HRCSD Educators Amy Foley and Brack Hassell Receive Honors as Standouts in Science and Physical Education

The Hood River County School District Board of Directors recognize Hood River Valley High School Science teacher, Amy Foley, and Parkdale and Cascade Locks Physical Education teacher, Brack Hassell.  The two educators recently received awards from professional organizations in their respective disciplines for their dedication and contribution to student learning.  

The Oregon Science Teachers Association (OSTA) selected Hood River Valley High School educator, Amy Foley as the recipient of the 2019 Outstanding High School Classroom Teacher Award for Region 5.  The State is divided into seven regions and from every region in Oregon, awardees are selected based on their ability to motivate student achievement and excitement in science.  

Ms. Foley has played an integral role in bringing computer science courses to Hood River. She proposed the first ever "computer science for all" course, titled Exploring Computer Science, and successfully recruited a diverse group of students to take the class.  In addition to computer science, Ms. Foley teaches a variety of life science courses such as Biology and Research, Genetics and Bioethics. She works hard to engage all students and provides creative ways to learn challenging material.

The Society for Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE) for the state of Oregon selected Brack Hassell as the Elementary Physical Education Teacher of the Year.  Mr. Hassell was one of two teachers chosen to be recognized by SHAPE Oregon this year. He will have the ability to pursue further recognition at the Western District and National Level. SHAPE Oregon has been a professional organization for 105 years and is the state affiliate of SHAPE America.  The Teacher of the Year awards are given in recognition of outstanding teaching performance and the ability to motivate today’s youth to participate in a lifetime of physical activity.

Mr. Hassell was nominated for the Elementary Physical Education Teacher of the Year by two colleagues - one from Cascade Locks and one from Parkdale.  It can be challenging to work at two locations, but Mr. Hassell has found a way to make a positive, lasting impact at both schools he serves. Parkdale Elementary Principal Mr.  Hedberg commented, "Brack is a masterful PE teacher, he is an incredibly hard working and humble individual, he is a leader in his school in many ways and his presence makes all of us better." 

Hood River County School District Awarded for Excellence in Financial Reporting

10/07/2019 (Chicago, Illinois) --The Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting has been awarded to Hood River County School District by Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) for its comprehensive annual financial reporting (CAFR). The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management.

An Award of Financial Reporting Achievement has been awarded to the individual(s) or department designated by the government as primarily responsible for preparing the award-winning CAFR.

The CAFR has been judged by an impartial panel to meet the high standards of the program, which includes demonstrating a constructive "spirit of full disclosure" to clearly communicate its financial story and motivate potential users and user groups to read the CAFR.

Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) advances excellence in government finance by providing best practices, professional development, resources and practical research for more than 20,500 members and the communities they serve.