Schools — Newberg school board also sets its 2015-16 calendar and approves new Music Appreciation class open to non-musicians

The Newberg School District board of directors had a busy meeting Feb. 24, making some small adjustments to its transfer policy, adopting a calendar and adding a new class for the 2015-2016 school, as well as saying goodbye to a valued staff member.

The district is accepting students from out of the district during an open enrollment period through April 1, but added a new exception to its policy for the upcoming school year.

The district will continue not to accept open enrollment transfers for grades 11 and 12 at Newberg High School, as well as for the dual language program at Edwards Elementary, the Chehalem Online Learning Alliance and for all grades at Mabel Rush Elementary.

Because of an especially large class of students, the district will not accept open enrollment transfers in fifth grade at Antonia Crater Elementary as well.

In her final board meeting, assistant to the superintendent Mikaela Schamp presented a report about transfers in and out of the district, noting that most of the kids who leave do so to attend a virtual charter school.

In addition to receiving a goodbye gift, board member Ron Mock further expressed his admiration for Schamp’s skills after she had researched a question he had asked as she was giving her presentation.

The district also approved its calendar for the 2015-2016 school year, in which classes won’t begin until Sept. 8 due to Labor Day falling on Sept. 1 this year. That pushes NHS graduation back to June 10 and the final day of classes to June. 17.

For the second year, students will have the entire week of Thanksgiving off from classes, with winter break falling the weeks of Dec. 21 and Dec. 28 and spring break set for the week of March 21.

Newberg High School Principal Mark Risen and assistant principal Dan Malone presented to the board on several potential curricular changes, but only requested the approval of a new music appreciation class.

The class will be the first in the NHS music program open to students who themselves do not sing or plan an instrument. It was approved by a 6-0 vote.

Written by: Seth Gordon