SCHOOL ZONE Siuslaw News’ monthly school newsletter for the Siuslaw & Mapleton School Districts and community groups serving youth in the Siuslaw Region TheSiuslawNews.com | September 2019 School Zone
Students part of celebrating the written word in Florence The 2019 Florence Festival of Books will take place on Friday and Saturday, Sept. 27 and 28, at the Florence Events Center. From 3 to 4:30 p.m. Friday, all are invited to a free authors and publishers panel discussion. This year’s topic is “The Ins and Outs of Publishing.” The amazing author Bob Welch will be the keynote speaker at this year’s Florence Festival of Books on Friday at 7 p.m. in the main theater. Tickets are available now at eventcenter.org. Event times on Saturday will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with free admission.
People can expect to see youth authors on display during the event. The Siuslaw School District Writers involves student and adult writers and illustrators under the guidance of Kassy Keppol to produce published books. These student books are sold so that students can have a book signing experience. And the money raised is used for publication of the next book. Many students from first grade through high school have participated in the making of the books. For more information, visit www. FlorenceFestivalofBooks.org.
Two youth share win of ‘Spirit of Summer’ People’s Choice Award
National Estuaries Week
Winners of FRAA’s Spirit of Summer Art Exhibit Youth Award were (from left) Nathan Pfaff and his “Paint the World” and Hailey Copeland and her “Alistair.”
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At a Stream Team field trip to Whittaker Creek last year, Siuslaw Elementary students learned from scientists and community partners about steelhead. A partnership between Siuslaw Watershed Council and ECO seeks to increase youth stewardship of the Siuslaw region.
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n celebration of National Estuaries Week last week, Siuslaw Watershed Council (SWC) and Ecology in Classrooms and Outdoors (ECO) announced a new fundraising campaign. SWC and ECO have forged a partnership to create an Outreach and Education Coordinator position at the council to deliver locally informed ecology curriculum related to Oregon State Standards to classrooms throughout the watershed in the Mapleton, Siuslaw and Reedsport School Districts. “We recognize Native Americans as the first managers of the Siuslaw and Coastal Lakes watersheds, and understand that we owe the abundance of natural resources we have today to the thoughtful management of these lands by its original caretakers,” said SWC Director Eli Tome. “We’re consulting with the Confederated Tribes of the Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians (CTCLUSI) to ensure we are teaching students traditional ecological knowledge relevant to our local watershed. This is continuing and building the
KID SCOOP Look for
Siuslaw Stream Team program, with which many local students and families may be familiar.” Now, the two groups are launching a fundraising campaign to support this critical program for local students. Funds raised will match contributions from local business donors and current or pending grants. The Stream Team program (aka Siuslaw Salmon Watershed Studies) coordinates & implements sequential watershed studies to provide classroom instruction and 40 or more stewardship-based field trips for almost 1,000 Siuslaw, Mapleton and Reedsport School District elementary students, grades 1-6, including 26 teachers. Stream Team is an integral component of each District’s STE(A)M education programs (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math). Stream Team offers students a chance for hands-on, in the field learning about the natural resources of their area, and to participate in on-theground research, restoration, and conservation efforts.
“By consulting and incorporating place-based Traditional Ecological Knowledge from CTCLUSI into ECO’s curriculum for locally relevant ecology lessons, we’ll build a stronger connection with local students to their environment and we’ll forge stronger ties to the cultural history of our local tribes,” Tome said. “Through their participation, students actively learn about their watershed, which increases their sense of understanding, appreciation and stewardship for the Siuslaw/ Umpqua basins. With community investment, SWC and ECO will work to build the next generation of stewards of the local watershed, to care for and cultivate the area’s abundant nat-
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.
ural resources. In September, SWC is celebrating the local estuary: the zone of our river that interacts with the ocean’s tides. Estuaries are critical to many species, and are especially critical to the survival of the threatened species, coho salmon, which we are working to save. Estuaries throughout the world have been drained and developed, locally the Siuslaw Estuary has only 40% of it’s original tidal wetlands, a habitat type that is integral to many species of birds, fish and marine mammals. Contact SWC at watershed@siuslaw.org or 541-2683044 with any questions about how you can support and sustain its programs. People can also go online to siuslaw.org.
lorence Regional Arts Alliance (FRAA) announced the winners of its second annual “Spirit of Summer” Exhibit, held at the Florence Events Center (FEC) during the months of July and August. People’s Choice Awards were voted on by the viewing public, with categories for first place — $150; second place — $100; and youth first place — $100. FRAA would like to thank the Friends of the FEC for their sponsorship of the Youth Award. Over 100 votes were tallied by members of the FRAA Board of Directors, and the People’s Choice winners were: Jerry Schneider, first place for his photograph “Chestnut Visitor” and Jo Beaudreau, second place for her encaustic “Oops!!! Ran Aground.” There was a tie for the Youth Award. The winners were Hailey Copeland for her mixed media piece “Alistair,” and Nathan Pfaff for his Zentangle “Paint the World.” FRAA President Kristin Anderson presented ribbons and checks to the winners, saying, “This was a wonderful exhibit highlighting the talents and creativity of our local and regional artists. We were also excited to include a youth category this year. We want to thank all the artists for their participation, and the public for their support. FRAA looks forward to working with the FEC Gallery Committee and Friends of the FEC to offer this exhibit opportunity again next year.” For more info, visit www. fraaoregon.org. The People’s Choice awards also included Jo Beaudreau, second place, and Jerry Schneider, first place .
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 | September 2019
MAPLETON Mapleton ready to begin preschool in October The Mapleton School District held its annual open house and barbecue on Sept. 12 as hundreds of students and family members gathered to officially celebrate the start of the school year. Students feasting on hot dogs and hamburgers walked through the Mapleton campus, looking into the classrooms that they will be calling home for the next nine months. But there was one classroom that was being was unveiled for the very first time — the district’s new preschool, which is expected to officially open the beginning of October.
PHOTOS BY JARED ANDERSON/SIUSLAW NEWS
Preschool assistant Natalie Ross (left, standing) and teacher Amber Tucker (right) interact with Mapleton students in the nearly complete preschool classroom during the district’s open house on Sept. 12.
COASTAL COMMUNITY Flight prepares to take off into Auditions to be held soon for Holly Jolly Follies new season of dance in Florence
“CROW’s Flight dance team is back for the 2019-20 school year, and better than ever!” says Melanie Heard, Artistic Director of CROW and Director of Flight. “The dancers are strong, focused, professional and excited to perform in several upcoming community events including the Scare-CROW Haunted Maze, the Holly Jolly Follies, the Florence Elks Holiday Party, Oregon Coast Military Museum’s Festival of Trees and in ‘Mary Poppins’ this spring.” This year, the Flight Dance team consists of 10 young dancers including Roxi Clement, Kai Diocson, Alex Fuller, Ashlyn Hart, Reanna Houlihan, Graci Immel, Jonathan Olson, Kayla Rose, Elyse Stewart and Willow Stone. The team has already begun to learn choreography for three new pieces of varying themes and styles. “My goal is to challenge
the kids to reach new heights in their dance ability and creative expression this year,” says Heard. “I hope that they will push themselves to become the very best young dancers that they can become.” Much like any sport, dance training takes a great deal of dedication, and the Flight team is expected to participate in at least one additional dance class each term, with many dancers opting to take more than that. According to Heard, dancers are athletes that can compete with any other team sport when it comes to physical stamina and strength. “The kids that put in the extra work outside of practice really excel,” says Heard. “I can tell when a danc-
er is dedicated and really wants to do his or her best. It shows — not just in the movement, but in the precision that they exude.” Heard encourages the local community to support these young dancers by attending performances. “Make sure to check them out in line during the Haunted Maze, which recently was voted ‘Best Haunt in Oregon’ by Oregon Haunted Houses. They will be scary good.” For more information on the CROW Flight Team, visit www.crowkids.com.
Open Auditions for solo and specialty act slots in this year’s Holly Jolly Follies will be held Saturday, Oct. 5, from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Children’s Repertory of Oregon Workshops (CROW) Center for the Performing Arts, 3120 Highway 101 in Florence. People should mark their calendar and begin working on the piece that they would like to audition. “Please show us the exact piece you are proposing for the show,” says CROW Artistic Director Melanie Heard. “It does not need to be 100 percent finished, but just enough to show us what you have in mind.” Available categories will include: vocals, dances,
poetry, comedy, skits or something that CROW is not yet aware of, but has always needed to add to the show. The best length for a finished piece is less than 3.5 minutes. People should bring music on a device such as an iPod, iPhone or MP3 player. An aux cord will be provided to connect to CROW’s Bluetooth speaker, but CROW suggests bringing your own speaker, just in case. All auditions must either have a holiday theme or fit within a holiday-themed show and must be family-friendly. Those who don’t wish to be a featured act or soloist can still participate.
The 2019 Follies All-Cast Meeting will be held Monday, Nov. 4, at 6:30 p.m. at CROW. All are welcome to participate in the ensemble (group numbers), and those who are new to the stage are encouraged to join the fun. Ensemble rehearsals occur evenings throughout all of November, and are limited, so they are mandatory. There will be no rehearsals Wednesday through Sunday of Thanksgiving week. For more information, email crowtheatrekids@ yahoo.com. The Follies will be performed Dec. 6 to 8 at the Florence Events Center.
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SIUSLAW ASPIRE seeks to help students plan future, apply for scholarships
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. During the last school -year, ASPIRE volunteers tworked with students who will be attending -the University of Oreegon, Oregon State Unidversity, Western Oregon eUniversity, Oregon Instiotute of Technology, Lane Community College, sLinn-Benton Community College and several dout-of-state schools, including Montana State University and Arizona -State University. f The ASPIRE program also assisted students in ,applying for local schol@arships that totaled about s$240,000 this past year, 6as well as hundreds of sthousands of dollars in federal, state and college
Siuslaw Elementary hosts Back to School Barbecue
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 541-9996181 or sending an email to aspire@siuslaw.k12. or.us.
A free barbecue was served to Siuslaw Elementary families on Sept. 3 to welcome them to the 2019-20 school year. PHOTOS BY JARED ANDERSON/SIUSLAW NEWS
Siuslaw posts attendance reminder about ‘Student Attendance & Social Activism’ In both social and national media sources, there have been recent calls to organize student walkouts across the country. Student absences for such events are unexcused by state attendance definition. For those of you that might be unaware of events being discussed or organized in social media circles, activists are calling for student demonstrations over the last Fridays in September. At this point
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in time, no student group has approached Siuslaw administration and stated that there is any planned participation by Siuslaw students in the near future. Any “walk-out” is not a school sponsored activity. Students that elect to participate in a walk-out will be marked for an unexcused absence. These types of activities do not fit the Oregon Department of Education definitions for excused absences (fever, vom-
iting, family tragedy, severe family illness, public health emergencies or exclusions, appointments with medical professionals, etc. — more details are at https://5il.co/ abyp). This is a reminder of the attendance policy that has been in place for years and is not unique to this event. For additional details, the full text of the attendance policy can be found in the student-parent handbooks at Siuslaw.k12.or.us.
Again, a walk-out is not a school sponsored activity and no student participation effort is currently known. Leaving school campus does create the potential for safety concerns as the level of supervision would be unknown. Please take time to speak with your children regarding your choice in their potential participation in such an event. Thank you.
Community Siuslaw National Forest accepting applications for 2020 summer jobs C O R VA L L I S — T h e USDA Forest Service will be accepting applications for over 1,000 seasonal spring and summer 2020 jobs in Oregon and Washington from Sept. 16 to 30. “We’re looking for talented, diverse applicants to help us manage over 24 million acres of public land in the Pacific Northwest,” said Glenn Casamassa, Pacific Northwest Regional Forester. “If you’re interested in caring for our national forests and serving local communities, we encourage you to apply.” The Siuslaw National Forest will be hiring 47 position in Hebo, Waldport
You can submit youth-centric events, news and more to the monthly Siuslaw News School Zone! Deadline is the 15th of every month. Email cmeyer@ TheSiuslaw News.com.
and Reedsport, and include specialties such as recreation, biological sciences, visitor services, wildland fire and timber. These entry level positions require a varying degree of experience and are great opportunities for college students or those looking for a new, challenging career. Anyone who wants to contribute to world-class recreation opportunities on the Oregon coast, get experience in an internationally-recognized watershed restoration program, welcome visitors from around the world to awe-inspiring locations, or be a part of the active
community of wildland firefighters in the Pacific Northwest, then one of the positions on the Siuslaw may be right for you. Applications must be submitted on www.USA JOBS.gov between Sept. 16 and 30. More information about seasonal employment, application instructions, and available positions on the Siuslaw and other National Forests in Washington and Oregon can be found at https://go.usa.gov/xVRjW. Interested applicants are encouraged to create a profile on USAJOBS in advance to save time once the application window opens.
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