SCHOOL ZONE Siuslaw News’ monthly school newsletter for the Siuslaw & Mapleton School Districts and community groups serving youth in the Siuslaw Region TheSiuslawNews.com | October 2019 School Zone
Fire Prevention Month in Mapleton
O
n Tuesday, Oct. 8, Mapleton Elementary students got a visit from the Mapleton Community Fire Department in celebration of Fire Prevention Month. Students and teachers learned about the different parts of a fire truck, met local firefighters and got to try on the firefighters’ helmets and gear. This was a great way for our kiddos to learn how to be safe in a fire, and more importantly, how to prevent a fire from occurring. A big thanks to the Mapleton Community Fire Department for spending the afternoon with our elementary students. — Submitted by Superintendent Jodi O’Mara
Coast Radio’s annual Great Pumpkin Giveaway All are encouraged
O
n Thursday, Oct. 24, from 3 to 5 p.m., KCST/ KCFM Coast Radio is holding the 31st annual Great Pumpkin Giveaway. All local families are invited to attend to get a free pumpkin, enjoy free hot dogs and root beer, and play prizes. The giveaway takes place each year in the Old School Furniture parking lot on Highway 101 in Florence. It is presented by Florence True Value Hardware with help from Siuslaw Valley Fire and Rescue, Florence-Siuslaw Lions Club and more. For more info, visit kcfmradio.com.
PHOTOS BY JARED ANDERSON/SIUSLAW NEWS
Wear red all week for Red Ribbon Week The Red Ribbon Campaign is the oldest and largest drug prevention program in the nation, reaching millions of young people during Red Ribbon Week, Oct. 23 to 31 each year. Siuslaw School District will be celebrating the school week of Oct. 28 to 31. Red Ribbon Week is an ideal way for people and communities to unite and take a visible stand against drugs. People can show their personal commitment to a drug-free lifestyle through the symbol of the Red Ribbon. The Red Ribbon Campaign was started when drug traffickers in Mexico City murdered DEA agent Kiki Camarena in 1985. This began the continuing tradition of displaying Red Ribbons as a symbol of intolerance towards the use of drugs. The mission of the Red Ribbon Campaign is to present a unified and visible commitment towards the creation of a drug-free America. National Family Partnership is the
KID SCOOP Look for
sponsor of the National Red Ribbon Week Celebration. It is helping citizens across the country come together to keep children, families and communities safe, healthy and drug-free, through parent training, networking and sponsoring the National Red Ribbon Campaign. Siuslaw Elementary School is planning a Red Ribbon Week celebration and encourage staff and students to wear the red ribbon symbol. Here are ways people can wear red all week at Siuslaw: Monday, Oct. 28 — “Put a Cap on Drugs” and wear your favorite hat Tuesday, Oct. 29 — “Put a Sock on Drugs” and wear crazy socks or red socks Wednesday, Oct. 30 — “Hairs to a Drug Free Life” with crazy hair Thursday, Oct. 31 — “Be on a Drug-Free Team” and wear your favorite team gear. — Submitted by Lesa Carnahan
Kid Scoop runs every Wednesday in the Siuslaw News and features educational stories and fun activities for families. The page is part of the Siuslaw News’ Newspapers In Education program, in which teachers from Siuslaw and Mapleton school districts may request copies of the local paper to use as curriculum in their classroom. Call 541-997-3441 for more information.
to join Florence Community PTA
Florence Community PTA serves all of the public schools in the Siuslaw School District. The PTA Mission is to make every child’s potential a reality by engaging and empowering families and communities to advocate for all children. Locally, Florence Community PTA has another great year planned for area students, Florence families and staff and teachers. Starting off in August with a big “welcome back” to staff, PTA gave a brief presentation about the importance of supporting PTA and provided apples to all. Later in September, Florence PTA hosted a workshop on “Parenting in a Digital World”, with guest speaker Collin Robinson, a member of both the Oregon and National PTA boards. Those who attended learned about managing screen time and safe online practices, and much more. In the upcoming months, PTA will provide evening meals for teachers on Parent/Teacher Conferences, participate in the district-wide Color-A-Thon, and host Breakfast with Santa on Dec. 7. PTA meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month at 4:30 p.m., in the Siuslaw Elementary School Library. Refreshments, childcare and a door prize are provided at each meeting. Anyone can join PTA; you don’t have to have a kid in school to support us. If you have an interest in supporting education in Florence and the surrounding community, then PTA membership is for you. We won’t expect you to put in great amounts of volunteer time, but you can help where you’d like, if you’d like. For more information about Florence Community PTA or to become a member, contact Crystal Osburn, this year’s PTA president, at florencecomumunitypta@yahoo.com. Like us on Facebook at Florence Community PTA and visit www.florencepta.org.
Submit to School Zone Be a part of the Siuslaw News’ monthly newsletter for students in the Siuslaw and Mapleton school districts. It runs September to May each school year. Email Siuslaw News Features Editor Chantelle Meyer at cmeyer@thesiuslawnews.com
2 | SCHOOL ZONE | School Newsletter for Siuslaw News | October 2019
MAPLETON
Mapleton Farm to Table Class reaps harvest
T
he Farm to Table class at Mapleton Middle and High School received grants from the Western Lane Community Foundation and the Mapleton Community Foundation to begin a permaculture food forest. Last year’s class worked hard to get fruit trees, bushes, herbs and some annuals planted. This year’s class is reaping the benefit of these generous donations and the work of last year’s class. This year, everything they have made has had elements from the garden: rhubarb crunch, watermelon mint salad, fresh herb Italian dressing and other yummy recipes. — Submitted by Mapleton School District Resource Teacher Elisa Gray
COASTAL COMMUNITY Scare-CROW Haunted Maze a real Freak Show Apply now for 2020 Rhody Court
Children’s Repertory of Oregon Workshops (CROW) once again delights and dismays with the fifth annual Scare-CROW Haunted Maze Oct. 25, 26, 29, 30 and 31 at the CROW Center for the Performing Arts, 3120 Highway 101 in Florence. Last year’s “Quarantine” maze tied for first place for “Best Haunt in Oregon” by Oregon Haunted Houses. This year’s theme, “Freak Show” hearkens back to yesteryear and carnivals, circuses and freaks. Usually, when the carnival comes to town, it’s time for fun and merry-making. But this time, something is different. Something just isn’t right about the performers. One by one, humanity has been drained from the traveling carnival troupe, until all that is left is utter darkness. They want YOU to join them in their macabre celebration under the tent. Will you enter the Freak
The ‘Best Haunt in Oregon’ runs Oct. 25, 26, 29, 30 & 31 at the CROW Center for the Performing Arts, 3120 Highway 101 in Florence.
Show to see what’s on display? And once you enter, will you ... stay? “Each year, the event gets bigger and scarier,” said Ringmaster Melanie Heard, artistic director of CROW. “We’re excited to let this out of the cage.” She took inspiration from iconic carnival imagery for this year’s show, and built on past favorites of the haunted maze — creepy clowns, spookily talented youth and other special surprises. Plus, the community has stepped up in a big way to help with sets, makeup, specialty props and allaround atmosphere. Each night will open the maze
from 6 to 9 p.m. On Oct. 29, a special family hour will tone down the scary from 5 to 6 p.m. Admission is $6 per person, cash only. CROW will not accept checks or credit cards. CROW will also partner with The Dipper food truck this year. Based in Eugene, The Dipper will provide dip sandwiches and other food for sale. For more info on the 2019 maze, including a FAQ, visit www.crowkids.com.
PTA continues to earn with Box Tops for Ed Consumers may have seen some different looking Box Tops on the more recent products they are purchasing. Over the summer, participating brands have begun to change their packaging from the traditional Box Tops clip to the new Box Tops label. This means the Box Tops for Education program is changing the way communities can earn cash for our schools! Traditional Box Tops clips are being phased out of production but may continue to be found on many products throughout the store as packages transition to the new Box Tops labels. Be sure to continue to clip and save these, and send them to the Florence Community PTA or to any one of the Siuslaw schools. If people still have traditional Box Tops clips at home, be sure to send them in. If they have Box Tops coupons that have an expiration date of Nov. 1, 2019, get those in to Siuslaw Elementary School by Oct. 28. Florence Community PTA will get those sent off immediately so that we don’t lose out on earning for those. Going forward, instead of clipping from packages and checking expiration dates, all Box Tops will be earned digitally by scanning receipts. The Box Tops for Education team has worked hard to build a new-and-improved, user-friendly Box Tops mobile app, which is available now. The new app features state-of-the-art technology that allows you to scan your store receipt. Redeem anywhere, anytime within 14 days of purchase. People can use the app to
Box Tops are still worth 10¢ each for your school. While traditional Box Tops clips are being phased out of production, they can still be found on many products throughout the store. snap a photo of their receipt to teachers and school staff within 14 days of purchase. for classroom projects and The app will find participat- supplies, as well as to help ing products purchased at fund scholarships for gradany store and instantly add uating high school seniors cash to your school’s earn- going on to post-secondary education. ings online. Many people are surBe sure to download the new app or update your ex- prised at the wide variety of isting app. Learn more about products that participate in these changes at BTFE.com. the Box Tops program, and Florence Community often overlook the lesser PTA will still earn cash for known items. Here is a list all clipped Box Tops until of participating brands: they expire. Better yet, peo- • Nestle Pure Life Water ple can “double dip” during • Lysol the packaging transition • Boise Paper by clipping traditional Box • Paper Mate Tops AND scanning their • Annie’s Homegrown and Naturals store receipt containing par• Hamburger Helper ticipating products. While people can turn in • Old El Paso clipped Box Tops anytime • Cinnamon Toast Crunch Bites throughout the year, there are two competitions with- • Pillsbury in the school district that • Totino’s focus on collecting as many • Yoplait as possible in a designat- • Bugles ed time frame. The Siuslaw • Cascadian Farm Middle School Civil War • Cereal Treat Bars challenge will run from Nov. • Chex Mix 4 through 26, ending just in • Fiber One Bars time for the real Civil War • Food Should Taste Good Chips football game between the Ducks and Beavers. Then in • Fruit by the Foot February, Siuslaw Elementa- • Fruit Roll-Ups ry School will host the “Box • Gardettos Tops are Popping Up Every- • General Mills Fruit Snacks where” challenge. Members of the public are welcome to • Gushers turn in Box Tops at one of • LARABAR Kid these schools during those • Mott’s Fruit Snacks • Nature Valley times. Find a complete list of Florence Community PTA uses funds earned from participating products at Box Tops to provide grants BTFE.com.
Applications for the 113th Rhododendron Court are now available through Siuslaw and Mapleton schools, the Florence Visitor’s Center and the Florence Area Chamber of Commerce website at florencechamber.com. The Senior Court is open to high school senior girls and boys who exhibit exceptional character and are Siuslaw region residents. Queen Rhododendra and her Junior and Senior Princess Courts, as well as the King of the Coast and his Senior Prince Court, will reign over the 2020 Rhododendron Festival, act as the goodwill ambassadors for this event and make many promotional appearances between the start of the year and the annual Rhody Festival in May. The Rhododendron Court will
benefit from experiences with public speaking and media relations. Queen Rhododendra and the King of the Coast, along with their Senior Court, will be awarded scholarships on the night of the coronation. Applications for the Rhododendron Court will be accepted until Monday, Dec. 6, at 5 p.m. For more information about the court, participant obligations or the application, call 541-997-3128. The 113th annual Rhododendron Festival is presented by the Florence Area Chamber of Commerce and will take place May 15 to 17 in Florence. For information about the festival, parade participation, vendor registration or volunteer opportunities, visit www.florencechamber.com or call 541-997-3128.
We are your community partner in financial education!
Aside from providing financial products and services, we are happy to offer educational support for all ages: Credit and Savings Best Practices First-time Home Buying Resources Cybersecurity Business Tips Estate Planning Consultations In need of financial resources? Visit your local banker today!
1355 Highway 101 • Florence • Oregon (541) 997-7121 • www.opbc.com
member
October 2019 | School Newsletter for Siuslaw News | School Zone | 3
SIUSLAW
Siuslaw’s Color-a-Thon just around the corner Siuslaw School District is putting on the third annual Color-a-Thon Fun Run on Saturday, Nov. 2. Starting from Siuslaw Middle School, the Color-aThon will feature a 5K run/ walk. “The whole community is invited to come out a get colorful with us,” said Crystal Osburn, who works at Siuslaw Elementary and is heading up this year’s Color-a-Thon planning. “Rain or shine, we’re going to have
ARTIST OF THE MONTH Andrew Austin — Band Written By SHS Student Molly McGinley Photo by Carol Jolley
T
his month’s Artist of the Month article focuses on an exemplary student in Siuslaw High School’s bands. The spotlight shines on Andrew Austin, a senior at Siuslaw High School who has been involved with band since the fifth grade. Andrew is now in zero-hour jazz band and first-hour symphonic band. He described the atmosphere of the classroom as very relaxed and friendly. “It is nice to be in a group of peers that share the same passion for music,” he said. Andrew has a passion for helping other students with their music development. He finds it rewarding when he sees new, less experienced students grow, not only as musicians but as people. He has recently taken it upon himself to assist Mr. Rowbotham with the younger bands during fourth- and fifthhour over at Siuslaw Middle School. In addition to band, Andrew shows a passion for engineering, computer science, poetry, writing and philosophy.
LLC; Evergreen Concrete; Florence Eye Clinic; Jawsome Kids Resale; Johnny’s Construction; Kaimana Bodyworks; Les Schwab Tires; Pest Tech; Recreation Station; River Cities Taxi; Scott Ryland Plumbing; Shervin’s Tire and Automotive; Siuslaw CrossFit; Torex ATV Rentals; and Wildflower Montessori.
In addition, donations are being collected by Siuslaw students. Anyone from the community is invited to participate and can pick up a registration packet at Coastal Fitness or Siuslaw Elementary. Pre-register for only $25 before Oct. 21, or day-of registration will be 30.
Apply for scholarships with ASPIRE
In fact, he is in the process of kickstarting a philosophy club at Siuslaw High. He also plays the guitar and piano and writes his own music. After high school, he plans to immediately attend the Oregon Institute of Technology to study computer science. In the future, he hopes to combine his lifelong love of music with his newly found passion for technology. He hopes to do so by starting up his own company that specializes in music or audio production.
SUPPORTING
NEWSPAPERS IN EDUCATION
Thank you to the following supporters of this special monthly section
Scott Anderson
Clarence & Nancy Lysdale
Thomas & Sharon Armstrong
Raymond & Deborah Manthe
Louise Baas
Peggy McCullum
Sondra & Dafydd Balston
B. Mealer & S. Lacer
Virg & Pat Bechtold
Jack & Colleen Moore
Janet Catling
Wallace & Sharon Morey
Mark & Cynthia Chandler
Leo & Lynn Moyer
Don & Ginnie Chehak
Bill & Gail Munzer
Diann Clark
Larry Newman
James & Evelyn Cloyd
Lanny & Roxy Nivens
Mrs. Jan Crippen
Jed & Mary Orcutt
Dea Cutting
Oregon Pacific Bank
Bobbye Justet & Frances Dixon
Alex & Karen Orobey
Britt & Tamara Dwyer
Alfred & Joan Owens
Ivan & Diane Ellingson
Rachel & Paul Pearson
Charlotte Evans
Karen Peck
Harold Fanslow
Raymond & Judy Plumery
Florence Police Department
Elizabeth Readel
Rhea Forum
Richard Reece
Furby Family
Dix Richardson
Chris & Catherine Giovinco
River Cities Taxi & Rhody Express
The Girls Maintenance
Larry & Connie Rosenbalm
Leo & Connie Goddard
Debbie & Jacinto Salazar
Becky Goehring
Ron & Mary Sherriffs
Alan & Deborah Golob
Roxy Shope
Roger & Doris Guthrie
Siuslaw Glass & Mirror
Bruce & Deborah Hadley
Siuslaw Marina
Lon & Constance Harvey
Franklin Spencer
Hoberg’s Auto Repair
Sylvia Stanton
Sally Hodgdon
Leo & Shirley Stapleton
The Hoffman Family
Linda Stent
Jawsome Kids Resale
Alan & Debra Stevenson
Carol Jolley
Diana Strickland
Frankie & Harry Jorgensen
G.D. & Marian Trueblood
Virginia Kelly
Charles & Karen Wade
Betty Kimball
Norm Warden
Bob & Kay King
Susan Weathers
Anne Lathrop
George & Frances Will
David & Rosemary Lauria
Edward & Dolores Wilson
Ms. Mary Lehmnan
Sandra Young
Les Schwab Tire Center
a color blast!” As participants of the event wind their way through the course, they will be doused in non-toxic color powder, and finish the course looking as if they’ve just run through a rainbow. Funds raised from the Color-a-Thon will help provide resources not funded through the school budget. “These ‘extras’ that this fundraising can help provide are intended to enhance academic and physical education for students in an effort to keep kids excited and engaged through all grades,” said Osburn. This year’s event is supported by a number of local business sponsors, including: Aric Sneddon, Coldwell Banker Coast Real Estate; Beauty by Brit at Salon Chic; Best for Hearing; Coast road construction; Dan Lewis Construction
The ASPIRE program at Siuslaw High School has begun its 12th year, helping students to pursue education and careers after high school. Founded by local educators Bou Kilgore and Patti Williams as a part of the statewide ASPIRE program, ASPIRE at Siuslaw High School has grown each year in the number of students served and the services provided. About 15 volunteers work individually each year with 12th grade students who have chosen to participate in the program, guiding them through the process of deciding on career paths, completing college applications and applying for scholarships. The ASPIRE program assisted students in applying
for local scholarships that totaled about $240,000 this past year, as well as hundreds of thousands of dollars in federal, state and college grants. ASPIRE volunteers also provide guidance and preparation for the SAT and ACT tests, assistance in finding volunteer opportunities in the community, and transportation to job fairs and other college and career preview events in Eugene, Salem, and beyond. ASPIRE volunteers work with students in all high school grade levels, encouraging students to plan ahead, get good grades, and consider their options after high school. In middle school, students have the opportunity to visit several different Oregon
colleges and universities through the ASPIRE program. ASPIRE is seeking volunteers who enjoy working with students and who appreciate the rewards of helping teenagers to make plans for life after high school. No specific background is required. Some volunteers give just a few hours a month, while others spend many hours each week working with individual students. Local community members who may be interested in this important and rewarding opportunity are encouraged to contact ASPIRE by calling Bob Orr at 541-999-6181 or sending an email to aspire@siuslaw.k12. or.us.
Community Spooky happenings on Halloween, Oct. 31 Trick or Treat in Old Town Area merchants hand out candy 3 to 5 p.m.; open to families Historic Old Town Florence Trunk-or-Treat Games, candy, visits by local first responders & free hot chocolate and apple cider 5 to 7 p.m.; open to families Cross Road Assembly of God, 1380 10th St. walk & candy 6 to 8 p.m.; open to families Howl-le-luia Party Florence Christian Church, 990 Free carnival games, hotdogs, cake Second St.
Scare-CROW “Freak Show” Haunted Maze 6 to 9 p.m.; $6 admission CROW Center for Performing Arts, 3120 Highway 101 Crowkids.com Darlings Marina Halloween Party Costume party with Halloween food, games and prizes 6 to 10 p.m.; open to public & kids Darlings Marina & RV Resort, 4879 Darlings Loop
‘Find Joy at Christmastime’ with Holly Jolly Follies
Joy finds you year’s production,” when you least exsaid Heard. pect it. At least that’s In addition, the the way it is for one “Tutu Dads” will of the Holly Jolly shake their tailFollies’ beloved elf feathers in a hucharacters. morously choreoThis season, graphed piece that Sarge (Mike Smith) will satisfy anyone’s feels a bit melansweet tooth. choly as he goes “This is going to about his elf-duties be the best Follies at the North Pole. yet,” Heard added. Then, suddenly he Holly Jolly Follies returns in December “Come support meets the lovely Joy with the love story of Sarge, played by local arts and lose Merriweather (Pol- Mike Smith, and Joy, Polly Fleming. yourself in a really ly Fleming), and their lives son, and the show is directed endearing story, just in time both take a sharp turn toward by CROW Artistic Director for the holidays!” holiday love and companion- Melanie Heard. Musical diThe 2019 Holly Jolly Folrector will be Maree Beers lies will be presented at the ship. This unexpected pair dis- and Genevieve Shahan will Florence Events Center Dec. cover a storybook romance, be assistant director. 6, 7 and 8, with Friday and A true variety show with Saturday shows at 7 p.m., and as Sarge demonstrates once again that he is quite capa- performers of all ages, this Sunday’s matinée at 2 p.m. ble of saving Christmas. Get year’s Follies features many Tickets are $20 for adults/$10 ready for goosebumps and new and wonderful surpris- for kids 12 and under. warm fuzzies, amidst ador- es, including vocal solos and Proceeds support scholable songs and dances ... and duos, live musicians, comedic arships for kids in the arts, interludes, small and large and CROW’s ongoing arts an ugly sweater or two. This year’s Follies is jam group numbers, and CROW’s programming, including the stellar Flight Dance Team. packed with joy! Spring 2020 production of “There’s lots of romance, “Mary Poppins.” The Follies’ poignant central theme was penned by lo- comedy, and moments that For more information, visit cal author, Rose Ellen Jacob- make you go ‘Aw!’ in this www.crowkids.com.
4 | SCHOOL ZONE | School Newsletter for Siuslaw News | October 2019
Siuslaw News
SPONSORED BY