District News

This week’s board meeting celebrated School Board Recognition Month with a formal proclamation recognizing their service, signed by Superintendent Maryalice Russell. Each school principal also presented a board member with a book that will be donated to the school library in the board member’s honor. The proclamation states WHEREAS, school boards create a vision for…

The McMinnville Music Boosters annual Jazz Night dinner and auction is scheduled for Saturday, January 23 at 6 p.m. at the Community Center. The evening includes performances by the  MHS Jazz Ensemble, the Twilighters, Sterling Jazz, and the middle school stage band. The event supports the music programs in McMinnville public schools and often sells…

Do you have musical instruments gathering dust in your closet?  Do a good deed (and get a tax deduction) by donating it to the McMinnville School District elementary band program. Bring the instruments to the high school this week or to Incahoots (905 NE Baker St.) any day in December.  Instruments in any condition accepted. …

At the December 14 business meeting, the McMinnville School Board passed a resolution calling for a bond measure election. Resolution 03-1516 outlines the need to maintain and extend the life of district buildings through facility repairs and upgrades for energy efficiency, safety and security, and student learning; to improve Newby Elementary to provide equitable facilities…

The annual Santa Claus Project, a partnership with McMinnville’s Noon Rotary, took place on Friday, December 11.  Students were selected from every elementary school in the district, 24 students in all, and were treated to a holiday shopping trip for clothes, toys and gifts for their families. Rotary volunteers helped each student with their shopping…

Click below to see the holiday concert of the Patton and Duniway Middle School choirs, which traveled to Salem to perform in the Capitol Rotunda.  

Memorial fifth grade teacher Julie Lockhart spent the day in Salem on Friday, learning about how to incorporate civics into the classroom.  Selected by Oregon Representative Jim Weidner for the Oregon Civics Conference for Teachers, Lockhart attended a day-long workshop in the State Capitol. Teachers from across the state got an inside look at the…

Kerry Naylor’s Horticulture classes have launched their annual wreath and candle arrangements sale.  Students construct the holiday displays over a two-week period as part of the class curriculum and are responsible for selling the arrangements as well.  “We’re doing this a little differently this year,” said Naylor.  “This is an SAE, a ‘supervised agricultural experience,’…

The McMinnville High School (MHS) drama department presents “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying!” beginning this Friday.  The play is directed by MHS drama teacher Bethany Mason with musical direction by MHS choir teachers Robin Pederson and Dana Libonati. The story follows the unlikely rise of a young, ambitious window washer who becomes…

The McMinnville Education Foundation (MEF) has selected 32 projects from the school district to receive grant funds to enhance learning opportunities for students.  Teachers at all levels can request up to $1,000 to create and develop innovative programs including field trips; science opportunities; arts, history, and reading activities; and a variety of other enrichment opportunities….