Summer school escapes budget cuts

While some Oregon schools are cutting summer programs because of the statewide budget crunch, Sisters will conduct a small summer school as usual.

Sisters High School Counselor Charlie Kanzig, who directs the program, said four weeks of classes will be offered, beginning July 8. They will be held from 8 to 11 a.m. weekdays at Sisters Middle School on Cascade Avenue.

Classes will be offered in English and history, primarily for students who have failed a course or "have gotten behind for some reason such as illness or moving from one school to another."

Enrollment is voluntary, but Kanzig said some students will be strongly encouraged to take advantage of this chance to make up lost credits. He will teach the English (language arts) class.

The classes will be open to students who will be entering the 10th, 11th or 12th grades this fall. About 20 students from the regular high school program are expected to attend, along with about 10 special education students, who will be following a separate program under the direction of Kathy Mahn.

Mahn, who teaches alternative education during the regular school year, will also teach the summer school's history class.

This "credit recovery" opportunity will be provided at no cost to those who attend.

Kanzig acknowledged that "other districts have cut back some, but we're not in that position yet." He added: "It's pretty important to have an opportunity like this. It really begins to weigh on (students) if they get behind. It's a good way for them to wake up (and realize) that high school does matter. Most of the kids who come to summer school we kind of help to turn it around."

Kanzig also noted that SOAR (Sisters Organization for Activities and Recreation) is offering a school-related class in geology this summer.