Learn why 20 breeders, trainers, and volunteers brought a full-blown dog show and demonstration to the kids of this fine outer SE Portland school‚

Dog show organizer Jennifer Clohessy spends a moment with David Douglas High School student Judy Davis and her dog, Frazier.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Mill Park Elementary School’s gym becomes a dog show stadium‚ complete with a 60′ x 40′ ring‚ on May 5. In this ring, twenty breeders and trainers put their dogs on display, demonstrating their obedience, agility, and confirmation skills.

Among the 35 well-trained dogs present, there isn’t hardly a bark in the bunch.

“We’re putting on this assembly to teach children about AKC breeds and responsible pet ownership,” explained Judy Davis, president of Vancouver Kennel Club.

“It’s important for kids to know about different breeds of dogs, and know how to take care of them. Young people need to know both how much work it is to keep a pet ‚Äì but also know how much love their pet can give back to them,” Davis tells us.

Research before you buy
One of the most important things, Davis continues, “is that parents need to ‘do their homework’ before they buy a dog. Make sure you have the right size; you know the temperament of the breed; how much work is involved in grooming and exercising the dog. A dog isn’t a ‘toy’ or ‘fashion accessory’. Pick your dog carefully.”

In the obedience portion of the show, Jennifer Clohessy puts Frazier through his paces.

Obedience demonstrated
One of the trainers we met was Jennifer Clohessy, a student at David Douglas High School.

She introduces us to Frazier. “He’s a Canadian champion ‘Caledon Deuces are Wild’. Yes, that is the name of the breed,” she confirms in response to our quizzical expression. “It is a Shetland Sheepdog, also known as a Sheltie.”

The high school junior says she’s in David Douglas’ “health track” program. “I plan to major in veterinary medicine in college,” she says.

When it is his turn, Clohessy releases Frazier. He races forward, jumps hurtles, scampers through a U-turn tunnel, and hops over the obstacles before he returns to his trainer. The fast-paced action wins the approval of the young student audience‚ they break into cheers and applause.

In the obedience demonstration, Frazier walks, stops, and “stays” at Clohessy’s side‚ his eyes on his master at all times.

We ask Clohessy why her dog is so well trained.

“Actually, I have three of them. I just fell in love the breed,” the perky teenager replies. “It takes daily training. This means three to four hours every day‚ per dog. It takes lots of time.”

We ask if her social life has “gone to the dogs”.

Clohessy  aughs and says, “You’re right!”

Dan Butcher puts his golden retriever, Tommy, through is paces.

Breeder Dan Butcher is the event’s MC. During the confirmation portion of the assembly‚ it’s like a beauty show of dogs‚ he interviews the trainers about their breeds of dogs.

While the young students seem to enjoy the action demonstrations, they really appear to enjoy the time when they could pet the dogs and meet the trainers and ask questions.

As we think back about this special school assembly, we wonder who had the most fun‚ the kids, the trainers, or the dogs.

Torri and Kylee Tjensvold with Liberty and Herbie Chow-chows, father and son.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

Some folks say we should give our kids healthier foods. See how this Centennial-area school is growing fresh snacks for students‚ and neighbors‚ to enjoy‚

budding arborists Alex Pereira, Jack Ollenbrook, and Wiliam Ollenbrook help Patty Hicks, Centennial Neighborhood Association board member, prepare the soil in which grape plant starts will be set.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Thanks to the work of a school, volunteers and a neighborhood grant, a “feast for those on foot” will soon be growing along the fence at the Franciscan Montessori Earth School, just off SE Division St. on 148th Avenue, in the Centennial neighborhood.

“We’re calling this the ‘Eatable Schoolyard/Eatable Sidewalk,’ Project,” explains the groundskeeper, Marc Boucher-Colbert.

Talia and Kaya Koida-Jeffrey help Marc Boucher-Colbert dig the holes for the new grape plants.

“The idea is to promote a sense of community. In a couple of years as people are walking by, they’ll be able to reach out and grab a healthy snack. And, students will be able to come over and graze of a few grapes, too. We’re joining together with our community to promote healthy eating,” says Boucher-Colbert.

He says he first got the idea when he learned of an “Eatable Schoolyard” project in California. “We have so much property here‚ and a kind of ugly chain-link fence. It made sense to grow some grapes!”

They’re growing six varieties of table grapes, both red and green seedless varieties. The plants, provided by a nursery in Molalla, were chosen because they thrive in Portland’s climate.

Marc Boucher-Colbert says six varieties of seedless table grapes will grace the school’s sidewalk.

Neighborhood coalition funds project
East Portland Neighborhood Office’s Richard Bixby is on hand to watch the planting.

Bixby explains how it was funded, telling us, “The city has provided for a neighborhood grant program this year. It supports community-building projects like these. The grants are approved for projects that are designed to gather people together, around a common effort, to improve their community.”

Franciscan Montessori Earth School
holds ‘Earth Carnival’

Duncan Tharp and mom Teri at the Toilet Bowl Toss.

“Welcome to our Franciscan Montessori Earth Day Carnival,” greets Edie Chomajan, chair of the event.

“We have all kinds of things here. Our carnival games are all earth-preservation minded. But the main focus is on having fun,” Chomajan adds. “We chose this theme because we are the Franciscan Montessori Earth School‚ a great way for us to tie in with one of our founding themes.”

Megan and Roy Wagner enjoy the tunes of banjo player Paul Silveria.

The Burgerville kitchen crew is Trevor Stanner, Kristin Knight-Stanner, manager Joe Tharp, Christina Duplantis. Back working the grill is Steve Cox.

The aroma of Tillamook Cheeseburgers, hot off the grill, signals that Burgerville is partnering with yet another non-profit organization. “What we’re doing is providing meals today,” Joe Tharp manager of 92nd & Powell Burgerville says, “and donating all the proceeds back to the school.”

Dewayne Hatcher and daughter Sarah have fun at the Coin Toss.

In addition to providing Earth-Day-themed fun, Chomajan says the event is great way for students, families and the community to come together.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

Subtly infused with popular music, this abbreviated adaptation of Shakespeare’s classic swirls with activity. See our exclusive photos of this show, which ends on May 12‚

In this modern adaptation of William Shakespeare’s 1595 play, Romeo Montague (Tyree Harris) and Juliet Capulet (Jacquelle Davis) endure a brief and troubled romance.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Parkrose High School Thespian Troupe 1783 brings to life William Shakespeare’s story concerning the fate of two young “star-cross’d lovers” in their current production, Romeo and Juliet.

The work, one of the most famous of Shakespeare’s plays, is considered to be the archetypal love story of all time; this version was adapted by the Parkrose High School theater instructor, Ms. Zena. Click HERE to read our full story about this production

Juliet asks Nurse (Mikki Boyt) to help her learn more about Romeo.

The hotheaded Tybalt Capulet (Austin Crumbley), the cousin of Juliet, lies mortally wounded in the arms of his mother, Lady Capulet (Meghan Hodge), after losing a sword fight to his rival, Romeo.

Music and movement accentuate dramatic effect
Zena’s terse editing of the multi-hour play makes this version move smartly along ‚Äì yet none of the emotion of this poignant tale is lost.

Unlike many modern adaptations, the actors speak their parts using Shakespeare’s language. “The difference is,” Zena says, “this adaptation ‘gets to the point’, so the scenes move along.”

From the opening moments, the stage comes alive, swirling with activity and intrigue, as Romeo first sees Juliet at a costume ball.

The soundtrack created by the troupe‚ featuring a variety of modern music‚ truly enhances the dramatic effect of the dialog.

Believing Juliet has poisoned herself, her father, Montague (Sterling Arkills), and Nurse prepare her for burial.

Juliet awakens from her sleeping potion in the family crypt, only to find her new husband, Romeo, has taken his life. Overcome with grief, she then follows him in death.

Limited seating available

Because of this unique seating arrangement, each performance will be limited to 150 audience members. Don’t miss out on “culture-made-fun”‚ call (503) 408-2621 to reserve your tickets today.

Romeo & Juliet
May 11 and 12

Tickets $5 for all patrons
7 p.m. curtain

“Black Box Theatre”
Parkrose High School
12003 NE Shaver Street (at NE 122nd Ave.)

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

Come to Midland Park’s 3rd Annual Plant Sale on May 20, and you’ll be buying one of the fine-quality native plants raised by these enterprising 4th Grade students‚

Ventura Park School fourth-grade students Shaina Grace, Jesse Cetz, Andrew Eblen and Tanya Pezchenko are just a few of Ronnda Stapleton’s students who raised and tended these plants for sale on May 20 at Midland Park.

Story and photo by David F. Ashton
Walking into their greenhouse, we are amazed to see all the beautiful native Oregon plants raised and tended by students at Ventura Park School.

“The thirty students in my fourth-grade class have raised and cared for these plants,” explains their teacher, Ronnda Stapleton.

“This project helps our students learn to take ownership‚ to take care of‚ something that is not theirs,” explains Stapleton. “We will be selling these plants at the Midland Park Native Plant sale.”

The teacher said her students started working on this project in January. “The money they raise from the plant sale will go to support their Oregon Trail Trip. And, it will help us beautify our school’s courtyard.”

Native Plant Sale at Midland Park is May 20
The Jane’s Park Group is bringing in top quality native plants, we learn from volunteer Linda Robinson. “Some were purchased bare root, then nurtured; some were dug up from volunteers’ yards, and a few were donated by the Portland Parks Bureau.”

Robinson adds that informational displays and literature will be available about native plants, naturescaping, urban wildlife habitat and more. “The sale helps raise funds for events at the park, including completion of the new butterfly garden,” says Robinson.

The sale runs on Sunday, May 20 from 1:00 to 4:00 pm at Midland Park — just behind Midland Library, 805 S.E. 122nd Ave.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

The garden created by students and staff at this school is both beautiful and instructional, they say. Read about it right here‚

As part of the dedication of their garden, class by class, students walked the serpentine path to admire their work.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
A project‚ a school garden, started last summer‚ has come to fruition at Sacramento School in NE Portland. And it looks like the students enjoy it as much as do the adults.

“We wanted to create an environment that was welcoming to both the students and to members of the community,” explains Paul Crowley, a counselor at the school. “And, we wanted to bring in more science and nature into the educational process.”

Part of the idea, Crowley tells us‚ on the day of the garden’s dedication, April 18‚ is to give students hands-on activities. “We have a computer lab, but we wanted to also have more physical activities to help balance their education.”

Each grade at the school, we’re told, is responsible for one of the beds.

Teaching responsibility
We watch as the students walk among the raised garden beds. Crowley says that each grade level, kindergarten through fifth grade, has the responsibility of caring for one of the garden beds.

“Everybody had a hand in doing it. What makes it work is that everybody is involved in it,” says Crowley.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

See the triumphant return of teenagers from Winterhaven School and da Vinci Middle School, after they bested all other teams at the international First Lego League competition, and won the gold‚ er, plastic‚ trophy‚

The triumphant “Pigmice” return to Winterhaven School: Co-coach Kasi Allen Fuller, Nathan Fuller, Morgan Pengelly, Olivia Bolles (a daVinci Middle School student), Keegan Livermore, Flannery Bethel, Hallie Frost and co-coach Greg Banks.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
When the van transporting the team of three girls and three boys, all seventh-graders, pulled up on front of Winterhaven School in Southeast Portland on April 16, the cheers of hundreds of students rang through the neighborhood.

This team, known as “The Pigmice”, first became friends when they all attended third grade together at the now-closed Edwards Elementary.

The student body of Winterhaven School turns out with signs and banners to welcome the Team Pigmice, the First Lego League world champions.

Co-coached by Lewis & Clark College education professor Kasi Allen Fuller and builder Greg Banks, “Pigmice” team members are Winterhaven students Nathan Fuller, Morgan Pengelly, Keegan Livermore, Flannery Bethel, Hallie Frost and daVinci Middle School student Olivia Bolles.

“It’s clear that being long-time friends, instead of just teammates, gave them an advantage,” comments co-coach Greg Banks. “Part of their score is based on how well they work together as a team.”

We learn these young inventors prepared for this competition for four years, partly by learning three computer languages.

Members of the Pigmice seemed genuinely surprised by the grand welcome they received from fellow students and faculty members.

SE Portland’s Pigmice take on the world
Cathy Swider, Oregon Robotics Tournament & Outreach Program administrator, fills us in on the massive scope of the competition won by The Pigmice. 90,000 students from 49 countries participated in the FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) LEGO League (FLL) season.

Swider tells us, “In Oregon, the Pigmice competed and won the Intel Oregon FLL Qualifying and Championship Tournaments among a field of 359 teams. Then, they advanced to the World Festival where they competed against 94 teams from 22 countries in Atlanta, Georgia April 12 – 14.”

In Atlanta’s Georgia Dome, Swider says, the Pigmice team ran their robot on the “challenge field” to determine their robot’s performance. “The team also met with technical judges who assessed their scientific knowledge.”

Then, the close-knit team made a project presentation, focusing on a nanotechnology solution to the problem of plastics pollution in the Pacific Ocean. Finally the team completed a “teamwork exercise” in view of teamwork judges.

The result: the Pigmice were judged to be the team that scored the highest in all categories and demonstrated gracious professionalism.

“They were awarded the 2007 FIRST LEGO League 1st Place Champion’s Award,” says Swider. “In addition, they will be guests of IBM’s Don Eigler, known as the Father of Nanotechnology. Compliments of IBM, the team will visit the IBM Venture Research Park, to meet with nanotechnology scientists and engineers.”

Students, faculty and family of the Pigmice rush to welcome the returning students.

The winners speak
“Our project presentation went really well,” says Morgan Pengelly. “The judges liked our presentation, so we were one of ten or so teams who were called back. That was really cool. It put us closer to where we were aiming.”

Pengelly continues, “Then, we got the highest score we could get on the ‘table run’. I know other teams did well, but I think we were balanced in every category.”

Asked about the robots, Keegan Livermore volunteers, “We made a robot out of Lego parts and electronic parts. Every robot is allowed an NXT, a little computer that you can program. So you can use the NXT along with light, touch, and rotation sensors to drive motors. The touch sensor, for example, lets the robot ‘feel’ something.”

Importance of winning
We asked the group why they thought bringing home the championship to Oregon is important. Nathan Fuller replies for the group, “I think it has opened up a lot of new doors for Oregon First Lego League. We’re getting publicity.”

More than just basking in the public spotlight, Fuller thoughtfully continues, “We’ll be able to attract more students to this kind of activity. Hopefully, we’ll be having 475 teams competing next year. Hopefully, we’ll increase Oregon’s level of competition, so another team can go and take the World Championship next year.”

As the throng of students surges to meet their world championship team, Pigmice team member Hallie Frost gets a big hug from friends. “I’ve been attacked,” she says, “but in a good way. This is so sweet.”

Why “Pigmice”?

“Pigmice is a game, explains Hallie Frost. When a TV reporter asked, specifically why they chose the name, she adds with a twinkle in her eye,  “Because there are more than one of us. Otherwise, it would be ‘Pigmouse’. In the game, Pigmice are a highly evolved form of sewer rat that lives in the garbage disposal.”

Plastic trophy, golden feelings
Frost proudly shows us their trophy. “This is the trophy that signifies we’re the best team in the world. Yes, it is made entirely of Legos. The feeling right now is ‘wow’.”

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

No one will nod off for a nap during this adaptation of this classic Shakespeare play! See why you should get tickets right now to see this limited run, “black box” production May 10‚11, 12‚

Juliet (Jacquelle Davis) and Romeo (Tyree Harris) prepare for a scene from the upcoming production of Romeo & Juliet.

Story and photo by David F. Ashton
While thousands of people travel to Ashland to see the works of William Shakespeare every summer‚ most regular folks usually consider his plays to be long, and rather boring, shows.

Entering Stage Left: ‘Black Box’ Romeo & Juliet
“This production of Shakespeare is more to-the-point,” says Parkrose High School theater instructor, and director of Thespian Troupe 1783, Ms. Zena.

“We changed the pacing‚ the scenes blend one into another,” she adds. “The action is continuous. And, we’ve created a sound track to go with the production‚ this enhances the dramatic effect of the words.”

Unlike “Arsenic & Old Lace“‚ presented on stage with a professional multi-level set and theatrical lighting‚ this production of Romeo & Juliet is what Zena describes as a “black-box” style of theater.

The first thing audience members will notice is that they are being seated on the stage of the Parkrose Theater. “We’re using alternative spaces in the theater, including the catwalks and stairs, for example,” she explains.

Intimate drama
The action takes place on the stage, in and amongst the audience members, allowing for a more intimate theatrical experience.

“The show will run a little over an hour,” Zena continues. “This version of Romeo & Juliet is abbreviated quite a bit. It makes it more of a one-act style production. We’re still using Shakespeare’s language‚ but instead of saying everything three times, as he’s written‚ we’re saying it once. We’re getting to the point.”

The idea is, Zena tells us, it to make Shakespeare more accessible to the school’s younger audience, and “to introduce our community audience who may not have seen a performance of Shakespeare’s work.”

Adapting Shakespeare’s plays isn’t new to Zena. “I’ve been doing this with Shakespeare for thirteen years. I really like creating these adaptations, because it encourages kids to explore, and get excited about, Shakespeare. Typically, most young people‚ in fact, many actors‚ are ‘afraid’ of Shakespeare. Presenting Shakespeare in this way makes his work fun.”

Limited tickets
Because of this unique seating arrangement, each performance will be limited to 150 audience members. Don’t miss out on “culture-made-fun”‚ call (503) 408-2621 to reserve your tickets today.

Romeo & Juliet

• May 10, 11, 12
• Tickets $5 for all patrons
• 7 p.m. curtain

At the “Black Box Theatre”
Parkrose High School
12003 NE Shaver Street (at NE 122nd Ave.)

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

See this story about the Earth Day event that drew in neighbors from the entire district‚

Youthful artists Brandon and Amanda Boothby help create an Earth Day mural at Ventura Park School.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
“Come on in,” beams Susan Gerritz, Principal of Ventura Park School, on April 14. “We’re having an Earth Day Education Celebration for the whole community.”

Students from the elementary school invited their neighbors, family, and friends, Gerritz tells us, as she works in the school’s greenhouse.

Many people who came in to celebrate Earth Day at Ventura Park School participated in activities ranging from making “worm boxes” to making artistic hats out of newspaper‚ fun ways to learn about recycling.

What’s important about this event, Gerritz informs us, is that “we’re helping people learn what they can do to take care of our planet, and leave it in good hands with the next generation.”

The idea for this celebration started, Gerritz says, with a METRO grant allowing students to do restoration work in the community‚ primarily removing invasive plant species in the area.

David Douglas High juniors Kaila Murray and Amanda Krekow help visitors play a “Find the Animal” game.

“We have a massive recycling effort here at the school. Every milk carton is recycled. We have a ‘Green Team’ which visits our classrooms and rates how we’re doing with recycling or paper, and turning lights and computers off,” Gerritz goes on.

The Principal adds that this event is actually the culmination of a year-long educational effort. At this event, students demonstrate concepts they’ve learned at school.

Jason McCarty and Kendra Rose learn how to write their name in Japanese from Marcia Watanabe.

“It is important to educate young people, their parents, and the community the ways to reduce, reuse, recycle, and restore in everyday life,” adds Gerritz. “We want to teach children ‘sustainability’‚ how to take care of the earth. We educate children, not only academically but environmentally, here at Ventura Park.”

Krista Hickey, Tiffany Anderson, and Jennifer Theede sell flowers they made, to help support their David Douglas Ecology Club.

You, too, might be amazed at how much food these elementary school kids gathered to help feed the needy. Take a look, and see why they did it‚

The Russell Academy’s 1st grade class collected the most food for the needy. They’re joined by their teaching assistant (sorry, we missed her name), teacher Tammy Hess, and the school’s Food Services supervisor, Rena Mauldin.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Students at Parkrose’s Russell Academy of Academic Achievement celebrated National Nutrition Month throughout the month of March by learning good eating habits.

“In addition to the food education program,” explained Joan Opp, Parkrose School District’s food services manager, “we also wanted to contribute to the needs of our community.”

Russell Academy’s food service supervisor, Rena Mauldin, championed the notion of having a food-collecting contest among the rooms, Opp said.

“Our students asked why we’re doing this food drive,” continued Opp. “This gave us the chance to tell them that some people in our community don’t have enough food to eat. We’re sharing our food with their family.”

Collect a truckload of food
The idea caught on, and soon stockpiles of nonperishable foods were growing.

Tammy Hess’ 1st grade class collected the most. “They worked really hard to bring food for the drive to help food for hungry people,” she said.

A “beep-beep-beep” sound signaled that a large Parkrose School District truck was backing up to the school’s door.

“All of this food will be delivered today,” Mauldin told us. “It’s going to our ‘local’ food bank, Crossroads Cupboard, on NE 102nd. This food resource will stay here in Parkrose, helping Parkrose families.”

Helping move the food into the Crossroads Cupboard, Louise Tatro supervises Parkrose School District workers [behind] John Butler, Al Lanxon.

Warmed by kids’ “good hearts”
At the Crossroads Cupboard, we met the organization’s secretary–volunteer Louise Tatro. “I’ve been working with the food bank for 20 years now. It’s affiliated with Crossroads Christian Church.”

As the men unloaded the truck, Tatro exclaimed, “It is wonderful to get this food. Earlier today, in a two-hour period, we served more than 82 families. The families are large, which means we helped 200 people in total.”

Tatro said this outpouring of food‚ gathered by kids‚ warmed her heart. “It’s wonderful that grade school students do this. Some people think today’s kids are just ‘throwaways’‚ but they are, in fact, good kids. This shows they have good hearts and want to help. We really appreciate the help.”

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

The principal knew the grocery store manager was about to present a gift to his school. But see just how BIG a check this southern outer East Portland received‚

West Powellhurst Elementary’s principal, Allen Browning, welcomes his young students back after Spring Break.

Story and photo by David F. Ashton
Streams of kids pour into the gym at West Powellhurst Elementary a few minutes before their assembly begins, in early April.

Principal Allen Browning confides, “I invited you here so that you can learn about the connection we’ve made between an area business and our school.”

The school buys supplies for many of the school’s events at their nearby Safeway store, says Browning. “And, they’ve also been a great supporter of our projects; they donate food and beverages for many of our events.”

No April Fools joke
Into the gym then walks Joe Quigley, manager of the Safeway store at SE 122nd Ave. at Powell Blvd. And, he’s holding a VERY large check in his hand.

“We’re presenting West Powellhurst Elementary with a check in the amount of $1,105.05,” says Quigley with a big smile. “This money came from the generosity of our customers, and the employees at the store. We have collection canisters at our check-out stands. Any spare change customers wanted to donate they placed in the canister.”

Joe Quigley, manager of the Safeway store that “adopted” the school, greets the student audience.

Quigley says he chose the school because of its proximity to the store. “Many of the students’ families shop with us. We had a couple of teachers at this school introduce themselves to me when I started managing this store. Our relationship has grown from there.”

The store manager explains that the store’s employees themselves decide who will get the funds from the “spare change” canisters for a ten-month period.

“It’s great. I’m excited‚ and enjoy seeing the kids,” exclaims Quigley. “After we made a presentation at the school last year, supporting breast cancer research, many of the students have come up to me to say hello. It is great to build this kind of connection with our community.”

Safeway’s Joe Quigley and Principal Allen Browning “show us the money” which was donated by the store’s shoppers and employees.

Funds support good behavior
Browning says the school buys a lot of small prizes for positive behavior support program.

“We also conduct fundraisers with our booster organization‚ we’re looking to replace some of our old playground equipment. But we also do field trips and assemblies‚ this money helps support that as well,” Browning adds.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

From a field of 14 candidates, meet Dr. Karen Fischer Gray, the new superintendent of Parkrose School District. Read this and you’ll learn more about this dynamic educator ‚Ķ

-1 Dr. Karen Fischer Gray tells with Parkrose residents and educators how her experience will help Parkrose Schools continue to improve.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Two weeks ago, we outlined how Parkrose School District board members, led by Superintendent Michael Taylor, undertook a six-month process of self-evaluation. (Click here to read article.)

With their goals and expectations for the future of education in Parkrose well in mind, the board set about finding a new leader to fill Taylor position after he retires in June.

After traveling to their districts, checking their backgrounds and credentials, and conducting numerous employment interviews, board members invited everyone in the community to meet the two finalists on March 8. The candidate not selected, in the end, was Fern Ridge School District [near The Dalles, OR] Superintendent Ivan Hernandez.

Meet the candidate chosen
“My forte is excellence in educational design,” said Dr. Karen Gray, currently supervisor of the Coos Bay school system, and an educator for 27 years. “My goal is to bring ‘education for all’, whatever it takes,” she began.

Gray pointed out recent improvements in Coos Bay schools. “All of our schools are strong. We’ve done that by having a common vision for our kids. What I’ve done there is directly transferable to Parkrose.”

Gray said her first job was as a speech pathologist in New York City. She and her family ‚Äì her husband, and three kids ‚Äì moved to Oregon in 1990. “I’m not using this as a stepping-stone to somewhere else. We love Oregon and plan to stay here.”

And “here”, Gray added, is Parkrose. “Out on the coast, I see superintendents living in cities away from their districts. I believe in living where I’m serving.”

Sharing her educational ideals, Dr. Gray outlines her educational ideals at a public meeting on March 8.

Gray’s matters
“Above all,” Gray told us, “student health and safety is the most important. And, meeting needs for students with disabilities and special needs is important.

“I’m a firm believe in ‘behavior support’. I don’t call it discipline. Supporting good behavior helps students grow to be good adults.”

Gray also said she sees the need for adjunct activities, such as music and other performing arts programs in schools; and she advocated for early musical training.

She shared her passion for an educational system that prepares young people for whatever they choose to do. “We need to meet the needs of students, whether they go to college, take further vocational training, or enter the job market. Relevant, responsible education, that helps students connect with their school helps students develop the passion they need to succeed.”

Connecting with parents and kids
Gray said she’s formed advisory groups to keep her connected with her educators, parents and students.

“In addition to talking with teachers and parents, I also created ‘Gray’s Group’, consisting of students in grades nine through twelve. Through them, I get direct feedback from our young people.”

We learned that Gray earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from California State University at Fullerton, and her doctorate from the University of Oregon.

Parkrose school board president, Katie Larsell says they’re currently in negotiations with Gray.

The board plans to formally introduce Gray to the community when Gray’s contract has been finalized.

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

But seriously folks — can being a cartoonist a “real” job? Learn what a full class of Parkrose area students learned from professional cartoonist Steve Lieber ‚Ķ

Professional cartoonist Steve Lieber holds nothing back as he demonstrates some of the skills required to draw comics – and earn a living doing it.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The class, sponsored jointly by Parkrose High School and Multnomah County Libraries, was packed with serious-faced students.

No one was clowning around, even though the class was called “Cartoon Workshop”. The students for this elective course, who were mostly of high school age, came to hear and learn from Steve Lieber, a top cartoonist.

Most class attendees knew Lieber’s credentials: His work is published by Marvel, DC, Dark Horse, and Oni Press.

Likes sharing his knowledge
“It was great to be asked to do this,” Lieber told us. “I like talking with young artists. If I’d had a class like this when I was in high school, it would have saved me two years of misapplied effort when I was in college.”

Professional cartoon artist Steve Lieber tells the class, “Anyone can do this, if they work at it.”

Made, not born
To the surprise of some, Lieber said great cartoonists are just ordinary people; anyone can do it if they apply themselves.

“Cartoonists are made, not born. 95% of it is sheer hard work,” commented Lieber.

“I’ve known only two cartoon ‘naturals’, and neither of them do it for a living. Both of them were born with fantastic abilities. But, they never worked at getting any better, so they never improved,” he explained.

Secret of success
We asked Lieber to share his secret for succeeding in the competitive world of commercial comic art.

He spilled the beans: “All the people I know got good by doing about 10,000 really crappy drawings. You learn not to make mistakes by making a whole lot of them. Soon, you start to make some good ones.”

In addition to demonstrating cartooning techniques, Lieber encourages the students as he critiques their work and offers them individual suggestions during the class.

Arranges Parkrose class
One of the reasons this class was held in the Parkrose High library was that that’s is the only area school teaching courses in animation. We learned from the school’s librarian, Stephanie Thomas, that some of these students got extra credit by taking this class.

“Of the 26 class members,” Thomas said, “most of them are from our school. This class wasn’t just for Parkrose students. Any one who wanted to sign up, regardless of their age.”

Thomas told us she collaborated with Multnomah County Library to bring Lieber to the school.

“We partner with the Multnomah County Library,” Lieber continued. “Special classes are open to the public, but are primarily held for our community of students. Instead of having the students travel to Midland Library, the teacher came here. It’s great to be able to partner with them.”

Special agreement with county
Some Parkrose residents still resent that the County withdrew support of a branch library at the high school – after it was constructed.

Because the Parkrose High library was once intended to be part of the county library system, Lieber explained, “We have a special agreement. This is the only school in the county offering an inter-library loan. Any of our students or staff can have any material in the entire system brought here and dropped off.”

The result is, Lieber concluded, that Parkrose High students get an increased number of opportunities they wouldn’t otherwise have. “I’m glad we are able to expand our offerings to our students ‚Äì both in terms of tangible resources, and special classes.”

© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service