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About The nugget. (Sisters, Or.) 1994-current | View Entire Issue (March 8, 2017)
18 Wednesday, March 8, 2017 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon Board adopts school 2017-18 schedule By Steve Kadel Correspondent The Sisters School District has set its schedule for the 2017-2018 school year, but not without dissent from one school board member. The board voted 4-1 at its monthly meeting last Wednesday to adopt the schedule. Board chairman Jeff Smith, vice chair Amanda Clark and members Greg Zadow and Don Hedrick voted in favor. Board member Stephen King voted against the measure because he wanted to lengthen class time. Board members discussed a proposal to add class time on three separate dates — January 17, January 18 and June 12. High School students have final exams on those days and the proposal would have provided a full day of school for elementary and middle school students rather than a half day. King said it would lead to better educational results, saying that’s a goal everyone can support. “We need teachers in front of kids more than we have today,” he said. “We know what the direction is. I want to see us take some steps toward that.” However, others said the move would take away from teachers’ preparation time. Sisters High School Principal Joe Hosang noted, “We’ve already created a calendar that sacrifices some prep time.” Hedrick also said the trad- eoff wouldn’t be beneficial. “Teachers need prep time and time to talk with other teachers about what works and what doesn’t,” he said. Clark said it is “not rea- sonable” to expect teachers to use their own time to prepare class lessons. That prompted King to remark, “I never argued for a reduction in teacher prep time.” King added that he also favors putting money into staff development programs for teachers. The schedule that was adopted calls for grades one through nine starting the school year on August 28 with sophomores, juniors and seniors beginning on August 29. The first day of kinder- garten will be September 5. The last day of school will be June 13. Thanksgiving vacation will be November 20-24. Christmas vacation will be December 25 through January 5. Big changes at Sisters Coffee Co.... LETTERS Continued from page 2 writer refers to an op-ed on page 2). Words that stood out to me in this article were despi- cable, dominated, fear-mongering, position- ing, criticized, lectured, complacency. The tone was blaming, negative, oppositional. I have choices. I can choose to hold tightly to my opinions, my political ideology, a con- tempt for others who think differently than I do. I can choose to live in an inner atmosphere of anger, protection, hatred, intolerance. Or, I can choose to stand firm in my core beliefs, appreciate my family, friends, co-workers, neighbors who think differently than I do. I can choose to be tolerant, accepting, even embracing of our differences. I may not understand, I may not agree, but I will choose to respect others as individuals, and nurture and cherish my relationships with them. One of the most devastating and dangerous signs of these times is, for me, the ever-wid- ening chasm between fellow citizens, family members, friends, neighbors, coworkers. I can choose to participate in widening this chasm further – I can also choose to mend some breaks, however small, to have hope and to live and work with others in an atmosphere of respect and acceptance. Mary Pyke s s s To The Editor: Mr. Wattenburg’s lengthy guest column last week attempts to make a mountain out of a molehill. Context matters. The meeting was, effec- tively, a boisterous pep rally of folks who are resisting the Trump agenda. They came out to show support for each other (community) and to encourage Senator Wyden to resist when and where possible in the Senate. Approximately 747 Democrats, or 99.6 percent of the audience, politely listened to Mr. Wattenburg enthusiastically express his approval of Senator Wyden’s statement that he accepted the outcome of the election. No hissing or booing for maybe 15-20 seconds. Considering the mood in the room, I would say that showed remarkable restraint. At the same time, their silence allowed them their own freedom of expression, which was some- what less enthusiasm for the same statement. That hardly rises to the level of despicability in my view. As for Mr. Wattenburg’s final crescendo, in which he assumes to inform the rest of the world about Right and Wrong (capitalization supplied by Mr. Wattenburg) — forget it. I’ve learned that you’re entitled to determine right and wrong for yourself and your children until they’re about 12 years old. That’s about it. Nobody else gives a hoot. Stuart Scofield FREE Spay/Neuter for Your Cat or Dog PHOTO BY JERRY BALDOCK Family members Jared, Jesse, Leigh-Anne and Justin Durham have worked together to plan and execute a major remodel at Sisters Coffee Co. A completely new interior layout and state-of- the-art equipment are expected to enhance the coffee experience for locals and visitors alike. TIME TO BEAT THE RUSH GET YOUR LAWN MOWERS AND OUTDOOR POWER EQUIPMENT TUNED UP EARLY AND READY FOR THE SEASON! Easy as 1-2-3 1 Stop by The Nugget offi ce to fi ll out a short form 2 Call Bend Spay & Neuter for the appointment 3 Take your pet — Furry Friends pays. Done! FURRY FRIEND S 506 N. Pine St. 541-549-9631 Sales | Service Rentals Accessories www.sistersrental.com 501 ( c )( 3 ) FOUNDATION Ask about our vaccination sponsorships too! 541-549-9941 www.furryfriendsfoundation.org