Recent news
Brad Barton brings the magic out of Columbia students and staff
Nakia McCarley November 19, 2012
Do you believe in Magic? The students here at Columbia School District sure do! On October 29, 2012 motivational speaker/magician Brad Barton wowed the entire student body and staff with his message of dangerous illusions and finding the magic within oneself. Brad Barton shared with our students his struggles beginning as a 4-foot-9, 84 lb. high school freshman, struggling with learning disabilities, earning poor grades and having an unsupportive home life. Brad did not believe in himself, much like many of our students today.
Columbia Celebrates National GEAR UP Week
Nakia McCarley October 15, 2012
Last month, Columbia GEAR UP celebrated National GEAR UP Week in true college style introducing several new projects and activities. We kicked off the week by launching our brand new Columbia GEAR UP website. The website is conveniently linked to the Columbia School District's site. Students and parents can easily navigate to the MS or HS resources tab and then find the GEAR UP link. Our website features answers to basic questions such as “What is GEAR UP?” It also has information on upcoming events, how to contact us, a calendar with upcoming events, news, a photo gallery, resources on college information and even a “meet the staff” page that contains pictures and bios of the staff. Another great feature on our website is the ability for the students to download documents such as field trip permission forms, a feature that makes it easier for the students and parents alike to receive needed information quickly.
Columbia Middle School students visit Ice Harbor Dam
Nakia McCarley October 25, 2012
On Thursday, October 11th Columbia GEAR UP took the entire 7th grade from Columbia Middle School on a field trip to Ice Harbor Dam. This trip was to coincide with their current lessons in social studies and science classes and also gave them the opportunity to learn about various careers at the Dam.
Ice Harbor Dam is conveniently located only about 10 minutes away from Columbia Middle School. The buses were greeted by a dam employee who is also the mother of a current GEAR UP student. The students split into four groups and were led to their starting locations.
Columbia students inspired by astronauts and film director at CBC Planetarium dedication
Nakia McCarley December 13, 2012
On December 04, 2012 Columbia GEAR UP took a group of 7th and 8th graders to the grand opening of
the largest planetarium in Washington State located at our very own Columbia Basin College. Equipped
with the latest technology, this facility was designed to increase interest in math and science through
astronomy. Our students had the pleasure of listening to several engaging presenters including Michael
Joner, Jeffrey Roth, Charlie Duke and Story Musgrave.
The Competition is on for Columbia Seniors!
Nakia McCarley January 3, 2013
Want to know how to get seniors fired up about the college application process? Make it a competition! Columbia GEAR UP is having a competition with the senior class to do just that. Thinking about every aspect of applying for college can be a daunting task, especially to a teenager. At Columbia, we have turned it into something fun. Here’s how the competition works. We have set up a points based system for every activity involved in the college application process.
2nd Annual FAFSA Night a huge success
Nakia McCarley January 10, 2013
On January 22nd GEAR UP hosted a FAFSA night for students and parents at Columbia High School.
Approximately a third of our seniors and their parents showed up despite the cold and windy weather
experienced that day. Hearing about the event, and excited to get an early start on the college process,
we also had quite a few juniors show up with their parents. Families were first treated to dinner from
Fiesta Mexican Restaurant which received much thanks and praise from the parents and students.
Student Spotlight: Haley Martineau
Rick Copeland March 11, 2013
It was Senior Night at Columbia High School in Burbank, WA and the Coyote crowd was on their feet with excitement. The Varsity girls’ basketball team was at war with their rivals, the Riverview Panthers. Haley Martineau, a Columbia senior, had just dropped her 9th three pointer of the game giving her a total of 30 points for the night. With a surprised look on her face, she shrugged her shoulders to her coach and teammates. It was clear that Haley was in the zone but had no idea why. However, even though Haley was having the game of her life, basketball isn't the only thing on her mind. With spring in the air and the end of her senior year fast approaching, the anxiety of graduating from high school and her looming future is ever present.