News

On Monday, the School Board honored Student All-Stars from Sunrise Elementary School for earning the highest scores on the 2016-17 state assessments in language arts, math and science.

The students were introduced by Principal Bob Dougherty. Sunrise students are (from left):

Trevor Southwick, third-grade math: Trevor is bright and persistent. He has a remarkable ability to recall facts and numbers. He is a very conscientious person and cares about those around him.

James Meyer, fourth-grade math: His teacher describes him as a deep thinker that is very hard working. He is Respectful, Responsible, and goes above and beyond what is expected of him.

Dustin Thompson, third-grade English language arts: Dustin is a determined, inquisitive, outside of the box thinker. He is a caring youngman who is helpful to other.

Christian Wechter, fourth-grade English language arts: Christian is intelligence and energy wrapped up into one. He currently attends Timber Ridge and is missed at Sunrise.

Quinn Turner, fifth-grade English language arts: Known for his leadership and outgoing personality. He has a caring, positive attitude with a dedication to his work.

William Southwick, fifth-grade math: William outstanding individual that is smart, witty, and sees the good in others. He is known for being a deep thinker.

Abigail Halliwell, fifth-grade science: Abigail is a hard working student with an inquisitive mind. Her work ethic has allowed her to explore beyond the classroom.

The bond project plan and timeline is nearly complete, and work is scheduled to start this summer at school sites around the district.

This summer, high-priority projects at 18 school sites will begin, including upgrades at 11 elementary schools, three middle schools, two high schools, the district office and facility department.

The project list includes Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) improvements, fire alarms and doors, food science classroom and PE locker room upgrades, and improvements to address HVAC, plumbing, paving, roofing and seismic needs.

See the list of school sites and projects. 

Demolition and reconstruction work will also start at Oak Grove Elementary School as soon as school is out for the year.

Designs for the new building are complete. See the latest drawings.

Last night, Superintendent Golden thanked the School Board members for their service to GAPS students. He read the official Governor’s Proclamation and showed a video of students thanking the School Board for their service.

The Proclamation reads as follows:

WHEREAS: Oregonians rely on public education to ensure a prosperous quality of life and strong economic health for Oregon; and

WHEREAS: Locally elected boards fulfill leadership roles and serve as the conduit through which teachers, parents, businesses and conununities demonstrate the care, creativity and support that lead to student achievement; and
WHEREAS: Public schools nurture and train diverse student populations to the best of their ability, whatever the resources, to give students the knowledge, skills and opportunities they need to succeed; and

WHEREAS: Board members build the framework that makes it possible for education organizations to teach Oregon’s children; and

WHEREAS: The committed men and women who serve on the boards of Oregon’s 197 school districts, 19 education service districts and 17 community colleges deserve recognition and thanks for their dedication to the education needs of the people of Oregon.

NOW, THEREFORE: I, Kate Brown, Governor of the State of Oregon, hereby proclaim January 2018 to be

SCHOOL BOARD RECOGNITION MONTH

See the official signed proclamation. 

A new Anti-Bullying, Anti-Harassment Task Force will meet in two community forums at the end of January and beginning of February to develop a plan to reduce behaviors that negatively impact our community and our schools.

The goal is to generate a community-based “call to action” in response to our common concerns related to these issues. The task force leaders include South Shore Principal Kraig Sproles, Calapooia Middle School Principal Gina Ayers, Albany Options Principal John Hunter, and District Human Resources Administrator Rich Sipe.

The purpose of the forums will be twofold.  First, we will work together to formulate an understanding of the scope and nature of bullying and harassment in our community, and second, we will develop a community “Call to Action” in response. This plan will be presented to the school Board for their review and consideration in March.

The community is invited to attend the two community forums.

• The first forum will be on Wednesday, Jan. 24 at 6 p.m. at Albany Options School, 701 SE 19th Avenue (across the street from Sunrise Elementary School).
• The second forum will be on Wednesday, Feb. 7, at 6 p.m. at Albany Options School.

Each meeting is expected to last about 90 minutes.

Several community partners will be represented at the forums, including the Albany Police Department, Linn County Sheriff’s Office, Linn County Mental Health, the City of Albany, FACT, Albany Boys and Girls Club, CAP, local faith community, and the YMCA.

Linn Benton Community College is offering free parenting classes at three sites, starting in January. Classes are free and include dinner and child care.

The Albany class is The Incredible Years. It will run from Jan. 10 to March 21 at DHS, 118 2nd Avenue.

For families with children ages 2–10. Raise responsible children! Use play and praise to build a more cooperative relationship with your children. Learn how to make clear family rules. Prevent and reduce behavior problems. Improve your children’s social skills.

Read the flyer for more information about the classes scheduled for Albany, Corvallis and Sweet Home.