North Pines Junior High Changes Bad Rap Into Good Rep

North Pines Junior High School student officers had a good year.

Their successful fund-raisers allowed them to buy new sweats for their athletes and a much-needed new high-jump pit. They’re scheduling an extra dance next week, and looking forward to reflected prestige when their jazz band performs for Gov. Gary Locke’s upcoming announcement for re-election.

But the big issue for North Pines’ ASB officers this year has been their school’s reputation.

“You hear things about North Pines kids, like that they all smoke or something,” said Jenna Crisp, this year’s ASB secretary. “And it’s never true.”

North Pines is just like any other school in the Valley, the officers say. The officers point to the North Pines choir’s tour of nursing homes and fund-raising for charities as proof that the students are compassionate and involved. Inch by inch, students from other schools are starting to get the message, the officers say.

“When I started playing basketball here, people at other schools would ask me what school I went to, and when I said North Pines, they would make a face,” said Joy Rowe, ASB president. That kind of thing happens much less now, she said.

“The high point of the year, for me, is probably that fact that North Pines’ reputation is getting better,” said Eric Wilson, treasurer.

Eric also made clear that individual students at North Pines are not singled out for different treatment. It’s the school as a whole that has an unfair reputation.

This year’s ASB officers at North Pines got together one morning this week with the newly elected ASB officers for next year. They talked about their hopes, their high points and their challenges.

“I’m going to try to make the year better for my school,” said Matt Schiller, next year’s treasurer. Also, “I’ve always wanted to have a say in things. Maybe I’ll get involved more in leadership.”

Katie Diamond, next year’s ASB president, ran with a campaign slogan of “What is good?”

Repeatedly she had to explain what she meant: “That I can be a good president and do good things for the school.”

For next year’s secretary, Amie Dahnke, one high point is already reached. “For myself, it’s just knowing that I had the guts to run for office.”

Greenacres teacher honored

John Moore, special education teacher at Greenacres Junior High School, was honored last week in Central Valley School District’s diversity awards.

Moore works current events and real world issues dealing with diversity into his classroom.

As a special-education teacher, Moore is aware of the intolerance that can be expressed toward people with physical and mental handicaps, his nomination stated. He helps his students compare such issues with discrimination in other life areas.

Millwood holds sale

Millwood Early Childhood Education Center is holding its first-ever garage sale on Saturday, along with its usual spring carnival. Both events will run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the school, 8818 E. Grace, with no admission charge. Children’s books, clothing, toys and furniture will be in the sale, which is to be held in the Millwood parking lot, weather permitting.

East Valley plant sale

Most of your gardening needs can be met, while helping raise money for the East Valley High School band.

The fourth annual East Valley band spring plant sale will include hanging flower baskets, flats of vegetables and bedding plants, perennials and cooking herbs, as well as annuals and tomato starts.

The sale will be at the main entrance of the high school from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday.

For information call Susan Tolle at 927-2224.