The School Board came to Happy Camp. Happy Camp High School is a part of the Siskiyou High School District along with Mt. Shasta, Weed and McCloud. Mike Matheson, the superintendent comes down the river to visit out school but it isn’t often the whole school board comes to Happy Camp. They wanted to ask the students questions, which were similar to the questions, asked of the staff at the In-service on Monday. The answers to the questions would make up a sort of “State of the District” statement.
Several School Board members introduced themselves to the student body at an assembly and told of their interest in the school. They also asked for input on what the students would like to see added to the school. Some suggested Karuk language classes, more advanced placement classes of various kinds, especially in science and environmental studies. There was a request for more classes that would allow students to express creativity, such as music or drama. When the school board member asked if there was no drama at our school, the students said, “We have lots of drama in the halls, but no theater or drama classes.” A track for running races was suggested, but also a swimming pool, indoor and heated which would be expensive especially with the present high expenses necessitated by the continuing need to repair dampness problems in the north end of the school.
At present the students don’t enter the north end of the school except to go to the office. The teachers’ room, with copier, and the two classrooms at that end of the building are sealed off. The joke is that it is the start on a haunted house project, but the black plastic only allows traffic through a narrow corridor to the office. The students enter at the south end of the hallway. Classes that were held in room 2 and 3 are now reassigned to other classrooms. This has necessitated a great deal of flexibility on the part of the staff and students, but they are facing the situation with fortitude.
One of the School Board members mentioned how much they had appreciated the courtesy and good manners of the students at Happy Camp High. One even mentioned how one of the boys had gone out of his way to follow her to the door to open it for her wheelchair. It is so nice to know that our students have made a good impression on these adults who frequent other high schools also. We do have a wonderful bunch of students, 95% of whom accomplish so much good and are never in trouble. It is an exciting time of the year because we see the Senior Class preparing to leave our school and go out into the world. They are preparing for a trip to College of the Siskiyous as some students plan to attend there after graduation. There will also be a College Options trip to which some of the students will visit several colleges in California.

Saturday was a perfectly fantastic day in Happy Camp for the 11th Annual Kids Fair. The River Park, as always, was a beautiful venue for the event. If you got a little hot, there was plenty of water to splash down the waterslide to cool you down in a jiff!!
Tables were set up in the shade on the lawn for art and craft projects; wooden boxes or picture frames to decorate, butterflies to paint, and beads and trinkets to make fabulous works of art. This was compliments of the Siskiyou Arts Bus Project and the kids loved it!

Coloring Contest was won by Ashley Aubrey, Sarah Harrison, Beatrice Edwards, and Maranda Rasmussen. Dancers, my how these kids moved, made it difficult to decide upon winners. Prizes were presented to Justice (football), Chaance Rasmussen (high power squirtgun) and Sarah Harrison (ball and bat.) Caitlyn doing some really good dancing and “jump, to get the wiggle out!” so all the kids used up great amounts of energy!

Amber Curtis was putting alphabet and glimmering beads on a wooden box for decoration to show the kids like Madeline Davis who wre creating beautiful projects!

Annie Kramer, of Heal Therapy, sang the most cheerful and appropriate songs during the activities. It was such a pleasure to meet Annie, and her music was the perfect backdrop to all the action. Her music was enjoyed by the adults as well as the kids, especially “Puff the Magic Dragon!” They even sang a special song to Smokey Bear…and guess who showed up for his picture!

If you got hungry, Cliff Stockton was at the grill preparing hot dogs, while Carol Sharp dished up cups of fruit. There was also a nutritional display with Michele Harris combining fresh strawberries and peaches and other delicious ingredients blended together.

Vickie Waddell had little tooth holders for the first lost tooth as well as toothbrushes and other products to keep the children in good dental health. Vickie represented the Karuk Dental Clinic. Children who wished to sit still long enough could have a tattoo painted on an arm. Adults were usually the ones sitting in the shade.

Forest Service staff had some games going, a relay with a fire hose to get these future firefighters trained. They were awarding ice cream cones!! Kyle Stockton managed the bean bag game and awarded prizes to the best throwers of beanbags into Bigfoot’s wide open mouth. Craig Reece had another game going for the kids, but they soon became too warm for the playground equipment and regular games and headed for the water slide!

All in all, the 11th annual Kids Fair was fun for the kids, their families and those of us who enjoy seeing kid’s smiles! Thank you to the Family Resource Center, Karen, Nadine and Alicia and Rachel and all of the other volunteers who were such great troopers and made a fun day for all!

The total, 100%, senior class of Happy Camp High School applied for college admissions. As a result, they were awarded funds for the class account. Shown here are Maryabb Munson, College Representative, making presentation to some of the seniors: Krystal Whittaker, Sean Hacking, Trea Cohen-Kurtzman, Andrew Bley (Student Body President) and Violet Stearns.