THE CHALKBOARD: Wilson spelling star wins Sonoma County bee

What’s happening in area schools.|

Wilson School Wildcat Caleb Poole, a sixth grader, placed eighth at the California State Spelling Bee in Stockton. Caleb came in fifth in the regional bee held at Corona Creek Elementary School earlier this spring, and got the chance to compete at the county level. He won the county bee, which took him to the state bee. He lasted 11 rounds, but in the 12th round the word “filipendulous” ended his chance to be the state’s top speller. Wilson School principal, Eric Hoppes, shared the news, and also mentioned Caleb’s parents and all the members of the Wilson School community are very proud of how Caleb represented his school and our community. Caleb said, “It was scary at first, but once the competition started it was fun.” The word he went out on is so hard and uncommon the spell checker on the computer does not even recognize it. Wilson School teacher, Tyler Richards, went to the state competition to cheer on Caleb and his family. Congratulations, Caleb!

Also taking center stage this past week were the talented students in Petaluma High’s production of The Little Mermaid. The campus’ Troy Performers presented the Disney-inspired show with support from the student actors, director, choreographer, producers, orchestra players, costume managers, set construction team, special effects and lighting crews. Such a wonderful student led performance for the entire community to enjoy. Kudos to all those involved in the six-show production.

Old Adobe Union School District sixth graders are at Camp Navarro this week. This absolutely fun-filled week of experiences includes intense hikes, outside games and activities, campfire songs and skits, a trip to the beach and bonding for life. Teacher and parent volunteers, as well as, OAUSD school alumni campers who now are in high school support students during their camping adventure.

Mary Collins School at Cherry Valley enjoyed a great community Earth Fest Day on April 27. Thanks to the Schultz Museum staff for bringing many wonderful science activities to the Westside campus where Elizabeth Boaz, MCCV alumni and current Casa Grande High School student, performed for the students and visitors. Boaz entertained the crowd with her own songs and guitar melodies.

Many hands make light work, just ask the Grant Elementary School community who hosted their kick off garden work day this past Sunday on May Day. “Thanks to the generous donations from the community, we were able to start our make over. This included replacing plants with drought resistant plants, installing a butterfly garden and cleaning up the vegetable garden. More work is to come, but it was a great day, including lunch donated by Chipotle,” reports Grant principal Emily Todd. Todd also gave a big shout out of thanks to the Girl Scouts for their installation of the butterfly garden habitat area. Keep up the great work, Grant School Shamrocks.

Even the leaders in Petaluma City Schools take time to learn and grow shares Catina Haugen, principal of Valley Vista. Along with Amy Fadeji, principal of Penngrove Elementary and Lori Deen, PCS Technology Director, the trio joined fellow educators at the 3-day Lead 3.0 Symposium in Redondo Beach last month. This conference is convened through TICAL, Cue and ACSA to bring together educational leaders from around the country to learn and grow together. Not only were Mrs. Haugen, Mrs. Fadeji and Mrs. Deen attending as learners, they also shared some of the programs and efforts taking place here in Petaluma with fellow event attendees. Haugen and Deen presented the PCS 1:1 iPad initiative to administrators considering going in this direction for their students in their own districts. Fadeji shared core leadership practices to inspire others to be present with students and available for staff. Haugen also hosted a three-hour GAFE Basics for Admin. “It’s always rewarding to supports folks new to these platforms. We came away with new practices, inspiration and energy for the final months of the school year. Always learning at #petk12,” says Haugen.

(Maureen Highland is a Petaluma mother and executive director for the Petaluma Educational Foundation. She can be reached at schools@arguscourier.com)

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