Clearwater Community Foundation addresses Maniac license plate controversy

Submitted by the CCF

Margaret Mead said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” That is exactly what a small group of Orofino, Idaho citizens are doing.

Maria Ward, Terry Gugger, and Jill Woolsey saw that there were valuable and often unique grass-roots ideas that were not coming to fruition because of lack in their hometown of Orofino, Idaho. Be it money, resources, people, or time, the very things that could benefit people and community were being left undone because of deficits.

With approximately $3,000 that had been made available as part of a community grant, these three developed Clearwater Community Foundation, Inc., as a type of umbrella foundation to create, expand, and sustain opportunities for healthy lifestyles and communities. Lifeline Food Pantry was the first opportunity this group created.

When the mobile food bank that had been coming to Orofino was no longer an option, Clearwater Community Foundation worked with another group of people who had a vision of a permanent food bank, but did not have the resources, time or knowledge necessary to start one. Ms. Ward, Mr. Gugger, and Ms. Woolsey worked with that group for nearly a year to not only create the permanent food bank, but to help them generate policies and procedures that blended the group’s desire for service and the legal requirements to operate a food bank.

It was not until after the food bank was self-sustaining that Clearwater Community Foundation moved on to its next project, which assists in distance learning education for those involved in the Idaho Correctional Institution in Orofino. There are other minor projects and committees that Clearwater Community Foundation’s members are a part of, which help them identify new ideas and projects.

It was in these other committees that too often teachers were heard speaking about things they “used to do.” Field trips, motivational and academic speakers, and other academic and humanities related features that were previously offered through the schools were no longer available because of budget constraints. Orofino’s schools are on a four day school week and struggle financially.

Clearwater Community Foundation, or CCF, considered the Maniac and how it had come to represent not only a school sports mascot, but also an unbridled enthusiasm and passion for opportunities for children. It is impossible to go anywhere in Orofino without seeing the Maniac on license plate holders, walking around town on shirts, stickers on cars and bicycles, and painted on storefront windows. The strong school spirit has translated into strong community spirit.

CCF believed that a Maniac Special License Plate would provide an opportunity to translate that community spirit into proceeds that will go directly to Joint School District 171 (Orofino, Cavendish, Peck, and Timberline Schools).

Although there has been some controversy over the Maniac as the mascot since its adoption in 1972, both the community and State Hospital North have embraced what it represents. There is a story behind the name that few people outside of Orofino realize. In 1927, at a boys basketball game in Kamiah, the Orofino team was playing with such intensity and enthusiasm that enraged Kamiah spectators exclaimed that the “Orofino team looked and played like maniacs!” Once it got back to the students, the Principal, and the community, the nickname stuck!

The name “Maniac” was never meant to demean, harm, humiliate, or hurt anyone. The name has always meant to show irrepressible school spirit. This excitable and rowdy character, the Orofino Maniac, represents perfectly the energy and positive enthusiasm of the students.

In order to understand the controversy, it is important to understand the time frame of events. In 1905, Idaho Hospital in Orofino accepted its first patients as a strictly military routine including inspections and daily marching. 1927 was the year the opposing team, longtime rivals of Orofino, unwittingly dubbed the term Maniac to the students. In 1931, Idaho Hospital officially changed its name to Idaho State Hospital North and began replacing other activities with treatment. Today, State Hospital North is an inpatient psychiatric hospital that handles mostly court appointed, committed patients. In 1972, the current Maniac mascot was created and approved by the school board. However, the “maniac” character was unofficially present in the 45 years preceding this decision. 

In 1989, the Orofino Maniac won third place in ESPN’s national ranking of most unique high school mascots. Shortly thereafter, the national recognition brought questions of appropriateness. The community rallied around their mascot and it was again agreed to support the intended meaning of the character. 

In 1993, the Idaho Alliance for the Mentally Ill sent a letter to the Orofino school board requesting the Maniac no longer be utilized. It is important to note that this is the time in media history where mascots from professional teams, colleges, and marketing icons were coming under fire by those attempting to eliminate perceived stigma and stereotypes.

The school board sought input from students, the community, patients and administration of State Hospital North. At the Oct. 18, 1993 school board meeting, with many people in attendance and giving voice, the school board continued to support the Maniac as the Orofino High School mascot. Since then, the Maniac has also made an appearance as the “Mini-Maniac” for elementary students.

More recently, in 2013, the Maniac won the USA Today contest of most unique mascot. This was an online voting process during which people from across the nation were able to cast their vote among a small pool of mascots.

CCF believes that the Maniac is a unique and cherished symbol of this one small town. Citizens throughout the state of Idaho have voiced their support and promises to purchase a specialized Maniac license plate. It has been asked, “Why Orofino?” Why does this town and this school get to have a special license plate?

It is because of what Margaret Mead said. A small group of thoughtful, committed citizens sought to make a difference in their city. With philanthropic hearts but wallets that did not match, the generosity of their time is resulting in an opportunity to provide students with financial support otherwise not available.

‘Keeping it real’ in Mr. Gustin’s biology class

Orofino High School science teacher, Jim Gustin, demonstrates one of the school’s new high-tech microscopes. which has a display screen on top. The microscope can be connected to a laptop computer with the results viewed by many students at once. The microscope can also take digital photographs of the slide display, allowing slide pictures to be shared among users.

 

By Alannah Allbrett

“Keeping it real” is what Mr. Gustin is all about, and he has been doing that for kids for 20 years in his Biology, Human Biology, and Environmental Science classes.

In warmer weather, 80 sophomores got to attend an “Aquatic Day” at Tunnel Pond and, with the assistance from the Nez Perce Tribe, were able to collect water samples there and study the environment. They were getting hands-on experience instead of just traditional textbook studying.

The students recently visited Orofino and Riverside’s water and wastewater treatment plants to conduct their own tests. Mr. Gustin said the emphasis for students this year has been on learning about Source Water Protection; where we get our water; and the issues and problems associated with protecting the sources for our drinking water.

“Some kids, when they start taking biology, don’t understand where our water comes from and need reminding that it is the bases of all life,” said Mr. Gustin. This program gives them the chance to study water quality firsthand, in a meaningful way, and using the latest technology.

OHS is in the second year of utilizing a $90,000 grant from the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (IDEQ) which Mr. Gustin named the “Report Card for Streams.” He maintains that he is not an environmentalist, in the strictest sense. “It’s important that the kids understand how to use, not abuse, our natural resources, however.”

The high school provides the facilities, in an in-kind contribution for the grant which provides students with a Swift N10 digital light microscope and a National Optical digital dissecting microscope – two important tools. Most people know that by the time something is placed on a slide for examination, it begins to deteriorate. When two classrooms (100 students), need to view something interesting under a microscope, either because of time, heat, or other conditions – the organism on the slide may no longer be viable.

An HP laptop computer is part of the new technology package at OHS, allowing Mr. Gustin to connect it to the microscope so many students can view a slide at the same time.

Mr. Gustin prepares slide samples from the lagoons at Riverside (near Hidden Village) and said the kids get to find out about the interaction and interdependence of science and technology while learning “the marvels of the unseen world.”

Another invaluable tool has been the purchase of ground water model for students to be able to study ground water pollution and the various purifying aspects of aquifer layers. It resembles an ant farm, displaying different types of sediment layers compressed between glass walls. It demonstrates how water percolates through soil getting filtered in the process.

In partnership with Texas A & M University, Orofino students will be providing digital images of microorganisms to the Orofino and Riverside treatment plants and several universities. With their saved images, students were able to demonstrate their findings to their parents, at their last parent teacher conference.

Mr. Gustin was able to write into the grant, provisions for bussing students to field trips which, otherwise, have been curtailed by budgetary cuts. He extends thanks to Lon Blades (retired), Ben Jenkins, and the whole bus barn crew for helping get kids get to these outings. “They have been really great to work with,” he said.

He also acknowledges Anna Moody, of the Lewiston DEQ office and Trina Snyder, of the school district, who help administer the grants that make this kind of learning experience possible. Lastly, he wants to thank Michael Martin and his staff at the Orofino Water, Wastewater facilities; Chris Marvin, Scott Hasselstrom, Nancy Dawson, and Tracy Lubke of the Riverside Water & Sewer District; and Elmer Crow of the Nez Perce Tribe – all for helping “make it real” for the next generation of scientists.

Local science experts such as Entomologist, Richard Whitten, have been guest lecturers in the biology lab, bringing his knowledge of the insect world to life for the students.

Although Mr. Gustin says it is a work in progress, the students have a Facebook page which is appropriately entitled Orofino Maniac Biology. To see OHS biology students in action, visit their blog at: orofinomaniacbiology.blogspot.com – a trip worth taking!

 

Jim Gustin shows off the school’s LaMotte Smartlink® Chemical Test Kit which students use to test water samples as part of OHS’s Report Card for Streams program. Mr. Gustin, who teaches Biology, Human Biology, and Environmental Science, was instrumental in obtaining a IDEQ grant to keep Orofino’s students up-to-date in technological advances.

Resembling an ant farm, this groundwater model allows students to study sediment layers and the manner in which water percolates through them. They can study groundwater pollution and the various purifying aspects of aquifer layers.

School District news

By Superintendent Bob Vian

District level

During the last budget cycle the district lost a significant amount of revenue when the Federal Jobs Program ended with a loss of nearly $200,000. In addition we built a budget without assurance that the Craig/Wyden “timber money” which Western States have relied upon for years would be renewed. In July we received notice that there would be Federal timber funds, but at a level approximately $100,000 less than the prior year. In addition the district lost 45 students over the past year. State funds are based on students so funding from the state will be reduced.

Local taxpayers were generous and passed our operating levy of $1.94 million, the same level as the 2011-12 fiscal year.

The budget for 2012-13 was written to “right size” the district based on fewer students and funding cuts. The majority of the cuts to teaching staff were made via retirements and resignations. Several Instructional Aides were cut, but we are currently working to reallocate funds to rehire some of those lost positions. It is our intent that no student’s special needs will be neglected.

Putting money into facilities maintenance was a major concern. As you will read in the building reports several projects are underway. Our goal is to spend our money locally and most of the maintenance work is being performed by local contractors and companies.

Dr Kerrie Raines joins the district as our new Special Education Director. Dr. Raines served as a vice-principal, Federal Programs Officer, and Special Education Director in Glenn’s Ferry Idaho for the past couple of years.

Ben Jenkins will assume the duties of Lon Blades, who retired, as Transportation Director. Ben will continue as the head mechanic along with the Director’s position.

Cavendish School

Teacher Jenine Nord will start school with a logging theme this year, preparing for the county fair. Students will do research on logging the first couple of weeks of school. Jenine plans to ask local loggers to speak to the students. Students will take a field trip to the Dam Visitor Center and the Orofino Museum on Aug. 28 to learn about logging.

The furnace was replaced at Cavendish.

Peck

Mindy Pollock will have the Peck students working on projects for the Clearwater Fair as well. The logging theme of the fair will dictate projects.

Timberline Schools

New Principal Shaun Ball has moved to Pierce from Bonners Ferry. He reported that the one portable which was purchased has been moved from the east side of the school. The portable is sited next to the current Timberline Elementary building. TES will now have six classrooms for the seven K-6 grades. No elementary students will have classes in the high school this year. The second portable was returned to the vendor.

Timberline High School will have one new teacher this year; Joe Lawrence replaces Shannon Poppe, long time School District #171 teacher who moved to Wyoming. Mr. Lawrence will teach Language Arts. Joe attended high school in Lewiston, did his student teaching in Lewiston, and substituted there last year.

The new sewer system is nearing completion. The nearly $300,000 project is being built by local contractor Riverview Construction. The new system will replace a system that used two sewage ponds that were beyond their life span. The majority of funds for the project has come from the districts $232,784 Building Fund (money from property which the district has sold, we are currently receiving $250 per month due to the sale of Weippe Elementary on a contract) which will be depleted. The balance will come from Federal forest funds.

Orofino Elementary

New Principal Shelly Brooks has joined our staff from Priest River. Mrs. Brooks has six years of experience as a high school principal in Priest River and Kellogg. Prior to becoming a principal she served in several administrative positions and as a Special Education Teacher.

Deidre Jenkins will become a full-time fourth grade teacher. Lindsay Waggener was hired to fill Mrs Jenkins’ half time position. Jennifer Jyler will be the Special Education teacher at OES.

Mrs. Brooks and head custodian Justin Howard have been overseeing several building upgrades at OES. The portable classrooms are being removed from the school grounds. Avista has removed several power poles and upgraded insulation on the overhead wires near the school. Two restrooms are being remodeled due to floor joist dry rot and generally poor condition. Two classrooms, where odor problems have persisted for the past couple of years, were stripped to subfloor level. New floors and carpets have been installed to make the classrooms ready for students and staff for the new school year.

Orofino High School

Principal Robert Alverson is the “old timer” in the district administration. He will begin his second year as principal at OHS. Doug South, hired from Marsing High School, will be the new Vice Principal. Mr. South will also serve as Activities Director. Doug will handle all aspects of school administration including teacher supervision, student discipline, and student safety. Michael Tetwiller has been hired to teach math at OHS. Mr. Tetwiller replaces retired social studies teacher Bo Cummings.

Space has been adjusted to make room for the seventh grade move to OHS. Seventh grade lockers and a computer classroom used by the seventh graders were moved from OES.

OHS has received a wiring upgrade to allow all computer labs to operate simultaneously, something that the building wiring could not handle in the past. New rain gutters have been ordered for the front of the building. Old worn and torn carpet is being replaced in three classrooms by local contractors. The carpet was a safety hazard as students and staff tripped on the seams that had four inch gaps of missing carpet.

To all students and parents of Orofino High School

By Bob Alverson, Orofino High School Principal

As we approach spring break and warmer weather, I would like to take this opportunity to remind everyone of our school dress code.

1. For health and safety reason, shoes must be worn at all times at school.

2. Hats/head coverings, including bandanas are not allowed at school.

3. Strapless tops, bare midriffs, spaghetti straps thinner than three fingers wide, short skirts/shorts shorter that mid thigh are not allowed at school.

4. No undergarments are to be seen.

5. Pajamas or pajama pants are not to be worn at school.

6. Garments with offensive language or suggestions, and garments that advertise the use of controlled substances, including alcohol and tobacco will not be allowed.

7. Jewelry that is extreme will not be worn (spiked or sharp or long chains). Students who wear objectionable clothing will be asked to change into something presentable or will be sent home for a change of clothing.

Also, we are seeing an increase in PDA, (public displays of affection). This includes kissing or hugging longer than three seconds and will result in the students being written up with a subsequent detention and is considered a minor offence. This is not allowed on school grounds or in the school building.

Anna Grimaldo to visit Japan with other Idaho students

Anna Grimaldo, sophomore at Orofino High School, is going to Japan in July 2012. Anna was selected to travel to Japan with a delegation of high school students from across the state of Idaho. The program is being funded with a grant from the government of Japan. Anna Grimaldo will join a group of twelve Idaho students to learn about the culture, history, and people of Japan first hand. They will spend nearly two weeks in country. The hope is that they will share some of American culture with their counterparts, and bring back their new found knowledge and pass it on to their home communities.

The student trip is actually the second phase of a grant project submitted by Dr. Dan Prinzing of the Idaho Human Rights Foundation centered in Boise, Idaho. The first phase sent a team of 12 Idaho educators to Japan last summer. Michelle George, seventh grade teacher at Orofino Elementary, had the fantastic opportunity to be part of that group. The adults visited several major cities and cultural sites in Japan, including some public schools in Tokyo. The educators all wrote lessons plans on various aspects of Japanese culture that are now available on line to any interested teachers world-wide. All of the lesson plans can be found on the Idaho Human Rights Foundation web site: http://idaho-humanrights.org/content/article.cfm?article_id=12

During this second year, Anna will participate in a collaborative study of Japan with the other students from around Idaho. They will use the Internet to post projects and collaborate on their learning. They will be sharing their experiences with their home schools next year.

The third phase will bring Japanese students here to Idaho. Anna’s family will host one of the Japanese visitors for a couple of weeks in the third year of the program.

Anna Grimaldo was selected because she has demonstrated exceptional academic and personal qualities, along with an impressive desire to expand her experiences by visiting a country very far from home. Orofino can be very proud of her and confident that she will represent her home community well.