fine dining event scheduled for Saturday, February 11th. We are extremely fortunate to have a strong music program at both Henkle Middle School and Columbia High School. The benefits to our children and community are numerous, from increased test scores and graduation rates, to enhanced learning and achievement.

To make reservations, send an email to Ashley Howe (southwick@gorge.net) or Bob Schwarz (pianobob@gorge.net). Kids will also have signup sheets starting the last week of January.

We will be offering three different times for dinner seatings. You are welcome at any reservation time. However if you are mainly interested in seeing 5/6 music student performances, we suggest the 4:30 seating or the 7:30 seating. For those parents/guests of 7/8 music students, we suggest the 6:00 seating. For friends/family of high school students, we are suggesting the 6:00 or 7:30 seating. Seating reservations will be made as they are received.

Here is a tentative schedule of student performance times for planning your reservations.

5:30 – Columbia High Instrumental and Vocal Ensembles
6:30 – Henkle Junior Band
7:00 – Columbia High Instrumental and Vocal Ensembles
7:15 – Henkle Senior Band Ensembles, Jazz Band
7:45 – Columbia High Instrumental and Vocal Ensembles
8:30 – Columbia High Jazz Band

Wintry weather alters school calendar

2012-01-23T14:51:00.000-08:00

The loss of four school days due to inclement weather means that the White Salmon Valley School District school year calendar has changed. If there are no more school days lost, here are the changes:
1) There will be school Thursday, Jan. 26.
2) The first semester’s final day will be Jan. 31.
3) The “Semester Break” Day is now Feb. 1. There will be no school on that day.
4) The second semester begins Feb. 2.
5) There will be school on March 16 and May 25.
6) The final day of school will be June 15. Eight grade promotion will be June 14.

Volunteers Make Good Things Happen for Students

2012-01-03T17:58:00.000-08:00

We had a fabulous dance in December for seventh and eighth graders...
An educational and inspiring field trip in November for the senior band students...
A "Walk-a-thon" that earned about $6,000 for ASB student activities...
Tutoring for students during school and after school at Project Open Door...
Lively, organized, entertaining community events--the Monster Mash and Santa's Breakfast...
We've got a ski/snowboard trip planned Jan. 13.

Field trips, special events, helping out students and teachers in the classroom, and chaperoning dances represent just some of the ways that fabulous volunteers make so many good things happen at Henkle Middle School. What all these special events and services have in common is that we could not make it happen without our parents and without many other volunteers who aren't parents but who simply care. We have scores of volunteers who contribute literally thousands of hours each school year--wow!

If you've been a volunteer, take a bow. What you do matters for kids.

Henkle students "get away" for learning

2011-11-13T19:45:00.000-08:00

Sometimes it’s satisfying to just get away. Thanks to the organizational and creative energies of our teachers, as well as important support from governmental agencies and community groups, Henkle students are able to take their learning on the road from time to time. Those opportunities particularly occur in the arts, science, and athletics.

Even as this article is posted, this very week the senior band will be taking a trip to Clark College. Later this month, art students will take a trip to the Portland Art Museum to observe a special printmaking exhibit. The junior band will also have its own trip later this year, and in February, jazz band students are hoping to go to the Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival at the University of Idaho.

A university campus has been the site for two trips different athletics teams have taken during this calendar year, one in the spring of 2011 and the other this past fall. Most recently, the volleyball teams toured the campus of Portland State University before watching the Vikings defeat Northern Arizona, 25-15, 26-24, 18-25, 25-16.

“Just walking around campus was great,” recalled coach Lori Owen. “The players were so enthusiastic. ‘What’s this building?’ ‘What’s this building?’

“They (Portland State) were so nice to us,” said Mrs. Owen. “They walked us to our seats. They parked us right in front of the gym. They gave us posters and pom-poms.” The Grizzly volleyballers were understandably impressed. Several said to Mrs. Owen, “Coach, we need to practice some more!”

In the spring, Mrs. Owen and the track coaches brought the HMS track and field team to watch one of the premier track and field programs in the nation, the University of Oregon Ducks. As did the girls this fall, the tracksters toured the U of O campus, gaining motivation for getting to college as well as inspiration from watching tremendous performances.

Later this school year, fifth and sixth graders will take a trip to the Portland Art Museum. All of these trips are funded by Performing Arts Booster Club or the Henkle Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO).

Also this past fall, all eighth graders took part in water sampling work on the White Salmon River below the now “decommissioned” Condit Dam. A smaller group of eighth graders made an additional trip, performing more research and preparing a presentation of their findings. What was even more special was their audience—it included Jane Goodall, the famous scientist. This experiences emerged from collaborative planning by teacher Michael Hannigan and Mrs. Cheri Anderson and Mrs. Jennifer Rowlan of the U.S. Department of Fish and Wildlife for water quality work, Valerie Stephenson of the Columbia Gorge Ecology Institute who arranged our meeting with Jane Goodall, and Maureen Phelan of Mid-Columbia Fisheries for her wonderful presentation on the history and planned removal of Condit Dam. Her work served as a foundation for our students presentation.

Once again, the presentation trip by the select group of eighth graders featured a tour of a college campus, this time Willamette University.

“It was an amazing experience to present to such a revered scientist,” said Mr. Hannigan of their time with Ms. Goodall. “She gave our students her undivided attention for five minutes and was impressed with their work. The entire day was just great. We rode down with students from Hood River who had done similar research, and the kids really enjoyed each other’s company.”

Washington students perform well on SAT

2011-10-01T10:40:00.000-07:00

Did you know that Washington State’s education system has long led the U.S. in Scholastic Aptitude Test scores among states in which more than 50% of the students take this college readiness exam? It’s true.

Based on the scores of the nearly 39,000 high school seniors who took the S.A.T. in 2011, Washington State attained an average combined score in reading, writing, and mathematics of 520, just ahead of the second-highest state, New Hampshire—the ninth consecutive school year that Washington has led in combined average SAT score among states with more than 50% of its students taking the SAT. Moreover, almost 4,000 more students took the SAT in Washington last spring compared to 2010, an increase of 13 percent.

The percentage of students taking the SAT is important, because the higher percentage of students who take the test, the lower the scores tend to be. In other words, the easiest way for a state to obtain high SAT scores is to encourage only a small percentage of select students to take it. For example, Iowa, North Dakota, and South Dakota may be able to brag about higher SAT test scores—but only three percent of their students took the test in 2009. By contrast, 57% of a much more racially diverse population in Washington State took the SAT last spring, a higher participation rate than all Western States (except Hawaii).

Washington State has particularly shined in mathematics on SAT comparisons with states that have more than fifty percent participation. State learning standards are much more rigorous than those of many other states. Because Washington’s standards are more demanding, a smaller percentage of students pass its state tests compared to some other states. On paper, those lower passing rates make it appear as though its education system isn’t preparing students as well, but when one examines national-level tests, Washington’s students shine.

Another way that Washington students perform well compared to other states is through the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) assessment. Washington regularly scores among the top tier of states in the very rigorous NAEP, much higher than many states which have very high pass rates on their own particular, state-specific tests. In other words, a much higher percentage of Alabama students pass their state’s mathematics assessment than Washington students passing Washington’s assessment, but Washington students far outperform Alabama’s students in both the SAT and the NAEP.

The federal education law, commonly known as No Child Left Behind, makes no distinction about the rigor of the different state assessments when labeling schools as successful or not. Thus, many more schools in Washington are labeled as “in need of improvement” or even as failures compared to schools in Alabama, even though those same students in Washington far outperform their peers in Alabama. That’s because Alabama—and many other states, for that matter—have far easier tests than Washington, especially in mathematics.

Among Washington State students, White Salmon Valley School District students perform well by the time they graduate from high school. Last school year, the state required new “End-of-Course” (EOC) mathematics exams for high school students. This was the third change in the state mathematics assessment within the past five years, creating a big challenge for classroom teachers trying to prepare students for what can seem like a “moving target.” WSVSD students passed the EOC Year One assessments at a rate of 75.9 percent, compared to the statewide average of 66.2 percent. Teachers throughout the earlier grades are striving to teach all students at a high level of rigor so that our students will be prepared for these assessments in high school.

The community’s support for our school’s efforts is crucial, never more so than in this period of economic downturn, when it seems every six months the state announces that it is cutting public education funding yet again. Teachers at Henkle Middle School are using excellent textbooks and other resources to help students learn these rigorous mathematics standards. The only reason our students have these texts in their hands is because of the local tax levy, which provides the district $65,000 a year for curriculum materials. Moreover, the community has supported “Early Release” Wednesdays, which give teachers the opportunity to collaborate on strategies to use these materials in the most effective way possible—and early releases do not cost the district or taxpayers any money at all. In fact, those early releases save money, because they lessen the need for teachers to need substitute teachers in order to accomplish that planning and training.

Many White Salmon Valley School District students move on to enjoy fine careers in the “STEM” professions—science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Every one of those successes, because of the local support for schools, strong family involvement, and hard work by the teachers and students—belongs to all the community, working together to help our students thrive.

Henkle programs promote a positive environment

2011-09-24T09:49:00.000-07:00

“Sometimes I get into arguments…and then I don’t even remember how they started.”

“It’s hard to fit in sometimes. I used to hang out with a certain group…and now I don’t.”

Real-life middle school students shared these thoughts on video, helping launch “Second Step” for Henkle Middle School fifth and sixth graders this past week. Produced by the Committee for Children, Second Step is a “Promising Practices” program endorsed by the U.S. Department of Education, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL), and many other programs, earning the distinction as a research-based, model program for youth.

Second Step features participatory activities that engage students in several learning units, including Empathy and Communication, Bullying Prevention, Emotional Management, and Substance Abuse Prevention. Students will role-play various real-life scenarios, reflect individually and in groups about making healthy choices, and produce creative projects, such as posters and signs, to learn effective skills for navigating their growing-up journeys. At Henkle Middle School fifth and sixth graders will work through this award-winning curriculum on Mondays during their “Connections” morning blocks.

Second Step comprises part of a comprehensive approach that Henkle Middle School utilizes to help all students develop effective social-emotional skills. Seventh and eighth graders learn to know and appreciate each other, breaking the barriers of cliques, through its daily “Connections” program. This 20-minute period often features a “greeting and a reading.” Students greet each other within their Connections circle, share a short reading, and take turns voluntarily responding to it. For example, the week of Sept. 26-30 will concentrate upon the power of our words, with a special focus upon bullying. One reading tells the real-life story of J.R. Trujillo, who experienced much bullying at Arroyo del Oso Elementary School in Albuqueque, New Mexico. Tormented with jeers such as “fatso” and “chubby,” he spent much of his time simply trying to hide. But J.R.’s school tackled the issue. A unified and determined approach by faculty and direct talk about the issue stopped the bullying and inspired other students to stick up for J.R.

Readings such as the one about J.R. capture what Henkle Middle School is determined to do—to be “real” about students’ experiences and to equip them with perspectives and skills that lead to a positive social environment—healthy students who can focus on learning and realize their fullest potential as human beings. All students have heard presentations in their P.E. classes about the White Salmon Valley School District’s new “Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying” (HIB) procedures, including what actually constitutes bullying as well as numerous ways that they can report it to make it stop. In October, eighth graders will spend “Challenge Day” together, an event designed to help them understand each other more fully as human beings. The day culminates with students directly and publicly issuing heart-felt apologies for hurts they’ve inflicted over the years and pledges to look out for each other, particularly the most vulnerable among them. Our school’s Parent-Teacher Organization and our local health department all provide financial assistance through grants to help Henkle Middle School fund this event.

We consider parents to be vital partners in our endeavor to make our school a positive and healthy place for all students. We welcome parents who wish to participate in our upcoming Challenge Day event in late October to call us at 493-1502 or to drop by our school and tell us. We invite parents to learn more about the programs described in this article. Here are some websites that describe some of the programs we use:

Second Step: http://www.cfchildren.org/programs/ssp/ms/
Challenge Day: http://www.challengeday.org/
School-wide Positive Behavior Support System: http://www.pbis.org/

Our educators are committed to providing a positive learning environment for all students.

New programs ready to roll for new school year

2011-08-27T17:36:00.001-07:00

As Day One, Aug. 31, approaches, Henkle Middle School staff are very enthusiastic and optimistic about several new programs we're beginning this school year. We're adopting programs and assessments to improve student learning outcomes as well as student behavior.

1. Literacy: We’re going to start a new reading and writing program, Journeys, a curriculum published by the same company that Whitson Elementary School uses. Thus, fifth grade students next year will be able to build from the same skills and same approach that has produced superior student learning results at Whitson. Sixth graders will also enjoy this new program. The program provides many engaging reading experiences in a variety of literary genre, fiction and non-fiction, and very well matched with state and national standards. Christy Holtman, the literacy coach who has been assisting Whitson teachers in their use of this program, will be working with our teachers.

We are able to adopt this program because the school district levy contains funding for curriculum adoption, and we are grateful that this local support will benefit our children. We are also able to provide training for our teachers to teach this program, thanks to a grant from the White Salmon Valley Education Foundation.

While the fifth and sixth grade teachers implement Journeys, seventh and eighth grade teachers will also launch a new pilot literacy program, one that features a complete array of literary genre well-connected to state standards.

2. Mathematics: Our entire school district will be utilizing a new program, Mathematics Benchmark Assessments, sponsored by our state superintendent's office and very well matched with state standards. This program features two tools that will help students and teachers be aware of students' strengths and needs in more timely ways throughout the year. The first is the Mathematics Benchmark Assessments. Three times yearly, students in school can take a “benchmark” assessment. At each assessment, students will be assessed in four specific standards that the school can select, so that the assessment matches what the school is teaching or about to teach. The second tool is called “Data Director.” This tool will enable teachers to access test item banks aligned to state standards to create smaller assessments for more frequently monitoring students’ progress. With both of these tools, students and teachers alike will be able to know students’ skills in relation to the standards they need to master.

3. Positive Behavior Intervention Support System: Our entire school is adopting a school-wide student management system known as “Positive Behavioral Support.” (PBS, or PBIS—please see www.pbis.org.) A large team of teachers is leading this effort, having spent much time during the summer devising a "common language" in regard to student behavior for every location in the school, emphasizing positive recognition and encouragement but also having decisive ways for responding to misbehaviors. All staff received training in the program at a meeting Aug. 25, the costs of which were paid for by a grant by the White Salmon Valley Education Foundation.

4. Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying--a new policy and procedures: This school district and all school districts across the state of Washington have adopted new policies and procedures to combat all forms of harassment. Presentations on these procedures will be communicated to all the students during the week of Sept. 6, and a meeting will be scheduled to share our district's new policies and procedures with parents. Any incidents of harassment are too many incidents; we're determined to eliminate the practice of bullying and harassment that has long affected some children as they grow up, a pattern that has been going on for generation after generation. We believe we can stop it.

Although budget cuts combined with increasing state and federal mandates significantly impact our capacity, we believe we have the staff and the programs to make your child's educational experience one of high quality. We look forward to putting that belief into practice.

HMS math teams shine in competition

2011-06-10T14:06:00.000-07:00

By HMS website student reporter Maya Rockwell

On May 7 2011, the Henkle Grizzles math team went to the 25 year old state competition in Blaine Washington.

“It was a long drive”, said Mrs. Strain, the teams’ supervisor, “but I was really proud of the cohesiveness of the teams, and their behavior.” The team consisted of eight students, split into two groups, seven being eighth graders and one being a sixth grader. They placed 20th and 25th overall out of the 35 eighth grade teams that were competing.

“We didn’t really practice before – definitely something we need to do next year,” said Mrs. Strain “and once we were there we found out how tough the competition was, but we just had fun.” Mrs. Strain added that most of the teams competing at state level were private schools.

Iron Mike heating was the team’s sponsor and supplied them with tee-shirts, but Mrs. Strain said they couldn’t have done it without the help of parents. “They just did so much, paying for the hotel room at Blaine and transportation.”

If you are interested in finding the individual places of the team members, visit:
http://www.blaine.wednet.edu/mathchamps/Middle_School/2011_Results.html

Editor's note: The Henkle math team earlier this spring dominated The Dalles Math Regional Contest, finishing first and second place. But the upper grades team isn't the only HMS team to distinguish itself in competition. The fifth/sixth grade Highly Capable Program, coached by Kateri Osborne, competed in the national-level "Math Olympiad," and finished in the "Highest Team Achievement," which means the Grizzlies were in the top ten percent of all national teams.

PTO Gear Swap takes place this weekend!

2011-06-01T14:48:00.000-07:00

By HMS student website reporter Kyle Guler

Got gear? Well, if you do, great, bring some to the meet on June 3 from 4-6 p.m. You can donate good-quality equipment, or you can sell it on consignment. If you don’t, just come and get some on June 4 from noon to 3:00 p.m. Not only can you get great gear, but you can help the Henkle Middle School Parent-Teacher Association, the sponsor of this event. Profits will benefit students at the middle school.

The swap meet is really easy to find, because it is at Whitson Elementary right across from Springfest. If you don’t know what you like, it’s still ok to come and try some stuff out. This is the place to do it because the prices are so low. PTO hopes to have equipment from a wide array of sports. If you can help or if you have questions, please contact PTO at henklepto@yahoo.com.

Time: 4-6 p.m. June 3rd (delivery of sports gear) and noon-3 p.m. June 4 (purchasing sports gear)
Location: Whitsons Elementary school’s gym.
Contact information: Henklepto@yahoo.com

5th & 6th graders set for Maryhill Museum field trip

2011-05-19T20:09:00.000-07:00

By Dawn Glasser, Washington State Arts Council Grant Coordinator

This note is being written to let you in on the BUZZ and EXCITEMENT happening in the 5/6 wing... “The Passport to Art” all day fieldtrip to Maryhill Museum is only a week away.

Camille Hinman has nearly finished her Artist in Residency, working feverishly to teach all of the 5th and 6th grade students Art History with a focus on Auguste Rodin. Camille is preparing the students for the “Artpardy” challenge in which the classrooms compete against each other to answer art history questions. The winning class of this fast-paced and fun game will receive a special party.

During this all-day visit to Maryhill Museum students will rotate through 70 minute art workshops with each of the four very talented local artists that are generously donating their personal time. Those artists are John Mayo, Will Richard, Martha Ohlson, and Pam Springer. The art media include charcoal drawing, clay, wire sculpting and plastic-coated wire manipulation. These students will also experience three educational museum lessons within three of the galleries, which will be taught by the educational staff at Maryhill. To end this truly amazing day the students will engage in drama activities led by Jennifer Graves and some of her high school students.

Henkle Middle School principal Rick George states, “We're tremendously grateful that strong community support for the arts makes this experience possible. Parents are kicking in some costs and donations, and the White Salmon Valley Education Foundation found us another grant on top of the Washington State Arts Commission grant on which we are already relying. Our PTO has set aside funds. With WSAC funding facing devastating cuts after this school year, I don't see how we'll be able to make this trip for fifth and sixth graders two years from now, but at least for our kids now, we're all very happy.”

Parent-Community forum to focus on Signs and Symptoms of Youth Substance and Alcohol Use

2011-05-14T16:37:00.000-07:00

The White Salmon Valley School District and the Community Mobilization Against Substance Abuse (CMASA) invites parents to attend a forum beginning at 6 p.m. Monday, May 16, at the Columbia High School library.

Local Drug and Alcohol counselors will give a short presentation on Signs and Symptoms of drug and/or alcohol use. Although on-campus incidents are rare, HMS principal Rick George and CHS principal Troy Whittle will inform participants about substance possession among students at school, and other information will be distributed. Information from the fall 2010 "Healthy Youth Survey" will be shared. Other area health care professionals will be present.

Parents will also have an opportunity to meet in small groups of three or four to focus on two discussion questions:

• What are your concerns as a parent?
• How can we help each other?

The event will be 90 minutes. Snacks will be served.

State tests scheduled for May

2011-04-27T18:49:00.000-07:00

Throughout Washington state in May, students will be taking some very important tests, called the “Measures of Student Progress” (MSP). Henkle Middle School will test its students May 9 through May 20. These tests are very important.

Once they reach high school, all students must pass the state’s 10th grade reading and writing tests, as well as “end-of-course” tests in mathematics. Passing the tests is one requirement for obtaining a diploma. Thus, it’s important for students to take the tests seriously and to do their best in order to be prepared by the time they reach 10th grade. Please do all that you can to make sure that your child is at school on time and prepared during the testing schedule.

If you’d like to learn more about the MSP tests and you have internet access, the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) has a fine website. Here’s the site address:
http://www.k12.wa.us/assessment/StateTesting/default.aspx. Also, this year our students will take the reading test online. Parents can see what that test is like by accessing the following site:
http://wa-online.caltesting.org/. Click on “Demos” and then click on “Student Demos.”

Students and staff have been working hard all year long to be prepared for the tests, as well as with all the other learning that they do. In April, all students and staff have practiced the online reading test by doing the same "demo" referred to above and also by doing a short practice test designed to help them master the online features of the reading assessment. We're excited to see how our students will fare. The state will send assessment results to schools in August, and then they'll send parent/student individual reports in September. Henkle Middle School plans to provide those individual reports to parents during parent conferences in October.

We appreciate all that our parents do, too, to help our students come to school ready to learn, and we thank you in advance for helping your students come to school prepared to do their best on these state assessments.

Below are our test dates and the tests for each of those dates:

May 10
Grade 5: Math
Grade 6: Reading (Kermani, Wells, Sprague)
Grade 7: Writing
Grade 8: Math

May 12
Grade 5: Science
Grade 6: Reading (Gintz, Pfister, Hernandez)
Grade 7: Math
Grade 8: Science

May 13
Grade 5: Reading (Moss, Ortega, Sprague)
Grade 6: Math
Grade 7: Writing
Grade 8: No testing

May 16
Grade 5: Reading (Gintz, Hernandez, Whidden)

May 17
Grade 7: Reading (Hernandez, Kingsford-Smith, Lyons, MacNeil)

May 19
Grade 7: Reading (Hurd)
Grade 8: Reading (Mayberry & Owen)

May 20
Grade 8: Reading (Graves, Hernandez, Lindstrom)

The teachers named in grades 7 and 8 are testing groups. Many students will be with their first period teacher for testing, but others will be with a different teacher and not their first period teacher. Students did their practice tests in the same testing groups in which they'll be for the actual test, so if you have a seventh or eighth grader, he or she should be able to tell you his/her testing group.

CHS & HMS stage Aida March 24 to 27

2011-03-19T10:57:00.000-07:00

By Isabel Martin, CHS Student

In recent months, Egypt has played a large role on the world stage, capturing our attention with their valiant protests. This weekend, Columbia High School and Henkle Middle School will debut a different type of Egyptian drama, in the form of Elton John's and Tim Rice's Aida, the modern rock-musical.

Tickets are on sale now at the HMS office, or they can be purchased at the door. Performances will take place 7 p.m. Thursday through Sunday and matinees will take place 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Students and children admission is $8, while adults are $10. Over 60 HMS and CHS students are involved.

Aida begins with the cpature of the title character, who is the princess of Nubia, by the Egyptian Captain Radames and his soldiers. Aida and her attendants are taken back to Egypt as slaves, where Aida is given as a gift to Radames' fiance, the Egyptian Princess Amneris. Aida makes herself indispensable in no time and soon becomes Amneris's close confidant. Aida has caught the eye of Captain Radames, however, and their growing attraction throws everyone involved into mortal danger.

Jennifer Graves, the director of drama for HMS and CHS, says she chose Aida because it suits the cast, is a challenge, and is "a good opportunity to utilize our talents. Musical Director Chandra Rampersad agrees. The music, too, is challenging. But, Rampersad said, "I really think the kids will rise to the challenge."

This is the second year that CHS and HMS have worked together on a musical, the shows prior being middle school productions only. Last summer Mrs. Graves and middle and high schoolers also put on a summer theater workshop, Willy Wonda and the Chocolate Factory, which she considered to be a real success. The proceeds from that production are went toward the funding for Aida.

White Salmon Valley S.D. students are demonstrating their enthusiasm and commitment toward the importance of a drama program in our schools. With today's funding cuts students are having to work harder to get the drama experience they want in middle and high school. Even this may not be enough, however, if the community does not stand behind them. We need community support toward a new theater facility that will enable White Salmon students to rise to their potential.

(Photo: Jorge Rangel and James Miller play feature roles in Aida.)

Missoula Children's Theater performs "The Frog Prince" Saturday

2011-03-03T17:21:00.000-08:00

The much beloved Missoula Children's Theater returns to White Salmon this week. Once again, it is our community children, including more than a dozen students from Henkle, who'll be the stars.

This year's performance is The Frog Prince. Tickets are $3 for adults and $2 for kids. The Missoula Children’s Theater is sponsored by the Henkle and Whitson PTOs. Everyone is welcome to come, watch a play, and see our children shine.

Viva Musica! Saturday to feature food and fun

2011-02-22T18:53:00.000-08:00

By HMS Website Student Reporter Jacob Ewers

This Saturday, Feb. 26, at 4:30, 6:00, and 7:30 p.m., a very important fundraiser for the Henkle Middle and Columbia High School music programs will take place. This event is known as Viva Musica! It takes place in the small gym of the middle school, where you will be served fresh pasta from Beneventi's.

As you enjoy a fine meal with friends, you will also receive musical entertainment while you help students earn program support and field trips. For example, the senior band (7th/8th grade) has already had an opportunity to watch the Oregon Symphony in Portland this school year, and the junior band (5th/6th grade) will enjoy the same opportunity in March. The junior band, by the way, has about 70 students!

All this is organized by the White Salmon Performing Arts Booster Club. For adults, the advance-reservation price is $10, and for 12-years and under, the price is $5. All children three years-old and under three eat free. Without reservations, event-day patrons will pay $13 for adults and $7 for youths 4-12 years old.

You may make reservtions by calling 509-493-4504 or by e-mailing southwick@gorge.net.

Chaperones make student activities possible

2011-01-21T16:25:00.000-08:00

By HMS Website Student Reporter Sidra Matthias

Some of Henkle’s most fun activities wouldn’t happen without chaperones. They make ski trips, school dances, and field trips possible.

Teachers Sally Wells and Christine Pfister take students to Mt. Hood Meadows to ski and snowboard. These ski trips happen every other Friday during winter. It’s a lot cheaper to go with the school group, and we all help pay for the bus. This is a great opportunity for students from 5th through 8th grade. Some people wouldn’t get to go skiing without these trips. We have chaperones come along and ride the bus.

Claire Samuels, a 5th grader, has gone on the trips with her dad chaperoning. She said, “If you don’t end up sitting with your ski partner you can sit with your parent.”

Most school dances are for 7th and 8th graders and they are super fun. The DJ plays really good music, and some of the parent chaperones even get into dancing. They happen about once a month or so on Friday nights and are put on by the ASB leaders. The 6th and 7th graders usually have a dance at the end of the school year. The kids are very appropriate and mature as they have fun. Neither of these activities is available to kids with failing grades or on the step program (behavior problems.) Ski trips and dances are a privilege.

We appreciate our chaperones! Please continue to support us!

Basketball players working hard; first game Tuesday

2011-01-21T13:45:00.000-08:00

By HMS Website Student Reporter Jacob Ewers

For the first week of practice this year’s basketball team was examined by the coaches, who then decided on which of the three teams the players will be placed. For our first practice the Grizzlies were tested in endurance; we had to run for half an hour. Many of the players ran as a team, and it was obvious that they were ready for the coming season. However, some were still running off their vacation (all the junk food); unfortunately, I was one of these. After our running we went through the basketball basics such as defense and in the end played some scrimmage.

On day two of our basketball practice we spent most of the time practicing our basketball techniques. The running was easier, too. I’m unsure if it was simply that we were stronger already or that we had less of it to do. The practice went smoothly and already the bulk of new players have stuck to the team. On day three it was our last day to prove ourselves and most of practice was scrimmaging, which was extremely fun. We scrimmaged for, I believe, forty five minutes and when it was done we had already started acting more and more like a team. After our practice the coaches listed off the teams. Almost everyone was happy with how it turned out, even the blend team, though most seemed to want to be on the straight team more.

Although we are still coming together as a team, I believe we will do great in our first game on January 25 here at Henkle against Canyon Creek.

What are some hopes for the coming season?

Coach Larsen: to improve in all aspects of the game and to develop team play.
Coach Liddiard: have fun, be a team, get better every day.
Coach Kasenga: to teach the players fundamental basketball with large amounts of fun.

Who are some players you think could improve most over this season?
Coach Larsen: It’s too early to tell. I do know that whoever plays the most during each summer will improve the most.
Coach Liddiard: All will improve- but Marcos and Juan look much better just over the past two weeks.
Coach Kasenga: Kevin S., Luis P., and Maks M. have really stepped up as leaders this year. They are really helping me teach the other players the way we play basketball.

Do you think the teams will come together and improve this season? How?
Coach Larsen: Yes, I like what I’ve seen so far, and the attitudes have been really positive.
Coach Liddiard: I think we will all help each other get better, cheer each other on, and realize what happens when we work at a common goal.
Coach Kasenga: I know we will find common ground through the course of the season.

Numerous groups raise funds to support activities

2011-01-19T17:35:00.001-08:00

By HMS Website Student Reporter Sidra Matthias

During a fundraiser, lots of parents wonder: What does this money that I’m spending go to? Well, here are some of the answers.

Henkle PTO puts on the Monster Mash just before Halloween, and Santa’s Breakfast in early December. The PTO raises about $5,000 with these two community events, and it puts the funds right back into many activities, such as the Maryhill Museum Field Trips, the Holocaust Memorial Museum trips, music instrument repair, drama activities, Challenge Day, and much more.

Project Open Door raises money by doing concession stands during school games, and collecting box tops and ink cartridges. This goes on throughout the school year. The money pays for fun POD activities.

The Performing Arts Boosters get money from selling band calendars in the fall and putting on the Viva Musica dinner in March. (This year Viva Musica will take place Feb. 26.) This is a combined middle school and high school group. The money raised pays for things like instruments, music, field trips, and the materials for drama sets.

ASB fundraisers are the magazine sale/cookie dough sale in the fall and the walk-a-thon in early spring. ASB is also considering the sale of lanyards, beanies (hats) and baseball caps. The ASB pays for things like school dances, some field trips, and spirit assemblies.

Here is the ASB budget for this year:

2010-2011 budgets
• Dances 7@ $285, total of $1,700
• Dance supplies 100
• Assemblies-spirit 100
• Lunch/afterschool fun equipment 250
• Student of the Week/ASB trip 500
• Canned food drive 50
• Grizzly Pride 100
• Honor Band 250
• Sound System 100
• “General” 250
• WASC Dues 60
• 8th grade promotion 200
• Pizzas, celebrations, prizes 100
• 8th grade trip 600
• ASB Budget Workshop 330
• Lunch helpers’ pizza 125
• Student Leadership Conf. 500

Show Your Kids You Care: Talk to Your Kids about Drug and Alcohol Risks

2010-12-29T15:27:00.000-08:00

The "Partnership at Drugfree.org" has released an advocacy article recommending that parents be involved with their children in ways that will reduce the risk of their engaging in risky behaviors. Below is their article.

Dear Parents and Guardians:

For the coming New Year, resolve to talk more often with your family about healthy decisions and choices. Our research shows that kids who learn a lot about the dangers of drugs from their parents are up to 50 percent less likely to use than those who do not get those important messages at home.

The Partnership at Drugfree.org celebrates the positive influence of parents in the lives of their kids. Together, we can help you start the New Year with "10 Resolutions That Show Your Kids You Care."

10 Resolutions That Show Your Kids You Care

1. Teach your children to trust you by seeing you as a role model.
2. Be patient, not just tolerant. Apologize when you make a mistake or do something you regret.
3. Ask teens what they need from you - and do whatever you can to meet those needs.
4. Listen to your teens, a lot. Avoid interrupting.
5. Teach your children about ethics, values and principles they can apply in choices and decision making.
6. Help them discover the feeling of gratitude, not just to say thank you.
7. Keep the promises you make. If you do not keep your word, acknowledge that. Help your teen understand the circumstances or choices that precipitated the change in your plans.
8. Answer your teen's questions and be consistent. When you notice behavioral changes in them, make yourself available and encourage them to talk about what is going on in their life.
9. Be understanding when they have a difficult time and let them know you will love them no matter what.
10. Be diligent. Have ongoing conversations with your kids about the risks of drugs and alcohol.

Best Wishes for a safe, happy and healthy New Year,
-- Your friends at The Partnership at Drugfree.org
Klickitat County Community Mobilization Against Substance Abuse
and the Substance Abuse Advisory Board

Wrestlers show strong improvement

2010-12-29T15:17:00.000-08:00

By HMS Website Student Reporter Jacob Ewers

The wrestling season ended and the survivors of the 8th grade season have competed in their last tournament before going on to the high school to compete as Bruins. These wrestlers of 2010 have all worked and played hard together in a physically demanding sport and will most likely play again next year and be even better than they were this season.

Below are some questions for Jeff Lindstrom the head coach

Question: How has the team improved over the 2010 season?

Mr. Lindstrom: We are a much more aggressive team; we scored more points this season.

Who do you believe has shown the most improvement?

Mr. Lindstrom: All seventh graders showed improvement but overall Gabrienne Post Peyralans who won two of her last matches has shown the most improvement.

What is your view on wrestling?

Mr. Lindstrom: It the oldest and greatest sport. It makes every other sport better.

How would you like to see the wrestlers of 2010 continue in their wrestling careers?

Mr. Lindstrom: I'd love them to go up to the high school and continue to play sports; I just want them to play no matter the sport.

Did anyone ever actually walk on their hands across the mat and get that prize?

Mr. Lindstrom: Josh Lewis came close; the prize was milkshakes.

What are some of the things that you believe was fun about this season?

Mr. Lindstrom: We had great comebacks. We were way behind and most came back and got a pin. We hope to see these same wrestlers play next year and hope they had a fun season.

State poised to approve new graduation requirements

2010-12-08T18:29:00.000-08:00

By HMS Website Student Reporter Jacob Ewers

For success for the Class of 2016, the Washington State Board of Education is now attempting to pass new requirements for passing high school to ensure that all post-secondary education and career pathways will be open to the graduates of that school year. However, due to this law, the course requirements for passing high school will be raised, Below are the required credits for the students to graduate in the year 2016.

English
Current-3 credits
2016-4 credits

Math
Current-3 credits
2016-3 credits

Science
Current-2 credits (1 lab)
2016-3 credits (2 lab)

Social Studies
Current-2.5 credits
2016-3 credits

Fitness/Health
Current-2 credits
2016-2 credits (1/2 of which is health)

Art
2016-1 credit

Occupational Education
2016-1 credit

Art (additional)*
2016-1 credit*

World Languages*
2016-2 credits*

* Students may substitute coursework for 1 credit of art and 2 credits of world language if other courses would better help themmeet their educational and career goals as expressed in their High School and Beyond Plans

Career Concentration
2016-2 credits (student choice)

Electives
2016-2 credits (student choice)

Total: 24 credits

All these changes must first be approved by the legislative board before coming into effect.
In addition to the new school requirements, the educational board has also recommended that the culminating project and High School and Beyond plan also be a requirement. Even though these projects may seem to be holding children or in this case teens to a higher level, all of these plans are meant to help the students of tomorrow get into better careers and post-high school options, such as 2-4 year colleges, technical and other after high school options.

• For more information visit sbe.wa.gov

Family fun and a yummy breakfast: Santa's Breakfast is Saturday, Dec. 4

2010-12-01T10:34:00.000-08:00

By HMS Website Student Reporter Jacob Ewers

Santa’s Breakfast, sponsored by Henkle Middle School's Parent Teacher Organization (PTO), is right around the corner, so mark your calendars for December 4th! This year's Santa’s Breakfast will have live entertainment from the students of Henkle Middle School's music program. There will also be (You guessed it!) pancakes for breakfast! And it doesn’t stop there; if you come anywhere between 8 a.m. to 12 noon you and, more likely, your children may get a picture with Kris Kringle (Santa Claus). There will also be a book fair and a crafts bazaar. Breakfast costs $5 per person or $15 for a family of up to five, $3 for senior citizens and K-8 students, and $2 for pre-school children. It will be served 7:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. so come on over and meet the great Santa.

If you have enjoyed this event in the past and want to contribute, the Henkle PTO is looking for volunteers. Please contact volunteer coordinator Sheila Spring at the Henkle office at 493-1502. This event is also a PTO school fundraiser. This year PTO is planning on hosting an auction for high quality used artwork. If you could possibly donate any artwork, please drop it off at the office at Henkle; maybe your artwork could become someone’s Christmas present.

There will also be a PTO meeting on Monday, December 6.

One more note: Mrs. Petrick is searching for a regular volunteer for a 7th -8th grade class from 2:15 to 3:10; if you can do this, please call Ms. Spring in the office at 493-1502.

Challenge Day positively impacts students

2010-11-11T13:17:00.000-08:00

By Jonah Welch, HMS Student Website Reporter

Challenge Day is a day when all the eighth graders go into the gym. They try to help solve some common school problems like bullying, put-downs, and other ways of picking on people. They also try to look through the perspectives of others and know how they feel.

Maks Moses, an eighth grader who did Challenge Day, is one of the many who doesn’t regret going.

“I’d like to say I’m nicer. I think through the other person’s perspective now, but it is still hard to be nice. Challenge Day really does have an effect on people.”

Ms.Mayberry, the ASB advisor, participated at Challenge Day.

“It made some people closer because they knew what people were really. You could also tell because they let out a lot of emotion and maybe it will eventually bring them closer together. It made them realize the damage they were doing to people and they needed to be nicer.”

Mr. George is the principle of Henkle Middle school and a big supporter of Challenge Day.
“Challenge Day definitely changes people, and you can tell by how they act afterward. We don't want to just have Challenge Day and end it there; we have to keep the message alive all year.”

Principal's note: After Challenge Day, eighth graders took a survey. The results indicated that the event did leave a big impression. Over 80 percent of the eighth graders indicated that they were "more aware of the effects of teasing," "likely to speak up when I see someone being bullied," and "hopeful that a school where people treat each other with respect and acceptance is possible." Nine-eight percent of the students responding to the survey said they'd recommend Challenge Day to their friends or family members.

Grizzlies finish season strong

2010-10-16T17:08:00.001-07:00

By Maks Moses, HMS Website Student Reporter

The 2010 Grizzly football season ended this week. Mr. Lindstrom, HMS teacher and administrative intern, is the coach along with Coach Meyers and Coach Charters.

On Oct. 13 the Henkle Grizzlies finished their season by playing their rivals Wind River. Since Wind River had a lack of 7th grade players, they only played two quarters. The seventh grade got an early lead with Deven Jacobs running for a touchdown. Kyle Guler kicked a successful PAT afterwards. Later in the first quarter the Wind River running back ran for a touchdown. Late in the second quarter the Royals scored a touchdown on 4th down after an strong defense performance by the Grizzlies, who then stopped the extra-point kick. With twelve seconds left the Grizzlies were down by four points. The Royals kicked off and Sammy Rowlen ran it back for a touchdown. The 7th grade Grizzlies won. The 8th grade players lost but they scored a 26 points. The banquet will be sometime next week.

“I have been coaching football for 18 years,” said Coach Lindstrom. “My favorite part about coaching is building teamwork. With football you can say football kids have ten other guys that they can count on, while wrestlers can only count on themselves. Grizzlies should act as gentlemen off the field and good sports on the field they’re always representing. I am most proud when they can overcome adversity when things are going wrong, overcome all those things and still do their best.”

“My favorite part about football is when I get to hit someone really hard,” said eighth grader Shane Walker. “My best moment in football is when I dropped back to my deep third and caught my interception. I play basketball. No, I am not going to play in the NFL because I’m going to be a monster truck driver with a Ford 650.”

“My favorite part is producing touchdowns for the team. My favorite moment is when I threw a touchdown pass to Noah Carmichael.” –Tanner Rabinowitz, an eighth grader

“My favorite part about football is you get to hit people. My best moment is when I almost scored a kick return touchdown.” –Kyler Riggleman, an 8th grader

“My favorite part about football is when one guy passes to another guy and you chase down that guy and then you wrap up around that guy and make the tackle. My other favorite moment is when I caused a fumble. I do baseball and basketball. I’m going to the NFL.” – Jacob Ewers, an 8th grader.

Volleyball coaches, players enjoy the sport

2010-09-30T19:16:00.000-07:00

By Maks Moses, HMS Website Student Reporter

The Henkle Middle School volleyball team consists of three teams, an eighth grade team, a seventh grade team, and a blended team. This year so far the teams have won some of their games and had a couple home games. Lori Owen, Lorraine Hernandez and Kevin Liddiard are the three coaches.

“Let’s see, I have been coaching for about 14 years now. My favorite part about coaching volleyball is seeing the improvement in the girls as the season progresses," said Mrs. Owen who’s also a P.E teacher.

“I have been coaching middle school volleyball for seven years. My favorite part about coaching, besides for the love of the sport, is getting to know kids on a different level, not just getting to know them in the classroom academically but outside of that. I would say that it is my favorite sport,” said Mrs. Hernandez, who also teaches English Language Learners and Spanish.

Sarah Iobst, a seventh/eighth blend player says, “My favorite part about volleyball is passing and setting and playing with my friends on the team. I don’t like how some of my friends are on different teams and I don’t get to play with them. The other sport I play is basketball; I’m going to play volleyball in high-school.”

“My favorite part is the games,” says Riley Gross, an eighth grade player, “I don’t like all the lectures, running and practices. I play every sport. I love volleyball; it’s the best sport ever.”

Gisselle Garcia, a seventh grade player, says her favorite part of volleyball is the bus rides “We party hard,” she says. “I play soccer, basketball and softball.” Gisselle said she is going to play volleyball in high school.

The volleyball players have three more games until the season is over. The volleyball banquet is the 19th of October.

New teachers enjoying HMS

2010-09-30T19:12:00.000-07:00

By Jonah Welch, HMS Website Student Reporter

Ms. MacNeil and Mrs. Mayberry, both with six years of teaching, are two of the four new teachers at HMS. Three teachers are filling leave replacement positions, while the fourth has replaced a teacher who retired.

Mrs. Mayberry came from Lake Oswego’s Oak Creek Elementary School, where she taught fifth/sixth grade. Ms. MacNeil came from Denver, Colorado, and taught ninth and 12th grade. They both teach only seventh and eighth grade now. Ms. Mayberry, a former park ranger, misses scaring the kids at night during Nocturnal Classes. Both love the school because of how nice everyone is and how welcomed they felt. Ms. MacNeil says she loves having crazy kids in her class.

Ms. Mayberry now teaches seventh grade social studies and eighth grade science. She is also the new ASB advisor. Ms. MacNeil is now teaching Pacific Northwest History for eighth graders and language arts for the seventh graders. She also will teach computer tech and drama art, and she will coach girls’ basketball.

Ms. Mayberry exclaims, “I love this school and its students!”
Ms. MacNeil adds, “Everyone here is crazy, and I love it!”

Henkle Parent-Teacher Organization ready for strong start

2010-09-18T12:11:00.000-07:00

Always an upbeat and productive group, The Henkle Middle School Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) will hold its first meeting of the school year 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 21, in the HMS library.

Why get involved?
One of the keys to student success and achievement is parent involvement. PTO offers you the chance to meet kids, parents, & teachers at your child’s school. It’s fun! It’s easy!

Henkle PTO Fundraisers
• Haunted Schoolhouse – October 29-30
• Santa’s Breakfast – December 4th
• Safeway Fundraiser - every time you shop at Safeway, Henkle Middle School receives a contribution (It’s easy to sign-up. See escrip.com.)

Current grants – what Henkle PTO is funding:
• Field trips - 8th grade field trip to Holocaust Memorial, 5th/6th Maryhill Museum field trip, Student Leadership Conference
• Events - 8th grade Challenge Day, Grizzly Pride Day
• Drama and band
• Much more!

More About Henkle PTO
Each year Henkle PTO raises funds to support student enrichment. Last year we raised and granted more than $7,000. Each winter, the Henkle PTO grants our available funds for programs to enrich student learning at Henkle. Lots of volunteers are needed for the Haunted Schoolhouse and Santa’s Breakfast. Small and large jobs available.

Stay informed – get on our email list by sending a message to henklepto@yahoo.com
Next PTO meeting is Tuesday, Sept. 21 @ 6 pm in the HMS Library. Free childcare will be available!

Student website reporters like science

2010-09-14T14:44:00.000-07:00

While this quarter’s HMS student website reporters bring a different perspective about this school year, one thing upon which they both agree is this: science is a great class.

“When we do a lab, that’s kind of fun,” said Maks Moses, an eighth grader.

“You get to experiment a lot, and when you fail you want to do it over and over until you get it right, which is what you’re supposed to do,” explained Jonah Welch, a seventh grader.

The differences in perspective stem from their year in the 7/8 wing—Maks, the eighth grader, sees his experience differently than Jonah, who’s just starting out.

“It’s a lot faster and you move around a lot. You have all these different teachers and you get confused about where you go sometimes,” said Jonah, who by the time of this writing was getting around quite efficiently.

On the other hand, it’s all old hat to Maks.

“It’s pretty much the same except P.E. My P.E. class has all eighth graders, and that’s different, and I have different teachers,” he said.

When he’s not in school, Maks likes playing football. He plays receiver and cornerback. “I like being on the team and working with other people,” he said.

Jonah has recently found himself spending time caring for two kittens that belong to his grandfather, who’s currently in California. What makes that task challenging is that the kittens are young, and their mother died.

“One of them goes crazy when he sees food,” said Jonah. “He’ll attack you. Or he’ll take the top off the bottle, and he almost chokes on it, because he’s so determined.”

Both students have wise perspectives on what’s important for young people at this time in their lives.

“When they’re this age, what they do decides what they’ll do when they’re older,” explained Maks. “If they mess around that’s probably what they’ll do when they get to high school and older.”

“You only have one life, and you’d better do it well,” opined Jonah. “Some kids just mess up their lives. Somebody maybe asks them to smoke, and they say ‘yes,’ and that’s kind of a big mess-up in your life.”

Both Maks and Jonah will write articles for the HMS website this quarter, and so our readers can check back later to see what they produce.

Among states where 50%-plus students take SAT, Washington State is tops

2010-09-14T13:31:00.001-07:00

Once more, among states in which more than 50 percent of students take the Scholastic Aptitude Test, Washington State tops the nation for the eighth straight year.

It is highly significant that the state performs so well when so many students take the SAT. The easiest way for a state to obtain the highest scores is to limit the number of students who take it. When only the elite few students take the test, it gives the appearance that the state may be a top-tier state but could mask that the vast majority of students are not learning rigorous content. Thus, that Washington State has so many students taking the test is a strong signal that rigor in mathematics, English, and writing takes place throughout the state. Washington State's own state assessments are quite rigorous, so while many students struggle to pass them, when one examines on how the students do on national tests, the results are quite promising.

For more, read today's editorial in the Seattle Times, at the following link:

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/editorials/2012888651_edit14sat.html?prmid=op_ed

Open House is Monday, Sept. 13

2010-09-10T17:26:00.001-07:00

Henkle Middle School parents are cordially invited to an Open House 6 p.m. Monday, Sept. 13. This event will start with a short assembly in the large gym, and then parents will have the opportunity to meet their child's teachers and learn about the classes. Below is a schedule for the evening:

6-6:25 p.m. General Assembly
1. Welcome: Purpose/format of evening
2. Project Open Door
3. College-Bound Scholarship info
4. Parent-Teacher Organization
• Monster Mash is Oct. 30

5th/6th Grade Parents
6:30-6:50 Regular Classrooms and Special Education (6:40—ELL parents w/ Mrs. Hernandez)
6:55-7:07 Spanish (room 105)
7:10-7:17 Music (room 118)
7:20-7:30 Fitness & Health (Gym) 7:10-7:17

7th/8th Grade Parents
6:30-6:37 Period 1
6:40-6:47 Period 2
6:50-6:57 Period 3
7:00-7:07 Period 4
7:10-7:17 Period 5
7:20-7:27 Period 6A
7:30-7:37 Period 6B

Parent-Teacher Organization hosts first-day "meet-n-greet"

2010-08-28T09:27:00.000-07:00

The Henkle Middle School Parent-Teacher Organization will host a Starbucks coffee and treat greeting for all our parents right in front of our school the morning of our first school date, Sept. 1.

Research clearly shows that parent involvement with their child's education correlates with better success. Stepping out of the car, sipping a hot beverage, indulging in a treat, and saying hello to fellow parents sure sounds like a fun way to be involved! But more than that, the Henkle PTO supports kids by raising funds to help the school stage field trips, student activities, the arts, and more. Soooo...find a spot to park your car in the morning and join your parent friends and even make some new acquaintances. See you Sept. 1!

New School Year Beckons

2010-08-24T15:43:00.000-07:00

Summer's easy-going pace will soon fade to memory as a new, energetic school year approaches the starting line. Our first day of school is Wednesday, Sept. 1.

Seventh and eighth grade football and volleyball players already have hit field and the gym, respectively. Teachers who've been in and out of the building throughout the summer now spend the better part of their days here, preparing their rooms, meeting with colleagues to plan for even better student learning, and getting training. Families new to our town have been registering their children, new students for the school. We're excitedly anticipating the return of our kids.

Aug. 30 Student Schedule Pick-up:
We invite you to come to Henkle anytime between 4:30 and 6 p.m. Monday, Aug. 30, to pick you your schedules and locker assignments. You can also pay for items such as ASB Cards, sports user fees, and breakfast/lunch accounts, and sign up for “Family Access.” (See explanation below.) Please plan to attend this event so that you’ll be ready for the first day of school. If you cannot possibly attend, we will also distribute schedules beginning at approximately 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 31, as well as on the first day of school.

Sept. 7 21st Century Community Learning Center: Project Open Door
Tuesday, September 7th Project Open Door (POD), begins after school is out until 5:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday. There is no cost for the program, and only nominal fees for activities and clubs thanks to a federal 21st Century CLC grant. Full details and a sign up will be included in your child’s first day packet.

Sept. 10 Student Activities Fundraiser—Cookie Dough and Magazine Subscriptions:
For all the parents and business folks who subscribe to magazines through the Henkle Middle School student government’s Magazine Sale fundraiser, we’ll still be doing that this school year, mostly through an on-line process. Our big fundraising focus will feature the sale of “Tasty Batters” cookie dough, with LOTS of great flavors. This fundraiser supports students’ extracurricular activities, such as athletics, clubs, and recess activities. Parents, you’ll receive more information about this sale after a short school assembly for students Sept. 10.

Sept. 13 Open House: We’ll hold an Open House 6 p.m. Monday, Sept. 13. Parents will be able to meet their children’s teachers and hear about their classes, as well as more about Henkle Middle School. This event will last just over an hour. Please plan to attend!

Sept. 14 Student Portrait Photos: Another tradition--student pictures will be taken Sept. 14. As this date nears your child will receive a packet with information about purchasing school pictures should your family wish to do so.

Parent-Teacher Organization: Hendle PTO is inviting parents to join our email distribution list to find out about PTO events and fundraisers. To get on the list or to get involved with PTO, please send an email to HenklePTO@yahoo.com. Also, Henkle PTO will be hosting a “parents social” outside the school on the first day of school. Parents are invited to come by for free coffee and treats.

2010-06-09T07:45:00.000-07:00

By Maya Rockwell, Abby Dennis, Isaac Black, and Aidan

On March 11, 2010, Henkle Middle School’s Highly Capable Program (HCP) students took a field trip to research renewable energy sources. First we traveled to Hood River Waterfront Park because their restroom facility is powered by solar panels. Solar power is fairly reliable because you still get sunlight through clouds, but materials for solar panels have to be mined, which can be bad for the environment.

Next we went to the Hood River Valley High School (HRVHS) to check out its wind turbine. Mr. Ted Kramer’s Earth Club and renewable energy classes installed it in 2008. On a fairly windy day the energy collected from the wind turbine can power most of the electronics in his classroom. It does not create a huge amount of energy to power other parts of the high school, but it shows that HRVHS is exploring ways to use renewable energy. Students are also working on some other renewable energy projects, such as a car that runs on vegetable oil and a bicycle wheel that will power a cell phone when pedaled.

After that we headed to Biglow Canyon Wind Farm operated by Portland General Electric (PGE) and located on 25,000 acres east of The Dalles in Sherman County, Oregon. There we learned about the pros and cons of wind energy. Wind turbines provide clean wind energy, and it is very windy in the Gorge area. Wind power creates jobs. Turbines take maintenance, and topographic specialists are required. Land owners also benefit from wind turbines located on their property. They can receive about 27% of the profits made by those wind turbines. Another benefit of wind energy is that it will never run out, unlike many fossil fuels.

Some concerns of wind turbines are that they may disturb some citizens' view and some consider wind turbines unattractive. These turbines also have the potential to harm flying animals, such as bats or birds. Another con of wind energy is that at this point in time, humanity doesn’t have the technology to store wind energy. Sometimes it won’t be windy, so on those days we would have no energy. Each wind turbine uses power to run; in other words, it takes 4.5 knots of wind to produce enough power to make up for the energy that the turbines use. Also, each wind turbine at Biglow Wind Farm costs in the range 3-5 million dollars.

This field trip was a successful endeavor because it opened our eyes to different renewable energy sources, and enabled us to create our opinion of it in an educated way.

Peer Mediators help students resolve conflict

2010-03-13T12:50:00.000-08:00

By HMS Student Website Reporter Tom Crumpacker

(Editor's Note: Peer mediators are specially trained students who help other students resolve conflicts. Mediators are nominated anonymously by their peers as students who can be trusted. Mediators work in pairs, and most mediations take place in the office conference room.)

Peer mediation at Henkle middle school is more than just another program; it is assurance that everyday conflicts can be solved without violence.

Here at Henkle peer mediators face all sorts of disputes but it seems that most of them are about: “Old friends who have a problem which sometimes involves other people,” said Gabriel Guzman, an eighth grade peer mediator. When I asked the peer mediators if the kids were ever disrespectful, Brittany Wangelin replied, “They are usually respectful with a few exceptions.”

When I asked the peer mediators about what they liked about it their answers came as no surprise. Matt Bergstrom stated, “I enjoy helping kids with their problems,” which seemed to be the general consensus of the three peer mediators that I interviewed. Another thing I asked the kids was what they disliked about peer mediation and they all seemed to agree that a lot of the problems could be, as Matt Bergstrom quoted, “solved over a good night’s sleep.”

The final question I asked was what they thought about the program and they all seemed to think that it was a great program. According to Gabe Guzman, the program has “very few flaws.”

Knowledge Bowl to host meet Thursday

2010-03-06T12:45:00.000-08:00

By HMS Student Website Reporter Tom Crumpacker

Here at Henkle we have and probably always will have an impressive Knowledge Bowl team that has won a lot of matches and is highly respected in its league. The first and only home meet is this Thursday, March 11, beginning after school. The students in it are chosen by a system that judges aptitude by standardized testing. Here are some things Coach Michael Hannigan had to say.

"I feel this year's Knowledge Bowl team is a talented one, and I am fairly confident they will do well and compete as well as previous teams I have coached, and match up to some of the best I have had," said Hannigan.

Mr. Hannigan said he would have enjoyed being on a Knowledge Bowl team when he was in middle school. "I was very competitive academically for my age. It is important that children have healthy academic competition. It is a good, healthy thing. I would like to see more a 50/50 spread between guys and girls (on the team) at Henkle Middle School."

Mr. Hannigan had a tip about the most common Knowledge Bowl question:

"Which American author came in with Hailey’s commit and said he would go out with it?”

Interview with Athena Colbert-Ryan

What is something you like about Knowledge Bowl?
I like how they pick the top students and I’m in that group.

Do you think the team will have a good season altogether?
Yes, because the whole team is intelligent and they study a lot. We also work well together.

What are some sacrifices you made to be in Knowledge Bowl?
I come in at lunch everyday for practice.

Students raise money for Haiti

2010-03-02T14:49:00.000-08:00

By HMS Student Website Reporter Jasmine Montero

Here at Henkle Middle school we decided to collect money for the beloved Haitians after they have gone through so much in the past month. The goal that students set for their school was $1,500, and they have met that goal. For their prize Mr. George, the principal, had to shave off his beard, mustache, and hair. Providence Health International matched the schools funds so that whatever students earned was doubled. The money will be used for medical supplies.

Many students have said they think it was one of the best fundraisers they have done in the past two years. Seventh grader Savannah Story said, “I am very happy that our community took part in this fundraiser to help the Haitians.” Joshua Lewis, another seventh grader, said, “It went well and we also met our goal. Also it was not a waste of money and time.” Thank you parents, teachers, kids and everyone who has donated to our Haiti fundraiser. So say thanks for the healthy people in your life, and give to those who are not.

Mr. Murtfeldt takes on the music program

2010-03-02T14:26:00.000-08:00

By John Lompa, HMS Student Website Reporter

After our tragic loss of Mr. Agar, we now have a new music teacher for seventh through 12th graders: Mr. Murtfeldt! Before he taught here he lived in Seattle and taught music at Eckstein Middle school and the Music Center of the Pacific Northwest. He began this school year as a part-time music and band teacher for fifth and sixth graders.

What Mr. Murtfeldt likes about this school is that there are so many nice kids and the diversity: different kinds of people. Mr. Murtfeldt and his wife moved away from Seattle because his wife and he wanted to get away from the city and because it’s beautiful here. One event that he has enjoyed so far was the winter band concert. What he likes about being a music teacher is that kids can use different skills in band. He chose to be a music teacher because music was his favorite subject and he likes to teach. Mr. Murtfeldt is surprised about how fun it is to work here.

New website reporter likes sports

2010-02-03T16:45:00.000-08:00

Tom Crumpacker, HMS Student Website Reporter for our third quarter, enjoys sports, friends, and family. Asked to name his favorite sports, he cited all the sports a student his age can play at Henkle: football, wrestling, basketball, and track. As for his classes, he likes Pacific Northwest History the best.

“It’s just an interesting period of time in the world,” he said.

If Tom could design an ideal school, he’d create a school “with a lot more technology and a higher budget.” He’d want more computers and more advanced classes, such as biology. Down the road for him, he sees himself graduating from a private business school somewhere in Southern California and being in a business-related profession.

Tom has lived in White Salmon nearly all his life, though he was born in Pacific Palisades and moved here as a two-year-old. What he values most in a friend is loyalty.

Who's going to win the Super Bowl?

2010-02-03T16:34:00.000-08:00

By: Tom Crumpacker, HMS Student Website Reporter

Jeff Lindstrom
“I think the Colts are going to win but I hope the Saints do.”
Margaret Walker
“I would like the Saints to win because they are the underdogs.”
Justin Cole
“Saints baby! Because they have a stronger team and defense they also have new Orleans magic on their side.”
Kevin Whitson
“I don’t know but I want the Saints to win because they haven’t won it yet in their franchise history, and it would jump-start the city’s morale.”
Rich Lyons
“Colts because they have less offensive holes than the Saints.”
Michael Hannigan
“I think the Colts are going to win because Payton Manning is a great quarterback and because the Saints don’t have enough offense to put away the Colts.”
Wanda Mansfield
“I think the Saints if Reggie Bush can hold onto the ball!”
Patti Miller
“I think the Saints are going to win because they want it more.”
Seth Kona
“Saints because they have Reggie Bush, they have black jerseys, and because Payton Manning is old.”
Edgar Gonzalez
“The Saints are going to win because they have both a strong offense and defense.”

"The King and I"--now showing!

2010-01-15T17:39:00.000-08:00

By Courtney Blades

Our school's drama program is doing the play “The King and I.” “The King and I” is about Anna and the king falling in love. Anna is a school teacher who teaches the kids in the royal household how to speak english. The king is king of a country once known as “Siam,” now Thailand. There are about 80 kids in drama. They have been practicing hard! Director Mrs. Graves and Assistant Director Mrs. Jablonski have been working hard to get all the students ready for the performance, too.

If you want to know more, come see the play at Henkle Middle School. Show times are January 15 at 7:00 p.m., January 16 at 2:00 and 7:00 p.m., and January 17 at 2:00 p.m. The ticket prices are $10.00 each for evening performances and $8 for matinees.

Students appreciate chance to be in play

2010-01-15T17:36:00.000-08:00

By Emily Wanner

In the drama department’s “The King and I,” fifth and sixth graders, high schoolers, and elementary kids will also be taking part in the play. Lauren Thiesies and Talon Kennedy, sixth graders in the play, say that they think more kids in fifth and sixth grade should be in drama because people should be in more activities.

Lauren also thinks that fifth and sixth graders should be in drama at least once a year. Talon says drama should be required! We can expect to see fifth and sixth graders in the play, with more elementary kids and high schoolers.

They’ve practiced hard, so Lauren and Talon think that the play will be very successful. They also say that being in drama is really fun, and that people should join more.

Beloved music teacher dies

2010-01-02T15:44:00.000-08:00

The White Salmon Valley S.D. community was shocked and saddened to learn that Jeff Agar, a music teacher at both Columbia High School and Henkle Middle School, died of a heart attack during this Winter Vacation.

Mr. Agar began working in the WSVSD during the 2008-09 school year, after very successful stints teaching music and other subjects for more than 10 years in Trout Lake and six years in Klickitat. He earned a reputation for building strong music programs, and he was doing just that here in our schools. With a ready smile, a sense of humor, and a commanding presence, Mr. Agar related well with students of all ages as well as with staff and parents. It was always fun to see the joy that Mr. Agar projected when he played at sports events with the high school pep band and as he conducted concerts and other events. He assumed an important role in helping the school district align its K-12 music program with state standards and to identify key skills that students should be developing at each level.

Outside of school, Mr. Agar was a member of the White Salmon Jazz band, and he enjoyed travel, hiking and biking, photography, and reading.

A memorial service for Mr. Agar is scheduled 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 9, at the Columbia High School gymnasium.

School personnel will be prepared for students when they return to school Jan. 4. Both Columbia H.S. and Henkle M.S. are developing plans to staff the courses that Mr. Agar taught. In addition, both schools have in place a plan for communicating to students what has happened and a plan for providing support to students, including counseling.

If you are a parent of one of our students, you may want to talk to your children, too. The death of a teacher may affect a child in a variety of ways, depending on the age of the child, how well the child knew the teacher, and the child’s prior experience with grief. We suggest that you listen to your children. If they seem to need to talk, answer their questions simply and honestly.

Our thoughts are with Mr. Agar’s family and with all the many people for whom Mr. Agar has made the positive difference that special teachers make in their lives.

Eighth grade hoopsters finish unbeaten

2009-12-14T16:30:00.000-08:00

By Hayden Gibson

This year the eighth grade girls basketball team went undefeated. Some of the players were Corrie Brending, Kyla Fadness, Ellen Guthrie, Jaleh Kermani, Cheryl Reetz, and Samantha Spaeth. This group of girls is the first basketball team in many years--if not ever--to go undefeated for Henkle Middle School.

"Our toughest challenge this year was going against Wind River in our last game," said Jaleh.

They won that game by a score of 33-31. Jaleh scored the game-winning shot. This past weekend players from the eighth and seventh grade teams traveled to Dufur to complete in a round robin tournament. The swept the tournament, winnning all of their games and saying undefeated, only having one challenge, which was Dufur. The Henkle players had a come-from-behind victory with a score of 14-11. The other games weren't much of a challenge. They blew out three teams and beat the rest by a pretty good margin.

HMS Food Drive ends Dec. 11

2009-12-09T17:36:00.000-08:00

By HMS Student Website Reporter Mayra Evangelista

As they do each year Henkel Middle School students will do a food drive. All classes in 5th, 6th 7th, and 8th are going to get food. The food drive is taking place December 7th to 11th. For sure there will be competition between classes trying to win the prizes and collect as much as possible. Each class has a goal depending on the class size. Whichever class from each wing brings the most cans will win an ice-cream party. The classes that meet their goal will get a bag of candy.

The goal for total food is two thousand cans. The food will be put around the Henkle Christmas tree all until the last day of food can drive. The food that is collected is donated for Christmas every year. The food drive is a tradition to do every year at this time of year.

(Photo by Courtney Blades and Emily Wanner)

Project Open Door offers December fun

2009-12-07T17:35:00.000-08:00

By Emily Wanner, HMS Student Website Reporter

If you’re thinking about going to POD, or sending your child this month, POD is going to be the best ever! Some of the fun activities include: Science Labs, Dance Team, Computers, News Team, Stained Glass, Games, Seasonal Crafts, Fishing Club, Kid Cuisine, Idea Company, Jewlery-Making, he best study halls ever!

You also MUST remember Family Dinner and Showcase Night, December 10, from 6:30 to 5:30 p.m.

Some students are also taking a Food Safety Class in order to work at the concession stand; some might even get a food handler’s card.

Santa's Breakfast serves up community good time

2009-12-07T17:33:00.000-08:00

By Courtney Blades, HMS Student Website Reporter

Henkle Middle Schools Santa’s breakfast was Saturday December 5. Some of the activities consisted of pictures with Santa, a breakfast of pancakes, sausage, applesauce, OJ, coffee, apple juice, and milk, with plenty of health booths and booths with people selling items. Mr. Kingsford-Smith gave me an estimate of 750-800 pancakes made through the whole breakfast.

The Parent Teacher Organization made a total of just over $2,000. H.M.S has been doing Santa’s breakfast for over 14 years. Out of all those years Henkle has always had a good turnout.

Ski/snowboard club starts its season

2009-12-02T18:30:00.000-08:00

By Hayden Gibson

The White Salmon ski trips are coming soon! “I can’t wait to go on the ski trips “said seventh grader Savannah Story.

With the snow pouring down on the mountain skiers and snow boarders can’t wait to head up to the mountain. The dates for these trips are December 4, January 8, January 22, February 5 , February 19, and the last ski trip will be on March 5 .

Transportation to the mountain costs 7 dollars with ASB card and 9 dollars without ASB. The lift tickets are 12 dollars for Henkle students and 15 dollars for non-Henkle people, which is about half of the price of a normal lift ticket. Rental equipment is 20 dollars, a helmet is 10 dollars, and lessons are 30 dollars. If you are a beginner you can get the beginners package which includes rental gear, a 2-hour lesson and a buttercup or easy rider lift ticket pass all for only 25 dollars. A normal lesson is more than that.

All kids are required to have a partner or be with a group of kids for safety reasons. For dinner your child can bring money to buy dinner at the mountain or your child can bring his/her own dinner. The turn-in days start on Tuesday before the trip. No money or applications will be taken after 8:10 a.m. Thursday before the date of a trip. The ski/snowboard advisors will be collecting paper work in the lobby. It will be loads of fun, so sign up before the space runs out on the buses.

ASB decides to raise dance prices, considers fundraiser options

2009-12-02T18:28:00.000-08:00

By Mayra Evangelista

On Monday, Nov. 16 there was an ASB meeting with all the members attending it to discuss issues like the magazine sale, the dances and the spirit days and assembles.

From now on to attend dances all students have to pay one dollar extra: with ASB card, $4 and without ASB card, $5. For the magazine sale the classes that sold the most magazines in grades five and six were in first place Mrs. Ortega’s class that sold $2,003.50, in second place Mrs. Pfister’s class that sold $1,739.50, in third place Mrs. Wells’s class that sold $1,114.50, and in fourth place Mrs. Whidden’s class that sold $889.50. The Connections classes who sold the most magazines in the grades 7 and 8 were in first place Mrs. Graves with $1, 111, second place Mr. Hannigan's with $605.00, third place Mrs. Shelley’s with $436.50, and in fourth place Mr. Lyons’s class with $421, 00. The total that was raised for the magazine sale so far is $11,925.00, but there are more sales coming are being ordered online.

At the meeting it was discussed to replace in the magazine sale in future years. If it were replaced, what would they replace it with? That is an issue still to discuss. ASB may do a survey for all the students to take and decide on the choices given for different fundraiser.

The next spirit assembly will be on December 8. Mr. Kingsford-Smith will be in charge as well as Ryan Earls and other ASB student leaders. At the meeting, different ideas for a dress-up them were proposed, including pajama day, a different color for each grade, hippie day, and crazy day.

ASB Fundraiser meets funding target

2009-11-25T13:11:00.000-08:00

By Courtney Blades, Student Website Reporter

Henkle Middle School’s magazine and gift sale 2009 ended on November 18. Students raised a total of over $11,000. Out of that money Henkle will just get under 40 percent. Our school’s student ASB executive board and principal, Rick George, worked together to create the 2009-10 budget. Our school’s fundraisers, like the magazine sale and the walk-a-thon, all go to great stuff for our school like dances and spirit assemblies.

This year to motivate the students of Henkle to sell magazines, Lowell Nelson, the person who talks to the students of Henkle and who works for Great American Opportunities, is giving out some new prizes. Some prizes include sour candy, giant bouncy balls, glittery bouncy balls, cool sunglasses, tornado drinking glasses, and always the iPod drawings and Hummer limo rides.

(Editor’s note: The Magazine and Gift sale raised the amount of money needed and budgeted in order to meet ASB’s budget for student activities. Henkle Middle School wishes to thank all the parents, family members, and friends who purchased magazine subscriptions or gifts to support our students. We also wish to thank all the parents who purchased a subscription for our library, too.)

New computers provide better learning opportunities

2009-11-25T13:07:00.000-08:00

By Emily Wanner, Student Website Reporter

Recently, Henkle, Whitson, And CHS got new computers. And as the new computers are arriving and being installed, some people shared their opinion about them.

Mr. Rick George, principal, said the decision to buy them came from the citizens of White Salmon, who agreed to be taxed for it. They decided this in 2008, by means of an levy election. One example about how these new computers are being used is that Mr. Hannigan uses “ePals” with students, a site to connect with kids from other countries.

“Before, many classrooms had few or no computers, or computers that were over ten years old,” said Paula Trosper, the librarian. She also said that the computers had upgraded, newer versions of operations and new Microsoft Word, which helps students with work.

As for the kids, some students said that the new Microsoft Word is a little harder to use, and that these new computers are faster than the older ones. Some also said the screen could be bigger, and that the computers are easy to use.

New "A" Day reporters like history best

2009-11-24T16:37:00.000-08:00

Two eighth graders, Mayra Evangelista and Hayden Gibson, will serve as Henkle Middle School student website reporters on “A” Days second quarter. The class they both like the most, however, is a high school course—Pacific Northwest History.

“I’m learning about new things, such as how the Pacific Northwest was settled,” said Mayra, explaining why she likes the class.

“It’s new stuff I didn’t know,” said Hayden. So far, he’s enjoyed learning about fur trappers, traders, and Native Americans.

As an eighth grader, Hayden said one difference is “you feel more like you’re the top dogs,” but both he and Mayra said that otherwise eighth grade is “basically the same” as seventh grade. If they could change anything about school, both agree that having bigger lockers would be a top priority. Mayra would opt for longer passing periods and more choices, while Hayden would go for longer lunches and more contests during sports seasons.

When she’s not in school, Mayra enjoys being with her friends and listening to music—“all kinds,” she said. Hayden also likes being with friends. “If it’s a Sunday, I like to watch football.” His favorite team is the Indianapolis Colts.

As for a quality they look for the most in their friends, they both had the same reply: trust.

Student website reporters think large

2009-11-14T16:35:00.000-08:00

Courtney Blades and Emily Wanner, two of Henkle Middle School’s newest student website reporters see life with a very wide lens.

“What you do will follow you until you get really old, until you’re about ready to die,” said Courtney, when asked what young people these days should keep in mind. To clarify, Courtney cited as one example, that young people should not “steal or do bad stuff.”

“Like not finish high school,” said Emily, before adding her own words of wisdom for young people. “You don’t always have to do something to impress or to meet someone’s standards. I think you should set your own standards.”

Both girls appear to be setting high standards for themselves. They get good grades and conduct themselves well, and they like science.

“Mr. Lyons (the science teacher) sometimes gets off track and we end up learning more than we bargained for,” said Emily. “He said if there are aliens out there, they’re not going to look like us.”

“It’s really interesting to learn all the stuff you don’t think about every day,” said Courtney, “like how many planets there actually are.”

Both girls have lived here nearly all their lives. Emily was born in Ontario, Canada, and is actually Canadian. Courtney was born in Hood River. Both see mostly similarities in the courses they take as seventh graders, compared to being sixth graders, except for a few differences.

“We have passing periods, so you can talk to your friends in the hall,” said Courtney. “We still have the same classes, except you don’t have to take art unless you want to.”

“We get to choose which subjects of the arts we get to do, like music, art, and drama,” said Emily.

When she’s not in school, Emily likes gymnastics and ballet, which she takes two times a week and has been doing for about four years. Both girls spend lots of time on the computer.

“I like to get on the computer and talk to my friends,” said Courtney.

With their articulate prowess, both girls will have much to offer when they begin writing articles for the HMS website this academic quarter.

Photo: Emily Wanner (L) and Courtney Blades (R)

ASB Sale to raise funds for student activities

2009-10-27T16:49:00.000-07:00

By Daniel Lewis, HMS Student Reporter

The Associated Student Body, with Mr. Lyons as the advisor, will sponsor a magazine and gift sale fundraiser this school year. Mr. Lyons hopes that this magazine sale will be better than last year's. The event will begin with students having an opportunity to fill out and submit "Reach Out" booklets by Friday morning, Oct. 30. The main sale will launch Oct. 30 after an informational assembly in the afternoon.

The money raised from the sale will be used to buy sports uniforms, dance DJ's, Grizzly Pride Day supplies, and other stuff from athletics to social. Lowell Nelson of Great American Opportunities is the lead salesperson. Sale order turn-in days are Nov. 2, Nov. 6, and Nov. 18.

Not only are there magazines this year but also CD's to jewelry. All items should be delivered by Christmas. Some prizes that students can win include candy, sunglasses, glitter balls, i-pod speakers, limo cruises, and cash. Also, any student who sold magazines can renew magazine subscriptions from last year's sale.

Wrestlers working hard

2009-10-27T16:44:00.001-07:00

By Noah Carmichael, HMS Student Reporter

Wrestling has begun. Here is Coach Lindstrom for a few words say.

How do you think the season will go this year, Coach?
I think we'll do very well this season. We have a lot of good wrestlers.

Is wrestling fun?
Yes, very fun and very fun to coach.

Is it hard?
Yes, very hard. That’s what makes it the most fun sport.

Why do you have to do so much conditioning (run and work out)?
Because 4 minutes and 30 seconds on a mat wrestling can seem forever sometimes, so we need to be prepared. We are going to have a great season this year!

Monster Mash promises Halloween fun

2009-10-23T18:36:00.001-07:00

Tomorrow is the big night! Monster Mash returns to Henkle Middle School 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24.

Dozens and dozens of parents, grandparents, and students converged the building Friday evening to construct and decorate a fantastic and elaborate Halloween experience. A big crew has transformed what seemed to be an innocent music room passage into a creepy "Haunted Hallway," filled with frightful and phantasmic scenes and characters. The small gym will host a costume contest and a cupcake walk, while the large gym will be full of fun carnival games, a fortune teller, and a special booth for folks to remember loved ones who've passed away. There will also be an "apple-on-a-string" eating contest, with $50 savings bond prizes donated by local banks. Families can also feast on a pizza dinner in the small gym. Most everyone shows up in costume, but it's not a requirement.

The Henkle Parent Teacher Organization annually sponsors and organizes this fun event. Proceeds raise funds for many HMS endeavors, such as field trips and support for the drama and music programs. We invite everyone to come enjoy the festivities and to support HMS all at the same time.

Grizzly Pride featured service and fun

2009-10-16T17:04:00.000-07:00

By Noah Carmichael, HMS Student Reporter

Grizzly Pride: If you don't know what Grizzly Pride Day is, well, you're going to know now. It's when all the students help and work on the school and fix it up. Students to fun activities and games and not only help the school but also the community. This year three Grizzly Pride Days were scheduled, one Oct. 6, another in February, and another in the spring. Remember to bring your Grizzly spirit!

Grizzly netters playing strong

2009-09-28T17:15:00.001-07:00

By Daniel Lewis

Volleyball is here at Henkle. Practice has started, and games are coming. Coaches this year are Mrs. Owen, Mrs. Hernandez, and Mr. Liddiard.

Mrs. Hernandez, the eighth grade coach, had some things to say about the team. Hernandez thinks the team will be very successful in wins and teamwork. Some strong points for the volleyball players, though, are that several players went to volleyball camp, and each player appreciates each other's level. Coach Hernandez also said that the team has no weak points. Her prediction for the games was that the Grizzlies would win by a lot.

Mrs. Hernandez also enjoys coaching but thinks it's challenging because of the need to balance time. As a coach, Mrs. Hernandez wants players to feel like they improved their own personal skill levels.

Other than Mrs. Hernandez, a player had something to say.

Karen Alvarez, a seventh grade player, said that volleyball was fun. She said that the team needs to work on serving. Karen said practice is hard training, and she likes everything about volleyball. Karen said for her final response that she thinks the team is nervous but may win a couple of games.

Football team working hard

2009-09-28T16:55:00.000-07:00

By Noah Carmichael and Daniel Lewis, Student Reporters

Football has kicked off. The Henkle Grizzlies have started. Come to our games and support your Grizzlies.

Now a report form Coach Lindstrom:

“I’m hoping for a great season,” said Mr. Lindstrom.

The team's goals are to win more games and beat Wind River.

Coach Lindstrom said he loves coaching or he would not be coaching right now. Although the coach is confident in his team, there still are some things the team needs to work on. They need to work on defense and more depth on the offensive line. The team has good team speed.

Besides the coach, a player has something else to say. The player is Dawson Reiner

Dawson is hoping for a great season this year. Dawson said he loves playing football. Dawson says it's hard work in order to play in most of the games and to get in the starting lineup.
He thinks the team is pretty good but needs to work on learning the plays and running them correctly. The team's strong point is defense, said Rainier. "The team will do well this season if they try hard and work hard," he said.

The next game the Grizzlies host will be their next game, Tuesday, October 13, against Wind River. HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE.

Student website reporters both fun-loving and reflective

2009-09-08T11:31:00.001-07:00

A mixture of fun-loving and also thoughtful reflection characterize Henkle Middle School’s newest “Website Reporters,” Noah Carmichael and Daniel Lewis.

The fun-loving part? Just ask them about what they’d put in their ideal school.

Lewis quickly named hot tubs in the locker rooms and pillows on all chairs. Carmichael cited a need for snack machines that include all “itos” types of chips as well as candy such as Skittles and Twix. When not in school, both have clear ideas of what constitutes fun.

“I like hanging out with my friends and playing my guitar,” said Carmichael.

“I like playing sports and visiting my friends and family at Mill A,” said Lewis.

But both have a serious side, too.

“I’ve been looking at videos of the war in Afghanistan,” said Lewis. “It’s amazing that it’s been terrorized so much so far, and now we’re joining it and making it hard, but we’re better. It’s amazing that these people can live through it.”

“When I was little,” said Carmichael, “I used to think the world was all happy, but now I see the bad things that can happen. I think it might be worse by the time we grow up.” When asked to explain, Carmichael mentioned his concern for how bad people and weapons have caused so much harm.

On the school side of the ledger, both are strong and enthusiastic students. Carmichael likes science best, “because you get to figure out stuff.” Lewis likes Pacific Northwest History, because “it’s fun to learn about history. You’re learning something new about where you live—it’s pretty cool.”
Both students will be writing articles about a variety of topics and events at Henkle Middle School.

Henkle Middle School to air president's speech

2009-09-04T13:29:00.001-07:00

Henkle Middle School plans to hold a school assembly Sept. 8 so that students may hear President Obama's speech to the nation's school children on the topic of persisting and succeeding in school. However, the middle school will accommodate any parent's request for his/her child to be excused from the speech.

According to the White House, President Obama's speech "will challenge students to work hard, set educational goals, and take responsibility for their learning." The president's speech will be non-partisan; other other presidential predecessors have addressed the nation's children. For example, the first President Bush addressed the nation's school children, using the forum of a speech to high school students as the vehicle for doing so. News reports indicate that President Obama will release his speech online Tuesday in order for parents to be able to read it. Citizens may also view the speech live from the following website:

http://www.whitehouse.gov/live/

The speech is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. Pacific Standard Time and take about 15 to 20 minutes. Downloadable video of the speech will be available at http://www.whitehouse.gov/mediaresources/ as well as at www.ed/gov.

Henkle Middle School would not hold an assembly to show students a political speech. School staff believe that it is respectful of the office of the president and to our democratic society for students to be able to watch when the president, regardless of political party, wishes to address them to encourage them to do well in school. Nevertheless, staff will respect individual parent wishes. If any parent wishes his/her child not to watch the speech, please contact us at school or at 493-1502. We will respectfully offer an alternative activity, such as free reading time in the library, in lieu of watching the speech.

School year off to great start

2009-08-27T17:12:00.000-07:00

Far more students than projected showed up with positive and energetic spirits as Henkle Middle School launched its 2009-2010 school year Aug. 26.

Last spring, the district's projected average daily attendance for this school year was 343--but 368 students came to school on the first day. Fortunately, HMS staff was ready for the influx, as parents had come to school earlier in the month to register their children, so staff knew the students were coming.

The first day featured the usual mix of "getting to know you" activities in classrooms as well as presentations on classroom, hallway, and cafeteria expectations. The students participated politely and enthusiastically. Budget cuts in the White Salmon Valley S.D., consistent with cuts all across the state, caused some program changes. Although all fifth and sixth graders will continue to have art and music, the number of days on which they would have either art or music decreased by two-thirds. Band continues to be offered for all students in all grades, and art will be taught all year as an elective in grades 7 and 8. One course that Henkle is able to offer for the first time to fifth and sixth grade students this school year is Spanish. Fifth and sixth grade students will receive a class period of Spanish for a total of 30 sessions during the school year.

Seventh and eighth graders will now have six classes per day, rather than four. Henkle Middle School held onto the "block" four-period schedule for many, many years, basing its decision on extensive research connecting longer blocks of student learning time with greater student achievement. But the state budget woes cut too deeply for Henkle to have the staffing to retain what has long been a very successful scheduling configuration. But a positive is that all the seventh and eighth grade regular education teachers have all returned--and plenty of research indicates that high-quality teachers are an essential ingredient for strong student success. This year students in grades 7 and 8 will take the following classes every day all year: mathematics, language arts, social studies, science, and fitness and health. Students will have one elective period each day.

HMS staff indicated their pleasure with how well the students are responding to the requirements of being a student. It seems as though they've come prepared for a very positive school year, and HMS staff would like to thank the students' families for preparing them so well. For parents awaiting the posting of our daily student bulletins, we hope to resume that service in about a week.

New school year almost here!

2009-08-14T09:21:00.000-07:00

Another school year is about to begin! Our own excitement grows with each day—we like our students, and we look forward to their return.

We want to communicate a bit of information about the start of the school year and these few remaining dates leading up to it.

1. Our custodians have been working hard all summer to clean the building, paying attention to the smallest of details, including disinfecting everything. They will be waxing hallway floors Tuesday, August 18, and so the building will be closed on that day.

2. We have sent out letters to all the families who have students attending our school for the 2009-2010 school year. If you do not have your letter by Monday, Aug. 17, please call us to let us know. Supply lists were included in the letters; we also have copies of the supply list here in our office, and all our local stores should also have a list.

3. Our Open House Welcome Back event is Monday, Aug. 24.

For 7th and 8th graders and their families, this is a drop-by event between 5 and 6 p.m. That’s when students can get their schedules and their lockers, and students and families can meet teachers We also encourage families to use that time to pay Sports Team fees, breakfast and lunch fees, and for ASB Cards. We won’t sell student planners then; students will get them from their teachers. We ask that those who can afford to do so please pay $2 toward the cost of the planners. Teachers will explain this to the students when they return to school.

For 5th and 6th grade students and their families, Open House begins with a short assembly in the large gym at 6:15 p.m. Afterward, students and their families will have a chance to meet their teachers and do all the other chores explained in the paragraph above.

4. Volleyball and football practices begin Monday, Aug. 24.

5. This year our Magazine and Gift Sale, the biggest fundraiser we do to support ASB student activities, will take place later than usual, Oct. 30-Nov. 17. If you like to renew your magazine subscriptions at the time of this annual fundraiser to help support student activities here, please keep these dates in mind and, if you need to do so, contact your magazine companies to let them know. Thank you!

6. Are you a skillful writer, and would you like to help us provide timely information about our school to parents and family members? We would very much welcome one or two parent volunteers to help us provide useful information on this website and perhaps with a newsletter from time to time so that even those families who do not have internet access can stay up to date. If you think you could be of assistance in this manner, please give us a call at 493-1502.

7. Finally, if your child no longer attends HMS and you do not wish to receive e-mails about website updates, please note that the e-mails have on them a way that you can have your e-mail address removed from the mailings.

Eighth Grade Promotion set for June 9

2009-05-27T16:51:00.000-07:00

By Martha Neuman

Very soon long strings of tulle and roses, plaster pedestals and a great big stage will start to appear in the big gym. This is because 8th grade promotion is coming soon.This has been a tradition for as long as we can remember. It has always been a big event in semi-formal dress.

Lori Owen, a P.E. teacher at Henkle, has often decorated with help of some generous parent volunteers. A lot of the decorations are donated from the CHS graduation or local flower shops. The backdrop of the stage has a quote chosen by the students. This year’s quote is “Shoot for the moon; even if you miss you’ll land among the stars”-Les Brown.

“This is a very special thing for the students,” said Karen Strain. “Some of them may do Running Start or something like it and high school graduation is not quite the same. At eighth grade promotion there is a certain sense of belonging. It is also a larger class because later some people drop out or move and that sort of thing.”

The eighth graders enter the ceremony with some general music and walk out to a song of their choice. There will be announcements of scholarships like the Wayne M. Henkle Scholarship and the Angeline Stevenson Art Scholarship. Also in the ceremony will be the announcement of the Athletes of the Year and speeches by the valedictorian as well as entertainment by one or more promoting eighth graders. Auditions for this are currently being held.

The ceremony is on June 9 at 7:30, and there will be an all eighth grade dance afterwards that will go until 10:30 p.m., the latest dance of the entire year.

"Mathletes" to compete May 16

2009-05-15T17:53:00.000-07:00

By Chelsea Davidson

While many in the U.S. struggle with math, a group of kids at Henkle Middle School are on top of everything going on in math. This team of about 16 to 20 7/8 graders from Henkle Middle Schoolare going to be going to a Mathletes competition Saturday, May 16, in The Dalles.

There are three rounds in this competition; the first round is an individual written round (this is timed). After the students are done with this they are graded and their scores are added to Henkle’s scores. The second round is a team round where they answer questions from a moderator. For each question they correctly answer they get a point, and at the end of the round they add the number of points to the Henkle score. The last round the students do is another individual round. At the end of this round they grade the papers and add the number of points to the Henkle’s score. At the end of the whole competition they see which school has the most points.

According to Mrs. Shelley, Henkle’s pre-algebra and eighth grade math teacher, the last time they went to this competition, HMS students took home a trophy. There are three trophies you can get 1st, 2nd, and lastly 3rd. All in all each year, Ms. Shelly and Mrs. Strain say that the students and they have a fun time at the Mathletes competition.

Bilingual ability opens doors

2009-05-12T18:23:00.000-07:00

By Martha Neuman

Many students at our school are bilingual, or speak two or more languages. In fact 20-30% of the students in our school are bilingual! Most of them speak Spanish as their first language. There are many overpowering advantages.

“At home it's 24/7 Spanish, and English at school," said Leslie Ramirez an eighjth grader at Henkle. “It can sometimes be hard at assemblies and orientations when I have to translate everything and sometimes I don’t know the words”.

Many students speak Spanish at home but English at school.

“When your older and get a job it's good to put that you are bilingual; it opens doors,” said Betsy Petrick, the HMS reading teacher. “Also, when you travel situations can become to complicated for your little phrase book. To look at the bigger picture, you get a broader scene. Language really is a window into other cultures."

It is also an advantage in other ways.

“It’s especially nice for me because I can communicate with the families of my students that only speak Spanish. I can do a parent-teacher conference in Spanish,” said Sally Wells, a 5th/6th grade homeroom teacher. “It's very helpful when you travel because I think it’s a bit arrogant to expect everyone to speak English because you do.”

Rick George, the principal, agrees.

“Speaking Spanish helps me help others, and it helps them to help me," he stated.

After one learns a language it becomes easier to learn others. People who speak Spanish can understand other languages such as Portuguese and others. Also, many scientific terms are in Latin, and Spanish is related to Latin.

Being bilingual provides many opportunities and is helpful in many different ways.

Track or softball? Basketball or wrestling? Middle School students face tough choices

2009-05-07T16:34:00.000-07:00

By Martha Neuman

Many students have expressed concerns about when certain sports fall on the school calendar. Some sports are scheduled on top of each other. Students are forced to make a choice they would rather not.

Brittney Wanglin is one who has played softball all her life and when track came she was eager to join. But to her dismay they were at the same time.

“I love softball and have done it for 5 years. A majority of my friends did track because they think softball is boring and ‘uncool.' But they’re wrong. My love of softball overpowered track,” she stated. She chose softball.

Athena Colbert loves basketball. She played it and enjoyed it last year. In P.E. (physical education) they did a unit on wrestling. Athena really liked it and couldn’t wait for wrestling season. She was disappointed when she learned that wrestling and basketball overlapped dramatically in October-December while boys’ basketball lay unhindered in February.

“I wanted to try something new and prove that girls can do anything!” She chose wrestling.

Seventh grader Samantha Spaeth has played Community Youth Soccer for as long as she has been able. She was frustrated when she learned that the soccer season crossed over volleyball and part of the basketball season. She tried and failed to form a team because everyone was in one of these two sports.

“There is no middle school soccer in White Salmon. In Hood River they do have Dynamos. When you get in to high school there is a team, but you kind of have to re-learn everything,” Samantha said.

Sometimes in life you have to make choices, and this is one of those situations. Basketball or wrestling? Softball or track? Soccer or volleyball?

Foundation brings support to HMS education programs

2009-05-04T17:40:00.000-07:00

By Peggy Neuman
White Salmon Valley Education Foundation

The White Salmon Valley Education Foundation (WSVEF) recently awarded two new grants to Henkle Middle School. These grants are for the purchase of technology equipment for two 5th / 6th classrooms and support of an 8th grade science project at Snowden Wetlands. The project is called Science in Action: Conservation Research Projects at Snowden Wetlands. Students are using new environmental monitoring equipment purchased by the Education Foundation to gather data on water quality and amphibian populations at the Snowden Wetlands site. The grant is funding field trips to the site where students work with professional scientists to apply the skills and knowledge they are learning in the classroom. The grant is also paying for twenty students and their teacher, Michael Hannigan, to attend a conference at the Oregon Zoo called the Oregon Roots and Shoots Summit. The Henkle students will join conservation biologists and other students from Oregon and Washington to share information about each school’s outdoor education projects. These projects are a model of youth engaging in powerful and meaningful modern scientific research.

The second grant awarded to Henkle this spring by the Education Foundation will fund a set of technology equipment that includes a digital projector, document camera, and laptop computer for each of the only two classrooms in the HMS 5th/6th grade wing that lack these educational tools. Now all the 5th / 6th students will benefit from having this equipment in their classes. These tools add important visual elements to instruction, and are especially helpful to students who learn visually.

The WSVEF is a local non-profit organization that was formed just three years ago to enrich learning opportunities in our district. Henkle Middle School has received a number of grants from the Foundation, including support for drama, technology, music, math, social science and the 5th / 6th grade “highly capable” program. The Education Foundation has also been instrumental in helping the district secure grants for a K-12 arts enrichment program. The Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of public education within our community by creating stable programs and a reliable source of supplemental funding. The Education Foundation is funded by private donations and the proceeds from the annual Grape Escape auction. Twice a year, the Foundation considers requests for funding projects in our schools. The next grant deadline is July 31, 2009. For more information, visit www.wsvef.org or call 493-1175.

Band students bound for Portland

2009-05-02T17:07:00.000-07:00

By Martha Neuman

Very soon out the window a big yellow school bus full of kids clutching drum sticks and buckets will head off to Portland! The 7th/8th grade band is taking a trip to Portland. There are 15 kids participating.

“I am really excited! It’s going to be a lot of fun,” said Daphne Struck, who is one of the students going. “It will definitely be a new experience. This unit has been helping my coordination a lot.”

They will go first to Cascade Locks and spend Friday doing workshops for the “little kids.” Then they will go to Portland and see a Base Nectar concert. They are a rock and roll/rap group. The next day our band will hit OMSI first thing in the morning. Then they’ll play a gig at the Saturday Market on their buckets. After that they are going to see the Oregon Symphony.

The percussion unit has gone on all quarter and will continue the rest of the year. Everyone in the band has been learning to play percussion, from beating buckets to bouncing basketballs.

“By playing these kinds of percussions, it addresses tempo and rhythm issues,” Josh Kingsley explained. He is the band director and music teacher at HMS. “I really wanted to go because part of the music-making process is seeing others. It is time for our band to broaden our horizons. Music is a performing art, and you need to perform to understand it completely.”

“We started this ‘found’ percussion last year and we are trying to make it a regular thing. 'Found' means playing anything you can find, like broomsticks or basketballs. I’ve found that five-gallon buckets work the best. I also got one of those big trash cans that works good for a base.”

The band students will be gone for two days. They leave May 8, 2009, and get back late on the May 9.

The band also has a concert on June 1st if you want to see them.

Track season starts with home meet April 22

2009-04-21T18:31:00.000-07:00

By Martha Neuman

If you happen to glance out the window on any day of the week in any kinds of weather you would see 7th and 8th grade girls and boys running the track, throwing discus and javelin, and jumping into sand pits. Coaches and managers are taking times, and kids all around are helping each other improve with constructive comments.

The track students’ workouts have a very large range. Just the other day they did a distance run to Pucker Huddle and back, then to Strawberry Mountain Hair Salon and back. They also run hills and do monkey bars, pushups, chin-ups, and sit-ups.

Just a word about our coaches: Head Coach Lori Owen teaches sprinting, relays, and long jump. Coach Loraine Hernandez teaches hurtles and high jump. Coach Steve Larsen teaches distance running. Coach Michael Hannigan teaches throwing.

They also coach other things. Coach Hannigan also coaches basketball. Coach Owen teaches volleyball and has for 15 years.

“This is the biggest turnout we have had since I have been coaching track,” stated Coach Hannigan. The other coaches agree.

For the 91 kids participating it is definitely a strenuous sport. Sure there are a lot of kids, but there is an overwhelming “good side” to track and field.

“So far we have had mostly good weather and it has been good for everyone to be outside soaking up the sunshine,” said Coach Owen.

The track athletes are out there always improving themselves and racing the clock.

According to the coaches team goals include creating a sense of unity, support, togetherness, fun, fitness, and positiveness.

So wish us luck on April 22, 2009! It will be a day history will remember!

Track athletes share their thoughts

2009-04-21T18:15:00.000-07:00

By Chelsea Davidson

The Events:
· Long Jump, Javelin, 100M, 200M, 400M, 800M, Mile, Discus, Shot Put, High Jump, 4 X 200 Relay, 4 X 100 Relay, Hurdles, Triple Jump

Schedule:
April 22 Home vs. Castle Rock and Wind River
April 29 at Jemtegaard vs. Jemtegaard and Hockinson
May 4 at Canyon Creek vs. Canyon Creek and La Center
May 6 Home vs. View Ridge and Woodland
May 13 at Wind River vs. Wind River and Castle Rock
May 19 Sub-district meet at Hockinson
May 21 District Championships at View Ridge

All track and field meets begin at 3:30 p.m.

7th grade Girls Thoughts
We have all heard that track is of course difficult at the beginning, but what do Henkle students Daphne Struck and Kyla Fadness have to say about it?

Struck believes track is more of a personal challenge for her, but surprisingly she says "I’m actually not sore at all.”

This became a surprise for Fadness because she, on the other hand, believes it is difficult and she replies, “Besides Daphne I’m very sore!”

But one thing for sure is they both agree that they have been looking forward to doing track.
They have been so excited about track that they already know what events they are doing.

Fadness believes she would succeed in 200M (her favorite), mile, long jump, javelin, and perhaps the relay team.

Struck is more of a sprinter. She is talented in 100M, long jump, shot-put, javelin, maybe discus, and if she makes it, the relay team.

Each girl highly expressed how much they enjoyed it. They exclaimed that it’s a good exercise, and they are able hang out with their friends.

Overall they are always having fun, from doing monkey bars to running long distances.

8th grade Boys point of view:
On every team there are fast runners, and Tai Moses is one of the athletes who fits the bill. According to team members he is usually ahead of everyone. Here is what Moses had to say about track.

For Moses track is a breeze. He said, “I focus on what the feeling is after the finish line.” Since he is so fast many people believed he might have had other family members in track, but he says “No I’m the only one so far.” Since Moses is fast he will be doing the 100M with the sprinters. Surprisingly he is also doing the mile (his best time is 5:51), 400M, long jump, and the relay team.

“I can pace myself more than others,” said Moses

Overall this year he has learned that he must stretch before every race or event that he does.

Thoughout track this 5’4” boy hopes to succeed and make the 400M relay team.

Over all:
Over all, these students have learned that have to push themselves sometimes. They think ahead of what you know you can do. To see these athletes come to the meets.

Reporters bring unique interests to the job

2009-04-14T14:37:00.000-07:00

Chelsea Davidson and Martha Durkee-Neuman bring different life perspectives and goals into their newest challenge as HMS Website Reporters, but they share a strong friendship and enthusiasm for learning.

A love of technology attracted Davidson to choose Website Reporter as her fourth quarter elective.

“I really want to be a web designer and to coordinate things,” said Davidson.

Durkee-Neuman, on the other hand, likes the independence. “I like working on my own, not in a large class where all the students are working at one pace whether they’re ahead or behind.” In her future, Durkee-Neuman hopes one day to work for the Missoula Children’s Theater. “Not the one in Missoula,” she said, “but one of the ones who work in pairs and go to different towns.”

Both students like their learning especially when it’s fun—and they cited a couple of examples. They were both on Henkle’s “Knowledge Bowl” team this past year, and they loved a couple of bus-ride game-like activities that Knowledge Bowl Coach Michael Hannigan led. One was “Fun Futures.” For Davidson, her fun future was to be a publicity agent for Arnold Schwarzenegger. Another activity was an imaginary “Vision Quest.” For Durkee-Neuman, that consisted of becoming a princess for a third world African nation so that she could improve living conditions. Both the Fun Futures and the Vision Quests were strongly based upon each student’s interests and personality—and besides the fun involved, the activity obviously caused both students to think.

Another class they both like is science.

“Mr. Lyons is really funny,” said Davidson. “He uses stories that are funny. He doesn’t go off track, like he was telling stories about motion and friction when we were studying that.”

Outside of school, Durkee-Neuman has been involved in dance for eight years and has played piano for about three years. This past Christmas season, she performed in The Nutcracker as one of the big angels. This spring, she’s a manager for the HMS track team.

Davidson, who said she loves sports, is a participant on the track team and also played on the HMS volleyball and basketball teams.

Both girls are choosing for their first HMS Website article, in fact, articles about our track team. Durkee-Neuman’s article will be based more upon interviews with the coaches, while Davidson’s will be based more upon interviews with the athletes. If all goes according to plan, website readers will soon see these articles, the very first stories for these young Website reporters will have written.

(Photo Caption: Martha Durkee-Neuman (left) and Chelsea Davidson)

"Globe at Night" intrigues Henkle students

2009-03-21T13:34:00.000-07:00

By Leslie Nuckoles

If you came into Room 106 on a recent Thursday afternoon, you would see students in the Highly Capable Program creating glow-in-the-dark constellations on plastic sheets. Later students will use them to find the constellation Orion in the night ski. Some are on the computer researching constellations. Everyone is chatting and discussing their projects about the constellations.

The HCP for grades 5 and 6, funded jointly by a state grant and a grant from the White Salmon Valley Education Foundation, meets once a week for one hour. The HCP is meant to challenge students who already know the basics they learn in the program. Most students in HCP were selected through Whitson Elementary School's HCP, but others were selected by a combination of test scores and teacher recommendation.

HCP does units throughout the year. So far students have done units on internet literacy and geography. At the moment they are doing Globe at Night. They plan to do a science-related unit next. Globe at Night is a project to help students learn about light pollution and how it affects animals, and about the constellations. Globe at Night is also taking data collected by people around the world and comparing it to data taken by satellites.

Shelly Rawding, who leads the HCP group, found Globe at Night through the Geography Bee that HCP did previously. She found several flyers on geography-related projects and eventually decided on Globe at Night. "I thought it would be fun for the kids," she said. HCP started the project in January and plans to finish the project this month.

Students are planning to talk to their homerooms about light pollution and constellations. They have been planning to collect data on the stars by meeting at 9 p.m. on a clear night sometime this month. To find out more about Globe at Night, go to the website,

www.globe.gov/globeatnight.

New superintendent proposes replacing the WASL

2009-03-16T18:35:00.000-07:00

By Leslie Nuckoles

Washington State's new superintent of schools, Randy Dorn, is planning to replace the WASL with the measurments of Student Progress (MSP) for middle school, and High School Proficiency exams (HSPE) for high school, but the state legislature gets the last say on what happens.

If Dorn's proposal is approved, the WASL will not be replaced until 2010. Students will be taking the WASL as planned this year. Dorn is still advocating that passing tests is improtant to getting a diploma. He is also looking at alternate ways for students to take tests. MSP tests will be shorter. Seventy-five percent of the tests will be multiple choice instead of 50 percent, as it is on the WASL. For high school students, test retakes will be available in Spring and Fall instead of Spring and Summer.

Computerized testing will become available in 2010 with a goal of becoming a requirment in 2012. One advantage of computerized testing is that it will be faster to score and less expensive, according to Dorn.

"I don't know how it [computerized testing] will work," says Rick George, principal of Henkle Middle School. George said that Henkle, as is the case with many schools, does not have a large computer lab in which many students can take a test simultaneously. Dorn has directed his agency to study the challenge of implementing a computerized testing, including the capacity of schools to conduct it. Dorn plans to minimize costs and provide more diagnostic information for teachers and families.

For more information about Randy Dorn's proposals, visit the OSPI website at http://www.k12.wa.us/.

Seussical comes to HMS!

2009-03-06T17:26:00.000-08:00

By Rachael Kilby

"Oh the things you can think when you think about Suess!"

"Never before has Henkle put on such an extravagant production. With such bright costumes and makeup and such eccentric characters, Dr. Seuss has been brought to life by our own HMS students," said assistant director Lisl Stadler. "Seussical" will certainly be an event to remember.

Seussical is a story about a boy named Jojo from a tiny little world that no one else knows exists, and Horton the elephant who can hear the small cries of this tiny little planet. Horton goes to desparate measures to save his new friends and their tiny little planet. While he is trying to save this planet there are many characters from the imagination of Dr. Seuss who are parts of other adventures taking place. In the world of Seuss, "anything's possible."

Dessers, coffee, and other beverages will be offered during the intermissions of the evening performances March 20 and 21. The show will be performed March 20, 21, and 22. Tickets are available to purchase right now at the HMS front office.

The March 20 and 21 evening shows begin at 7 p.m. and run until 9 p.m. Matinee performances March 21 and 22 are at 2 p.m. Evening show prices are $8 for students and seniors and $10 for adults. Matinee prices are $5 for students and $8 for adults.

"The show will be an amazing performance and worth every penny," said Ms. Stadler. "Make sure and put it on your calendars--hope to see you there."

Photo caption: Taniya Roberts touches up one of the many colorful backgrounds that will be featured in the HMS production of Seussical.

PTO funds numerous Henkle grant requests

2009-03-06T17:23:00.000-08:00

By Leslie Nuckoles

Henkle PTO met recently and decided to fund numerous items. They will help fund "Seussical" the musical, the 5/6 grade Maryhill Museum field trip, Missoula Children's Theater, Challenge Day in fall of '09, a band trip, Knowledge Bowl equipment, musical instrument repair and refurbishing, Grizzly Pride Day, a student leadership conference, and WASL snacks. The total amount was $7850.00. PTO was able to fund most programs, but not all to the full amount.

PTO decides which programs to fund by finding how much money they have to spend, and then reading through applications and seeing how many students would benefit from the program.

Henkle PTO raises money from the Monster Mash and Santa's Breakfast. This year PTO is also doing E-Scrip as a fundraiser. There is more information at the website (www.E-scrip.com).

"We are grateful to all the parents who helped at Monster Mash and Santa's Breakfast," says PTO member Peggy Neuman.

'Idea Company' recycles inkjet cartridges, cell phones

2009-02-12T18:35:00.000-08:00

By Leslie Nuckoles

Project Open Door's "Idea Company," a student leadership group, is recycling old inkjet cartridges and cell phones. They are then sent to a company that recycles the cell phones and refills the inkjet cartridges.

The school earns $0.50 to $3.00 for each inkjet cartridge. An old cell phone earns the school $2.25 each.

Students and their families are encouraged to bring in inkjet cartridges and cell phones. Not only are you earning the school money, you are doing an environmental good deed.

“This is the first time we have recycled phones,” says Paula Trosper, POD's director.

The overall recycling project started two years ago as a way to earn money for parties and for family nights and meals, which the POD budget doesn’t cover.

The inkjet cartridges and cell phones are being collected year-round in the library.

Pennies for Patients Drive begins March 2

2009-02-12T18:32:00.000-08:00

By Leslie Nuckoles

Students at Henkle will be participating in Pennies for Patients, which benefits the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, during the first three weeks of March (March 2-20). Please start saving your pennies!

Leukemia is the leading cause of death among children. About 747,465 Americans have blood cancers.

Millions of dollars have been raised by schools nationwide. The funds improve the lives of patients and their families, as well as support the society’s mission: to cure Leukemia, Lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and Myeloma.

Henkle began participating in 2002 and has done it for six years. We have made $5,697.26 in the past six years that we have participated. We have beaten the national average of $750 four out of six years.

Nickels, dimes, quarters, bills, and checks are accepted, as well as pennies. Checks should be made out to “Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.” The top fundraising class will receive a prize. Classes that raise $100-300+ will receive a classroom banner.

New web reporter likes staying active

2009-02-04T19:30:00.000-08:00

Sewing, animals, artwork, reading, band, and more—our latest Henkle Middle School web reporter, Leslie Nuckoles, enjoys many activities. Now writing for publication will also join her orbit of interests.

Most recently Ms. Nuckoles has been honing her sewing skills.

“My friend and I want to start a stall at the farmers’ market,” she said. “We’re making bags out of recycled clothing fabric.”

A seventh grader, Ms. Nuckoles enjoys art and science. She has entered a paper maché mask in the upcoming The Dalles Art Show. If she could design her own school, she’d feature more time outside. There would be animals, such as chickens, that students can raise. “That would be fun,” she said.

A special memory for Ms. Nuckoles also involved animals. She spent a week during a summer living at Ekone Horse Camp near Goldendale.

“We lived in a big house made of mud, shaped like a big triangle stretched out. There were glass bottles in the wall.” She enjoyed all the land and all the horseback riding.

Ms. Nuckoles already has thought of some ideas for articles for the Henkle website, including features about our upcoming musical drama, “Seussical,” ASB leadership and fundraising activities, and other student “happenings.” Henkle parents and other readers of the HMS website will then be more informed, thanks to this latest interest that Ms. Nuckoles is developing.

Food Services Program strives for healthy meals

2009-01-23T16:20:00.001-08:00

By Rachael Kilby

Each day 10.1 million children rely on the school to provide breakfast for them all over America. School meals are of huge importance in today’s society. Each meal has to be planned out days in advance.

“In our school district we serve about 600 students on a normal day,” said Cindy Yarnell, the White Salmon Valley S.D. Food Services Manager.

Here at the school Mrs. Yarnell is in charge of all of the meals the students eat. She oversees everything that goes into the food, the way it is cooked and the amount of fat, protein, carbohydrates, sodium and sugars that go into each meal. It is not her place to decide how much of each of these nutrients each meal has in it. The government has rules and regulations which she has to follow precisely. She is also responsible for calculating the amount of money everything will cost, including the price of the food and the shipping.

Much of the schools’ food is government commodity, but much food, including many main entrees and grain products, are made from scratch using the USDA cookbook. District schools emphasize low fat and light-calorie products, such as our sour creams, cheeses, mayonnaise, and meats. Almost all purchased grain products are whole-grain, such as whole-grain hamburger buns, bread, bagels, deli buns, crackers, and brown rice.

“We have to make sure that the food is prepared correctly and cooked to the correct temperatures. It is very important that the food heats up to165° before we serve it to the students,” she said. “Food temperatures are always documented on the product sheet.”

There is always a main dish offering each day, usually with two choices. For example, on Tuesdays there is always a main meal and a potato bar. There are two fruit choices, rice, and usually enchiladas and plain chips that the students can select when they go through the potato line. There are many side dishes that go along with the meal. This main meal varies everyday. The school serves milk and sometimes ice cream, too.

Mrs. Yarnell cares a lot about the food program, believing that it’s a very important matter for students to be fed the correct amount of nutrients they need for each meal to stay healthy and have enough energy for the day. There are eight kitchen staff members who are all striving to meet this goal.

Anyone with questions or concerns or who just wants to know more can contact Mrs. Yarnell at the school.

Students, staff serve school, community on Grizzly Pride Day

2008-09-20T12:32:00.000-07:00

Virtually the entire school shifted gears for one special day, September 19, for Henkle Middle School's annual Grizzly Pride Day. First envisioned by students as a leadership project four years ago, Grizzly Pride Day brings all grades of students together with teachers and community volunteers to do service projects and team-building activities.

Visitors dropping by school Sept. 19 would have seen students painting posts red, white, and black along NW Loop Road, painting Grizzly Paws along the driveway and entry to the school, clipping hedges, planting bulbs and laying bark dust, planting plants in front of the 7th/8th grade wing, washing windows, painting picnic tables, laying stepping stones around the Jeane Weber Memorial Bench, and other activities. Inside, students were creating books and then bringing them to the pre-school to read them, going to the elementary school to read to kindergartners, creating posters for the hallway, participating in "Unity" sessions with volunteer musicians Hayden Weiler and Vahid Ellis, and doing numerous other creative projects. At they end of the day, everyone came to the big gym to watch a slide show, put together by Henkle students, of this year's Grizzly Pride Day. Around town, students painted another mural along the retaining wall on Main Street, cleaned and painted at the Community Youth Center, and cleaned around Little League ballparks.

Teachers unanimously heaped praise upon the students for their positive spirit of service throughout the day. Grizzly Pride Day is one of several ways that Henkle Middle School staff and students promote one of its two organizational priorities: "A Supportive and Respectful School Climate." Henkle Middle School staff wish to thank the parent and community volunteers and also White Salmon Valley S.D. grounds crew chief Mike Yarness and assistant Troy Webster. In addition, Henkle Middle School wishes to thank the HMS Parent-Teacher Organization and the Skamania Klickitat Community Network for mini-grants awarded to our school for this day of community and service.