CSD 13J internet shutdown causes loss of learning in January, and a big worry to parents
By Anne Scheck
Trammart News Service, January 24, 2025
After three days of sudden shutdown this month due to an internet failure, students at Central School District 13J now are destined to spend just as much time out of their classrooms in January as they do in them.
The count includes a nine-day total of “forced absenteeism” – as one parent put it – stemming from a computer-server failure, days off due to winter break, time allotted for teacher development and the Martin Luther King holiday.
Parents contacted Trammart News with concern over what they suspect may be a trend. The district approach is “we have to do what we have to do, so just accept it,” said one, who didn’t want to be named. Asked why families weren’t calling or emailing district officials with questions about how such closures could be avoided in the future, several said such challenges could be seen as airing “gripes” rather than sharing worries.
Some parents wondered about why classes couldn’t continue – personal cell phone usage for staying connected was one line of inquiry, a temporary return to pencil-and-paper instruction was another. “The network is important to the safety and security of our students because, without internet, our phone system doesn’t work,” according to Emily Mentzer, communications coordinator for the district. “We need to ensure we can call families or emergency services in the case of an emergency,” she added.
A grant application is underway for money to fix the fragile system – switches and servers have been found to be “antiquated” – but the incident happened before the grant-proposal process was completed, Mentzer said.
The three-day closure, which also was reported by The Oregonian, comes at a time when CSD 13J is battling relatively high absenteeism, in part by using an approach called “Every Day Matters.”
Every day does matter, according to a Canadian team that has studied the concept of “mattering.” In-person learning seems to help convey to students that they matter – and “mattering” is now being recognized as a possible key indicator for student success, according to the researchers at the University of Ottawa.
"For me, it wouldn’t have been very much trouble to shift to running our classroom without the internet,” said Nathan Muti, who teaches at Ash Creek Elementary School. “All of the really good learning is done offline anyway,” he said.
“I mostly use internet resources to help track student’s progress, and to help with diversifying our accommodations for students,” Muti said.
Several other teachers echoed that sentiment, including one at Central High School who noted that, when the internet went out in the afternoon, the jump was made to a short lecture followed by a question-and-answer session that led to a fairly long discussion. ▪
By Anne Scheck
Trammart News Service, January 24, 2025
After three days of sudden shutdown this month due to an internet failure, students at Central School District 13J now are destined to spend just as much time out of their classrooms in January as they do in them.
The count includes a nine-day total of “forced absenteeism” – as one parent put it – stemming from a computer-server failure, days off due to winter break, time allotted for teacher development and the Martin Luther King holiday.
Parents contacted Trammart News with concern over what they suspect may be a trend. The district approach is “we have to do what we have to do, so just accept it,” said one, who didn’t want to be named. Asked why families weren’t calling or emailing district officials with questions about how such closures could be avoided in the future, several said such challenges could be seen as airing “gripes” rather than sharing worries.
Some parents wondered about why classes couldn’t continue – personal cell phone usage for staying connected was one line of inquiry, a temporary return to pencil-and-paper instruction was another. “The network is important to the safety and security of our students because, without internet, our phone system doesn’t work,” according to Emily Mentzer, communications coordinator for the district. “We need to ensure we can call families or emergency services in the case of an emergency,” she added.
A grant application is underway for money to fix the fragile system – switches and servers have been found to be “antiquated” – but the incident happened before the grant-proposal process was completed, Mentzer said.
The three-day closure, which also was reported by The Oregonian, comes at a time when CSD 13J is battling relatively high absenteeism, in part by using an approach called “Every Day Matters.”
Every day does matter, according to a Canadian team that has studied the concept of “mattering.” In-person learning seems to help convey to students that they matter – and “mattering” is now being recognized as a possible key indicator for student success, according to the researchers at the University of Ottawa.
"For me, it wouldn’t have been very much trouble to shift to running our classroom without the internet,” said Nathan Muti, who teaches at Ash Creek Elementary School. “All of the really good learning is done offline anyway,” he said.
“I mostly use internet resources to help track student’s progress, and to help with diversifying our accommodations for students,” Muti said.
Several other teachers echoed that sentiment, including one at Central High School who noted that, when the internet went out in the afternoon, the jump was made to a short lecture followed by a question-and-answer session that led to a fairly long discussion. ▪
These Panthers aren't just horsin' around
By Lance Masterson
For Trammart News Service, January 24, 2025
Abigail Steckel has been riding horses for five years. But a passion for the animal has been with her even longer.
“I liked horses since I was little. Always been my favorite animal. Always been intrigued by them,” she said. “I just finally got the opportunity to ride. I took it, and this is where it’s gotten me.”
Where it’s gotten Steckel this night is the 9D Ranch. She is practicing with the other four members of the Central High School equestrian team. This is the senior captain’s second year in the program. She joined the team because she wanted to get better.
“I was really looking forward to being coached.… I’ve learned so many things,” she said of the experience. “You learn so much from the other riders. You also learn to rely on them.”
This partnership between Steckel and steed (Truman) was all of two days old when interviewed. With the first meet a few weeks away, the immediate goal is to concentrate on basics.
“I just hope to ride him and get him used to doing patterns,” she said. Steckel plans to attend Oregon State University and major in veterinary sciences. Truman is a part of those plans.
“He’s my college horse,” she said.
A second captain, Rebecca Duluk, and her horse Pixie have known each other a bit longer. They’ve been a couple since August.
“She’s still pretty new … there’s still a long way to go,” Duluk said in providing a status report. “A lot of it has just been going slow and getting to know her.” Pixie is 11 years old and comfortable in her former routine. But unlike dogs, as the saying goes, you can apparently teach an older horse new tricks.
“She wasn’t trained in the type of stuff I do, so I’ve been slowly introducing her to that. I don’t overwhelm her,” Duluk said. “She’s pretty stubborn and she’s pretty smart. If I ask her to do something she doesn’t want to do, she’ll try to find a way out of it.”
Jacque Dodson knows her way around an arena as well.
“I grew up with horses,” she said. “But they were mainly pasture ponies.” Her relationship with the four-legged wonders grew stronger over the years. This bond strengthened even more after she married Dave Dodson, an avid rider, and the couple ventured beyond arenas and other urban venues. According to Jacque, “We did trail riding. We did back country horsemen. Packing horses into the wilderness,” she said. “We did the Polk County Mounted Sheriff’s Posse. Search and Rescue. That kind of stuff.”
There was less time for horse-related activities while the Dodsons raised their family. “Our kids were not horse kids. They just weren’t interested,” Dodson said. “Our kids all went different directions.”
So Jacque found other kids; kids headed in her direction. Which helps explain why she is in her sixth year as coach of the Central High School equestrian team.
“Well, the other coach decided to resign (after two years), and the kids… asked if I would consider being the coach. So I talked to the athletic director and took all the training that was necessary, and I became a coach for the first time ever,” she said of her recruitment. “To have a group of kids who want to learn, it’s been a big blessing to Dave and me.”
The Panthers squad competes at meets sanctioned by Oregon High School Equestrian Teams. Captains Duluk and Steckel head a roster that includes Madelyn Nieves, Madalyn Chase and Audrey Pelky.
Tabatha Bielemeier is in her third year as co-coach. Dave helps as needed, as do parents.
Equestrian is a club sport at Central. Though it has to be approved by high school administration and its coaches certified by the Oregon School Activities Association (OSAA), it receives no funding from the school, Jacque said.
“The first couple years parents had to pay for everything. And the last couple years, we’ve started collecting scholarships, where the kids go out into the community and ask for donations and things,” Dodson said. “But if the kids don’t go out and gather funding, parents have to pay for it themselves.” Central is one of 13 schools in the Willamette District. Statewide, there are eight districts and 800 riders.
Practice begins in November, with district meets set for February, March and April at the Linn County Fairgrounds in Albany. Riders compete in up to five individual events and as many team events as can be fielded.
“They can compete in cow events, like daubing and sorting. Then there’s the gaming events, which are barrels, poles, figure eights, flags and several others,” Jacque said. “There’s English events and Western events that they can compete in. So, it caters to (everyone).”
This year’s state finals are Thursday through Sunday, May 8-11.
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to Jacque’s coaching style.
“I think the most important thing is realizing that everybody rides at a different level, and that everybody’s goals are a little different,” she said. “You can’t teach all kids the same way. You have to teach them as individuals.”
Riders determine what success means to them.
“What makes for a successful season is our kids competing at the level that their goals are set,” Jacque added. “We have them set goals before each meet of what they’d like to accomplish. Some of these kids have been riding for a long period of time. Some of them … just got their horse the day before yesterday.”
Together, coach and rider assess whether a goal was achieved. “If they accomplished their goal, then we’re satisfied,” Jacque said.
The Dodsons have owned the 9D Ranch for 35 years. It’s the property north of Independence with the large red barn on Rogers Road.
The ranch is a landmark for members of the saddle set, as 4-Hers, team ropers and Polk County Posse members practice there. Something they’ve been doing for years.
Jacque has lived in Polk County for some 50 years, and is a former resident of Valsetz, the former timber town. Dave is a CHS alumni and worked for the school district for 30 years. ▪
By Lance Masterson
For Trammart News Service, January 24, 2025
Abigail Steckel has been riding horses for five years. But a passion for the animal has been with her even longer.
“I liked horses since I was little. Always been my favorite animal. Always been intrigued by them,” she said. “I just finally got the opportunity to ride. I took it, and this is where it’s gotten me.”
Where it’s gotten Steckel this night is the 9D Ranch. She is practicing with the other four members of the Central High School equestrian team. This is the senior captain’s second year in the program. She joined the team because she wanted to get better.
“I was really looking forward to being coached.… I’ve learned so many things,” she said of the experience. “You learn so much from the other riders. You also learn to rely on them.”
This partnership between Steckel and steed (Truman) was all of two days old when interviewed. With the first meet a few weeks away, the immediate goal is to concentrate on basics.
“I just hope to ride him and get him used to doing patterns,” she said. Steckel plans to attend Oregon State University and major in veterinary sciences. Truman is a part of those plans.
“He’s my college horse,” she said.
A second captain, Rebecca Duluk, and her horse Pixie have known each other a bit longer. They’ve been a couple since August.
“She’s still pretty new … there’s still a long way to go,” Duluk said in providing a status report. “A lot of it has just been going slow and getting to know her.” Pixie is 11 years old and comfortable in her former routine. But unlike dogs, as the saying goes, you can apparently teach an older horse new tricks.
“She wasn’t trained in the type of stuff I do, so I’ve been slowly introducing her to that. I don’t overwhelm her,” Duluk said. “She’s pretty stubborn and she’s pretty smart. If I ask her to do something she doesn’t want to do, she’ll try to find a way out of it.”
Jacque Dodson knows her way around an arena as well.
“I grew up with horses,” she said. “But they were mainly pasture ponies.” Her relationship with the four-legged wonders grew stronger over the years. This bond strengthened even more after she married Dave Dodson, an avid rider, and the couple ventured beyond arenas and other urban venues. According to Jacque, “We did trail riding. We did back country horsemen. Packing horses into the wilderness,” she said. “We did the Polk County Mounted Sheriff’s Posse. Search and Rescue. That kind of stuff.”
There was less time for horse-related activities while the Dodsons raised their family. “Our kids were not horse kids. They just weren’t interested,” Dodson said. “Our kids all went different directions.”
So Jacque found other kids; kids headed in her direction. Which helps explain why she is in her sixth year as coach of the Central High School equestrian team.
“Well, the other coach decided to resign (after two years), and the kids… asked if I would consider being the coach. So I talked to the athletic director and took all the training that was necessary, and I became a coach for the first time ever,” she said of her recruitment. “To have a group of kids who want to learn, it’s been a big blessing to Dave and me.”
The Panthers squad competes at meets sanctioned by Oregon High School Equestrian Teams. Captains Duluk and Steckel head a roster that includes Madelyn Nieves, Madalyn Chase and Audrey Pelky.
Tabatha Bielemeier is in her third year as co-coach. Dave helps as needed, as do parents.
Equestrian is a club sport at Central. Though it has to be approved by high school administration and its coaches certified by the Oregon School Activities Association (OSAA), it receives no funding from the school, Jacque said.
“The first couple years parents had to pay for everything. And the last couple years, we’ve started collecting scholarships, where the kids go out into the community and ask for donations and things,” Dodson said. “But if the kids don’t go out and gather funding, parents have to pay for it themselves.” Central is one of 13 schools in the Willamette District. Statewide, there are eight districts and 800 riders.
Practice begins in November, with district meets set for February, March and April at the Linn County Fairgrounds in Albany. Riders compete in up to five individual events and as many team events as can be fielded.
“They can compete in cow events, like daubing and sorting. Then there’s the gaming events, which are barrels, poles, figure eights, flags and several others,” Jacque said. “There’s English events and Western events that they can compete in. So, it caters to (everyone).”
This year’s state finals are Thursday through Sunday, May 8-11.
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to Jacque’s coaching style.
“I think the most important thing is realizing that everybody rides at a different level, and that everybody’s goals are a little different,” she said. “You can’t teach all kids the same way. You have to teach them as individuals.”
Riders determine what success means to them.
“What makes for a successful season is our kids competing at the level that their goals are set,” Jacque added. “We have them set goals before each meet of what they’d like to accomplish. Some of these kids have been riding for a long period of time. Some of them … just got their horse the day before yesterday.”
Together, coach and rider assess whether a goal was achieved. “If they accomplished their goal, then we’re satisfied,” Jacque said.
The Dodsons have owned the 9D Ranch for 35 years. It’s the property north of Independence with the large red barn on Rogers Road.
The ranch is a landmark for members of the saddle set, as 4-Hers, team ropers and Polk County Posse members practice there. Something they’ve been doing for years.
Jacque has lived in Polk County for some 50 years, and is a former resident of Valsetz, the former timber town. Dave is a CHS alumni and worked for the school district for 30 years. ▪
Sen. Deb Patterson practices proactive ethics to push for an environmental bill
By Anne Scheck
Trammart News Service, January 24, 2025
This feature, “IN ACTUALITY,” appears periodically – to inform residents about matters that may impact them at some point, but which are part of a developing story. Microfibers in public water are beginning to undergo scientific scrutiny. State Sen Deb Patterson, who has been a member of the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators, has advocated for more studies. Independence is one of the few systems in Oregon where they’ve been reported as detected. Sen. Patterson has called for an addition to home filtration where microfibers are likely to turn up -- in wastewater from the laundry, specifically washing machines. A few facts about her bill regarding the proposed filter system.
IN ACTUALITY
An editorial column to assist public knowledge & discourse on recent events.
WHO: State Sen. Deb Patterson, who represents Independence, Monmouth and South Salem and who began the 2025 state legislative session this week.
WHAT: A bill sponsored by Patterson, SB 526, calls for a new law to require equipping laundry-washing appliances with a special system that would catch and retain “microfibers,” tiny particles of plastic and other materials that are shed from some clothing, blankets and other items during laundering with water and detergent. The law wouldn’t go into enforcement effect until 2030.
WHERE: The filter unit, made by Filtrol, was proposed to assist Sen. Patterson as a visual aid to demonstrate how the device works. The company requested that, in return for donating the special filter, it would receive a “shout-out” on social media.
WHEN: The Filtrol filter is planned for use during the process of introducing the bill.
WHY: Current scientific research suggests that exposure to certain micro-contaminants, including those known as PFAs, may lead to adverse health effects. However, levels of risk are largely unknown, and research is ongoing. The filtering helps keep them out of wastewater discharges from household washing, which could reduce these tiny fibers from entering local water supplies.
HOW: When a public official like Patterson is offered something of value – the Filtrol unit is estimated to cost $159 – a state agency, the Oregon Government Ethics Commission, can help interpret whether an infraction is likely to occur under the Oregon Revised Statutes, which define what constitutes a gift to a public official. “In this situation, it appears that Filtriol’s Filer Unit is a gift to Senator Patterson’s Office rather than a gift to Patterson herself,” wrote OGEC director Susan Myers, who added that the gift clause only applies to gifts given to public officials and not public bodies.
.
OUTCOME: It remains to be seen whether the bill will pass into law. However, Patterson’s proactive inquiry – by her chief of staff, Megan Wai – is expected to allow use of the filter unit to proceed for demonstration purposes without any ethics challenge. ▪
By Anne Scheck
Trammart News Service, January 24, 2025
This feature, “IN ACTUALITY,” appears periodically – to inform residents about matters that may impact them at some point, but which are part of a developing story. Microfibers in public water are beginning to undergo scientific scrutiny. State Sen Deb Patterson, who has been a member of the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators, has advocated for more studies. Independence is one of the few systems in Oregon where they’ve been reported as detected. Sen. Patterson has called for an addition to home filtration where microfibers are likely to turn up -- in wastewater from the laundry, specifically washing machines. A few facts about her bill regarding the proposed filter system.
IN ACTUALITY
An editorial column to assist public knowledge & discourse on recent events.
WHO: State Sen. Deb Patterson, who represents Independence, Monmouth and South Salem and who began the 2025 state legislative session this week.
WHAT: A bill sponsored by Patterson, SB 526, calls for a new law to require equipping laundry-washing appliances with a special system that would catch and retain “microfibers,” tiny particles of plastic and other materials that are shed from some clothing, blankets and other items during laundering with water and detergent. The law wouldn’t go into enforcement effect until 2030.
WHERE: The filter unit, made by Filtrol, was proposed to assist Sen. Patterson as a visual aid to demonstrate how the device works. The company requested that, in return for donating the special filter, it would receive a “shout-out” on social media.
WHEN: The Filtrol filter is planned for use during the process of introducing the bill.
WHY: Current scientific research suggests that exposure to certain micro-contaminants, including those known as PFAs, may lead to adverse health effects. However, levels of risk are largely unknown, and research is ongoing. The filtering helps keep them out of wastewater discharges from household washing, which could reduce these tiny fibers from entering local water supplies.
HOW: When a public official like Patterson is offered something of value – the Filtrol unit is estimated to cost $159 – a state agency, the Oregon Government Ethics Commission, can help interpret whether an infraction is likely to occur under the Oregon Revised Statutes, which define what constitutes a gift to a public official. “In this situation, it appears that Filtriol’s Filer Unit is a gift to Senator Patterson’s Office rather than a gift to Patterson herself,” wrote OGEC director Susan Myers, who added that the gift clause only applies to gifts given to public officials and not public bodies.
.
OUTCOME: It remains to be seen whether the bill will pass into law. However, Patterson’s proactive inquiry – by her chief of staff, Megan Wai – is expected to allow use of the filter unit to proceed for demonstration purposes without any ethics challenge. ▪
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