Could there actually be more going on??? It's a good thing that it is all fun and focused on positive results for children (that's my favorite topic!!). Here's a quick update:
* This Friday is our annual Science Celebration -- this looks different at every grade level. Every student has experienced the science inquiry process this week in some form and at the upper grades it is scored using the statewide science rubric. Younger students have all gone through the process as a classroom group so they have enjoyed teacher-directed science experiments. The older students are trying some on their own with a little guidance and our 5th graders are completely independent with the process. Many classes will be visiting the classrooms of the older students to see "science in action."
* Will I see you at Educate Your Palate? It is a very enjoyable gathering with outstanding food and the silent auction always results in my husband complaining about the check I wrote!
* Speaking of auctions............ the Mabel Rush Auction/Bar-b-Que Committee is the most dynamic of all times. They have acquired amazing items to auction and have so many great items that they plan to raffle a few of them -- a night at the Alison and a cabana party at Safari Sams. I plan to bid on the Salishan lodging w/18 holes of golf and my husband will want the "beverage bobber floating cooler" for a Father's Day fishing trip -- fair warning.
* Here's the question of the hour -- "why is the district going out for a bond at this economic time?" I wondered the same until I found out the following:
1. Federal stimulus funds have been awarded to four school districts (Newberg is one of them!) in the state which results in taxpayers paying zero interest on 15 million if the district should pass a bond -- this would save Newberg taxpayers approximately $4 million
2. Taxpayers would pay less than their current tax rate because the 1993 bond retires and the combined new and existing rates would be lower than the current rate.
3. Building now lowers the financing costs because current rates allow financing projects at a lower cost than if construction were delayed.
* Next week is national Teacher Appreciation Week. Consider taking a moment to have your child write their teacher a card, draw a picture, etc. It's the honest expression of appreciation that means the most.
Shannon Stueckle
Principal
