Message From Superintendent on Teacher Walkout
https://kval.com/news/schools/will-day-of-action-close-schools-in-eugene-we-are-assessing-our-options-for-may-8
I want to bring your attention to action planned by the Eugene Education Association that will impact our schools in Bethel on Wednesday, May 8, 2019. You may have already heard about this in the media.
This is what we know. In an effort to rally support for increased funding for K-12 education, Eugene Education Association leadership in Bethel has indicated that the majority of licensed school staff have pledged to a “walkout” and therefore will not show up for work on Wednesday, May 8th. They will instead be attending rallies in Eugene and at the state capitol. It will not be possible to find enough substitute teachers to cover all classrooms and safely operate schools, so we will have no choice but to close all Bethel schools for the day. The district will approach this event like a snow day, with only essential staff reporting to work, such as building front office staff, administrators, custodians and maintenance staff.
The district fully understands the intent of the actions planned for May 8th, but we also have the important daily responsibility of educating, guiding, feeding, and transporting 5,400 students. The walkout will create a hardship for families and the district cannot sponsor or support this action. We also know our educators are caring individuals who are completely dedicated to their students, and they want increased funding to better support all students. Eugene Education Association has been transparent in their intentions for May 8th, giving time for parents/guardians to make arrangements for their child’s care on this day.
Exceptions:
- The District will work with preschool programs and school-based child care providers who will communicate directly with families regarding operating on this day
- IB testing at WHS will take place as scheduled
- After school youth sports schedules will not be interrupted
- Principals will send out information regarding other events and programs specific to their schools that are scheduled for May 8th
This missed school day will not be made up at the end of the school year in June. The make-up snow days from February have extended the school year beyond what is normally scheduled and Continue reading
From Class To The Course
Willamette hosted the first Electrathon race of the year, the EWEB Kilowatt Classic at LCC.
Willamette students are responsible for the design, welding, engineering, and wiring. Everything. By themselves.
Beyond the valuable skills they learn, the payoff is the chance to race their battery powered go-carts, called Electrathon cars,
The EWEB Kilowatt Classic at Lane Community College was the first race of the season, with its hills, chicanes, and straightaways.
The course was a chance to learn about the cars, what works well and what needs more attention.
Next week the students from Wil-Hi’s Industry and Engineering class will race again in McMinnville.
Bethel Multicultural Fair Thursday
Bethel’s annual Multicultural Fair is a celebration of our wonderful melting pot of cultures, backgrounds and diverse experiences.
Join us at the 6th annual district-wide Multicultural Fair this Thursday, April 11th, 6:00-8:00 at Malabon Elementary.
This free, family-themed event will include performances and artwork by Bethel students.
It will feature local flavors with food from Yi Shen, Burrito Amigos, Sushi Island, Sweet Life, Chapalas, Falling Sky, and Empire Buffet.
There will be fun activities for all families, and Barefoot Books will be donating 30% of its proceeds for the purchase of culturally diverse books for Bethel school libraries.
Serving Up A Winner
Teacher Martha Humphreys with her state championship team: Logan Weller, Samantha Thompson, Makayla Schweitzer, and Oregon Culinary Student of the Year Shane Wilder.
Martha Humphreys is going out a winner. Willamette’s long-time Culinary teacher is stepping down as coach after decades leading the competitive program, including a second consecutive state title.
The Willamette Culinary team of Logan Weller, Samantha Thompson, Makayla Schweitzer and Shane Wilder won the 2019 state title by whipping up this meal in less than one hour. They could only use two butane burners and no electric kitchen utensils.
It’s the 4th state Culinary championship for Humphreys.
Plans are already in the works for the national competition in Washington, D.C. Willamette finished 6th in the nation last year.