Stevenson-Carson School District Board of Directors to ask local residents to support education through levy dollars

The Stevenson-Carson School District Board of Directors voted January 14 to authorize Superintendent Dr. William Hundley to prepare for a local levy election in the winter or spring of 2012.

The Stevenson-Carson School Board recognizes that current federal law calls for the elimination of “federal forest funding”.  These federal funds are scheduled to decline gradually to zero over the next three years. Prior to the start of the reduction cycle two years ago, the District was receiving a net of nearly $3 million per year from this source. Coupled with projections for further reductions in state funding, the School Board acknowledges a need to seek alternative funding in order to ensure continued educational viability in the Stevenson-Carson School District.

“We recognize the severity of state reductions in support to local districts,” said Board Chair Hope Peterson. “The state design for funding local districts depends on local tax dollars to supplement state and federal funds. Our local community has been unique and fortunate to receive these federal dollars for so long. Now we are faced with a need to seek local support for our schools.”

The Stevenson-Carson School Board will conduct informational activities over the next two years in order to convey a solid understanding of the need and rationale behind the levy proposal.

The Board will work with staff and community members in crafting a responsible levy proposal to place before voters in the 2011-12 school year. The Board will consider state and federal funding, economic predictions, and District goals and priorities to ensure necessary funding to maintain a quality instructional program for Stevenson-Carson students as it develops a levy proposal.

Stevenson-Carson Releases First Podcast

The purpose of the Stevenson-Carson School District Podcast is to provide information about the outstanding educational opportunities in Stevenson-Carson School District, as well as open a dialogue about issues and challenges facing the school district.

The premiere podcast features a roundtable discussion with Stevenson-Carson School District Superintendent Dr. William Hundley joined by teachers Brian Morris, Melissa Peschl, Sara Brown, and Shelley Wilson for a discussion about the use of educational technology.

Watch for future podcasts on a variety of educational topics pertaining to the Stevenson-Carson School District.

Just click here to download and listen to the podcast in MP3 format. The podcast is also available on iTunes, free of charge. If you would like to subscribe, go to the iTunes store and search for "Stevenson-Carson School District."

Browning is Middle School Principal of the Year

Wind River Middle School Principal Kathy Browning was named St. Helens Region Middle School Principal of the Year by the Association of Washington Middle Level Principals (AWMLP).

"The contributions you have made to your school, your students and to your community are noteworthy and deserving of recognition," said John Westerman, AWMLP President. "The responsibilities of principals are many and significant, but too often go unrecognized."

In a nomination letter, Kathy is described as a leader in promoting innovative and effective whole-school approaches to advance student learning. Kathy was instrumental in the development of the successful Connections program at WRMS.

Kathy also serves as the district curriculum director and according to Superintendent Dr. Bill Hundley, has provided "great leadership to teachers and colleagues" related to their alignment with state standards. She has led a concerted effort over the past two years among her staff related to assessment for learning.

Kathy will be recognized during the 2010 Association of Washington School Principals' (AWSP) Conference in Fall, 2010 and in AWSP publications.

H1N1 Swine Flu Update

To ensure the safety of our students and staff, District personnel are working with the Health Department to monitor the H1N1 virus at the local, state and national levels..

Anyone who has flu-like symptoms is advised to stay home. The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human seasonal influenza and include fever, lethargy, lack of appetite and coughing. Some people with swine flu also have reported runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

The CDC recommends the following measures to reduce the spread of viruses:
* Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.
* Stay home when you are sick. Those with flu-like illness should stay home for at least 24 hours after they no longer have a fever, or signs of a fever, without the use of fever-reducing medicines. They should stay home even if they are using antiviral drugs.
* Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick. If a tissue is not available, cough or sneeze into the crook of your arm. Always, immediately wash your hands afterward.
* Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs.
* Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.
* Practice other good health habits. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.

The following resources have up-to-date information regarding the flu:
• Center for Disease Control (CDC): www.cdc.gov/swineflu/
• U.S. Department of Health:  www.flu.gov 
• Region IV Public Health: www.flunewsswwashington.org
• Region IV Public Health Flu Hotline is 360-397-8021.

Stevenson-Carson School District will continue to monitor flu conditions and make decisions about the best steps to take concerning schools and the safety and health of students and staff.  We will keep you updated with new information as it becomes available.