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About The independent. (Vernonia, Or.) 1986-current | View Entire Issue (Sept. 17, 2009)
The INDEPENDENT, September 17, 2009 Page 11 Chalk Talk Chalk Talk is a column of information about Vernonia schools. This column was provided by Superintendent Dr. Ken Cox. On September 1, OSEA Vernonia chapter 67 members presented a check for $4,500 to Sharon Bernal, representing the School Bond Committee. 47J identifies need for fundraising firm The first meeting of the Ver- nonia School Board for this school year, on September 10, was over in less than an hour. The board heard from ad- ministrators that the year is off to a smooth start. Kathy Fetch, on behalf of Oregon School Employees As- sociation members, gave the board a photo of OSEA’s pres- entation of a $4,500 check to the Bond Committee recently. Superintendent Dr. Ken Cox told the board that the Oregon Solutions Executive Committee met recently and identified the need for a professional fund- raising firm to handle fundrais- ing for the new schools project. The board was told that the cost of this firm could, ideally, be covered by some kind of grant. The board gave consen- sus for Cox to set up an inter- view committee and proceed with finding a firm for this pur- pose. The board; • approved an interdistrict transfer agreement with Jewell school, • approved interviewing and hiring a local realtor to act as property manager of the dis- trict’s rental property, Upcoming events include a “Stake-out” at the new schools site, September 18 at 4:00 p.m., when stakes will show where the school would be lo- cated. Later the same evening will be the first home football game of the year. There will be an Open House at Mist Grade School from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. on September 30. October 6, will feature an open forum at the Senior Center followed by a Town Hall for the community at Midway Veterinary Clinic Senior Discounts Open in Vernonia Wednesdays and Saturdays 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Call for appointments 503-429-1612 805 Bridge Street Vernonia Small and Large Animals 6:00 p.m. at the Scout Cabin. The next board meeting will be October 8 starting at 6:00 p.m. at the District office. Blazer seats for good behavior From page 10 3rd quarter and home games around that time are usually sold out, therefore, students who are eligible for a reward for positive school behavior in the third quarter will receive a different reward. If you have any questions or concerns, call George Spauld- ing at 503-429-7941. We are off to a great start this year! The students are excited, our teachers are prepared, and our cus- todial staff had the buildings clean and ready for the first day. We are looking for great things this year from your students! As parents, you have a significant role in the education of your children. You were their first teacher. You are their most significant role model. They spend more time watching and listening to you than they do any classroom teacher. (Yes, even high school stu- dents will listen, even if they don’t want to let on that they are.) As you begin this school year here are a couple of ideas that could make this year more successful for your children: • Ask questions and then take time to listen to them tell you about their day. • Set appropriate homework expectations for them and praise them when they are met. • Help them be responsible by reminding them to turn in their homework when they get to school. These seem simple, but can easily be forgotten in the rush of our everyday lives. As I wrap this up I would like to share one final thought: Seek Resolution at the Lowest Possible Level. If, in your conversation with your child, you become aware of an issue at school, please try to deal with it as directly as possible, at the lowest possible lev- el. By this I mean if the issue is with another student, contact that student or their parents. If the issue is with a teacher, then talk to the teacher before going to the principal or coming to me. There may be times when going around someone is appropriate, but those instances are few and far between. As always, please feel free to contact me if you have any ques- tions or concerns. Columbia County Fair 4-h results Following are partial results from 4-H competition at the Co- lumbia County Fair. Due to space limitations, only results within The Independent’s circu- lation area are included. More results will be published in the See Number on page 21