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About Vernonia's voice. (Vernonia, OR) 2007-current | View Entire Issue (Aug. 17, 2017)
14 schools august17 2017 School Board Report At the August 10, 2017 School Board Meeting: Board Accepts Resignation – The Board accepted the resignation of high school math teacher Thor Ware. Ware submitted his resignation on July 18, 2017 after working in the District for two years. Ware asked that his resigna- tion be effective immediately. Ware was the Vernonia High School head football coach in 2015. Board Considers Meeting Date Change – The Board discussed the pos- sibility of changing the date and time of their School Board meeting scheduled for Thursday, October 12. The meet- ing currently conflicts with a commu- nity event on the same date, the show- ing and discussion of the film “Paper Tigers.” The film is a documentary about how Trauma-Informed Care (TIF) has been implemented at an alternative high school in Walla Walla, Washington; Columbia County school districts are currently training staff to use this tool. The discussion will be facilitated by Shaunee Moreland. The Board is consid- ering changing the date of their meeting, scheduled to be held at the Mist School, to Wednesday, October 11, and chang- ing the time to 7:30, which would fol- low the already scheduled Open House at the Mist School on the same date. The Board agreed to make a decision at their September meeting. Bond Update – Superintendent Aaron Miller told the Board that the District is currently seeking bids for roof and gut- ter work at Mist School. He also said the District has received three submittals to the Request for Proposal (RFP) for a Project Manager for projects that will be done with bond funds, and those RFPs will be graded and a decision made in the near future. Board Approves Hire of New Math Teacher – The Board approved the hir- ing of new high school math teacher Robin Manning. According to high school Principal Nate Underwood, Man- ning had previously taught in Clatskanie and Rainier and is trained in the Willa- mette Promise, which offers students the opportunity to receive college credit for work they do in high school. Meet the Teacher Night – Vernonia Elementary School will host a Meet the Teacher Night on August 31 from 6:00- 7:00 pm. This event will provide an op- portunity for parents, students and fami- lies to connect with the school, and will be in addition to the regular Open House that will occur after the school year be- gins. Building Reports – High school Prin- cipal Nate Underwood told the Board that several staff members had partici- pated in the Advancement via Individual Training (AVID) conference in Denver, while other staff attended a workshop in Portland. The program helps staff con- centrate on, and assist students with, college and career readiness, drop-out prevention, and career and technical learning. Underwood told the Board that new high school science teacher Kelli Corey will participate in a year-long pro- fessional development opportunity that she will share with other Vernonia teach- ers, which will focus on Science, Tech- nology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Underwood said Beth Kintz and Suzanne Meyers attended two trainings this summer for the Youth Transition Program. Underwood reported that, as part of the Willamette Promise Program, nine students had earned a total of 76 college credits in Spanish II last year. Under- wood said that students would be able to earn credit in writing, Spanish and math this year, and that he also hoped to add science. Underwood told the Board that Vernonia High School will host the Northwest League Jamboree on August 26, which showcases fall sports teams prior to the start of their seasons and will feature competition in volleyball, foot- ball and cross country. Elementary school Principal Aaron Miller updated the Board on sev- eral professional development opportu- nities that several of his staff have been participating in during the summer, in- cluding a Beginning Principals Acade- my attended by vice principals Michelle Eagleson and Rachel Wilcoxen, and the Oregon Department of Education’s Summer Reading Institute attended by Mrs. Schlegal (K) Ms. Anderson (1 st ) Mr. Benassi (3 rd ) and Mrs. Taylor (4/5), along with administrators Eagleson and Miller. Board Approves Head Lice Policy – The Board approved the second reading of the District Head Lice Policy. Board Member Asks About Virtual Learning – New Board member Stacey Pelster asked if the District has explored the possibility of creating a virtual acad- emy as a way to attract home school students and also retain district students. Superintendent Aaron Miller told Pel- ster that the District is considering this as an option, although barriers appear to be where to house the online campus and also how to staff it. Miller invited Pelster to meet with him to discuss the options and to also meet with interested parents. Board Meets in Executive Session – The Board recessed into Executive Ses- sion under ORS 192.660 (2)(b) “To con- sider the dismissal or disciplining of, or to hear complaints or charges brought against a public officer, employee, staff member or agent...” Upon returning to Open Session, the Board took no further action in regards to the Executive Ses- sion. Schools Update: Oregon Outreach By Aaron Miller The Vernonia School District (VSD) and Oregon Outreach, Inc. (OOI) are pleased to announce a part- nership between their Non-Profit Edu- cational Programs. Oregon Outreach is a twenty- eight year accredited school program that serves youth who are struggling in a traditional school setting or who have dropped out of school but wish to re- turn. OOI will be opening a new class- room on the Vernonia Schools campus, and will initially serve up to 10 local students. Oregon Outreach, Inc. is ac- credited through Advanced Ed and of- fers a fully accredited high school di- ploma. In addition to a full academic curriculum, Oregon Outreach will offer counseling and preparation for transi- tioning into post-secondary education or employment training. We feel very fortunate to be able to provide these opportunities for our students. It will give them options that fit better with their learning style, help keep them motivated to complete high school, and move on to second- ary education, other job training, or the workforce. The goal of this program is to provide students with an alternative educational setting that will help them develop healthy and productive social and academic skills that will reduce the drop-out rate and increase the gradua- tion rate. If you have any questions re- garding this new program, please call the Superintendent at (503) 429-5891. Need more room? See us for the lowest prices GUARANTEED! Debit/Credit now accepted 5x10 $39 Vernonia’s Voice is published twice each month on the 1st and 3rd Thursday. Look for our next issue out September 7. 10x10 $69 10x20 $99 RV Storage $149 Outside storage available Totally fenced and gated Padlocks available 58605 Nehalem Hwy South • P.O. Box 292 Vernonia, Oregon 97064 (503) 429-7867 10-6 Tue-Sat 12-4 Sun