Letters: January 30, 2020
January 30, 2020
Levy for Learning
The Colfax School District in conjunction with Citizens for Quality Schools has proposed a two-year Levy for Learning.
I began working in the district as a teacher in 1975, retired from the State Education System in 2010, and was hired that fall as an educational consultant for the district. I continue to serve in that capacity.
The approval of past levies has provided opportunities and benefits that impact students at all levels. Using my experience as a CSD educator, parent, and community member, I would like to share my thoughts on the importance of this levy to continue and enhance such benefits.
Students in our district achieve goals and honors in the classroom, the sporting arena, and competitive programs throughout the region, state and nation.
Teachers and community volunteers work together to provide a wide variety of experiences beyond the adopted curriculum.
Our students earn academic scores on state and college readiness assessments. Scores are consistently above the state average.
Student achievements are honored and the district continues to research ways to strengthen programs, curriculum, course offerings, and staffing.
Student participation in extra-curricular activities remains high, providing opportunities outside of the classroom.
Staff regularly participates in a variety of training and professional development throughout the year.
Collaboration time is available to staff on a daily and weekly basis. This time allows them to work at grade level, cross-grade levels, and departments to discuss, problem solve, and apply best practices to enhance student learning and access.
Two years ago, the Colfax School District proposed a bond to restructure our schools. The passage of this bond was the beginning of moving Colfax educational opportunities to a new level. Our buildings are more secure and safe as the project progresses. When complete, the junior/senior high school building will be a state of the arts learning environment. Our schools will be a place where together we can take students into the world as productive, competitive citizens. The state does not provide sufficient funding to move into this new level of learning.
I ask that you join me in supporting the Colfax School District levy proposal.
Brenda Kneeshaw,
Colfax
Crosetto Mobile Health Care Unit
Each week the Gazette arrives in our mailbox via U.S. Postal Service, my wife and I have an informative “read.” Thank you very much.
I was especially interested in Victoria Fowler’s page 1 story, “Mobile health clinic plans to sweep county” in the Jan. 23, 2020, issue. Her story says William A. Crosetto was a rancher and WSU supporter.
That made me curious. Where did he ranch? What was his connection to the university? Are there photos of a William A. Crosetto Mobile Health Care Unit?
Some of what I found answering these questions I posted online at one of my blogs:
https://pullman-cupofpalouse.blogspot.com/2020/01/legacy-and-good-work-of-bill-crosetto.html
But, in case you don’t want to see what’s posted … “Bill” Crosetto graduated in 1960 from Bellevue High School on the westside.
The Columbia Basin Herald of Moses Lake said, “As a sophomore at Bellevue High School in the late ’50s, (he) was riding in a bus during a class field trip when he passed by the small town of Othello. He said to himself, ‘If there really is a God, he’d stick me in a place like Othello.’
He went on to attend WSU, his father’s alma mater. Apparently while a WSU student he was deployed in the Vietnam War as an Army Reserve member.
Said the Herald, “After the war, in a time with little treatment for PTSD and common criticism for the soldiers who had come back from the jungle, Crosetto wanted a quieter life. He wanted wide, open country. He wanted Othello.”
Crosetto eventually bought a cattle ranch outside of Othello. He would also farm beans, corn and alfalfa.
“As a cattle rancher, Crosetto did quite well for himself, earning an income that was juxtaposed with a conservative lifestyle in a modest home. In this way, he was able to grow a sizable estate over decades.”
After retiring from ranching after a heart attack, he began to wonder what could be accomplished with his money. He turned to philanthropy. That’s how WSU and other entities benefited.
Tim Marsh
Formerly of Pullman, now of McMinnville, Ore.
They know
Republicans are not stupid. They know that if there are no witnesses and no evidence there is really no trial. They know that John Bolton would be the most important impeachment witness. They know that if Bolton was subpoenaed by the Senate he would testify.
Jeremy Street,
Cheney
Second Amendment
This letter is a “big” thank you to the people in attendance at the Jan. 20 discussion of the 2nd Amendment rights held at the Endicott Gun Club. We covered some valid points, and we hope to call another meeting in February. Look for ads in the Gazette and on poster boards around the county.
Last week's Gazette included a letter to the editor mentioning a gentleman with a camera. No intimidation was offered or intended.
He was there at my invitation and bore no ill will. I should have let the attendees know that fact so it is – my bad!
Again, thanks for showing up at the last meeting and I look forward to seeing you at the next one.
Terry Vietz,
Diamond
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