Image provided by: Morrow County Museum; Heppner, OR
About Heppner gazette-times. (Heppner, Or.) 1925-current | View Entire Issue (Jan. 29, 1997)
gvrjrt . . V» ** t^ S S L V - v * \ . ÎH S5*® ^v” C:*-- ■ S -. - •* -, - V. ..-• i > __ _ • ' .: . •■: ; • ’ ■* - v '. . ; • ‘•t V< . g s k *" * • * 'w S q . - Morrow County’s Hoipe-Owned Weekly Newspaper Published weekly and entered as periodical m atter at the Post Office at H eppner. Oregon under the Act of March 3, 1879. Periodical postage paid at H eppner, Oregon. Office at 147 W est Willow Street. Telephone (541)676-9228. Postmaster send address changes to the H eppner Gazette-Times. P.O. Bo* 337, H eppner. Oregon 97836. Subscriptions: $18 in Morrow. W heeler, Cilliam and Grant Coun ties; $25 elsewhere. April Hilton-Sykes................................................................ ...................... News E ditor Stephanie Jensen .........................................................................................Typesetting Monique D e v in ......................................................... Advertising Layout 4r Graphics Bonnie B e n n e tt......... ............................................................... , ...............Distribution Penni Keersem aker ........................................................................................... Printer David Sykes,-Publisher Letters to the Editor Editor's note: Letters to the editor must be signed. The Gazette-Tim es will not publish unsigned letters. Please include your address and phone number on all letters for use by the G -T office. The G -T reserves the right to edit. * i • • • w A s • * î > .v c * J « .- ¡i ■'.* ■-?. . .•> 1 * ■. # 7. y ;; -vV.’. 7:. j v • ■ » '.’ y ; \ w A • . . î -• V .. J .! . v .'■■■/*■ ■• V ; x •' /.< ■ . - r * ' y ¡ y - :. - - '. ' * f r - * v T *;* » 4 * » I ,1 ’ * ' * . , 4 1 > ; ^ ';■ * ■ * \ f , ' - r ,< — . . - M - ‘ t - • ; - m - : r •>' •**-;%*:. , • '/V I-l- -' '1 ■ '.d '. - N i > TWO - Heppner Gazette-Times, Heppner, Oregon Wednesday, January 29, 1997 U.S.P.S. 240-420 e i • . memK-- GAZETTE-TIMES ■ *> i ■ • . • •■" Heppner vrv ' • • «J ^ r-'lV i n i The Official Newspaper of the . City of Heppner and the County of Morrow * . 1 ' \S£2%TV£, JL * • ‘ •' :; ■*• •*****• ' fluir ti I Y “ H i r i Tl >w » ! ■ » » wywiu m w ' - n. i - - i V~n nu i .. T* J Use of test scores needs clarification To the Editor: In response to Mrs. Meg Murray’s letter of last week’s Ga zette-Times regarding test scores, I believe some clarification is nec essary if those statistics are to be used for decision-making purposes. First o f all, one year’s worth of test scores tell only how the schools stack up against the state average. They do not indicate if the scores have increased or decreased since last year or the year before. Without historical data as a point of reference, we have no way of knowing if the results are good or bad. Also, the numbers do not in dicate if the drops and gams shown are significant. If some schools around the state are 30 points above or below the average, then a two point variance isn’t much. On the other hand, if all scores land within a 10-15 point range of the average, two points are much more mean ingful. By my amateur analysis, the test scores looked to be all over the board. To support the theory that a four-day week is the sole reason for a decline in test scores, one would expect all the schools to be on a similar downward trend. That did not appear to be the case, with several classes at various schools being above the state average. It would seem that other factors, such as teacher-to-student ratio and socioeconomic standing, might have more influence on the test scores. I think that most would agree that testing is a necessary evil, but is not without inherent problems. Scores are only as good as the stu dents taking them that-day and many factors can and do cause scores to fluctuate. Making any meaningful decisions based on test scores should only be done after careful comparison and interpreta tion. Sincerely, (s) Anne Morter lone Be there to decide children's future To the Editor: ' schools below the state average The decision will be made at the even when weighted for population Monday, Feb. 10 Morrow County figures and Heppner’s 10th grad School Board m eeting as to ers a staggering -6 in reading and - whether the district will have a four 3 in math, your children need your or five-day school week. Please concern. mark your calendar, as parents con It is being said that it won’t make cerned about their children’s fu- any difference whether we are ture-be it work, vocational school, there or not, or whether we sign or college-need to be there. the petitions for five days, because Saving money for the district is the school board has already made not the issue, as the mentioned pos up their minds. This is a self-ful sible savings o f $120,000 in a filling prophecy if you believe it and $5,000,000 budget is very little are absent. Be there for your chil compared to the potential for dam dren; it is the only thing that will age it does for all our children’s count. futures. Sincerely, With Boardman and Irrigon (s) Meg Murray lone Education will last a lifetime To the Editor: Four days or five? That is the question. The first question we must answer honestly and realistically is this: Can anyone accomplish as much in four days as he/she can in five, consistently (-1 repeat consistently) day after day, week after week, month after month? If the health worker, the banker, the storekeeper, the home maker, the barber admit that they cannot do it, how can we expect our children to do it in their job of being students? Those who oppose the four-day school week tell me that they fear that after a few years these children will have low test scores, have to do a lot of remedial work in college, won’t be able to attend the college they choose and will be unable to compete on the job market. Then it will be too late for these children Maybe we need to think more deeply about what education means and what our responsibilities are. In all societies the adult community has the responsibility to teach the concepts of their culture to their young. In America we have agreed that will be from birth to 18 years. Graduation from the 12th grade is our culture's time for the "rite o f passage " The knowledge, skills and values we have given them in those formative years can never be taken away from them and will guide them throughout their lives Though social status and financial success are obvious results o f a good education, I submit that something far more valuable than high college grades. high-paying jobs, fine houses, expensive cars, being a "big shot" et cetera is at stake Far more important will be the quality of life they will lead every conscious hour they live. The educated mind notices things the uneducated or poorly educated one doesn't even see. It understands, enjoys appreciates the world around it that the poorly educated can't and doesn't. We need to remind ourselves that ignorance leads to inability, mediocrity, bias, apathy and other forms of slavery We need to remind ourselves that knowledge and skill leads to confidence, good parenting, productive citizenship, creativity, self-motivated lifelong learning and other forms of freedom If we truly love our children and/or care about the future of our society, we simply can't give too much time or attention to providing a high quality education for them. (s)Jane Rawlins Heppner P S. You say "What about sports?" That's for another letter correction A story in the Jan. 22 Gazette- Times, entitled "Chamber names citizens o f the year" contained an error concerning the Chamber of Commerce business o f the year Pat Anderson's father was Walter Wnght and Ned Clark's mother, Beth, was the daughter of Raymond Wnght, not the reverse as stated in the article Students write letters to the Editor Editor's note: the following letters to the Editor were submitted by Heppner Elementary School stu dents in Jannie Allen’s fifth-sixth grade language arts class To the Editor: My name is Jesse Kempas I am a a sixth grade student at Heppner Middle school 1 am writing in regards to people not taking care of then dogs When I go to bed at 9 p.m I don’t get to sleep until 11 p m because of the dogs that bark all night I hope that people see that it is annoy ing and will do something about it. (s)Jesse Kempas To the Editor: My name is Doug Orwick I am a sixth grade student at Heppner Mddle School I'm writing to you because of the possible selling or trading of public lands Our good congressmen in Salem and Washington, D, C. are talking about selling or trading our public lands to private owners. This belongs to all of us not just Congress We own this land just as much as any congressmen. If we allow this to happen we will be left with heavily logged, ugly forests and less land to enjoy Please help us to keep our public lands public. (s)Doug Orwick To the Editor: Hi My name is Donalfl Adams from Heppner Elementary School I think the school buses are unfair I don't think it's right to prohibit food, drinks, and even gum on the bus. Plus when we sit in a seat we can't move even when the bus is stopped, or we will get a writeup. At least we could listen to music. 1 think kids would behave better if we had some privileges (s) Donald Adams To the Editor: My name is Tylynn Smith, I am a sixth grade student at Heppner Middle School I am writing to say how much I like the fifth-sixth mix in classes I think it is good that the school tries something new every now and then I really like it and wish I didn't have to go to school at the high school next year. (s)Tylynn Smith To the Editor: My name is Alicia Tafoya from the fifth grade at the Heppner Middle School. I want to encour age people to help others, especially the old people. If you live by an old person, help them out once in a while. I’ll give an example. One day I was walking home from school and there was an old guy sweep ing something off the sidewalk, and I said, “Do you need some help?” The guy said no, so I went on my way home. A lot of people need help once in a while. Old people need company and they enjoy you helping them out. I like old people. They are nice. Sincerely, (s) Alicia Tafoya To the Editor: My name is Sheena Shank I am a fifth grader at Heppner Middle School and I think everyone should read more Reading is a great way to learn how to spell and a great way to leam how to write. Right now at school we are having a reading program called "Tune out For Reading " It started this week and lasts until Feb. 21. It's a lot of fun and encourages kids to take time out for reading (s) Sheena Shank P S Once you pick up a great book it's hard to put it down To the Editor: I’m writing to you about school lunches. They’re too small and don’t taste very good. Also, they don’t have dessert very often. Sometimes I’m still hungry after I finish lunch. Sincerely, (s) Aaron Harris To the Editor: My name is Luke Murray of Heppner Middle School. I have been taking band since the begin ning of the year. I have been amazed at how much I’ve learned in such little time. I am really glad to have Mr. Werner for a band teacher. He is always nice and teaches you quickly and in a fun way. More people keep on joining band. Just recently, we got nine more kids in bank. I would encour age everyone to see and hear our spring concert and St. Patrick’s Parade when we play. Everyone in band thinks Mr. Werner is an en couraging music teacher. He’s just a great music teacher. Sincerely yours, (s) Luke Murray To the Editor: My name is Tracy Baker. I’m a sixth grader at Heppner Middle School. I’m writing to say what I think about the four-day school week. I know a bunch of people who lik^the four-day school. If company comes up to visit, we would have some time to spend with them. On Fridays, we can play with friends, do homework and school projects, have more time for chores, and a four-day week means one less bus ride. Sincerely, (s) Tracy Baker To the Editor: My name is Aaron Griffith. I’m writing about the Colt program. I like the Colt basketball and football because I like sports. You can leam a lot of things about sports and the basics of the games. The coaches who volunteer are good too. Many people donate a lot of time to the kids of Heppner so we can have these programs. All of the kids ap preciate the coaches’ time they give to us. I’m in the Colt programs and I really like them. (s) Aaron Griffith To the Editor: My name is Tim Morris. I think we need more playground equip To the Editor: ment at Heppner Middle School so My name is Adam Wight. I want people have things to do. All we to tell you something. I wish the have to do is walk around and play school lunches were bigger be football at noon. Although I like to cause I eat a lot of food and I am play football at noon, I think it still hungry after I finish my lunch. would be good for others that don’t If it was bigger, my lunch bill like to play football. I think it would would not be so high. Could you be nice to have swings, slides and make it better with cookies and monkey bars at HMS. Sincerely, chocolate milk? (s) Tim Morris Sincerely, (s) Adam Wright ^ ^ Consignment Auction Farm & Livestock Equipment Saturday, March 8th in Hermiston, OR O ur first Annual Auction proved to be a great success, with over 350 registered buyers in attendance. We expect the same demand for your quality used merchandise again this year. Already, over 1 5 tractors, several combines, trucks, Powder River equipment, and hay & grain equipment, along with numerous other items are consigned. Consign Early To Assure Your Placement In Advertising Advertising Deadline: January 31 Consignment Deadline: March 3 For More Information or To Consign Items, Call: Dennis Rowland (541) 567-9523 or Jerry Cooper (541) 449-3227 Sale Managed By: Rowland Auction Service Rt. 1, Box 1917-B Hermiston, OR 97838 (541) 567-9523 Fax (541) 567-8974 Specializing in Farm Equipment, Livestock, Estates S Commercial Auction, To the Editor My name is Marcy Miller I am a sixth grader at Heppner Middle School I am writing in regards to thc"no food or dnnk rule on the MidColumbia school buses 1 get on the bus at 6:55 a m and get off at4:40p m Many people nde the bus a lot longer than I do. It would be nice to be able eat on the bus and not have to worry about getting into trouble, On my way home from school, I usaully get hungry Imagine how kids who ride longer than me must feel It is a proven fact that kids leam better when they are well fed We are well fed at home but after a day o f school we should be able to have something to eat What's wrong with a snack now and then9 I can see no pop because it is so sticky, but why can't we have a snack? I don't see anything wrong with eating on the bus if we clean up after ourselves (s)Marcy Miller Game night set at Stokes Landing Game mght and dinner will be held at the Stokes Landing Senior Center on Fn , January 30. The meatloaf dinner will be held from 5 to 7 p m The cost is $3. Card games, Scrabble or other table games will begin at 7 p.m Cost for the games will be $ 1. The Center is located on Main St. at Opal Place Everyone is invited to attend Prefers four-day week To the Editor: I’m writing in response to the controversy over the four-day school week. I am a seventh grader at Heppner Junior High School. I would like to share my thoughts on this issue. Several people have argued that students of Morrow County have sunk to lower grades and learning levels. I return this argument by saying that I have maintained the same high GPA four days a week that I did in five days a week. I feel that I am learning just as much and maybe more at four days a week. Also, remem ber, we are going the same amount of hours, only at different intervals. So far I really like the four-day school week and it has worked out for me. The extra weekend day really helps because I have more time to do homework. This extra day also allows me to have time to play school sports and get involved in extra-cumcular activities such as 4-H and the Outdoor Club. Play ing school sports on Friday is re ally a big help because then we do not have to leave school early and miss classes. This way we don’t get punished for getting involved in our sports program. One other thing that I will in clude is that my fellow students and I agree that it is easier to stay fo cused four days a week than it is five days a week. 1 believe that I speak for most o f the students when I say this. Sincerely, (s) Shelley Rietmann Heppner Yaw's Restaurant & Lounge RENO TRIP § ¥ M I | 4 DAY’S AND 3 N ITE ’S.-.PACKAGE INCLUDES | | L o d g in g & T r a n s p o r t a t io n | S 1 15 .0 0 g | p er p e r s o n B Lodging at the 'Holiday Hotel' B Transportation by: MID-Columbia Bus Co. 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