News Releases

May 9, 2007
Alice Birney Elementary School Partners with Target for Sponsorship of Family Arts Night on Wednesday, May 23

May 8, 2007
Humboldt County Office of Education honors ECS teachers Ron Hartman, Warren Blinn and Sharon Tecker

May 8, 2006
Alice Birney School receives Target grant for Family Arts Night on Wednesday, May 24

March 24, 2006
Community leaders go back to school during Principal for a Day

March 10, 2006
Healthy Kids Survey given in April

November 7, 2003
Alice Birney students mix it up on Monday November 10

September 29, 2003
Eagle Scout transforms Alice Birney school garden

News Release
 
For Immediate Release
May 9, 2007
  
Alice Birney Elementary School Partners with Target for Sponsorship of Family Arts Night on Wednesday, May 23

Eureka— Alice Birney School today announced a partnership with Target for sponsorship of its Family Arts Night. In conjunction with the school’s Spring Open House, parents, students and family members are invited to attend an evening exploring classrooms while also experiencing a variety of art activities including; Chinese brush painting, Mexican traditional bark painting, and Japanese origami. Also, a free BBQ dinner is included in the evening.

The school received an education grant in the amount of $1,000 to hold the Family Arts Night, which will be held on Wednesday, May 23, from 4:45 to 6:45 p.m.

We feel very fortunate to be a recipient of Target’s generous donation for the second year in a row,” said Alice Birney Principal Jan Schmidt. “Last year we held a Family Arts Night in conjunction with our Spring Open House and it was fabulous! The students enjoyed creating ‘masterpieces’ and eating the free BBQ dinner with their families. It was such a big hit that we decided to do it again this year.”  

Thao Le Khac, a local artist, has been teaching art to students in the school’s after school program and is organizing the art activities for the evening. Target team members will be on hand to help out with the BBQ as well as the art activities.

This sponsorship is part of the ongoing support Target provides to local communities throughout the country. Every week Target gives more than $2 million to strengthen families and communities across the nation, with a focus on education, the arts, social services and other vital community partnerships.

“At Target, we are making a real difference every day through our sponsorship program,” said Laysha Ward, vice president, community relations, Target. “We’re proud to partner with Alice Birney as part of our ongoing commitment to give back to the communities where our guests and team members live and work.”

Additionally, Target also gives back through signature programs that are designed to inspire learning in children and families. Programs include:

Alice Birney School is one of five elementary schools in Eureka City Schools.  It serves a population of approximately 315 students. For the past seven years, Alice Birney School has received the high rank of 10 out of a possible 10 on the statewide Academic Performance Index (API) when compared to similar schools, and has twice been named a California Distinguished Schools. For more information, call Principal Jan Schmidt at 441-2495.
 
Target gives back more than $2 million a week to its local communities through grants and special programs.  Since opening its first store in 1962, Target has partnered with nonprofit organizations, guests and team members to help meet community needs. Additionally, Target team members and retirees donate more than 315,000 hours to more than 7,000 projects each year.

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News Release
 
For Immediate Release
May 8, 2007
  
Humboldt County Office of Education honors ECS teachers Ron Hartman, Warren Blinn and Sharon Tecker

Eureka— Three Eureka City Schools teachers, along with five other local teachers, will be honored for their dedication to students and their profession by the Humboldt County Office of Education on Wednesday, May 9 at the Adorni Center in Eureka. The teachers are Eureka High School physical education teacher Ron Hartman and Alice Birney fifth grade teachers Warren Blinn and Sharon Tecker.

Ron Hartman will receive the 2007 Jean Olson Career Achievement Award. Hartman has been teaching for 35 years, including 33 years at EHS. He was nominated by EHS teachers Kristie Christiansen and Stephanie Jackson who wrote “it’s Hartman’s essence and his heart that sets him apart.”

“Ron continues to hold himself to high standards in teaching and seeks out opportunities for his own personal growth rather than becoming a “throw out the ball” physical education teacher,” remarked Christiansen and Jackson. “In his years of teaching and coaching, Ron has given more than was ever expected of him. Due to his dedicated in-class and extra-curricular involvement, many students and athletes maintain an ongoing relationship with him.”

Former teachers Steve and Paula Parodi noted, “Ron has always made himself available to students, going so far as to tutor them before or after school to help them stay academically eligible for their sport. He buys athletic shoes and P.E. clothes for students in need at his own expense and even takes clothes home to wash them when needed. Ron has a determined dedication to his students’ needs… academic, social, personal and enrichment.”

Humboldt Bay High School learning director and longtime EHS coach Jack Lakin stated, “when Ron is not coaching, every Logger who competed for EHS never had a bigger fan.”

Lakin also credits Hartman for making the EHS physical education program one of the top and most progressive departments on the North Coast. “As the times have changed and the P.E. curriculum evolved from intramural and recreation,” said Lakin, “Ron has been a leader in providing a vision for that change.”

Hartman has volunteered to mentor a teaching credential candidate and been involved in the undergraduate kinesiology teaching program at Humboldt State University almost every year. HSU assistant professor of kinesiology and recreation Rock Braithwaite said, “I regularly get comments about the positive experiences and support he provides in helping our future educators develop their teaching skills.”

In addition to his distinguished teaching career, Hartman has coached a variety of sports at EHS, including football, basketball, track, gymnastics, golf and wrestling, and served as an advisor to numerous campus clubs.

Alice Birney fifth grade teacher Warren Blinn is being honored with the 2007 Excellence in Teaching Award. Blinn has taught at Alice Birney for the past 18 years.

According to Alice Birney principal Jan Schmidt, Blinn regularly hears from former students on the impact he’s had on their lives. One student sent an email stating “when I was in his class he never gave up on me even though I was a slow learner. Because of his determination as a teacher, I have become so much more than anyone thought I’d be. He gave me the boost I needed to want to become better.”

Another one of Blinn’s former students wrote “I loved your class, but over the years I’ve grown to appreciate you more and more. You emphasized my strengths when others only concentrated on my weaknesses. Because of you I’m graduating high school and will be attending college in August. I don’t know what I’ll be majoring in, but I’m keeping my mind open like you did with me.”

Blinn’s knowledge of technology has been greatly valued by Alice Birney staff members. “He volunteered to implement an interactive SmartBoard in his classroom and then assisted other staff members when they came on board with the new technology,” remarked Schmidt.

Blinn regularly serves as a mentor teacher to HSU students in the credential program and last year he assisted a new Alice Birney teacher as a Beginning Teacher Support and Assessment provider.

Sharon Tecker, who also teaches fifth graders at Alice Birney School, will receive the 2007 Excellence in Teaching Award. Tecker has taught at Alice Birney for 22 years and started her teaching career over 30 years ago.

Schmidt wrote that Sharon Tecker has a legacy that has touched the lives of over 600 students. “She embodies the highest quality of a teacher,” stated Schmidt. “Her demeanor with her students is always supportive and nurturing, while she maintains her professionalism. Nothing rattles her — at least not on the outside!”

Tecker “brings enthusiasm to her teaching that is contagious to students and other staff,” said Schmidt. “She develops positive relationships with all her students which make the students want to perform for her,” added Schmidt. “There’s a saying in education “Students don’t care what you know until they know that you care.” Sharon’s students know that she cares about them and many of her former students come back to visit her.”

Along with volunteering her time on the District Language Arts Committee and the Social Studies Adoption Committee, Tecker regularly serves as a mentor teacher to student teachers from HSU.

“Sharon has a really positive outlook on students, teaching, her job, her colleagues and life in general,” wrote Schmidt. “She looks at ways things can be accomplished rather than focusing on the obstacles.”

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News Release
For Immediate Release

May 8, 2006

Alice Birney School receives Target grant for Family Arts Night on Wednesday, May 24

Eureka—  Alice Birney Elementary School today announced a partnership with Target in recognition of its efforts to encourage both art education and family involvement. Alice Birney School received an education grant in the amount of $1,000 to hold a Family Arts Night.

Principal Jan Schmidt stated that, “We feel very fortunate to be a recipient of Target’s generous donation. We decided to combine this event with our school’s Open House on Wednesday, May 24, where we will display student art work that has been created throughout the year.”

This year, Thao Le Khak, an Artist in Residence, provided art instruction to all Alice Birney students in 1st through 5th grades. Parents and children are invited to come enjoy viewing student artwork in all classrooms as well as creating new ‘masterpieces’ along with their child.

According to Schmidt, parents and students will be able to experience Chinese brush painting, Mexican traditional bark paintings, and Native American design print during the Family Arts Night.

This grant is part of the ongoing support Target provides to local communities throughout the country. Every week Target gives more than $2 million to strengthen families and communities across the nation, with a focus on education, the arts, social services and other vital community partnerships.

“At Target, we are making a real difference every day through our grant making program,” said Laysha Ward, vice president, community relations, Target. “We’re proud to partner with Alice Birney as part of our ongoing commitment to give back to the communities where our guests and team members live and work.”

Additionally, Target gives back through signature programs that are designed to inspire learning in children and families.  Programs include: Take Charge of Education, a school fundraising program; Ready. Sit. Read!, a program dedicated to fostering a life-long love of reading in children; Start Something, a partnership between Target and the Tiger Woods Foundation, which helps kids build core values; Target House, which serves as a home away from home for families of children receiving life-saving treatment at St Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis; and Target Volunteers, where Target team members and retirees annually donate more than 300,000 hours of time to more than 7,500 community-based projects

Alice Birney School is one of six elementary schools in Eureka City Schools. It serves a population of approximately 315 students and is known for its high academic achievement. For the past five consecutive years, Alice Birney School has received the high rank of 10 out of a possible 10 on the state-wide Academic Performance Index (API) when compared to similar schools, and has twice been named a California Distinguished School.

For more information contact Alice Birney principal Jan Schmidt at 441-2495.

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Press Release
For Immediate Release

March 24, 2006

Community leaders go back to school during Principal for a Day

EUREKA— For one day, eight Eureka business and community leaders will go back to school as a “Principal for a Day” and learn firsthand about the challenges and the achievements in Eureka City Schools. Principal for a Day is scheduled for Wednesday, March 29 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

“Principal for a Day engages our participants to get involved at the point of change in our schools,” said Jim Scott, superintendent of Eureka City Schools. “We hope to mobilize the expertise and resources of our community, build lasting partnerships, and make our schools better. Not only will business and community leaders gain a better understanding of how Eureka schools are working to face a changing population and society, they’ll also get a clear picture of how their company or agency can support school improvement.”

The media is encouraged to attend any of the participating school sites.

This year’s Principal for a Day participants are:

Alexis Walker, Target store team leader, at Alice Birney Elementary, 717 South Street, 441-2495.

Marge Custis, retired educator and community volunteer, at Grant Elementary School, 3901 G Street, 441-2552.

Bonnie Neely, Humboldt County supervisor, at Lafayette Elementary School, 3100 Park Street, 441-2482.

Lynn McKenna, retired teacher and community volunteer, at Lincoln Elementary School, 216 West Harris Street, 441-2446.

Julie Ryan, AmeriCorps volunteer coordinator for Volunteer Center of the Redwoods, at Winship Middle School, 2500 Cypress Street, 441-2487.

Brent Rasmussen, owner CoxRasmussen & Cross advertising agency, at Zane Middle School, 2155 S Street, 441-2470.

Bob Marino, DG Fairhaven Power Plant general manager, at Eureka High School, 1915 J Street, 441-2508

Ken Skaggs, financial management consultant, at Zoe Barnum High School and the Eureka Adult School, 674 Allard Avenue, 441-2467.

During their day on campus, the new school administrators will participate in a variety of tasks as they job-shadow the school’s principal. Principal for a Day activities might include learning about school technology, facilities management, partnership opportunities, school–to–career, curriculum, service-learning, accountability measures, and classroom observations.

All Eureka City Schools have ongoing educational partnerships with local business and community groups. For additional information regarding Principal for a Day 2006 contact Sheldon J. Reber, director of school at community relations, at 441-2416.

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News Release
For Immediate Release

March 10, 2006

Healthy Kids Survey given in April

EUREKA— Eureka City Schools will be administering the California Healthy Kids Survey in April. It is given every other year to 5th, 7th, 9th, and 11th grade students. It is voluntary and anonymous. Students do not have to participate and no names are used. The survey results will help us plan programs to assist students.

The survey asks questions about student behaviors, such as:

physical activity and nutrition

use of tobacco, alcohol, or other drugs

bullying, teasing, weapons, and school violence

feelings of safety at school and out of school

feelings of connection with a teacher or other adult (does someone care about them at school and out of school)

Signed consent is required for all 5th grade students from their parent or guardian. Parents/guardians must sign and return the form, either giving or denying consent.

Signed consent is not required for 7th, 9th, and 11th graders’ parents or guardians. If you do NOT want your child to participate, fill out and return the withdrawal form. If you allow your child to take part in the survey you do not have to return the form.

Consent/withdrawal forms were mailed to all 5th, 7th, 9th, and 11th grade student addresses. If you did not receive it, call your child’s school or 476-1601.

You can read a copy of the actual survey at your child's school. Each school office has a copy in English and in Spanish.

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Press Release

For Immediate Release
November 7, 2003

Alice Birney students mix it up on Monday November 10

EUREKA— Wearing pajamas to school, reading with study buddies, and enjoying popcorn and a movie are some of the fun activities Alice Birney School has planned for students on Mix It Up Monday. The school is encouraging its students to attend school on Monday, November 10 instead of taking a four-day weekend due to Veterans’ Day falling on Tuesday. There will be no school on Tuesday as Eureka City Schools’ six elementary schools, two middle schools and three high schools observe Veterans’ Day. Alice Birney staff members contributed to planning Mix It Up Monday as a way to encourage positive attendance.

The media is invited to Mix It Up Monday. Please be sure to check in at the school’s office.

Cross-age study buddies will spend one hour in the morning reading books together. An alternate recess and lunch schedule will follow which will allow study buddies to spend time at both recesses together and to eat their lunch together. The study buddies will also watch a movie together.

For more information contact Jan Schmidt, principal, at 441-2495. Alice Birney Elementary School is located at 717 South Avenue.

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Media Advisory

For Immediate Release
September 29, 2003

Eagle Scout transforms Alice Birney school garden

EUREKA— For the past 11 months, local Eagle Scout David Anderson has been hard at work beautifying the school garden at Alice Birney Elementary School. As part of his Eagle Scout Project, Anderson has been planning, coordinating volunteers, contacting local businesses and participating in over 265 hours of work. The newly landscaped garden is now ready for students and staff to plant and learn about how plants grow.

On Wednesday, October 1 at 12:30 p.m., the media is invited to Alice Birney School to see the new school garden and talk with Anderson about his Eagle Scout Project.

The project has taken 11 months from planning to completion. Ten cubic yards of debris was moved out. 3,500 cubic feet of chips, 5,000 square feet of black matting and $1,100 worth of redwood lumber were moved in. 12 scouts with minor assistance from 5 adults put in over 265 hours to complete the project.

Contributors include: Pacific Lumber, Shafer’s Ace Hardware, Joe Costa Trucking, Lowell Lende and Larry O. Doss.

Anderson is starting his 11th year in scouting and is a member of Troop 54 in Eureka. He is a senior at Eureka High School and the son of Sid and Judy Anderson.

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