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.
VernoniaChiro.com
Small and Large Animals
Joseph Dombek, DC
(971) 248-4055
Now Accepting New Patients
610 Bridge Street • Vernonia, OR 97064
• Kitchen & Bathroom Remodels • Finish Carpentry
• Ceramic Tile Work • Custom Home Construction
• Additions • Commercial Tenant Improvements
Jim Morrison, Jr.
General Contractor
CCB# 112057
Ph: (503) 429-0154
MorrisonRemodeling@hughes.net
Vernonia, OR 97064
• Licensed • Bonded • Insured
Open
Mon, Wed & Saturday
9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Call for Appointments
(503) 429-1612
Or 24 hr. Emergency Number (503) 397-6470
700 Weed Ave. Vernonia, OR
