No News is Not Good News

The old adage says that "no news is good news" and when it comes to cholesterol testing or dental exams, it's so true. However, it's not true here on a school board blog. I've been so discouraged about the economy, community lay-offs, and district budget woes that I thought it best to wait on posting until I had something good to say. You know that other old adage "if you can't say something nice, then don't say anything at all." So I've decided to say some nice things.

Some of the very best school parents live right here in our district. Everywhere you look, parent volunteers are doing their best to help the district succeed. From Boosters to Band Patrons, from kinders to seniors, parents are involved in supporting student success. Thank you for your hard work and dedication.

Some of the very best education programs are right here in our district. Innovative reading, math and writing programs are being used every day to help our students sharpen their skills. Music, drama, art, and pottery are just a few of the programs that allow students to find their "true love" and motivation. Thank you for your hard work and dedication.

Some of the very best staff are right here in our district. Every district employee has our students' best interest at heart. Our staff is creative, kind, and encouraging. They work long days without complaining and show up at night to support extra-curricular activities. Going that extra mile for student success is done selflessly. Thank you for your hard work and dedication.

Some of the very best students are right here in our district. Our kids are preparing every day to reach for the stars. Their potential is unlimited, and they know it. The future is in very capable hands. Thank you for your hard work and dedication.

As far as the "say nothing at all" part of this post goes, I won't mention the budget. I won't mention detention. I won't mention make-up work. Let's just stay focused on all the good stuff in our district. And let me thank you again for your hard work and dedication.

Count Blessings, Not Pennies

It’s been two board meetings now, with no blog to show for it. Sorry. I haven’t decided if lack of blog means I’m too lazy or too busy. Either way, the meetings have been fine and if you want the full report thereof, just follow the links to the official meeting minutes.

It’s been a tough week for our community what with the financial double-whammy bad news from both Boise Cascade and Governor Kulongoski. St. Helens has been a mill town for nearly a century and it’s sad to see that change and to witness the effects on so many local families. Of course it was all over the news, reporters with pity in their voices. We don't want pity. We want paychecks. No doubt this is a most difficult situation, but don’t count St. Helens out… And then there was the governor’s money news. Is the state’s abysmal budget really a surprise considering the financial hits we’ve all taken in the last year? The numbers keep changing, but regardless it equals likely budget cuts in the district this year and certainly for next year.

So while we’re pinching pennies remember to count some blessings, too – we’ve got more of those than pennies anyway.

Happy Thanksgiving!

October 27th School Board Meeting

The slogan said “things go better with Coke.” I suppose so, but may I propose a new slogan? “Meetings go better with cake.” At last night’s school board meeting, our First Student school bus drivers were given our highest thanks and appreciation – and a slice of cake. I think there should be a special recognition with cake at every single meeting.

So besides the cake, there were lots of other good things:

· Public comment included comments about 1) the use and fees of Olmscheid Auditorium and 2) benchmarks for higher-achieving students.

· The high school’s ASB report covered Senior Night for fall sports, the beginning of winter sports, a leadership retreat, and the plans for an all-league dance with the proceeds going to charity.

· The high school boys basketball team requested and got the green light to attend a basketball camp in San Diego over the holiday break. Funds are raised by the students and they have to pay for their own meals.

· Ms. Rau presented the St. Helens Middle School Improvement Plan. The goals are to 1) improve communication among staff and between home and school; 2) see a 5% increase of students entering the 9th grade placing into Algebra 1; and 3) see a 5% increase in the number of students passing the 7th grade benchmark in writing. For more complete data about the MS plan, check the official minutes or talk to school administration.

· Ms. Hagen presented the St. Helens High School Improvement Plan. The goals are to 1) see a 5% increase in the number of students meeting the state reading standard and the same increase in writing; 2) see a 5% increase in the number of students meeting the state math standards; and 3) see a decrease in the number of students who are truant, drop out or enter a 5th year of high school. For more complete data about the HS plan, check the official minutes or talk to school administration.

· Ms. Grogan presented the Columbia County Education Center Improvement Plan. The goals are to 1) see a 5% increase in the number of 10th grade students who pass the state writing assessment; 2) see a 5% increase in the number of 10th grade students who pass the state math assessment; and 3) see a 5% increase in the number of 10th grade students who pass the state reading assessment. For more complete data about CCEC’s plan, check the official minutes or talk to school administration.

· There will be district-wide safety audit (including noise levels) on November 19 and 20, which will be conducted by the insurance risk division of Special Districts. Results are expected back by the end of the year.

· Previously mentioned new policies, policy revisions, and policy deletions had their third readings and were adopted unanimously.

The next regular board meeting will be November 10 at the regular time and place. Hopefully with cake.

‘Tis nearly the end of the fall sports season so get some hot chocolate, find a comfy bleacher seat and cheer on your favorite team. Go Lions!

Gosh, it seems like forever since the last board meeting. I know that time flies when you’re having fun, and I’ve been having fun but time didn’t seem to fly at all... Please read the office minutes on the district’s website. So to recap from my own perspective:

Agenda items 1.0 and 2.0 went off without a hitch – flag salute and agenda approval must be the least contested items of any agenda anywhere.

Agenda item 3.0: A huge and heartfelt “Thank You!” with an official recognition certificate was given to the St. Helens Booster Club. Without their efforts, the district wouldn’t be enjoying such nice athletic facilities. The latest project, a new weight room, was made possible with Booster donations of $80,000 and huge amounts of volunteered time and materials. It’s almost done and should be ready for student use by the end of the month.

Agenda item 4.1: The superintendent report covered two main topics, the first being the SCORE (Students Can Often Reach Excellence) Awards. Students are nominated by staff and then the superintendent’s office chooses the winners. In November, the awards will be given to students who demonstrate leadership, citizenship and community service. February awards will be for skill and/or commitment to the arts, and May’s will be focused on academic performance. The report’s second part was the Strategic Planning Committee. This soon-to-be-appointed committee will mesh together all of the district’s plans, goals, etc into one workable document. The committee will be meeting in December, January and February.

Agenda item 4.2: The Arthur Academy reported on its lead testing and abatement efforts. Some of the testing done still showed elevated lead levels in a few areas, including the drinking water. Students have been and will continue to use bottled water. Parents are “in the loop” regarding clean-up, staff training, and future plans regarding this issue.

Agenda item 4.3: The Lewis and Clark School Improvement Plan was presented by Principal Carson, who was very excited about some new strategies the building has implemented in order to meet their goals. For more and better information about the plan, contact the principal.
Goal 1 - Reading: Increase the average RIT scores of the lowest 30% of all students in grades three, four, and five by 5%.
Goal 2 - Math: Increase the average RIT scores of the lowest 30% of all students in grades three, four and five by 5%.
Goal 3 - Writing: Increase the number of 4th grade writing scores that meet or exceed by 6%.

Agenda item 4.4: The Columbia City School Improvement Plan was presented by Principal Valpiani, who shared how the one-grade school has it’s own unique challenges. For more and better information about the plan, contact the principal.
Goal 1 - Reading: Increase the number of students who meet or exceed the 6th grade state benchmark by 5%.
Goal 2 - Math: Increase the number of students who meet or exceed the 6th grade state benchmark by 5%.
Goal 3 - Communication: Increase parent involvement through communication and by providing a variety of opportunities for participation.

Agenda item 4.5: Ms. Wallace presented some interesting facts about teenagers learning personal finance who become adults practicing personal finance. It’s a class offered by the high school next semester, but isn’t part of Oregon graduation requirements. Isn’t it funny that students need algebra to graduate, but not knowledge about bank accounts, credit cards, car loans, and budgeting. Can you guess which math I use the most?

Agenda item 4.6: The district’s communication plan is done!

Agenda item 4.7: Second readings of revised policies Board Member Ethics and Conflicts of Interest, Student Transportation Services, School Bus Safety Program, Student Transportation in Private Vehicles, Staff Ethics, Family Medical Leave, Service Training, Academic Achievement, Graduation Requirements, Assessment Program, Student Achievement Program, and (deep cleansing breath) Public Records.

Agenda item 4.8: Second reading of new policy Board Member Ethics and Nepotism.

Agenda item 4.9: Policy deletions of CIM Proficiency Standards, District Standards and Juried Assessments.

Agenda item 5.0: Approval of the September 22nd meeting minutes and approval of the October 13th human resources report.

The next regular board meeting will be October 27th. I think costumes and candy are in order… After all, there’s nothing scarier than a bunch of elected folks making decisions!

September 22nd Meeting

Last night’s board meeting was good, just every bit as good as the last one, and I’m duty-bound to share the highlights. Please remember this is coming through the Jana filter, so look for the okey-dokey official minutes on the district’s web site.

Item 2.0: Agenda Approval was unanimous. I love it when that happens.

Item 3.0: Public Comment on Non-Agenda Items. None offered. But later on…

Item 4.0: Consent Agenda. Unanimous approval and more love.

Item 5.0: Congratulations Mr. Patterson, Wal-Mart Teacher of the Year! Thanks for all you do! Keep up the good work!

Item 6.0: Reports and Discussions and there was plenty of good stuff.
6.1: The board was introduced to this year’s student leadership at the high school. What a great bunch of hard-working Lion Pride students! Who-hoo!
6.2: The WEB (Where Everybody Belongs) Program for the middle school was presented by Mr. Robitz and Ms. Krabenhoft. This program is designed to help facilitate a smooth transition for 7th graders and provide leadership training/opportunities for 8th graders. This is WEB’s second year and from all the anecdotal evidence, it’s a great success. As students transition to the high school, the LINK program takes WEB’s place.
6.3: The Arthur Academy provided updates on attendance, expansion, and test scores. Mr. Arthur and Mr. Liljegren shared concerns about lead contamination both in the building and in the drinking water.
6.4: The bond report was to highlight the new media DVD available to the campaign. However, techincolor glitches prevented it from being shown in its entirety. It will be posted on the district’s web page today – without the funky special effects. I’m in it and will be happy to autograph something for you. :o)
6.5: Middle school textbook adoption will be handled at another meeting.
6.6: Board communication plan and goals are coming along nicely and any revisions, changes, suggestions needed to be e-mailed to Mrs. Wallace by Friday.
6.7: The first reading of board policy revisions, mostly due to legislative changes and new laws. Revised policies are Board Member Ethics & Conflicts of Interest, Student Transportation Services, School Bus Safety Program, Student Transportation in Private Vehicles, Staff Ethics, Family Medical Leave, Service Learning, Academic Achievement, Graduation Requirements, Assessment Program, and Public Records. NEW POLICY first reading was Board Member Ethics and Nepotism. POLICY DELETIONS are CIM Proficiency Standards, District Standards, and Juried Assessments. Whew!

Item 7.0: Approval of the Superintendent’s Evaluation and Contract was unanimous.

Item 8.0: Public Comment on Agenda Items. One parent of an Arthur Academy student shared her concerns that 1) the level of contamination was very high, 2) school officials were too casual about the problem, 3) true abatement may not have been done, and 4) parents weren’t notified in a timely manner about the problem.

Item 9.0: Communication and Correspondence to the board and superintendent were noted.

Item 10.0: Suggestions for future board meeting presentations?

Item 11.0: Meeting Adjourned!!

Join us again on Monday, October 13!

Straight Line? Shortest Distance?

Haven’t you always heard that the shortest distance between Point A and Point B is a straight line? From ancient seafarers to westward pioneers, this was commonsense knowledge. Modern-day airline pilots and my teenaged kids know this. On-line direction providers claim to know this – but I believe my experience is proof to the contrary.

This last Saturday, the Lady Lions varsity volleyball team was scheduled to play at a tournament in Dallas, a town that I had not yet had the pleasure of visiting. Before I go any further, let me just say it – I always get lost. I have directional disability. Maps for me are worse than story problems what with all their little hieroglyphics and origami-ness. So in the interests of self-preservation and timeliness, I placed all my straight line trust in an on-line direction provider, which I will call M.Q. I entered Point A, St. Helens, and Point B, Dallas, and waited with baited breath for my easy-to-follow step-by-step driving directions to spit out of the printer.

So once the car was loaded with snacks, the dog, and the directions, it was down (or up?) and over Cornelius Pass – gotcha. Take a left onto the Tualatin Valley highway – fine. Next turn right onto a 2-lane country road – unexpected but okay… And then the adventure began. Over the river, through the woods, past the orchards, and around the cyclists we went. We drove past vineyards, fields, and farmers markets. We drove up some small town main streets and down others. 11 left turns, 13 right turns, 4 straight aheads, and 2 ½ hours later, Dallas appeared on the horizon.

Never once did I deviate from the route suggested and no matter how rural or gravelly the road, the M.Q. directions were spot on. All of those twists and turns though… What happened to the straight line approach? Coming back, following other volleyball families, it was a quick trip back along I-5 to Highway 30 to home. Yep, we came straight home.

September 8th Board Meeting

Monday night’s meeting was a good one as meetings go. There was plenty of good discussion and more than one opinion around the table. And I must say the vice-chair did a lovely gaveling job in the chair’s absence.

So does every school board in the universe have to constantly talk about bond measures and cut scores? Yes. Sigh. It’s not that those aren’t extremely important but… I’d much rather talk with the students themselves and celebrate their accomplishments – like a good test score in a challenging class or a surprisingly successful fund raiser. But again, a sound infrastructure is essential to building individual success. Sigh again.

The board communication plan, the transportation contract, and the safety of student hearing (as in ears) were all topics of conversation. Two bangs of the gavel, one potty break and one stubborn projector later, the meeting adjourned. Check out the district’s website for the full meeting minutes minus the Jana filter…