State test results show impact of tougher curriculum standards
The initial look at state test scores for students at Siuslaw schools last week revealed that grades in each level tested remained fairly even… or showed some improvement.
But, according to Superintendent Andy Grzeskowiak, the 8th grade math scores showed a 12.9 percentage point drop from last year’s seventh grade test results.
Andy Gzreskowiak — “Well, to me that means two things. A- they didn’t take the test very seriously because that group in previous years had done better on the actual tests than they’re showing now.”
The other part of that equation appears to be students are tackling tougher concepts at younger ages.
Andy Gzreskowiak — “What kids are now doing in their sophomore and junior years of high school, typically they would have done in their freshman year of college. So that means what was done in the algebra-geometry levels are being introduced in the seventh grade.”
He said that’s partly because of the shift from previous standards to the more stringent “common core” set.
Coast Guard appreciation
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.”
Mayor Joe Henry and several groups will host an appreciation dinner for the Siuslaw River Station this Friday evening. 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.
Dunes City activating CAC
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.
Coquille woman dies in single vehicle crash
A single vehicle crash on Highway 101, 15 miles south of Florence, late Thursday morning, claimed the life of an 83-year old Coquille woman.
According to the Oregon State Police, a 1993 Chevrolet Cavalier, driven by 66-year old Stanley Phillips of Coquille, was northbound just after 11 a.m. when it left the roadway, clipping a portion of the guardrail. Both Phillips, and his passenger, Betty E. Phillips, were extricated by fire and medical personnel. Betty Phillips was pronounced dead at Lower Umpqua Hospital; Stanley Phillips was transported to Sacred Heart RiverBend in Springfield. His condition is not known. Results of the on-scene investigation have not been released.
Coho fishery on Siltcoos and Tahkenitch open
Bag limits for wild Coho salmon caught on Siltcoos and Tahkenitch Lakes have been clarified by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.
The Coho is listed as an endangered species, but wild runs on the two lakes have reached the point where fisheries managers say they can be actively sought by sports anglers.
The bag-limit portion was inadvertently left out of published regulations earlier this year, prompting the clarification.
No more than one wild adult Coho and 1 “jack” Coho may be harvested per day… and no more than five wild Coho may be taken and retained in any single year.
The Coho season on both lakes opened Saturday morning… it will continue through December 31st.
Mapleton Waste Transfer Station closes permanently
Hours at Lane County’s Solid Waste Transfer sites moved to the winter schedule over the weekend.
October First also noted the permanent closure of the county’s transfer site just east of Mapleton. That closure was cited due cost reductions and hazards related to the highway access at that point.
In Florence, the transfer station is open Monday through Saturday from eight a.m. to 6 p.m.
The Swisshome and Walton stations are open from nine to five Saturdays.
