Applegater Summer 2021
23
NEXT GENERATION | SCHOOL NEWS
Butterflies of HOPE
BY KIM NEISWANGER
When a butterfly emerges from a
chrysalis and begins to move its wings,
not only is it completing the life cycle,
but it is also setting into motion another
phase of life. As the wings flap, they
begin to make a small change in
the environment around them, and
when they continue to move, the area
affected becomes broader and broader.
In theory, life is changed when one small
butterfly’s wing is set into motion. What
a beautiful thing!
At Ruch Outdoor Community School
we decided to study the butterfly effect and
teach all of our students, from kindergarten
through eighth grade, that everything they
do has a greater impact on the people
around them. To first graders this is a huge
concept that doesn’t begin to make sense
until they see it in action. After all, how
can a little six-year-old possibly change
the world? To middle-school students, this
means stepping outside of themselves to
realize the value of someone else.
We decided to help students set
their wings into motion with several
school-wide activities, such as raising
butterflies, planting pollinator gardens,
designing butterfly kites, engaging in
lessons that foster student empowerment
and recognizing each one’s value.
In a challenge we titled “Butterflies
of Hope,” students were asked to change
someone’s day by writing a positive
message such as “You are important,” or
“You matter,” on a paper butterfly. These
messages will be delivered to retirement
homes around the valley in an effort
to bring some hope
during these
lonely times.
Our school has a
strong partnership
with Pioneer
Village, and I have
seen the impact the
relationships with the
residents have on our
students. This is a way
for us to continue
to reach out to our
friends and also to
Ruch students huddle
Paper butterflies colored by
make a connection
around a butterfly cage.
students are hung in a window.
with residents in
Photo: Jody Hubler.
Photo: Jody Hubler.
other facilities.
Ruch Outdoor Community School
Our goal is for our students to
understand this quote from Andy Andrews: staff, students, and community are
“Every single thing you do matters. You changing the world, one flap of our wings
have been created as one of a kind. You at a time.
Kim Neiswanger
have been created in order to make a
First-grade Teacher
difference. You have within you the power
Ruch Outdoor Community School
to change the world.”
A traditional close to
a nontraditional year
Williams Elementary School
kindergarten registration opened
BY LISA BALDWIN
BY STEVE FULLER
have not yet experienced
Hidden Valley High
a full-time instructional
School’s class of 2021 will
year in high school,
have a traditional graduation
and Summer Academy
ceremony (as traditional as
activities will address that
COVID-19 restrictions will
unique situation for the
allow) on June 2, bringing to
sophomores. Next year’s
a close a very non-traditional
juniors and seniors, grades
school year. Diplomas will be
11 and 12 in the fall, also
presented to 130 graduates.
have a Summer Academy,
One unusual aspect of the
June 14 through June 24, a
class of 2021 is the naming
two-week program that may
of three valedictorians, but
include some credit retrieval
no salutatorians. Principal
and other activities.
Damian Crowson said the
Co-valedictorian
Planning for the 2021-
decision “was cut-and-dried.
Kaiah Fisher. 2022 school year is focused
There was no question
on returning to “a normal
a b o u t t h e t o p t h r e e”
year,” according to Mr.
academic honorees.
Crowson. Students can
Those addressing their
expect a seven-period day,
classmates in valedictory
starting at 7:30 am and
speeches are Kaiah Fisher,
releasing at 3:45 pm. The
Jada Hurley, and Noel
first day of the school year
Sandeen. Commencement
is August 30.
exercises begin at 7 pm,
The new year brings some
outdoors on the main
exciting changes to Hidden
athletic field on the school
Valley. Elective programs are
c a m p u s , 6 5 1 Mu r p h y
growing with the addition
Creek Road.
of a full-time woodshop,
With the school year
a m e t a l s h o p / we l d i n g
ending for all students,
program, an expanded
HVHS has two summer
programs to help students Co-valedictorian Jada Hurley foods/culinary program,
and expanded offerings in
recover from what has
the business program and
been, for many, a bumpy
physical education (PE). A
academic ride. One
full-time music teacher will
program, Summer School,
also be on staff.
is intended specifically for
Passage of the Three
credit retrieval by finishing
Rivers School District’s Bond
or reworking courses not
Levy in the May 18 special
successfully completed.
election would have funded
Su m m e r S c h o o l r u n s
significant facilities upgrades
for four weeks, June 21
at Hidden Valley, including
through July 15, four days
new roofing, a new water
a week (Monday through
treatment plant, and a new
Thursday), four hours each
heating, ventilation, and
day (8 am to noon). The
air conditioning (HVAC)
other summer program,
Summer Academy, is meant
Co-valedictorian system. The bond would
to connect or reconnect
Noel Sandeen. have provide d better campus
security, driveway resealing,
students with their school.
lights in the parking lot,
Incoming ninth graders
additional parking, and
are welcomed to the high
school in their Summer Academy, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
August 16-19. Next year’s 10th graders accessibility to the athletic fields.
Lisa Baldwin
have a Summer Academy the week of
leb.97527@gmail.com
June 28 through July 1. These students
Spring is in full bloom,
summer is fast approaching, and
Williams Elementary is close to
wrapping up what has been a
challenging year for everyone.
With the exception of the brief
winter move to Comprehensive
Distance Learning (Oregon
Department of Education’s plan
for online learning), Williams has
been teaching on-site full days
for kindergarten through fifth
grade all year.
The school held its annual Jog-
a-Thon fundraiser on April 15.
Everyone had a great time and ran
lots of laps, although the students
did miss having all their family
and friends who usually come and
cheer them on. This year’s theme
was the Color Run. Everyone got
a little wet and doused with color.
The students ran a combined total
of 2,070 laps, and we are on target Williams Elementary students competed in their annual
Jog-a-Thon in April, raising more than $8,000.
to raise over $8,000.
Photo: Steve Fuller.
Williams Elementary held a
kindergarten Meet and Greet on
We will be having summer school in
May 13. Students and parents had the
opportunity to meet the kindergarten combination with Applegate School for
teacher, Ms. Hart, and tour the classroom, two weeks, June 14-24, from 8 am to
always following COVID protocols of noon Monday through Thursday. Busing
and food will be provided. If you are
wearing masks and social distancing.
Online kindergarten registrations open interested, please contact the school for
June 1. Registrants will need immunization more information.
Steve Fuller, Principal
records, birth certificates, and proof of
Williams Elementary
address so we can make copies and have
steven.fuller@threerivers.k12.or.us
them on file.
Ruch School students will take “Butterflies of Hope” to retirement homes.
See story at top of page. Photo: Jody Hubler.
