Program gives EV High students more study time

A new program extending after-school library hours at East Valley High School started this month to boost students’ study time.

With two teachers on hand to answer questions, students now can use the school’s library from 2:30 to 4:45 p.m. Monday through Thursday to research, prepare for SAT or WASL tests and get homework help, said Mark Purvine, EVHS assistant principal for academics and curriculum.

“This is broad-based in trying to serve students with a variety of needs ranging from needing a place that’s relatively quiet to study and access research material to those having more specific needs to make up assignments or maybe have guided help with homework,” Purvine said.

The program began Oct. 4.

On Wednesday afternoon, about 30 students were scattered around the library – some in small groups and others working alone at tables. Matt Urban and Foster Orton were using computers to research lung cancer for an anatomy class.

“It’s convenient and there are teachers here to help us,” said Urban. “It’s obviously good to get some extra help because the classrooms have a lot of kids and it’s hard to get one-on-one time.”

Orton had another reason for liking the new program. “I don’t have a computer at home, so it helps.”

Another group of about six students was preparing for SAT college testing.

“Mrs. (Julie) Seipp is teaching us how scoring works and how we can write better essays,” explained Ashley Saffle. “She gave us a topic and had us write, taking a stance on something and using logic and reasoning. Now we’re comparing our essays to essays that have been scored.”

Her classmate Kylie Davis described why that’s important. “You only have a certain amount of time (on the test), so you have to think on your feet.”

Freshman Andrew Maier was working alone on homework. He said the after-school program offers him and others a little quiet time. “At home, I’m distracted,” he said.

Students using the library after hours can ride home on the EVHS activity bus that departs about 4:45 p.m.

Although students won’t be able to check out library material during the extra hours, they can use any of the site’s books, computers or research materials, Purvine said. They also can use self-paced computer programs for help on the WASL.

Purvine said the program received funding from an extended school-day grant and an in-district grant. He said the program likely will run until WASL and ITED testing in April. “We’re excited. Our ability to have it staffed with people who can answer difficult questions is a really valuable service.”

EV, WV bands win awards

East Valley High School’s marching band brought home a first place in the Class AAA division at the Yakima Harvest Championship this past weekend. Rob Lewis directs the band with the help of assistants Tom Brown and Kenny Smith. Betsy Casteel serves as the color guard coach. At last weekend’s performance, band soloists were Kyle Hutchings, Chelsea Greenhalgh, Amanda Dressen and Drew Knutsen.

EVHS band leaders include: drum majors Jessie Labrie and Megan Alexandrovich, percussion section leader Nick Sandahl, and color guard captains Hannah Manos, Zoee Manos and Robin Sandall.

Another musical group wrapping up a winning season is West Valley’s marching band. The group took first place for Class A schools on Oct. 2 for the Cavalcade of Bands in Pasco. The band received best awards in brass and woodwinds, percussion, drum majors, auxiliary, flags, marching and maneuvering and general effect. The band also received a second-place award at a Sept. 25 band festival in Wenatchee.

For the Oct. 16 Columbia Basin Marching Band Festival in Royal City, Wash., the group seized the top honor of overall sweepstakes winner for outstanding performance.

Next, the Eagles will participate at the Auburn Veterans Day Parade and Marching Band Festival on Nov. 6.

WVHS student leaders include drum majors Sara Dunbar and Ashley Bell. The auxiliary captain is Renee Prichard.

The group’s marching instructor is Kyle Bosch and the band’s director is Jim Loucks. Other assistants are auxiliary instructors Cheryl Bosch and Sarah Brustkern, and percussion instructors Monica McMurtery and Josh Bartylla.

40 students attend leadership conference

An Oct. 12 leadership conference drew 40 Central Valley High School students who are Future Business Leaders of America members. Susanna Baylon, news co-anchor for “Good Morning Northwest,” was the keynote speaker at the Northeast Region Fall Business Leadership Conference.

The conference, held at the Spokane Valley Nazarene Church, included sessions and workshops on broadcasting, job interviews, identity theft, budgeting, radio careers, car insurance and public speaking.

About 30 CVHS students in FBLA also attended the Sept. 29 Governor’s Industrial Safety and Health Conference, sponsored by the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries, at the Spokane Convention Center. The program’s focus was workplace health and safety for teenagers.

Students learned about different careers, health and safety issues among industries and their rights as young workers. The conference featured hands-on demonstrations in the fields of construction, health care and hazardous materials including a personal protective equipment fashion show. The students also heard Gov. Gary Locke speak.

FBLA is a student organization to bring business and education together in a positive working relationship through innovative leadership development programs.