Writing

I’ve always considered myself a writer – an unknown, undiscovered, writer. I can’t say unpublished though, but copywriting educational materials just won’t get you onto the Oprah show. Whether it’s for work or pleasure, I’m always writing. When blogging came along, I realized that I had a new outlet for all of the things that swirl through my head and emerge on paper. So I’m still unknown and undiscovered, but at least I’m on the ‘net!

My mom was very artistic in color and word. I thought I knew her as well as any daughter could know a mother. When Mom passed away, I inherited a box full of her daily journals. It wasn’t until I read them that I realized how much I didn’t know her. I didn’t know she had feelings, impressions, dreams, goals, or trials. Her journals, full of her perfect artsy penmanship, told the story of her life and it was a story I hadn’t heard before. To me, she was just Mom, the organizer and driver of the family. She was a complex, thoughtful, kind, sarcastic, and occasionally angry woman. But, Mom was a wonderful woman and I didn’t know how wonderful until it was too late.

The blog bug bit the first time last year and I’ll be darned if it didn’t bite harder the second time. I started blogging about my school board experiences in an effort to be more open with the public. You know how the public trusts elected officials! Anyway, I realized there were so many more things I wanted to blog about, but the topics just didn’t fit on the board blog. I started a second (personal) blog, but now the two are combined into one because my board seat will soon have another seat sitting in it. I decided not to run for another term. Not because of any one reason, it’s just time for someone else to take a turn.

Considering the experience I had with Mom’s journals, I decided I want my kids, my family, and my friends to know me now, not after my funeral. So please enjoy The Common Mann. Comments are always welcome and candy is most appreciated!

Such a Slacker...

I know, I know. I’m such a slacker. Honestly, my blogging intentions are good but I just can’t seem to find the time lately. Part of the problem is that I have short-timers syndrome what with Election Day right around the corner. Soon my school board seat will have another seat in it. Another part of the problem is that I have budget blues. But in this day and in this economy, who doesn’t? Another part of the problem is that my husband is taking Master's classes. When Pa takes classes, Ma loses her free time.

My mom and my grandma were teachers. Mom taught first-graders because she loved the experience of teaching them to read. Even years later, long after she’d officially left the classroom, she would talk about how wonderful those moments had been. Grandma, on the other hand, liked teaching older kids and spent her days teaching middle school English and running the high school library. Between their combined efforts, I can read and I can diagram sentences!

My mother-in-law and my husband are teachers. Mom recently retired after a long kindergarten career. How she managed I’ll never know. Two classes of kindies mean double the students, double the work, and double the show ‘n tell. She’s certainly earned her stars ‘n bars and a retirement check. Rick, on the other hand, is just starting his teaching career after spending the last 20 years in another industry. He’s subbed all over the place and has now realized how tough you actually have to be to teach kindergarten! With the way district budgets are looking, he’ll probably have to sub for another year or two before getting a for-real classroom job.

I’m so thankful to have been part of the public school system as a student, as a room-mother, as a fun-run helper, as a cookie lady, as a field trip chaperone, as a sports fan, as a band patron, and as a board member. When I ran for the board four years ago, I didn’t have any personal agenda or vendetta. I just wanted to be part of a system that has done so much for my family and I felt the need to pay it back and pay it forward. Serving the community has been an extraordinarily satisfying and rewarding experience. Thank you for giving me the opportunity.

Whew – last week was a busy week as far as meetings go. There was a Budget Committee Training Session and a School Board Work Session. When the kids were little and into every sport, I developed an intense case of bleacher backside due to the hours spent perched on the bleachers. The chairs in the board room are padded, but I found the symptoms returning. So I call this new malady board room backside. Thankfully, it disappeared when the meeting was over and no medical intervention was required!

Budget Committee Training Session
One of the best facilitators in the business, Betsy Miller-Jones, led the whole committee through the do’s and don’ts of school district budgets. Believe it or not, the budget committee is not supposed to debate the budget, mess with salaries, cut programs or change policy. Well then, what is it supposed to do? The committee is supposed to hear the budget, hold public meetings about the budget, get public comment, discuss and revise it if necessary, approve the budget and finally send it on to the school board.

The district has a really very civilized budget process, with every principal working closely together with each other and the superintendent. They build a sound and balanced budget before it ever even gets to the committee. After the committee sends it along, the board is then responsible for revision and adoption.

The whole problem this year is that there’s too much budget left over when the money runs out. Just like at home between paydays. Sigh.

Work Session
It was a full agenda, lots to do! The calendar for next school year was adopted and the late-start days are gone thanks to some creative time management. The science textbook adoptions were presented – kudos to the committees for their thoughtfulness and hard work to find affordable, reliable text books that meet the needs of our students. Licensed and administrative contracts were renewed. Thank you for all your work every day in the hallways, in the offices, in the classrooms and on the playing fields. You guys (and gals!) are just the best!

And just like that…Ta Da! Meeting adjourned until the next work session on April 13th.

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!