School Zone for December 2019 by Siuslaw News

SCHOOL ZONE Siuslaw News’ monthly school newsletter for the Siuslaw & Mapleton School Districts and community groups serving youth in the Siuslaw Region TheSiuslawNews.com | December 2019 School Zone

A study of the world ASPIRE at

Mapleton

rs. Moser’s 10th grade World Studies class made and presented projects on different people, time period, & events in Europe’s history. Projects ranged from children’s books, monologues, maps, brochures, paintings, models and collages. Here are some examples: • Black Plague Doctor Drawings — Bailey Overton with pen-

cil & pen & Graci Immel with pencil only • Eiffel Tower Made From Spaghetti — Winnie Zhen • Model of a Housing Unit from Auschwitz — Grace Robbins • Model of the Colosseum as it stands now — Dominick Lloyd • Model of Trench Warfare — Kayden Lane

• Model Steam Engine from Industrial Revolution — John Corser • Rosie the Riveter Mosaic (technically American but her image spread throughout the world) — Gracie Perkins • Starry Night by Vincent Van Gogh — painted by Sydney Hilterbrant • “The Water Lily Pond” by

Claude Monet — painted by Cameron Kentta • Wooden Model of the Trojan Horse — Camp Lacouture These were just some of the highlights from the class, which also included Jason Rawlins’ depiction of Martin Luther’s 95 Theses Nailed to the Catholic Church Door. — Submitted by Anna Moser

Lessons from the U.S. Coast Guard

etty Officer First Class Scott Harvey, Petty Officer First Class John Gray and Petty Officer Third Class Joseph Horning of the U.S. Coast Guard Station Siuslaw River spent a couple of days at Siuslaw Elementary School speaking to third-grade classes. The students learned about the mission of

KID SCOOP Look for

the U. S. Coast Guard, training requirements and general water safety, including beach and boating safety. They also learned about the legal requirements pertaining to wearing a life jacket. Students gained hands-on experiences when they handled some of the safety equip-

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.

ment used by the Coast Guard, including life jackets, helmets, dry suits, flares, strobe lights, signal mirrors, radios, whistles and line. Finally, the students learned about fitness requirements and boot camp, as well as teamwork. — Submitted by Diane McCalmont

Siuslaw High School and Mapleton High School have joined forces to provide an ASPIRE program to Mapleton students. ASPIRE is a statewide college and career advising program, with individual programs at many high schools throughout Oregon. The ASPIRE program at Siuslaw High School has been in place for 12 years and has grown with each consecutive year. However, Mapleton has had no formal connection with ASPIRE until now. ASPIRE at Mapleton High grew out of an arrangement with Siuslaw High School and the Mapleton School District that allows the two schools to work collaboratively through the state ASPIRE office. Mapleton High School, with its smaller graduating classes, has relied on teachers and staff members to help students determine their future educational and career paths, and complete the necessary paperwork to attend college or trade school, receive scholarships, find suitable jobs, enter military service or otherwise plan for success after high school. Now, by partnering with Siuslaw High School, Mapleton students will have the best of both worlds: skilled and dedicated teachers who will continue to work with them on site, plus the added benefit of ASPIRE personnel from Siuslaw High School. Mapleton students are eligible for many of the scholarships that have been established by individuals and businesses in the Siuslaw region. By working together, staff members at Mapleton and Siuslaw can ensure that all students are aware of every scholarship for which they might be eligible, and they will have the information and support necessary to apply for those scholarships. This will also help to ensure that no scholarship is left on the table due to a lack of applications. Additionally, this will help to bring both districts closer in building their positive Siuslaw regional cultures. Through this arrangement, Siuslaw ASPIRE Coordinator Steve Moser and Team Leader Bob Orr will travel to Mapleton twice a month to spend time with Mapleton students, helping them to explore after-graduation options, apply for federal and state grants and complete the new Siuslaw Regional Scholarship Application to apply for local scholarships. Moser and Orr will work closely with Mapleton teacher Molly Dooley and counselor Brittany Anderson, as the two schools share information and procedures that will benefit students and scholarship providers in the region. All of the participants see the new arrangement as an opportunity to strengthen the ties between the schools. By working together, both schools get stronger in the process. For more information, contact Orr at 541-997-3448.

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 | December 2019

MAPLETON

apleton Farm to Table had two guest speakers in November. First were Master Composters Barbara Dumesil and Shirley Betournay, master composters from OSU Extension Service. The students learned how to properly construct a compost pile combining “greens” or “browns.” Then the students explored vermicompost, or partially finished worm compost. They found and identified many “creepy crawlies” in the compost. Next, Molly Schroder, an occupational therapist from PeaceHealth, came and taught the students how to work in the garden and protect their backs.

The students practiced picking up items, carrying pumpkins and proper shoveling techniques. Molly even brought a kneeling pad for each student to protect their backs when in the garden. — Submitted by Elisa Gray, Resource Teacher at Mapleton School District

COASTAL COMMUNITY

PTA Donates to Food Backpack 4 Kids Program

Florence Community PTA held the annual Breakfast with Santa on Dec. 7 at Cross Road Church in Florence, inviting children and families throughout the community to have breakfast and meet with Santa and Mrs. Claus. A breakfast of pancakes, sausage and potatoes filled appetites. In addition, while students spent time passing Christmas wishes on to Santa, parents had

Audition for CROW’s ‘Mary Poppins’

Children’s Repertory of Oregon Workshops (CROW) will be holding open auditions for Disney’s “Mary Poppins” in January 2020. The beloved classic tale follows the story of young Jane and Michael, who have sent many a nanny packing before a magical new person arrives on their doorstep. Utilizing a combination of snarky wit and common sense, Mary Poppins must teach the Banks family how to value each other again. Mary Poppins takes the children on many magical and memorable adventures, but Jane and Michael aren’t the only ones upon whom she has a profound effect — even grown-ups can learn a lesson or two from the practically perfect nanny. “Mary Poppins” marks CROW’s ninth spring production, and will be performed April 17 to 26 at the Florence Events Center, and for invited school audiences on April 16. Local audiences may recall that last Spring, CROW produced a main stage production of “The Wiz,” which packed the FEC, and delighted local audiences. CROW is a Florence-based nonprofit organization and is dedicated to giving back to the community by providing quality performing arts experiences to local youth. In addition to providing a very pro-

fessional work environment for the cast members, CROW utilizes the highest caliber costumes, sets, lighting design, choreography, music, sound, stage makeup and much more.

There are great roles for ages 6-22+, and all youth are encouraged to try out regardless of previous stage experience. Mature 3.5-7 years olds will be considered for “Telegrammers,” which is a reduced rehearsal commitment. Auditions will be held at CROW Center for the Performing Arts, 3120 Highway 101 on Jan. 20 and 21 at 6:30 p.m. Invited Callbacks will be held on Jan. 22 at 6:30 p.m. Parents should also attend the initial audition to help fill out forms. Hopefuls will need to bring 16-32 bars, or about one minute, from a song that they would like to sing (sheet music or a CD, MP3 track with no background voices are

acceptable), and a headshot/resume if they have one. If you don’t know a song, “Happy Birthday” or “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” are acceptable. Prospective cast members will also be taught a short dance combination, and those asked to come to callbacks will read sides from the script. Interested families are strongly encouraged to check out the CROW website for all of the information needed to prepare for the audition. Rehearsals for “Mary Poppins” will begin Jan. 27 and are generally held weeknights from 6:30 to 8:45 p.m. A schedule will be available for perusal at the audition. Not all cast members are called every night. Director Melanie Heard stresses that “performing in these productions is a big commitment. It’s very hard work and requires dedication, but when the curtain opens in April, we know you will agree that it was worth it!” For a casting breakdown, FAQ’s, and detailed audition information, visit crowkids.com.

the opportunity to purchase plates of sweets from the bake sale. The mission of PTA is to make every child’s potential a reality by engaging and empowering families. Florence Community PTA feels that this event goes a long way in bringing families together to spend quality time with each other. “It’s just heartwarming to watch the joyous interactions of families

during the morning at Breakfast with Santa,” said PTA President Crystal Osburn. With proceeds from this event, PTA decided to support the Florence Food Backpack for Kids program in their efforts to tackle food insecurity in our community. Osburn and PTA Treasurer Diane McCalmont, presented the program’s director, Marilyn Barba, with a check for $750. Santa

was on hand to approve the transaction. PTA thanks all of the individuals that volunteered time and talents to warm the hearts and feed the bellies of families in attendance. For more information about Florence Community PTA, visit www. florencepta.org contact florencecomumunity pta@yahoo.com or like the group on Facebook at Florence Communi-v ty PTA

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December 2019 | School Newsletter for Siuslaw News | School Zone | 3

SIUSLAW

Plan for your future & apply for scholarships with ASPIRE

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 yand preparation for the SAT and ACT tests, kassistance in finding volunteer opportunities in the communi-

ty, 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.

Siuslaw pioneers T

hird-grade students from Siuslaw Elementary School took a field trip to the Siuslaw Pioneer Museum in Historic Old Town Florence during the month of December. The thirdgrade classes learned about the history of Florence and took notes in their field trip journals. Four classes visited the museum, including students of Mrs. Neider, Mrs. Cargill, Ms. Carpenito and Mrs. Greene. The students took a step back in time as they entered what used to be one of the first schools in Florence. Thanks to Museum Curator Harry Zinn

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and many museum docents, the students had an opportunity to learn about the history of Florence. They learned about historical shipwrecks, a mammoth tooth found on the beach and what Florence was like a century ago. — Submitted by Dolly Greene

ARTIST OF THE MONTH Mia Collins — Pottery Written By SHS Student Molly McGinley Photo by Carol Jolley This month, we turn to Siuslaw High School’s pottery class for an exemplary student to represent the arts offered at Siuslaw High School. The student, chosen by Mrs. Kim Pickell, is senior Mia Collins. Mia is with Mrs. Pickell twice a day. She has pottery first hour, and she is a teacher’s assistant fifth hour. “I would describe the environment of the class as comforting or reassuring,” said Mia. “My favorite part about pottery is simply the freedom to create, and I love the overall process of the piece in general. You get to observe it and mold it through every transition and then once you get it after it’s glaze fired [it’s] like getting a gift on Christmas.” Right now, Mia is working on a flower basket assigned by Mrs. Pickell. “This has been one of my favorite projects because it was simple for me to make but it looks laborious to the eye,” she said. For Mia, one of the biggest takeaways she has from pottery is the meditational aspect. “No matter what negative experiences you’re undergoing, you can psychologically throw yourself into a project and let everything go.” Mia showed a great appreciation for Mrs. Pickell because, she “is definitely one of the coolest humans I’ve ever met. ... I’ve always appreciated her empathetic and sunny personal-

ity.” Mia also wanted to express her gratitude towards Mrs. Pickell because, “she has to put up with annoying kids all day and she is greatly appreciated for that.” Some of Mia’s hobbies include driving, traveling, hiking, listening to music, shopping and basketball. After high school, Mia wants to find a good fitting university where she can play volleyball. She currently has a division II university in the process of recruiting her, and is scheduled to visit and practice with the team in February. “As of right now, I want to be an electrician, dental assistant or something involving managing human services,” Mia says. Through it all, her long-term goal is, “to be independent, find self-fulfillment, and live my idea of a good quality life.”

4 | SCHOOL ZONE | School Newsletter for Siuslaw News | December 2019

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