Next week, members of the Corvallis School Board will be holding their last scheduled listening session on their five year goals plan – it’s potentially an opportunity for parents to impact the district’s priorities. The meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 10 at 6:30 pm, at Kathryn Jones Harrison Elementary, 1825 NW 27th St.,
This is the third of a trio of listening session the Board had scheduled for this and last month, and even before these meetings, they had already held a number of sessions. But according to a statement from the district, they felt a need for more clarity, “In April, the Corvallis School Board surveyed staff, families, and community members for their input in drafting the 2023-2028 board goals. The board is now hosting community engagement sessions to get more detailed information and ensure that all voices are heard.”
The district is asking, not requiring, that participants RSVP, because they’re looking to plan on food. For more information, or for language assistance, click here.
Oregon’s Mental Health Ratings: Every year, Mental Health America rates each state’s mental wellbeing, and Oregon’s numbers for kids are generally alarming. This year, when examining both the prevalence of mental health issues among Oregon’s youth, and their access to care, only six states were worse off than Oregon. Digging deeper into the numbers, Oregon’s availability of mental health care has been improving these last few years, but the prevalence of mental health issues in the state’s youth population is overwhelming.
Notably, Oregon saw the highest increase nationally when substance abuse among youth was considered.
Another Mental Health Viewpoint: The Trevor Project conducts a yearly look at mental health among LGBTQ youth, and in Oregon, 44% of those surveyed reported seriously considering suicide in the past year. For nonbinary and transgender kids that number increases to 54%.
59% of respondents said they wanted mental health care, and couldn’t find it.
Scholarships Available: The Benton Community Foundation asked us for help getting the word out about more than $290,000 they have in available scholarships for the upcoming 2023-24 school year – and we’re happy to oblige.
Applications deadline is February 28, at 5 p.m. Here’s a sampling of what’s available:
- Vocational training: The Knights of Pythias Scholarship for recent graduates, the Otto J. & Adelia M. Hahn Scholarship, and the C & J Whiteman Endowed Scholarship all support students studying mechanical or manual arts or who are going into the trades.
- Native American students at Oregon State University: A total of $95,400 is available from four endowed scholarships, designated for Native American students at OSU. The largest award is $16,000.
- For overcomers: Funding for students who’ve overcome significant life obstacles in order to attend college: The Tailwinds Fund supports students who’ve experienced especially challenging hardships on their path to higher education.
- ROTC students: For students at Oregon State University, Western Oregon University, or the University of Oregon. Local donors and former service members donate to fund this one – and the Foundation specifically thanks LTC Michael T. Rainbolt, USA, Ret. for his decades of support. This scholarship has more than $48,000 available.
- Music scholarships: BCF has three funds that award scholarships to music students. These awards are granted to the winners of musical performance competitions judged by notable professionals in the field. BCF partners with Oregon Music Teachers Association (OMTA) to plan and facilitate the competitions.
Oregonian Takes Federal Child Advocacy Job: Oregon’s Child Welfare Director, Rebecca Jones Gaston, has received U.S. Senate confirmation for a new DC gig.
She will assume the role of Commissioner of the Administration of Children, Youth, and Families (ACYF) in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. She will help oversee federal programs that support protective services and shelter for children and youth in at-risk situations; and adoption for children with special needs.
“I’d like to congratulate Rebecca for her confirmation by the U.S. Senate as Commissioner of the Administration on Children, Youth and Families,” said Governor Kate Brown. “Under her leadership, we have made progress in Oregon to better stabilize our child welfare system and work towards a vision for
transforming the system to better serve children and families. I’m so pleased that she will now bring the same talent and expertise to the federal level, to the benefit of families across the nation.”
By Advocate Staff
