They sat side-by-side at the computer desk.  She watched as he played one of his games (Angry Balloons I think?).  When his game was over, one of the games the Lady liked to play popped up on the screen. With her user-name and avatar visible he stared intently, particularly at the avatar.  The avatar was assigned by default and frankly didn’t represent her nature or appearance in any way.  She could see the young man had something to say, but he was very reluctant to speak. 

“What’s the matter?” she asked. 

He queried “Who is this supposed to be?” pointing to the avatar.

She answered, “It’s supposed to be me.”

He paused and thought deeply before continuing. “Have you looked in a mirror?”

She said, “No. Why?”

After another long pause, he finally said timidly, “my teacher told me to always use ‘diamond words’ (words that are nice and wouldn’t hurt someone’s feelings) so I’m not supposed to say you’re fat.”

Despite the reasons teachers choose to teach, the reason they choose to keep on teaching probably changes a little over time.  In the beginning they imagine their efforts resulting in the success of their students.  Over time they began to experience and feel connected to the broader nobility of the profession.  But, over even more time, something they may not have originally foreseen gives them the clarity of purpose: the “story”. 

Every teacher collects stories over the course of a career.  The stories demonstrate the eye-opening realization of how fragile or delicate truth and understanding can be to minds that have not completely developed.  Teachers, through much effort, creativity and patience, impart lessons that the human mind must accurately assimilate, process, and apply in real-world situations.  Stories, often humorous, remind us of that fragile constant; but they also provide teachers with a keepsake, attesting to how difficult teaching can be.

Thank you all for the hard work!

Rick

Meeting notice information can be found at:
www.gervais.k12.or.us > Community Tab > News/Press Release
or at
http://www.flashalert.net/news.html?id=211.

 Another fabulous event! It seems to get better each year.  I have to say from the beginning though,  that the renovated (even though it’s the second year in use) venue (aka the GHS cafeteria) really makes the night even more special.  The curtain, the PA system,  the video screen… it’s so much more professional and makes the event so much more pleasant to experience.

The opening fanfare was perhaps the most engaging that I can recall.  It was done in several segments that had the audience guessing as to what was coming next.  I must say that the precision of one segment featuring the male contestants was amazing.  It involved an assisted back flip by one of the contestants.  When he lit, he remained absolutely motionless and at the same exact moment every other member (none whom could see when he lit) of the group struck a pose to end the act.

Of course the talent performances were all great: Classical piano/organ piece,  a mini-play, miming, singing, dancing, a viola solo, and the depiction of an unusual dream involving two very large dancing hats! 

The sportswear display was a little more casual than in the past involving more life-long sportswear rather than traditional uniforms such as basketball , football or baseball. 

Formalwear was resplendent with incredibly beautiful gowns contrasted with the uniformity of the tuxedo’s worn by the young men.  It’s what is worn when the contestants escort a parent on the stage while a short, taped remembrance and thank you speech is playing over the PA. 

The final event is the announcement of the winner and all of the contestants are on the stage at once in their formal wear. The beauty is striking.

It’s a wonderful event.  One that I look forward to each year.  This year, the event raised over $18,000.00 for Kids Making Miracles.

Congratulations to all the contestants:  Amy and Brent, Maya Jaramillo, Colton Herinckx, Christabelle Simon, David Lemon, Autumn Ifft, Jose Paniagua, Selene Ortiz and Anthony Scott.

Thank you to all the other 100 students that contribute to the evening.  And once again to the hard work and dedication of Terry Witter and Deb Holum!

Rick

Overlooking the Potomac River, in one of the most beautiful resort hotels in the country, the high school team (Ken Stott, Michelle Paton, Gloria Wurdinger and Mike Solem) received their award from the National Association of Secondary School Principals on behalf of the entire high school staff. It was a moment that I will always personally remember. I think the most important aspect of this award should be obvious, though we may not readily acknowledge it: the receipt of this award recognizes that our students are receiving a very good education.

In a way, the award ceremony was anticlimactic. Over the course of the three-day conference, the recognition forums that featured the team, the address by Secretary of Education Arnie Duncan, and the networking and sharing of ideas almost overshadowed it. What an honor for all staff, both past and present, that have contributed to the education of our Gervais Students!

Congratulations to all,

-Rick

Click here for the story.

Board members are elected to four-year terms. You must be a registered voter and you must have lived in the district for one year immediately preceding the election. School district employees elected to serve on their board must give up employment with the district to sit on the board.

• Candidate Statement and Filing Forms
• Link to Marion County Elections Webpage

A letter was sent home to all families today outlining the additional precautions. Updated information will be shared as it becomes available.

Please see the links below to read the letters that were sent to all families, there is one for elementary parents and one for our secondary parents.

If you have questions, please contact the district office at 503-792-3801.

Elementary Letter in English
Elementary Letter in Spanish
Secondary Letter in English
Secondary Letter in Spanish

Our district has procedures in place designated to keep our children and staff safe. We will be working with our partners in the Gervais Police Department and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office to review our school safety plans in order to ensure we have the best practices in place now and as we move forward.

Each of our schools will be on alert this week. Our students, staff and visitors are expected to enter each of our schools using the front door only. At GMS and GHS, the front doors will be locked; visitors will be allowed in by a staff person monitoring the door. All visitors are required to check in immediately in the front offices. All staff are closely supervising students throughout our school day. Additional presence of police and sheriff departments in and around our schools has been requested and will be in place.

If you have any questions about your student’s safety at school, please contact our district office at 503-792-3801. The greatest responsibility we have is to the emotional and physical safety of our children. We will do everything we can to meet that responsibility.

The link below is a document which provides helpful guidance on how to discuss the recent issues of violence with our students, taking into account their different developmental needs.

Talking to Children About Violence

Applications are due at the District Office on November 8, 2012 at 4:00 p.m. or until filled.  Applicants must be registered voters and residents of the district.  For more information please contact the district office at 503-792-3801.

The School Board will review names and applications, have each prospective committee member tell about themselves and then appoint these positions at the November 15, 2012 School Board meeting.

A pre-budget meeting will be scheduled in March to familiarize new budget committee members with the budget process.  The budget message will be given on April 25, 2013 with subsequent meetings held as needed until a budget is approved by June 20, 2013.