News
Newport Welcomes NOAA
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) decided to locate its new Marine Operations Center-Pacific in Newport Aug. 4, giving Newport an estimated $370 million economic boost.
The facility will host about 175 employees and four resident NOAA ships. NOAA will lease an area near the Hatfield Marine Science Center after the signing of a 20-year lease in 2011. The LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified site will have office and warehouse space and berthing for six ships. Work has already begun on 1.2 acres on Yaquina Bay and the center will use five acres of upland ground as well.
Officials from NOAA, Salem and the Port of Newport kicked off the project Aug. 20 by discussing goals for the coming year’s work and setting important milestones. “It’s a very challenging project on a very tight timeline. I look forward to opening day, when we dedicate the building, and to seeing the first NOAA ship sail under Yaquina Bay Bridge,” said Captain Michelle Bullock, the Commanding Officer of NOAA’s Pacific Fleet (source: the News Times).
Newport beat out 30 initially considered locations. $20 million in bonds towards the project from the Oregon Legislature and about $25 million from the Port of Newport helped contend against two Washington ports in the final decision.
By Alexander Rose
Homeless Statistics Offer Devastating Results
In 2008, 484 students in Lincoln County lived with homelessness according to the Oregon Department of Education. With rising unemployment and home foreclosures, many students find themselves without a permanent residence.
In August 2008, the rate of unemployment in Lincoln County stood at 6.8 percent. By August 2009, unemployment rose to 11.4 percent, nearly twice the original amount.
Federal law requires school districts to provide necessary items for optimum learning to students in attendance. This includes homeless students. NHS Principal Jon Zagel conveyed the problem as being the student’s ability to hide their homelessness, not allowing the school to help in their distress. Zagel reassuringly stated, “When we find them, we can get them pretty good help.”
Students who lack a permanent residence are provided with clothing, food and other necessities. They also qualify for test fee waivers. In order to acquire these benefits, students can contact Pat Ogden in the NHS main office or visit their local resource center.
By Jaki Nestor
“Swine Flu” Remains a Health Concern to Many
Previously known as “swine flu,” H1N1 influenza is still a health concern to many. While most people who contract the disease will recover, the virus is of special threat to children, the elderly and pregnant women. There have been 27 fatal cases of H1N1 influenza in pregnant women alone.
Students, parents and teachers are encouraged to wash their hands frequently throughout the day. LCSD will offer a vaccine to protect against the disease, and is currently coordinating with the NHS Health Center to determine when shots will be offered. The shots will be administered on campus and will be given to anyone who has parental consent.
Symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, nausea, headaches, chills and fatigue. If you think you have contracted the disease, you are encouraged to stay home and recover before returning to school.
By Danielle Cramer
NHS Sees Numerous Campus Improvements
“I was the one to design them, so I like them. It makes the kids proud of their school,” said NHS Principal Jon Zagel about the new improvements to the campus.
During the summer, while students played in the sun, teachers and workers moved classes to accommodate the new seventh and eighth graders.
Beginning in the middle of July, workers installed 150 lockers, two doors and retiled the floors in six weeks for the new NPA. Some other improvements include the gym floor, the new YAS classroom, math teacher Kris Cook’s classroom and the remodeled stoop.
In the future, Zagel wants to replace the broken windows on the West Campus to look like those on the East Campus. “One thing at a time,” said Zagel with a smile.
By A’briana Cortes
35 Percent of Students Enroll in IB Program
For those who don’t know what IB is, it stands for International Baccalaureate. Since its inception in 1968, IB courses have helped students expand knowledge as well as assist them in a changing society.
With 35 percent of students enrolled in at least one IB course and 21 students working towards an IB diploma, the program at NHS is off to a promising start. In addition to the current program, IB has begun making transitions to offer courses to a greater number of students.
NHS and NPA are in the process of adopting an IB Middle Years Program. In the Middle Years Program, students seventh through tenth grade will have the opportunity to enroll in IB courses as well as upperclassmen. Implementing the Middle Years Program could take several years, due to all of the steps involved. Currently, teachers are in training to meet the standards of the new design.
By Rachel Saxton
