Action, costumes, music … Oh my! You’d better act fast if you want to see this great show – loaded with the songs and beloved characters you remember. Most shows are close to being sold out …
Dorothy (Tegan Tracy) worries that she and Toto (Happy, a Caren terrier) will never get back to their home in Kansas.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
David Douglas High School’s production of the Broadway Musical “The Wizard of Oz”, is now on stage – and the audiences are loving it.
“I’m happy to tell you that tickets are going fast,” says Michael Givler, the show’s director.
Their musical production, originally adapted for the Royal Shakespeare Company, has all of the songs, dance numbers and storyline of the classic childhood story we all remember. The actors bring a fresh, unique look to the tale.
Onstage, you’ll see a fully-costumed cast of 56 actors, singers, and dancers. They’re musically accompanied by the DDHS Orchestra under the baton of the show’s musical director, Mr. Silva.
The Tin Woodsman longing for a heart (Ada Chang), the Cowardly Lion (Robert Hill), and the brainless Scarecrow (Sam De Roest) set out with their new friend, the homesick Dorothy (Tegan Tracy).
A fun, lively show
Backstage, the show’s student crew of 20 stage technicians provide professional lighting and special effects – including flying witches and monkeys. The Wicked Witch even melts away before your eyes after Dorothy splashes her with water.
A real scene-stealer in the show isn’t human. Dorothy’s dog, Toto, played by a Caren Terrier named “Happy”, plays his part like a real trooper.
Glenda, the Good Witch advises the quartet that The Great Oz may help them gain what they are lacking. All they must do is “Follow the yellow brick road”.
About the story
This classic story by L. Frank Baum’s is about Dorothy, a young girl living in Kansas. She, her dog Toto, and the farmhouse are swept up in a tornado and crash-land in Munchkin Land.
A good witch directs Dorothy and her three new friends – a brainless Scarecrow, a heartsick Tin Woodsman, and a ‘fraidy-cat Cowardly Lion – to the City of Emeralds to ask the Wizard of Oz for help. How do they find their way? “Follow the yellow brick road!”
Once they reach the Land of Oz, the foursome are frightened by the wicked witch who vows revenge on Dorothy … and her little dog, too!
Don’t wait! Reserve tickets now
The show runs December 1, 6, 7 and 8. And, there’s a special matinee performance on Sunday, December 2 at 2:30 p.m.
Performances are already selling out – reserve your tickets now!
Tickets for this full-evening show are just $10 for adults; $7 student/seniors. For ticket information, call the David Douglas Box Office at (503) 261-8270 from 3 to 5:30 p.m., Mondays through Fridays on school days, as well as an hour before show times. Or, e-mail DDHSboxoffice@ddouglas.k12.or.us.
All performances are held at the Howard F. Horner Performing Arts Center, 1400 SE 130th Ave. (between SE Stark St. and Division St.).
Scenes from “The Wizard of Oz”
The Wicked Witch of the West consults with her minion of flying monkeys.
Dorothy and her friends can’t stop dancing once infected by the JitterBugs!
The Scarecrow gets something even better than a brain from The Great Oz.
The Lion is no longer cowardly once Great Oz reminds him of his bravery.
The Tin Woodsman, having already displayed concern for his friends, is given a symbol that represents how much “heart” he really has.
Dorothy finally finds her way home.
The cast takes a well-deserved bow!
“Happy” seems to relish his role as Toto!
© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service
Find out why, on the first Saturday of every month (including Dec. 1), the Can Man Clan works to turn recyclable cans and bottles into cash to help the Bronco Boosters …
Members of the Parkrose High School Band, and their adult sponsors, help the “Can Man” Dave Luce (shyly ducking out of this photo) at their November 3 collection day.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Dave Luce is a man who appears torn about getting publicity. He usually declines being photographed; our interviews are typically brief.
Yet, Luce wants everyone to know about – and pitch in at – the Parkrose Can Drive, the first Saturday of every month at Parkrose Middle School.
Luce, also known as the “Can Man” in Parkrose, states his mission succinctly. “I collect deposit-refundable aluminum cans, plastic and glass bottles. At the monthly can drive, 100% of the funds are turned over to the Parkrose High Bronco Boosters and their Parkrose Scholarship Fund.”
But that’s not all. At companies and organizations throughout the community, Luce has placed 215 large can-collection barrels. “They call when they are full, and I exchange it for an empty barrel. Those funds go directly to the Senior All Night Party Committee.”
Even though Luce no longer has kids attending Parkrose Schools, he keeps at it, “because it is a good thing to do. I still support all the sporting programs, and I like to help them out. I like to see kids do well.”
Can sorter supreme
Deposit refunds on “house brand” sodas, sold by stores like Fred Meyer, Walgreens, Wal-Mart, and Costco, can only be redeemed at the selling store. So, Luce sorts the cans. “I take them to the right store and put the cans in their machines; but I can’t exceed the limit.”
But, Luce lauds the managers of the Fred Meyer store at SE 148th Avenue at SE Division Street, who let him cash in over the limit; and of the Safeway store at NE 122 Avenue at NE Glisan Street, who permit him to bring in counted and prepared bags of Safeway-branded cans.
The standard national brands, Luce says, he takes to CR Inc., located behind Montgomery Park in NW Portland. “I don’t handle the money; checks are cut to either the Bronco Boosters or to the Senior All Night Party Committee.”
School groups get credit and cash
When we stop by to visit on November 3, the Parkrose High School Band crew is busy sorting and bagging cans and bottles.
“Each month, kids from different school groups help out with the event,” Luce explains. “That group gets community service credit, and a portion of the day’s proceeds.”
Save those cans for Dave … and the kids …
Remember, Luce and his helpers will be waiting for you on Saturday, December 1 from 9 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Bring your deposit-return cans and bottles with you to help support these community efforts. The depot is at Parkrose Middle School, on NE Shaver Street, across from the high school. If you have sizable loads – or know a good place for Dave Luce to install a recycling barrel – call him at (503) 255-3745.
© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service
See lots of exclusive photos from this great production of Shakespeare’s classic comedy right here …
As the show opens, the stage is set for the confusion of identities to follow.
Story and photo by David F. Ashton
Many people, who took our advice and saw the Parkrose High production of 16th century playwright William Shakespeare’s “The Comedy of Errors”, realized how fun and relevant “the Bard’s” plays can be.
Parkrose High School Thespian Troupe #1783, under the direction of theater instructor, Ms. Zena, put on colorful and fast-paced performances during its two-weekend run, ending November 9.
Is this identical twin the local, married one – or the visiting distant brother?
Presents abridged version
Part of the success of the presentation was Zena’s careful editing of the original script.
Although the actors speak Shakespeare’s words, “We say the phrases once – not three times as written. It picks up the pace of the play.”
The wife only thinks she’s got her man back. She doesn’t – she’s buttonholing his twin!
Zany Shakespeare
Zena told us kids like “The Comedy of Errors” because it is filled with comedy, puns, and slapstick humor. “Some call it the original situation comedy,” she added.
“The Comedy of Errors” is a story of two sets of identical twins who meet up in a distant city. This leads to a series of wild mishaps based on mistaken identities, wrongful accusations, and odd romantic situations.
One of the two identical-twin servants becomes confused about her own identity.
Bringing this full-stage production to life were 35 actors in colorful costuming – including dancing puppets and donkey. The staging of the play and costuming were as colorful as is the story line.
Theatre operations manager Terry Franceschi, and his crew of 20 student theatrical technicians provided professional lighting, sound, and staging.
More from our “The Comedy of Errors” photo album
Sorry! If you missed the production, it is too difficult to explain these characters in their recurring sight gags!
Who IS at the door? “My husband already IS inside,” shouts the woman of the house!
One brother – not the right one, of course – is arrested for the deeds of the others.
So identical are the sets of brothers – and their servants – even they confuse one for another.
Time to sort things out, once and for all.
“Who me?” The confusion continues.
The other brother comes out of hiding – and the mystery finally starts to unravel.
Finally, all is explained!
The married wife’s spinster sister gets to “bite the bagel” (gets engaged) to the flirting single brother who took a liking to her – instead of his supposed wife. (It’s the best we can explain it in one sentence!)
Curtain Call! The cast takes a bow for a job well done!
© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service
Discover what’s been happening at Sacramento Elementary School that’s earned it recognition by both state (and and soon) national educators …
Officials say that full-day kindergarten classes – such as this segment being led by Jakob Curtis, English Language Learner teacher at Sacramento Elementary School – help all kids, regardless of their language background, to do better throughout their educational careers.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Stevie Blakely, Principal of Sacramento Elementary School, says she remembers the phone call she got not long ago from her boss, Parkrose School District superintendent Dr. Karen Fischer Gray.
This call wasn’t regarding mundane-but-important topics like budgets, personnel, or curriculum.
“She was notifying us that we’d won a Title I Distinguished School Award,” Blakely exclaims, as we walk toward a kindergarten classroom at the school.
“It means that, among all Oregon schools, we’ve made the most improvement on our testing scores with our English Language Learning kids, in both English and math. We increased scores by 30 percent.”
As we enter the classroom, English Language Learning (ELL) specialist Jakob Curtis is enthusiastically leading his young students through a vocabulary-building exercise. The children respond to him like members of a TV game-show audience.
When the class ends Curtis joins us, as we walk to the school office.
“Of all our 400-plus students, more than 100 speak a language other than English at home,” Curtis tells us. “School is their main exposure to English. We have several different programs in place to support those kids as they learn English. As their language skills increase, they’re better able to access all of the teaching and learning that their classroom provides.”
Teaching and intervention
We enter the school office, and meet Learning Intervention Specialist Arlene Lemieux. “I provide intervention in reading and math for ELL and other at-risk students who are not meeting state benchmarks for these subjects.”
Learning intervention, Lemieux explains, uses one-on-one student evaluation and small-group teaching techniques to help keep kids struggling with math and reading skills from falling far behind their classmates.
Giving us the broader picture, Blakely says, “We have a school-wide assessment three times a year in math and reading. This helps us identify kids who are not meeting the mark. For them, we provide small group instruction, and we use special computer software and specially-designed programs for teaching reading and math.”
Jakob Curtis, English Language Learner teacher, Arlene Lemieux, Learning Intervention Specialist, and Principal Stevie Blakely say they’re pleased to learn about Sacramento Elementary School’s Title I Distinguished School Award
Lemieux adds, “We use differentiated instruction. This means teaching according to a student’s needs, not following a lock-step program.”
“We also provide sheltered programs,” Curtis says, “such as providing one-on-one vocabulary development and guided language acquisition help on the side.”
Teaching to the test?
We pose the question: “Are you merely preparing kids to pass the tests, or are you really educating them?”
“Learning is our primary objective here,” replies Blakely. “What we do is make sure our kids are successful in school. The tests give us an indicator of how well the kids are doing. Another way to put it, is: Here at Sacramento Elementary School, we don’t allow kids to fail. Whatever it takes to help them succeed, we’ll do it.”
“It’s not about just fitting students into our program,” adds Curtis. “We figure out what the child needs, and help them. And, all of the teachers work hard to make their instruction available to their entire class. This is why, I believe, we, as a school, have won this award.”
Overcoming huge gaps
“Right,” agrees Blakely. “It is not about what any one person does in this school. This recognition is for all of our staff, who not only work hard, but also work together to make a real difference.”
The principal reminds us that 70% of the school’s students qualify for low-income lunch programs; and a quarter of them speak a language other than English at home. “These are huge gaps to overcome. But, within the last two years, we have now been rated as an exceptional school by the State of Oregon. This award is like getting the cherry on the top of our sundae.”
Dr. Karen Fischer Gray, Superintendent of Parkrose School District, shows us the official award acceptance form.
Superintendent is all smiles
When we stop at the Parkrose School District office, Dr. Karen Fischer Gray, Superintendent of Parkrose School District says she’s proud of the staff members at Sacramento Elementary School.
“To be recognized as the only school by the Oregon Department of Education for improved learning among students whose primary language is not English – that’s a marvelous accomplishment. It doesn’t happen every day. It recognizes the excellent leadership and instruction for ELL students at our school.”
When Carla Wade from the Oregon Department of Education asked if they’d travel to Nashville on January 29 to accept the award, “I told her, I’m never turning that down. This school has earned it.”
© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service
Want to see a lot of cute little pumpkins? Learn why pumpkins were the theme of the after-school effort …
Pumpkins and more pumpkins! Kids drew faces and made crafts using more than 100 mini-pumpkins at the Shaver SUN School event.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
When we were invited to “Pumpkin Lights-on Night” at Shaver Elementary School in Parkrose a few days ago, we just had to check it out.
“Welcome to our event,” said Helen Vank, as she dished up Burgerville hamburgers. “This is our annual Pumpkin Lights-on Night. It is part of the national Lights-on day, to bring awareness to after school programs. We’re inviting people in the school, and letting them know we have programs here.”
The idea is, Vank told us, is to help the community better understand the need for – and benefits available from – after-school programs.
Stephanie Baker, director of the Shaver Boys and Girls Club, and Helen Vank, Shaver SUN School coordinator, serve up the affordable $2 dinners to kids and their families.
“I run the SUN school program, funded thought the 21 Century Grant,” Vank explained. “At this event, we have both SUN School and Shaver Boys & Girls clubs staff here. Volunteers from the Shaver Parent/Faculty Association (SPFA) are collecting the money for the hamburger dinners donated by Burgerville; SUN provided the drinks and chips. All of the money goes back to SPFA, to help fund programs like field trips”
At this family event, kids were provided free mini-pumpkins kids for decorating. The after-school program staff members ran easy-to-win carnival games. And, a lot of kids (and parents) came in costume.
The Cervantes family came dressed in costume – ready for a good time.
Serves 200 children
Vank mentioned that their SUN School has over 200 kids registered, and sees a daily average of 125 children at their after-school activities.
“Our SUN School is important,” Vank explained, “because 83% of our students are eligible for free and reduced lunches; we’re a Title 1 school. We offer things like hip-hop class, reading classes, and other activities. We offer reading classes, to help get kids reading at grade level. The art and recreation activities are important because most of our students can’t afford to pay for these kind of classes.”
© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service
Last season, the Parkrose High thespians showed us how entertaining Shakespeare could be with their production of “Romeo & Juliet”. See why you and your family will enjoy seeing this show …
In the upcoming production of Shakespeare’s “The Comedy of Errors” Jason Mc Ghee plays Angeo; Paris Mayhew is Luciana; and Bret Atwood plays Aegeon.
Story and photo by David F. Ashton
Many folks have avoided plays by 16th century playwright William Shakespeare, fearing they won’t understand “old English” and can’t understand the story, or they believe that stories written so long ago just can’t be relevant.
But, with their production of “Romeo & Juliet” last spring, Parkrose High School Thespian Troupe #1783 showed audiences how compelling and pertinent Shakespeare’s works can be.
“We like Shakespeare!” exclaims the school’s theater instructor, Ms. Zena. “His works are really accessible, especially to teenagers.” She explains that it’s easy for both the actors and the audience to “get the drift” of his stories.
The works of Shakespeare are actually written in early modern English, Zena tells us. “Many people don’t realize this, because he wrote in a poetic form.”
Picks up the pace
Although the actors speak the words written by Shakespeare in 1594, Zena does significantly edit the plays. “In the style of the day, characters typically said the same thing three times, to three different levels of audience members. We only say it once. It picks up the pace of the play.”
Slapstick Shakespeare? Yes, indeed!
“The Comedy of Errors” tells the story of two sets of identical twins who meet up in a distant city. The play’s main characters encounter the friends and families of the second set of twins.
Having two sets of identical twins in the same place, at the same time, leads to a series of wild mishaps based on mistaken identities, wrongful accusations, and odd romantic situations.
“This play is loaded with comedy, puns, and even slapstick humor,” says Zena.
Their goal, she adds, is for their audiences to have as much fun watching Shakespeare as they have presenting it. From what we’ve seen in a sneak-peek at a rehearsal, both the Parkrose High staging and costuming are as colorful as is the story.
Bringing this full-stage production to life are 35 actors in colorful costuming – including a two-person donkey. “This is definitely a family event. Come, and you’ll discover how entertaining works of Shakespeare truly are,” Zena urges, as the cast plans their movements for a portion for the play.
The show runs two weekends
The Parkrose High School Thespian Troupe #1783 presents “The Comedy of Errors” on November 1 and 2, and on Nov. 7, 8 and 9. The curtain goes up at 7:00 p.m. Or, see a special 2:00 p.m. matinee performance on Saturday, November 3.
If you haven’t attended an event at the Parkrose High School Theater, (12003 NE Shaver Street, at NE 122nd Avenue), you’ll be impressed when you walk in this modern facility. Theatre operations manager Terry Franceschi, and his crew of 20 student theatrical technicians provide professional lighting, sound, and staging.
Tickets are only $8 for adults and $5 for students and seniors. Call (503) 408-2718 for tickets or more information.
© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service
See how the administration of Parkrose High School got families to come in and meet their student’s teachers, and become more involved in the school. And, discover how the “School Improvement Plan” there is helping freshmen turn into graduating seniors …
Roy Reynolds says he looks forward to a successful school year at Parkrose High.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
In past years, the turnout for Parkrose High School’s “Back to School Night” – a time when parents are encouraged to come to the campus and informally meet with their kids teachers – was often poor.
“This year, we did it a little differently,” reports principal Roy Reynolds. “We offered a community dinner. To better form a community of education, we’re creating a feeling of community by ‘breaking bread’ together.”
Pitching Bronco shirts are Parkrose High students Derek Herman, Jr, Hang Nguyen, and Toyin Oyemaja.
During the spaghetti dinner, the school’s great jazz band plays, families and students mingle around tables in the atrium, Reynolds speaks briefly, and the families are sent off to meet – and “make a connection” with – teachers throughout the school.
This year’s focus
“We’ve been working on providing a rigorous education,” says Reynolds. “But another topic is the ‘support part’ of education. One can stress rigor – but if you don’t support it – you’re not there.
“Our School Improvement Plan is focusing on ninth graders. For students who aren’t making the grade, we have planned a series of interventions. We want to get any struggling freshmen back on track.”
These interventions, Reynolds explains, might include mandatory tutoring either during or after school.
“Tutoring will no longer be optional. If you leave it up to the struggling student, we’re indicating to them that extra learning experiences aren’t really important.
“We’re not requiring this because we’re upset at them – it is because we want our freshmen to become seniors, and graduate. Their freshman year sets up their whole high school career.”
Instructor — and director of Parkrose High’s renowned choral program — Lesley Bossert confers with parents and students during Back-to-School night.
Was the evening a success? Reynolds says he thinks so. And, judging from the full parking lots – and the cars lining NE Shaver Street – we’d agree!
© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service
Discover why their educational concept is a far cry from “high school shop class”! See how their idea can turn potential high-school flunk-outs into good citizens – with well-paying jobs …
In this building on NE 158th Avenue, the Academy of Architecture, Construction & Engineering will open its doors to students in September, 2008.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
After a distinguished career in education, including being the Superintendent of Parkrose School District for eight years until his retirement in June, Michael Taylor earned the right to put his feet up and relax.
But loafing isn’t in Taylor’s nature. He’s on to his next challenge: Creating a charter school in outer East Portland.
Speaking before the Parkrose Business Association, Taylor, and Oregon Business Congress (OBC) executive director Dr. Richard O’Connor, PhD, outlined their plan to open the “Academy of Architecture, Construction & Engineering (ACE)”.
Four years in the making
“We were approached by the Oregon Building Congress about creating a construction industry related academy four years ago,” Taylor began. “Because the building we were considering was located in Portland, we had to secure the charter through Portland Public Schools. It didn’t work out.”
Michael Taylor (sitting in his new office at the school) says he didn’t give up on the construction academy idea, even though they were spurned by Portland Public Schools four years ago.
But the idea so intrigued Taylor, he kept working on it.
“Terry Kneisler, Superintendent of the Reynolds School District, and I went back to OBC and told them that we’re still interested. Reynolds, Centennial, Parkrose, and Gresham-Barlow School Districts are the educational partners in the academy.”
Hybrid program provides skills and social life
“Public high schools are idealistic. Schools don’t necessarily want to produce laborers. They are about ‘opening doors’, and introducing students to opportunities and possibilities,” Taylor said.
“High schools do well at providing general education. And kids need the social engagement they get in a public high school,” he went on. “But they don’t do well connecting education to the ‘real’ world.”
ACE students will get the best of both worlds, Taylor explained, because they attend the academy – and their “home” high school – on alternate days.
The building that will house the ACE Academy is fully-equipped with modern classrooms and spacious construction laboratory areas.
Not reinventing the wheel
Instead of creating the school from scratch, Taylor said they modeled the ACE academy on East County’s Center for Advanced Learning (CAL).
“CAL provides training in manufacturing, information technology, and the medical professions. The idea of a charter school wrapped around the construction trades makes sense.”
While the new academy’s concept is unique, Taylor says, “What is different is how this partnership is coming together. Typically, the schools are the majority partner; in this case, they’ve agreed to be minority partners.”
More than shop classes
“The concept of specialized learning academies really makes sense,” explained Taylor, “because many students don’t have the money or desire to get a college degree.
“But because of the diverse training available at ACE, students may come in thinking they will learn to swing a hammer, but end up leaving as graduates who want to become architects.”
Richard O’Connor, Oregon Building Congress, says this new charter school will help students earn family-wage jobs, plus provide able workers for the construction trades.
OBC: Ten years of construction education
OBC’s Executive Director, Richard O’Connor, told us, “The organization was created in 1921, and has successfully dealt with industry issues. In more recent years, it searched for a mission; it was like a ‘hammer looking for a nail’ until we developed the ‘Building Futures’ educational program.”
About 10 years ago, OBC started working with high schools, helping them create “construction academies”. They created teacher development programs that integrated construction skills with traditional math and English courses.
Since their “Building Futures” program connects academics with real-life job skills, O’Connor continued, “Kids become jazzed about taking more math courses and finishing high school. Upon graduation, many students took more schooling and entered trade apprenticeships.”
“We’ve successfully worked with more than a thousand teachers,” confided O’Connor. “Because our courses were provided by top industry professionals, the teachers rate our program highly. Although the ACE academy is brand new, OBC has a wealth of educational experience.”
Richard O’Connor, Oregon Building Congress, presents one of their two “Educator of the Year” awards to the Michel Taylor, the new Executive Director of ACE academy. Although not shown, Terry Kneisler, Reynolds School District Superintendent, was also named “Educator of the Year” for his work in establishing the ACE Academy charter school.
Fills needs of industry and workers
At the Oregon Building Congress’ annual meeting, held this year at the site of the new ACE academy on October 10, O’Connor told us there are three reasons why this new charter school fills an urgent need.
“Construction is the fasting growing industry in this area In addition to construction workers, engineers and architects are also in short supply.
“Secondly, this education will provide solid, family-wage jobs to graduates. Graduates will have new choices: They can go directly into the construction trades or pursue technical or managerial careers.
“Finally, consider this. East County has the highest poverty rate in the greater Portland area. We think this school can be an engine for economic development.”
© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service
If you’ve got kids, you probably know “Anansi the Spider” from the book written by Eric Kimmel. If not, see why an auditorium full of young fans welcomed him – and his famous spider – to their school …
-1 Using a tambourine as he tells his story “Anansi and the Moss Covered Rock”, nationally-known children’s author Eric Kimmel gets a rock star’s reception from kids at Clark Elementary School.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
For some grade-schoolers, learning to read and write is hard work. So, educators at William Clark Elementary School on SE 92nd Avenue, just south of SE Washington Street, came up with an idea to get them involved in literature.
“We thought that inviting Eric Kimmel, a Portland-based author, was a good way to kick off our month-long reading campaign,” explains Kathryn Golden, a 3rd grade teacher, and Principal Intern at the school.
“Our kids here at Clark, and in our SUN School program, have been reading stories about “Anansi the Spider” – Kimmel’s central character in many of his children’s books,” Golden tells us before the event on October 2. “We’ve been doing classroom activities with his books. He’s become like a rock star to them.”
-2 Ron McDonald, SUN program teacher, and Kim Vorasai, kindergarten teacher, serve pizza to students before Eric Kimmel speaks.
As the SUN School kids are enjoying a pizza meal before meeting Kimmel, Joel Todd, the site manager for the Clark Elementary SUN school, echoes Golden’s sentiments. “The energy generated by being able to meet a nationally-famous author has my kids freaking out with joy. They can’t believe they get to meet him and ask questions. The way it has gotten our kids into reading – it is awesome. I love it.”
As the auditorium starts to fill, and the 60 SUN School kids start filing in, we have the chance to speak with Kimmel.
-3 Joel Todd, SUN site manager Kathryn Golden 3rd Grade Teacher, and Principal Intern, and author Eric Kimmel before the program.
Professor turns children’s author
“I’m a former professor of education at Portland State University; and Professor Emeritus, school of administration,” Kimmel says. “But, I’ve been writing for kids for forty years. I’m here tonight to do a program focusing on a new book coming out. [The book] is still in process. I thought it might be fun for everyone to get a look at what goes into making a book.
“I’ll show the kids edited manuscripts and some pictures from the artists. They’ll will learn that books don’t just pop out of your head, ready to put on the library shelf.”
Kimmel says his stories don’t moralize. “Your job is to simply tell a good story. There is a beginning, middle, and end. A character has a problem, and ends up on a higher or lower plane, based on his decisions. Just like life!”
-4 Eric Kimmel tells the story of Anansi the Spider. The kids have been reading the book, and help by chiming in when asked to do so.
Says sharing his process is important
For Kimmel, says talking about his work is a pleasure. “It is important for kids to know books are created by real people. And, that creating a book is a process.”
Learning to read and write, while vitally important, is still difficult for many kids, Kimmel explains.
“I want kids to see that thinking is the first step in writing. You might actually have to think for quite some time before you write. And, the story will go through several revisions. And, it’s important that they realize that there is a ‘story behind the story’ – books are put together from bits of this and that.”
Another idea Kimmel imparts is “When you have a good idea, you write it down. Be tough on yourself and look it over. Rewrite it. Most books on the library shelf have been rewritten many times. Don’t think that, because your first draft isn’t very good, that you’re not a good writer.”
Kimmel, the rock star of kid’s books
As the author is introduced, he’s greeted with a thundering ovation. As the room quiets down, he starts by telling – not reading – a story about one of his characters, Anansi the Spider.
-5 When Kimmel asks, “What happens next?” – most of the kids know the answer because they’ve been reading the book at school.
Within minutes, Kimmel has the attention of his youthful audience. They love the story. And, ask questions, to learn more about the “story behind the story”. Perhaps one of these kids will, because of this experience, go on to become a famous children’s author some day.
To learn more about Kimmel, see his web site: CLICK HERE.
© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service
As school gets underway, see another way companies are helping Southeast Portland students get off to a better start this year …
Fifth-graders Jade Ramsey and Sierra Parsons are getting their backpacks from Susan McElroy, Principal of Grout Elementary School, and Kip Larson, representing his employer, Concero, as well as the Brooklyn Action Corps, of which he is Secretary.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Not all Southeast Portland students come from well-to-do families; 67 percent of kids enrolled at Grout Elementary School on Holgate Boulevard qualify for free or reduced-price lunches.
But area businesses, working with Schoolhouse Supplies’ “Tools for Schools” program, helps all students in the school by providing them with a backpack, filled with pencils, paper and other supplies.
Teacher Donna Zimbro, and her first grade class at Grout Elementary School, look delighted with their new backpacks, filled with school supplies.
“For a community like ours,” says the school’s principal, Susan McElroy, “a lot of families live below the poverty line. To spend up to $100 to equip a child for school is beyond their means. When you tell parents this is taken care of, I’ve had them burst into tears of joy.”
Students cheer as curtains open
As the assembly gets underway on September 7, the kids have a hard time settling down. These young students know they’re about to get a brand new backpack.
As the curtains on the school’s auditorium stage opens, revealing the treasure trove of backpacks, the young students cheer. Class by class, they line up and accept their pack.
Grout’s Principal, Susan McElroy, thanks sponsors who provided the backpacks for her students.
Many students leave hand-made thank-you notes on the stage. “Our kids are really thankful that people have taken the time to give them just a little,” McElroy says.
Volunteers from Entrepreneurs Foundation of the Northwest handed out the backpacks – sponsored by Radio Cab, Barco-Medical, Concero Technology, Fahey Ventures LLC, Hepieric Inc., Sabrix and TripWire.
© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service
From digging an educational garden, to painting and setting up a free “school supplies store” – see what a difference this large group of volunteers made one Saturday morning at Kelly Elementary School …
Christine Rhoney, SUN site manager for Kelly Elementary School, shows the school supplies they’ve put out at their “free store” to help needy kids.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
As the school year gets underway, we are pleased to see the community pitching in to help the students and teachers get off to a good start.
In the Lents Neighborhood, Kelly Elementary School got a boost on September 8 from about 75 volunteers from Imago Dei Community, a Christian church of 1,400 members that meets at Franklin High School.
“All I can say is ‘whoopee’!” exclaims Kelly’s principal, Sharon Allen. She apologizes for her exuberance; we ask why she’s excited. “From painting, to cleaning and trimming, these volunteers are doing our school a world of good today.”
Trimming bushes around the school are Imago Dei Community members Patrick Wilson, Amber Pierce, and Diane Galvez.
Inside the school, we are introduced to JJ Bjordahl, an organizer of the event. He tells us their group selected Kelly school as part of their “Love Portland” project. “Helping the community is part of the mission of our Community.”
In Kelly’s gym, Christine Rhoney, SUN site manager for Kelly Elementary School, tells us more about the project.
“We partnered with Imago Dei Community last year,” she explains. They helped us put on an end-of-school picnic at Blue Lake Park. They wanted Kelly to be one of the schools they helped this year.”
The front of the gym has been turned into a “store” of kids clothing and school supplies – to outfit at least 200 kids.
“This is awesome! Look at all these school supplies they’ve donated,” points out Rhoney. “This ‘free store’ is so necessary in our community; we’re in a high poverty area. It is very difficult for families to buy supplies for students. This clothing and these supplies will really help our students get off to a good start.”
Lisa Armour applies needed paint at the school’s doorway.
SUN Schools, Rhoney tells us, provide resources and referrals for families in their service area. “We’re like the community social worker. We connect families with organizations and agencies throughout the community, to enhance the programs we have here at the school.”
Many Imago Dei Community volunteers labor long and hard to build and fence an educational garden at Kelly School.
As if the cleaning, digging, pruning, and school supply donation wasn’t enough, the group also hosted a barbecue for families, as they came in to visit the free store.
“Today is a very good day at Kelly School,” summarizes Principal Allen.
© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service
Why is this school district paying for the full day program? You’ll learn why they are enthusiastic about this stepped-up program for their 5-year-olds right here, along with photos of some very cute students …
Parkrose School District’s new Director of School Improvement, Jeff Rose, says the introduction of full-day kindergarten at all of their elementary schools will help students to better throughout their educational experience.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
As school ended in Parkrose last June, we told you how – with the approval of incoming Parkrose School Superintendent Dr. Karen Fischer Gray – the district was being reorganized.
Jeff Rose, formerly the Principal at Russell Academy of Academic Achievement, was named to the newly-created post, Director of School Improvement.
Last week, we asked Rose to name the most significant change the district is undertaking this school year.
“The most important is offering full-day kindergarten at every one of our elementary schools,” Rose replied.
Rose said the district is fortunate in that they have the physical classroom space in all of their facilities for the full-day kindergarten program.
“We made the determination that one of the best investments we could make in our students’ education was full-day kindergarten. We put it our budget, making it available to every student in every school,” said Rose.
Touring the schools
We were delighted when several of the Parkrose schools invited us to see their kindergarteners participating in their first week of their educational careers….
Russell Academy of Academic Achievement
Margaret Goff’s kindergarteners enjoy story time during class at Russell Academy
At Russell Academy of Academic Achievement, we’re greeted by the school’s new Principal, Debbie Ebert, an educator with 17 years experience, five of them at Russell Academy.
“What we’ve talked about, as educators here at Russell, is the importance of having longer periods of time to get the job done,” Ebert says about their new kindergarten program. “While they did their best to teach foundation skills of reading, writing, and math, kindergarten teachers found their two-and-a-half hours a day to be too fragmented and short.”
“What is the ‘C’ sound?” asks Heather Bailey as she teaches phonics to her kindergarteners at Russell Academy.
Ebert continued, saying a full day of classes also allows teachers to incorporate more social skills learning, like “play etiquette”.
Basic literacy training, Ebert stated, is the foundation for everything. “If they have a good foundation, all of the subject areas become easier for them.”
Diane Larson with her class of new students at Russell Academy.
Diane Larson spoke with us before her tykes came back to class from morning recess. “With a whole day, we can teach these students in a way that is more developmentally appropriate for their age.”
This is not babysitting, Larson stressed. “By the end of the year, most kids are reading at some level. They can write a couple of sentences. They know the rules – but even more, they know how to be a learner. That’s our goal.”
Shaver Elementary School
Diane Carlsen helps her kindergarteners learn how to make crafts at Shaver Elementary School.
Cindy Bartman, principal of Shaver Elementary School, cheerfully greeted us at her school’s door. She’s a respected educator, having taught for 21 years, and being in administration for the past seven.
“Especially at our school,” Bartman began, “I think full-day kindergarten gives a tremendous advantage to our students. About fifty percent of our kids are Hispanic. They come to us with no English. Being allowed to have a full day of kindergarten, our students get much more English language development than they would during a short day.”
Shaver Elementary kindergarten teacher Michaelle Lenius works on a project that teaches shapes with her new learners.
By the time their students enter first grade, Bartman continued, “they’re already learning to read and write. We’re very academic; it is truly a bonus for students to go into first grade knowing phonics – how to put sounds together – and starting developing strong vocabulary skills, as well.”
The Shaver Principal went on to mention that, in addition to Spanish, their students come from homes in which eleven other non-English languages are spoken. “Here, everybody gets a fair chance at learning English. They all benefit.”
Sacramento Elementary School
Dianna Recinos teaches her class at Sacramento Elementary School.
Completing our tour was a visit to Sacramento Elementary School. Principal Stevie Blakely echoed the sentiments we heard from educators at the other schools.
“This year,” Blakely noted, “We have 72 kindergarteners at the school. We have had parents who have not sent their other kids to part-day kindergarten. Now that we’re offering a full-time academic kindergarten, we’re having more parents who want their kids to participate.”
Parkrose 5-year-olds can enroll in kindergarten late as September 30, under certain circumstances. Check with the district office for details.
© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service
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