The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, the largest performing arts organization in Southwest Washington, is now in its 33rd season offering Classical Concerts and Special Events through Spring 2012.

It’s a “Bold New Beginning” for the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra this year. Still providing world-renowned classical music and promoting young artists, this year they will also offer a Chamber Music Series and Music Alive!

“For the first time ever, we are excited to launch Music Alive!, a performance collaborative for Southwest Washington. This new initiative will elevate the arts and music through key partnerships with organizations such as Vancouver Children’s Opera, the Vancouver School of Arts and Academics, Columbia Dance and others, while providing an array of opportunities for involvement through outreach, education, entertainment and community. As a part of Music Alive! The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra launches a Chamber Music Series with more exciting plans in the works. More than ever before, The VSO is making music heard well beyond Skyview!” ~Vancouver Symphony Orchestra Concert Guide

Classical Concerts, held in the Skyview Concert Hall, will take place January 28 and 29, April 14 and 15, and May 26 and 27, 2012. The VSO Chamber Group Special Events will take place on February 3 and March 23, 2012 at Trinity Lutheran Church (309 W 39th St, Vancouver); and February 5 and March 25, 2012m at Zion Lutheran Church (824 NE 4th Ave, Camas). The 18th Annual Young Artists Concerto Competition will take place on February 19, 2012 at Trinity Lutheran Church.

For more information on upcoming events, including tickets, please visit the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra.

This post: “Vancouver Symphony Orchestra Celebrates 33rd Season” was originally featured at Clark County Live!

For more detailed coverage of the People, Places, Activities and Events throughout the neighborhoods of Clark County, please visit Clark County Live!

Updated 1/16/2012: Will it snow in Clark County? And, if it does, many residents, both young and not so young, wanna know, “Is school going to be closed or delayed?”

“The decision to close schools or delay opening them is not taken lightly. The priority is always the safety of students and staff.” Transportation crews begin driving routes as early as 3 am on days of inclement weather; and that information, along with advice from a meteorologist are all taken into consideration for delays or closures. Also keep in mind, road conditions and terrain can vary greatly across Clark County, and even within the same school district.

To stay up to date on what Emergency Notifications are going on in your school district, the list below includes the school districts within Clark County Washington with the link to their Emergency Notification system. You can also sign up to receive instant notification by text message, email, or Twitter alert.

Battle Ground School District
Camas School District
ESD 112
Evergreen School District
Green Mountain School District
Hockinson School District
LaCenter School District
Ridgefield School District
SW Washington Child Care
Vancouver School District
WA School for the Blind
WA School for the Deaf
Washougal School District

*Originally published November 21, 2010.

This post: “Clark County School Closures and Delays” was originally featured at Clark County Live!

For more detailed coverage of the People, Places, Activities and Events throughout the neighborhoods of Clark County, please visit Clark County Live!

The Clark County Skills Center Automotive Technology Class is in the running to win $25,000 towards a shop overhaul; they’ve already done all the work, you just need to “LIKE” it. Voting opened today (January 11, 2012) and ends Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at 11 am.

Here’s how we (and that includes you) can help: Log in to Facebook, go to the UTI Foundation Facebook page and “Like” it, click the “Auto Shop Video” tab on the left, then “VOTE” for the “CCSC Auto Submission”.  Voting so easy a caveman can do it (watch the video, you’ll understand ) And, hey, while you’re on Facebook, be sure to visit us, Clark County Live!

The guys from the Clark County Skills Center Automotive Technology class put together a funny video for their entry; they wrote, filmed and edited their video in just two days to meet the December 9th deadline; and are now one of the top eight finalists in the nation for a grand prize $25,000 from the Universal Technical Institute (UTI). “The mission of UTI Foundation is to support and encourage technical education for the automotive, diesel, collision repair, motorcycle, marine, NASCAR and other transportation industries through scholarships, grants, career development and other special programs.”

“The Clark County Skills Center began in 1983 as a cooperative educational venture between eight Southwest Washington School Districts. The vision of those districts was to create a school, in partnership with business, “to prepare students for the work force” by offering students the opportunity to be trained in technical career areas too expensive for a single district to fund.”

To find out more about the opportunities available at the Skills Center, visit the Clark County Skills Center, the Clark County Skills Center Foundation, or take a real life VIP Tour (call Jan Stickland at 360-604-1050 x2151) and see that “Excellence, innovation, and a passionate spirit define the Clark County Skills Center.”

*Special thanks to Tamy Hicks for the tip! If you have an event you would like to share, please let us know!

This post: “Clark County Skills Center Drive to Succeed” was originally featured at Clark County Live!

For more detailed coverage of the People, Places, Activities and Events throughout the neighborhoods of Clark County, please visit Clark County Live!

The Goddard School, located at 13201 NE 27th Avenue in the Salmon Creek area of Vancouver, is scheduled to open summer 2012; offering early childhood education, and childcare, for children ages six weeks to six years old.

“The new state-of-the-art 8,000 square foot building is conveniently situated between Legacy Salmon Creek Hospital and Washington State University Vancouver, near the junctions of both Interstate 5 and Interstate 205; it has been designed to accommodate approximately 130 children from six weeks to six years old. The new school will offer flexible schedules for children Monday through Friday, from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The Goddard School offers a year-round program where children are encouraged to develop at their own pace in a warm environment supported by a team of dedicated teachers. The Goddard School FLEX™ Learning Program is based on a unique learning continuum that encompasses developmental guidelines, formative assessments and child-focused lesson plans that are delivered in a creative and fun environment with a child-centered approach to meet each child’s individual needs.”

Michelle Solari, owner of the Goddard School in Salmon Creek, says the school will provide the community with approximately 25 new job opportunities for full- and part-time faculty members. “I am eager to welcome children into this nurturing environment with dedicated professional teachers,” says Michelle. “Along with our core curriculum, we include several enrichment programs such as foreign language and yoga which are specifically designed to encourage children’s lifelong love of learning.”

For an opportunity to meet the School owner and learn more about The Goddard School program, all are invited to visit The Goddard School table at the MOMS Club Preschool Fair on Saturday, January 21st, from 11am to 3pm at the Vancouver Community Library (901 C Street, Vancouver).

For more information call Michelle at 360-573-2466.

This post: “Goddard School to Open in Salmon Creek” was originally featured at Clark County Live!

For more detailed coverage of the People, Places, Activities and Events throughout the neighborhoods of Clark County, please visit Clark County Live!

The Second Annual National Unpublished Writers’ Day Workshop at the Clark County Historical Museum (1511 Main Street, Vancouver) will take place on Sunday, January 29, 2012 between noon and 5 pm.

“National Unpublished Writers’ Day is free, both in terms of admission and in the spirit of a sixties “happening” with their multiple, simultaneous events and opportunities. We do, however, welcome any contributions and donations. The event will feature a series of “creative stations” and workshops around the Museum, each offering different opportunities to learn or experience something associated with different aspects or kinds of writing. These Creation Stations and workshops serve to highlight a broad approach to writing and offer a wide array of information, theory, and practice for our visitors.

Creative stations will include: Zines, Editing/resumé writing, Writing for mobile media, Poetry, Spontaneous writing, Comedy writing, Creative writing, Radio writing, and Descriptive writing.” ~Clark County Historical Museum

This event highlights the Brautigan Library Collection at the Clark County Historical Museum, and is sponsored by Riverview Community Bank, Washington State University Vancouver and the Clark County Historical Museum.

I don’t know about you, but this workshop sounds just “write” for me! See you there.

This post: “National Unpublished Writers Day Workshop” was originally featured at Clark County Live!

For more detailed coverage of the People, Places, Activities and Events throughout the neighborhoods of Clark County, please visit Clark County Live!

Celebrating the Pacific Northwest’s Bounty is the theme for the NW Harvest Dinner presented by the Clark County Skills Center Restaurant Management/Culinary Arts Program taking place on Friday, November 4, 2011; and YOU are invited!

Dinner will begin at 6:30 pm at Touch of Class (Clark County Skills Center, 12200 NE 28th st, Vancouver) and will include freshly baked breads, mixed greens with cranberries and bleu cheese dressing, Chef Andrew’s roasted butternut squash soup, roasted chicken with granny apple stuffing, yellow yukon smashed potatoes, local green beans sauteed with shallots, and caramel white chocolate bread pudding with a hazelnut brittle. Tickets are $25 per person ($12.50 is tax deductible) and advance purchase is required. For more information call Robbin McColley at 360-604-1054.

“The Clark County Skills Center began in 1983 as a cooperative educational venture between eight Southwest Washington School Districts. The vision of those districts was to create a school, in partnership with business, “to prepare students for the work force” by offering students the opportunity to be trained in technical career areas too expensive for a single district to fund.”

To find out more , visit the Clark County Skills Center, the Clark County Skills Center Foundation, or take a real life VIP Tour (call Jan Stickland at 360-604-1050 x2151) and see that “Excellence, innovation, and a passionate spirit define the Clark County Skills Center.”

This post: “NW Harvest Dinner” was originally featured at Clark County Live!

For more detailed coverage of the People, Places, Activities and Events throughout the neighborhoods of Clark County, please visit Clark County Live!

Bats have a bad reputation…many people think all bats carry rabies, bats are pests, bats will attack people and suck your blood, and, if bitten by a bat, you will turn into a vampire! While bats are unusual animals, they are also very useful, known as “nature’s bug zappers”!

“Christine Portfors, associate professor of biology at Washington State University Vancouver, and Peter Ritson, seventh grade science teacher at Catlin Gabel, will host their annual “Bat Talk” from 3 – 5 p.m. Oct. 29 in the Dengerink Administration building, room 110. This event is an especially fun fall activity for families with children ages 4 – 12 and is free and open to the public.

While the season often calls for depicting bats as blood-sucking, vicious creatures, now families have an opportunity to see live bats up close and learn why these animals are largely misunderstood. In addition to teaching guests about bats, Portfors will offer fun children’s activities including arts and crafts.

“Many people want to get rid of bats and consequently, certain species are becoming endangered,” said Portfors. “These animals need to be understood in order to protect them. My role as a scientist is to help educate the public about their importance. Kids especially have a lot of fun coming to see the live bats.”

In her presentation, Portfors dispels popular folklore and teaches guests about the beneficial role bats play in nature managing insect pests, pollinating plants and dispersing seeds. She will showcase different bat species and introduce guests to a few of her captive tropical fruit bats.

Portfors is a biologist and neurobiologist who has studied bats in the wild and in the lab for more than 17 years. For more information about Portfors’ research, visit her website, “The Bat Lab,” at http://research.vancouver.wsu.edu/hearing-and-communication-lab.

WSU Vancouver is located at 14204 N.E. Salmon Creek Avenue off the 134th Street exit form either I-5 or I-205. Parking is free on weekends.” ~Washington State University Vancouver

This post: “Bat Girl Visits Salmon Creek” was originally featured at Clark County Live!

For more detailed coverage of the People, Places, Activities and Events throughout the neighborhoods of Clark County, please visit Clark County Live!

Some parents like them. Some parents hate them. Most kids love them! We’re talking about the two hour late start Mondays that take place about once each month in the Vancouver School District. So, what do teacher’s do on late start days? (Hint: They don’t get to start late.)

They work together in Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) to improve student learning. PLCs began in Vancouver Public Schools in 2009. Research shows significant learning gains may be achieved when time is provided for educators to work together to discuss lesson planning, assessments of students, and interventions or enrichment of lessons.

Professional Learning Communities support the district’s Design II Strategic Plan. Educators participating in PLCs routinely focus on four essential questions:
• What do we expect students to learn?
• How will we know when they have learned it?
• How will we respond when they don’t learn?
• How will we respond when they already know it?

Already the results of PLCs are positive, “We have had much success with our concentrated focus on math data. This has allowed our teachers to better meet the needs of our students. Our test scores and student learning have increased in amazing ways,” wrote one Vancouver teacher.

The following dates are two hour late start dates for the Vancouver School District 2011-2012: September 19, October 24, November 14, January 9, February 27, March 12, April 16, and May 21.

This post: “Vancouver School District Keeps Late Start Days” was originally featured at Clark County Live!
For more detailed coverage of the People, Places, Activities and Events throughout the neighborhoods of Clark County, please visit Clark County Live!

New tools are changing the way teachers teach and students learn. Students are more motivated, more involved in their learning, and they’re gaining the skills they’ll need for the future. You are invited to the weLearn Technology Showcase 2011 presented by the Vancouver School District on Thursday, October 27, 2011 at Skyview High School (1300 NE 139th St) in Salmon Creek; admission is free.

“Learning is changing in Vancouver schools, for the better. New tools and resources allow teachers to enhance their lessons. Opportunities are unfolding, and limitations are disappearing. “Down time” is being replaced with engaging activities, giving students more time to hone their skills and build confidence. With the right tools and infrastructure, learning can take place anytime, anywhere.

“Technology is integral to our work, our lives, and education. Students must develop skills, learn to think critically, and discover new ways to seek answers. In their careers, they will need to find solutions and adapt to tools that have yet to be developed. We need to prepare them now for their future.” ~ Steve Webb, Superintendent, Vancouver Public Schools

This is your opportunity to see how teachers and students are using technology for learning. Tour the exhibits, view demonstrations, and try out new technology tools.” For more information, please visit the Vancouver School District page, or call 360-313-1000.