Letters, letters, letters

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To the Editor:

Are high scores on the state multiple-choice assessment tests the best way to measure the success of a school? The state legislature and Department of Education seem to think so and are using these scores to rate schools around the state.

At Sisters High School, we want to know what the parents, students and community feel are the most important factors in measuring school performance. We will be holding our second "community forum" on Tuesday, November 30, from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Lecture/Drama room at Sisters High School to discuss this issue.

In my opinion, there are a lot of important factors that the state has failed to consider when measuring a school's success. School safety, student involvement, student's attitude toward school and learning, challenging and engaging curriculum in areas outside the core content areas, preparation for life after high school, and technology literacy are just a few areas that should be considered when determining if a school is truly being successful.

As a counter to the state's narrow -- and I believe flawed -- assessment report, I would like our community to engage in a dialogue about what we value in our schools, specifically Sisters High School. The discussion should lead to the creation of a set of core values that guide our programs and policies, and a way to assess how we are doing in bringing these core values to life. The end result should be an assessment report that more accurately reflects our school's success.

Please join us on Tuesday night as we answer the questions: What kind of school do we want Sisters High School to be? What are the educational practices that will make us that kind of school? How will we know if we have been successful in creating that kind of school?

The answer to these questions will have a tremendous impact on the type of education we design and deliver to our students.

Boyd Keyser, Principal

Sisters High School

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To the Editor:

This is a letter to our high school rally squad.

What a nice addition you have been to our football program this fall. I have enjoyed watching you with all your creativity and energy.

Even though most of us older folks don't join in with your cheers, be assured that we see you and hear you. I'm sure I speak for all the fans when I say to you, your advisor and the administration, "thanks for a job well done."

Let's get rowdy!

Gale Larson