Rafer Johnson, Olympic Torchbearer, Honored by Smithsonian

Rafer Johnson was recently informed by the Smithsonian that he is only one of two African American Olympic torchbearers who lit the torch (Muhammad Ali was the other person).  They are honoring him with an exhibit which will include, as Rafer called it, a picture of “his school with his students.”  

Congratulations, Rafer!  

Larry L. Hillblom Foundation Grant to Central Valley Home School

Congratulations to Misti Jennings and the CVHS staff!  They recently received a grant in the amount of $2,632 to assist in implementing a new program of Lego Robotics and Competition to develop essential skills in science, technology, engineering and math, addressing STEM program profiles.

Thank you for all your hard work!

Larry L. Hillblom Foundation Grant to District/Music Boosters

Congratulations to the District/Elementary School Music Boosters. They recently received a grant from the Larry Hillblom Foundation in the amount of $40,823 to help modernize the music departments by purchasing musical instruments and band equipment.

Thanks for all the hard work!

  

Visitor to Washington Elementary School

You never know who will walk in through your school doors.  On November 9, 2014, at 8:15 a.m., a gentleman stopped by the Washington Office to see if he could get a tour of the school.  He understood this might not be possible with students in class.  Over the years, he had always thought, when he was traveling from L.A. through the valley, that he would like to stop and visit the school that started him on a successful path.  

He is currently a founder and CEO of a successful business and has family partnership with the RAMS.  When asked further questions, he revealed that he had gone to kindergarten at Washington School in 1978 as an English Language Learner.  He didn't remember the name of his classroom teacher but remembered being in Room 7 for ELD.  His ELD teacher was Mrs. Hernandez!  Mrs. Hernandez made a difference in this man's life.

--by Shirley Esau

Washington Elementary School - November 2014

Great American COOKIE Dough Fundraiser

Thank you for your help with this fundraiser. It helps fund our assemblies and field trips. Our top sellers were: Augustine Alonzo, Audrina Herrera, Izaiah Moreno, Kai Cano and Manuel Perez, Jr. They got to go in the “Money Machine” and grab dollar bills. They received anywhere from $19 to $39! Way to go Patriots!

Fall Flowers

Mrs. Bergstrom’s class and Miss Melanie planted flowers to beautify the front of the school. The flowers were purchased from Rafer Johnson Jr. High AVID class.Kindergarten children helped Jr. High students raise funds to visit colleges! Thank you, Miss Melanie, for making our grounds look beautiful! 

Danish with Dad

Danish with Dad was a great success! Thank you, Parent Club, for helping serve our Dads! Island Photography made every effort to donate their services at this event, but due to scheduling conflicts, they were unable to provide a photographer.  

Fieldtrips

In October, the TK classes went to the Fresno Zoo and the Kindergarten classes went to Hillcrest Farms Pumpkin Patch!  These trips help Patriots learn about their world.