The Wahkiakum County Eagle - Established as The Skamokawa Eagle in 1891

On June 16, the Naselle-Grays River Valley School Board was treated to the musical styling of Wilho Saari playing his kantele, the national instrument of Finland.

Saari, who started playing at age 50, is a fifth generation player. He has spent the last 16 years playing the instrument and annually shares his knowledge with fourth graders at the elementary school.

Saari is a National Endowment for the Arts recipient because of his skill on the kantele and sharing his knowledge with others, including nursing home residents, and children.

In other business, the board accepted the resignations of sixth grade teacher Erin Karshner and head softball coach Bert Haven.

The board approved the purchase of new social studies materials for grades K-12.

A member of a test group, however, who looked at the text prior to the school board meeting, wrote in the feedback paperwork that he felt controversial portions of the fifth grade text, such as slavery, would either be embraced, or be “insipid pabulum that isn’t worth the time to be looked at.”

Principal Karen Wirkkala said the teacher using the text would be able to use what he needs to teach the objectives required by the state of Washington. Teachers, she said, really liked the particular text.

Superintendent Alan Bennett described a new feature he thinks parents and guardians will really appreciate. An automatic notification will send a text message notifying the recipient if school will be delayed or dismissed early. The message can be sent to the cell phone, Twitter or Facebook account of those who sign up.

The program can also notify parents and guardians of upcoming events, such as the eighth grade move up ceremony or athletic events.

Bennett said, however, it would be likely to be limited to delay or dismissal information.

Summer school will be provided for Naselle students.

Wirkkala said this year is “jumpstart summer school” for grades 1-3. She said staff would like to intensify reading and math for students at those levels.

For students in junior high grades 7-8, there is a two week math program, and for high school students, there is GEAR-UP math instruction for students who received either a failing grade or a grade the student would like to raise.

All classes will take place August 3-14 from 8 a.m. until noon. Transportation, breakfast and lunch will be provided. For more information contact the district office.

Wirkkala said the district has received a letter from the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, informing them the Naselle junior/senior high school is in the running for the Blue Ribbon award.

In the letter, State Superintendent Randy Dorn said the Naselle school was one of seven in Washington to be nominated. “It is a highly selective program, and you should feel proud,” Dorn wrote.

The district will find out August 1 whether it won the award.

Bennett, in the facilities report, thanked the youth camp kids for the hard work they did on the rhododendron garden. Youth camp Principal Lisa Nelson said the kids have received a lot of good feedback from teachers and community members on how nice the flowers looked.