News

On Monday, the School Board honored Student All-Stars from Oak Elementary School for earning the highest scores on the 2016-17 state assessments in language arts, math and science.

The students were introduced by Principal Kelly Bussard. Oak students are (from left):

Lilyanah Poris, fourth-grade math: Lilyanah is an all-around joy to have at Oak. She is careful and deliberate in her learning and always takes the time to correct her mistakes. She takes responsibility for her learning and consistently works hard to do her best.

On Monday, the School Board honored Student All-Stars from Sunrise Elementary School for earning the highest scores on the 2016-17 state assessments in language arts, math and science.

The students were introduced by Principal Bob Dougherty. Sunrise students are (from left):

Trevor Southwick, third-grade math: Trevor is bright and persistent. He has a remarkable ability to recall facts and numbers. He is a very conscientious person and cares about those around him.

James Meyer, fourth-grade math: His teacher describes him as a deep thinker that is very hard working. He is Respectful, Responsible, and goes above and beyond what is expected of him.

Dustin Thompson, third-grade English language arts: Dustin is a determined, inquisitive, outside of the box thinker. He is a caring youngman who is helpful to other.

Christian Wechter, fourth-grade English language arts: Christian is intelligence and energy wrapped up into one. He currently attends Timber Ridge and is missed at Sunrise.

Quinn Turner, fifth-grade English language arts: Known for his leadership and outgoing personality. He has a caring, positive attitude with a dedication to his work.

William Southwick, fifth-grade math: William outstanding individual that is smart, witty, and sees the good in others. He is known for being a deep thinker.

Abigail Halliwell, fifth-grade science: Abigail is a hard working student with an inquisitive mind. Her work ethic has allowed her to explore beyond the classroom.

On Monday, the School Board honored Student All-Stars from Oak Grove Elementary School for earning the highest scores on the 2016-17 state assessments in language arts, math and science.

The students were introduced by Principal Jerrie Matuszak. Oak Grove students are (from left):

Freja Christensen: Freja is a kind, tenderhearted student. She is always willing to help others and is very patient. She loves a challenge and is an avid reader.

Haley Blaine: Haley is friendly to everyone. She has a very positive attitude at all times. She is an excellent reader and is a real go getter at soccer!

Sophie Getz: Sophie loves literature and is always up for a challenge. She is a very positive and kind student.

Madison Grey: Madison has a delightful sense of humor. She is a wonderful student and is nice to everyone. She is always curious and loves to learn new things.

Jonah Lasselle: Jonah is a very hard working and responsible student. He likes reading and is an excellent mathematician.

Kaden Stimpson: Kaden is an absolute ball of positive energy! He loves school and is eager to learn about new things on a daily basis.

Read the proposal for temporary student relocation: 2018-19 school year.

Leer la propuesta para la reubicación temporal de estudiantes: Año escolar 2018-19.

Demolition and reconstruction of Oak Grove is scheduled to start when school lets out for the summer. The new building, funded by the 2017 bond measure and designed for a larger student body, is expected to open in fall 2019.

This means that Oak Grove students will need to spend the year elsewhere. At the School Board meeting on Monday night, the board reviewed options for temporary relocation of Oak Grove students, including scenarios where students attend a combination of Fir Grove, North Albany Elementary School and North Albany Middle School for the year.

See the presentation to the School Board. 

Ver la presentación a la Mesa Directiva.

The district is seeking parent and community input via an online survey that will be open from Jan. 23 to Feb. 11. (Paper copies are available in school offices.) This feedback will be considered by the Board before they make a final decision on the plan.

Take the survey: Open until Feb. 11

Responda la encuesta: Abierto hasta el 11 de febrero

No option is ideal, but the temporary adjustments will allow construction of the new building, which will create space for more students and improve the learning environment for students.

Considerations in the planning process:

• More than 290 students will be displaced for the year due to construction.
• Keeping students in North Albany rather than sending them over the bridge to other schools is a priority.
• There is classroom space at nearby Fir Grove Elementary School, North Albany Elementary School and North Albany Middle School.

Goals for relocation

• Put kids first.
• Consider common space needs for lunch, PE classes, etc.
• Disrupt as few classrooms as possible.
• Minimize locations, number of schools for families and number of schools for student transitions.
• Keep the plan as simple as possible.
• Minimize costs for moving and renovation.

Additional opportunities for feedback are scheduled:

• Public meeting at NAMS, Feb. 5, 7 p.m.
• Regularly scheduled School Board meeting, Feb. 26, 7 p.m

On Saturday, 16 middle schools from around the state sent jazz bands to the 12th annual NAMS Music Festival. The event included performances by each school band and clinics taught by high school band directors, including West Albany High School Band Director Stuart Welsh.

The event is a fundraiser for the NAMS music program and provides an opportunity for all GAPS middle school bands to perform and observe other school bands.

Students also had the chance to see a performance by the band directors during the Directors’ Jam during the lunch hour. 

School Board Director Jennifer Ward volunteers at the concession stand during the jazz festival.

A participating school band poses for a group photo after their performance at NAMS.