From the Benson Hotel, to the Hilton Hotel, and other top-drawer establishments in downtown Portland, see these David Douglas High School juniors getting a taste of working in the hospitality trade …

David Douglas High School students Jannette Young and Natalie Sutantodinata flank Rachel Huestis, Desk Manager at the Benson Hotel, as they learn to check guests into one of the city’s top lodging spots. The students look so professional, it’s hard to tell them from the manager!

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Moving from the theoretical to the realm of the practical, 62 Hospitality & Tourism section students from David Douglas High School fan out across Portland for their annual “job shadow” day.

Thanks to the efforts of the program’s coordinator, Debbie Page, these junior-class students aren’t sweeping floors at a burger joint or changing sheets at a the No-Tell Motel. Instead, they are getting a first-class introduction to the business at businesses named Benson, Hilton, Monaco, and Greek Cusina.

They feel the heat, but they’re staying in the Benson Hotel kitchen, as students Jamison Miller and Marie Thompson help Executive Chef Scott Krushner get plates ready for a 150-seat upscale luncheon banquet.

Full-day experience
As we walk among several downtown locations, instructor Debbie Page fills us in on the students’ day.

First, she tells us, the students aren’t bussed in – they’re each responsible for getting to their jobs at their assigned starting times. “It is an eye-opening day for students to see what it’s like to get up, dress according to their hosts’ requirements, and find their way their job, and be on time.”

Each student will spend four to eight hours on the job today, explains Page. “In addition to learning a specific job to which they’ve been assigned, they’ve asked specific hospitality-industry questions that they’ve researched, and write a report based on what they learned.”

Additionally, Page continues, their hosts will complete an evaluation form and give the students feedback at the end of the four- to six-hour workday.

Preparing for international service
By providing specialized training in high school, Page reveals, their students have can often enter the workforce at above entry level

“And, this is growing industry segment,” Page elaborates. “Hospitality and tourism is the fourth largest industry Oregon – and the second largest job market worldwide. Once these kids learn certain skills, they can go anywhere in the world, and get a good job.”

Thomas Feseha learns from Hilton’s assistant director of front office operations, Brad Noah. “He’ll be checking guests in and out, referring guests to meetings at various locations, and learning about what I think is the greatest department in this hotel,” says Noah.

Tucked away in the Hilton Hotel offices, James Tiet works with junior accountant, Julian Xiong, learning “how the revenues flow in and out of our business.”

Good start in the industry
Todd Schaeffer, Director of Human Resources at the Portland Hilton, says they look forward to “job shadow day” at their business.

We’ve developed a close relationship with the David Douglas Hospitality and Tourism Program,” Schaeffer says. “Five students will work in five departments here today.”

This work/school connection helps them, because some of the students in the program learn they can work at entry-level positions where they can work while they’re going to school, he adds.

Bill Tritt, Hilton’s assistant director of catering, shows Hanh Nguyen about his department. “We’re showing him what a great opportunity it is to join an industry where you can start at the bottom and work your way to the top,” says Tritt. “I’ve been in the business for 26 years – what started as a job turned into a great career.”

Ashley Ortiz learns about the Hilton’s housekeeping department from director Cyndi Matto. “In our department,” Matto tells him, “there are new challenges every day; no day is the same.”

“Others will join the industry after they get out of school,” Schaeffer adds, “and find there is a real opportunity for career growth. Not all students are college-bound. The hospitality industry gives students the opportunity to find a great career path.”

Job shadows lead to internships
Accompanying us on our downtown tour is David Douglas Career Center counselor Deb Murray.

“It’s a really good experience for our students,” says Murray.

Greg Pinetti, the front office manager at the Hotel Monaco, shows students Chris Harrel and Jordan Olsvik the finer points of checking guests into this posh downtown boutique hotel.

“Not only is it a requirement for students to participate in a junior-year job shadow,” Murray explains, “it gives them a ‘snapshot’ of what it will be like when they go out for their business internship as a senior. The job shadow requires them to dress and speak professionally, and to interact with adults.”

At the Greek Cusina

Jonathan Byers and Dusty Whipple serve Debbie Page, Hospitality Tourism teacher at David Douglas High School, and Deb Murray, Career Center, David Douglas high School.

We stop in at Portland’s famous Greek Cusina and check in with two students, already at work, preparing for the lunch rush.

“I like how a chill everyone is,” comments Jonathan Byers, one of two students working at the restaurant. “Everyone is very nice, and this place is really cool. I think I’ll like working in the hospitality industry a lot.”

Fellow student Dusty Whipple adds, “I think would be good to have a job here. We’re learning what you don’t get to see and learn in the classroom.”

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

If you could smell the great dinner these guys were cooking up, you’d read about it right now …

Proving these guys can really cook, these Parkrose SUN students, (the one furthest away from the camera was too shy to give his name) Dakota Wright, 9th grade, and Alex Heiden, 10th grade, put the finishing touches on a Chinese dinner fit for kings.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
On the Monday afternoon we visited the school not long ago, it wasn’t difficult to find the SUN School cooking class at Parkrose High School. All one had to do was “follow their nose”.

The savory scent of caramelized, sizzling onions and chicken, pea pods, and spices wafted through the first-floor hallway.

Inside a small, but well equipped modern kitchen, we were somewhat surprised to see young men – not young women – cooking up a full-course Chinese-style dinner.

SUN Schools Life Skills instructor Sarah Shumaker is dishing up a bowl of made-from-scratch egg-flower soup made by her students.

Teaching important life skills
Sarah Shumaker, a Life Skills instructor, told us she’s been holding these classes on Mondays and Wednesdays of each week.

“These classes are all about cooking and eating wholesome meals,” Shumaker explained. “These life skills are important, because sooner or later, the students will move out of their houses, and will need to cook for themselves.”

Dakota Wright, a freshman, said this was his first experience cooking. “I’d like to do more. Who knows? When I get older and get my own place – some candlelight and a nice dinner might make a nice date, you know?”

During our visit, students – and staff members – looked in through the kitchen door to see what was cooking, attesting to the delicious aroma that permeated the school’s halls.

Exploring different cuisines
“At each session,” Shumaker explained, “we cook different types of foods.  At the last session, we did African cuisine. This time, we’re preparing Chinese cuisine. In addition to helping the students learn to cook, it opens there eyes to different styles of cooking, and the cultures that created them.”

Another student, sophomore Alex Heiden, agreed that he’s learned there’s a big difference between cooking a meal from scratch and dining on frozen package dinners.

“I like cooking, but I also like eating,” confided Heiden as he dished up Citrus Chicken and pea-pods. “The favorite thing that I’ve made here so far is assuredly the shrimp we made last week.”

Heiden seemed unsurprised that no gals were in class that evening, adding, “some the greatest chefs are men.”

Jill, Alex Heiden’s mom, sits down to a dinner that her son helped prepare.

“Parents are welcome to come to the classes,” Shumaker pointed out. “It’s great when they come and are part of it.”

The instructor added that the class can host a maximum of eight students, “because it gets kind of chaotic in a small kitchen. Students learn how to work together, and work with the ingredients and the kitchen tools at hand.”

Parkrose SUN Community School hosts a wide variety of after-school classes and activities. To get involved, contact their program director, Trevor Todd, (503) 408-2640.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

Find out what David Douglas High School parents and students learned about a possible case of tuberculosis they’d discovered – and what they’re doing about it …

Dr. Gary Oxman, Multnomah County Health Officer, listens to the concerns of a parent about the potential for the disease tuberculosis, at David Douglas High School.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Because the incidence of tuberculosis (TB) in the United States is at an all-time low, the infectious and once-fatal disease is seldom discussed nowadays.

But, the spectre of a TB epidemic centering on David Douglas High School appeared in January, when a student was rumored to carry the disease.

Although a letter sent to the school’s parents on February 5 indicated that a student had possibly contracted TB, it went on to say that the risk of an infectious outbreak was very low. Nevertheless, school officials also announced an informational meeting to help ease fears.

Information to combat rumors
Dr. Gary Oxman, Multnomah County Health Officer, facilitated the meeting, along with officials from Multnomah Education Service District (MESD). The Department of Health and Social Services made a presentation at the school on February 13.

“This meeting is important, said Mark Haner, Vice Principal at David Douglas High School, as he introduced Dr. Oxman, “in case a parent or student has a question about tuberculosis. It’s a disease we’re not with which familiar. When you do hear that someone in the school has tuberculosis, it’s like an ‘alarm’ goes off.”

Those exposed to TB should be tested, Dr. Oxman says, because few people come down with the active disease soon after exposure.

Tuberculosis 101
“Before antibiotics, tuberculosis was a deadly disease,” began Multnomah County’s health officer Dr. Gary Oxman, MD, MPH. “It was a feared disease, because so many people died from it.”

“The scientific name for TB is Mycobacterium Tuberculosis,” Oxman explained. “Some bacteria grow quickly. TB grows very slowly.”

He said TB is spread from person to person when someone with the disease within their lungs coughs. “The bacterium is spewed into the air as an aerosol. As the bacterium dries out, it can ‘hang’ in a room for hours. This is how most people get infected; breathing air infected with the bacterium.”

Two exposure factors: ventilation and time
Chances of exposure to the disease by inhaling TB bacterium out-of-doors are very slim, according to Oxman. “Exposure occurs in a small, poorly ventilated room.”

The other factor is length of exposure. “Family members may have hundreds of hours of exposure, in close contact, with an infected person, and not know it. Even then, they might catch it only after lengthy exposure.”

Not all infected become ill
When an individual is exposed to TB and becomes ill, they get flu-like symptoms, feel run-down, and chronically cough. “At this point, they are contagious; they can spread the disease.” Even though it takes a lot of medicine – up to four antibiotics at the start of treatment; and the cure is lengthy – six months and more – the individual can be cured,” assured Oxman.

Most people who catch the “TB germ” never develop the TB disease, the doctor added. “It can be ‘jailed’ by the body’s immune system for decades. If the body’s defenses ever weaken, the germ may cause TB disease, even decades after the exposure.”

Medication, taken daily for six to nine months, can prevent latent TB from becoming active, he added.

Whether active or latent, TB can be treated and cured by a long course of medication, says Oxman.

Tests expose TB infection
The county’s top health official went on to say that TB exposure or infection can be detected by a skin test, blood test, chest x-ray and sputum sample testing.

When a group of people are exposed to TB, Oxman said, how many people will get sick depends on the extent of the TB sufferer’s illness, the environment of the exposure space, the closeness of others to the infected person, and length of exposure.

“For example, one case study showed that 135 people had moderate exposure to an infected person. Tests showed that 130 of them were not infected. Five were infected, and had the latent – not active – disease.”

Tuberculosis at David Douglas High
Turning to the situation at David Douglas High School, Oxman said that a student was referred to the county health department because they tested positive for TB and had an abnormal chest x-ray. “A Health Department doctor diagnosed the student with TB.

Oxman lays out the situation with the TB-infected student discovered at David Douglas High School.

Risk of spreading
“The student was not ill; not coughing,” stated Oxman. “Lab tests and x-rays on student showed no signs of concerning for spread of TB. They found no germs in the student’s phlegm. Again, the x-ray was not particularly concerning.”

The student began treatment for TB, Oxman continued. “The student has received enough medication to stop potential for spread of TB. The medications typically cause the patient to lose 90% of TB germs in a week; about 98% of germs are killed in a couple of weeks.”

While the County Health Department cleared the student to return to school, the patient will continue to be tested.

Oxman said that students who had closest contact with the student infected with TB have also been tested. “Conclusive results take up to six weeks. If other students are found to be newly-infected, the Health Department might change its recommendations.”

The risk of an outbreak, beyond the single infected student, is slim, Oxman said. “But, we can’t ever say the risk is zero.”

Student not concerned
After the program, we spoke with DDHS student Grace Mustain, at the meeting to report on matter for the school’s newspaper, The HIGHLANDER.

“I think the presentation went pretty well,” Mustain reported. “But there weren’t very many people here; it looks like few people are worried. I feel very comfortable [about the situation]. Knowing what to look out for, and how it can happen, makes me feel okay.”

On the way out, vice principal Haner commented, “If there was a chance that this is a disease that would be spread in our school, I know the health department would be here in no time, taking immediate steps to protect our staff and students. We care, just like our health Department cares, about all of our students.”

Resources
To contact the Multnomah County Health Department TB program, call (503) 988-3417. If you have health-related questions, contact Dr. Gary Oxman at 503-988-3663, ext. 22640.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

Whether they’re interested in architecture, construction, or engineering – see why this new charter school is attracting the interest of students across East Multnomah County …

Prospective ACE Academy students take a look around one of the facilities that will participate in the new school’s program.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
There hasn’t been a new charter school established in Multnomah County for quite some time. But the ACE Academy has been attracting the interest of high-school age students, even though it won’t open until autumn, 2008.

Parents and students are getting a sneak-peak at one of the training facilities that will be used, and learn about the program, at a series of “information nights” run by the new school’s staff.

Michael Taylor tells why the ACE Academy “model of education” is great for students considering going into architecture, construction, and engineering careers.

“They’re getting to experience an overview of our program,” stated one of the school’s directors, Michael Taylor. “They’re looking at what they’re going to learn and how the topics will be taught. In our case, both of these models are unique. And, they hear about the advantages of going to school with us, as opposed to a more traditional school.”

Also present at the open houses are industry partners. On the night we visited, an architect and a contractor told why they love their professions – and answered questions.

Father and son, Foster and Caleb Thompson, tour a construction training facility after learning about the ACE Academy program.

Wants an early start
After the formal presentation, we spoke with Parkrose High School sophomore, Caleb Thompson. “I’m thinking about this for next year. I want to come here, because I like instruction. I work with my dad in construction all the time. It’ll be a good thing to start learning early.”

His father, Foster Thompson, said he liked the ACE Academy concept. “I think it’s an excellent idea that students spend some time in the trade and the rest of their time in their high school environment. If they learn a trade, from the ground up, while in high school, it would give them a boost getting a job later.”

At an ACE Academy information night, contractor Eric Jackson of Charter Construction, answers questions about the construction trade.

Two more nights next week
On February 11 and 14, ACE Academy is holding two more information nights for prospective students.

Parents and high school age students in East Multnomah County will discover how this school will help students excel in the fields of architecture, construction and engineering.

These open houses run from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. 4222 NE 158th Ave., Portland, OR 97230. Call Michael Taylor at (503) 546-9928 for more information.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

Check out the energy at this event, where the only “rumble” were the bass notes blasting out of loudspeakers, as dancers acrobatically swiveled, spun and did handstands …

Break-dancers from miles around show their moves in this unique dance contest they call a “battle”.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The name of the event itself, “Arcane Arts 2: The Apocalypse“, sounds like an invitation to a gang fight. But this “battle”, as participants call it, is actually a rather civilized dance contest.

“We held our first event if the kind last year,” says a Portland Parks & Recreation employee Trevor Todd, manager of the Parkrose SUN Community School. “Over 400 showed up, and it became an ‘instant’ annual event. This year we’ve got a crowd of nearly 600.”

Nearly 600 break-dance affictionados enjoy the heavy beat and light-on-the-feet moves of the battling dancers.

In “break-dance battle” competition, we learn, competing teams, or “crews”, of five members each take turns demonstrating their acrobatic hip-hop dance steps that include handstands, cartwheels, spins, and squat-steps reminiscent of traditional Russian dancing.

“They’re battling for a $500 grand prize,” Todd says. “We’ve got local break-dance and music celebrities judging the crews’ performances. DJ Sugarman, DJ from Arizona, is mixing the music.”

Parkrose joins the dance battle circuit
For some time, other battles have been hosted at colleges, such as Portland State University and Reed College, Todd tells us. “We’re becoming a break-dancing hub out here.”

In addition to checking out the newest and most creative dance steps, people who attend this event also consider it a social venue, Todd explains. “They wouldn’t call it ‘networking’, but that’s what it is for them. They get to see what moves the other teams have put together.”

The dancers put their heart, soul, and all of their bodies into their performances, Todd continues. “They definitely they blow off some steam in the process; they call it a ‘battle’ for good reason.”

MC Robert Moore, credited with bringing the dance competition to Parkrose, announces the next crews up to “battle”.

Crediting the Parkrose SUN Community School instructor – and tonight’s Master of Ceremonies – Robert Moore with creating this event at Parkrose High, Todd explains, “He’s brought everything together for this battle, from getting the judges, to the DJ, to printing and distributing the fliers.”

Under Moore’s tutelage, between 30 and 50 of kids and young adults gather at Parkrose High to practice their steps – and learn new ones – three times each week. “The sessions draw from not only Parkrose, but also David Douglas, Centennial, Reynolds, Madison and Benson High Schools,” reports Todd.

One of Skoolie B’s “Mini Bs” – a seven-year-old from his class at Mt. Scott Community Center – impresses the crowd.

Mini-Bees bust a move
This enthusiastic crowd of hip-hop dance aficionados loudly laud dance moves that can only be described as acrobatic – they twist, turn, and jump as the dancers each take their turn.

But the crowd doesn’t reserve cheers for only a few participants. When the 6- and 7-year olds from the class at Mt. Scott Community Center led by “Skoolie B” take the floor, they shout their approval for the youngsters’ dance antics.

Instead of hogging the spotlight, Skoolie B leads off with a couple of steps, and lets his “Mini-Bs” take over.

Skoolie B, also known as Marko Bome, says he’s happy to see his Mini Bs so well received. “We’re from inner SE Portland, you know, Brooklyn and Richmond and those neighborhoods. I have about 30 kids that come to the class. They work hard; they deserve to show their stuff here.”

While enthusiastic about the music and dance, the crowd at the “Arcane Arts 2: The Apocalypse” battle is mellow.

Says dance keeps one grounded
A graduate of Cleveland High School, Bome says, of the art form: “It’s true freedom of expression. It keeps you grounded, keeps your body up, and makes you feel good about yourself. And, it keeps you out of trouble.”

Looking over the crowd, gathered around center court at the Parkrose High gym, Bome adds, “Look at all these people here, there are no problems; everyone’s having a great time.”

Even if you can’t dance a step, Natalie Caminiti and Gina Richardson can help you look cool with one of these limited-edition T-Shirts they’re selling.

The winner is …
The “Massive Knuckle Force” crew won the team prize. We’re told they are a “super-group” recently formed from members of Massive Monkees (Seattle, 2004 World B-Boy Champions) and Knucklehead Zoo (Las Vegas) and other crews. They beat “The Freshest Kids” in the finals.

“Kareem”, a member of Massive Knuckle Force, won the individual prize.

If you are interested in getting involved, contact Trevor Todd, Parkrose SUN Community School, at (503) 408-2640.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

EXN Exclusive! While still sturdy, this outer East Portland’s gymnasium floor was pitted, scarred, and warped. Find who paid to have the indoor sports flooring completely resurfaced … and why …

Portland Trail Blazers mascot Blaze clowns and whoops up the students and staff at Marshall Campus, as the new gym floor dedication begins.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Until this season, the caustic epithet “Jail Blazers” seemed appropriate for the professional basketball team whose members, for many years, could neither win games – nor stay out of trouble with the law.

But, capitalizing on their winning streak, the Portland Trail Blazers are building on their new winning ways outside the Rose Garden, with a community-service effort they call “Make it Better”.

Outer East Portland school benefits
On January 28, we’re attending a special rally at the 900-student Marshall Campus (formerly known as Marshall High School) on SE 91st Avenue, just east of Eastport Plaza.

“We are dedicating a newly-refinished gym floor,” beams Tom Hewitt, a teacher at Marshall High School attached to “BizTech Academy”. “It’s good to make a big difference for our kids and the community.”

The previous floor was warped, ugly-looking, and not very bright, says Hewitt. “Now this new floor surface has revived the kids both in PE classes and athletics.  It’s always been a good, springy floor.  They’ve just taken the floor down to the bare wood and refinished it. This is very cool.”

Asked what the Blazers have to do with it, Hewitt responds, “The Blazers had everything to do with it.  They paid every penny to have the floor be refinished.”

Marshall Campus staff member and students sit on the newly-refinished gym floor is a symbol of the how businesses can help public schools provide a better education, Blazers officials say.

Calls project a ‘no-brainer’
“For us this project is kind of a no-brainer,” says Traci Rose, VP of Community Relations for the Portland Trail Blazers. “We’re involved in basketball, the school plays basketball – so we went ahead and refinished this floor for them.

“Just why is the Blazers organization doing this?” we ask.

“It’s true, the Portland Trail Blazers don’t play on this floor. But the kids who do play on this floor – they’re the next generation of our sports fans, and maybe athletes.”

More importantly, Rose adds, their organization is trying to encourage other, larger corporations and individuals to contribute to upgrading sports facilities at other high schools in Portland. “There is a lot of work that needs to be done to help bring these sports facilities up to par. If there is private funding, school district can concentrate its spending on programs to help improve academics.”

Blazers’ Tom Fletcher extols students to follow their lead and “make it better” in their communities.

Dedication a lively event
With the team’s mascot, Blaze, running into the bleachers and pumping up the crowd, the Trailblazers’ dedication ceremony looked more like a pep rally.

Starting the formal part of the program, Tom Fletcher, Community Relations for the Blazers, tells the students, “It is the goal of the Trail Blazers to excel on the [playing] floor. But also we want to do our best for our community, off the floor. This has always been a commitment in our organization through the years.  But it’s even more of a commitment now.

“And, I encourage you to make a difference. And the best way to ‘make a difference’ is to ‘do good when nobody is looking’. Do something in your neighborhood to make something better there.  If you do that, I guarantee the benefit will come back to you threefold.”

On had were former Portland Trail Blazers star players.

Presidential proclamation
The new Portland Trail Blazer’s president, Larry Miller, takes up the theme as he explains, “Being part of the community, it is important for the Blazers organization to give back any way we can. A few months back, we started this project, putting new basketball courts in Portland high schools. Were doing here today, dedicating this new floor, as part of our ‘Make it Better’ in Portland Public Schools.”

Stars, students and games
Tom Gilmore, Marshall Student, responds, “We’re really proud of our school. We’re presenting to a basketball that has been signed by all of our schools players.”

Past Blazer stars in attendance are introduced, the Blazers’ Cheer Leaders perform, and some of the students are chosen to participate in a “spin around and shoot a basket” game for prizes.

In all, this is a great day for a school, struggling to meet the needs of a lower income, diverse neighborhood.

On the way out, however, a staff member comments, “Now, if they could only find some money to fix the gym roof. It leaks in five places. I’d hate to see the floor ruined before summer.”

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

See some little kids doing something good
for their Parkrose neighborhood!

Luis and Jorge Sota help plant flower bulbs with Alayna and Shana MacBean.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Some kids never have the opportunity of learning the joy of helping others. Not so with many of the children from Prescott Elementary School in Parkrose.

“We’re all out here planting bulbs to help celebrate our new park,” explained project organizer, Jim MacBean, co-chair of the Prescott Elementary School PTA. “We’re trying to get a bunch of bulbs out now – we’ll all enjoy them in the springtime.”

Lots of little hands make the work go quickly. And, who doesn’t like playing in the dirt?

MacBean, who is also the chair of the school district’s Family Engagement Team, added that co-sponsors for the event included the Parkrose Neighborhood Association and Friends of Senn’s Dairy Park.

“It’s important for kids to be involved in their community,” added MacBean. “A lot of parents don’t have their kids be involved. When they learn to volunteer at a young age, they’ll grow up to be better community members as adults.”

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

When these kids sing, they sound like professional musicians! Learn what a nearly-full house enjoyed, just a few weeks ago …

The Parkrose Treble Choir starts off the show – they’ve donned the Santa hats because they’re singing “Santa Baby”.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Although it took place in December, the Holiday Choral Concert in the Parkrose High School Theater remains a fresh, delightful memory. A nearly-full house enjoyed 19-song concert presented by six of the group’s students.

Here are some scenes from this great program:

Lesley Ann Bossert directs the Parkrose High School Choir program. The school has won many state and national awards under her leadership.

The Debonaires take the stage, professionally performing some very challenging songs – here, “The Gift” by Gilbert M. Martin.

The Concert Choir presents holiday songs, and elicits cheers and a standing ovation from the audience.

The Parkrose High Theater ring out with song, as the combined choirs close the show.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

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.

“This is our tenth annual Art Festival here,” Bev Cordova, one of school’s three fine art teachers told us.

“This is celebration of both fine and performing arts,” Cordova went on. “We’ve invited the community here to see some of the great artwork done by students, see art demonstrations, and to hear some great music by our jazz band and choir.”

Each year, participation has grown, Cordova reported. “We’ve made an effort to include the whole community.”

Sierra Butler, a senior at Parkrose High, is wet-packing ground glass before it is fused to a copper disk.

Unique art demonstrations
One of the artisans with whom we spoke was Parkrose High senior Sierra Butler.

“We’re making art on copper disks,” she said as she painted. “The powder is ground-up, pigmented glass. We’ve learned three methods to apply the powder. It can be sifted on, stenciled on, and wet-packed. I’m doing wet-packing. We mix the glass with gum, making it the consistency of wet sand. After we paint on the design, it’s fired in the kiln for less than two minutes.”

Ashley Nichols, a senior, fires the glass-on-copper art piece.

Carefully placing disks in the kiln is senior Ashley Nichols. “I love art in general. Although I’m more into ceramics, it’s interesting to see the different ways you can manipulate glass to make art.”

Cesar Pina, a senior, shows his artwork, which he called “Wii London Bridge”.

As we looked at completed works of art, we talked with senior Cesar Pina, and asked him to tell us how a video game came to be incorporated into a famous image.

“The assignment was to take an ordinary object,” Pina said, “enlarge it and fit it into a landscape. I substituted a Nintendo Wii for one of the bridge towers. I had drawing of the Wii in my sketchbook and my teacher mentioned that it looked like a building. It fit perfectly into the landscape.”

Bryana Meier, a sophomore, shows her dad, Dennis, the finer points of forming a ceramic bowl on a turntable.

Hands-on art demonstrations
Over in the ceramics studio, potter’s clay was set out, and the students became teachers as they showed parents and siblings how to cast objects on the spinning turntables.

Dennis Meier got a lesson making a bowl while seated at a turntable. His daughter, Bryana, patiently and skillfully guided his efforts. “This is fun; it really is!” exclaimed dad Dennis.

Choral arts were well-represented by the Parkrose High Debonaires.

Musical performing arts well represented
While patrons watched demonstrations, munched on popcorn, and drank apple cider, the Parkrose High Jazz Band played several holiday-themed numbers.

Instrumental duos and trios also performed for the group.

After their set, the Parkrose High Debonaires – fresh off holiday performances around town – took their places, and gave a lively performance of well-known holiday songs.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

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.

At the “100% DDHS Crafts” table were Ashely Hale, organizer Karen Britton, Megan LaFontaine, seated are Amber Thomas and Kayloni Kilang.

Students sell crafts, too
Karen Britton, president of the David Douglas High School Parent Teacher Student Association welcomed us to their event.

Britton was standing near a table she considered special. “We have a student section called ‘100% DDHS’. It showcases our student’s artistic work, here at the high school. Their sales support the fundraising efforts for their clubs or classes.”

About this, their eleventh annual event, Britton explained, “This is a fundraiser for the scholarship program. And, this year, the PTSA decided to encompass more of our community.”

That project, Britton told us, is to get the funding necessary to construct an “electronic reader board” at the North building – and eventually, another one at the South building.

Serving coffee and refreshments to the venders were DDHS Holiday Helpers Ann Huynh, Quan Huynh and Ruth Ruiz.

Holiday helpers abound
In addition to the student vendors, Britton told us that this year’s event benefited from 20 DDHS students serving as “Holiday Helpers”.

“We have a great crew of students here today setting up, moving in vendors and serving them refreshments. Then, they help take it all down at the end of the day,” Britton explained.

Woodcrafters from the Centennial neighborhood, Diane Rossi and James Holstrom, show and sell their wares.

Featured vendor
One of the many booths that caught our eye was the one set up by Diane Rossi and James Holstrom.

Most of the woodcrafts they displayed were created from Manzanita wood, they told us.

“In fact,” Holstrom explained, “the wood comes from Manzanita, Oregon. We cut it all ourselves from our land there. It takes about six months for it to cure. We look at the wood, and its shape and texture suggests what we should make from it.” You can see more of their products at www.Oregonrusticwoods.uni.cc.

Partnering with other DDHS organizations
Britton told us that the PTSA will – for the first time ever – hold a Spring Craft Fair which will coincide with the Senior All-night Party Committee Rummage Sale.

“We, along with the Dad’s Club, work together to help better our school community,” Britton concluded.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

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.

But, for 25 years, students engaged in the Parkrose Alternative Center of Education (PACE) program at Parkrose High School work joyfully and tirelessly throughout November and December on the “PACE Homeless Project”.

“Each year, we get together in class and collect donated materials,” explains PACE media team spokesperson Alyssa Bryant.

“On December 20, we help clean and decorate two downtown homeless shelters, and bring them toiletry bags. The products in their gift bags give them the chance to clean up and feel better about themselves,” explains Bryant.

“It is exciting to work on this project,” says Susie Kay, Senior in the PACE program. “I can’t wait until we go on the field trip.”

Mary Wilkerson, a sophomore, and in her first year of the PACE program adds, “I like helping the homeless. It makes me feel good about myself. Around the holidays this will really help these people.”

Shelters praise the PACE project
“The people who run the shelters are very positive about this project,” says instructor Evan McFadden, a PACE teacher for over 20 years.

“When the homeless shelter residents wake up Christmas morning, they’ll find a package – a hygene kit, filled with soap, shaving gear, shampoos, and perhaps socks,” McFadden tells us. “Some are so grateful; they’ve sent cards back to us.”

Courtyard by Marriott Airport pitches in
We caught up with the PACE team as they make their first stop to pick up a donation for their Homeless Project at the Courtyard by Marriott Airport on East Airport Way.

The general manager, Ted Kooy, greets the students with bags of toiletry items.

“This is our fifth year donating to the project,” mentions Kooy. We’ve got a case of lotion, in addition to soaps and shampoos for the project. These are same toiletry items we supply in the guest rooms.”

Asked why they contribute to the project, Kooy says, “We’re an active member of the community. We have enough to share; we’re happy to help.”

You can, and should, help
The PACE Homeless Project accepts donations through December 19.

They need toiletry items such as toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, shampoo, soaps, shaving cream, razors and deodorant. The small “travel sizes” work best.

They also need clothing and blankets – but they don’t have laundry facilities. Please donate new items, or make sure what you’re giving is very clean and in very good condition.

“We also accept cash donations,” reminds Bryant. “About two days before we take in the kits, we see what we’re short of, and buy extra items that the shelter needs.”

To donate, call Evan McFadden at (503) 408-2623, or e-mail him at evan_mcfadden@parkrose.k12.or.us. They’ll come to you and pick up your donation.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

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.

“There’s no reason that students who are taking classes ranging from pre-algebra through pre-calculus shouldn’t have a ‘road map’ to guide them through their courses,” Heintz tells us, as we talk in his home office.

This 17-year veteran of math teaching calls his math road maps “note cards”. “Each subject’s note card lays out the basic concepts for a course, all on two sides of a notebook-paper-sized sheet. There’s no reason why each student can’t have a summary of math class. Why make it a secret?”

Gives away ‘math secrets’ cards
And here’s the best part: Heintz is giving away his math note cards – no strings attached. Anyone can print them off from his web site.

When we ask why he’s giving away such a valuable resource, Heintz says, “I created them to make my life easier as a math teacher. There’s no reason not to share this information.”

All of the Math Cards are offered online, as are tutorials.

Online math help
In addition to the note cards, Heintz shows us how access math lessons on his web site.

“Most of the time, kids don’t know what they don’t know. If they have a problem with ‘systems of equations’ they don’t know where to look. On this site, you run your mouse over a list of concepts and an example of it pops up.”

Once again, Heintz stresses that this information is free. After our conversation, we ourselves check out the site, and find no pop-ups or hype. We do find a link to his other site, which promotes his Savvy Minds summer “math prep” courses offered in the Portland area.

Developed for tutoring
“Much of this information came from doing math tutoring earlier in my career, and from the summer math prep programs I’ve developed to prepare students to better in their next year’s courses,” Heintz explains.

We muse, “I sure could have used that when I was in school.”

“That’s what I hear from many adults,” Heintz says. “Hardly anyone gets it right the first time through.”

The math note cards, and information about the Savvy Minds math prep courses, are available online at: www.savvyminds.org.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service