Principal Cheryl Biehl joins St. Paschal School
This academic year ushers in a new principal at St. Paschal Catholic School along with expanded programs. A new curriculum for the private school’s Educare program, expanded music options and computer lessons are among the mix, said Principal Cheryl Biehl, who spent 30 years as an educator in Oregon.
Located in a West Valley neighborhood on Park Road, the school has 75 students from prekindergarten (ages 4 to 5) to eighth grade who started classes Aug. 30. St. Paschal welcomes new students and their families interested in a Christian-based education whether of the Catholic faith or not, Biehl said.
“This school is like a family,” she said. “We all know each other and we really do cross over and help one another.”
Raised in Spokane, she returned here a year ago with her husband, Alan, a band director. They retired from their Oregon jobs and came to the Valley to raise two grandchildren who attend St. Paschal.
Biehl plans to expand the school’s music, art and other electives. Her husband and others will help with the music. Biehl herself is a flutist who plays with the Washington-Idaho and Coeur d’Alene symphonies and teaches music.
“I also teach on the faculty at Holy Names Music Center. I teach flute there. I have talked to the director (at Holy Names) about St. Paschal being a pilot school, infusing music at the school.”
That may include visiting teachers offering the Suzuki method or jazz improv, Biehl said. “We want to bring in more music.”
She also talked to a parent who directs regional operas about expanding drama at the school. Tapping into talent among St. Paschal families is one of the advantages of a smaller school, Biehl added.
The school’s cook, Carol St. Clair, is preparing all the meals on site this year and plans to incorporate learning activities. She and teacher Jayna Milne also will be part of a new home economics course.
In addition, the school is getting numerous calls from people asking about its Educare and preschool programs, Biehl said. Educare is for toddlers ages 1-3 but also for the care of children before and after school.
Although the number is expected to rise, about 25 children are enrolled in the after-school program, including St. Paschal and West Valley public school students. A teacher plans a homework club and special activities. The school also offers full-day kindergarten.
Biehl, who taught most elementary grade levels and was a media specialist, says she never really retired. She continued to teach music and then saw the St. Paschal opening.
She still enjoys going into classrooms to read or help with projects. She said her passion is seeing the children’s spark. “When they smile because they figured out something, I know they’re engaged in the learning.”
For more information on St. Paschal, call 924-5090.
Summer leadership conference
East Valley High School officers were among student leaders logging time this summer.
EV Associated Student Body leaders attended a summer leadership conference in Randle, Wash, with some 200 other students. The ASB officers also met during the summer to discuss goals and attend a coaches and captains’ retreat.
Todd Matsuda, ASB president, said officers developed new ideas and a covenant to help unite student leadership and boost school spirit. The covenant includes leadership, teamwork, enthusiasm and dedication.
“Our goals for the year are to come together a lot more, increase school spirit,” he said.
The covenant will be used by the student activity class with about 28 students who organize assemblies, activities, student-teacher recognition, dances and Golden Throne.
Kasi Lassey, ASB vice president, gave credit to the summer leadership camp. “It’s a whole week discussing ideas, brainstorming what we can do and doing things as a leader. Our team really bonded.”
CVHS student honored at FBLA conference
A Central Valley High School student took eighth-place honors at the National Leadership Conference of the Future Business Leaders of America.
Ariel Allen, an incoming Central Valley sophomore, placed during the June 22-28 conference in Orlando, Fla., for her entry of the Central Valley FBLA Chapter’s Public Relations Recognition Award.
To prepare, Allen worked during the school year documenting any chapter public relations activity. The final report consisted of three bound portfolios.
Titan artwork displayed
University High School artists had their work exhibited this summer at the Eastern Washington University Gallery of Art.
Lisa Brown, U-Hi art teacher, entered two of her watercolor paintings and could select the work of two students. Recent graduates Olga Mischakova and Savannah Breeden also displayed pieces in the show celebrating high school artists and teachers.
Garage sale to benefit Freeman FBLA
Freeman High School’s Future Business Leaders of America will hold a community garage sale next Saturday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the school.
The parking lot will be blocked off for community members to sell used items. Lot spaces can be rented for either $10 or $15 (20-foot-by-20-foot or 30-foot-by-20-foot). The public also can support FBLA by donating “treasures” to the FBLA booth to sell, or by shopping.
The funds raised at this event will be used for members to attend conferences and events to further their leadership skills and knowledge in the business world. During the garage sale, a “Dawghouse Espresso” stand will be open offering espressos, lattes, mochas, and Italian sodas, along with other concessions.
For more information, contact FBLA adviser, Scott Moore, at the school (291-3721, ext 201).