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About Vernonia's voice. (Vernonia, OR) 2007-current | View Entire Issue (June 1, 2007)
vernonia’s voice education june 2007 StEP Program Looks for Solutions By Jill Hult Vernonia School District 47J recently sought the guidance of Dr. George Copa, of Oregon State University, to develop a Strategic Education Plan (StEP) for the future education of our children. The district reached out to form a committee consisting of community members, district staff, students, and parents to write this plan. The foundation of the plan has been built on the research work of Dr. George Copa, and Superintendent Dr. Ken Cox is leading the committee. The committee meets every two weeks in four hour sessions to discuss and examine the context in which learning takes place, who is learning, expectations of learning, the learn- ing processes to be used, the organization, the staff, partnerships, and the environment that impacts all learning. In the first meeting held on April 24, 2007 the committee discussed the research of Dr. Copa and was given reading material that educated them on the statistics and direction of education in America. The committee has also learned about other school districts that have developed their own Strategic Education Plans. From these valuable informational tools, the committee discussed and formed specific and general data that could be used in the design process for our own school district. One task was to look at the positives about Vernonia and Vernonia schools. Areas 05 Vernonia Middle School Students Travel to DC By Scott Laird Eight Vernonia Middle School students re- cently got a unique opportunity, traveling to Wash- ington, DC as part of a five day educational visit through their school Leadership Class. The trip was through a program called Close-Up, which hosted the students during their visit. The students were part of about 500 stu- dents from all over the country, from Alaska to Florida. Highlights of the trip included the Wash- ington Monument, the JFK Memorial, the WWI, II, Korean, and Vietnam War Memorials, and the Lincoln Memorial. They also visited the Smithson- ian Museum, the Natural History Museum, the Air of discussion also included concepts such as: cul- and Space Museum, Arlington National Cemetery, tural changes, learning results, being future oriented, Jamestown and Williamsburg. improving self-esteem, and a design vision. The top The trip cost $1,530 for each student which two design vision choices the committee decided on included airfare, hotel, all food, ground transportation were the focus on all learners and revitalizing re- and admissions into places of interest. The students sources. raised money for their trip individually by working, The committee also looked at what were and fundraising and also raised money as a group the learning context assets, challenges, opportuni- with things like a rummage sale, dances, leadership ties, aspirations, and the learning audience and their scholarships, and candy sales. The class also re- needs relevant to the Vernonia School District. From ceived a donation from the Lion’s Club of $500. this collective information, a survey was formed to Cathy Ward, the Leadership Class teacher present to Middle and High School students for their said she thought the trip was good for the students input as well. because “...they get to travel outside of Vernonia, The committee is very excited and working meet kids from all over the U.S., learn about gov- hard to present a workable and successful Strategic ernment, and leadership skills.” Education Plan to the School Board of District 47J One additional highlight of the trip was noted for their review and approval. by eighth grader Rachel Brown who participated in The committee is dedicated to the positive the trip. “My favorite part was when we visited the force of change for the life-long education of our Senate Building. We got to see the Senators on the children within the Vernonia School District. floor at work, talking and discussing.” Close-Up is an educational non- profit founded in 1970, that works to promote responsible and informed participation in the democratic pro- cess through a variety of educational Dr programs for middle school and high . C hr school students, as well as adults. ist op Their goal is to motivate citizens to he r become an active participant in our M . S democracy and strengthen knowledge ch eu of how our government works. Ev- er ma ery year 20,000 people participate in n Close-Up programs. DM D Students in the class said anyone who is given the chance, should go on 622 Bridge Street one of these trips. “I think it is a place Vernonia, OR 97064 that everyone should visit at least phone (503) 429-0880 once,” said Miss Brown. fax (503) 429-0881 Vernonia Dental