Wednesday, November 4, 2020 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon Continued from page 1 provided more context and information. While school person- nel could not share specific information due to an ongo- ing investigation into the incidents, principal Alison Haney and Vice Principal Tim Roth acknowledged and defined the situation to some degree, and included some of the actions taking place to get to the bottom of what happened. Results of the investiga- tion will help school officials decide how to further inter- vene on those responsible and to help ensure that simi- lar incidents don9t happen again. Haney and Roth9s letter indicated that the language was <beyond inappropriate.= The investigation includes work on the part of the tech- nology department to deter- mine the user(s) responsible for the incidents. Further response by the school will include providing counselor and staff support for students affected by the incidents as well as working as a staff to help problem- solve in order to mitigate any such occurrences from hap- pening again. The letter said, <We are exploring every possible way of keeping our students as safe as possible in this digital realm.= Haney said in the second letter, <I9m not so naive as to think that this will be the last event of technological misuse, but I do believe we must send a clear message to our students, both from home and school, about appropriate use and its consequences at home, school, and in life.= The letter included a message focused on using this situation as a learn- ing experience in order to thwart incidents like these by understanding points, <such as speaking up when inap- propriate behavior occurs, standing up for others, understanding that actions have real consequences, dif- ferentiating between what is a so-called joke and what is not, what discriminatory and harassing words are, the per- manency of online actions, and many others.= Haney wants parents and students to be assured that all leads are being investigated thoroughly and fairly and will have consequences that align directly with the actions in which guilt is discovered. In an interview she re- emphasized, <We are always here to forgive, as well as instruct and support our stu- dents on both sides of this issue, as middle school is a critical stage to teach some of life9s most difficult lessons.= Sisters salutes... Outlaws Athlete Spotlight While high school sports have been topsy-turvy due to the coronavirus pandemic, athletes continue to step up into leadership roles. Coaches singled out track athlete Shelby Larson and soccer player Simon Rhett for the Outlaws Athlete Spotlight. <Shelby Larson epito- mizes what can be accom- plished as a scholar/athlete throughout her school career without skimping on the other facets of scholarship, exemplary character and ser- vice,= said Assistant Coach Jim Anderson. <She is a role model without pretense, will- ing to help others as they try to emulate her example. She presently carries a 3.9-plus GPA and is the 2020-21 stu- dent body president.= She placed second when she was a freshman and won the Far West League pole vault title last year, going on to tie for third at the state meet. <Shelby does not com- plain about our lost sea- son, but has instead set high goals for her senior year,= Anderson said. <With this season yet to unfold, she well could challenge our school record, as well as a state meet title.= He concluded: <Coaching this fine young lady has been such a joy to her coaches: she often takes the next step before it is even explained. PHOTO PROVIDED PHOTO PROVIDED Simon Rhett. Shelby Larson. Go, Shelby!= Coach Kevin Eckert praised Rhett9s leadership. <He organized summer trainings and motivated a group of kids to come out for soccer, and more impres- sively, fitness training over the summer and into the early fall,= he said. <As we coaches had to be very 8hands-off9 (and can9t push kids to participate) given the current times, I was glad to see Simon and a few other kids consistently training, and spreading the word to get other kids involved. And, from what I saw, they were being responsible and pretty darn safe 4 impressive for kids this age.= As Simon is also friends with my boys, I9ve gotten to know him well this last year plus. He9s hardworking (often gets up ungodly early to work in mom9s bakery!) and balances school and other life commitments very well. He9s a really outstand- ing young man. Made in Sisters, Oregon We skillfully fabricate your ideas (and ours) in steel, aluminum, copper & other metals. We do repair work, too. PHOTO BY ALEX JORDAN ONLINE: School is investigating multiple incidents “Your Local Welding Shop” CCB# 87640 541-549-9280 | 207 W. Sisters Park Dr. | PonderosaForge.com We have something for ALL ages! Fun Fitness and 12 SISTERS Park & Recreation DISTRICT Stay up to date on SPRD programs rams at... SistersRecreation.com i 541-549-2091 • 1750 W. McKinney Butte Rd., Sisters Faye Ziebert wrote: <I would like to send my appreciation to Three Sisters Floral and Sisters Bakery for preparing the beautiful flowers and deli- cious food for my husband Frank Ziebert9s celebration of his life, and Autumn Funerals for their helpful- ness in coordinating the Honor Guard for the cer- emony which honored his service-filled life. Lastly, Partners in Care Hospice House of Bend has meant so much to me in providing care for Frank and myself during these long difficult months. Sisters has opened it9s heart for me and my appre- ciation is profound.= BANR ENTERPRISES, LLC Residential & Commercial Contractor BANR can help you from clearing to concrete… demolition to design. When the going gets tough, even the tough call us! CCB#165122 541-549-6977 WWW.BANR.NET | SCOTT@BANR.NET