You’ll be amazed to see the breadth and depth of artistic talent we found on display at this annual event …

Under the direction of Mike Tolan (trombonist), the Parkrose High Jazz Band serenades attendees with well-played selection of holiday tunes.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The art center at Parkrose High School was abuzz with activity as their art festival got underway on Dec. 14. A hundred family and community members came by the Parkrose High School art studio to enjoy the fine art created by the school’s students and staff members.
It’s one of the largest in the area! See what you missed if you didn’t make it to this great event …

Some of the 89 vendors at the David Douglas Holiday Bazaar lineed this hallway at the Dec. 1 event.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Crafters galore – 89 vendors in total – took over the north cafeteria and adjoining hallways, as the David Douglas Holiday Bazaar got underway.
Tantalizing shoppers at the front door was the intoxicating aroma wafting from the TNT Kettle Corn stand. Student helpers swung the doors open for guests as they came in – and later left the event, arms loaded with goodies.
Discover why these teenagers say they look forward to cleaning and stocking shelters for the down-and-out. And, learn how you can help their selfless mission right now …

Ted Kooy, General Manager of the Courtyard by Marriott Airport, made his the first business to donate to the PACE Homeless Project this year. Accepting the gift are students on the PACE Media team: Alyssa Bryant, a junior, Susie Kay, a senior, and sophomore Mary Wilkerson.
Story and photo by David F. Ashton
The way our society has evolved – and especially during this time of year – it seems that typical kids are more interested in getting than giving.
Do you know of a high school student who is struggling with math courses? Check out this math teacher’s free web site that offers online help and “cheat sheets” for math courses …

Math teacher Bradley Heintz shows an example of a free high school math card he’s making available to all high school students in the greater Portland area.
Story and photo by David F. Ashton
Bradley Heintz, Milwaukie High School math teacher and Sellwood resident, says he’s dedicated to stripping away the mysteries of math for all students in the greater Portland area.
Action, costumes, music … Oh my! You’d better act fast if you want to see this great show – loaded with the songs and beloved characters you remember. Most shows are close to being sold out …

Dorothy (Tegan Tracy) worries that she and Toto (Happy, a Caren terrier) will never get back to their home in Kansas.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
David Douglas High School’s production of the Broadway Musical “The Wizard of Oz”, is now on stage – and the audiences are loving it.
Find out why, on the first Saturday of every month (including Dec. 1), the Can Man Clan works to turn recyclable cans and bottles into cash to help the Bronco Boosters …

Members of the Parkrose High School Band, and their adult sponsors, help the “Can Man” Dave Luce (shyly ducking out of this photo) at their November 3 collection day.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Dave Luce is a man who appears torn about getting publicity. He usually declines being photographed; our interviews are typically brief.
See lots of exclusive photos from this great production of Shakespeare’s classic comedy right here …

As the show opens, the stage is set for the confusion of identities to follow.
Story and photo by David F. Ashton
Many people, who took our advice and saw the Parkrose High production of 16th century playwright William Shakespeare’s “The Comedy of Errors”, realized how fun and relevant “the Bard’s” plays can be.
Parkrose High School Thespian Troupe #1783, under the direction of theater instructor, Ms. Zena, put on colorful and fast-paced performances during its two-weekend run, ending November 9.
Discover what’s been happening at Sacramento Elementary School that’s earned it recognition by both state (and and soon) national educators …

Officials say that full-day kindergarten classes – such as this segment being led by Jakob Curtis, English Language Learner teacher at Sacramento Elementary School – help all kids, regardless of their language background, to do better throughout their educational careers.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Stevie Blakely, Principal of Sacramento Elementary School, says she remembers the phone call she got not long ago from her boss, Parkrose School District superintendent Dr. Karen Fischer Gray.
Want to see a lot of cute little pumpkins? Learn why pumpkins were the theme of the after-school effort …

Pumpkins and more pumpkins! Kids drew faces and made crafts using more than 100 mini-pumpkins at the Shaver SUN School event.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
When we were invited to “Pumpkin Lights-on Night” at Shaver Elementary School in Parkrose a few days ago, we just had to check it out.
Last season, the Parkrose High thespians showed us how entertaining Shakespeare could be with their production of “Romeo & Juliet”. See why you and your family will enjoy seeing this show …

In the upcoming production of Shakespeare’s “The Comedy of Errors” Jason Mc Ghee plays Angeo; Paris Mayhew is Luciana; and Bret Atwood plays Aegeon.
Story and photo by David F. Ashton
Many folks have avoided plays by 16th century playwright William Shakespeare, fearing they won’t understand “old English” and can’t understand the story, or they believe that stories written so long ago just can’t be relevant.
See how the administration of Parkrose High School got families to come in and meet their student’s teachers, and become more involved in the school. And, discover how the “School Improvement Plan” there is helping freshmen turn into graduating seniors …

Roy Reynolds says he looks forward to a successful school year at Parkrose High.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
In past years, the turnout for Parkrose High School’s “Back to School Night” – a time when parents are encouraged to come to the campus and informally meet with their kids teachers – was often poor.
Discover why their educational concept is a far cry from “high school shop class”! See how their idea can turn potential high-school flunk-outs into good citizens – with well-paying jobs …

In this building on NE 158th Avenue, the Academy of Architecture, Construction & Engineering will open its doors to students in September, 2008.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
After a distinguished career in education, including being the Superintendent of Parkrose School District for eight years until his retirement in June, Michael Taylor earned the right to put his feet up and relax.



