The following students and staff were recognized at a recent assembly for their outstanding work by our EPSD9 School Board
Words from Eagle Rock Elementary:
Brittany Dizick
- Brittany always puts students first. She is an exemplary teacher, yet always strives to learn more. She leads our Leadership Program and serves an intricate role in PBIS.
- Brittany is awesome to work and collaborate with. She is passionate about what she does. She goes above and beyond to give her students the best educational experience they can get!
- Her genuine care for each individual student, coupled with her dedication to their success, makes her an invaluable teacher. She is not only shaping academic growth but also supporting personal development in ways that will resonate with her students for years to come.
- Brittney brings energy and excitement to Eagle Rock with her unwavering dedication to her students, school, and community. She consistently goes above and beyond to create engaging activities and programs that enhance school spirit. Brittney also designs fun and interactive games for students at assemblies, making each event memorable. Her strong community connections have brought in valuable support for special activities, such as securing Pavati boats for the homecoming parade and arranging a show pig for the principal to kiss.
Danette Wilt
- Danette is always willing to help out wherever she can. She is well loved by all the students that she comes in contact with.
- Danette is always a smiling face throughout the day. She doesn't hesitate to help with students when they need a little extra.
- Danette truly loves the students at ERE. She works to improve reading and math skills for our most needy population. She has such a big heart for all. She brings extra snacks to school to share with students who are hungry. She is always ready and willing to help out in any way she can.
Chloe Truong
- Chloe is a very hard worker. She is always safe, respectful, and responsible.
- Chloe is always so respectful and honest. She is caring and tries very hard in everything she does. I am not a direct teacher of hers, but I have observed her being such a positive role model.
- Chloe is always doing the right thing. She is a silent leader that leads by example. You can always count on Chloe to be listening and following directions.
Tenley Dunbar
- Tenley has been an outstanding leader since I met her. She not only is a fabulous student and two-year member of the Owl Leadership team, but she also does 4H and volleyball. She is a true team player with a big heart and is very hard-working.
- Tennley Dunbar is an extremely hard worker. She completes necessary tasks and is always willing to help out in any way she can. She serves on our Leadership team and helps to make our school a fun and engaging place to be. Other students look up to her as a role model.
- Tenley is a hard worker that has a great attitude. She gives her best effort and always has a smile on her face. She is helpful and a good friend to others.
Celebrating the 100th Day at Lake Creek Learning Center: A Day of Growth, Community, and Achievement
At Lake Creek Learning Center, the 100th day of school is more than a milestone; it’s a celebration of growth and community. This year, second-grade teacher Kim Jarvis shared her insights on what makes this celebration special in such a close-knit environment. With 34 years of experience, Kim feels at home at Lake Creek Learning Center after transitioning from teaching in the White City area.
“We feel like we teach the school as a whole,” she says, highlighting the unity that fosters interactions across different grades.
The 100th day exemplifies this spirit—parents and students participate in family-based activities, creating unique T-shirts that reflect personal stories. “It makes it feel more personal,” Kim notes, emphasizing the collaboration that brings everyone together. This celebration also showcases the student’s academic progress.
“In just 100 days, they’ve grown so much,” Kim observes. Originally a simple counting milestone, the 100th day has evolved into a celebration of achievements in reading, writing, and math. The day allows students to recognize their growth and prepare for future challenges. “We call ourselves ‘middles’—not little anymore but not quite big,” Kim explains.
Mentorship is essential at Lake Creek, as older students guide younger ones, fostering a true sense of teamwork. For Kim, the 100th day highlights community and the joy of learning. “It’s a chance to celebrate what the kids have achieved and what they can accomplish in 100 days.”
We also interviewed a group of fifth and third graders to hear their thoughts about the celebration and the creative ways they commemorated the day. Here’s a glimpse into their excitement, hard work, and the lessons they’ve learned so far.
The 100th day of school was a time to create something special to wear. Our interviewees shared some impressive designs! Justice, a fifth grader, proudly said, “I made this one all on my own. It’s got 100 dots on it, and I like the color a lot.” Paisley, a third grader, added her own twist with an art-themed shirt, stating, “I used a design kit to create some of it. I also glued on patches, and my dad drew the eyeball on the sleeve. It’s fun because it shows all the creations!”
But it wasn’t just about the designs; some shirts told a story. For example, Payton decorated her shirt with smiley face beads, explaining, “I put 100 smiley faces on it.” She even had a funny moment when one bead fell off, saying, “If one falls off, I just remember the song.” The shirts were more than just clothing—they were expressions of creativity and personality, each representing a part of the student’s journey through their first 100 days of school.
For these students, the 100th day was more than just a celebration of numbers; it marked an important milestone in their academic and personal journeys. Paisley explained, “It’s great to see how many friends I’ve made. We’re doing a project where we can bring a friend. I’m excited because I’m going to the trampoline park!”
Justice reflected on the significance of the 100th day as a sign of progress: “It shows how far we’ve come since kindergarten. We’ve grown a lot, both in our learning and as individuals.”
It’s clear that the 100th day is more than just a date on the calendar for these students. It’s a moment to reflect on their journey, celebrate their creativity, and look forward to the growth yet to come.
As they continue to learn and grow, one thing is certain: these students are already excited about what the next 100 days will bring!
EPHS Auto Empowering the Next Generation:
The NC3 hands-on lab provided automotive students with the opportunity to certify in the use of Snap-On 525F multimeters, an essential piece of equipment in various career technical industries. Over 2.5 weeks, students from Auto I, II, III, IV, and Auto Body Collision and Repair classes learned how to use the multimeter, covering topics from amp and voltage testing to measuring ohms. They engaged with a signal-generating circuit board, using the multimeter to conduct real-world troubleshooting scenarios and tests, thereby preparing for careers that rely on these tools.
The Snap-On multimeter is an industry-standard instrument, and incorporating it into this course equipped students with vital skills for their future careers. The certification program not only focused on basic operations but also offered practical experience in identifying and resolving electrical problems. Students interested in automotive, diesel, heavy equipment, auto collision and repair, nuclear tech, wind energy, HVAC, or plumbing benefited from this certification, enhancing their readiness for their chosen fields.
Thanks to the generous support of Southern Oregon Sanitation, which donated funds to purchase the equipment necessary for completing the certification process, over 100 EPHS Auto students achieved certification across multiple classes. To become certified, each student undertook a rigorous 30-question test accompanied by the hands-on lab component of the course during the 2.5 weeks, demonstrating their knowledge and ability to apply it in real-world situations.
We interviewed two students about their experiences, and here’s what they shared.
EPHS Junior Ryese discussed the Snap-On certification process, which emphasized learning the proper use of Snap-On tools, particularly the multimeter. While the course was not overly challenging, Ryese highlighted the importance of studying and practicing to ensure the safe and effective use of the tools. She noted that the certification process lasted two and a half weeks because there was much to cover, especially regarding safety and the high cost of the equipment. Ryese views the certification as valuable for future job prospects since it serves as a lifelong credential. She plans to pursue a career in automotive, focusing specifically on auto body work, and intends to attend WyoTech for further training.
EPHS Junior Westin found the Snap-On certification to be manageable as well, agreeing that understanding the correct usage was crucial to prevent damage to expensive equipment. He appreciated the long-term value of the certification, believing it will enhance his job opportunities. Westin plans to explore excavation or electrician work, considering trade schools for further education. Both Westin and Ryese spoke highly of the class, describing it as enjoyable and an excellent way to gain hands-on experience. Westin appreciates the growing opportunities in the program and values the chance to acquire real-world skills that will assist him in his future career.
EPHS Auto Teacher Mr. Ben Brown emphasized the significance of the automotive program. Passionate about providing students with valuable certifications that give them a head start in their careers, Mr. Brown, a 2004 graduate of the school, finds fulfillment in giving back to the program that shaped his career path. He has worked diligently to create a certification pathway for students, with plans for students in every year of the automotive program—Auto 1 through Auto 4—to earn a certification.
The SNAP-ON course certification was more than just a lesson in using a multimeter; it was an investment in the students' futures. The EPHS Auto program has grown substantially, surpassing expectations with over 100 students certified so far; this is just the beginning. The EPHS Auto class is thankful for the support from organizations like Southern Oregon Sanitation, whose donations have accelerated the process.
