The announcement startled many readers. Find out “who” will be “where” starting on May 11, right here …
How was it that the Shakespearean play, The Tempest, was chosen for a springtime high school theatrical offering? Read this, and see why you should plan to attend this romantic and light-hearted show, starting on May 7 …
Find out why these two rank-and-file members of their respective bureaus were selected to win the prestigious “Russ Lemmon” Award …
Find out what steps the school board is considering to balance next year’s budget – and discover why Parkrose isn’t in as bad financial shape as some districts …
If you didn’t go – take a look, here, and see what you missed …
Published March 24, 2006 ~ By David F. Ashton
Multnomah County Lonnie Roberts reads letters of support for equal school funding, as a “who‚Äôs who” of county education sits ready to lend their support at the March 22 gathering. David F. Ashton Photo
It looks like Multnomah County Commissioners Lisa Naito, Maria Rojo de Steffey, and Serena Cruz Walsh have gotten their way when it comes to funding schools with County I-Tax dollars. They voted to spend $6.4 million to help some schools – but not all of them – in East Portland. Their decision was to give $5.2 million to Portland Public Schools and the remainder to the Reynolds School District.
How much will Parkrose and David Douglas School Districts get? Nada. Nothing. Not one, thin dime. The Multnomah County Commissioners voted 3 to 2 on March 23. The two commissioners who “lost” were Roberts and Chair Linn.
The day before the vote, school superintendents from all over Multnomah County gathered at the David Douglas School District offices for a meeting they called, “Superintendents Speak Out!” A “who‚Äôs who” of education propionates turned out for the event.
David Douglas Schools superintendent Barbara Rommel talks with Dr. Thomas Hagerman, her counterpart in the Riverdale district. David F. Ashton Photo
David Douglas‚Äô superintendent Barbara Rommel told us, “We‚Äôre here today to emphasize the importance of parity in funding for any money available from Multnomah County to the schools. We need to give attention to all of the students, in all of our schools.”
Commissioner Lonnie Roberts and Gresham mayor Chuck Becker say the unequal distribution of Multnomah County education dollars is unfair. David F. Ashton Photo
“We want equity in school funding,” is what District 4 County Commissioner Lonnie Roberts told us in an exclusive interview. “Three of the county commissioners put forth a proposition that would leaving out David Douglas and Parkrose ‚Äì remember, these school districts are both in the City of Portland, as well as the county.”
While Roberts said he can‚Äôt speak for Commissioners Naito, Rojo de Steffey, nor Cruz Walsh, he said he was told that their formula was based on the giving the money to the districts with the greatest “needs”. “Either these two school systems really do have greater problems, or they haven‚Äôt managed their resources as well as the others.”
Roberts pointed out that David Douglas doesn‚Äôt serve wealthy neighborhoods. “77% of their students qualify for reduced or free lunches. We have the same situation in Centennial. In Parkrose, David Douglas and Centennial, 47 different languages or dialects are spoken at home. This cultural diversity presents an enormous challenge to develop programs that are designed to meet the needs of these students.”
The bottom line, Roberts added, is “we need to have equal funding.”
“Oregon PTA is very interested in school funding issues and fairness for all children. We are concerned about the fund distribution in Multnomah County,” is how Victoria Guillebeau, VP Leadership, Oregon PDA, put it to us. “Our children are our future. While I‚Äôm sure the Commissioners‚Äô hearts are in the right place, we want to make certain that all districts are treated fairly.”
Fred Sanchez, owner of Realty Brokers, was introduced to the group as also being the past president of the Gateway Area Business Association. “It is important that all of our kids get a fair share of educational funding. I‚Äôve come to speak so all of our kids get a good education.”
Michel Taylor, Superintendent of the Parkrose School District, speaks out regarding the funding situation he says is unfair to those gathered at the meeting — and Portland’s traditional media.
Superintendent of the Parkrose School District, Michel Taylor, said during the meeting how the I-Tax helped their district bring education up to “minimal levels”, providing students with a better education. He explained how they budgeted the money to stretch out the funding over time. the length of time “Then, without any conversation with our district, this [new plan that cuts their funds] determines we don’t have a need. There was no talk, no rationale presented. We have a grate deal of difficulty with that notion.”
To the surprise of some, Dr. Terry Kneisler, Reynolds School District superintendent ‚Äì the other district scheduled to get some county cash ‚Äì didn‚Äôt seem pleased. When asked if his district will accept the funding, he said “Yes. We have no choice.” He added that he told the commissioners it didn‚Äôt seem fair for the funding to go to some school districts, and not others. “The amount of money available to students should not change when they move across boundary lines. We appreciate the generosity, but we need a better way,”
Will there be a better way? We’ll see. Threats of lawsuits are flying – like by Ken Noah, superintendent of Gresham-Barlow Рto even things up.
?ì 2006 David F. Ashton – East PDX News
Published March 24, 2006 ~ By David F. Ashton
Multnomah County Lonnie Roberts reads letters of support for equal school funding, as a “who‚Äôs who” of county education sits ready to lend their support at the March 22 gathering. David F. Ashton Photo
It looks like Multnomah County Commissioners Lisa Naito, Maria Rojo de Steffey, and Serena Cruz Walsh have gotten their way when it comes to funding schools with County I-Tax dollars. They voted to spend $6.4 million to help some schools – but not all of them – in East Portland. Their decision was to give $5.2 million to Portland Public Schools and the remainder to the Reynolds School District.
How much will Parkrose and David Douglas School Districts get? Nada. Nothing. Not one, thin dime. The Multnomah County Commissioners voted 3 to 2 on March 23. The two commissioners who “lost” were Roberts and Chair Linn.
The day before the vote, school superintendents from all over Multnomah County gathered at the David Douglas School District offices for a meeting they called, “Superintendents Speak Out!” A “who‚Äôs who” of education propionates turned out for the event.
David Douglas Schools superintendent Barbara Rommel talks with Dr. Thomas Hagerman, her counterpart in the Riverdale district. David F. Ashton Photo
David Douglas‚Äô superintendent Barbara Rommel told us, “We‚Äôre here today to emphasize the importance of parity in funding for any money available from Multnomah County to the schools. We need to give attention to all of the students, in all of our schools.”
Commissioner Lonnie Roberts and Gresham mayor Chuck Becker say the unequal distribution of Multnomah County education dollars is unfair. David F. Ashton Photo
“We want equity in school funding,” is what District 4 County Commissioner Lonnie Roberts told us in an exclusive interview. “Three of the county commissioners put forth a proposition that would leaving out David Douglas and Parkrose ‚Äì remember, these school districts are both in the City of Portland, as well as the county.”
While Roberts said he can‚Äôt speak for Commissioners Naito, Rojo de Steffey, nor Cruz Walsh, he said he was told that their formula was based on the giving the money to the districts with the greatest “needs”. “Either these two school systems really do have greater problems, or they haven‚Äôt managed their resources as well as the others.”
Roberts pointed out that David Douglas doesn‚Äôt serve wealthy neighborhoods. “77% of their students qualify for reduced or free lunches. We have the same situation in Centennial. In Parkrose, David Douglas and Centennial, 47 different languages or dialects are spoken at home. This cultural diversity presents an enormous challenge to develop programs that are designed to meet the needs of these students.”
The bottom line, Roberts added, is “we need to have equal funding.”
“Oregon PTA is very interested in school funding issues and fairness for all children. We are concerned about the fund distribution in Multnomah County,” is how Victoria Guillebeau, VP Leadership, Oregon PDA, put it to us. “Our children are our future. While I‚Äôm sure the Commissioners‚Äô hearts are in the right place, we want to make certain that all districts are treated fairly.”
Fred Sanchez, owner of Realty Brokers, was introduced to the group as also being the past president of the Gateway Area Business Association. “It is important that all of our kids get a fair share of educational funding. I‚Äôve come to speak so all of our kids get a good education.”
Michel Taylor, Superintendent of the Parkrose School District, speaks out regarding the funding situation he says is unfair to those gathered at the meeting — and Portland’s traditional media.
Superintendent of the Parkrose School District, Michel Taylor, said during the meeting how the I-Tax helped their district bring education up to “minimal levels”, providing students with a better education. He explained how they budgeted the money to stretch out the funding over time. the length of time “Then, without any conversation with our district, this [new plan that cuts their funds] determines we don’t have a need. There was no talk, no rationale presented. We have a grate deal of difficulty with that notion.”
To the surprise of some, Dr. Terry Kneisler, Reynolds School District superintendent ‚Äì the other district scheduled to get some county cash ‚Äì didn‚Äôt seem pleased. When asked if his district will accept the funding, he said “Yes. We have no choice.” He added that he told the commissioners it didn‚Äôt seem fair for the funding to go to some school districts, and not others. “The amount of money available to students should not change when they move across boundary lines. We appreciate the generosity, but we need a better way,”
Will there be a better way? We’ll see. Threats of lawsuits are flying – like by Ken Noah, superintendent of Gresham-Barlow Рto even things up.
?ì 2006 David F. Ashton – East PDX News
See the photos we took of this show, and you’ll be planning now to see this great Broadway musical, complete with 35 music-and-dance numbers, presented by the Parkrose High School Thespian Troupe 1783 next weekend …
Scenes from ‘Bye, Bye Birdie’ continuing this weekend at Parkrose High School.
Story and photo by David F. Ashton
A full band, imaginative sets and staging, and a costumed cast of 30 make Bye, Bye Birdie’ a show the whole family can enjoy.
Even though the story is set back in the year is 1958, the theme of teenagers being smitten by a rock star, situations of family life, and romances keep the story relevant for today’s audiences.
The story is about a rock and roll superstar who is about to be drafted into the army. Birdie’s agent wants to cash in on new song, “One Last Kiss” by exposing it on live television — during which Burdie will give one lucky girl from his fan club a real “one last kiss”.
The rock star’s visit ‚Äì and attitude ‚Äì disrupt his agent’s life, that of the girl’s family ‚Äì and the entire town.
The show continues this weekend — but then, it’s gone!
The Parkrose High School Thespian Troupe 1783 presents “BYE BYE BIRDIE” on at 7:00 p.m. on November 16, 17 and 18.
It’s at the Parkrose High School Theater, 12003 NE Shaver Street (at the corner of SE 122nd Avenue). Tickets are only $8 for adults and $5 for students. Call (503) 408-2718 for tickets or more information.
© 2006 David F. Ashton ~ East PDX News
When a local talk show host hammered educators at Parkrose High School for‚Äîin effect ‚Äì cramming Al Gore’s ideology down the throats of students, we talked with Principal Roy Reynolds to see what was up ‚Ķ
Is this school a hotbed for political propaganda – or a place of rigorous education? It was difficult to tell if you listened to talk radio this week.
Story and photo by David F. Ashton
The fact that Lars Larson dwells on a topic for two days doesn’t make his issue a news story. But when we got calls from parents about it, we thought we needed see what was happening.
The topic: Screenings of Al Gore’s motion picture, “An Inconvenient Truth” to students taking science classes at Parkrose High School.
Some people say Al Gore produced the film “An Inconvenient Truth” to rally the world’s population to stop global warming. Others say it is merely his attempt to advance his political agenda, not provide a science lesson. (Publicity Photo)
Depending on one’s point of view, this movie is either brilliant reportage of critical scientific facts which reveal the nature of global warming and its imminent disastrous effects. Or, it is merely Al Gore’s method of putting forth his political agenda.
Science is less unanimous on the matter than the film may suggest.
For example, Dr. Robert C. Balling Jr., a professor in the climatology program at Arizona State University, specializing in climate change and the greenhouse effect, is one scientist who disputes some of the film’s facts, and conclusions.
See: http://www.tcsdaily.com/article.aspx?id=052406F.
The superintendent’s view
We asked Michael Taylor, Superintendent, Parkrose Public Schools, for his own view regarding the controversy.
“When our teachers create a lesson plan, they are tasked to focus on meeting the State standards, keeping in mind the ‘three R’s’ of Relevance, Rigor and Relationships. This motion picture is continuously in the media and newscasts, and playing at the movie house ‚Äì it is certainly relevant.”
Taylor said the school system doesn’t have an agenda nor point of view regarding the topic. “Once the students are engaged, we can ask questions of them, such as, ‘What are the basic assumptions that are made here?’ or ‘What are the actual facts that are presented here?’ Critical analysis, research and study are what make up a good part of the educational process.”
Principal Reynolds speaks
Parkrose High School principal Roy Reynolds spoke to us about his decision to allow the science department to show the film. He restated the importance of relevance, rigor, and relationships as we began our conversation.
“I was a teacher long before I was a principal,” Reynolds told us. “I found that controversial subjects that are covered widely by the media are often the most relevant to students. I see this film as a jumping-off point for research and discussion.”
Reynolds referred to the text of a letter he wrote to parents which reads:
“The purpose of the movie is to educate the public about the science behind global warming. While it is done by Al Gore, it has a largely non-partisan message (though he does make several references critiquing the Bush administration’s environmental policy).
“The movie will be shown to students enrolled in several of our science teachers’ classes. Because of the potential for controversy, I have reminded the teachers to follow Parkrose School District Policy, ‘Studying Controversial Issues.’ This Board Policy requires that teachers provide for impartiality and insure that all sides of an issue are presented fairly.”
The showing of this motion picture was part of a lesson plan, Reynolds said, “that will expose students to varying points of view.”
From Parkrose Public Schools’ policy manual:
STUDYING CONTROVERSIAL ISSUES
Since our society is based on the free exchange of ideas and diversity of political and social thought, it shall be the policy of this district to encourage unbiased, unprejudiced and scientific study of controversial issues as they arise as part of school curriculum. A controversial issue may be defined as any topic or problem which society is in the process of debating on which there is honest disagreement.
Such issues arise when different interpretations are given to a particular set of circumstances.
The basic goal in studying controversial questions should be to enable the student to develop techniques for considering such questions; techniques which he/she will use habitually in later life. Learning situations shall provide opportunities for the development of clear thinking, balanced judgment, intelligent choices, informed opinion, an ability to differentiate fact from opinion and an understanding of propaganda devices. Questions treated should come within the range of the knowledge, maturity and competence of the students. Issues selected for study should be current, significant and of interest to the students.
The teacher is the most important member of the staff in the actual handling of controversial issues. The role of the teacher should be to reveal to students the processes used by the social scientist to identify, study and solve problems. The teacher shall avoid indoctrination in his/her own personal viewpoint and shall not attempt to control or limit the judgment of students. The selection of materials, guest speakers and classroom activities in general shall be done with studied impartiality for the purpose of fairly presenting all sides of an issue.
The administration of this policy in the district is the immediate responsibility of the building principal under the guidance of procedures established by the superintendent.
© 2006 David F. Ashton ~ East PDX News
In addition to their participation in the “Pennies for Patients” campaign, learn how these sincere, young Parkrose students also helped raise awareness of blood-related diseases ‚Ķ
Margaret Goff, 3rd Grade Teacher at Russell Academy, welcomes Eric Tweed, the campaign coordinator for the Leukemia Lymphoma Society. They stand before the school’s “Window of Pennies for Patients”; on their wrists are the society’s red “Relentless” bracelets.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
On February 21, we were invited to a special, all-school assembly at Russell Academy of Academic Achievement in Parkrose.
“What’s so special about this assembly?” we ask third-grade teacher Margaret Goff.
“We’re having a celebration,” Goff beamed, “honoring the good work our students have done supporting the Leukemia Lymphoma Society’s ‘Pennies for Patients’ campaign. We’ve been doing a three-week fund-raising program, led by our Student Counsel.”
Connection with cancer
“I’ve had two students with leukemia, so this project touched home with me,” Goff said. “It grabbed me and pulled me.”
Goff’s enthusiasm fired up the school’s Student Council, which took on the project. “Every morning, using the school’s intercom, they gave facts about leukemia, lymphoma, and blood cancers to our students. They helped after school, every day, with the sales of bracelets and bears. And, they counted change every Friday,” the teacher reported.
Principal Jeff Rose asks his students to settle down – and within 30 seconds, you can hear a pin drop.
Drum roll, please
In some schools, quieting down kids in an all-school assembly can take a long time, plus quite a bit of effort by the teachers and aides.
But, we’re always impressed with the decorum of the students at Russell Academy. Principal Jeff Rose asked for the young students’ attention ‚Äì and in less than 30 seconds, the gymnasium was whisper-quiet.
Student Council members for each of the Russell Academy classes stand before their peers as the tallies are revealed.
As the Student Council members stood before their peers, a very professional video presentation, made by school staff members, showed the tallies. The students:
-
Purchased 285 $1.00 paper pennies,
-
Are wearing 195 “Red Relentless” Bracelets,
-
Gave new homes to 300 Plushland Bears and Dogs, and
-
Brought in and counted $2,037.06 in loose change.
Russell Academy third-graders Derek Williams and Taylor May present their school’s really big check to Leukemia Lymphoma Society’s Eric Tweed
A really BIG check
Presenting the check were third grade students Taylor May and Derek Williams.
“This was good, because it is helping people with cancer and leukemia so they can get better,” May said. “The best part is helping other people.”
With an unusually adult air, Williams added, “Some people have cancer. It isn’t their fault. It is good to help people feel better.”
All in all, the students’ Pennies for Patients campaign raised $5,257.02.
The jaw of Eric Tweed, campaign coordinator for the Leukemia Lymphoma Society, dropped a little, and a big smile came over his face. He exclaimed, “This has been great to see how you students have been real go-getters. I’m excited how to see how well you’ve done. On behalf of the Society, we thank you!”
You can find out more, or pitch in your support for the Leukemia Lymphoma Society, by going to www.lls.org, or by calling (503) 245-9866.
© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service
In addition to their participation in the “Pennies for Patients” campaign, learn how these sincere, young Parkrose students also helped raise awareness of blood-related diseases ‚Ķ
Margaret Goff, 3rd Grade Teacher at Russell Academy, welcomes Eric Tweed, the campaign coordinator for the Leukemia Lymphoma Society. They stand before the school’s “Window of Pennies for Patients”; on their wrists are the society’s red “Relentless” bracelets.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
On February 21, we were invited to a special, all-school assembly at Russell Academy of Academic Achievement in Parkrose.
“What’s so special about this assembly?” we ask third-grade teacher Margaret Goff.
“We’re having a celebration,” Goff beamed, “honoring the good work our students have done supporting the Leukemia Lymphoma Society’s ‘Pennies for Patients’ campaign. We’ve been doing a three-week fund-raising program, led by our Student Counsel.”
Connection with cancer
“I’ve had two students with leukemia, so this project touched home with me,” Goff said. “It grabbed me and pulled me.”
Goff’s enthusiasm fired up the school’s Student Council, which took on the project. “Every morning, using the school’s intercom, they gave facts about leukemia, lymphoma, and blood cancers to our students. They helped after school, every day, with the sales of bracelets and bears. And, they counted change every Friday,” the teacher reported.
Principal Jeff Rose asks his students to settle down – and within 30 seconds, you can hear a pin drop.
Drum roll, please
In some schools, quieting down kids in an all-school assembly can take a long time, plus quite a bit of effort by the teachers and aides.
But, we’re always impressed with the decorum of the students at Russell Academy. Principal Jeff Rose asked for the young students’ attention ‚Äì and in less than 30 seconds, the gymnasium was whisper-quiet.
Student Council members for each of the Russell Academy classes stand before their peers as the tallies are revealed.
As the Student Council members stood before their peers, a very professional video presentation, made by school staff members, showed the tallies. The students:
-
Purchased 285 $1.00 paper pennies,
-
Are wearing 195 “Red Relentless” Bracelets,
-
Gave new homes to 300 Plushland Bears and Dogs, and
-
Brought in and counted $2,037.06 in loose change.
Russell Academy third-graders Derek Williams and Taylor May present their school’s really big check to Leukemia Lymphoma Society’s Eric Tweed
A really BIG check
Presenting the check were third grade students Taylor May and Derek Williams.
“This was good, because it is helping people with cancer and leukemia so they can get better,” May said. “The best part is helping other people.”
With an unusually adult air, Williams added, “Some people have cancer. It isn’t their fault. It is good to help people feel better.”
All in all, the students’ Pennies for Patients campaign raised $5,257.02.
The jaw of Eric Tweed, campaign coordinator for the Leukemia Lymphoma Society, dropped a little, and a big smile came over his face. He exclaimed, “This has been great to see how you students have been real go-getters. I’m excited how to see how well you’ve done. On behalf of the Society, we thank you!”
You can find out more, or pitch in your support for the Leukemia Lymphoma Society, by going to www.lls.org, or by calling (503) 245-9866.
© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service
If you didn’t get to see it, you missed the funniest play about murder, ever. Take a look at these exclusive photos and you’ll find it hard to believe these actors are high school kids ‚Ķ 
Could it be that his home-made wine contains more than fermented grapes?
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Everything about Parkrose High Thespians’ production of Arsenic & Old Lace is outstanding.
From a very professional theatrical set, to the play’s presentation, these young actors truly bring this classic comedy to life.
Could these sweet, hospitable old ladies have really ‘done in’ a dozen lonely men?
About the play
Arsenic & Old Lace is a farce revolving around Mortimer Brewster, a theatre-loathing drama critic who must deal with his murderous family ‚Äì and the local police. Given his situation, he’s debating whether to go marry the woman he loves.
Mortimer: “My aunts are doing ‚Ķ WHAT?”
His family includes two spinster aunts who have taken to “helping out” lonely old men.
It also includes a brother who believes he’s Teddy Roosevelt, and digs locks for the Panama Canal in their home’s cellar–and a criminally murderous brother who has received plastic surgery from his alcoholic accomplice, “Dr. Einstein”, to conceal his identity.
Brother Johnny comes home. But…is this a good thing?
Final show was March 3
People who went had a great time at this play! More from our Arsenic & Old Lace photo album
It’s a standoff. What to do now?
All is happy in the Brewster household.
But, the aunties can’t seem to keep from going back to their old ways ‚Ķ
Good show! Well done! Bravo!
© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service
