News Releases
2000-2001 School Year

EUREKA— At its state conference in San Francisco on May 4, The California Continuation Education Association (CCEA) recognized the high school student group Youth Educating Against Homophobia (YEAH!) as one of nine exemplary programs in California.

YEAH is now represented at Zoe Barnum High School, Eureka High School, and most recently Arcata High School. The two Eureka clubs have also presented trainings at Humboldt State's Youth Summit and an all-day training at Humboldt County Office of Education.

According to Zoe Barnum teacher and YEAH! advisor Dave Orphal, 'Schools are still unsafe places for many of America's school children. One group of young people who are the targets of current hatred and attack are sexual minority youth.'

According to the Gay, Lesbian, Straight Education Network (GLSEN), the average high school student hears 25 anti-gay epithets every day. When teachers hear these comments, 97% of the time they fail to respond. Eighty-percent of gay youth report being verbally abused. Forty-percent of gay youth are threatened with physical attack and twenty-seven percent of sexual minority girls and twenty-two percent of sexual minority boys report being attacked by other students (GLSEN, 1999).

At Zoe Barnum High School, after an attack on a student in 1997, a group of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and supportive-straight students formed YEAH!. YEAH! decided to create and deliver a workshop for teachers that would provide them the tools they needed to interrupt homophobic behavior and language at school. Using recourses from GLSEN as well as their own testimonials, and adding a skit they created, the students designed Homophobia 101.

Since 1997, approximately five students have participated in YEAH! each year. In 1997, YEAH! provided workshops for local AmeriCorps members in addition to the training at Zoe Barnum. In 1998 YEAH! provided workshops again for Zoe and AmeriCorps and included a workshop for a local teen-theater group. In 1999, YEAH! provided workshops for Eureka's Winship Junior High, traveled to Los Angeles to present at the California Association of Peer Programs Conference, provided a student version of Homophobia 101 at the McKinleyville Youth Summit, and designed an advanced workshop, Homophobia 201, for the CCEA District 1 conference. They also traveled to San Francisco to facilitate a workshop for other Gay-Straight Alliance Clubs about how to create a Homophobi101 workshop.

YEAH! created their workshops and materials without funding; photocopying costs were covered by the school. In 1999, YEAH! wrote and received a grant from the California Dept. of Education for $5,000. With this money, YEAH! members traveled to Los Angeles and San Francisco and in October of 2000, two members of YEAH! went to Chicago for the National GLSEN conference, 'Teaching Respect for All 2000.'

For more information contact Zoe Barnum teacher Dave Orphal at 441-2467.

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May 3, 2001

Marshall School celebrates Dorris Summerfield Day

Marshall Elementary School with celebrate longtime employee and school volunteer Dorris Summerfield on Thursday, May 10. Summerfield has worked as a monitor at Marshall since 1965 and was a parent volunteer for many years prior to working for the school.

The media is encourage to attend Dorris Summerfield Day. Summerfield will be seated in a place of honor in the school's cafeteria during lunch from 11:15 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.

Summerfield has been active and involved in Marshall PTA for many years, and continues to be one of PTA's most faithful members.

Marshall students are creating a memory book for her, and the school will literally 'roll out the red carpet.'

Marshall Elementary School is located at 2100 J Street. For more information contact Marshall principal Paul Gossard at 441-2549.

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May 1, 2001

Eureka City Schools' high school students eligible for new Governor's Scholars Award

Eureka City Schools' high school students who scored in the top 10% of their class or top 5% statewide on last year's Stanford 9 reading and mathematics test were notified that they are eligible for a $1,000 college scholarship. This is the first year of the Governor's Scholars Award, a piece of Governor Gray Davis' school accountability program.

In Eureka City Schools, 117 tenth through twelfth-graders qualified for the new scholarship program based on their reading and math test scores on last year's Stanford 9 test. Over 64% of these students also qualified in the top 5% of the state.

According to Eureka High School principal Bob Embertson, 'Letters were sent home to parents and students notifying them of the award on Monday, April 30.' The letter includes instructions on how to register for the scholarships on the Internet and details of the program.

For more information contact Bob Embertson at 441-2508. Governor's Scholars Award information is also on the Internet at www.scholarshare.com.

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April 23, 2001

Eureka High history class in two-day living history project at Fort Humboldt

Humboldt history will come alive this week as students in Eureka High School teacher Craig Parker's California history class lead tours of historic Fort Humboldt for local elementary students on Wednesday, April 25 and Thursday, April 26. The student tours of Fort Humboldt, in its second year, is a partnership with California State Parks and fulfills the Eureka High students' service-learning requirements. Over 500 students are expected to participate.

The media is encouraged to attend. The students will be at Fort Humboldt all day on Wednesday starting at 9 a.m., and a half day on Thursday starting at 9 a.m.

Parker's students will be leading groups of elementary classes through a tour of the logging exhibits. The students have been researching the Fort and each student is expected to be an expert on the history of its operation. In addition, students have been studying world and U.S. history to try to make connections with the "outside" world for the elementary students. Other groups of students will be interpreters for the museum in the Fort hospital. Some students will be stationed in the surgeon's house to convey its history. Finally, a couple of students will dress in military uniforms of the time period to welcome the elementary students as they arrive. The Eureka High students will also use digital technology to document both the activities and our participation with the long term goal of creating a Web site.

Fort Humboldt is located at 3431 Fort Street, Eureka, 445-5567. For more information contact Craig Parker at 441-2508.

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April 23, 2001

Winship language arts teacher recognized for inspiring classroom excellence

Year after year, Winship students in Dave Harvey's eighth-grade language arts class get to know the man who recites The Cremation of Sam McGee, rides his bicycle every day from his home in McKinleyville, and plays his guitar in the classroom. According to former student Shanti Sattler, "Mr. Harvey is one of those teachers that you won't ever forget."

In February, Dave Harvey was recognized by his peers with the California Association of Teachers of English's (CATE) Classroom Excellence Award at the Association's 42nd annual convention in Ontario, California. Harvey has taught since 1965, and has been with Eureka City Schools since 1983.

A reception honoring Harvey will be held at Winship Junior High School on Thursday, April 26 at 3:30 p.m. in the school's library. Harvey's former students and colleagues are encouraged to attend. The media is also encouraged to attend the reception. Winship is located at 2500 Cypress in Eureka.

Local CATE chapter president and Arcata High School language arts teacher Joan Williams mentions, "His reputation is of almost mythic proportions in our area. A popular poet and guitarist, Dave has used his talents to enthrall students. Their love and respect is indeed a testament to the man who has been a vital force in their lives."

Harvey's colleague, Winship 7th-grade language arts teacher Mary Ann Hytken, maintains that "the students relationship with Dave's curriculum is alive!" As Harvey's former student teacher, Hytken explains that his passion for teaching and love of language is an inspiration to the entire Winship staff.

Retired Winship language arts teacher Joan Plympton points out that Harvey uses his many talents to complement his curriculum. "As an artist, bicycling enthusiast, poet, fan of steam railroads, or as a writer, Dave has a seemingly endless skill to use his interests to truly involve his students in the learning process," said Plympton.

In reminiscing, Sattler thought she knew everything about Harvey on the first day of class, "because my sister had taken his class and so had a lot of my friends." She. like most of Harvey's students, soon came to find a special connection with him. "On the first Friday of school out came Mr. Harvey's guitar. He sang and played for us I Just Want a Pickle and I'm My Own Grandpa and by the end of the session he had us all in tears laughing."

On the last day of school, Harvey encourages his students to keep in touch by writing his address on the blackboard. "I was one of the ones who wrote down his address," stated Sattler. "We still continue to write. I always get an immediate letter back with some poems about his latest adventures."

Sattler pays the ultimate tribute to Harvey by describing him as "one of the greatest, cool, nice older guys with huge bike riding muscles, great stories, songs, teaching and 'kid skills' and an unforgettable personality,"

For more information contact Winship Junior High School at 441-2487 or Sheldon J. Reber at 441-2416.

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March 30, 3001

County-wide school violence response team holds training on April 4

Members of local schools, law enforcement, clergy, and local community and public agencies that work with children will covene on April 4 from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. at Arcata's Redwood Park Lodge for an afternoon session designed to create a team of professionals to offer assistance to school districts experiencing a school violence crisis. The team would be available after a district has utilized its own emergency response plan.

The media is encouraged to come between 1 and 1:30 p.m. for interviews with the presenters before the workshop begins.

The agenda includes using national organization resources, reviewing the FBI training manual The School Shooter:A Threat Assessment Perspective, looking at the working model used by Eureka City Schools, and the steps needed to create a model for Humboldt County.

Presenters include Mark Adams, principal of Humboldt County Community Schools; Margaret Allen, Humboldt County school social worker; R'Delle Anderson, school psychologist and trained NOVA crisis responder; and Lee Ann Lanning, director of special services for Eureka City Schools.

The Response Team for the Threat of School Violence has been meeting regularly to develop a structure to provide intervention assistance, assessment, and advice to school districts in the event of a crisis threat. The team would be available for all Humboldt County school districts. Training will be ongoing.

For more information contact Lee Ann Lanning at 441-3422.

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March 15, 2001

Saturday Yoga Classes to be offered at Jefferson Elementary School

Jefferson Elementary School is offering a Yoga for Fitness class for members of the community. The class offers participants multi-level yoga for strength, flexibility, balance and relaxation. This class will be taught by Kate Latimer and will meet Saturdays from 10:30-11:30 a.m. starting April 7th at Jefferson School at 1000 B Street in Eureka. There is no fee for the class, but donations will be accepted to benefit enrichment programs at the school. Please call 441-2513 to register before April 1st.

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March 14, 2001

Eureka community leaders go back to school during Principal for a Day

For one day, 15 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 Tuesday, March 20 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. during Eureka City Schools' fourth annual Open Schools Week. The event is a partnership with the Greater Eureka Chamber of Commerce.

The media is encouraged to attend any of the participating school sites on Tuesday, March 20.

During their day on campus, the new school administrators will participate in a variety of tasks as they jobshadow the school's principal. Principal for a Day activities might include school technology, facilities management, parent involvement, school'to'career, curriculum, service-learning, accountability measures, and classroom observations.

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.

'Principal for a Day is a call to Eureka's business and community leaders to get involved at the point of change in our schools,' said Jim Scott, superintendent of Eureka City Schools. 'By engaging our Principals for a Day in public education, we hope to mobilize the expertise and resources of our community, build lasting partnerships, and make our schools better.

Among the local business and community leaders participating in Principal for a Day are:

Bob Doran, North Coast Journal, at Alice Birney Elementary , 717 South Street, 441-2495;

Jack Rieke, Shafer's Hardware, at Grant Elementary, 3901 G Street, 441-2552;

Santiago Cruz, El Heraldo newspaper, at Jefferson Elementary, 1000 J Street, 441-2493;

Ted Le Feuvre, United State Coast Guard commander, at Lafayette Elementary, 3100 Park Street, 441-2482;

Rick Littlefield, Eureka Natural Foods, at Marshall Elementary, 2100 J Street, 441-2549;

Jill Macdonald, Quality Inn Eureka, at Washington Elementary, 3322 Dolbeer Street, 441-2547;

Ken Skaggs, Samoa Pacific, at Worthington K'8, 3400 Erie Street, 441-2567;

Dave Edmonds, Pacific Bell, at Winship Junior High, 2500 Cypress Avenue, 441-2487;

Ray Geary, College of the Redwoods, at Winship Junior High, 2500 Cypress Avenue, 441-2487;

Roger Zoss, Eureka branch NAACP, at Zane Junior High, 2155 S Street, 441-2470;

Ross Welch, Humboldt Bank, at Zane Junior High;

Cherie Arkley, Eureka City Council, at Eureka High School, 1915 J Street, 476-4800;

Mike Renner, Renner Petroleum, at Eureka High School

Gerry Adolph, Times Standard, at Eureka High School

Dave Silverbrand, KVIQ-TV, at Zoe Barnum High School, 674 Allard Avenue, 441-2467

All Eureka City Schools have ongoing educational partnerships with business and community groups. For additional information regarding Principal for a Day 2001 contact Sheldon J. Reber at 441-2416.

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March 13, 2001

Eureka students present Humboldt History Web site at Technology Showcase

EUREKA- For the past two years, Eureka High School students in social science teacher Ron Perry's class have been busy collecting the oral histories of Humboldt County residents. The curriculum-based technology project has been posted to the Web and was presented by student Web designers and Eureka High seniors Andrew Frey and Ben Rizkowsky, at the first statewide Student Technology Showcase on March 5 in Sacramento.

The Humboldt History Web site can be viewed at: www.eurekacityschools.org/ehs/perryr/humboldt2/humboldt.html

According to Perry, "The Web site gives a real sense of what happened in history from a personal viewpoint. The Humboldt History project has connected students to local history in a way no text book could ever accomplish."

The student-produced site includes transcribed interviews, streaming audio interviews, and personal photos. From the 1920s through the 1990s, Humboldt County residents remember historical events such as the Great Depression, World War II, the Korean War, the assassination of President Kennedy, the arrival of The Beatles, the Vietnam War, and other important events.

Perry noted that his students are always looking for community members to share their perspectives on historic events that had an impact on their life.

For more information contact Ron Perry at 441-2508.

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March 13, 2001

Eureka City Schools' Governing Board announces administrative assignments

At its regular meeting on March 7, the Eureka City Schools Governing Board approved four administrative assignments for 2001-2002 school year.

Current Marshall principal Paul Gossard has been assigned to be principal at Washington Elementary School. Gossard has been principal at Marshall for seven years. Prior to serving as Marshall's principal, Gossard was an assistant principal at Winship Junior High School and an elementary teacher. Gossard received his administrative credential from Humboldt State University.

Current Washington principal Kathleen Honsal has been assigned to the assistant principal position at Winship Middle School. Prior to serving as principal at Washington, Honsal served as Winship's assistant principal and an upper-grade elementary teacher. Honsal received her administrative credential from St. Mary's College

Current Winship assistant principal Kathleen Lake is being assigned to the assistant principal position at Eureka High School. Lake, formerly from Woodland Unified School District, received a speech and language credential and administrative services certification from Sacramento State University.

Larry Nicoll, current Eureka High School assistant principal, will fill the assistant principal position at Zane Middle School next school year. Nicoll received his administrative credential and Ed.D. from University of San Francisco.

Zane's current assistant principal Susan Freeman has been assigned on a half-time basis for one year to provide program leadership and student support services for the Zane sixth-grade program. Freeman will also coordinate collaboration between Zane and Winship Middle Schools and become the 2002 summer school principal for middle school.

For more information contact Sheldon J. Reber at 441-2416.

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March 8, 2001

Eureka High School registration date for students new to Eureka City Schools

EUREKA- For all students NEW to Eureka City Schools, registration for Eureka High School for the 2001-2002 school year will take place on Thursday, March 15 at 3:30 in room M111. This registration is for students NOT currently enrolled at Winship, Worthington, Zane, Freshwater, Kneeland or Eureka High School.

For more information contact the Eureka High School Counseling Office at 441-2591.

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March 5, 2001

EHS Conflict Mediators organize day of cultural understanding on March 14

EUREKA-The student Conflict Mediators of Eureka High School have organized an exciting day on Wednesday, March 14. The day-long program will include a performance by Los Angeles-based Faces of America, classroom dialogue with 80 community speakers, and a multicultural celebration during lunch.

The media is encourage to attend. Please check in at the school's office.

The event was organized after a schoolwide survey conducted by the conflict mediators to determine what students felt were the main source of conflicts. The results showed students' concerns about racism, homophobia, and threats. The mediators wanted to address these concerns and wrote a successful grant receiving $5,000 from the Student Leadership Grant program offered by California Department of Education. The Humboldt Area Foundation also gave $1,900 and the Army donated the costs of catering lunch for the staff and speakers.

Faces of America, a one-person performance presented by Vasna Bilavarn, will present the diversity of people and cultures that represent our school and nation, and attempt to break down stereotypes. Bilavarn's show premiered in Los Angeles in 1995 and has performed for the United Nations as well as 270 colleges including Princeton, Penn State, and Brown. The performance will be held in the school's auditorium and a discussion will follow each performance. The assembly times are: 8:30-9:55 a.m. and 10:15-11:30 a.m.

After the performance, 80 guest community speakers will visit each classroom for two periods. The speakers are from a wide variety of backgrounds and include Nathan Smith, HSU professor of sociology, R. W. Hicks, HSU Talent Search, Jorge Babot, Humboldt Area Foundation, Carla Ritter, Arcata Food Endeavor, Jamie Cheng, GRIP program, and Moe Cook, U.S. Bank, among others.

During the lunch period a multicultural celebration will be held on the school's quad area adjacent to the cafeteria.

The conflict mediators program had its start at Eureka High in 1992. The program has trained 80 conflict mediators. The school program has contributed to keeping Eureka High a safe school. In 1999-2000, 113 students used the service. So far this school year, 41 students have used the conflict mediators to work out their differences.

For more information contact Delores Haskamp or Monica Rivera in Eureka High's counseling office at 441-2591.

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March 2, 2001

Homeless Education Project thanks community sponsors

The Homeless Education Project, a program of Eureka City Schools which helps homeless students enroll, attend and succeed in school, has some big thanks to give out. Over the past few months, community members have donated money, backpacks, and books to assist the homeless children of Eureka. It is estimated that there are up to 400 homeless students per day living in Eureka. Homeless students typically live in local shelters, motels, transitional houses, with a friend or family member, camp, are on the streets, or are runaways.

During the holiday season, David Marshall, a computer consultant at Humboldt State University, donated $100 to the project. Marshall donated the money as a gift in the names of his nieces and nephews Sascha, Sean, Paddy, Pat, and Maryanne.

The project would also like to thank Scott Sway, owner of Northern Mountain Supply, who donated backpacks to The Homeless Education Project. These backpacks are given, filled with school supplies, to any homeless student that enrolls in Eureka City Schools. Many have already been handed out to smiling faces.

To help fill these backpacks, KEET TV's Ready to Learn service has donated an assortment of beautiful reading books to help inspire literacy and enjoyment with our young readers.

These donations help The Homeless Education Project fulfill its mission, which is to help remove the barriers that stand in the way of school success for the homeless children and youth of Eureka City Schools. The Project does this through offering transportation, tutoring, connection to services in the community and schools that homeless children may need, story hours in the shelters, and The Backpack Project.

For further information, contact The Homeless Education Project through Maureen Chase, Program Director at 668-4062 or Rachel Jensen and Molly Cowles, Educational Liaisons at 442-4836.

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February 27, 2001

Sixth-grade teachers selected for Winship and Zane Middle Schools and Parent Information Nights scheduled

EUREKA- Eureka City Schools is pleased to announce the selection of sixth-grade teachers for the 2001-2002 school year at Winship and Zane 6-8 Middle Schools.

The Zane Middle School teachers are:

Kathleen Dimick (from Washington Elementary);
Martin Goddi (from Washington Elementary);
Sarah Maninger (from Washington Elementary);
Garett Montana (from Jefferson Elementary);
Joan Novak (from Washington Elementary);
Linda Parker (from Marshall Elementary);
Ken Pinkerton (from Worthington K-8);
and Cathy Westphal (from Washington Elementary);
Janet Lopez (from Alice Birney Elementary);
and Kathy DeSpencer (from Marshall Elementary).

Winship Middle School teachers are:

Karen Isaacson (from Lincoln Elementary);
Diane Parrott (from Marshall Elementary);
Tony Pitre (from Lafayette Elementary);
and Kristin Sobilo (from Worthington K-8).

Winship Middle School will hold a Parent Information Night for incoming 6th-graders, on Monday, March 5 at 7 p.m. in the school's gym. Incoming 6th-grade registration is due on March 7. Winship will also hold a Parent Information Night for incoming 7th-graders, on Monday, March 12 at 7 p.m. in the school's gym. Incoming 7th-grade registration is due on March 14.

Zane Middle School will hold an Open House for incoming 6th and 7th-grade students and current 7th and 8th-grade students on Thursday, March 22. During Zane's Open House there will be a meeting for parents of incoming 6th-grade students from 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. followed by a meeting for parents of incoming 7th-grade students from 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. March 28th - Registration for 5th and 6th grade students for Zane Middle School is due.

Winship and Zane are currently 7-8 junior high schools. Under a district facilities plan approved by Eureka City Schools' Governing Board at their regular meeting on January 10, both schools will be realigned as 6-8 middle schools to better meet the educational needs of students.

Ongoing information about Winship and Zane Middle Schools can be found on the district's Web site at www.eurekacityschools.org.

Parents are also encouraged to contact Winship Middle School at 441-2487, cobinek@eurekacityschools.org or Zane Middle School at 441-2470, noconc@eurekacityschools.org.

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February 22, 2001

Lynn Hartley recognized as California Outstanding School Psychologist

EUREKA- Eureka City Schools' psychologist Lynn Hartley will be honored professionally for her dedication and 30-years of service to children and families. Hartley will be recognized by the California School Psychologists Association (CSPA) at their annual meeting on March 7 in Costa Mesa. Hartley was selected as Outstanding School Psychologist of the Year from CSPA's region one, which stretches along the North Coast from Marin to Del Norte County.

According to Lee Ann Lanning, director of special education, Hartley "coordinates full counseling and special education services at Lafayette Elementary, manages a schoolwide conflict management program, oversees the school's Primary Intervention Program and Healthy Play program, and supervises a number of Humboldt State psychology students. Hartley also attends graduate classes to stay abreast of current changes in school psychology practices."

It was during her tenure at Jefferson Elementary, that Hartley was instrumental in developing the Healthy Start grant for ECS. She helped to transform a Victorian home next to the school into the Jefferson House, a Head Start program. "Lynn has been that tireless worker who recognized that the basic needs of family had to be met before the parents could effectively meet their children's needs," stated Russ Shaddix, retired assistant superintendent of special services.

"She always finds a way to take care of the families in our school community," noted Lafayette principal Jim Sanders. "This year alone, Lynn coordinated our Adopt-A-Family program and helped 69 families at Thanksgiving and Christmas."

Peggy Kirkpatrick, retired Lafayette resource teacher, mentioned "In a profession with many dedicated individuals, Lynn Hartley remains exceptional in her limitless expenditure of time, talent, and boundless energy to get the job done."

For more information contact Sheldon J. Reber at 441-2416.

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January 24, 2001

Eureka High's pool closer to reopening

EUREKA- Eureka High students and the community will be pleased to learn that the high school's swimming pool is moving closer to reopening.

Eureka City Schools has received preliminary approval from California's Division of State Architecture for a swimming pool renovation plan that meets regulatory requirements including ADA compliance.

The plan is made possible by a generous donation, estimated to be between $185,00 to $200,000, from Eureka residents Robin and Cherie Arkley.

"We are deeply grateful for the Arkley's generous donation. Eureka High's swimming pool will once again be an asset to the entire community," said Eureka City Schools' superintendent James W. Scott, Ed.D.

The district has been busy getting the swimming pool renovation plan moving toward completion. "Activity is underway to complete the administrative components of the pool repair project," stated Jerry Johnson, the district's chief business official.

The pool has been closed for five years due to a significant leak. Approximately 8000 gallons of water had been lost before district staff discovered the source of the leak and shut down the pool. Repair of the leak proved difficult given the expense and compliance with multiple new regulations including ADA compliance.

On December 15, 2000, the Arkleys also donated $10,000 for the purchase of a new pole vault pit and high jump pit for the Eureka High School track program. The current pits did not meet current safety standards.

For more information contact Jerry Johnson, Eureka City Schools' chief business official, at 441-2412.

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January 2, 2001

Women's Self-Defense Workshop

The Women's Self-Defense Workshop is a 2-hour informative session covering basic strategies for ensuring personal safety. The workshop will also include instructions in the use of pepper spray for personal protection. The presenter is Fortuna police sergeant and CR Police Academy instructor Kris Kitna.

The self-defense workshop will be held on Monday, January 22, from 7 to 9 p.m. at Marshall Elementary School, 2100 J Street, Eureka.

The workshop will be repeated on Tuesday, January 30, from 7 to 9 p.m. at Grant Elementary School, 3901 G Street, Eureka

The fee for the two-hour workshop is $7.50. For more information, call Suzie Owsley, Eureka Police Department at 441-4321. To register, call Jackie Parks, Eureka City Schools at 476-1601. Please call one week prior to workshop.

These workshops are cosponsored by Eureka City Schools, Community Learning Centers, and the Eureka Police Department.

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December 11, 2000

Zoe Barnum students wrap gifts for Adopt-A-Family

EUREKA- Students at Eureka's Zoe Barnum High School will be celebrating their efforts in the annual Adopt-A-Family charity drive by wrapping Christmas presents for a Eureka family on Wednesday, December 13 at 11 a.m.

The media is encouraged to attend and talk with students about this positive service-learning experience. Report to the office and you'll be taken to the students' classroom.

Coordinated by Straight-Up AmeriCorps members working at Zoe Barnum, students have been actively reaching out to local businesses and to collect Christmas gift donations. All donations, including a Christmas tree and turkey, are part of a package that will be delivered to a Eureka family in need during the holidays.

Adopt-A-Family is sponsored by the Salvation Army and is an effort throughout schools and communities across the nation to fulfill the Christmas wishes of families who need help during the holiday season. It is a win-win scenario for everyone because a Eureka family gets a chance to celebrate the holidays and Zoe Barnum students are exposed to important experiences such as forming relationships with local businesses and celebrating the spirit of giving.

Zoe Barnum High School is located at 674 Allard Avenue, Eureka. For more information contact Morgan LaRue at 441-0299.

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December 8, 2000

Zane Junior High Science Students Taking Up-Close Look at DNA

Students at Zane Junior High School have been hard at work studying genetics in their science course. To get a closer look at DNA and expand their understanding of genetic engineering these students will be performing a DNA extraction from wheat germ.

The extraction will occur Wednesday, December 13, during four of the class periods. The times are as follows: 9:25-10:15, 10:30-11:20, 12:11-1:00, 1:19-2:08. The media is encouraged and welcome to attend at any of these times. Please check in at the school's office.

Zane Junior Hugh School is located at 2155 "S" St., Eureka. For more information about the extraction or the class contact Karina Junge, seventh grade science teacher, at 441-2597.

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November 30, 2000

Homeless Education Project points Eureka kids toward success

Every school day, it is estimated that possibly up to 400 homeless children in Eureka are missing valuable classroom lessons. Through no fault of their own, their chances of attaining academic success slowly slips away. Their desperate situation will soon change for the better thanks to The Homeless Education Project, an exciting program developed by Eureka City Schools.

The Homeless Education Project strives to improve educational opportunities for Eureka's homeless children. According to Maureen Chase, the program director for the project, "Eureka City Schools will provide strategies designed to help homeless students overcome educational, developmental, and emotional barriers."

"The main goal of this project is to help the homeless youth of Eureka enroll, attend and find success in school, giving them the most essential key in creating a positive future for themselves," stated Chase.

Chase tells of some startling statistics that show the challenges homeless children face. For example, within a single year 41% of homeless students attend two different schools and 28% attend three or more schools. Every time a child changes schools, he or she may lose 4 to 6-months of academic and developmental time. In addition, on average, homeless students perform 68% below grade level in all academic areas.

"These statistics demonstrate the essential need for homeless students to be connected with services that will support their success in school," Chase explained.

The Homeless Education Project will give students access to the district's core curriculum by actively enrolling them in Eureka City Schools. Once enrolled, the students will also be connected to services in the school and community to help them meet their basic needs and overcome the academic barriers. Rachel Jensen, the educational liaison for the project, will serve as the cornerstone of the project, working directly with homeless students, family, schools, and social agencies. The district has already established a homeless outreach office at Eureka's Serenity Inn and plans to have a presence at St. Vincent's Dining Hall. Tutor/advocates from HSU and CR will utilize the district's eight school-based Community Learning Centers for one-on-one after-school tutoring sessions. Transportation to school will be provided by the district.

The project plans include inservice and education for school and community about the needs of homeless families. Collaborations with private and public entities that serve the homeless have been, and will continue to be developed.

The district's Homeless Education Project is supported by at $150,000 federal grant from the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act. For more information contact Rachel Jensen at 442-4836 or Maureen Chase at 668-4062.

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November 29, 2000

Chinese students make once-in-a lifetime 10-day visit to North Coast

Cross-cultural history will be made when a delegation of 10 high school students and 3 teachers from rural Kaiping province in the People's Republic of China visit the North Coast from Thursday, November 30 through Saturday, December 9.

According to Bill Schaser, an organizer of the exchange program, "The visit marks possibly the first time Chinese high school students and their teachers have been allowed to visit the United States."

The once-in-a-lifetime cultural exchange trip has been in the planning stages for almost three years. Former Eureka High School biology teacher Bill Schaser guided a group of 10 Eureka students and parents to Kaiping No. 1 Middle School twice, the last trip being in 1999. The current cultural exchange and the previous two have been organized with the help of Lafayette Elementary School clerk/typist Betty Chinn, a former resident of Kaiping province.

Many of the Eureka students have continued to correspond with Kaiping students via mail and e-mail. The Chinese group will stay with local host families during their 10-day visit. Local fundraising has provided nearly $15,000 to offset airfare and other costs.

The Chinese students and their teachers will spend time with American students and staff at Eureka High School, Zane and Winship Junior High Schools, and Lafayette Elementary School, tour Humboldt State University, and visit local natural wonders such as Patrick's Point State Park. A detailed itinerary has been provided.

For more information contact Bill Schaser at 443-5323, Betty Chinn at 441-2482, or Sheldon J. Reber at 441-2416.

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November 28, 2000

Lassen National Park provides inspiration for Eureka High HealthPath students

Eureka High School HealthPath students will present innovative project exhibits about their recent trip to Lassen National Volcanic Park to parents and the community on Monday, December 4th, at 6:30 p.m. in the Eureka High School auditorium.

A special preview of the students' work will occur on Thursday, November 30 from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. in Science 101. The media is encouraged to attend the presentations.

Six student presentations, based on the group's geology field trip to Lassen National Volcanic Park last month, will be made by 37 sophomore HealthPath students for their parents and any others interested in viewing project-based learning in action. The students experienced meaningful learning by applying what they learned during the trip to classroom standards. Their project exhibits include a power point presentation and a reflective essay on the experience.

Wendy Riggs and Kristie Christiansen, two of Eureka High's HealthPath teachers, accompanied the 10th-graders on their weekend trip to Lassen in October.

Eureka High School is located at 1915 J Street. For more information contact Wendy Riggs at 441-2432.

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November 17, 2000

Jefferson School's Holiday Craft Fair

Jefferson Elementary School would like to invite the community to a Holiday Craft Fair on Saturday, December 9, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be vendors selling hand-crafted holiday gifts, and games and "Old-Fashioned Christmas" activities for children. Santa Claus will be available to hear the Christmas wishes of young and old. Admission is free. Food sales and game ticket proceeds will benefit the 4th'6th grade Friday Night Live Kids Club and the Jefferson Family Group.

Jefferson Elementary Schools is located at 1000 B Street in Eureka. For more information call 441-2493.

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November 9, 2000

Worthington K-8 School commemorates Veterans' Day on Thursday, November 9

EUREKA-Worthington School invites veterans and community members to attend the third-annual commemoration of Veterans' Day this Thursday, November 9. The ceremony will begin at 8:20 a.m. in the school's cafeteria and last approximately 25 minutes. Veterans from the Navy, Army, Air Force, Coast Guard, and the Marine Corps are encouraged to attend.

The media is encouraged to attend this moving tribute.

The goal of the event is to teach students to honor those who have strived to keep the United States of America free for all. Veterans' Day will be observed by the general public November 11.

Students, teachers and guests will participate in the event by singing patriotic songs, making presentations and acknowledging those with family members serving our country. The agenda includes area Girl Scouts singing Taps, those in attendance will recite The Pledge of Allegiance and Worthington Principal, Hank Beck will speak on the meaning of Veterans' Day. The school's multipurpose room will be decorated with over 200 stars bearing the names of those who have served our country, submitted by Eureka City Schools students, staff, and the community,

Worthington School is located at 3400 Erie St., Eureka, off of Myrtle Avenue. For more information about the Veterans' Day celebration and for a complete listing of the events, contact Worthington teacher, Ilah Breen at 441-2567.

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October 26, 2000

Lincoln students present play about hunger during community benefit

Lincoln fourth-graders in teacher Linda Metheny's class will participate in Empty Bowls, a local fundraiser to help relieve local hunger.

Empty Bowls will be held at Eureka's Adorni Center on Friday, October 27 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children for the soup and bread dinner. Proceeds benefit Arcata Food Endeavor and St. Vincent de Paul.

The media is encouraged to attend.

Metheny's students has been learning about homelessness and hunger for the past several weeks. During the program, the Eureka students will present a play titled "The Dragon Doesn't Live Here Anymore," at 6:30 p.m. According to Metheny the play is about, "by working together as a community we can feed those who are hungry and homeless."

The event will also feature music by Howdy Emerson, the Arcata Interfaith Gospel Choir, and inspirational speakers. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.

The Adorni Center is located at 1011 W. Waterfront Drive. For more information contact Lincoln Elementary School at 441-2446.

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October 24, 2000

Eureka High School students to present Eureka City Council and First District Supervisor candidates' forums

Eureka students in teacher Ron Perry's social science class are learning firsthand about what it takes to produce a candidates' forum.

The 31 freshman students have been working with officials from the League of Women Voters to produce two candidates' forums for the Eureka High student body. Registered Eureka High students will be able to vote in polling places on election day and their votes will be tabulated separately and shown on KEET-TV thanks to the innovative Teen Vote 2000 project presented by the League of Women Voters and KEET. Approximately 500 Eureka High students have registered to vote.

The first forum features candidates for the two contested Eureka City Council seats and will take place on Thursday, November 2 from 2:15 to 3:15 p.m. in Eureka High School's auditorium. The second forum will feature candidates for the First District Supervisorial seat and take place on Friday, November 3 from 2:15 to 3:15 p.m. in the school's auditorium.

The media is encouraged to attend the candidates' forums.

Student responsibilities include timekeeper, moderator, usher, and sorting through questions from students. The candidates' forums will follow strict guidelines set by the League of Women Voters. The student body is invited to attend the sixth-period presentation which will be managed and moderated by Perry's students and representatives from the League of Women Voters.

Eureka High School is located at 1915 J Street. For more information contact Ron Perry at 441-2508.

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October 19, 2000

California PTA official to speak on Propositions 38 and 39 at Grant School

EUREKA- Ann Desmond, director of legislation for the California State PTA, will speak at Grant Elementary School on Propositions 38 and 39 at a free community forum on Wednesday, October 25 at 7 p.m. The public is encouraged to attend.

Desmond will present the initiatives, answer questions, and offer PTA's position on the initiatives. Entertainment and refreshments will be provided. Childcare will also be available.

Proposition 38 would amend the California Constitution to: 1) Offer a tax-free "scholarship" of at least $4,000 for private school tuition for all California public and private K-12 students and 2) Require California to maintain per pupil funding for public school students at the "national average" if the state reaches that level.

Proposition 39 would reduce from two-thirds to a 55% "super-majority" the vote school districts and community colleges need to authorize local general obligation bonds for school construction, rehabilitation, and replacement.

Grant Elementary School is located at 3901 G Street in Eureka. For more information call the school at 441-2552.

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October 16, 2000

Eureka High School announces eleven AP Scholars

Eleven students at Eureka High School have been named AP Scholars by the College Board in recognition of their exceptional achievement on the college-level AP Examinations. Only about 13 percent of the more than 700,000 students who took AP Examinations in May 2000 performed at a sufficiently high level to merit such recognition.

Students take AP Examinations in May after completing challenging college-level courses at their high school. The College Board recognizes several levels of achievement based on the number of year-long courses and exams (or their equivalent semester-long courses and exams).

At Eureka High School seven students qualified for the National AP Scholar Award by earning an average grade of 4 or higher on all AP Exams taken, and grades of 4 or higher on eight or more of these exams. These students are David Bierbaum, Ryan Brisby, Gregory Brown, Steven Gladding, April Lapotre, Rachael Nicklas, and Kaitlin Yarnall.

One student qualified for the AP Scholar with Distinction Award by earning an average grade of at least 3.5 on all AP Exams taken, and grades of 3 or higher on five or more of these exams. This student is Richard Spjut.

Three students qualified for the AP Scholar with Honor Award by earning an average grade of at least 3.25 on all AP Exams taken, and grades of 3 or higher on four or more of these exams. These students are Jeffery Gladding, Chris Morgan, and Robert Myslin.

Most of the nation's colleges and universities award credit, advanced placement, or both based on successful performance on the AP Exams. More than 1,400 institutions award a year of credit (sophomore standing) to students presenting a sufficient number of qualifying grades. There are 33 AP Examinations offered in 19 subject areas, each consisting of multiple-choice and free-response (essay or problem-solving) questions.

The College Board is a national nonprofit membership association dedicated to preparing, inspiring, and connecting students to college and opportunity. Founded in 1900, the association is composed of more than 3,800 schools, colleges, universities, and other educational organizations. Each year, the College Board serves over three million students and their parents, 22,000 high schools, and 5,000 colleges, through major programs and services in college admission, guidance, assessment, financial aid, enrollment, and teaching and learning. Among its best-known programs are the SAT', the PSAT/NMSQT', the Advanced Placement Program' (AP'), and Pacesetter'. The College Board is committed to the principles of equity and excellence, and that commitment is embodied in all of its programs, services, activities, and concerns.

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October 10, 2000

National grant helps Eureka High School students pursue health career path

Freshmen and sophomores at Eureka High School are learning about medicine, health, and wellness in their core classes in order to actively prepare them for a career in the health profession thanks to a $37,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Education. The national grant is part of a $42.3 million grant designed to help school districts create Smaller Learning Communities in American high schools. Eureka High School's vanguard four-year career academy, called HealthPath, is the only one of its kind in Humboldt County.

The Smaller Learning Communities Program grant will allow Eureka High School to offer the 21 ninth-graders and 16 tenth-graders who are enrolled this school year, small class sizes, block-scheduling, and project-based learning.

According to teacher and HealthPath team leader Stephanie Jackson, "We're looking forward to connecting students and the community in a meaningful way. We're delighted to have the support which confirms our vision of the direction education is moving."

Five teachers and a registered nurse are participating in HealthPath including Ruth Mitchell, technology; Michele Francesconi, English; Wendy Riggs, science; Stephanie Jackson, PE and team leader; Kristie Christiansen, health; and Patty Moore, registered nurse. Health and wellness issues are incorporated into curriculum, class discussions, and student projects.

HealthPath students will develop individual career goals as well as personalized wellness programs, transfer education into skills valued by the business community, and have the opportunity to explore the local health community through job shadowing. Seniors will have an opportunity to spend one week in a third world country working in a health clinic.

HealthPath team members meet on Tuesdays 11:40 a.m. to 12:20 p.m., and Fridays 12:40 to 1:15 p.m. For more information contact Marge Crichton at 441-2271.

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October 5, 2000

Eureka High students to cast votes during Teen Vote 2000

EUREKA- Eureka High School teen voters will make their voices heard this upcoming election during a one-of-a-kind event.

Eureka High School students will soon join other Humboldt County high school students and cast their votes on November 7 during Teen Vote 2000. The unprecedented event is the only one of its kind in the country that will allow ninth through twelfth-graders to vote on an entire ballot. Although the votes of teens will not be counted in the general election, Teen Vote 2000 results will be shown live on KEET-TV's election coverage on November 7.

The media is encouraged to visit Eureka High, through Tuesday October 10, during the lunch period, to cover the student voter registration drive. Media can also visit social science teacher Ron Perry's classroom, room 116, from 2:15 to 3:15 to interview students who are participating in the Teen Vote 2000. Please check in with the school's office before going to the classroom.

Eureka High students are completing Teen Vote 2000 voter registration forms in front of the school's cafeteria at lunch each day until Tuesday, October 10. The students receive a voter information guide and sample ballots are mailed to them. The students are also entered to win $500 in savings bonds. Registered teen voters will cast their ballots at special booths located within normal Humboldt County polling places.

Teen Vote 2000 is a collaborative effort between KEET-TV, the League of Women Voters of Humboldt County, the Humboldt County elections department, Humboldt County Office of Education, and CyberTribe.

Eureka High School is located at 1915 J Street. For more information Contact Ron Perry at 476-1725.

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September 29, 2000

Eureka City Schools and Greater Eureka Chamber of Commerce form partnership to create School Needs and Resources List

Eureka City Schools and the Greater Eureka Chamber of Commerce will hold a press conference on Wednesday, October 4 to share the district's School Needs and Resources List. The press conference will take place at the Chamber's office, 2112 Broadway Avenue, at 11 a.m. The media is encouraged to attend.

Eureka City Schools, in partnership with the Greater Eureka Chamber of Commerce, has published a site-by-site needs and resources list that can help community volunteers identify where they can help out and what they will receive for their efforts. The list is now available to help community members and businesses create meaningful partnerships with a student, class, or school.

The School Needs and Resources List grew out of discussions the district had with members of the local business community and others during the Creating Partnerships for Children summit held in 1999.

During the 1999-2000 school year, Eureka schools were surveyed as to what their needs are such as tutors, mentors, and material items. The schools were also asked to list what they had to offer potential partners such as service-learning opportunities, positive public relations, and future customers.

Copies of the School Needs and Resources List can be found at the Greater Eureka Chamber of Commerce, Eureka City Schools' district office, school sites, on the district's Web site at www.eurekacityschools.org, or by calling the district's Office of School and Community Relations at 441-2416.

For more information contact Sheldon J. Reber at 441-2416.

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September 25, 2000

Project STEM receives mentoring award

Eureka High School's Project STEM (Success Through Educational Mentoring) program was selected by the executive committee of California's Mentor Initiative Office to receive the Spirit of Mentoring Award 2000. STEM was just one of four school-based mentoring programs to be chosen statewide. The award will be presented during the Third Annual California Mentor Summit on October 19 in Anaheim.

Each year, Project STEM links more than 200 high school students from Eureka High School and Humboldt Bay High School with approximately 100 mentors. Mentors include Eureka High staff, AmeriCorps members, college students, substitute teachers, and community members.

Kate Martin, STEM's program coordinator, feels that they were chosen because, "We have such a diverse range of programs that encourage participation from a variety of students."

Martin describes the successful program's theme as "connecting students to school while broadening their perspective to look into the future and consider future educational and career goals." The program is credited with improving students' GPA and test scores as well as decreasing discipline and attendance issues.

There are several programs that make up Project STEM including a tutoring center with staff available to work with all students in all subjects on a drop-in basis after school.

Martin mentions that Project STEM includes a pregnant and parenting teen program that "helps teen parents with parenting skills in addition to career and college choices." This program coordinates services with the school's Teen Parent Program.

STEM places two AmeriCorps members in the ACE1 freshman class to participate in teambuilding, offer students individualized attention, and facilitate service-learning projects.

Traditional mentoring, says Martin, "pairs an adult mentor with a student once-a-week for the duration of the school year and ideally see the student through graduation."

Project STEM is funded by an academic mentoring grant through the office of California's Secretary of Education.

Project STEM is always looking for those willing to serve as a mentor. For more information call Kate Martin at 441-2271.

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September 22, 2000

Eureka High School's Back to School Night

Parents of Eureka High School students are invited to attend Back to School Night on Thursday, September 28 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:10 p.m. The activities include an opportunity to attend your student's classes for 10 minutes each. Teachers will be available to describe their courses and answer questions about class expectations.

Eureka High's PTSA will also offer refreshments and be holding a membership drive at 8 p.m. in the school's cafeteria.

For more information call Eureka High School at 441-2508. Eureka High School is located at 1915 J Street.

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September 22, 2000

Alice Birney students go for the gold in mini-Olympics

On Friday, September 29, Alice Birney students in kindergarten through sixth-grade will participate in a schoolwide mini-Olympics event from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. The day will begin with an opening ceremony (assembly) and close with every student receiving a gold medal (a cookie wrapped in gold foil on a blue ribbon).

The media is encouraged to attend this lively event.

Students will participate in events such as soccer, basketball, relay races, jump rope, balance beam, aerobics, obstacle course, hula hoops, frisbees, track events, and creative play games.

Alice Birney students have been following the 2000 Olympics through classroom studies in reading, math, social studies, writing, art, music, and technology. Students are reporting on participants, the sports, and what the Olympic symbols mean. They are making flags, posters of the athletes, and papier-mache globes. Alice Birney teachers are sharing information from books and magazines about the event. A current events board at the school keeps everyone informed.

Parent volunteers will help with the events and students from Zoe Barnum High School will run events as part of their service-learning hours.

For more information contact Alice Birney School at 441-2495. Alice Birney is located at 717 South Street, Eureka.

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September 15, 2000

Eureka City Schools appoints new Chief Business Official

At a special board meeting, September 13, the Eureka City Schools Board of Trustees approved the appointment of Gerald C. (Jerry) Johnson as its Chief Business Official.

Johnson replaces former Chief Business Official Nancy Howatt who accepted a position with the McKinleyville School District.

Johnson has an impressive business background and most recently earned his MBA from Humboldt State University. He also served as Director of Community Health and Transportation at the K'ima:w Medical Center in Hoopa. Johnson attended Eureka City Schools as a child, was a student and an instructor at College of the Redwoods, and received both his degrees from HSU.

For more information contact Sheldon J. Reber at 441-2416.

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September 15, 2000

Crisis Response and Intervention: An inservice for educators and community agency personnel

Eureka City Schools, Humboldt State University, and Humboldt County Office of Education present a two-day inservice for local educators and community agency personnel entitled Crisis Response and Intervention. The first workshop will be held at Humboldt State's Kate Buchanan Room on Thursday, September 21. The second-day's workshop will be held at the Eureka City Schools' district office. Both workshops will run from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The workshops will provide the opportunity to understand how schools and their communities can prepare, manage, and resolve crises that dramatically impact their communities.

The presenters include Richard Lieberman, M.A. and Stephen Brock, Ph.D. Lieberman, a school psychologist for 25 years, currently coordinates the Suicide Prevention Unit for Los Angeles Unified School District. Lieberman also serves on the National Emergency Assistance Team and is a National Organization of Victims Assistance (NOVA)-trained responder. Brock is the crisis response coordinator and lead psychologist for Lodi Unified School District. Brock is also a NOVA-trained responder and the author of numerous publications.

Particular emphasis will be on organizing school site crisis teams; working with traumatized students; and youth violence/suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention strategies. Issues of communicating with staff, students, and parents; working effectively with the media; identifying at-risk individuals; debriefing techniques, and post-crisis activities will be addressed. An opportunity to organize a group of trained school, agency, and community personnel will be included.

For more information contact Lee Ann Lanning at 441-2422 or Sheldon J. Reber at 441-2416.

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September 12, 2000

Eureka Even Start

Run Dates: September 2000 through May 2001

Parents, do you want to work on your high school diploma or improve your English? Do you have children under the age of 8? Do you live in the Eureka City Schools attendance area? Then you might qualify to be a part of Eureka Even Start.

Eureka Even Start is a family-centered literacy program that helps parents further their education and gain the skills that they need to become employed. Even Start also helps prepare children for success in school.

Eureka Even Start offers childcare, transportation, after-school tutoring, and activities for parents and children who qualify.

For more information about Eureka Even Start call 441-3329. That's 441-3329.

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September 11, 2000

Eureka High hosts Humboldt/Del Norte College and Career Night 2000

Eureka High School will host the annual Humboldt/Del Norte College and Career Night 2000, presented in collaboration with North Coast School-to-Career Consortium, for all local high school students and their parents on Monday, September 18, 2000.

The program features a large college fair in the Jay Willard Gymnasium from 6:30 to 9 p.m. More than fifty college, university, vocational school and armed services representatives will distribute information and answer questions. There will also be a booth on college admission testing, featuring information on the SAT1/SAT2 and the ACT entrance exams.

In addition, the evening's program includes a schedule of three 30-minute presentations by the University of California system, the California State system, California and Oregon private colleges, and College of the Redwoods' honors and transfer programs.

A schedule of times and locations for each presentation, plus a listing of the represented schools can be obtained from each local high school's counseling office.

For more information: Contact Ron Dias, Counselor at Eureka High School, 441-2595.

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September 6, 2000

Worthington K-8 School Hosts Scholastic Book Fair

Would parents encourage their children's love of reading if they could? Of course. What's more-they can!

Scholastic Book Fairs comes to Worthington K-8 School September 14 through 22 to bring the best books and learning products from more than 150 publishers to readers of all ages. The fair is open to the community.

The Book Fair features traditional children's favorites and new works by popular authors and illustrators. Parents and teachers will find plenty which will interest them too. The fair is open daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Building classroom libraries is one goal of the fair. Visitors can purchase and donate requested books for any classroom's library.

The Book Fair helps Worthington promote learning while raising money for school projects.

Worthington K-8 School is located at 3400 Erie Street in Eureka. For more information call Christine Burwell at 441-2567.

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August 29, 2000

Eureka City School hosts annual Back-to-School Barbeque and Partnership Celebration

Employees of Eureka City Schools will join community partners for the district's fourth annual Back-to-School Barbeque and Potluck on Thursday, August 31, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Albee Stadium at Eureka High School.

This year's lunchtime event will also showcase efforts in developing and sustaining school and community partnerships. A celebration of partnerships, the Picnic of Pride, will feature portfolios and displays highlighting each school's community partners.

August 31 is a staff development day for all certificated employees, most of whom will be in session at their respective school sites. Members of the district's leadership team will pay for some food and all the door prizes. Teachers and principals are bringing potluck dishes.

Note: This will be a great photo opportunity, with up to 700 Eureka City Schools employees and 100 community partners filling Albee Stadium!

For more information contact Sheldon J. Reber at 441-2416.

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August 10, 2000

Eureka Adult School announces new Elder Respite Program

EUREKA- Starting September 12, Eureka Adult School is offering a new Elder Respite Program that provides respite care for caregivers through a program of social activities for people experiencing dementia and the frail elderly. This is the only program of its kind in the community.

According to Eureka Adult School program coordinator and social worker Debra Jones, M.S.W. "The program is designed to provide cognitively and physically-impaired people with the opportunity to socialize with each other in a specially-tailored program of activities." According to Jones, the program is based on a social-recreation model and includes music, arts and crafts, conversation, and refreshments.

Not only does the new program provide people with dementia the opportunity to socialize with others, it also gives family members who care for them a periodic break from the stress of being a full-time caregiver.

While their family members are participating in the program, "Family members who are caregivers will have respite from their caregiving responsibilities-time of their own-to do as they please," said Jones.

This ongoing program starts Tuesday, September 12 and is offered Tuesdays and Thursdays at Easter Seals, 3329 Edgewood in Eureka. The hours are 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. There is a $20 daily fee. Scholarships may be available to families who qualify.

Community volunteers are needed to spend a few hours a week working with people with dementia and the frail elderly in the new Elder Respite Program.

For more information call the Eureka Adult School at 441-2448.

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August 3, 2000

Eureka City Schools details summer maintenance projects

From installing new playground equipment to repairing rotten breeze-ways, Eureka City Schools' maintenance staff have been busy this summer getting Eureka's schools ready for the start of school on Tuesday, September 5.

Dan Pires, the district's Director of Maintenance, Operations, and Transportation outlined many of the summer projects in a presentation to Eureka's governing board on Wednesday, August 2.

Many of the district's playgrounds are being upgraded with funding coming mainly from local grants and district funds. Funding for the majority of the other summer projects come from a combination of the district's general fund, Adult Education funds, and from state deferred maintenance funds.

Pires detailed the plans to remove old playground equipment from Alice Birney, Lincoln, and Lafayette Kindergarten. New equipment is being installed at these schools as well as Winzler Children's Center, Jefferson, and Lincoln Schools.

Pires reported that Winzler Children's Center has a completely remodeled kitchen. The Center's playground has also received a new automatic sprinkler system for the lawn and new playground fencing.

At the Jacobs Education Center, Pires explained that two rooms have been remodeled into a new computer lab for Eureka Adult School. The Transition Opportunity Program also had new walls, doors and electrical installed in its classrooms.

Pires told the board that work has been done at Eureka High School repairing domestic water lines to the gym. The high school's boilers have been drained and cleaned and dead trees removed from Albee stadium. General interior and exterior cleaning of the school has also been performed, noted Pires.

The governing board was informed by Pires that a domestic water leak was repaired at Grant School and the school's walkways have been repainted as needed.

Alice Birney School is being reroofed. Eureka City Schools' staff remodeled windows to allow for roof repairs. Staff has also removed an old portable building.

At Washington School, the breezeways are being repaired and reroofed and the school will get a new coat of paint this month.

Pires stated after the meeting, that the district's grounds and maintenance crews and the district custodians deserve a big hand for keeping the schools looking as good as they do.

"Most of our schools are at least fifty-years-old," he stated, "and you can imagine the amount of wear and tear they receive each year."

For more information contact Dan Pires, Director of Maintenance, Operations, and Transportation at 441-2503.

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News Releases 2000-2001 School Year

News Releases
2000-2001 School Year