Schools get green for programs
Several local schools are set to receive cash for their environmental program efforts courtesy of the Terry Husseman School Awards Program run by the Washington Department of Ecology. The awards are given annually to schools for ongoing waste reduction efforts, starting new environmental programs or implementing innovative curricula. This is also the first year private schools were eligible for the awards, which range from $100 to $5,000.
A Seed Award to help with start-up costs for a new program was awarded to Gonzaga Prep. The school will use its $1,630 award to purchase additional recycling collection containers and supplies to build a shelter for holding bins.
Sustainable School Awards for waste reduction and recycling were given to two Valley schools, Liberty Lake Elementary and the Central Valley Kindergarten Center. Liberty Lake Elementary recently expanded its recycling program to include plastics, juice packets and cardboard and will receive $200. The Kindergarten Center offers mixed office paper recycling and will receive $300.
The Environmental Curriculum Award, given to West Valley City School, recognizes original curricula that emphasize waste reduction, recycling and sustainability. The school uses field investigations in its environmental education program.
Destination Imagination
The Sunrise Elementary Able Learner Destination Imagination team recently took second place in the state Destination Imagination tournament. The assignment was to create a music video to retell a piece of literature.
The team wrote lyrics and choreographed dance moves to retell Dr. Seuss’ classic “The Cat in the Hat.” The team took first place in a regional tournament held at West Valley High School in February.
Team members include Camden Crosby, Quinn Holmdahl, Matthew Naccarato, Nathan Carroll, Mikayla Williamson, Ellie McDonald and Jesse Todd.
Bus Safety Rodeo
East Valley School District bus driver David Nelson and para-professional Cathy McCormick recently took first place in the Washington Association of Pupil Transportation Eastern Region School Bus Safety Rodeo.
Events in the competitions included driving, wheelchair loading and handling students. Teams also had to take a written test, do a pre-trip inspection and perform other skills. The two will advance to the state competition scheduled for Aug. 1 in Spokane.
Food distribution
Free food will be given to anyone who needs it at 6 p.m. Thursday at North Pines Middle School, 701 N. Pines Road.
Students will be handing out more than 5,000 pounds of food as part of the school’s Celebration of Learning Night. No identification or proof of income is needed. Call the school at (509) 228-5020 for more information.
Block party
West Valley will host its annual Community Appreciation Block Party on Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m. at the West Valley High School, 8301 E. Buckeye. The public is welcome.
Car wash
The students of Barker High School will put on their annual car wash fundraiser Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the school, 13313 E. Broadway Ave. All donations will be accepted.