The HS select choir members have been performing coffee shop-style music starting in January. Students perform contemporary songs individually or in duets. I started this program to get my students use to performing in public and to improve their over-all musicianship. Everyone is having a great time. We perform every couple of weeks, usually on Thursday nights from 7-8 PM. Our next gig will be songs from Broadway as well as jazz tunes.

John Mize – Mr. Karas has nominated this junior.  John Mize is a student who came to the Math Lab this school year without a lot of success.  John shut down last year, but has began to open up this year.  John has earned a passing grade and is starting to make connections with other students.  John has attended Cornerstone to help with his grades.  John has also visited Mr. Karas’ classroom for a friendly game of chess.  The improvement John has made since the beginning of the school year is outstanding and he should be commended for his hard work.

Murray Brown – Mr. Oglesbee nominates Murray Brown, a junior.  Murray works hard on his personal best in Mr. Oglesbee’s World History class and has improved his grade 40% before the end of the first semester.  Murray is a hard worker and works well within the class and with others.  Congratulations Murray Brown.

Jami Cox – Jami Cox was nominated by Mr. Darren Snyder.  Mr. Snyder says Jami is hands down the most productive, pleasant student he has ever had.  Jami is always in a good mood and completes all her work ahead of schedule and above expectation.  Jami works hard to get along and mentors other students in Mr. Snyder’s program.  Jami is extremely well respected by all staff and all students.

John Overton – Mr. Karas nominated John Overton, who is a junior.  Mr. Karas says John is a student who has overcome learning obstacles to become a shining star.  John is a very hard worker in the classroom who is not afraid to ask questions.  John constantly makes corrections to his work.  John is the first to volunteer information during classroom discussions.  John also is very kind and willing to work with other to help out.  Finally, John’s efforts in the classroom make the education process go smoother.  Often John comes in at lunch to work on Math.

Amanda Bond – A senior, Mrs. Bayless says Amanda Bond rides home from the Spokane Skills Center with the special education students who attend PACE.  Everyday, Amanda show compassion for these students.  Amanda engages in conversation with them, making them feel special.  Amanda has been “hired” to help Todd with his bus business.  Amanda makes the ride home less stressful for the driver and students alike.

Will Leonard – Mr. Karas has also nominated Will Leonard.  Will is a hard working, class leader in Mr. Karas’ Advanced Algebra.  Last year Mr. Karas had Will in segmented math where Will completed and passed his COE.  Having met his math requirements, Will still elected to take Advanced Algebra so that he could be stronger in math.  Will’s leadership characteristics have been a blessing for Mr. Karas over the last two school years.  Will enjoys school and makes everyone’s learning experience more positive.

Joe Wheeler – Joe Wheeler was nominated by Mr. Messick.  On more than one occasion in the past, Joe has attended the after school tutoring program and has helped students with their work, without anyone asking.  Joe has helped strangers by explaining difficult math concepts to the struggling student.  Joe, keep up the good work!

DPHS Staff Member of the Month – Mr. Scott Carlson was nominated by Marilyn Darilek.  Mr. Carlson sets a great tone each morning during announcements.  Mr. Carlson’s voice exudes contagious enthusiasm and his excitement about the accomplishments of all DPHS student athletes promotes school spirit.  Mr. Carlson’s animated voice inflections encourage greater involvement in many school and extra-curricular activities.  Mr. Carlson’s spirited support of DPHS students makes Mr. Scott Carlson an asset and a role model.

After the first email the response was great with staff members wanting to be a part of such a great cause. I offered to organize the orders and to pick them up. I contacted Sarah Michaelson who is heading up Coaches vs Cancer for the Spokane area and made arrangements for our shirt orders.

First day I sold 40….by the next morning I had 70 orders. I asked Scott Carlson if he thought I could sell 100, by days end I sold 130. Next morning he asked me what my goal was and with hesitation I said 150 thinking NO WAY will I get that many orders… by days end I was at 171. The next morning I told Scott not to ask me what my goal was because I couldn’t imagine selling more that what I had done….. back in my mind I was thinking 200. By days end I had over 200! 212 to be exact (this was last Friday). I had to stop taking orders because the printing company couldn’t keep up with our order… I needed a cut off. Monday morning rolled around with my phone ringing off the hook for orders, I had to turn staff away until Wednesday when I had all my shirts and had my orders filled. I ended up with 82 extra shirts to sell, mainly Larger sizes to date I have sold 246 shirts leaving me with 48 more to sell.

I hope to get more shirts… smaller sizes after the Gonzaga game tonight. I will be selling what I have left at the Basketball Game Friday night when we play Cheney HS at home.

From DPHS Staff …
Kristi did an outstanding job promoting the “BELIEVE” Coaches vs. Cancer T-Shirt benefit.  She definitely exhibited energy, enthusiasm and passion from the “get-go” to promote the awareness of cancer.  We are extremely proud of Kristi for taking this on and all the hard-work and effort she put forth.  Way to Go, Kristi – We are Proud of you!

Any student who is caught chewing and/or spitting tobacco at DPHS will be given a 5-day suspension; additionally, a ticket may also be issued by Deputy Morris for illegal use of tobacco/substance, resulting in a $95.00 fine.  Parents and/or guardians of DPHS students can refer to the Student Planner for complete discipline policy procedures enforced at DPHS.