January 2016
The start of the new calendar year brings with it the launch of new programs and many recognitions. When students returned to classes on Jan. 4, they were able to take advantage of the new district wellness center. The center is open to students, staff, and staff dependents through a partnership with Family Health Associates to provide health services in our schools.
In the manner of recognitions, I would like to congratulate Hermiston High School’s marching band, which swept the competition on December 30 in its halftime show performance at the Holiday Bowl. Later this month, the school board will recognize the district’s 10 educators of the year, who have been nominated and selected by their building peers as exemplary educators. The board also deserves recognition as January is also School Board recognition month. I invite all members of the community to join me in acknowledging the incredible work done by our volunteer school board.
Do you know an exceptional HHS graduate? The Distinguished Alumnus award is currently open for nominations. The award highlights successful Hermiston High School graduates, who are leaders within their respective field of expertise and within their community. The recipient will be the featured speaker for the Class of 2016 Graduation.
These monthly messages are intended to keep key stakeholders informed about the happenings in Hermiston School District and to provide an opportunity to give the district timely feedback about its initiatives. If you have suggestions for other topics you believe should be addressed in a future Key Communicators message, please let us know!
With regards,
Dr. Fred Maiocco
Superintendent of Schools
District Wellness Center: The District Wellness Center is offered to Hermiston School District students, staff, and staff dependents, as a partnership between Hermiston School and Family Health Associates, to provide easily accessible health care in the school setting, with the intent of limiting time spent away from school and work, reducing staff and student absences.
The center will be located at Hermiston High School and is scheduled to open January 4, 2016. Its hours of operation will be Monday from 8am to 12pm and Tuesday – Friday from 12pm to 4pm, or by prescheduled appointment.
Current FHA patients will be admitted through the standard office visit procedure. Non-FHA patients will need to complete a consent to treat and financial responsibility form, prior to being seen by wellness center staff. FHA honors Oregon Health Plan clients.
Patients may receive well visits, physicals, and preventative health information. For a complete list of services, please reference the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact FHA at 541-667-6199.
Documents:
Hermiston High School Marching Band took top honors with its half-time performance on December 30, 2015 at the Holiday Bowl. The band won first place in every award for its division, beating out nine other bands for these honors. Congratulations HHS!
2015-16 Educators of the Year: Each year the Hermiston School District recognizes its outstanding teaching staff with the Educator of the Year Award. It is conferred annually to one educator from each of the elementary and middle schools, two educators from Hermiston High School, and one district-level educator. School staff members nominate coworkers from their respective schools for the honor. Nominees must have worked in the district for at least five years. The award is considered a “career-level” award that is conferred only on the most deserving of educators.
The awardees will be recognized publicly at the January 11, 2016, Board of Education Regular Meeting and the Hermiston Chamber of Commerce’s Distinguished Citizens Awards banquet scheduled for February 3, 2016.
The Oregon Department of Education recognizes an Oregon Teacher of the Year every spring. Striving to share our premier staff, HSD will nominate and support one of our ten educators of the year for this statewide recognition. The single Hermiston School District Educator of the Year will be revealed at the Chamber’s DCA banquet, along with the district’s administrator of the year.
The 2015-16 educators of the year are:
| Hermiston High School |
 Melody Bustillos
|
 Mary Robinson
|
| Armand Larive Middle School |
 Ashlie Stanley
|
|
| Sandstone Middle School |
 Lisa McElroy
|
|
| Desert View Elementary School |
 Dia Bernabe
|
|
| Highland Hills Elementary School |
 Deanna Plum
|
|
| Rocky Heights Elementary School |
 Jessica Campbell
|
|
| Sunset Elementary School |
 Robbie Storagee
|
|
| West Park Elementary School |
 Stacy Schaefer
|
|
| District-wide support |
 Arta Jones
|
2016 Distinguished Alumnus Award: Hermiston School District is proud to announce the opening of nominations for the 2nd annual Distinguished Alumnus award, which is granted annually to recognize deserving Hermiston High School graduates who are leaders within their respective field of expertise and within their community.
Nominations are now being accepted. Requirements for the award include:
- Graduate of Hermiston High School, having attended Hermiston High School for at least two consecutive years prior graduation;
- Leader in his or her chosen field/profession, with a proven record of achievement and at least 15 years verifiable and successful professional experience;
- Strong supporter and contributor to community service;
- Willing to serve as a role model for youth;
- Model citizen with a clean background free of criminal convictions; and,
- Supported by strong references and/or endorsements.
“Hermiston High School graduates complete a rigorous program of study, which serves as a foundation for further achievement in a variety of careers and professions,” said Superintendent Dr. Fred Maiocco. “As a result, many of Hermiston’s graduates serve in critical roles in business, industry, academia, and government throughout the United States and the world. The ‘Distinguished Alumnus’ award is intended to recognize such accomplishment and inspire current students to pursue excellence and achievement in their own endeavors.”
The Distinguished Alumnus for 2016 will be revealed as part of Hermiston High School’s Evening of Excellence on May 10, 2016. Additionally, the Alumnus will be a featured speaker of the HHS commencement ceremony on June 4, 2016, and will then serve as a guest speaker and featured role model throughout the 2016-2017 school year.
The 2015 Distinguished Alumnus was Mr. Stuart Allen, a 1980 Hermiston High School graduate. Allen founded Allen Trust Company and Allen Capital Management, in 2001. As president and chief executive officer, he guides Allen Trust Company in providing comprehensive trust and investment management services for individuals, families, and charitable organizations. Under his direction, Allen Capital Management, an SEC-regulated Registered Investment Adviser, offers customized and comprehensive wealth management for individuals, trusts, and private foundations.
Applications will be available at Hermiston High School, the school district office, or by clicking here:
School Board recognition. January is School Board Recognition Month and the time we pause as an organization to say “thank you” to our seven incredibly dedicated, volunteer school board members. These elected officials put in countless hours each month to help shape the direction of our school district. They are primarily responsible for policy governance, budget setting, and providing direction through the superintendent for the operations of the school district. This enormous task is done by seven extremely dedicated members: Ginny Holthus (chair), Karen Sherman (vice-chair), Maria Duron, Josh Goller, Jason Middleton, Don Rankin, and Dave Smith. Please join me in recognizing the service of our school board members.
For more information about the Board of Education, you may visit the Board webpage on the district web site.