GARFIELD-PALOUSE SCHOOLS

OUR MISSION:  Provide educational programs of the highest quality for all students in order to prepare them for their future.

Beverly Fox – Palouse Superintendent, High School and Elementary Principal

bfox@garpal.net

Phone (509)878-1921   FAX (509)878-1948

NEWS FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT

December 1, 2009

Veteran’s Day Assembly:  The November 6^th Veteran’s Day Assembly in Garfield honored Veterans and all service people currently serving our country.  The theme, “The Lights of Freedom” provided an opportunity for all attending to further appreciate the cost of freedom.  Special Keynote Speaker, Brigadier General Carleton Barnes Waldrop from the US Air National Guard spoke to us on the theme, “Freedom Isn’t Free”.  Student Essay Contest Winner, Ariel Hoffman shared her winning essay.  Char Baldwin, Special Guest Speaker, shared the story of her son Jacob Demand, who gave his life helping to protect our freedom.  A huge thank you must go to Rebecca Hemphill and Bob Russell for organizing this phenomenal program.

Missoula Children’s Theatre:  Missoula Children’s Theatre joined us for weeklong artist in residence experience in Palouse from Nov. 9-14.   Students from the Garfield and Palouse buildings auditioned for parts in the Saturday production.  Two performances of “Robinson Crusoe” culminated the week.  A special thank you goes out to Tim and Colleen Boone, who hosted the actors at their house for the week.  Thanks to Noel Akin, the teachers and the parents who helped make this week a truly exciting opportunity for our students.  Thanks everyone! 

School Board News:  The November board meeting culminated 5 years of service to our communities for Val Fisher.  Thanks, Val!  Your dedication has helped improve our schools.

·         With Val’s term ending, the Board Chair position opens.   Starting with the December meeting, Mike Dymkoski will take over the role as Chairman of the Palouse Board .  Ed Griner will fill the Vice Chair position.  Thanks Mike and Ed!

·         Congratulations to Will Thurman, who has been elected to serve on the Palouse School Board.  Will will be sworn in at the December board meeting.  Welcome Will!

Kisses For Kids:  Kisses For Kids is a fund through which we, as a school, can help students and families in some small ways with clothing, shoes, school supplies, etc.   This fund has been primarily funded through the very very generous  - and continued - donations from the Federated Church.  This fall alone, we made over $900 worth of purchases to help fill needs expressed by parents.  What a great feeling to be able to help, even if it is just a little bit. 

·         Before Christmas last year, we started a staff tradition, encouraging everyone to donate to Kisses For Kids in lieu of giving gifts to each other.  We will be doing that again.

·         This community is already so very generous in so many different ways, but if you would like to join us in our efforts, you can make donations to Kisses For Kids at the District Office.  Thanks to those of you who have already donated.

8^th Grade Participation in HS Sports:  Due to our low sign up numbers, it has been approved by our school boards,  District 9 and WIAA, for us to be able to have 8^th graders participate in HS Baseball and Softball.  We are currently working on tryout particulars.  WIAA stipulates the number of 8^th graders that may be moved up, dependant on the sport. 

·         We also debated whether to petition WIAA to be able to bring 8^th graders up for HS Girls’  Basketball.  We have decided to stay with our HS turnout for this sport, since middle school girls start Volleyball the week of January 4^th. 

·         At times, the JV girls may play 2 quarters instead of a full game.  Please check the website for any changes in game times. 

International Student Exchange:  If you are interested in hosting an international student in the 2010-2011 school year, please contact Carol O’Callaghan, the International Student Exchange Northwest Manager at 1-888-785-2695 for information.

Up-Coming Events:

December 7:  Palouse Elementary Concert

December 14:  Garfield Elementary Concert

December 21 – January 1:  Winter Break – return to school January 4, 2010

Thanks for your support.  We are COMMITTED TO EXCELLENCE!

Give us a call if you have questions or concerns.

Your children are important to us!

Thanks for your support,

Bev