06
july/aug
vernonia’s
voice schools
2007
StEP Program Continues To Gather Data
By Jill Hult
The StEP committee met again for the important task of reviewing and
collating the results of the survey given to the staff and students of Dis-
trict 47J. Committee members were pleased to learn there was nearly 100
percent participation by staff and students grades 6-11. The survey asked
tough questions which pertained to the goals of the committee to look at
the assets, opportunities, challenges, and aspirations of getting an education
within the 47J District. Questions such as, “What are the assets to getting an
education in Vernonia?” were structured as multiple choices with a 1-3 rat-
ing in order of importance. All questions did have an option to write in an
answer that may not have been offered. Another structure of questions was
short answer, “What is the number one expectation you have of yourself in
school?” The survey results yielded invaluable information for the future
educational goals of the school district.
The committee also reviewed the make-up of a learning staff and the
learning environment. Consensus was formed as to what characteristics are
important in these two categories. Examples for the learning staff are being
a team player, caring about children, consistency, and passion. Examples
for the learning environment include: safe and clean, adaptability to meet a
variety of needs, welcoming and secure.
The StEP committee members are preparing to offer a community sur-
vey similar to that of the survey offered to the staff and students. This sur-
vey will be available at the 47J School District Office in Vernonia to anyone
interested in taking part.
The committee encourages participation and thanks you in advance for
your time and thoughts toward the future educational development of the
district’s youth.
VHS Spring Sports
Complete Successful Season
The Vernonia High School spring sports season reached a successful conclu-
sion as the track, baseball, softball, golf and equestrian teams were all represent-
ed in post-season play. A number of individual athletes were also recognized
with post-season honors and trips to state tournaments.
One of the highlights of the spring season was the Lady Loggers softball
team who made it to the state playoffs. After defeating Warrenton, Clatskanie
and Umatilla to reach the second round at state, the ladies season finally ended
against Valley Catholic. Among those receiving individual recognition for their
achievements this season were: Joreigh Landers who was named State Player
of the Year, League Player of the Year for the fourth straight year, First Team
All State and All League, and Outstanding Athlete at VHS.; Brittney Lindauer
named to the Third Team All State and First Team All League; Christina Sohler
named to Honorable Mention All State and First Team All League; and Mi-
randa Nutting named Second Team All State and First Team All League. Other
members of the team receiving All League recognition were Nandi VanMeter,
Brittney Paden, and Danielle Robb. The team says “Thank you” to everyone for
their support.
Other notable post season achievements included Tim Prpich in Golf, who
made a trip to the state tournament as a Sophomore; Colton DeWitt, who fin-
ished 9th in the shot put at the State Track and Field Championships; McKenzie
Carr and Stephanie Carr who set an equestrian team record in the Bi-Wrangle
event and represented Vernonia at the state competition; and the boys baseball
team which went to the league playoffs and had Brent Thompson and Byron
Schorzman named First Team All League, and Jeramey Lende and Cody Davis
named Second Team All League.
All sports teams had great turnouts this year and will have many returning
players next year. One sad note is the resignation of Softball Head Coach Lind-
sey Dunkel who has taken a teaching position in Scappoose. Otherwise, next
years spring sport’s season looks bright.
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