Stories about the employees of Vancouver Public Schools.
Oct
2017
October 2017 Employee Excellence Awards
This month's winners include a teacher, counselor, custodian, clerk, human resource specialist and budget analyst.
Oct
2017
VPS teacher is Dance Educator of the Year
Since 1996, Sheyla Mattos has translated her vast experience performing all over the world into powerful instruction for her VPS students.
Oct
2017
Attendance matters. You matter. See you at school.
What’s less well-known are the effects of chronic absenteeism, which factors in both excused and unexcused absences.
Oct
2017
Partnership with Police Activities League earns Excellence Award
The organizations have collaborated to offer after-school soccer and basketball programs in both school districts.
Sep
2017
District provides basic necessities
American School Board Journal visited six districts across the country, including Vancouver, to see how public schools and districts "break down the barriers to achievement for their students."
Aug
2017
YouTube access expands learning resources
Middle and high school students will be able to use YouTube on a limited basis during the 2017-18 school year.
Aug
2017
Excellence in Teaching History winner is an iTech educator
John Zingale has taught at iTech Prep since 2013.
Aug
2017
Training for Vancouver school leaders propels digital education forward
Vancouver Public Schools has been recognized as a national District of Distinction for its efforts to empower school-level leaders
Jul
2017
Summer learnin’
School's in for summer.
Jul
2017
Equestrian teams gallop to success in district, state competitions
All riders from Columbia River and Skyview high schools' teams qualified for the state competition. Riders also qualified for the multi-state regional competition.
Jun
2017
VSAA named Exemplary School
The honor is given to Arts Schools Network members that meet the principles of exemplary practice.
Jun
2017
Vocal music director honored with national award
Vancouver School of Arts and Academics’ Margaret Green is one of only five recipients and the only winner from Washington state or the West Coast.
Jun
2017
Goodbye, 2016-17: The school year that was #VPSAmazing
This year was full of wonder, respect and gratitude.
Jun
2017
Staff honored nationally for communications
School and district communicators received six Publications and Electronic Media Awards and a Golden Achievement Award from the National School Public Relations Association.
Jun
2017
At Skyview High School, a living legacy
Jeremiah Vasquez takes the stage at Skyview High School and begins a story. He asks the audience to imagine a boy living in poverty and constantly moving from place to place.
Jun
2017
Focus on fitness delivers awards for three elementary schools
Congratulations to Walnut Grove, Felida and Truman elementary schools!
Jun
2017
Delivering hope
“The first thing I do is check in with the parent to address their basic needs,” said Nicole Loran-Graham, coordinator of the mobile FCRC. “‘How are you doing? Have you eaten? How are you staying warm? Have you slept?’"
Jun
2017
Fruit Valley educator designated Teacher of the Week
Dinah Nguyen, a fourth-grade teacher at Fruit Valley Community Learning Center, is a top-notch educator and coach.
Jun
2017
Students earn top-10 honors at state tournaments
Three individual titles and one team championship were among the highlights of VPS' student-athletes' success at spring state tournaments.
Jun
2017
Gaiser student films dominate festival
Gaiser represented seven out of the 11 films selected for the middle school category of the festival, and two student films won awards.
Jun
2017
Lessons in empathy through a study of hate
How does hate manifest and spread? What are the implications of vitriol? In answering these questions, students work toward becoming leaders in a more compassionate future.
Jun
2017
Graduate success story: Learning for all
Fort Vancouver High School alum Katie Brown, the 2014 Washington Teacher of the Year, took time to answer a few questions about her path to working in education. Plus, learn about Julie Pagel, the Fort teacher who inspired Brown.
May
2017
Designing a dream
Planning is underway for the first phase of several construction projects. Find out the timeline for construction.
May
2017
Teacher is finalist for Prize for Excellence in Education
The contest honors local educators making an impact on students, families and colleagues.
May
2017
May 2017 Employee Excellence Awards
Two teachers, two clerks, a secretary and a music specialist all received the final Excellence Award of the 2016-17 school year.
May
2017
Three students earn art accolades
Three VPS students earned recognition in the 2017 Washington state Scholastic Art & Writing Awards.
May
2017
Student filmmakers selected for festival
This year's Pacific Northwest regional screening of the International Youth Silent Film Festival will include the work of some of VPS' video production students.
May
2017
Skyview educator named National Endowment for the Humanities Summer Scholar
In July, Meredith Wales and 24 other teachers from across the U.S. will travel to the University of Texas at El Paso to participate in a two-week program.
May
2017
Outstanding librarian honored
Traci Chun was chosen from among several candidates for clearly demonstrating outstanding contributions to school libraries.
May
2017
Fourth Washington Achievement Award for Eisenhower Elementary
Dwight D. Eisenhower Elementary School is one of 280 schools statewide and one of 11 schools in the Educational Service District 112 region to receive a 2016 Washington Achievement Award.
May
2017
At state competition, a demonstration of career and technical skills
Hudson’s Bay, Fort Vancouver, Columbia River and Skyview high schools and Vancouver School of Arts and Academics all won at least one gold medal.
May
2017
Vancouver iTech Preparatory’s higher education partnerships and successes
Vancouver Public Schools partners with WSU Vancouver and Clark College to provide a science, technology, engineering and math pathway from K-12 to higher education.
Apr
2017
April 2017 Employee Excellence Awards
Three paraeducators and one teacher were selected to receive Employee Excellence Awards for the month of April 2017.
Apr
2017
VPS employee tapped to lead statewide organization
Data Strategist Paul Stern has been named president-elect of the Washington Educational Research Association.
Apr
2017
Young historians put their knowledge of the past to the test
Seventeen elementary and middle school students from Vancouver Public Schools competed in the regional History Bee held at Columbia River High School.
Apr
2017
Manager of instructional technology named NextGeneration Leader
Zach Desjarlais is the only honoree from Washington state or the West Coast.
Apr
2017
Alki building operator wins Green Apple Award
Under Steve Horton's leadership, the school’s Environmental Club has directed a drastic reduction in waste over the past 12 years.
Mar
2017
March 2017 Employee Excellence Awards
Two teachers, a literacy facilitator and a registrar are among the latest employees to earn the district's award for outstanding staff members.
Mar
2017
Not your parents’ lunch
Programs that highlight fruits and vegetables are evolving the way that school lunches look, smell and taste.
Mar
2017
Displays of knowledge bring honors at regional, state competitions
Hudson's Bay, Columbia River and Skyview high schools earn top spots in the regional and state Knowledge Bowl competitions.