In today’s column:
- Library Supporters Honored At Third Anniversary
- Toledo School District Sets The Record Straight
- Low Impact Exercise Class Returns To Senior Center
- Toledo School District Bond On November Ballot
- Toledo Lioness Club Fundraising For Scholarships
- Toledo Cheesecake Club Meets Tonight
- Tech Report: Money
Images courtesy Charlie Pruett
Nothing says it like cake!
Charlie adds: Happy 3rd Anniversary Toledo Community Library! All our amazing volunteers would like say a special Thank you to Bill & Pat Caldwell. Our wonderful library wouldn't be possible if it weren't for them.
***
Toledo School District Superintendent Chris Rust set the record straight Monday afternoon, regarding an editorial referenced in Monday’s TOT about “alarming new (state) health standards” focused especially on gender issues being forced upon school children as young as Kindergarten age.
The editorial in The News Tribune claimed that, according to the Family Policy Institute of Washington* (State), these standards will be implemented in September, will be taught to young children, and would undermine traditional family values. However, as FPIW* is a coalition of like-minded members, having no authority to set school curriculum.
Rust explained: The health standards including sexual health were reviewed by Toledo School District Board of Directors last March, the Board determining high school students only would be offered this subject, with parents retaining the right to exempt their children from instruction.
Rust proffered a simple analogy: “The State issues a standard - say, that ice cream will be made available to students. The Board of Directors decides what flavors, when it will be available, and directs the District to deliver. Any parent who does not want their child to have ice cream (at school) has the right to offer their child ice cream at home or church, with no interference from the State or District.”
You can substitute “reading material” for “ice cream” if you find it easier.
Further, the Board attended a presentation by a national organization experienced in teaching and promoting education on relevant health issues. Ultimately the Board declared that “respect for all people” is the foundation (of gender matters), that the responsibility begins and remains with parents to decide what and when information is shared with their children.
The Other Toledo indicated the upcoming August Board meeting would address this matter, which was inaccurate. TOT apologizes for any inconvenience or misunderstanding occasioned by this error. Thanks go to Toledo School District for granting TOT the opportunity to correct and clarify the original work.
Documentation outlining State Standards, District Policy, and Parental Rights regarding Health Education in Toledo Schools. Link here. Also available upon request at District Office.
Readers can check BoardDocs on the Toledo School District website for current agenda and minutes of past meetings.
*Incidentally, the Family Policy Institute of Washington (State) website triggered a warning of insecure website from both Firefox and Chrome browsers - food for thought.
***
Press Release:
Toledo School District Proposes $12.9 million bond
TOLEDO August 4, 2017— Following several weeks of study and analysis by community members, the Toledo School District Board of Directors passed a resolution that will place a $12.9 million bond measure on the ballot in November. The measure is $1.3 million less that the proposal that was narrowly defeated in February. “We’ve been able to accomplish some of the projects since February and we’ve adjusted some of the estimates on the master plan to bring the bond proposal down to this level. The committee even found a mathematical error in the original estimate that reduced the estimate by $250,000”, according to superintendent Chris Rust. “We’ll continue to look for ways to reduce the costs by applying for grants and looking for efficiencies. $12.9 million makes sure that we can keep our promise to do all of the projects on the list.”
The Facilities Advisory Committee, made up of community members, began meeting every two weeks in March following the February election. In addition to community members who had served on the prior committee, voters who had been vocal in their criticism of prior measures were specifically invited to participate. “It was important to me that we get as many points of view on the issues as possible”, said Rust. A variety of options were proposed and analyzed including consolidation with neighboring districts, consolidating schools, eliminating elementary and middle school projects from the list and reducing cost estimates. The committee ultimately came to consensus on the measure recommended to the board and adopted in the resolution. (Minutes and all documents related to the committee’s work are available by link on the school district website www.toledoschools.us.)
Toledo High School is the primary target for upgrades and repairs. Built in 1975, the high school has had very few upgrades in its 42 year history. New heat pumps were installed in 2014, but the cooling portion of those units await additional funding. Weatherproofing, energy efficiency upgrades, ADA compliance permanent interior walls and remodel of locker rooms are all on the list of projects to be completed. In addition to these projects, there are plans to add a track and restrooms to the stadium. Former board member, Bill Moore said, ”When we built the stadium 20 years ago with interest funds from the 1995 bond, there weren’t enough resources to do the track, restrooms and concession stand. The hope was to come back and do those later.”
In addition to work at the high school, the bond will pay for improvements at Toledo Elementary and Middle Schools. Levy funds from the 2015-19 M&O levy were insufficient to repair the high school water supply and the middle school roof. The middle school roof is nearing the end of its life and needs to be replaced. The same is true of boilers at the elementary. The roof is estimated to cost $500,000 and the boilers to cost approximately $250,000. In addition, siding and seals need to be repaired and replaced after 20 years. The Facilities Advisory Committee prioritized all of the projects on the bond as “must-do” items. Committee member Ethan Siegel said, “Our students deserve high-quality facilities. They deserve science classes with interactive, experimental laboratories. They deserve heating and cooling. They deserve a safe, comfortable environment to learn in. In short, they deserve better facilities and a better education than the previous generation got.”
About the Toledo School District
Located in Southwest Washington, the Toledo School District serves nearly 750 K-12 students. To learn more, visit www.toledoschools.us
***
Press Release:
School District Surplus Sale Planned in Toledo
TOLEDO August 6, 2017— Toledo School District will conduct a surplus sale on August 25-27 at the VFW Hall, 5516 Jackson Highway in Toledo from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.. There are scores of used student desks, folding chairs, filing cabinets, tables, overhead projectors, carts shelves and electronic equipment. All items are priced to sell and portions of the proceeds will benefit the Class of 2020 at Toledo High School.
About the Toledo School District
Located in Southwest Washington, the Toledo School District serves nearly 750 K-12 students. To learn more, visit www.toledoschools.us
***
Reminder: TSD Summer Hours
District Office: Mon-Thurs 9-3.
TES Office: Closed until 8/21 8:00-3:00
TMS Office; Closed until 8/16 8:30-3:30
THS Office: Closed until 8/9 8:00-3:00*
*That’s this Wednesday.
***
NEED HELP WITH SCHOOL CLOTHES?
KIDS CLOSET PROVIDES GENTLY USED CLOTHING FOR STUDENTS GRADES K-12 AT NO COST.
KIDS CLOSET WILL BE OPEN AUGUST 16, 17, & 24TH FROM 3-6 PM.
Located at Toledo Elementary School.
***
Toledo Lioness Club will be stationed at the Southbound Toutle River Rest Stop August 14-18, fundraising for local scholarships.
Says one member: We appreciate any donations of cookies for the upcoming rest stop. They can be dropped off at Jean Luque's place. Contact (360)864-2948.
***
Jessica writes: Does anyone know anything about this? It looks like a neat idea. Do we already have something like this in place in Toledo?
Glean Me Lewis County responds: C'mon, Lewis County! We have 30 gleaners standing by just waiting for fruit and vegetables to harvest! Give us a call or email us: mbaker@gleanme.org
***
Instructor Kim Broussard returns today with her 10-week low-impact exercise class, open to all ages ($30/over age 60, $40/others*). Somewhere between Tai Chi and Zumba, Broussard’s Better Bones & Balance course takes place 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday at Toledo Senior Center. Suitable whatever your current fitness level. Adaptable to chair exercises as well.
*Cash or check, thank you.
***
Also Today: Toledo Cheesecake Club is holding a Savory Cheesecake Potluck 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. at Camp Singing Wind.
***
Wednesday: Toledo Park Board meets 3 p.m. second Wednesdays monthly at City Hall Council Chambers. Contact cityoftoledo@toledotel.com or call (360)864-4564 for special accommodations.
***
Back this week: Toledo Thursday Market featuring the best in locally sourced handmade, homemade and fresh picked goods and produce. Entertainment and games for kids. Some familiar faces and special visitors.*
Located across from Toledo Boat Launch next to Chimi’s. 3 - 7 p.m.
Vendor applications at this link. $10/space/week, BYO table & shade. No long-term commitment.
Gallery 505 and other local businesses open late on Market Thursdays
*Will there be sweet things?
***
Camp Singing Wind relates: We're excited for this star party with Toledo's very own astrophysicist, Ethan Siegel!
Siegel adds: The greatest natural year-after-year show in the night sky, the Perseid meteor shower, is here! While we've got a nearly full Moon to contend with, we should get a spectacular show from sundown until moonrise.
Things to bring to make the experience better:
-blanket(s)
-lawn/lounge chairs
-headlamps/flashlights (red is better, white is ok)
-a pair of binoculars (for looking at planets and other objects in the sky)
When the Moon comes up, the sky will still be awesome, but the best part of the show will come from about 10 PM until the Moon rises just before 11 PM. See you there!
Event begins 8:30 p.m. Saturday August 12.
***
Tech Report: Money
Sending/Receiving Money: Lifehacker reports: Now You Can Send Friends Cash Using Skype (with PayPal) while Tom’s Guide reveals How To Send And Receive Money Using Gmail (Android). US News & World Report answers the question Should You Send Money To Friends Through Facebook Messenger in this article while iPeeps will appreciate Apple Just Added One More Way To Repay Your Friends.
Saving Money: Since I celebrate my birthday all month long (and recommend this practice to everyone everywhere), Happy Birthday - Get Free Food At These 27 Restaurants from MoneyTalksNews guarantees me a big birthday grin all month. True, not all of them have local restaurants, but enough of them do. Same with ThePennyHoarder’s 100 Places That Will Give You Free Stuff on Your Birthday including a free Redbox movie .
Not your birthday? DealNews lists 10 Customer Loyalty Programs You Never Heard Of including ACE Hardware, Amtrak, & IKEA.
Making Money: MoneyTalksNews asks: What’s your side hustle? Millions Earn An Extra $500 A Month - So Can You, from simply watching videos or taking online surveys to renting our your stuff. It also links to another article, 50 Ways To Make A Fast $50 (Or A Lot More!). Their secure site has loads more under the heading: Make.
***
Support the modest Lola Lucille Ross GoFundMe account - in memory of grandmothers everywhere, gone all too soon. Donations may also be made at Catermole Funeral Home in Winlock.
Full story in original TOT post.
***
Photos from TOT archives unless otherwise noted.
Everyday Heroes: Envisioned as a local September 11 observation recognizing lesser-known acts of kindness and heroism. Send your nominations to toledo.columnist@gmail.com.
Email your news, reviews and events to: toledo.columnist@gmail.com
The Other Toledo is on Facebook.
Nothing says it like cake!
Charlie adds: Happy 3rd Anniversary Toledo Community Library! All our amazing volunteers would like say a special Thank you to Bill & Pat Caldwell. Our wonderful library wouldn't be possible if it weren't for them.
***
Toledo School District Superintendent Chris Rust set the record straight Monday afternoon, regarding an editorial referenced in Monday’s TOT about “alarming new (state) health standards” focused especially on gender issues being forced upon school children as young as Kindergarten age.
The editorial in The News Tribune claimed that, according to the Family Policy Institute of Washington* (State), these standards will be implemented in September, will be taught to young children, and would undermine traditional family values. However, as FPIW* is a coalition of like-minded members, having no authority to set school curriculum.
Rust explained: The health standards including sexual health were reviewed by Toledo School District Board of Directors last March, the Board determining high school students only would be offered this subject, with parents retaining the right to exempt their children from instruction.
Rust proffered a simple analogy: “The State issues a standard - say, that ice cream will be made available to students. The Board of Directors decides what flavors, when it will be available, and directs the District to deliver. Any parent who does not want their child to have ice cream (at school) has the right to offer their child ice cream at home or church, with no interference from the State or District.”
You can substitute “reading material” for “ice cream” if you find it easier.
Further, the Board attended a presentation by a national organization experienced in teaching and promoting education on relevant health issues. Ultimately the Board declared that “respect for all people” is the foundation (of gender matters), that the responsibility begins and remains with parents to decide what and when information is shared with their children.
The Other Toledo indicated the upcoming August Board meeting would address this matter, which was inaccurate. TOT apologizes for any inconvenience or misunderstanding occasioned by this error. Thanks go to Toledo School District for granting TOT the opportunity to correct and clarify the original work.
Documentation outlining State Standards, District Policy, and Parental Rights regarding Health Education in Toledo Schools. Link here. Also available upon request at District Office.
Readers can check BoardDocs on the Toledo School District website for current agenda and minutes of past meetings.
*Incidentally, the Family Policy Institute of Washington (State) website triggered a warning of insecure website from both Firefox and Chrome browsers - food for thought.
***
Press Release:
Toledo School District Proposes $12.9 million bond
TOLEDO August 4, 2017— Following several weeks of study and analysis by community members, the Toledo School District Board of Directors passed a resolution that will place a $12.9 million bond measure on the ballot in November. The measure is $1.3 million less that the proposal that was narrowly defeated in February. “We’ve been able to accomplish some of the projects since February and we’ve adjusted some of the estimates on the master plan to bring the bond proposal down to this level. The committee even found a mathematical error in the original estimate that reduced the estimate by $250,000”, according to superintendent Chris Rust. “We’ll continue to look for ways to reduce the costs by applying for grants and looking for efficiencies. $12.9 million makes sure that we can keep our promise to do all of the projects on the list.”
The Facilities Advisory Committee, made up of community members, began meeting every two weeks in March following the February election. In addition to community members who had served on the prior committee, voters who had been vocal in their criticism of prior measures were specifically invited to participate. “It was important to me that we get as many points of view on the issues as possible”, said Rust. A variety of options were proposed and analyzed including consolidation with neighboring districts, consolidating schools, eliminating elementary and middle school projects from the list and reducing cost estimates. The committee ultimately came to consensus on the measure recommended to the board and adopted in the resolution. (Minutes and all documents related to the committee’s work are available by link on the school district website www.toledoschools.us.)
Toledo High School is the primary target for upgrades and repairs. Built in 1975, the high school has had very few upgrades in its 42 year history. New heat pumps were installed in 2014, but the cooling portion of those units await additional funding. Weatherproofing, energy efficiency upgrades, ADA compliance permanent interior walls and remodel of locker rooms are all on the list of projects to be completed. In addition to these projects, there are plans to add a track and restrooms to the stadium. Former board member, Bill Moore said, ”When we built the stadium 20 years ago with interest funds from the 1995 bond, there weren’t enough resources to do the track, restrooms and concession stand. The hope was to come back and do those later.”
In addition to work at the high school, the bond will pay for improvements at Toledo Elementary and Middle Schools. Levy funds from the 2015-19 M&O levy were insufficient to repair the high school water supply and the middle school roof. The middle school roof is nearing the end of its life and needs to be replaced. The same is true of boilers at the elementary. The roof is estimated to cost $500,000 and the boilers to cost approximately $250,000. In addition, siding and seals need to be repaired and replaced after 20 years. The Facilities Advisory Committee prioritized all of the projects on the bond as “must-do” items. Committee member Ethan Siegel said, “Our students deserve high-quality facilities. They deserve science classes with interactive, experimental laboratories. They deserve heating and cooling. They deserve a safe, comfortable environment to learn in. In short, they deserve better facilities and a better education than the previous generation got.”
About the Toledo School District
Located in Southwest Washington, the Toledo School District serves nearly 750 K-12 students. To learn more, visit www.toledoschools.us
***
Press Release:
School District Surplus Sale Planned in Toledo
TOLEDO August 6, 2017— Toledo School District will conduct a surplus sale on August 25-27 at the VFW Hall, 5516 Jackson Highway in Toledo from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.. There are scores of used student desks, folding chairs, filing cabinets, tables, overhead projectors, carts shelves and electronic equipment. All items are priced to sell and portions of the proceeds will benefit the Class of 2020 at Toledo High School.
About the Toledo School District
Located in Southwest Washington, the Toledo School District serves nearly 750 K-12 students. To learn more, visit www.toledoschools.us
***
Reminder: TSD Summer Hours
District Office: Mon-Thurs 9-3.
TES Office: Closed until 8/21 8:00-3:00
TMS Office; Closed until 8/16 8:30-3:30
THS Office: Closed until 8/9 8:00-3:00*
*That’s this Wednesday.
***
NEED HELP WITH SCHOOL CLOTHES?
KIDS CLOSET PROVIDES GENTLY USED CLOTHING FOR STUDENTS GRADES K-12 AT NO COST.
KIDS CLOSET WILL BE OPEN AUGUST 16, 17, & 24TH FROM 3-6 PM.
Located at Toledo Elementary School.
***
Toledo Lioness Club will be stationed at the Southbound Toutle River Rest Stop August 14-18, fundraising for local scholarships.
Says one member: We appreciate any donations of cookies for the upcoming rest stop. They can be dropped off at Jean Luque's place. Contact (360)864-2948.
***
Jessica writes: Does anyone know anything about this? It looks like a neat idea. Do we already have something like this in place in Toledo?
Glean Me Lewis County responds: C'mon, Lewis County! We have 30 gleaners standing by just waiting for fruit and vegetables to harvest! Give us a call or email us: mbaker@gleanme.org
***
Instructor Kim Broussard returns today with her 10-week low-impact exercise class, open to all ages ($30/over age 60, $40/others*). Somewhere between Tai Chi and Zumba, Broussard’s Better Bones & Balance course takes place 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday at Toledo Senior Center. Suitable whatever your current fitness level. Adaptable to chair exercises as well.
*Cash or check, thank you.
***
Also Today: Toledo Cheesecake Club is holding a Savory Cheesecake Potluck 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. at Camp Singing Wind.
***
Wednesday: Toledo Park Board meets 3 p.m. second Wednesdays monthly at City Hall Council Chambers. Contact cityoftoledo@toledotel.com or call (360)864-4564 for special accommodations.
***
Back this week: Toledo Thursday Market featuring the best in locally sourced handmade, homemade and fresh picked goods and produce. Entertainment and games for kids. Some familiar faces and special visitors.*
Located across from Toledo Boat Launch next to Chimi’s. 3 - 7 p.m.
Vendor applications at this link. $10/space/week, BYO table & shade. No long-term commitment.
Gallery 505 and other local businesses open late on Market Thursdays
*Will there be sweet things?
***
Camp Singing Wind relates: We're excited for this star party with Toledo's very own astrophysicist, Ethan Siegel!
Siegel adds: The greatest natural year-after-year show in the night sky, the Perseid meteor shower, is here! While we've got a nearly full Moon to contend with, we should get a spectacular show from sundown until moonrise.
Things to bring to make the experience better:
-blanket(s)
-lawn/lounge chairs
-headlamps/flashlights (red is better, white is ok)
-a pair of binoculars (for looking at planets and other objects in the sky)
When the Moon comes up, the sky will still be awesome, but the best part of the show will come from about 10 PM until the Moon rises just before 11 PM. See you there!
Event begins 8:30 p.m. Saturday August 12.
***
Tech Report: Money
Sending/Receiving Money: Lifehacker reports: Now You Can Send Friends Cash Using Skype (with PayPal) while Tom’s Guide reveals How To Send And Receive Money Using Gmail (Android). US News & World Report answers the question Should You Send Money To Friends Through Facebook Messenger in this article while iPeeps will appreciate Apple Just Added One More Way To Repay Your Friends.
Saving Money: Since I celebrate my birthday all month long (and recommend this practice to everyone everywhere), Happy Birthday - Get Free Food At These 27 Restaurants from MoneyTalksNews guarantees me a big birthday grin all month. True, not all of them have local restaurants, but enough of them do. Same with ThePennyHoarder’s 100 Places That Will Give You Free Stuff on Your Birthday including a free Redbox movie .
Not your birthday? DealNews lists 10 Customer Loyalty Programs You Never Heard Of including ACE Hardware, Amtrak, & IKEA.
Making Money: MoneyTalksNews asks: What’s your side hustle? Millions Earn An Extra $500 A Month - So Can You, from simply watching videos or taking online surveys to renting our your stuff. It also links to another article, 50 Ways To Make A Fast $50 (Or A Lot More!). Their secure site has loads more under the heading: Make.
***
Support the modest Lola Lucille Ross GoFundMe account - in memory of grandmothers everywhere, gone all too soon. Donations may also be made at Catermole Funeral Home in Winlock.
Full story in original TOT post.
***
Photos from TOT archives unless otherwise noted.
Everyday Heroes: Envisioned as a local September 11 observation recognizing lesser-known acts of kindness and heroism. Send your nominations to toledo.columnist@gmail.com.
Email your news, reviews and events to: toledo.columnist@gmail.com
The Other Toledo is on Facebook.
