Last week at IHS was all about focus and productivity! Our students and staff dedicated themselves to the Smarter Balanced State Testing, ensuring everything ran smoothly and that we had the best testing environment possible. While seniors had the opportunity to wrap up any remaining graduation requirements, our juniors took on their state science tests and engaged in meaningful community service projects across the peninsula.
One standout project, led by the dedicated parent Cyndi Athmanathan, saw students assisting at the Peninsula Wild Care facility, constructing enclosures for future wildlife rescues. We also teamed up with the Dylan Jude Harrell Community Center for various activities, from prepping for summer programs to environmental cleanup efforts like beach and forest cleanups, even contributing to a microplastics research project. Other projects included inventorying and organizing gear and equipment for Peninsula Youth Sports and helping out at the center's preschool.
Meanwhile, a group of students put their skills and talents from our Construction I & II courses to use under the guidance of Mr. Blasko and Mr. Pierce, building a shed that will soon serve as our new concessions stand at the stadium. A special thanks to Oman & Son who generously donated the windows that will be used.
Overall, it was an incredibly fulfilling week at IHS, showcasing the power of collaboration and community engagement. If you're eager to join in, mark your calendars for this Sunday, the 19th, from 8 am to 3 pm, as we host our Parking Lot Cleanup Party. We'll be sprucing up the area with pressure washing, weeding, repainting curb and parking lines, and adding some floral flair to brighten up our beloved old building. If you are interested in donating supplies for this project please reach out to sheena.burke@oceanbeachschools.org
Let's make a difference together!
Sorry to say, but our helicopter event is needing to be canceled for today. Don't worry though, we'll get it rescheduled when we can get our hands on the chopper again.
Tomorrow, Friday, May 10th at IHS: Brim Aviation & Columbia River Bar Pilots will wow us with a special helicopter landing and informative presentation to our students. We don’t want you to be alarmed. The helicopter landing is a planned experience for our students.
Update from IHS:
It's been a whirlwind of activity here at IHS over the past couple of weeks! Our Mariachi Oro y Azul group placed top 6 in the state at Solo Ensemble competition. Our talented solo trombone player Hayden Gentry, also had a great performance receiving an exceptional score. Meanwhile, our FBLA team led by Mr. Adams excelled at the state level, with Andrew Walls III securing an impressive 7th place in the cyber security category.
Not to be outdone, our WAHSET competitors dazzled with Alexis Ahlers bringing home two gold medals in poles and barrels, earning her a spot at the upcoming state competition. And that's not all—last week, our high school students took on leadership roles at the 5th Grade Outdoor Camp, guiding the next generation of adventurers in outdoor learning. A large crew took off to warmer weather in Hawaii as Rachel Lake led our Jazz Band on an unforgettable journey where they had the honor of performing at the Pearl Harbor Memorial, a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience.
But our adventures are far from over! This week, we dive into state testing with the Smarter Balanced Assessment, engage in Community Service Projects, and our FFA crew heads off to their state convention for the second half of the week. We are also anticipating a special helicopter landing and presentation by the Coast Guard this Friday and let's not forget about our spring sports teams, who are gearing up for post-season competition. Good luck to all! May all of your preparation meet opportunity and your best version shine through. We are proud of all of you!
With so much happening, there's never a dull moment here at IHS!
Save the Date: Sunday, May 19th will be an opportunity to help polish our campus.
Today's soccer game at Montesano (4/29/24) has been canceled.
Unfortunately, we just got word that our Fastpitch game today (4/29/24) has been canceled.
The softball game for today (Wednesday, April 24th, 2024) has been canceled due to rain.
Prom Royalty:
Congratulations to our prom royalty which included Vicente Bautista, Zach Jewell, Moises Mendez Hernandez, Abbie Williams, Kyleigh Koehler, and Candice Skillings. These fabulous students were nominated by their senior classmates earlier in the week. Last night after final votes were tabulated, Moises Mendez Hernandez and Candice Skillings were crowned as our 2024 Prom King and Queen. Congratulations to two of our finest.
A Special Message of Thanks:
IHS held our Junior/Senior Prom last night at the Loft at the Red Building in Astoria. Our junior class was responsible for selecting the theme so we enjoyed a fun evening in the Enchanted Forest.
The night would not be possible without some amazing help from our FISH PTO group and a focused parent prom committee who took our students’ vision and desires and made them happen. They met several times, and coordinated the food, drinks, and all of the decorations. On top of that, we all spent several hours yesterday morning setting up and then cleaning up at midnight.
These key players included Tania Miller at The Lost Roo who also donated and provided all of the snacks, Angie Jansma with Diamond Espresso who contributed all of the italian soda/energy drink supplies, Kandi Starr with all of her decorating expertise and materials, Johanna Gustafson who brought her staging and event planning wisdom and Anna Taft with her hours of photography at the event.
Additional thanks go to those who helped in various ways with setup and cleanup including Tania Miller, Angie Jansma, Johanna & David Gustafson, Jeff Hightower, Brianna Woodham, Sarah Miller and crew, Valerie Bittner, Vinessa Karnofski, Ameliza Dille, Cheri Lloyd, Nathan & Tricia Needham, Helen & Arianna Bell, Amy Curry, & Chandy Gaub. Thanks to Nansen Malin from Nansen Florals for the use of her supplies and her creativity and to Rachel Lake with all of her guidance from her many years of Prom planning and for booking the venue for us.
We also had a great turnout of staff who helped chaperone and take on various roles during the event. Chaperoning appreciations go to Elly Rosaire, Jackie Hofer & Todd Pierce, Amy & Troy Lomax, Annie Rivers, Teri Plato, Kymm Baze, Justin Adams, Cindy Guzman, Leena Couling, Ruby Anderson, Don Zuern, Levi Burke and myself.
I sincerely hope that I’m not forgetting anyone but please know how much you all are appreciated. It was a beautiful event for our students. Our community was pivotal in creating a memory that hopefully they cherish for a lifetime. Thank you all!
- Sheena Burke
4/9/24 The softball game for today has been cancelled. At this time, the baseball game is still on. We'll update if that changes.
The JV baseball game for today has been cancelled.
Attention Juniors and Seniors...Prom is just around the corner.
UPDATE FOR NEXT WEEK:
Half-Day Dismissal/Conferences Next Week: Thursday and Friday next week will have half-day dismissal and buses leave at 12:10pm. Conferences will be held on Thursday. Teachers will be available in the cafeteria from 12:45-3:30 and then from 4:15-7:00 pm. No appointments necessary. All are encouraged and invited to drop in and meet with teachers during the conference times mentioned above.
Spirit Week: Our ASB is organizing a spirit week with fun dress-up days next week. Refer to the attached flyer for details.
Spring Break: There will be no school from April 1st to April 5th for Spring Break.
Running Start Informational Zoom Meeting- Thursday, March 14th @ 6:30pm
https://www.google.com/url?q=https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87937610877?pwd%3DeFk2c1N5WUV1emNFdllkUWEvYjhjUT09&sa=D&source=calendar&ust=1709995997446083&usg=AOvVaw29M4R7vH4GFiVgeBzOfDcI
We have lots of exciting events this week!
On Wednesday evening (3/6/24) our wonderful music program will be performing at The Liberty Theater @ 7pm.
On Thursday (3/7/24), our winter sports athletes are invited with their families to recognize their accomplishments at our Winter Awards Night at IHS @ 6pm.
On Friday (3/8/24), our YAK (Youth Action Klub) will hosting a night of activities for IHS students from 7-10pm. (Free)
Then on Saturday (3/9/24), our Music Club will be holding their annual Mattress Fundraiser at Hilltop gymnasium from 10am-4pm.
23 of our seniors visited Clatsop Community College today for their Preview Day Event. They were able to tour the campus, attend mini classes, and gather information about programs, scholarships and other resources. Thank you to Ms. Barnes, our GEAR Up Coordinator for making it all happen.
Thank you Chief Wright for visiting and presenting today to Mrs. Vasquez's traffic safety class!
A message from our yearbook club: Seniors, you have until May 5th if you'd like to submit any of these things for the yearbook.
Reminder: No School this Friday 2/16 or Monday 2/19.
