Discover why teachers say that teaching kids how to play chess pays big dividends in the classroom …

Parkrose Middle School students Daniel Lillard and Cameron Davison play a practice game of chess during the “Chess for Success” tournament held at their school.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Unlike in sports, where size and strength count most, winning at the game of chess doesn’t require any special physical or mental skill – it takes concentration, plus the will to succeed.

That’s why an organization called “Chess for Success” supports kids’ chess clubs in more than 70 Title I schools in the area.

Kids compete for state-level contest play
On February 7, kids from all over outer East Portland made their way to Parkrose Middle School to participate in the Chess for Success regional tournament.

At the start of the tourney, as many as 150 students sat nearly motionless, as they focused on their game.

The event’s host, Parkrose Middle School math teacher and chess club sponsor Greg Nakashima, said “The tournament has five games, and winners play winners. Players who win every game qualify to move up to the state tournament.”

Parkrose Middle School math teacher – and chess club sponsor – Greg Nakashima welcomes youngsters from 25 schools to the Chess for Success tournament.

Chess teaches kids critical thinking
Some 25 kids regularly attend his Chess for Success club, said Nakashima. “It’s worthwhile, because it teaches young people critical thinking, and to think ahead. As they mature, they’ll be better equipped to think about the consequences of their decisions.”

During his club sessions, Nakashima told us the students usually start by learning and practicing a series of moves. “When we start playing games, there is no talking unless it relates specifically to that game. In addition to learning chess moves, they have also learned to sit still, concentrate, and focus.”

In the  schools they support, Chess for Success is open to any kids who want to join, we learned from the organization’s executive directory Julie Young.

To learn more, CLICK HERE to visit their website.

© 2009 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

See why officials say these students gave other area high schools real competition this year, in our district’s “We the People” competition.

Parkrose High students Connor Leines, Caitlyn O’Mealy, Carmen Avram, Elizabeth Lee and Nathan Clement say they’re proud to have done well at the “We the People” completion. Richard English, their instructor and sponsor, stands behind them – and behind their sentiment.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
A couple of weeks ago, Portland Commissioner Nick Fish stopped us on our way to a press conference at City Hall. “Did you hear how well the students from Parkrose High did at the ‘We the People’ competition in mid-January?” he asked.

Fish got to witness the Parkrose students’ success first-hand; he was a judge at this year’s competition, which is organized by congressional districts. “Historically, Grant and Lincoln High Schools have taken the honors. This year, Parkrose High School students gave them a real ‘run for their money’.”

Grilled about the U.S. Constitution
The full title of the event, we learned, is “We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution”, and it’s sponsored by the Center for Civic Education. It’s a yearly competition for American high school students across the country; finals are held in Washington D.C.

Parkrose High Government class instructor and team coach Richard English told us that the competition is modeled after a congressional hearing. “Each team is divided up into six units, each composed of three or more students. Each unit focuses on a particular area of Constitutional interest.”

Each unit, English explained, prepares three four-minute statements, or delivers a speech, on sections of the Constitution of the United States. At the competition, each unit presents one of their speeches.

Then, a three-judge panel questions the students to see how well they know their topic. “You have to know your part of the Constitution intimately,” explained team member Nathan Clement. “They asked you both a prepared question and non-prepared questions about it.”

Caitlyn O’Mealy added that when displaying knowledge of the First, Fifth and Sixth Amendments, “in addition to knowing your information well, we needed to be able to make persuasive arguments about the ideas we expressed.”

Portland City Commissioner Nick Fish, one of the teams three judges, says the Parkrose High students represented their school well. EastPDXnews file photo

Value beyond the contest
Other than enjoying abundant quantities of “great organic milk” at the competition – as Clement noted with a grin – which was held at Lake Oswego High School on January 12, the students agreed that the preparation for the contest helped prepare them for situations later in life.

“Before studying for the competition,” Carmen Avram chimed in, “I knew only a little about the Constitution. But after learning about the Bill of Rights and the other parts of the Constitution, I was able to apply these ideas to real life. It shows me how our society evolved and promoted equality among citizens.”

In addition to the learning about our Constitution, Connor Leines volunteered, “It was a good experience to be interviewed by professionals. Commissioner Fish and the other judges asked good, hard questions; learning how to give good answer back in an intelligent way helps us prepare for our future.”

Wins two awards
“Our students won two Outstanding Unit Awards,” noted English. “I’m very proud of our team members.”

“They did a fantastic job,” Fish commended. “That’s a huge accomplishment. The kids on the winning teams are just remarkable.”

© 2009 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

Discover why this grade-school teacher works nights and weekends showing kids and adults how – and why – to learn juggling …

SE Portland resident, educator – and juggler – Zach Vestal demonstrates the “cascade pattern” used in three-ball juggling.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Teaching his third-grade class at Buckman Arts Focus Elementary School doesn’t fatigue Woodstock neighborhood resident, Zach Vestal – it invigorates him. Vestal harnesses his energy by teaching the art and skill of juggling at Portland area libraries.

“I think all kids should be exposed to juggling,” Vestal explained, while getting ready for a Saturday workshop not long ago. “It uses both halves of the brain. Research shows that it’s excellent for hand-eye coordination. But more important is the boost of self-esteem that a person gets when he or she learns to juggle.”

That’s why juggling is part of his classroom curriculum. “Most people can learn it in about an hour. When you learn something that seems like a daunting or impossible skill, it opens your mind to the possibility of learning other new things. And, it’s really good exercise.”

Vestal demonstrates that chin-balancing, with a spinning plate on a stick, is an art related to juggling.

A life-long juggler
Vestal said he learned to juggle when he, himself, was in third grade. “I enjoyed it so much, I started teaching others how to juggle right away.”

This love of teaching led him to work with the “Circus of the Kids” organization, which still holds circus-arts training camps along the east coast.

Timmy Borcean tries his hand – actually, his nose – at balancing a feather.

Short class; lots of practice
“Juggling dates back to 2000 B.C.,” Vestal tells the class. “Juggling and balancing are two of the earliest forms of public entertainment in recorded history.

With that, he picks up three balls and starts juggling.

“The most common way to juggle balls is the ‘cascade pattern’,” Vestal said as he demonstrated. “Each ball passes underneath the ball that precedes it. Once you have the basic cascade pattern down, there all kinds of tricks and variations you can do.”

As he continues his demonstration, he misses a ball and it drops. “Oops! There was a sudden gust of gravity in the room!”

Vestal also demonstrates juggling large wispy scarves, commenting that this is the easiest way to learn the basic cascade pattern.

The demonstration ends with the instructor showing balancing – an art allied to juggling – using a spinning plate on a stick and a feather.

A group of students make their own juggling balls, using latex balloons and (clean) kitty litter.

Student-made juggling balls
On tables at the back of the room Vestal has several stations set up, permitting students to craft their own juggling balls.

“These latex balloons actually make good juggling balls,” said Vestal. “You’ll be able to make a set here today and take them home. We fill them with kitty litter – CLEAN kitty litter!”

Within the hour, students were practicing the basic skills shown them by Vestal. Some quietly complain after they’ve dropped their balls numerous times, but Vestal tells them, “Remember, there is no juggling without being willing to pick up fallen objects.”

Faith Cox and Brandi Van De Riet practice juggling using their newly-made, do-it-yourself balls.

© 2009 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

See why all of these DDHS students were moving and grooving to that funky boogie beat before hundreds of cheering fans …

David Douglas High School dance teacher, Lynette Velasquez, welcomes the crowd to this semester’s dance recital. Behind Velasquez is her husband, Dan, serving as the evening’s deejay.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Hundreds of family members, friends and students lined the bleachers at David Douglas High School’s south gym, waiting for the latest end-of-the-semester dance recital – entitled “Takin’ It Back to the Old School“, as it was about to get underway on January 14.

“In addition to being a fun show,” Lynette Velasquez, the DDHS dance teacher, told us before the show, “this program is also theifinal exam for the dance class students. It is a good opportunity for the kids to perform, and show their parents, friends and family what they’ve learned.”

The “Tams Alumni Dancers” perform as the warm-up act at the program.

Performing “September” in front of the large audience are student dancers Katryna Dellsite, Cassie Hamann, and Morgan Williams (but perhaps not in this order).

188 students are involved in the program, Velasquez said – adding that she feels that studying dance enhances their educational experience.

“The arts are integral to a good liberal arts education,” the teacher opined. “It gives kids the self confidence that so many are often lacking. It gives them the ability to stand up in front of a group of people and present themselves.”

Whooping it up to “Space Jam” is this large group of dancers, led by teaching assistants Myriah (last name deleted by request) and Tarissa Maxwell.

In addition to helping young people appreciate more dimensions of school than simply book learning, Velasquez added that dance is good physical and mental exercise. “Dance uses mathematical concepts; all dance numbers are built on mathematical principles. We also use geometry; talking about parallelograms angles and other geometric shapes.”

As we watched the performances, we agree with Velasquez’ final comment: “Dance brings together the head and the body, and helps make a complete student.”

In his solo performance of “Make it Work”, student dancer Joe Zhao gets the crowd going with his robotic, animated style of boogie.

© 2009 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

Hey! Don’t throw away those return-deposit bottles and cans that piled up during the Holidays! Here’s where to take them – and why …

The first Saturday in December, the Parkrose Swim Team helped Dave “Can Man” Luce collect and sort deposit-return bottles and cans.

Story and photo by David F. Ashton
On the first Saturday of the month – including January 3, 2009 – the Parkrose Can Man (aka Dave Luce) and his clan (student volunteers from clubs, sports teams and groups at Parkrose-area schools) collect deposit-return cans and bottles.

As the Parkrose High Swim Team takes our cans, Luce tells us, “We raised $576.40 last month.” To learn more about how and why Luce has become known as the Can Man, read our past articles: CLICK HERE or CLICK HERE for two of them.

Just a reminder: Instead of dragging your cans all over town – or worse, leaving them out by the curb, thus enabling drug-affected scavengers – round ’em up and take them to the Parkrose Boosters Pop Can Drive – they’re open 9 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Parkrose Middle School, on NE Shaver Street, across from Parkrose High School.

If you manage a place of business, call Dave Luce and he’ll bring over and service a can recycling barrel for you. Or, if you have a large load of cans to be picked up, call him at (503) 255-3745.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

See what happened when these young craftsmen turned their attention to making toys for disadvantaged kids – instead of producing gifts for their own family and friends …

David Douglas High School instructor Jeff Reardon shows the process flow chart that he and his class members developed to help them successfully manufacture 100 wooden toys in a very short period of time.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
One of the few high schools that haven’t axed classes in practical skills – such as woodworking and metal shop – is David Douglas High School.

“Our Woods Manufacturing Program is one of the school’s eight ‘Career Paths’ that are available,” said instructor Jeff Reardon as we met in his office overlooking the woodshop floor to get way from the noise made by saws, drills, and sanders, operated by students.

DDHS student Gerardo Ruiz cuts out wheels for toy trucks using a drill press.

Manufacturing opportunity appears
“I was looking for a manufacturing project for our students,” Reardon began. “The questions that come up are, ‘What do we make?’ and ‘Where do we get the materials?’ and “Who will the customer be?'”

These questions were answered by Gig Lewis, who is with the Guild of Oregon Woodworkers. Explained Reardon, “He asked if we’d like to be involved in a special project. They would provide the plans and material for the project.” The product turned out to be a toy truck.

Members of the Guild, Reardon noted, had been making hand-crafted wooden toys, destined for the Marine’s Toy-and-Joy drive, for three years. “We had six weeks to design a manufacturing process, and produce them.”

It takes teamwork, coordination, and good communications, documenting what is to be done to run a manufacturing operation, Reardon said. “We’ve created a list of the parts for our project, and a process. These are valuable skills to build high-quality products, whether you manufacturing in wood, metal, or plastics.

Students like Max Basarava discover and utilize methods for mass-producing toys –like sanding dozens of wheels at one time.

Experienced young woodworkers rise to challenge
Once they’d completed their production methods, the classmembers got to work. “These students have been in the program for two to three years; they know how to operate the woodworking equipment. What they’re learning is how to mass-produce a product – instead of making an individual project.”

The eleven students in Reardon’s class worked diligently to meet their goal of producing 100 finished units. “That’s quite a few – for example, they need to make 400 wooden wheels. And, there are 14 parts in each toy.”

Geonard Castaneda, Kevin Orszulak, Mr. Reardon, and Anatoliy Pshenichnykh check the production schedule at the end of a class period.

Student volunteers pitch in
All David Douglas students are required to provide several hours of volunteer time, Reardon explained. To make sure that Santa’s bag wouldn’t be light by a few toys, Reardon said he asked teachers of other Career Pathways to ask their students to volunteer on the project.

“The response was great,” the instructor said. “Many of our volunteers, like those from the Arts and Communications group – your future reporters and editors, someday – had never done woodworking. They came in and sanded their hearts out. We could not have done it without them.”

On December 9, the class had their trucks finished and ready for delivery. Because of their efforts, 100 youngsters will be having fun with toys made for them by older kids, right here in outer East Portland.

Student project manager Chris Becker approves of the quality of this finished toy truck before it is packaged.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

No, they didn’t vandalize it! See why Portland City Commissioner Nick Fish and Multnomah County Commissioner Jeff Cogen – and 40 other volunteers – worked to spruce up a school they’d never before visited …

Portland City Commissioner Nick Fish says volunteering helps him stay connected with the community he serves.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
A volunteerism match-making service is taking steps toward providing more services in outer East Portland, we learned on November 15 – when we visited a “Paint with the Commissioners Party” at Jason Lee Elementary School, on NE 92nd Avenue near Rocky Butte.

“We’re here working with a great organization I love called ‘Hands On Greater Portland’,” explained Portland City Commissioner Nick Fish, as he continued to apply masking tape along the top of the school’s main hallway. In his informal survey, the commissioner said none of the volunteers with whom he spoke had ever visited the school before, including himself.

“Most of the people came here to help spruce up the school; but some folks have taken the opportunity also to make Multnomah County Commissioner Jeff Cogen and me aware of their concerns,” Fish added.

“There are a lot of people out there that want to volunteer, and give back to their community, but they don’t know how to go about it,” explained Fish. “The beauty of ‘Hands On Greater Portland’ is that people can go online, find an event that suits them, sign on, show up, and get put to work for a few hours.”

Started by ‘do-gooders’
Fish introduced us to Andy Nelson, a founder of, and the executive director of, Hands On Greater Portland.

“We are a nonpartisan, non-ecumenical, nonprofit organization – just a bunch of do-gooders,” said Nelson with a smile. “There is no hidden agenda here.”

It started up about 12 years ago, with a circle of friends who wanted to work volunteering into their lives. “Now, we make 15,000 volunteer connections in partnership with 250 nonprofits throughout the area,” revealed Nelson.

The organization puts on about 100 volunteer projects over the metropolitan Portland area every month, he explained. “Volunteers search on our website for projects that are convenient for them, and which also meet their interests or fits their schedule.”

He went on to say that volunteers need only bring a willing spirit. “All of the tools and supplies are provided. It doesn’t take any special skills. We’re doing our best to eliminate barriers to volunteering.”

Portland City Commissioner Nick Fish, and Mt. Hood Community College students Chelsey Lemire and Melissa Points, work with Multnomah County Commissioner Jeff Cogen, as they paint the hallways at Jason Lee Elementary School.

Increased East Portland focus
Multnomah County Commissioner Jeff Cogen put down a paint roller and joined the conversation. “We want to focus more on East Portland needs and projects. It’s one of the places where ‘Hands On Greater Portland’ has not been as active.”

Nelson added that educational and non-profit organizations in outer East Portland that need a helping hand should register at the website, to be considered for help with future projects.

“Nick Fish and I are planning to choose ‘Hands On  with Commissioners’ events every other month, perhaps more often,” volunteered Cogen.

Fish added, “They make it so easy for citizens to help their communities; check out their website, and donate a few hours this weekend.”

How to take action
Sign up, and volunteer for a few hours – or donate to their cause by visiting the website of this 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Just CLICK HERE.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

Here’s the story behind the summer-long scurry of construction activity on SE Division Street at SE 68th Avenue …

This auspicious group, ready to dedicate the newly-reconstructed Egtvedt Hall at Warner Pacific (WP) College, are: WP alum and Church of God pastor John Parker; Bill Jones, VP with Bank of the West; Steve Stenberg, WP Director of Facilities and Planning; Conner Peckham, Student Body President; Jim Teague, Chair, Board of Trustees and an alumnus; Andrea Cook, interim WP President; Jay Barber, President Emeritus; Wayne Peterson, WP’s CFO; Frank Harris, who is with contractor SD Deacon; Skip Spanaway, from SRD Partnership, architects; and, Ray Cotton, pastor of New Hope Community Church, alumnus and parent of a current student.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
People motoring east or west along SE Division Street have probably noticed a recent flurry of construction activity at SE 68th Avenue – on the campus of Warner Pacific College (WP).

In what Andrea Cook, interim WP president called “amazing work in a very short time,” the school’s Egtvedt Hall underwent a complete renovation. “Groundbreaking for the project was on April 3, and we got our occupancy permit on August 21.”

Although the turnout was light for the dedication ceremony, everyone at the ribbon-cutting ceremony appeared to be ebullient about the project’s successful, rapid, and timely completion.

Warner Pacific’s interim President, Andrea Cook, introduces the speakers at the building’s dedication ceremony.

Speeches accompany ribbon cutting
After introducing distinguished guests standing behind the dedication ribbon, the school’s interim President, Andrea Cook, said, “Now, our students will have a place in which they can feel proud, when they bring their families and friends.”

Jim Teague, an alumnus and the Chair of the school’s board of trustees, told how, in 1976, the impetus behind the construction of the original building was to have a place to host then-President Gerald Ford when he came to speak at their graduation ceremony.

In the foreground, newly renovated Egtvedt Hall stands ready to serve students, faculty, and the community, school officials say.

“That was our motivation then,” Teague told the assemblage. “The motivation [for the improvements] is really all about our students. We felt deeply that we needed a place to really host our community. This includes our students, our faculty, our alumni – and our staff, as well. What you see here, now, is a place that is all about community. Community is what Warner Pacific is all about.”

Representatives of the architects, contractors, and the school each took turns praising the project and offering up dedication prayers. With that, the ribbon was cut and visitors toured the building.

With a snip of the mighty scissors wielded by Cook, Egtvedt Hall is official open.

Will provide a ‘community space’
Greg Moon, the school’s Development Director, told us that Egtvedt Hall now provides the campus with a spacious dining room, a coffee shop, a student center, and a bookstore. “Additionally, faculty, admissions, the registrar, and the business and financial offices occupy the second story of the building.”

“The renovation gives students a place they can relax,” Moon said. “The dining room, coffee shop, and multi-purpose room are open and available for our neighborhood community to use. The building also houses our ‘black box’ theater and music rehearsal studios. We hope you’ll come to our events.”

Learn more about this unique SE Portland educational facility by visiting their web site: CLICK HERE.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

Songs from musicals – old and new – will be blended together, when students from Parkrose High School’s theater and music departments join forces for three great shows next week …

Parkrose High students Jason Newman, Tamara Dan, Hadassah Jeremiah, Amariah Moran, and Taylor Grady work on their routine for the song “You’re the One That I Want” from the show “GREASE” in their upcoming production of “Bronco Cabaret!”

Story and photo by David F. Ashton
Starting off the season with a new type of production, “Bronco Cabaret!” will take the stage at the Parkrose High School Theater October 23, 24 and 25.

“This revue features songs from the past century of theatrical musicals & the pop music world, woven together by an endless tale of love,” says the school’s theater department instructor, Ms. Zena, as we watch the performers work on their musical numbers.

Some 75 students, including the live band and technical crew, will put on this tuneful show, we learn.

“People of all ages will recognize and enjoy the songs,” chimes in Lesley Bossert, Parkrose High’s choral director. “From I Cain’t Say No, from Oklahoma and Trouble from The Music Man – to 2005 Broadway musical nominated for six Tony Awards show, 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee’s standout number, Pandemonium – to pop music standards such as Elton John’s Your Song and 9 to 5, this show is loaded with fun, evocative music.”

VIP packages still available
Treat yourself to a real evening out by ordering a VIP Ticket Package!

It includes café-table seating, special show program & cast photo, a rose to give to cast member of your choice, intermission in the VIP Lounge, a complimentary snack, a Cabaret Cosmo (non-alcoholic beverage), and an opportunity to meet & greet with cast members. Call (503) 408-2718 and arrange now for VIP treatment!

Or, attend any one of the three performances for only $8 adults –  $5 for seniors 65+ & students 18 and under. You can order online at www.seatyourself.biz/parkrose, or at the door.

The curtain goes up each night – October 23, 24 and 25 – at 7:00 p.m. at the Parkrose High School Theatre; 12003 NE Shaver Street, just west of NE 122nd Avenue.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

While all students from three Parkrose schools were eligible for the Masons’ Summer Reading Program, find out how many how many did – and what they won …

Dale Imbleau, Worshipful Master of Eastgate Lodge #155, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons and Christos Efthimiadis, Worshipful Master of Parkrose Masonic Lodge, begins the Summer Reading Awards program.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Eastgate and Parkrose Masonic Lodges celebrated youngsters who had participated in their Summer Reading program on September 25.

“This year, we expanded the program to include three Parkrose elementary schools: Prescott, Shaver, and Sacramento,” explained Dale Imbleau, Worshipful Master, Eastgate Lodge #155 Ancient Free and Accepted Masons.

Students who qualified for the drawing from Prescott Elementary School await their certificates – and to learn if one of their names was drawn to win one of the new bicycles.

Over the summer, Imbleau, said, young students were required to read 15 books – at their grade level – to qualify for a drawing for a free bicycle. “About 50 students took us up on our offer, and qualified for the drawing,” he told us, “and we have a dozen bicycles to give away tonight.”

Asked why the Masons host a reading program, Imbleau told us, “One of the tenets of Free Masonry is that we have is free thought. By encouraging children to read, we encourage them to become better-educated, and more active in their communities. In short, we equip them to be better citizens.”

Prescott Elementary School student Jack Ramirez draws names out the hat held by Christos Efthimiadis – Worshipful Master of Parkrose Masonic Lodge.

Short program features drawing
Christos Efthimiadis, Worshipful Master of Parkrose Masonic Lodge ,welcomed teachers, parents, and a room full of expectant students to their meeting. “This is our second year at Sacramento School, and we are glad that we can include Prescott and Shaver this year as well,” Efthimiadis announced.

“It is very exciting for us to reward the children. It is our honor to be able to reach out and encourage young readers, and bring them here for the special evening. It’s good that you’ve read books. It’s very important that you continue to do that.”

In addition to the brand-new bicycle, the winners also were given a bicycle safely helmet. Efthimiadis advised them, “Be sure to wear it and stay safe.”

Each child who qualified for the drawing received a Certificate of Participation. With that, the drawing began.

Parkrose Lodge’s Past Master James Akers presents lucky summer reader Mckenna Galyon with her brand-new bicycle.

Summer Reading Program Honor Roll

Prescott Elementary School

• Sonja Keller Young
• Caleb Martindale
• Lamberto Lavadores Villacis
• Steve Mendoza Ruiz
• Luis Soto
• Jason Gutierrez
• Christian Ponce Zuniga
• Daniel Senina
• Ivan Senina
• Bill Truong
• Jamari Gilbert
• Henry Mendoza
• Alan Lavadores Villacis
• Marlene Hernandez
• Karina Patel
• Tabitha Klein
• Nicolay Senina
• Kinsey Martindale
• Maria Than
• Michaela Bersine
• Alina Ursatiy
• Chelsea Lopez Cabrera
• Cherry Mendoza Ruiz
• Kaitlyn Cha
• Elizabeth Escobar
• Tamika Perret
• Shelbie Dunn
• Kelly Cha
• Candy Mendoza Ruiz

Sacramento Elementary School

• Jonathan Almasan
• Kayley Le
• Gabe Sieber
• Margot Amdal
• Yudie Lewis
• Benjamin Almasan
• Dmitriy Rogozhnikov
• Leia Braich
• Moses Ramirez-Torres
• Rikka Gustey
• Cassidy Calyon
• Alexus Torres
• Tyler Minden
• Buno Vongsay

Shaver Elementary School

• Rene Cervantes
• Maryangela Cervantes
• Erick Olvera Duran
• Belen Liliana
• Zemar Smith
• Minh Le
• Nguyen Le
• Ediberto Marvin

“Next year, we hope to encourage even more students to read over the summer months,” Imbleau said. “And, give away more bicycles.”

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

We’ve told you before about the ACE Academy –
now see the instructors in action, as school
gets underway at this unique educational facility.

Students become familiar with their “school away from school” as the ACE Academy begins, at the Willamette Carpenter’s Training Center NE 158th Avenue in Northeast Portland.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Although Portland hadn’t seen a new charter school open in years, the Academy of Architecture, Construction & Engineering – known as ACE Academy – opened its doors this month.

(To learn the background of this school, see our past articles. CLICK HERE)

“We have about 144 students enrolled in the program this year,” reported the school’s director, Michael Taylor, when we visited the facility earlier this month. “When they’re here, they are typically divided up into ‘anchor teams’ of about 15 students each – much like a home room, back at their high school.”

ACE Academy instructor Marjan Rotting takes the students on a tour of the facility. Along the way, the students were asked to sketch in details and architectural features of the building.

Initially, the program will introduce students to design and building industry occupations, Taylor revealed. “Our five ACE educators integrate academics into a technical curriculum.”

To do this, the teachers went “back to school” during the summer months, learning and developing a “credit by proficiency” approach to education, he added.

Currently the school’s juniors and seniors who have expressed an interest in careers in architecture, construction, and engineering also attend general education at their “home schools” in Parkrose, Gresham-Barlow, Centennial, Centennial Learning Center, Reynolds and Sandy.

Each of the students is assigned a computer on which to work. Breanna Huffman and Jacob Billingsley try out their new computers in the class.

For more information, visit their web their web site by CLICKING HERE.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

See why many folks came for the party –
and stayed to see the game …

He’s the “Parkrose Can Man” – he runs returnable container drives that support Parkrose school activities the first Saturday morning of each month at Parkrose Middle School. It’s Dave Luce, who prepares to enjoy the buffet dinner served at the Tailgate Party.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
School spirit was running high on September 5 at Parkrose High School, before the Parkrose Bronco’s football team took on their first opponents of the year.

In addition to family and friends supporting the team’s first outing, about 100 community members and school district supporters also gathered near the athletic field for the annual “Tailgate Dinner.”

Jon Taylor, Parkrose High’s offensive coordinator for the Broncos football team, enjoys the evening with event organizer Mary Larson, Principal Roy Reynolds, and District Superintendent Dr. Karen Fischer Gray.

“Each year, we sell tickets to this fund raiser at our annual education foundation auction,” explained event coordinator Mary Larson.

“The district office administrators sponsor this evening’s event. The money we raise goes directly to Parkrose Education Foundation,” Larson continued. “The funds help supplement supplies, services, and programs for the district.”

For example, the foundation, we learned, has purchased playground equipment and Parkrose Middle School band instruments. “We’re estimating that were serving a hundred people tonight, and will raise about $2,500,” she added.

Jeff Vigue and Julie Frangipani from Chartwell School Dining Services do a masterful job grilling up steaks and chicken. Asked how where he trained to be a chef, Vigue smiled and replied, “Actually, I’m the sales account representative.”

Gourmet three-course dinner served
The meal, laid out buffet style, was a complete dinner – not just weenies, nachos and popcorn. Under canopies, guests sat at cloth-covered tables decorated in the school’s colors.

The feast started off with a platter of grilled vegetables and fresh green salad. The entrees were freshly-barbequed lean, tender, and perfectly-cooked steak and succulent chicken, accompanied by freshly-mashed potatoes and fresh corn-on-the-cob. Large slices of strawberry-covered cheesecake wrapped up the meal.

Everyone with whom we spoke characterized the repast as delightfully toothsome, and gave kudos to the foodservice staff and volunteer servers.

The Parkrose High Cheer Squad teaches folks at the Tailgate Dinner a traditional cheer.

Connecting with the community
The high school’s Principal, Roy Reynolds, smiled as he looked over the lively setting.

“It’s important that this event raises money for a good cause. But that’s secondary to providing a connection between our schools and our community and extended communities,” commented Reynolds.

Kathy Keim-Robinson, director of student services at the Parkrose School District, helps Dr. Gray sell Score Pool slots.

Calls football a ‘marquee sport’
“I’m absolutely delighted to see the support we’re getting this year,” Parkrose School District Superintendent Dr. Karen Fischer Gray told us, sitting down for a moment after she finished selling mid- and end-game score pool raffle.

“I love seeing so many people wearing their green Parkrose T-shirts, learning a cheer from the Parkrose Cheer Squad, and meeting guests from our opposing team from The Dalles. Our players and coaches look sharp in their uniforms – its like were serious and were ready to win.”

The Broncos get last minute instructions from their coaches before the game.

Ready, HIKE! The Broncos defend on a second down.

The Parkrose Cheer Squad works up the fans in the stands.

Gray said she’s encouraged the school to build their football program. “There are two main ‘marquee sports’ – football and basketball. People love to go to football games; it brings them together, and promotes a culture of working together.”

The energy these activities can engender in a community can’t be underestimated, Gray added. “It’s more than the sport itself; it’s more than the score. But, winning would be great!”

Broncos footballers put the big hustle on the visiting team from The Dalles.

Perhaps next game …
By game time, fans started filling the grandstand, as the Parkrose High Band played rousing tunes. The Cheer Squad changed, danced, and one young squad member demonstrated this athletic prowess by doing backward handsprings the length of the stadium.

As the sun lowered in the sky, giving Mt. Hood an alpenglow in the distance, the non-conference game against The Dalles High School team kicked off.

Although Parkrose High put up a valiant effort, they were bested by the visitors 32 to 6. Why not check in, under the Friday night lights, and cheer on this hardworking team next week?

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News