OCR Text |
Show \^j -.Covering what matters most WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2008 • B3 SFHS Band/Orchestra Concert Westwood retires from school board Lindsay B. Wolsey STAFF WRITER ••}•", Kori Pritchi'tt / Spanish Fork News • EXTRA MILE: On Dec. 18 the SFHS Band and Orchestra performed their winter concert. Performing groups included the Jazz Band, Concert Band, Philharmonic Strings, Chamber Strings and Symphony Orchestra. Pictured above are Bryant - Smith, Director of Bands; and Margaret Larson, Orchestra Director. ISFHS Christmas Choir Gala It wasn't just business as usual at the Dec. 3, 2008 meeting of the Nebo School District Board of Education; it was the last meeting attended by Kaye , Westwood. Westwood has been a member of the Board for 16 years. After the Pledge of Allegiance and approval of the Consent Agenda, the meeting began. "Now the fun can get started/' President Dean Rowley said. "Yes, sometimes School Board Meeting can be fun/1 The fun came when students from Taylor Elementary School in Payson explained how Christmas traditions from all over the world have combined to form American Christmas traditions. Principal Chad Argyle introduced his students. "Our students and teachers work hard at Taylor. It's a wonderful place to be. They have worked hard on this presentation." Taylor Third Grader Heidi Rickle began the presentation with a question. "Have you ever wondered why we put up Christmas trees?" Rickle asked. The Taylor students sang three Christmas songs. Attendees and Board members alike enjoyed the performance. Julie Atkinson, a representative of Taylor's Community Council addressed the school board. Atkinson has had children-attending Taylor over the span of 11 years. "After my first meeting, I came out realizing this is a place where a parent can voice concerns and have them addressed." Atkinson said. Taylor's mission statement is all students will learn at high levels, and both faculty and the community council strive to meet that mission. Trustland funds have been directed towards reading recovery for students and staff development. "This year we started a used book library. All the families could bring their used books to Taylor school and sell them for ten cents, and once a month students and parents can buy used books for 25 cents." Atkinson explained. "We've had several parents express that they are happy they can have books in their homes for their children to read at minimal cost. A lot of parents couldn't afford books before." Atkinson emphasized that parents can make a difference in their children's education if they get involved with Community Council. Following the Taylor Elementary performance, friends and family of Kaye Westwood honored her for her 16 years of service on the School Board. Superintendent Chris Sorenson presented Westwood with a plaque commemorating her service on the School Board. More than one Board Member had tears in their eyes as Westwood's service wrapped to a close. "It's been a wonderful 16 years. Sometimes you stop and think did I do any good along the way? It's been a great, great experience, one that I'll never forget. Good luck and carry on with the most important job that anybody in the world has — that's educating." Westwood said. "That's a tough act to follow," Tracy Olson said, as he introduced Glenn Hillstead of Squire & Company. Squire & Company who performed an Independent Financial Audit for the District. Hillstead gave a brief overview of the report, including all expenses and revenues for 2008. Copies of the audit were given to each Board Member. "The financial strength of the District is improving," Hillstead said. "That's a good thing." Security Insurance TOP DON HONORING EXCELLENCE AT '*,*; . Samantha Beck / Spanish Fork News ':-;HERE WE COME A-CAROLING: The SFHS choirs presented their Christmas Choral Gala Dec. 15-16, 2008. There were .^refreshments beforehand and Christmas decorations throughout the auditoriu.m, courtesy of the choir boosters. The Is choirs presented a wide range of holiday music, from traditional favorites to little-known pieces. They even performed vsome handbell numbers. ' • pglEMENTARY STUDEIfg ME Holiday GItfi Katrina Wagdtaff Canyon Elementary Katrina Wagstaff has shown herself to be an outstanding writer She recently wrote ah extremely persuasive letter explaining ihe need lor more balls in our classroom. She's written several poems which are both humorous iand thoughtful. Her personality and creativity .shine in her writing, ft.Katrina also excels in art. She has ^creates beautiful drawings with [great detail. Katrina enjoys karate, cccr, playing the piano, and robiologists. She also has her r-whcclcr license. Katrina has i brother and a dog named Kiki. Security Home Mortage and the Spanish Fork News are teaming up this year to conduct a • Jenny Hatch Sophomore Jenny Hatch is the daughter of Wendell and Charlene Hatch. She maintains a 4.0 GPA and her favorite classes include interior design and yearbook. Jenny is also involved with the Spanish Fork Youth City Council and plays piano. On a road trip, she would travel to Washington, D.C, and would listen to Secondhand Serenade. The clothing drive will run now through December 24, 2008. "People can bring in boots, hats, gloves, coats, etc., and we'll get them to people who need warmer clothing for the cold weather." ,. :£ Jon Christensen, Security Home Mortage Sponsored by: 290 N. Main Spanish Fork Donations can be dropped off at the Security Home Mortage offices at 735 North Main, Spanish Fork; or at J-Mart at 280 North Main, Spanish Fork. Allied Insurance fiCS 7 Ull"1 Oil DO A •G • E • N •C • Y HOME MORTGAGE SPONSORED BY: ir\HOME MORTGAGE 798-1581 SFHS M j IV' c Spanish Fork Spanish Fork News Covering what matters most |