News

Congratulations to Waverly Elementary School teacher Melissa Straughan, recipient of a Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST).

The award is one of the highest honors a teacher can receive. Straughan was nominated for the award by Diane Stone, a consultant for Teacher’s Development Group who helped with the implementation of Math Studio, a district math program. She is the math recipient and one of only two recipients from Oregon.

The following description is from the PAEMST website:

The Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching is the highest recognition that a kindergarten through 12th grade mathematics or science (including computer science) teacher may receive for outstanding teaching in the United States. Up to 108 teachers are recognized each year.

Presidential Awardees receive a certificate signed by the President of the United States, a trip to Washington D.C. to attend a series of recognition events and professional development opportunities, and a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation.

Straughan recently joined other K-6 teacher recipients from around the country at an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. She credits the support of the district and the math curriculum adopted by the School Board.

“I wouldn’t be where I am today without Math Studio and all the support from Diane Stone and my principal, Anne Griffith. Thank you for opening these doors for our district and supporting such incredible work.”

At the first annual GAPS Student All-Stars Celebration, the School Board honored outstanding students from each school. Students were nominated by school staff and introduced by the school principal.

The All-Star Students from Waverly were unable to attend. Principal Anne Griffith read their nominations.

Waverly Elementary School All-Stars are: 

Adelaide Riley

Adelaide is an enthusiastic learner who loves a good challenge. She has been working on The 4 Fours Challenge, (which stumps a lot of adults) and is making a stop-motion animation movie about the different meanings of subtraction. Adelaide is a strong, confident student who understands how to be a leader as well as a team player. We need more people like Adelaide in our world and I am so grateful that she is a part of our community of learners.

Caelan Riley

Caelan is a leader for positive behavior. He always tries his best and treats all students with respect. All of his classmates want to be his partner and friend!

Tonight, the School Board recognized students from each school in the district for their citizenship and outstanding school and community service. The event was the first annual Recognition of Student All-Stars awards ceremony, held at South Albany High School.

In a move away from student all-star recognition at School Board meetings, the special ceremony was a festive opportunity to praise students for their efforts and character that doesn’t compete with School Board business each month and ensures that families can better celebrate their kids’ achievements.

Students were nominated by school staff. Principals from each school presented the certificates to students, who shook hands with all School Board members and posed for a school photos. In all, 44 students were recognized.

Principal comments and school photos will be posted for each school this week. 

Work will start soon on bond-funded projects around the district. Come to a community meeting in May to learn about the plans.

May 2: West Albany High School
May 23: South Albany High School

Both meetings will start at 7 p.m.

Attention parents of incoming kindergartners: Orientation and enrollment for the 2018-19 school year is scheduled for May 1 at all elementary schools.

Students will attend the school in their attendance boundary area. See the attendance boundary maps and school finder tool for more information.

For information about eligibility and enrollment requirements, see the Kindergarten Information page.

Registration times are different for each elementary school. 

• Clover Ridge Elementary: 5:00-6:30 pm
• Fir Grove Elementary: 5:30-7:00 pm
• Lafayette Elementary: 5:30-6:30 pm
• Liberty Elementary: 5:00-6:30 pm
• North Albany Elementary: 6 pm
• Oak Elementary: 5:30 pm
• Periwinkle Elementary: 5 pm
• South Shore Elementary: 11:30-12:15 and 5:30-6:15 pm
• Sunrise Elementary: 5:30-6:30 pm
• Takena Elementary: 6 pm
• Tangent Elementary: 5:30 pm
• Waverly Elementary: 1:30-2:30 pm

See this link for more information on Kindergarten orientation and enrollment.