Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About The nugget. (Sisters, Or.) 1994-current | View Entire Issue (Oct. 7, 2015)
4 Wednesday, October 7, 2015 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon A close call on the highway... School gets kids out walking By Erin Borla Correspondent Every Wednesday morn- ing, after the first bell rings at Sisters Elementary School, students stay outside on the playground. They’re not there to play — they’re there to walk. And they love it. Staff and administrators at Sisters Elementary School are working to build community within their school. “Walking Wednesdays” allow students a chance to burn their energy and be outside in the fresh air for the first 10 minutes of the school day. It’s not just for stu- dents. Staff and administration walk, too. Parents are invited to join in on the fun. “Bring your coffee and walk the track with us,” Prin- cipal Becky Stoughton said in her letter home to the families. “It’s great to get exercise,” says third-grader Kayla Cash- well. “We are supposed to walk, but some kids like to run.” “It’s my favorite part of the day,” says another kindergartner. “As a staff we worked on a motion and movement program last spring,” says Stoughton. “Walking Wednes- days was born from that pro- gram — and the teachers asked for it again this school year. It falls into our school culture of building relation- ships with our students.” “I love being outside on these mornings,” says kinder- garten teacher Mylee Card. “There is something to be said for all of us, staff and students, about the fresh air. I wish we could do this every day.” “We want to bring fami- lies in the school at a differ- ent level of engagement,” says Stoughton. “In general, kids aren’t talking as much as they used to. I want adults in our school talking with kids, not talking at them. We are work- ing hard to build conversations photo by ERin Borla Students, teachers and parents get out walking in a community-building endeavor at Sisters Elementary School. about what the students are “This is year three of the doing and bring the families SWIFT grant and we have a back into the school.” chance to go for another three Sisters School District years,” says Stoughton. “It’s is one of four districts in the not about the money with the state of Oregon working grant, it’s the technical assis- with a grant from SWIFT tance, research, and resources Schools (Schoolwide Inte- we receive and the support for g r a t e d F r a m e w o r k f o r our staff to help build rela- Transformation). tionships in and reconnect the SWIFT, designed for community with our school.” grades K-8, is an on-going While Walking Wednes- technical assistance process days is just one way the school targeted to the needs of indi- is trying to bring more fami- vidual schools and districts. lies into the school commu- The program features five nity, it is definitely one of the domains where each part- most visible. Monthly “Family ner school receives training Nights” are planned, focus- and support to better their ing on different areas of cur- programs. These domains riculum – math, reading and include: creating a strong and literature, and art. Parents can engaged leadership and edu- get involved in these activities cator support system; inclu- through the Sisters Parent- sive academic and behavior Teacher Community (SPTC), instruction; fully integrated which meets monthly at the organizational structure and school. creating a strong and positive Walking Wednesdays will school culture; trusting family continue through the year, and community partnerships; even on inclement weather and an inclusive local educa- days. Students and staff can tion agency/school relation- use the natural track made up ship and policy framework. within the school, around the “A SWIFT classroom rep- halls, from the gym through resents a diverse learning the commons and around the community,” according to C wing. the SWIFT Schools website. “Let’s bring the families Using teachers, parent volun- back into the school,” says teers, specialized educators, Stoughton. “Sisters Elemen- and even peer-to-peer collabo- tary volunteers and families ration students are valued for are more than just field trips their unique contribution to and bake sales — we are a the classroom. community.” photo courtesy The Fly Fisher’s Place According to witnesses, on Monday afternoon a semi-truck crossed the line at a curve and struck a trailer pulling a drift boat before running off the road on Highway 126 just east of Sisters. The occupants of the vehicle were unhurt. The truck driver reportedly fled the scene on foot. Ready For Cooler Temps? We’ve got your workout covered! Over 40 classes per week included with your membership! Spin • Body Sculpt Water Aerobics • Zumba Yoga • Pilates Swimming pool, steam room and hot tub. Single, couple and family membership options. All memberships are month-to-month. ✃ ✃ Bring in this ✃ ng ri coupon du the month of October fo FROM DINING ROOMS TO GREATROOMS… WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED! r your F R E E T WO W E E K T R I A L! Over 6,000 sq. ft. of Consignment Furniture Wide Selection of Art & Accessories New Mattresses & Hollywood Frames 625 ARROWLEAF TRAIL (OUTLAW STATION) | 541-719-1719 | SUN-FRI 9:30 AM-6 PM 541-549-6878 www.sistersathleticclub.com