THE SIUSLAW NEWS SCHOOL NEWSLETTER ❚ January 2018
SCHOOL ZONE A Monthly Newsletter for the Siuslaw and Mapleton School Districts and Community Groups
SCHOOL BOARD SPOTLIGHT January is National School Board Appreciation Month
MAPLETON SCHOOL BOARD The five members of the Mapleton School Board answer a short survey about their time serving the needs of the district and its students. For more information, visit www.mapleton.k12.or.us or call the Mapleton School District Office at 541-268-4312. What prompted you to run for the board or get involved? I decided to get involved on the School Board as was a way to give back to the community that I love. What do you feel are the biggest challenges facing your district? Size and local economic challenges. However, with challenges come opportunities. What are some of the successes you’ve seen since becoming involved with the board? The passing of the school bond by the community. The diligence on the school district to bring back Art and a Second Language program. Continued on Page 4 What prompted you to run for the board or get involved? Timing, the need and pride helped with my decision to get involved. I also felt that serving on the board would afford a greater opportunity to promote community values. What do you feel are the biggest challenges facing your district? Without a doubt, today’s challenges revolve around the rebuilding process. The public school systems, especially in small communities, have endured serious budget cuts and hardships for the past many years. What are some of the successes you’ve seen since becoming involved with the board? Continued on Page 4
Marilyn Fox
John Simington
What prompted you to run for the board or get involved? I attended Mapleton Schools from first to 12th grade. I got a great education and a great experience. I want to ensure that same great education and experience is available for all current students. In addition, as a life-long member of the Mapleton community, I have a loyalty to the people and place. I want to help our community and people as best I can; working on the school board is one small thing I can do. What do you feel are the biggest challenges facing your district? The challenges facing the school are the same as those facing our community. Continued on Page 4 What prompted you to run for the board or get involved? I thought I could positively contribute to the complexion of the board at that time and thereby positively affect our students experience at Mapleton. What do you feel are the biggest challenges facing your district? Because Oregon schools receive funding from the state, we are dependent on the state’s funding formula, which doesn’t satisfy the particular needs of our rural district. The lack of stable funding continues to plague us. I look forward to a time when we are choosing which courses to add to our curriculum as the state prioritizes the needs of its children. Cont. on Page 4 What prompted you to run for the board or get involved? I have been in the Mapleton area for 64 years. My wife and I graduated from Mapleton High School in 1970. We have also been involved in the district through our daughter’s education at Mapleton. Our daughters also graduated from MHS. I coached the jr. high and assisted with the high school girls basketball teams. I also coached the high school football team as a defensive coach. When our youngest daughter graduated, the board had an opening and I joined the board as stated above. I believe in the community and education system at Mapleton and wanted to be a part of it. Continued on Page 4
High school art students from Mapleton and Siuslaw high schools, as well as family members and other guests, attended an awards reception Jan. 17 at Florence Events Center, titled “Fresh Impressions.” Fresh Impressions is presented annually by the Friends of the FEC and the FEC Gallery Committee. The purpose of this exhibit is to encourage and support youth in their creative endeavors. Thanks to the guidance of art Instructors Kim Pickell, from Siuslaw High School, and Jessi Nelson, from Mapleton High School, visitors could see artwork of high quality, variety and originality. The student’s artwork will be on display in Galleries One and Five at the FEC during the month of January.
Mizu Burruss Board Vice Chair
Michelle Holman
Carl West Board Chairman
Siuslaw High School artists
Artists from Mapleton and Siuslaw high schools
At the Awards Reception, all students were honored with a Certificate of Recognition of Outstanding Achievement in Art. Additionally, awards were presented for first, second, third and honorable mention. Mapleton High School 1st – Ceyara Overton 2nd (tie) – Andy Riggs and Vladimyr Schwertfeger 3rd – Malana Dollman Honorable Mention – Emily Stevens
FREE PERSONAL PROTECTION WORKSHOP Lane Community College Florence Center will be offering a free one-day personal protection workshop on Friday, Feb. 23. Participants can attend one, two or all three sections of the workshop, which includes:
Students offer ‘Fresh Impressions’
Mapleton High School artists
LCC HOSTS
Siuslaw High School 1st – Lainey Goss 2nd – Davina Galli 3rd – Nina Rollin Honorable Mention (tie) – Geri Brooks and Elissa Hurley The Gallery Committee chose award recipients based on the following criteria: art that catches the eye; displays a good understanding of composition and technique; and is innovative in concept medium or style. Special thanks to the individuals and businesses that helped make this event possible: Florence Events Center and staff; Friends of the FEC and the Gallery Committee; Frames of Florence; Rosie’s Art Carnival; BeauxArts Fine Art Materials; Domino’s Pizza and the Committee on Random Acts of Kindness.
Sexual Assault Awareness Training 10 to 11:20 a.m. Attendees will be given instruction on how to reduce the chances of sexual assaults and harassment; the class will talk about dating, daily activities, alcohol/date rape drugs, stalking and stalking-like behavior, confidence, strategy and good habits. It will also talk about what to do if the worst happens and what the Public Safety and police response will be. Dating and Domestic Violence Awareness 11:30 a.m. to 12:50 p.m. The Dating and Domestic Violence Awareness presentation was put together with the goal of helping people out of abusive relationships, recognizing abusive relationships (whether it’s their own relationship or a friend’s/family member). This class will provide information on warning signs of abuse, what abuse is, making a plan to get away safely and resources around the college and the community (both emergency and legal). It will also include information about restraining orders and stalking orders and provide handouts on resources and safety planning. Basic Self-Defense Training 1 to 4 p.m. During this 3-hour class, attendees will be led through a series of warmup exercises to help loosen up and prevent injury. Participants will be instructed on proper methods to perform a variety of strikes and escape techniques. Be sure to wear loose-fitting clothing. Participants will be monitored as they practice their new skills on strike bags and assistants. In addition to hands-on exercises, participants will learn about personal safety in parking lots, including situational awareness, walking confidently and with head held high and having keys in hand, ready to open a car door or be used to protect oneself. To register for any or all classes in the workshop, come in to the Florence Center, 3149 Oak St., call 541-997-8444 or visit www.lanecc.edu/ce and click “browse our current class schedule” to register online.
SUBMISSIONS WELCOME Deadline for submissions is the 15th of every month. Be a part of School Zone, a monthly newsletter for students in the Siuslaw and Mapleton school districts. Email Siuslaw News Features Editor Chantelle Meyer at cmeyer@thesiuslawnews.com
2 ❚ THE SIUSLAW NEWS SCHOOL NEWSLETTER ❚ January 2018
COASTAL COMMUNITY PTA Reflections puts arts contest ‘within reach’ of students Seeking homeschooled high Florence Community PTA’s young artists submit their origiReflections program was denal art pieces in for judging. schoolers for new group signed to enhance quality Pre–K to Second–Grade arts education. This is a national program that allows pre-K to 12th-grade students to explore and express their unique artistic abilities. Reflections also provides parents and peers with an opportunity to recognize the students’ artistic endeavors, which will help to promote a desire for lifelong continuing education From left, Reflections winners Bree Carpenter, Brook Carpenter, Charley Holdhal, Connor and involvement in art. Sarles, Natilee Isham and Jessie Hoover. Clover Holbrook was also a winner. The PTA believes strongly awarded for multiple categories. ception of the theme and its prein making every child’s potenThese include dance chore- sentation. tial success a reality — and this is ography, film production, litTechnique: The level of skill a great way to start! The Reflections theme this erature, music composition, demonstrated in the basic prinyear is “Within Reach.” The stu- photography, visual arts and 3D ciples/techniques of the arts area. dents could interpret this in any visual arts. Each piece was judged on: The submissions that fit these way they choose and there were Interpretation: How closely criteria the most closely could several different categories they can submit their original art the piece related to the theme, next be turned in for the local, pieces in. Students had the op- based on the artwork itself and regional, state and national level awards and recognition. portunity to submit a piece to the artist statement. Creativity: How creative and This year, Siuslaw School any or all of the categories and a chance to be recognized and original the piece was in its con- District had eight very talented
Division: Connor Sarles – 1st place, visual arts Clover Holbrook – 2nd place, visual arts Natilee Isham – 3rd place, visual arts Third– to Fifth–Grade Division: Charley Holdhal – 1st and 2nd place, visual arts Bree Carpenter – 3rd place, visual arts Brook Carpenter – 4th place, visual arts Sixth– to Eighth–Grade Division: Jessie Hoover – 1st place, choreography There were no submissions for the high school category. First place winners Sarles, Holdhal and Hoover will now be moving on to the next round of judging at the state level. — Submitted by Melissa Samel
If you are a highschool homeschooler and would like to join other students for field trips, classes or social opportunities join a new group on Friday, Feb. 2, at 11:30 a.m. at Old Town Coffee, 125 Nopal St. The group will be discussing
ideas at this time. Homeschoolers are invited to stop in and share their thoughts about fun and educational opportunities. For more information, contact Usnea Lichen at usnea@ ymail.com.
Hula scholarships for middle and high school students Pacific Northwest Hula Academy (PNWHA) Cultural Arts Program for Youth is an immersion program to the language, music, history and dances of Hawai’i through the storytelling tradition of hula. The program may also include other dance traditions of Polynesia. A tuition scholarship is currently offered to youth ages 12 to 17. Participants must be available to attend all classes and re-
hearsals scheduled in the series, commit to at least three or more performances for community awareness of the program, and help fundraise for costumes, expenses and other necessary supplies. Classes and rehearsals will be held at Lane Community College Florence Center. Limited spots are available; email or call instructor Iwalalani Raes for more information, pnwhula@ gmail.com, 541-603-4393.
RECORD AUDITIONS SHOW CROW NOT FAFSA can help pay for college ‘MONKEYING AROUND’ WITH ‘TARZAN’ T he application period to file for federal student financial aid for the 2018-19 academic year (June 2018 – June 2019) opened on Oct. 1. To apply today, visit fafsa.ed.gov to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online, or request a paper FAFSA by calling 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243). For the hearing impaired, contact the TTY
Look KID for
line at 1-800-730-8913. Applications for both 2017-18 and 2018-19 are currently being accepted, so please use care in selecting the correct academic year. The FAFSA is open to all students planning to attend schooling, not just current high school students. — Submitted by Lane Community College Florence Center
SCOOP
Kid Scoop runs every Wednesday during the school year in the Siuslaw News and features educational stories and fun activities for families. The activity 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 info.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF CROW PARENTS & VOLUNTEERS
A
total of 87 excited and nervous kids auditioned Jan. 8 and 9 for Children Repertory of Oregon Workshops’ (CROW) production of Disney’s “Tarzan.” The youth ranged from small roles for 3 and up all the way up to their 20s. With so many talented kids to select from, it became exceptionally difficult for the production team to choose the final cast. CROW Artistic Director Melanie Heard said, “We are impressed and amazed by the caliber of auditionees this year. Many wonderful new faces, as well as some ‘old pros,’ made for a really amazing start to this fantastic mainstage musical.” This full mainstage musical of Disney’s “Tarzan,” featuring music by Phil Collins, will be performed at the Florence Events Center April 13 to 15. “Hold onto your vines, Florence. Tarzan is going to be epic,” Heard added. For information on CROW, including classes, summer camps and the “Tarzan” cast list, visit www.crowkids.com.
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:
TAKING LEAPS WITH 'FLIGHT' DANCE
CROW’s FLIGHT Dance Team is definitely one of my favorite things to do because it shows me how much I love to dance. Dancing is complicated, but I’ve learned I love to challenge myself to do what I couldn’t before. If anything, FLIGHT shows
how practice really does pay off. FLIGHT is a family. We stick together so none of us have to be alone. Because of this, I have a lot of friends from FLIGHT. After all of our practicing, it’s fun to perform and share what we’ve worked so hard for. There’s nothing like that rush you get
when you’re on stage. It tells you you’re about to make someone’s day. That is why I’m a member of FLIGHT. — Victoria Schlager, a CROW kid and dancer For more information, visit crowkids.com/flight-dance-team.
Volunteer
MAPLETON apleton School District welcomes and encourages parent and community volunteers in its schools. The schools have several opportunities for volunteers to help students and teachers. People can volunteer to help with the Elementary Rolling Readers Program, chaperone fieldtrips or volunteer in a classroom. All volunteers must pass the district’s
M
criminal background check. This check is free and is good for two years. Interested people can download the background check form from www. mapleton.k12.or.us or pick one up from school offices. Thank you for your interest in helping the Mapleton School District. For more information, call the District Office at 541-268-4312.
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THE SIUSLAW NEWS SCHOOL NEWSLETTER ❚ January 2018 ❚ 3
SIUSLAW STEP awards student for her salmon song By Mike Frankhouser STEP member Siuslaw Elementary School student Mackenzie Ramsey was honored by STEP (Salmon and Trout Enhancement Program) for a song that she composed, called “Goodbye Salmon Song.” Ramsey sang it to Florence STEP members on the day they picked up hatched fish from Siuslaw Elementary School to take to Munsel Creek for release in November. Ramsey was presented with a STEP patch, a STEP bumper sticker and a $25 gift certificate at Subway Sandwiches. “After years of involvement in the STEP Fish to Fry program, this is the first time a student has spent
ARTIST OF THE MONTH
Lainey Goss
Goodbye Salmon Song By Mackenzie Ramsey
the time to compose something to show their understanding and appreciation of the program. We in STEP thought that this deserved some recognition,” said STEP member Mike Frankhouser. “Many thanks to Mackenzie.” — Submitted by Diane McCalmont
PHOTO BY KIM STOKES
From left, third-grade teacher Dolly Greene, student Mackenzie Ramsey, STEP member Mike Frankhouser, STEP board member Skip Rosenbalm and Florence STEP Fish To Fry Program Leader Terry Talbot.
Goodbye Salmon — we know you so well, you were so swell You’re going home. I hope you travel to Nome. Goodbye salmon, you can swim to your home stream Like a lightning beam. Jump so high in the sky. The people see you while they’re eating pie. Even though you have no ears, you have a strong sense of smell. At least you don’t have a fence. You will eat bugs, not like people, not like slugs. You will travel through the ocean Where the sky and water meet From a single wave is God’s beat. You will fill the earth with care. Goodbye Salmon!
— Advanced Pottery BY AUDREY LOWDER Siuslaw High School Student
L
ainey Goss was selected as this month’s artist of the month by Mrs. Kim Pickell. Lainey is the daughter of proud parents Trisha Holden and Brian Goss. She is currently a senior at Siuslaw High School. PHOTO BY CAROL JOLLEY Lainey enjoys beell is just super nice, she’s suping in pottery because she can “make what I want to portive, and she’s always willmake. It’s a good, relaxing way ing to help out if I need help.” Lainey plans to attend OSU to start the day.” The atmosphere of Ad- honors college. “The summer before I go I’m vanced Pottery is “really nice, it’s relaxed. I sit with my probably going to go to Lonfriends and just work on pot- don for a study abroad program,” she said. tery,” says Lainey. Lainey wants to be a doctor, Her favorite project was “a really big coil vessel [she so she is majoring in bio health sciences and then plans to go made] last year.” She said it was two feet tall. into pre-med after that. If you wish to see more of “Pottery is my favorite,” she said. “I like painting too, and Lainey, keep your eye on Siusdrawing and reading. Just lots law Track and Field, which will begin its season near the end of little things.” Lainey likes that “Mrs. Pick- of February. “Being creative is not a hobby. It’s a way of life.” —Unknown
Geography Bee tests knowledge of the world
Siuslaw Elementary School 2018 National Geography Bee Finalists
Siuslaw Middle School 2018 National Geography Bee Finalists
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Thank you to the following supporters of this special monthly section Giles Maloof Ada Grange Doug and Deborah Manthe Dorothy Allen Raymond Manthe Tom and Sharon Armstrong Jim and Carolyn Markle Dollie Austin Nancy Mattice Diane Bailiff Don McCall Bob and Sophie Baker Peggy Mccullum Mr. and Mrs. Bill Bauer Daniel McDivitt Virgile Bechtold Bill McDougle Band Of Brothers Sharon McLeod Anne Caples Craig McMicken Catling Ken Melnychak Virginia Carroll Sheldon and Mary Meyer Barbara Cavarno R.g. Meyser Donald Chapin Don And Ginnie Chehak Jim Moe Jack and Colleen Moore Dick Childs Sharon and Wallace Morey Evelyn Cloyd Harry Morgan and Scherrie Halfacre William and Kay Craig Leo Moyer Mrs. Joanne Crippen Gerald Mulvey Joan Daoust Mr and Mrs Wm Munzer Sharon David Marjorie Dalby Jim Murphy Teri and Mike Myers Denise Dee Natalie Nagrone (Key Realty) Tom and Phyllis Dickson The Necklason’s Mike Dixon Keith and Joanne Nelson Joseph and Frieda Doyle Larry Newman Jim and Sharron Dwiggins Lanny and Roxy Nivens Donna Edgeworth North County Lures Juanita Edwards Edward Ogle Ivan and Diane Ellington Don Olson Denny and Barbara Ellis Joan Owens Jacqueline Evans Robert L. Pack and Susan L Ellison Don And Rhea Forum Julie Peak L. Furby Al Pearn Paul Gargis Rachel and Paul Pearson Kent & Teresa Gibson Karen Peck Leo Goddard Aubrey Pendergrass Becky Goehring Karen Pendergrass Alan Golob John Pino Dave and Becky Gould Roger Poirier Dave Gruesz Linda Pugh Bruce Hadley David Rankin GL Hale Martha Ransom Jerry Hammond Roger Ranta Jim and Dee Hartley Patricia Reno Vicki Higgins Dusty Rhodes Robert and Barbara Hix Sharon Hobart Dix Richardson Sally Hodgdon Gloria Richardson Fran and John Rickaby Barbara Holler Paul Holman/Tracy Smith Larry Rosenbalm Aaron Holmes Lynn Ryan Archie Hornfelt Diane Sábado Delores Hopkins Ronald Sherriffs Lillian Hunter David Smith MD Laena, Ethan Brandon Jagoe Robert Spencer Leo and Shirley Stapleton David and Benita Jefferis Hazel P. Jennings John Stead Fred Jensen Bill Stone Brian and Denise Johnston Carol Thompson Carol Jolley Ginger Timberlake Frankie and Harry Jorgensen Londi Tomaro Ginny Kelly Gary and Marian Trueblood Arils Ulman Eric Kirsten Elton Knutson Clare Vanriper Leroy Krzycki Lynda Verscheiden S. Lacer, B. Mealer Susan Weathers Barbara Lamb Paul Webster Floyd and Deborah Larson Western Lane Ambulance Andrew Latoma Siuslaw Valley Fire And Rescue Heather Wiggins Teresa Lichti Lloyd Little Rhode Willard Aaron Longo George Williams Clarence & Nancy Lysdale Edward and Delores Wilson Judy Madsen Veronica Zecchini and Tom Jackson Don Mahardy
Finalists in the 2018 National Geographic Society’s Geography Bee at Siuslaw Elementary School and Siuslaw Middle School competed Jan. 18 at each school. At SES, those competing for the championship were: fifth-graders Dylan Jensen, Joel Sissel, RJ Johnston, Rhianna Lane, Macali Lade, Maya Wells, Jack Clinton, Daniel Gorbett and Kaden Wood. At SMS, those competing for the championship were: sixthgraders Samuel Castle and Andrew Jenson-Norman; seventhgraders Owen Harklerode and Jeff Edman; and eighth-graders Harrison Huebner, Camp Lacouture, Izayah Degitz and Chad Hughes. All of these students scored highly in the preliminary qualiAbove, SMS Champion Chad Hughes Below, SES Champion Jack Clinton
fying round: 25 moderately hard multiple-choice questions offered to all fourth- through eighthgrade students. The top students from the elementary and middle schools were declared finalists. The winners at Siuslaw Elementary School were: third place Joel Sissel, second place Rhianna Lane and and first place Jack Clinton.
At Siuslaw Middle School the winners were: third place Andrew Jenson-Norman, second place Harrison Huebner and first place Chad Hughes. Both Clinton and Hughes will now take the state qualifying test to see if they will be able to compete in the state finals. Congratulations to all of the participants!
SMS Knowledge Bowl Team competes On Jan. 17, members of the Siuslaw Middle School Knowledge Bowl, consisting of 11 seventh- and eighth-grade students, traveled to Coos Bay for a competition. Siuslaw students were broken up into three teams for this competition. Other schools competing were Brookings, North Bend, Port Orford and Coquille.
In Knowledge Bowl, students work in teams of three or four against teams from other schools, answering various academic-based questions in math, science, language arts and social studies. The three teams from Siuslaw placed 1st, 3rd and 4th, their best showing of the year. The Siuslaw team that won
GOOOOOOOOAL
Most of us know what soccer is — a world-famous game that involves 11 players on each team trying to kick a ball into the net. “GOOOOOOOOOOAL” goes the field when their team gets the point. In celebration for the upcoming 2018 FIFA World Cup and the return of the Siuslaw Youth Soccer Association, I will share soccer stories about watching a World Cup match and an experience I had with my soccer team. In the summer of 2011, there was a match between the teams of the U.S. and Mexico. My entire family rooted for Mexico, but I decided to support my country, and root for the U.S. instead. I remembered USA won the last time these two teams met, so I knew that Mexico would be a fairly easy team to beat. But that all changed on this day. We were off to a good start. Two points for the US and none for Mexico, but little did I know things would turn around for the rest of the match. Somewhere around the halfway point, Mexico finally scored its first point. I was disappointed of this but kept my chin up since we were still leading, but then, GOOOOOOOOOOAL. Another point for Mexico. Now the teams were tied. I knew that it would be “game over” if Mexico scored a third goal, because the team got its goals in a short matter of time, while the U.S. got its two goals in a longer time. Finally, at the end of the match, Mexico won 4-2. From
that day on, I had to wish the U.S. team good luck for the next time the two countries met. More locally, I have wished there was a soccer club I could join ever since I started playing soccer at a young age. My wish came true in the fall of 2016, when a group of volunteers formed the Siuslaw Youth Soccer Association, and I decided to take advantage of the opportunity. I was placed with the +14 group, a group that mostly consisted of high schoolers. When I first started out, I thought I would be one of the players that wasn't the greatest, but not the worst either. After the group deciding soccer match, I felt good, and I knew that I would get better as the season progressed. After a few practices, the first game arrived. I was placed as a midfielder, and I knew that I would need to work harder if I wanted to play forward. All that game, I worked as a team player to help set up our team’s goals. When the next game arrived, I was placed as a forward. I knew that it would be a privilege to be placed in the position, and I made some good strategies. In my first game of being a forward, I failed to make goals, but that did not stop me from trying hard. In the third game, I finally prevailed, as I put myself in just the right spot for a corner kick to score. After working hard on my shots, kicks and passes, I was becoming better than just kick-
the tournament consisted of seventh-grader Ian Sissel and eighth-graders Chad Hughes and Beau Erickson. The next scheduled competition is Feb. 14, again in Coos Bay. At the final match in march, the competition will be for a league championship trophy. Way to go Viks!!! — Submitted by Patrick Wondra BY RAMIRO RAMIREZ Siuslaw High School Student
ing the ball to no one. I made the most goals in my ninth game — a total of three. They were all made by being in the right place, sprinting down to the other side, and having focus. There were times where I would have to beat a player that looked six feet tall in order to get to the field. Even though it was intimidating, I did not let that get into my way of scoring. I would just sprint as hard as I could and try my hardest to beat every player beside me. When the season ended, I made 10 goals, more than I thought I could make. The Siuslaw Youth Soccer Association was a team for me, and it helped me build friendships among my teammates, and taught us that we can’t score alone. We need someone to be there to pass the ball to us, and sometimes retreat it to them. Playing soccer with the association helped me build stamina, agility, speed and accuracy while being fun as well. When watching soccer matches, you can feel like you are part of the action going on the field. You can feel the pressure on the players, the power of their shots and the amount of speed they carry to the other side of the field. Think of how amazing it feels to be the one playing. The upcoming 2018 Siuslaw Youth Soccer Association Spring season is almost here, and sign ups begin in March. I will be coming back for another season of soccer, and I encourage you to sign up as well.
4 � THE SIUSLAW NEWS SCHOOL NEWSLETTER � January 2018 School Board Spotlight From Page 1 Mizu Burruss: Although poverty, unemployment and the lack of affordable, quality housing aren’t things that the school has control over, the school is responsible for educating students who are confronting these difficulties. In the face of these challenges, Mapleton School District’s focus on each individual student has been really successful — we have the highest graduation rate in Lane County over the last five years — a real testament to the dedication of our staff. What are some of the successes you’ve seen since becoming involved with the board? Obviously, the biggest recent success is the passing of the school bond and the renovation this allows. The construction process is moving along smoothly; the elementary school is finished and beautiful. (There will be a February open house.) Construction has moved to the high school and should be finished by the opening of the 2018-19 school year. Also, the Beyond Me program, a community service program for all students, has greatly increased community involvement. What changes would you make to the education process, at any point, to improve the education received by students? More opportunities. As a small, remote district we don’t have access to the number and variety of options for different activities and electives that a large, urban school would have. In the past couple of years, we’ve added an elementary Talented and Gifted program and extracurricular activities for elementary kids. We are working on bringing a pre-school program for the 201819 school year. We’d always like to add more, so that all kids can have a meaningful school experience. How can the public best support the board’s effort to adequately educate the area’s young people? Volunteer. There are a number of different opportunities to get involved: Rolling Readers, coaching, mentoring junior-senior
projects, etc. Call the Elementary Office at dent teacher ratios. It can’t be understated 541-268-4471 or the High School Office at how this positively affects a student’s school 541-268-4332. Even if you have no experi- experience. ence working with kids, every little bit helps. Bringing back art and foreign language classes has been very uplifting. The passing Marilyn Fox: of the school bond to make much needed The Beyond Me program is amazing as it improvements to our facilities has ignited challenges our students to become involved a fire in our school community. The overin community service projects. whelming support the voters encourages The School Board and administrative and inspires us all. team work well together and put the needs What changes would you make to the of our district and our children first. education process, at any point, to imWhat changes would you make to the prove the education received by students? education process, at any point, to imI would love to see standardized testing prove the education received by students? go the way of the dinosaurs. Let teachers As a state, we need to provide more op- teach subject matter for its’ own sake, not portunities for our students to take classes for government-imposed test results. that will prepare them for college, if that’s How can the public best support your what they choose. We also need to continue board’s effort to adequately educate the to provide training for trade schools and ca- area’s young people? reers for those who have different plans after Get involved. Visit your child’s classroom graduation. Something that will give them and maintain a relationship with your chila leg up. dren’s teacher/s. It’s no secret that this is so How can the public best support your helpful in achieving the educational sucboard’s effort to adequately educate the cesses of your child. area’s young people? Volunteer at our schools, if you can I’d like to thank the community for be- squeeze in the time, whether or not you lieving in our kids. They are very support- have kids attending Mapleton. Contact your school board members ive of our school district, as demonstrated with concerns, questions or suggestions. by passing the bond. It’s refreshing to be on a board that is Our schools are the heart of Mapleton. Take there to support our kids. We truly believe your rightful place in our collective future. in and stand by our mission statement: “To John Simington: provide a supportive and safe learning enWith the funds supplied by a community vironment where students are encouraged and empowered to reach their educational supported bond, Mapleton Schools are beand personal potential. We base all of our ing moved into the new age with a clean façade, new facilities, infrastructure and, decisions on what’s best for kids.â€? most importantly, the updated teaching spaces with all the new technologies. Michelle Holman: What changes would you make to the Regardless, the board and administration education process, at any point, to imkeep Mapleton Schools solvent. What are some of the successes you’ve prove the education received by students? It has become common for teachers to seen since becoming involved with the find themselves wearing multiple hats. Alboard? Due to small class sizes and compassion- though every standard is met, additional ate, skilled staff, Mapleton students enjoy funding for additional staffing would allow support and guidance that they are unlikely teachers to become more specialized with to receive in larger schools with higher stu- their topics and groups.
How can the public best support your board’s effort to adequately educate the area’s young people? It takes a village. Whether you have kids in school or not, the little things will add up. Spend that extra minute, visit a sporting event or volunteer your time. Carl West: What do you feel are the biggest challenges facing your district? • Maintaining a consistent student population has been a real challenge at Mapleton. The lack of adequate affordable housing and jobs within the community is a real problem. Many families have to work out of district. • The budget is always a concern and I do not feel Oregon is putting a high enough priority on assuring adequate funding levels are maintained. • PERS continues to impact the education system within the state as rates continue to increase. • Standardized Testing has become a significant time impact to the district and has led to many students having grief over mandatory participation. It really does take away from the instruction time in the classroom. • Lack of a pre-school to prepare the upcoming kids for kindergarten. We are working on it. • Good parental support at home to assist in the success of their kid’s educational development. What are some of the successes you’ve seen since becoming involved with the board? • Mapleton has always had a great graduation rate and puts a priority on assuring our kids come out of high school prepared for the next chapter in their education. • Our staff has always taught at a high level of instruction at all levels of the district. • We were very successful in passing our school renovation bond measure. Work is progressing well within the district. We ap-
2nd-Graders visit Siuslaw Valley Fire & Rescue
SES AT WINTER MUSIC FEST
The second-grade classes from Siuslaw Elementary School visited the Siuslaw Valley Fire and Rescue Station on Jan. 9 and 10. Students learned a variety of safety measures to remember when there is a threat of fire. They were instructed on how it is important to know their phone number and address in case they have to report a fire. They also
Several of Mrs. Kassy Keppol’s Talented and Gifted (TAG) students attended and manned a booth at this year’s Winter Music Festival. The booth showcased student weaving demonstrations, anthology book signings and sales by student writers, and an auction of “reading buddy dragons,â€? which the students made out of paper mâchĂŠ. Some highlights included a visit by Mayor Joe Henry (right) and pictures with music celebrities.
Some firefighters demonstrated what they do and how they get ready to fight fires. Students were fascinated when an actual emergency call came in while they were there. As they left, students were given cool pencils found out that fire department and rulers to take back to school. At the end of January, the fire personnel go out to homes to inspect and install smoke detectors department visited the classes at school for a follow up. for free.
RAINY DAY
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preciate the level of involvement and support from the community in making this possible. • Mapleton has received many grants over the years due to the hard work and extra effort from staff putting together professional high quality applications. • Sports teams have participated at a high level with many sportsmanship awards and league championships over the years. • Construction of the first 300 meter allweather track in the state. What changes would you make to the education process, at any point, to improve the education received by students? • I would restructure the Standardized Testing process to better evaluate students on individual improvement and growth versus in front of a computer. All students do not advance at the same rate of learning. • I think we need to assure all students are participative and not being left behind. We cannot be afraid to have a student take a grade over if they cannot demonstrate they are ready for the next level. • Stay progressive with technical advances to assure students have access to the best tools available. • Focus on higher education for students from the first day of school to graduating. Attending college needs to be an expectation for the majority of our students. How can the public best support your board’s effort to adequately educate the area’s young people? • The public needs to be involved in district activities and provide input where they see improvement needed. The district takes input well and welcomes all patrons to know what is going on within their district. • Volunteer as available for programs when the call comes. We all have a unique quality that will benefit our students. Sometimes just giving your time is most valuable. • Showing support to our kids is the most important thing we can do as parents. I want to personally thank the patrons for the Mapleton School District for their continued support and trust.
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We’re Open 6 Days A Week Monday-Friday 8:30am–7:00pm Saturday 9:00am–6:00pm Service Dept. Open Saturdays 8:00am–1:00pm Pictures for illustration purpose only. Vehicles subject to prior sale. Prices do not include license, title, registration, and doc fees. Financing on approved credit. Please contact dealer for details. Ad prices expire 1/31/18