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Show Ashley looks to good learning environment Vernal Express Wednesday, August 9, 2000 1 6 by Kristen Kremin Express Writer Ashley Elementary is expecting approximately 370 students this year. To date, there are about 165 third graders and 208 fourth graders registered for Ashley Elementary. Principle Lyle Southam said, "Our main focus is always to give the students the best education possible.'' possi-ble.'' Southam went on to explain that at Ashley Elementary, they feel that it is important to create a comfortable comfort-able environment where it becomes a good atmosphere for learning. Staff members hope to help the students stu-dents obtain a good image about education, as well as good self- esteem. Ashley Elementary is unique to the district as it is one of the oldest buildings. This year, to help in furthering fur-thering to create a good learning environment for the students, the building has been repainted and refurbished. "Even though our building is one of the oldest, it is still clean and still in good condition," Southam said, adding that it was nice to have newly painted, clean walls. Southam went on to say that as third graders the students have their programs and plays to look forward to that they put on for the other students. stu-dents. The fourth graders often look forward to the music programs and the traditional trip to Fort Bridger as part of their Utah history studies. Other highlights include the accelerated accel-erated reading program, the Christmas open house and the Back-to-School open house that is coming up. The night before school begins, Ashley will be holding an open house for students and parents to come and find their classrooms. There they can find their desks and meet their teachers. This helps to relieve some of the stress and anxiety anxi-ety that many of the students experience expe-rience on the first day of school. In closing, Southam commented, "The most important thing is that the kids are here to learn and that we make it a good experience for them." UHS to strive for better communication Uintah High School is looking to the new school year with a focus on work, relationship and communication. communica-tion. UHS principal, Ed Johnson, feels that it is most important this year to improve the education environment envi-ronment and surroundings by building build-ing better working relationships between teachers, staff members, the community and the school. Johnson believes that there must be more communication between the staff members of Uintah and the students. More time will be spent in advising students on a regular basis. He explained that he hoped to develop a better line of communication communi-cation between teachers and students, stu-dents, so that the students feel that they can discuss with their teachers any problems or difficulties that they are experiencing. Although the high school is expecting roughly 1400 students, Johnson feels that if students are able to meet with counselors and teachers on a regular basis, the potential for success will increase greatly. Since this is a small community, Johnson explained that he believes that Uintah is a pillar to the community. com-munity. It is a center for people to focus their activities and education. Therefore, it is crucial that the high school is composed of workable situations sit-uations where people can feel comfortable com-fortable and where parents and students stu-dents can feel confident that good educational opportunities will be offered. "Uintah's goal is to provide the utmost development of the educational educa-tional process to prepare students for their post-high school education. educa-tion. The educational system is set into steps, and every thing falls into its place. If the steps are successful, the students are successful. Uintah High School needs to be a reflector of the successes of previous schools. Students need to continue to succeed, and Uintah is a transitional transi-tional step for them," Johnson commented. Activities and special events for the year are basically standard and Uintah looks forward to sports events and school activities. Johnson stated that he felt it was important for students and staff members to focus on the more positive posi-tive things, and to not dwell on negative neg-ative incidents from past years. Johnson said, "I am excited to be in this position. It is an awesome responsibility, and I hope to be able to do what is best for the students." Pack Z School at 10 off All Cuts & Chemical Services 10 Tanning Sessions - $25 Nails - full set $25 Fills - $15 Coming soon Massage Therapist Sarah Painter! Call 789-3722 Ask for Carma, Nicole, Kristi or Emily Nail Techs - Misti & Julie All offers expires 9-23-00 START THE SCHOOL YEAR. With Freight Pamaged Furniture! 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Vernal Jr. High principal, Kathy Hawkins said, "Unless education promotes honesty, justice, kindness, responsibility and respect, it is not worth providing. When these things are in place, learning can happen. Without them, learning is meaningless." meaning-less." Hawkins went on to explain that she felt it was very important to continue focussing on making the Vernal Jr. High just that. She hopes to promote a safe and good environment envi-ronment for the students and to create cre-ate a climate where there is a feeling feel-ing of respect. She believes it to be important for the students to feel welcome at school so that the learning learn-ing experience can be successful. "The people at the junior high make it unique," commented Hawkins, "It's the students and the fact that they are young adults. They are at the age when they are testing the waters a little bit, and they are finding out who they are. It is a crucial time for them, because they are trying to find where they fit in life. At times it can be a diffi cult transition, but it is an interesting interest-ing one, and I am looking forward to being a part of it." Principal Haw kins and staff members mem-bers at Vernal Jr. High hope to see the parents involved with the education edu-cation process. Through Power School, parents can check on a student's stu-dent's attendance, grades, assignments assign-ments and tests. They can also correspond cor-respond with the teacher to be aw are of the student's progress. "Parents are the most important people in a student's life, and their involvement with the education program will increase student success. suc-cess. I have an open door policy for both student's and their parents. I am looking forward to a great year and I am sure that I will learn a lot. I will probably leam more from the students than they will," Hawkins chuckled, "It's going to be a wonderful won-derful year." .4. 1 anne mmm Children's Clothing Store -759 West Hwy 40- Is Having Their Pack To School SALE Check Out NewUieOf CloMnq 1 C For AH The Latest Pack To School Clothing at 40 Off Until End Of August (Ml ) ilililii ! : iir tiniM 'l 111 ii umiIiuJF Congratulates All dministrators, Teachers and Students As They Return To School! 4 VUtiSi Open 7 days a week 7 am to 12 midnight Vernal Store 575 E. Main Vernal, UT 435-789-2001 SERVICES Film Developing Pharmacy Permits Bakery Deli Floral Western Union ATM Check Cashing Money Orders Gift Certificates Phone Cards Ticket Outlet Mail Drop US West Telephone Paymenl Center Utah Power and Lighti Payment Center Postage Stamps Copy Machine Carpet Cleaner Rentals Roosevelt Store 750 E. 200 N. Roosevelt, UT 435-722-2296 a |