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On Monday, the School Board honored Student All-Stars from Lafayette 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 Jodi Smith. Pictured (from left):

Emma Janssen, fifth-grade language arts, math, science
Emma is a very bright and creative student. She is a wonderful reader and writer. In reading, she is very insightful, and in her writing, she is always striving to make her pieces even more creative and realistic with rich language. She has a bright future ahead of her.

Rhiannon Sousa, fourth-grade language arts and math
Rhiannon excels in the classroom in all areas – reading, writing and math. She is a very advanced reader, and her creativity adds to both her quality of work and to the classroom setting in general.

Harrison Rasmussen, math
Harrison is an outstanding student who produces impressive work, especially in math. He is always eager to try multiple pathways to solving problems. Harrison makes great connections between school tasks and the world outside of school.

Jesse Brown, third-grade language arts
Jesse is an outstanding student all-around but shines brightest in language arts. He is a kind and funny student who has participated in our school honors choir program in addition to his academic achievements.

South Albany High School teacher Amanda Miles was awarded a mini grant for $1,550 by Northwest Community Credit Union. Kim Clark, community relations coordinator for the credit union shared a photo of the check presentation, which happened in December at the school. She said:

“We’d like to thank you for the opportunity to drop by your school in December and surprise your teacher with a NWCU Project Community mini-grant. The mini-grant process, from review of submissions, selection, and surprise presentations is so rewarding for our staff, and gives them an added insight into the needs and challenges of public education today.  We are honored to be able to celebrate your teacher and help them create meaningful learning experiences for students.

Also, a fun video celebrating the 2017 winners, including photos and a few highlights of winner reactions in posted on our Facebook page.”

Thank you again for allowing us the opportunity to recognize your outstanding educator!”

Last night, Superintendent Golden thanked the School Board members for their service to GAPS students. He read the official Governor’s Proclamation and showed a video of students thanking the School Board for their service.

The Proclamation reads as follows:

WHEREAS: Oregonians rely on public education to ensure a prosperous quality of life and strong economic health for Oregon; and

WHEREAS: Locally elected boards fulfill leadership roles and serve as the conduit through which teachers, parents, businesses and conununities demonstrate the care, creativity and support that lead to student achievement; and
WHEREAS: Public schools nurture and train diverse student populations to the best of their ability, whatever the resources, to give students the knowledge, skills and opportunities they need to succeed; and

WHEREAS: Board members build the framework that makes it possible for education organizations to teach Oregon’s children; and

WHEREAS: The committed men and women who serve on the boards of Oregon’s 197 school districts, 19 education service districts and 17 community colleges deserve recognition and thanks for their dedication to the education needs of the people of Oregon.

NOW, THEREFORE: I, Kate Brown, Governor of the State of Oregon, hereby proclaim January 2018 to be

SCHOOL BOARD RECOGNITION MONTH

See the official signed proclamation. 

The annual Calapooia Middle School student photography show is Jan. 17 at the Albany Heritage Mall. The show is open to the public and runs from 4:30-5:30. Student artists will there to greet visitors and talk about their work.

For more information, read the flyer or contact contact Calapooia teachers Nikki Whittier or Melinda Crowther at 541-967-4555:

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South Albany High School graduate Mike Perry and his wife Amy own a growing business. Snoofy Bee is a portable diaper-changing station that restricts baby’s hands during the changing process. The couple started the business from scratch after they had their second child.

South Albany seniors the heard whole experience, from idea to production during the required senior economics class, taught by Andy Winn. The couple also shared their experiences raising funds for the business, which included an appearance last November on Shark Tank, and marketing, which included a product demonstration and interview on the Steve Harvey Show.

Students were allowed to ask questions during the Perry’s presentation. The couple shared their lessons about what worked and what didn’t as they built a business that started with an idea and is now a growing business with manufacturers in China and sales from retail outlets and online merchants.

The lessons included how to proceed despite the naysayers; starting a new business while working – Mike was employed as a janitor when Snoofy Bee began; pursuing a patent; managing inventory – initially in their home; and finding reputable manufacturers that produce high-quality products.

One of the main lessons students learned is that starting a business is difficult but possible. “Starting a company is really hard and most people fail,” said Mike. “It takes a lot of work to do something out of the norm, but it is totally doable.”

Read more about the Perry’s presentation at South Albany High School in the Democrat-Herald.