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About Vernonia's voice. (Vernonia, OR) 2007-current | View Entire Issue (Nov. 17, 2016)
schools november17 2016 13 Schools Update: Communication By Aaron Miller Communication is a key element in any partnership or relationship, and is especially true for the school district as we work with children and their families to provide our students with a safe, caring environment where our students can learn, grow and develop. All Vernonia School District staff work hard to provide this environment for students. When issues and problems do arise, we work to resolve them. While supervising students we observe and address appropriate and inappropriate behaviors with positive feedback, or appropriate corrective action. This is typical of student supervision in Vernonia Schools, and schools everywhere. In situations where an issue is observed and addressed by a staff member, it is critical that we as educators follow school procedures to communicate with parents regarding issues of concern, as well as safety. There are times, however, when these behaviors occur without the knowledge of staff. We then rely on students to share with us if they have been wronged, or have a concern. Only when staff are made aware of an issue, can they address it. If a student does not share an incident with staff, they will often share with their parent, who then often contacts the school to disclose the incident. This process, too, is a regular part of everyday student supervision in Vernonia Schools, and schools everywhere. If your student reports an issue to you that you deem a concern, on any level, please call the school. If we don’t know about an issue, we cannot address it. In addition, if there is an issue regarding a student, the parent is a critical component in the process of developing a workable solution to the problem. Again, communication is key to a successful partnership. When sharing an issue with the school, the most effective starting point to resolution is to talk with the students’ teacher. A phone call to the front office at (503) 429-1333 will start the process and your call or message can be directed to the correct staff member. A message will likely be necessary as staff are busy working with students for the vast majority of their work day. One other consideration is that while we strive to always listen, we may not always be able to respond. As educators we will be open and honest in the work that addresses the needs of our students, but this can only happen to the point that law allows. There are many cases where the school may not be able to communicate in detail about any actions that were taken in response to an issue, due to confidentiality laws. The school can only share information regarding a student with that student’s parents or legal guardian. As a district we will continue to work to observe, respond to, and address issues as they arise. We will also continue to work to communicate and collaborate effectively with our students, parents and community to address any concerns or issues that may arise. We hope you will continue to join us in these efforts as well. Together, we can truly make a difference. Vernonia Students of the Month October 2016 Hunting Season is here! Avery Wolf Archery Equipment - Sporting Goods Calls - Cammo - Boots - Accessories Binoculars - Scent Killers - Targets Avery consistently sets a good example for others, providing kind leadership. She shows a strong work ethic and is an outstanding classroom citizen, with a quirky sense of humor. “Our classroom community wouldn’t be the same without Avery,” says her teacher. Avery says her favorite subject is science. She volunteers for community events, like serving lunch at the annual Quilt Fair, and plays basketball and softball. Family owned & operated for over 45 years 834 Bridge St, Vernonia 503-429-6364 Grade 4 Emma Neufer Grade 7 Emma is nearly always on task in class and consistently demonstrates high academic and performance achievement. She leads by example with her positive attitude and model behavior. She says her favorite subject is math. She plays softball and plays percussion in the school band. In her spare time Emma likes to do art projects. Melissa Kish Grade 12 Melissa is a smart, organized, conscientious, and efficient student who picks up new things quickly. She is also know for her kind heart. She says her favorite subject is English. She play softball in the spring and works at Dairy Queen. She says she hopes to attend PCC next year and work toward teaching special needs students. Sponsored by State Representative Brad Witt Vernonia Veterinary Clinic VERNONIA C H I RO P R AC T I C C L I N I C, I NC. 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