Classes start at Vancouver schools

The 2015-2016 school year begins today in Vancouver Public Schools. The projected K-12 enrollment is 22,696 students. This projection does not anticipate a significant change in enrollment from last school year. The district hired about 183 new teachers, counselors, psychologists and other certificated staff members. This represents an increase in hiring over last school year.

• Technology: The district’s rollout of 1:1 technology will continue as students at Columbia River, Fort Vancouver, Hudson’s Bay and Skyview high schools begin using iPads. Fifth-grade teachers will receive devices to prepare for a deployment of 1:1 technology to their students in the 2016-2017 school year. Secondary schools also will begin using Canvas, a learning management system.

• Patron tours: Superintendent Steve Webb will host free patron tours Oct. 30 (Walnut Grove and Marshall elementary schools); Jan. 22 (King Elementary School and Vancouver School of Arts and Academics) and March 25 (Columbia River High School and Discovery Middle School). Advance registration is required. Call 360-313-4720 or email susan.knable@vansd.org.

• Family-Community Resource Centers: New centers are opening in Sarah J. Anderson, Marshall and Walnut Grove elementary schools, bringing the district total to 16 in-school centers providing services and information about community resources to students and their families.

• Mobile Family-Community Resource Center: A new mobile FCRC will serve schools without them and provide support to children and families at school events and resource fairs and in underserved neighborhoods.

• Bond and levy: If approved by the district’s board of directors, a bond measure and levy could be on the ballot in February. The bond would fund school upgrades and replace several of the district’s oldest schools. The levy would provide local funding for basic education and help maintain current programs and services. For details, visit http://vansd.org/ourfuture.