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About The Siuslaw news. (Florence, Lane County, Or.) 1960-current | View Entire Issue (May 11, 2019)
10A | SATURDAY, MAY 11, 2019 | SIUSLAW NEWS FIRES from page 1A Siuslaw School District members or all ages participated in education this week, including students who helped decorate the schools; senior Elizabeth Luevano, who presented before the Siuslaw School Board; and district staff who greeted school arrivals Wednesday in support of fully funding Oregon’s schools. Education from page 1A The site continued, “Most of our students will meet bus drivers, playground monitors, office staff, kitch- en staff, custodians or small group instructors even be- fore they enter a classroom. Once the school day begins, they are all in a safe and car- ing environment with high- ly trained and committed teaches. It is here they can be motivated to reach their greatest potential. “We are proud to work with such a dedicated and professional group.” In addition, the Siuslaw School Board met for its May meeting Wednesday evening. The board heard reports on the upcoming Scholarship Awards Night on Thursday, May 30, at 5:30 p.m.; the Health Oc- cupations Student Associ- ation’s (HOSA) June trip to Orlando, Fla., for the 42nd Annual International Lead- ership Conference; Florence Community PTA’s two re- cent awards and more. During the public com- ments period at the begin- ning of the meeting, Siuslaw senior Elizabeth Luevano presented to the board the Senior Class of 2019’s peti- tion to have their teachers more involved with gradua- tion night on June 7. “Teaching takes a special kind of courage and com- passion; and when it comes to our class, a very high pa- tience level,” Luevano said. “The Class of 2019 wouldn’t have come this far without the teachers who were pa- tient despite our impatience. The reason why we are here today is because we humbly request that teachers hand us our diplomas this year and the years to follow.” Luevano and her friend Hannah Freudenthal gath- ered 70 signatures from se- nior students — represent- ing nearly three-quarters of the class — to include with their letter to the board. Eight of the students at- tended the meeting along with concerned community members. “We understand the sig- nificance that the handing of the diplomas has to the board, and we would just like to be clear that our in- tent is not malicious or dis- respectful,” Luevano contin- ued. “We greatly appreciate the hard work of the school board and we still would like you to be a part of our graduation — and that is why we are requesting this compromise. We request that two teachers of our class’s choosing hands us our diplomas, and before we return to our seats, we shake hands with the board mem- bers to thank you for all the hard work you have done for our school district.” Board Chair Suzanne Mann-Heintz thanked the students for their partici- pation. It wasn’t until the end of the meeting that the board took a moment to discuss the issue. “For graduation, we have John (Barnett) and Paul (Burns) who have agreed to present diplomas,” Mann- Heintz said. “At this point in time, if it’s the will of the board, we might discuss the petition from students and what we think about their proposal.” The board restated that the students wish to have two teachers hand the se- niors their diplomas, fol- lowed by handshakes with the school board represen- tatives. A similar request came before the board last year, which Burns said the board had discussed “at length.” “I’m sticking with what we talked about last year — that it is an important thing for the board to do that,” he said. “I think it’s one of the few perks of this job that we get to do that.” Barnett described grad- uation as an “institution,” with some practices going back to his own graduation. “When I walked down that aisle in the very same gym that these students are going to be walking down in a few weeks, I personally went out of my way to thank my favorite teachers. I took that one-on-one moment and took that time … face to face to thank those teachers that I felt had impact on my high school career. To me, that felt less pretentious and more genuine than standing in front of a crowd,” he said. While board members contemplated the way stu- dents might select their teachers, they acknowl- edged the 85 teachers in the district that helped students reach their senior year. “It’s the school’s celebra- tion,” Burns said. “Our goal from where we start these kids moving through is to have them graduate. We’re celebrating the whole com- pletion of our task of why we’re here in the first place.” He said that the board, elected by residents in the school district, represent the entire district. Members of the public disagreed with Burns’ senti- ment, questioning how “it’s not the seniors’ graduation” and applauding when Siu- slaw High School Vice Prin- cipal Garth Gerot said, “I’m always student centered. I think if the class feels this way, that’s really important. It’s their graduation. It’s not ours.” Mann-Heintz agreed, saying, “I feel like it’s their graduation, and I kind of would like to comply in some way with what they requested. I know it’s an important time and most of the students don’t have a strong personal relationship with us.” She requested they come up with a compromise. However, the board was unable to come to a deci- sion during the meeting. Director Guy Rosinbaum said he felt blindsided by the fact that the petition wasn’t placed on the board’s agenda a week prior. He and others learned about the students’ effort just that day in the Siuslaw News . “We all are trying to work together here for the better- ment of the schools. I like it when people get involved and I want them involved. But unfortunately, we have to follow a lot of rules up here. It would be kind of nice if others understood that once in a while and fol- lowed as well,” he said. Barnett echoed this, say- ing, “It’s not like students didn’t know this graduation was coming. Maybe they aren’t the best versed on how things are done, but instead of being impulsive, I wish this would have been brought up to the board … like last month, so we would have had time to figure out just what we want to do, have some time to discuss it and then we would be bet- ter prepared to make a de- cision.” In wrapping up the de- cision, Mann-Heintz said, “The board has a couple of choices. We can decide it, we can not decide it or we can decide at another time. Of course, the next board meeting is not until after graduation.” The meeting conclud- ed with the decision to not make a decision. After- wards, some board mem- bers checked schedules to see if a follow-up discussion could still be held before the senior students’ final school day on May 31. “Graduation is something we don’t take lightly,” Bar- nett said. “Graduation is a daily consideration. … It’s a k-12 celebration, because when we take our kids in (kindergarten), we plan on making them through until 12. We preach graduation rates all the way through.” PHOTOS BY CHANTELLE MEYER/SIUSLAW NEWS As the majority of fire personnel came back from the house fire and the Reedsport depart- ment was released, a vehicle fire was reported at 980 Tamarack St. Crews arrived to find the vehicle engulfed in flames and within a few feet of another vehicle, as well as a home. Fire- fighters were able to extinguish the fire quickly. Florence Police also responded due to re- ports that the vehicle fire was the result of arson. After interviewing witnesses and dis- covering additional evidence at the scene, a suspect was identified, and police were at- tempting to locate the suspect as of Friday morning. The investigation into the arson is on-going. Finally, around 9 a.m. on Friday, another brush fire was reported just south of Florence. “It was a small burn pile, and the residents didn’t know there was a burn ban,” Schick said. The region is currently under a temporary suspension of the outdoor burning, with a possible resumption of the season on Thurs- day, May 16, if rain comes. “Right now, it’s unusual weather,” said Schick. “It’s warm, it’s dry and things can get out of control very quickly. Until we can get some rain, which looks like it might happen next week, people just have to be careful.” Florence Food Share Ask us about volunteer opportunities. 2190 Spruce Street • P.O.Box 2514 Florence, Oregon 97439 (541) 997-9110 info@fl orencefoodshare.org Habitat for Humanity Construction Volunteers needed for each stage of the building process. Experience is a plus, but not required. Help us build a new home For information call 541-902-9227 Helping Hands Coalition We are in need of volunteers on Monday, Wednesday and Fridays. We need volunteers to serve food, set up for meals and also prepare meals beginning at 11:00 am and fi nishing at 2:00pm. New Location: Community Baptist Church, 4590 Hwy. 101, Florence (Across from Fred Meyer) Volunteer Get involved Donate Do your part and volunteer today to help support these local non-proft organizations in our community! Senior Services Advisory Council Needs New Members Are you a senior? Have a passion for working with seniors? If yes, please consider applying for the Senior & Disability Services (S&DS) Senior Services Advisory Council. S&DS serves all of Lane County with a wide range of publicly funded services for older adults and persons with disabilities. The council advises S&DS on services and advocates on senior topics. Contact us at: sdsadvisorycouncil@ lcog.org or download an application from: http://www.lcog. org/827/SSAC-Council-Membership Application deadline: April 26, 2019. Meals on Wheels and Cafe 60 Meals on Wheels are available to people over the age of 60 who cannot get out much due to illness or advanced age and who are not eating properly, regardless of income. Cafe 60 is available for those who prefer to make new friends in a dining room setting. 1570 Kingwood, PO Box 2313, Florence 541-997-5673 laneseniormeals.org Memory Care Respite of Florence Come join the team! Memory Care Respite of Florence is looking for new volunteers to spend time socializing, playing games, listening to music, and having coffee and lunch with our participating senior citizens. Our program depends on volunteer power to stay afl oat and time is running out! If you’re at all interested in socializing and relaxing with seniors while their loved one takes a break, please email us for more information. We need more volunteers like YOU to keep our program going. Contact us at memcarerespite@gmail. com Oregon Coast Humane Society relies heavily on volunteers. There are many opportunities to volunteer and a variety of skills and talents are always in need. Volunteer interest forms may be found online, at the shelter and at our Thrift Shop on Bay Street. www.oregoncoasthumanesociety.org/volunteer/ Peace Harbor Volunteers In 2019 we will be celebrating the 80th anniversary of our business in Florence. It is time to express the appreciation and gratitude we feel, and have always felt, for the friendship, trust and loyalty of those who live in this community. It is your confi dence in us and your continued patronage that has made these 80 years such a pleasurable experience. Th ank you. Johnston Motor Company Since 1939 2150 Hwy. 101 • Florence (541) 997-3475 • 1-800-348-3475 Join the Peace Harbor Hospital Volunteers, you will fi nd an area of interest in a caring organization. 400 9th Street, Florence 541-997-8412 ext. 2218 Us Too Florence Saving men one PSA test at a time. “Someone to talk to...who understands!” 541-997-6626 maribob@oregonfast.net www.ustoofl orence.org
