Graduation Rules Changing
The graduation rules for Siuslaw students has changed. The school board and administration has decided to add another credit to requirements raising the rate to 25 credits needed to complete studies. Principal Mike Harklerode says the changing world requires more information for the students to be prepared for a world that has been rapidly changing over the past many years. The extra credit hour needed will be in social studies. Which prior has only been a one semester class.
“We haven’t had time to do that in a meaningful way in a one semester course. Making that a full year allows us to really dig in to some of the factors that have led us to where we are as a nation now and some of the Supreme Court decisions, some of the major case law that has come up. And also the changes to the constitution that has come over time.”
He says students have gotten back in to the rhythm of school and all the graduating seniors forward will have had uninterrupted school. He says Covid has had quite an impact on learning as well, but he feels as though they have turned the corner. Some of the testing requirements have also changed. Harklerode is a guest this month on Our Town where you can hear about those changes.
Air Academy
The Boys and Girls Club of Western Lane County will once again be bringing back the Air Academy. Terry Tomeny, who owns Aero Legends Biplane rides, says the Academy will have a few additions this year. While the camp focuses on a career in Aviation, they have added outside professionals to speak about their careers. He says the goal is to give kids a wide range of options, and hear about the successes others have had in their fields.
“We try to bring in local people who have been very successful and love what they do and are very personable. And they spend 15 minutes to a half an hour talking to the kids about their life and the decisions they made to get where they are now.”
Tomeny says the interest is expanding with each year. They expect as many as 25 kids will sign up. They have expanded the age range this year to include 8-18 year olds. Parents are encouraged to contact the Boys and Girls Club to sign up. Camp begins on August 4th.
Gas Prices
Gas prices are sliding ahead of the 4th of July. AAA Oregon’s Marie Dodds says falling crude oil prices are behind the decline, after spiking last month on Middle East tensions. The national average for regular gas is down five cents to $3.18, while Oregon’s average slips three cents to $4.04. In Florence, the local average is $3.93 a gallon. Dodds says AAA expects record travel this holiday, with over 72 million Americans, including 875,000 Oregonians, going 50 miles or more from home. She adds, “Drivers are getting a break compared to 2022 when gas prices hit all-time highs.”
