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About The independent. (Vernonia, Or.) 1986-current | View Entire Issue (Oct. 5, 2006)
The INDEPENDENT, October 5, 2006 Page 13 Chalk Talk Chalk Talk is a monthly column with Vernonia schools information. It is written by various staff members. This month’s column is by Superintendent Kenneth Cox. Line pumping of concrete for the foundation on the modular unit behind Vernonia Middle School took place on October 2. The modular was moved from Lincoln Grade School. Grants are available for teaching others about dangers of driving Oregon high schoolers who craft and execute plans to cre- atively educate their peers about the dangers of driving can earn grants from State Farm Insurance, the company announced today. “Shift Into Safety” offers schools grants of $2,000 to $5,000 to fund campaigns that will help change teens’ thinking and behavior behind the wheel. “We’re challenging students and teachers to come up with innovative ways to reduce car crashes among young drivers,” said Harold Gray, State Farm’s Senior Vice President for the Pacific Northwest Zone. “We think this message is best car- ried to teens by their peers.” Statistics show young driv- ers are four times more likely to get into a car crash than older drivers. And the risk is espe- cially high for 16-year-olds. “Shift Into Safety” grant proj- ects may focus on speeding, distractions, aggressive driv- ing, seat belts, or any other top- ic that relates to teen-driver safety. State Farm is looking for campaigns that motivate young drivers to think first and fore- most about getting to their des- tinations safely and to change their behaviors accordingly. Any student group within a school can apply for a grant, from an individual class to a student club. Applications are due by Oc- tober 20. State Farm will an- nounce grant winners in De- cember, and campaigns must be completed by the end of the 2006-2007 school year. All public high schools within State Farm’s six-state Pacific North- west Zone – Alaska, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington – are eligible. For applications and rules, contact Jeff Aeschliman, State Farm Public Affairs, Salem Op- erations Center, 550 Haw- thorne Avenue S.E., Salem, OR 97301, 503-463-3829, or jeff.aeschliman.c85n@state farm.com. Well, I have been in Vernonia for three months now and I love it! We have a great dis- trict with dedicated staff and wonderful children. I have particularly enjoyed working with mem- bers of the Vernonia School Board. These folks have dedicated a considerable amount of their time to serving us as a community and in partic- ular, our children. I would like to share with you some examples of their dedicated service. The first day that all teachers and staff were back in the building, we had a district meeting and I asked the administrators to help serve breakfast to the rest of the staff, to show our ap- preciation. Three of our board members also vol- unteered to come and they helped serve break- fast. I also know that a number of our board members serve in volunteer capacities in class- rooms and on the athletic field. All of our board members have had children in the district and they currently have 16 children in the district at- tending at all three building levels. At least three times a year the state-wide or- ganization that supports school boards in Ore- gon, the Oregon School Boards Association, holds conferences to instruct board members on certain aspects of their job, which helps to iden- tify and avoid, potholes in the road ahead. We have had a number of our members attend these meetings and the majority of the board will be at- tending the next one in early November. In addi- tion, board members attend regional meetings throughout the year to stay informed. They met for an entire evening last week in Hillsboro with board members and superintendents from across Washington and Columbia County to be informed about the upcoming election and the next legislative session. Our Board Members have chosen to put themselves in the spotlight to make a difference in the education of our children, and they are. I was impressed when we met together in a work session in August, at how well the board mem- bers worked together and began to understand each other and their responsi- bility to provide direction for the district. During that meeting the board chose four characteris- tics that they felt they wanted to most represent them as a group. After discussing many different characteristics they Vernonia Sports Home Game Schedule Varsity Football Jr. Varsity Football Friday, Oct. 6, against Riverdale at 7 pm Monday, Oct. 9, against Warrenton at 5 pm Monday, Oct. 16, against Rainier at 5 pm Cross Country Thursday, Oct. 19, Vernonia Relays at 4 pm Varsity Volleyball Tuesday, Oct. 10, against Catlin Gable, 6 pm Thursday, Oct. 19, against Warrenton at 6 pm Jr. Varsity Volleyball Tuesday, Oct. 10, against Catlin Gable, 5 pm Thursday, Oct. 19, against Warrenton at 5 pm felt that through teamwork, showing re- spect, being decisive, and being industri- ous, they can better serve our community and our children. I think what impressed me most about the board coming up with such a focused foundation for their service together wasn’t just the charac- teristics they chose, but the fact that the majori- ty chose the same ones, which shows me the level of compatibility and focus that already ex- ists among the Board Members. The other fact that I am impressed with is that they all want to learn to do a better job, and in order to ensure that happens they have scheduled workshops throughout the year to increase their ability to serve you effectively. I would encourage you to take a moment to thank one of our board members. Please feel free to contact them and share with them your appreciation. They often hear complaints about what is not going right in the district (which I am sure they would rather you share with me), but I think they would also appreciate an occasional pat on the back as well. Tim Titus; timdawn1@verizon.net Kim Wallace; dkwall@msn.com Randy Hansen; rchansen@adelphia.net Tammy Jennings; jenningstj@vernonia-or.com Cari Levenseller; carilevenseller@hotmail.com Ernie Smith; ernie.robin@verizon.net Angela Taylor; mauimama1969@msn.com Not only do I get to work with a good school board, I also have a great administrative team that is working together to move us forward as a District. They care for our children and strive to do what is best for them in all they do. I have re- ally enjoyed my time in Vernonia so far; after all it has rained less than ten days since I’ve been here, and I have even enjoyed the rain! I am looking forward to a great year and encourage you to stop by my office anytime. Evergreen Dance Center Classes Start Oct. 4th!! Ballet Age 4-5 3:30 p.m. Age 6-7 4:30 p.m. Age 8 + 5:30 p.m. Wednesdays $38/Month Registration Day Sept. 27, 5-6 pm Teacher: Jessica Davis Classes held at Vernonia Community Church 957 State Ave, Vernonia To Register, Call 360-423-7410, Longview
