More graduation drama – counting apples and oranges as one

First of all, let me begin by reminding my readers that this column is my opinion and my opinion only. By that I mean that I am not speaking for the board merely making observations about educational topics and asking for your perspective and input. Now on to the topic at hand.

Yesterday, the Register Guard gave the statewide report for graduation rates and the controversy begins again. Last year, several of us made suggestions as to how the state and the reporters might get this more accurately said so that there was no need to point out delicate issues for students involved. Here is the information for Elmira High School from the Oregon Department of Education website. The state average for graduation in four years is 73.8%. Elmira High School’s average is well above that at a strong 89.83% average. [Are you scratching your head?? I think I can help.] While the Fern Ridge School District average is ‘accurate’ at the average of 71.6% that INCLUDES our other high school whose average was 23.81%. Over a five year graduation rate the information is similar. State Average is 76.49% while EHS average is a strong 88.35%. District average is 61.59% as WLTLC’s average is 17.24%.

Elmira High School is one of the strongest in the state; yet the way the state publishes these numbers creates friction for and within the district. I am a strong supporter of alternative education and realize that many students learn in many different ways. It is essential that we reach out to all students and get them on track to graduation. That is a difficult job for those who struggle with test taking, time schedules, rules. I get it. So should you. However, to negate the wonderful work staff members are doing by embarrassing numbers is maddening for at least one of the school board members: ME. I believe that the staffs at both schools are doing their level best to meet the demands of the students for which they are responsible. What is wrong here is to pit staff against staff, students against students and/or schools against schools. Print the numbers by school only. Lowering a District average so drastically does not encourage boards to take a risk with a charter school.

I am going to ‘borrow’ a comment made by our High School Principal Gary Carpenter as I think he said it best.   “A graduation rate that is high, isn’t because of one thing or one person. It is because of our teachers, our EA’s, our counselor, our classified staff, our custodians, and our support staff here at the District Office… I could go on and on. It isn’t because of one program or “thing” we do… it is a result of hard work, every day, and an accumulation of the THOUSANDS of the little things you/we do on a daily basis. Thanks for all you do.”

Indeed – Our staff is terrific. I am very proud of the work they do.

My parting quote is by B.B. King “The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you.” And another by Frederick Douglas “It is easier to build strong children than to repair a broken man.” Until next time, please write to me as usual at tmorton@fernridge.k12.or.us

School District Questions and Answers –

With current vice- chair- Twinkle Ann Morton

Nutrition and Kids

First of all, let me begin by reminding my readers that this column is my opinion and my opinion only. By that I mean, I am not speaking for the board merely making observations about educational topics and asking for your perspective and input. I went to the State Oregon School Board Conference in Portland and attended many fascinating and informative workshops. The one that strikes closest to my heart for our community is the Farm to School Program. I believe it gives us what we all want for our community – Healthy children and a Healthy Community Economy. With this program – Kids Win, Farmers Win and Our Community Wins. Now this is my kind of idea.

Farm to School “enriches the connection communities have with fresh, healthy food and local food producers by changing food purchasing and education practices at schools and preschools.” The students win by gaining healthy, local food as well as educational opportunities such as learning about different foods, cooking lessons, farm field trips and maybe even future gardens. This program empowers our children and their families to make additional informed food choices while strengthening the local economy and contributing to our state, region, and community.

For me, the chances of seeing better student and staf health are easy to imagine as is the benefit to local farmers. As for our current food service, here is what they stand to gain from joining in this project. IN other schools doing this, there is an increase in students eating meals going from 3% to 16% thus generating more revenue for them. Increased cafeteria offerings of fruits and vegetables will coincide with new seasonal recipes, as well as potential changes in cafeteria waste quantity and management policies.

Teachers also have positive changes with diets and lifestyles. Parents have increased interest with kids eating local food and making healthier choices for obvious reasons. Our educational part would foreground the different foods purchased with recipes and ideas. All will be amazed that it is possible to eat most of the year with some or many local foods.

So what is next? Well- I am writing to the state offices for information, grants, and lists of area food handlers. I hope to get that information and work on it with a committee of interested community people in the next months- hopefully coming up with Phase I in the fall of 2016. That committee has some early work to do such as defining the term “local” and working to find providers. So if you are interested, please contact me at the address below; I will create a list of interested people. Once I have the state info back, we will get started.  I am looking forward to bringing this to our children and community.

I’ll leave you with this poster I saw… I am eager for our children to know this. “Take care of your body. It is the only place you have to live in.” Please write or call to ask questions or add comments at tmorton@fernridge.k12.or.us or 541-915-9367.