Stories about elementary schools (K-5 grades) in Vancouver Public Schools.

Welcome to #TeamVPS

In the past few months, we welcomed the following brand-new certificated employees to the district. These new staff members will perform a variety of crucial roles related to teaching, counseling, administration and special services.

Elementary

  • Kimberley Astle, fifth-grade teacher, Hazel Dell Elementary
  • Sara Bergthold, special education teacher, Hough Elementary
  • Kelsey Bristow, behavior specialist, Ogden Elementary
  • Mary Brown, special education teacher, Hough Elementary
  • Jacquelyn Buechel, special education teacher, Hough Elementary
  • Sarah Cherry, special education teacher, Minnehaha Elementary
  • Camille Duez, special education teacher, Lincoln Elementary
  • Pamela D’Zurilla, special education teacher, Sacajawea Elementary
  • Isaiah Ephraim, fourth-grade teacher, Minnehaha Elementary
  • Jordyn Geenty, fourth-grade teacher, Eisenhower Elementary
  • Erica Godell, second-grade teacher, Felida Elementary
  • Lacey Lavin, fifth-grade teacher, Walnut Grove Elementary
  • Marian Lindner, early childhood special education teacher, Hough Elementary
  • Garrett Noah, fourth-grade teacher, Minnehaha Elementary
  • Madison Shaw, fourth-grade teacher, Walnut Grove Elementary

Secondary

  • William Ashlock, math teacher, Fort Vancouver High School
  • Amber Beardmore, associate principal, Hudson’s Bay High School
  • Jeffrey Causey, counselor, Discovery Middle School
  • Luisa Childers, Spanish teacher, McLoughlin Middle School
  • Ingrid Dahl, Science teacher, Gaiser Middle School
  • Nick Davies, associate principal, Columbia River High School
  • Morgan Deklyen, English teacher, Discovery Middle School
  • Mara Friedland, art teacher, Discovery Middle School
  • Brierly Harris, English/social studies teacher, McLoughlin Middle School
  • Andrew Johnson, math teacher, Vancouver School of Arts and Academics
  • Maria Kidder, science teacher, Skyview High School
  • Nicholas Legambi, special education teacher, Discovery Middle School
  • Jesus Marcial Garcia, board-certified behavior analyst, Hudson’s Bay High School High School
  • Morgan Money, career/technical education guidance counselor/International Baccalaureate coordinator, Columbia River High School
  • Jacob Mumford, special education teacher, Discovery Middle School
  • Claire Neely, math teacher, McLoughlin Middle School
  • Katie North, special education teacher, Skyview High School
  • Michael Patten, English teacher, Hudson’s Bay High School
  • Gregory Peavey, career/technical education teacher, Hudson’s Bay High School
  • Katherine Pedersen, special education teacher, Alki Middle School
  • Sheri Schneider, English learners lead, Fort Vancouver High School Center for International Studies
  • Savanah Sirois, career/technical education teacher, Vancouver Flex Academy
  • Jamie Smith, career/technical education teacher, Fort Vancouver High School Center for International Studies
  • Christopher Stekhuizen, science teacher, Discovery Middle School
  • Jackson Stellfox, science teacher, McLoughlin Middle School
  • Xin Tu, Mandarin Chinese teacher, Jason Lee Middle School
  • Lisa Ventrella, dance/PE/visual art teacher, Vancouver School of Arts and Academics
  • Carlee Walker, science teacher, Fort Vancouver High School Center for International Studies
  • Lisa Zeta, Spanish teacher, Discovery Middle School

Special services

  • Leayh Abel, psychologist
  • Madison Donnelly, special education teacher
  • Shauna Guinn, psychologist
  • Naomi Kotkins, speech language pathologist
  • Adam Lemucchi, board-certified behavior analyst
  • Connor McCroskey, special services manager
  • Lisa Mellman, speech language pathologist
  • Maria Meza, speech language pathologist
  • Nadia Noid, occupational therapist
  • Alexis Sales-Paragola, psychologist
  • Katrice Thabet-Chapin, psychologist
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Things to do this summer

Day camps around the Greater Portland–Vancouver metro area

Day camps offer students a chance to expand their horizons, meet new friends and try fun activities.

There are a number of day camp options in the Portland–Vancouver metro area.

Photo: Super sleuths day camp at the Jim Parsley Community Center

Register for summer day camps at the Jim Parsley Community Center.

Through the Foundation for VPS, the Jewish Business Network is supporting summer camps with scholarship vouchers to attend Boys and Girls summer programs or a camp offered at the Jim Parsley Community Center. Students 14 years of age or younger may apply.

More events

On June 8, the Fort Vancouver National Historic Site will host free National Get Outdoors Day and Brigade Encampment events.

Library rewards summer reading

Sign up for the summer reading program in the Fort Vancouver Regional Library District. The library also offers activities and special events.

Little kids, children, teens and adults can earn rewards while keeping their reading skills sharp with the free program.

Water Resources Center

The center offers several free educational activities, including Second Saturdays, Reading in the Wild and Science in the Park.

Intake center at Boys an Girls Club

All new Vancouver Public Schools students who are learning English as a second language may register for school at the intake center at Boys and Girls Club, 4040 Plomondon St., 98661.

The center will be open on the following dates:

  • Aug. 19, 21 and 23 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Aug. 20 and 22 from 12 noon to 5 p.m.

Interpreters will be available to help complete paperwork. Bring proof of immunization, proof of each child’s date of birth, proof of current address and emergency contact numbers and public assistance case number (if applicable).

Boys and Girls Clubs

Several clubs offer summer activities, but space is limited. Visit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southwest Washington’s website for more information.

early entrance

Kindergarten Jump Start

Kindergarten Jump Start offers academic and developmental opportunities that build learning skills in incoming kindergarten students and familiarize them with their schools. This summer, the program will be offered on weekdays Aug. 5 through Aug. 16 from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Anderson, Fruit Valley, Harney, Hazel Dell, King, Lincoln, Marshall, Minnehaha, Ogden, Roosevelt, Truman, Walnut Grove and Washington elementary schools. Jump Start will be offered from Aug. 12–16 from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Chinook, Eisenhower, Felida, Franklin, Hough, Lake Shore, Sacajawea and Salmon Creek elementary schools.

There is no cost to participate. Transportation is not provided. Sign up in school offices before June 20 or on the first day of Jump Start at one of the above schools. Note: You must also register your child for kindergarten at this time. Please bring the required documentation.

Summer Meals

Graphic: School's Out! Power Up for Summer Fun!

The Summer Meals Program feeds kids and teens 18 years old and under. Sites are located at places such as schools, parks and community centers.

Boys and Girls clubs also provide summer meals. Membership in the clubs is not required for meals.

Kids ages birth to 18 also can get free meals during the summer thanks to Share. 

Cascadia Tech Academy

The Cascadia Tech Academy (formerly known as the Clark County Skills Center) is offering summer school classes to students who have completed eighth, ninth, 10th or 11th grade this school year. Students who have completed eighth, ninth, 10th or 11th grade during the 2018-19 school year can earn a 0.5 elective credit and, in some cases, academic credit. Get more information.

Photo: Kids swimming at the Jim Parsley Community Center

Swimming

Jump in! The pools at the Jim Parsley Community Center and Propstra Aquatic Center are open for fun and lessons. Check the links above for schedules and fees, or call JPCC at 360-313-1060 or Propstra at 360-313-3625.

go ready, fcrc, back to school

Go Ready! Back-to-School-Readiness Festival

The first day of school is coming. Will you be ready? Gear up for the first day by attending Go Ready!, a free back-to-school-readiness festival for VPS students and their parents. The event will be held Aug. 14 from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Hudson’s Bay High School, 1601 E. McLoughlin Blvd.

Free sports physicals

Physicals are required for middle and high school students who plan on participating in intramural sports, band or cheer. Free sports physicals for Vancouver students will be held at two locations:

Non-district events and activities are not sponsored or endorsed by Vancouver Public Schools.

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2019 summer arts workshops

This summer, students may participate in a variety of activities, including dance, acting, music and the visual arts.

Beginning Improvisation

Location: Fruit Valley Elementary

Dates and times:
July 8–12
9 a.m. to noon

Grade levels: Students in third through sixth grades during the 2018-19 school year

Course description: Students will learn the basics of comedic theatre and practice thinking on their feet and teamwork skills.

Exploring Color, Color, Color

Location: Lincoln Elementary

Dates and times:
July 8–12
9 a.m. to noon

Grade levels: Students in fourth through eighth grades during the 2018-19 school year

Course description: Students will have the opportunity to explore color through pastel, paint and photography! Students will learn to mix their own unique colors, learn about artists and explore painting techniques.

Piano Lab: Music Exploration and Song Composition

Location: Lake Shore Elementary

Dates and times:
July 8–12
9 a.m. to noon

Grade levels: Students in second through eighth grades during the 2018-19 school year

Course description: Students will increase their piano skills, learn the basics of composition and create songs of their own. Created songs will be put on a CD.

Dance Workshop

Location:
Lincoln Elementary

Dates and times:
July 8–12
9 a.m. to noon

Grade levels: Students in third through sixth grades during the 2018-19 school year

Course description: A variety of dance styles, including ballet, modern and jazz, will be explored in this workshop. Students will work individually and in partners to strengthen their dance technique and choreographic skills.

Summer Choir

Location:
Eisenhower Elementary

Dates and times:
July 8–12
9 a.m. to noon

Grade levels: Students in fourth through eighth grades during the 2018-19 school year

Course description: Students will learn sheet music reading skills, harmonization, dynamics and choral singing techniques as they join together to form a choir.

Yarn in 2D

Location:
Eisenhower Elementary

Dates and times:
July 8–12
9 a.m. to noon

Grade levels: Students in second through sixth grades during the 2018-19 school year

Course description: Students will use yarn, string and thread to create 2D images on paper. Students will learn weaving patterns and techniques to create balance.

Summer arts workshops are offered free to students currently enrolled in Vancouver Public Schools.

To register for these free opportunities:

Questions? Please email Ann Medellin.

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Young historians advance to national contest

Vancouver students demonstrated their knowledge of the past at the 2019 Portland regional History Bee competition held at Columbia River High School in late March. Fifteen Vancouver students qualified for the National History Bee after battling through four rounds of history questions. Seven also qualified for the U.S. Geography Olympiad.

Eighth-grade division

  • Dylan Kopitzke, Alki Middle School: qualifier for Bee and Olympiad
  • Ian Levitre, Alki Middle School: qualifier for Bee
  • Padraic O’Shea, Jefferson Middle School: qualifier for Bee and Olympiad

Seventh-grade division

  • Joshua Wuethrich, Alki Middle School: finalist and qualifier for Bee and Olympiad
  • Shaylin Murphy, Vancouver School of Arts and Academics: qualifier for Bee

Sixth-grade division

  • Maxwell Houston, Vancouver iTech Preparatory: finalist and qualifier for Bee and Olympiad
  • Ethan Martillo, Jason Lee Middle School: qualifier for Bee

Fifth-grade-and-younger division

  • Aaron Barron Pintor, Walnut Grove Elementary School: champion and qualifier for Bee and Olympiad
  • Owen Sawyer, Harney Elementary: runner-up and qualifier for Bee and Olympiad
  • Jonathan Kunz, Lake Shore Elementary: finalist and qualifier for Bee and Olympiad
  • Jace Hastings, Felida Elementary: finalist and qualifier for Bee and Olympiad
  • Alexander Hardin, Walnut Grove Elementary: finalist and qualifier for Bee and Olympiad
  • Greg Blau, Lake Shore Elementary: qualifier for Bee
  • Jerod Zhao, Felida Elementary: qualifier for Bee
  • Reagan Fieweger, Felida Elementary: qualifier for Bee

Columbia River teacher Dave Douglas is the director of the regional competition.

The 2019 National History Bee and Olympiad will be held in Rosemont, Illinois, in June.

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Tell us about your school!

Is your child excited to go to school?
Do you feel welcome at your child’s school?
Does the school keep you well-informed about school activities?

We’re asking for your feedback about your child’s school and want to hear your thoughts about important school characteristics including academic preparation, student support, family engagement, safety and accessibility of school leaders.

Take the survey now!

Things to know about the survey

  • It will take approximately five minutes to complete.
  • You will be able to stop, save and come back later to where you left off.
  • Your answers are strictly confidential so you can provide candid responses.
  • Your identity will remain confidential.

What we do with the information

After the survey closes, we will report the findings to principals so that they can use the results to shape their school improvement plans. Engaging in ongoing two-way dialogue is essential as we work together to provide our students with the best possible education.

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Tell us why attendance matters to you!

Want to win a prize?

Tell us why attendance matters to you and why you come to school. You can enter the contest by creating one of the following:

  • 2-minute video
  • 1-minute audio file
  • artwork displaying the importance of attendance
Download the contest entry flyer

The deadline is Friday, December 8th! We can’t wait to see what you create!

See you at school.

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Bus stop/route changes

This is an important update if your child will ride the school bus this year. Please be aware that many bus stops recently changed in order to balance the number of riders on each route. To find the bus stop for your child, please visit vansd.org/buses. If you have any questions about the new bus routes, please contact our transportation department at 360-313-4800.

Este es un mensaje importante de las Escuelas Públicas de Vancouver respecto a la transportación en autobús escolar. Si su hijo viajará en el autobús escolar este año, tenga en cuenta que muchas paradas de autobús han cambiado recientemente con el fin de equilibrar el número de pasajeros en cada ruta. Para encontrar la parada del autobús de su hijo, favor visitar : vansd.org/buses. Si tiene alguna pregunta sobre la nueva ruta de los autobuses puede contactar nuestro departamento de transportación al 360-313-4800.

Ei esinesin mei aúchea ómw kopwe sinei iká pwe noumw na semirit epwe fiti bus. Non ei ier, mei wor ekkóch ekesiwin e fiis ren anen bus. Ren ámi oupwe fatafateoch iká ian wan neumi na bus epwe kouno ian, ouse mochen no ngeni vansd.org/buses. Iká pwe e wor ámi kapas eis, kékkéri ach ewe offesin transportation 3603134800.

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Immunization resources for families

All students attending Vancouver Public Schools 
during the 2017-18 school year must meet current immunization 
requirements or obtain a legal exemption. Many local clinics and events are offering immunizations.

Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Patient Direct Care
209 E. Main St. Ste. 121, Battle Ground
360-999-5138
Please call to ensure availability.

First and third Wednesday of the month, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Free Clinic of Southwest Washington
4100 Plomondon St., Vancouver
360-313-1390
Walk-in, for uninsured children only

Aug. 15 and 22, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Lacamas Medical Group
3240 N.E. 3rd Ave., Camas
360-838-2440
Walk-in, 6 years of age or older

Aug. 22, 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Go Ready!
1601 E. McLoughlin Blvd., Vancouver
360-313-4733
Immunizations provided by SeaMar.
All VPS students and families

Aug. 21, Aug. 28, Sept. 11, Sept. 18 and Sept. 25, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Salmon Creek Medical SeaMar Clinic
14508 N.E. 20th Ave., Vancouver
360-852-9070
Walk-in

Sept. 16, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Camas4Kids Fair @ Doc Harris Stadium
1125 N.E. 22nd Ave., Camas
360-838-2440
Immunizations provided by Lacamas Medical Group

Be sure to bring any current immunization records.

Vancouver Public Schools does not sponsor or endorse specific providers.

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School supply drive supports public school students

For many students’ families, new school supplies are difficult or impossible to afford. Not having the right tools makes it hard for these students to begin learning on the first day of school.

This summer, businesses and organizations across the city are collecting supplies for the students of Vancouver and Evergreen public schools as part of the Write from the Start supply drive.

Learn more about the drive and how to contribute.

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School Information

Get directions Address: 8500 NW 9th Avenue Vancouver, WA 98665
Boundary map

Online services

Documents and forms

Quick access to all school documents and forms by category
Report bullying, harassment, safety threats and/or intimidation