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About Polk County itemizer observer. (Dallas, Or) 1992-current | View Entire Issue (Aug. 31, 2016)
Polk County Education 14A Polk County Itemizer-Observer • August 31, 2016 SCHOOL NOTES OCA to hold an informational meeting MONMOUTH — Oregon Connections Academy, the free online public charter school, will have an informational meeting at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday (today) at Monmouth Public Library, 130 Ecols St. S. The meeting is a chance for families to explore the academy’s program and online school curriculum. They can also speak with school representatives, and prospective and currently enrolled families. For more information: www.oregonconnectionsacademy.com. Jones heads to spelling championship SALEM — Caleb Jones, of Sheridan, will represent Polk County at the annual Oregon Statewide Spelling Champi- onship at the Oregon State Fair from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Saturday. Students competing in the championship have won their school, district and county written spelling contests. This is the eighth year Oregon Spellers has sponsored the championship. Oregon Spellers is an all-volunteer group paid for by donations and sponsored by the Oregon Association for Talented and Gifted. The group was formed after the Oregon Department of Edu- cation ended its support for the spelling contest in 2009. For more information: oregonspellers@kaynor.net, or ore- gonspellers.org. JOLENE GUZMAN/ Itemizer-Observer ACADEMIC HONORS Nathan Gilbert, front, and Seth Hammond work as part of the Falls City School District’s seasonal maintenance crew. Dressel earns bachelor’s degree Summer crew expands reach SPOKANE, Wash. — Jerusha Dressel, of Dallas, has been awarded a Bachelor of Arts in political science and French, Summa Cum Laude, from Whitworth University. Falls City program hires six to seven students during summer By Jolene Guzman The Itemizer-Observer FALLS CITY — As summer jobs go, Kenny Graham can’t think of a better one than working on the Falls City School District’s seasonal maintenance crew. This is the second summer Graham, a senior, has worked with the mainte- nance group under the supervision of John Gilbert, the facilities manager. Graham said the work, which ranges from weeding to painting to waxing floors, is “exhausting, but fun.” He’s thinking of making it a career, especial- ly if he gets to keep his boss. “I would rather work with John than anyone else,” he said. Falls City expanded the program last year to employ six or seven students, up from one or two in previous years. In return for working an average of three days a week, the students are paid for two days per month — about $150 — and get an elective credit. “There’s not a lot of jobs (in Falls City),” Gilbert said. JOLENE GUZMAN/ Itemizer-Observer Tracy Young, left helps students work on Aug. 24. He said he’s grateful the district pri- oritized funding to expand the pro- gram, which gives students something positive to do in the summer and helps his three-person maintenance crew through the busiest time of the year. District officials have noticed a dif- ference in the schools — and the kids. Superintendent Jack Thompson said at a recent Falls City School Board meeting that the students “have done an absolutely amazing job.” “That money that we’ve budgeted to continue to pay those kids to work a couple days a week, it’s having benefits beyond just giving a kid a job in the summer,” Thompson said. “They are growing as individuals.” This year’s team includes: Graham, Kobe Smith, Phoenix Brown, Chris Doyle, Nathan Gilbert and Seth Ham- mond. Like any other summer job, they had to apply for the position, which of- fers both a first job experience and class credit. Crew members say one of the les- sons they have learned is how much work it takes to make sure the school buildings are in working order. Now, they want to keep them that way. See CREW, Page 13A Dallas student receives scholarship COQUILLE — Jessica Fenton, of Dallas, is one of eight stu- dents who received a scholarship from First Community Credit Union. Through the Founders Scholarship, six Oregon high school students and two Oregon college students were awarded $1,500 each to help with the cost of higher education. The awards were based on academic achievement, accom- plishments and an essay. The scholarship was established in 1999. More information on how to apply for the 2017 Founders Scholarship will be available in January. For more information: myfirstccu.org. Alzayer takes part in showcase UNIVERSITY CENTER, Mich. — Riyan Alzayer, of Monmouth, was one of 32 Saginaw Valley State students chosen to demon- strate a practical approach to mechanical engineering design at the SVSU Summer 2016 Engineering Showcase on Aug. 12. Alzayer is working on a project for a local entrepreneur in- volving a pump-action handle that controls the speed and brakes on wheelchairs. Mechanical engineering majors collaborate with outside agencies as part of a senior project required before graduation. What’s YOUR neighbor up to? Find out in the Itemizer-Observer. You may find your neighbor, your boss, your friend or yourself in the pages of the I-O. Local stories on local people—that’s our specialty.
