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About Vernonia's voice. (Vernonia, OR) 2007-current | View Entire Issue (Aug. 20, 2015)
schools august20 2015 Schools Update: Changes By Aaron Miller The second phase of the Vernonia Schools new playground structure will be installed by volunteers on Sunday, August 30 thanks to the fundraising efforts of the Vernonia Community PTA and students at Vernonia Elementary School. It will feature a variety of climbing structures, and slides, and will complete the project that was started last summer with installation of phase 1 by the PTA and their volunteers. If you are interested in volunteering to help with this installation please contact the District Office at 503-429-5891. In addition to completing the new playground structure, several other projects and changes have occurred in the District over the summer. Some of the changes include: • School Day: The school day has been changed for all students. There will no longer be early release time on Fridays. Students will be in school Monday-Friday from 8 am - 3:10 pm. Teachers will have a decreased professional development schedule that will take place on some Fridays when students will not be in school. This change will allow the District to meet the number of Instructional Hours required by the State. • District Office: The District Office has been moved into the Vernonia Schools building. This will allow for more continuity and better communication between staff, parents and the community. • Curriculum: A focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM), as well as Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs will be an area of concentration for teacher professional development, based on the work of the Charter School Steering Committee last spring. These programs will help prepare our students for secondary education, the current work force and jobs of the future. • Staff: Several new teachers have been hired over the summer, and openings for needed Instructional Assistants will be posted soon. These new hires bring a wealth of experience and expertise to an already seasoned staff. • Bussing: If you have any questions regarding your student’s bus routes or other bussing needs, please contact Shelly Hennessy of Curl’s Transportation at 503-429-0507. As we get closer to the beginning of school 13 there are also several important dates to keep in mind: • Friday, August 21 - Middle School Registration • Friday, August 28 – Last Day of Summer Meal Program at the Grace Fellowship Church • Tuesday, September 8 – New Student Orientation (for incoming 6 th and 9 th graders, new Middle School or High School students and Foreign Exchange students ONLY). Busses will run their regularly scheduled routes on this day. • Tuesday, September 8 – Kindergarten Readiness Assessments – These are State required assessments for every student entering Kindergarten. Please set an appointment for your incoming kindergartener through the school office at 503-429-1333. • Wednesday, September 9 – First Day of School for ALL Students • Thursday, September 17 – Vernonia Schools Open House The District is looking forward to another great year, and to working with our students again this fall. If you have any questions about school, please give the school a call at 503-429-1333. Enjoy the rest of your summer! School Board Report At the August 13, 2015 School Board Meeting: Board Approves RFP Extension – The Board approved an extension of the Food Products and Non-Food Supplies RFP Award to SYSCO. Board Approves Surplus Items – The Board approved a list of items for sur- plus, including: an HP fax machine and seven ink cartridges; two Pioneer Table Saws; a Delta Drill Press; a floor jack. Building Reports - Elementary School Principal Aaron Miller provided a written report and reported that VES is entering into their fourth and final year as a Focus School. Since participating in the program the school has increased test scores and the overall school rating by improving core instructional practices, shoring up assessment procedures, utilizing student data, and improving professional development. Superintendent Report - Superinten- dent Aaron Miller told the Board that student interns working at Stub Stewart State Park, The Upper Nehalem Water- shed Council, and the District mainte- nance department this summer are hav- ing positive and successful experiences. Miller reported that the District received a final FEMA check for $141,000 to cover cost overruns on flood recovery projects. Miller reported the new shop is FOR TOWING EMERGENCIES IN AND AROUND THE VERNONIA AREA Polife and County personnel are required to use a rotation of available providers, UNLESS YOU SPECIFICALLY ASK for a servife by name. REQUEST TOWING SERVICE FROM ready for final inspection. Work is pro- gressing on the new softball field at the school campus and should be ready for play this spring. The greenhouse is be- ing used. Volunteers will install new playground equipment purchased by the PTA on Sunday, August 30. The Vernonia Education Foun- dation reported that they will receive a large donation of stocks which can be liquefied and are earmarked for use for sports facilities. Gilbert will expand her role as K-12 high school and college credit for course Behavior Specialist. Cassandra Hylton work completed during the school year. has been hired to take over the District’s Topics From the Floor - Kathy Leach Life Skills program. expressed concern about the recently Foreign Exchange Students Begin Ar- instituted tuition fees for non-enrolled riving - 15 Foreign Exchange Students students who wish to take classes at have registered with the District and Vernonia High School. The School have begun arriving to live with their Board approved fees of up to $450 for host families for the school year. each class semester. Leach suggested lowering the fees to encourage more Willamette Promise Program - Several students to access the school and teachers at the high school may be par- encourage enrollment, and suggested ticipating in the Willamette Promise pro- the District advertise classes available to gram which allows students to earn both Staffing Changes - Administration non-enrolled students. reported several staffing changes for the upcoming school year. Amy Rethwill, a VHS graduate and current student at Portland State University, has been promoted from part-time Instructional Assistant to full-time at Mist Grade School. Debbie Stahlnecker will be teaching Sophomore English and Language Arts. Rachel Wilcoxen will serve as Dean of Students and be the first contact for students, staff and parents for issues relating to discipline and attendance. Randy Shockey will • Kitchen & Bathroom Remodels • Finish Carpentry teach Engineering, Construction, and • Ceramic Tile Work • Custom Home Construction Manufacturing. Steve Whiteman will • Additions • Commercial Tenant Improvements continue to teach Integrated Math and Chemistry. Thor Ware has been hired Jim Morrison, Jr. Ph: (503) 429-0154 to teach high school math and Career General Contractor MorrisonRemodeling@hughes.net Education. Former kindergarten teacher CCB# 112057 Vernonia, OR 97064 Michelle Eagleson will serve as District K-12 Instructional Coach. Charolette • Licensed • Bonded • Insured START RIGHT. START HERE. SM Summer is here! call Kim Water Toys • Lawn Chairs Camping Supplies • BBQs Batteries • Fishing Supplies Sporting Goods • Coolers Family owned & operated for over 45 years Shop Hours: Mon - Fri 9:00 - 6:00 291 A Street 834 Bridge St., Vernonia (503) 429-6364 Lovable service at a reasonable price • Bathing • Haircuts • Nail Clipping • Nail Polishing • Specialty Shampoos
