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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.
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TWO - Heppner Gazette-Times, Heppner, Oregon Wednesday, January 29, 1997
U.S.P.S. 240-420
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The Official Newspaper of the .
City of Heppner and the
County of Morrow
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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
^
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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
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| 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.
B reservations required and $50.00 per person deposit
B
in advance.
3
w
Cfl
M
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541 - 676-9489
|
for information
|
K
January Clearance
SALE
Columbia
All 30%
Sportswear Jackets off
Tempco Jackets
All 1/2
price
Down Insulated
Flannel
Shirts
snap and button
Sweaters
by Pendleton and Grand Slam
All
20% off
All 30% off
Ladies’ Jeans
2 0 -5 0 %
by W rangler and Blaze
Men’s W rangler
Cowboy Cut
Jeans
Men’s Boots
By Justin and Double H
Were $79” to $169’ *
I3MWZ Denim
38 Length
$2 extra
4 9 95 to
1 1 9 «
Men’s
Wear
(841) «7 6 -9 2 1«
193 N Mam St.
Happnar