State test results deliver confusing message
State test scores for Siuslaw students showed mixed results with some improvement, especially in the younger grades, in language arts and mathematics. Superintendent of Schools Andy Grzeskowiak (griz-KO-ee-ack) said he pays attention to the scores, but since this is only the second year of the “Smarter Balanced” system, he doesn’t put too much weight on them.
Andy Gzreskowiak — “It’s gonna be really like four or five years until you really get a good data pattern. I mean, I’m not going to panic over two spots… two points of data doesn’t tell me a whole lot, three points start telling me there might be a trend.”
There is a difference between the curriculum taught in Oregon classrooms and the federal standards measured by the test according to Grzeskowiak. Case in point, he says: the 11th grade math scores… where two-thirds of students in Oregon and at Siuslaw failed to get passing grades.
Andy Gzreskowiak — “When you have 66 percent of the state that doesn’t pass the test, that tells me that there’s a discrepancy between the state test and the national test.”
The superintendent said the State Report Cards will be issued in mid-October. Those will have more detailed information about how just students at Siuslaw match up against other districts in the state.
UCC Strong, one year later
The anniversary of the shooting deaths of nine people on the campus of Umpqua Community College will be observed this afternoon on the steps of the Douglas County Courthouse in Roseburg. There will be a moment of silence followed by a brief invocation.
It was October 1st, 2015 that a gunman walked into a classroom and killed eight students and one instructor before taking his own life.
The victims who died that morning: Rebecka Ann Carnes, Quinn Glen Cooper and Lucas Eibel, all 18 years old; 19-year old Lucero Alcaraz; 20-year old Treven Taylor Anspach; 34-year old Jason Dale Johnson; Sarena Dawn Moore was 44; Kim Saltmarsh Dietz was 59. The class was led by 67-year old Lawrence Levine, he also died.
Forest Service announces road repairs at dunes access
Three access roads to the Oregon Dunes will be closed or subject to restricted traffic flows over the next two weeks. Oregon Dunes Recreation Area spokesperson Lisa Romano said the roads… one near Hauser, the second near Winchester Bay and the third at Siltcoos Beach south of Florence will be have pavement work and repairs done.
The closures will come any time between October 3rd and the 15th depending on the weather.
Siltcoos Road will have one-lane traffic over a two-day period during that time as repaving and repairs are made between Waxmyrtle campground and Driftwood II.
Umpqua Road, south of Winchester Bay will have a half day closure at the Umpqua #2 parking lot and Hauser Depot Road will be closed a half-day at the railroad tracks.
Backyard burn ban extended
Chiefs of Lane County Fire Departments met earlier this week and opted to extend the ban on outdoor burning for two more weeks.
Jo Niehaus (NEE-house) with the Lane Regional Air Protection Agency said the fall open burning season is now set to begin Saturday, October 15th. The delay is due to fire danger in the region. Niehaus said the date is subject to change if hot and dry weather continues.
The fall burning season only applies to areas that don’t ban burning year-round. The City of Florence has had such a ban for several years. The opening would apply to unincorporated areas outside the City of Florence and in Dunes City.
Coast Guard Apprciation Dinner in Florence
The U.S. Coast Guard has maintained a presence on the Siuslaw River for 99-years. That’s one reason why an effort is underway to secure a “Coast Guard City USA” status for Florence. One way, according to Cal Applebee with the Oregon Coast Military Museum, is to recognize those serving her right now.
Cal Applebee – “There’s almost three dozen active duty members here in Florence, there’s about a dozen auxiliary members. I mean, the Coast Guard is a huge influence.”
One week from today, Mayor Joe Henry and several groups will host an appreciation dinner for the Siuslaw River Station. Applebee says it’s been a group effort.
Cal Applebee – “Most of the veterans organizations in Florence have come together in this committee, working together, to produce this. So, it really shows that our veterans, particularly, appreciate our active duty personal here with our Coast Guard Station.”
The dinner will be at the Florence Events Center Friday, October 7th. Tickets are $35 each and are still available at the museum… The Chamber Visitor Center and Banner Bank. Applebee says it’s formal, but the program will be brief… and there will be live music for dancing at the end of the evening.
Volunteer committee members sought for Dunes City
Dunes City is putting out a call for volunteers wishing to serve on a Citizen Advisory Committee.
The group will operate under Dunes City’s Comprehensive Plan and state land use regulations to provide recommendations on proposed changes to Dunes City’s Zoning and Development Code.
Applications are at the Dunes City website, or you can call Dunes City Hall and they will email you one.
Appointments will be made October 27th during the Dunes City Planning Commission meeting.
