Learn why these adults volunteer to help high school kids discover their career and higher education goals. When you read this, you, too, may choose to give an hour a week to help out …
New ASPIRE counselor Bethe Mack helps Parkrose High senior Christian Harrison sort out educational options.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Christian Harrison is a bright-eyed, ambitious senior at Parkrose High School who sees a future for herself in fashion merchandising.
“I’d like to learn the fashion business,” Harrison tells us. “I want to go to college and get an education.”
Harrison says preparing for life after high school would be a more difficult without the help of her ASPIRE counselor. “It’s good to have someone there to give opinions, and help you sort through the forms and decide on options.”
Helping Harrison fulfill her aspirations is Parkrose ASPIRE counselor Bethe Mack.
“I remember how overwhelming it can be,” Mack tells us, “when you are young, and thinking about what to do after high school. It would have been nice to have an ASPIRE counselor when I was thinking about college and trying to deciding what to do.”
Although Mack only volunteers one hour per week, she says “It’s really fun. It feels good to hang out with, and help, young people.”
Jim Lipscomb, seen here helping Adrian Altanirano, has assisted many students to better prepare for their future after they leave Parkrose High.
Loves working with kids
Another ASPIRE volunteer, Jim Lipscomb, has been with the program for three years. “I’m helping eleven students now,” he says, “and I take on two more next week.”
We ask Lipscomb why he is an ASPIRE counselor.
“The ASPIRE program is set up to make it easy for adult volunteers to help kids find more success in life. I get as much out of the program as do my students,” Lipscomb says.
No experience needed
What is ASPIRE? It’s an acronym, standing for “ASsistance Programs In Reach of Everyone”.
We ask the program coordinator, Teena Ainslie, how an individual would know if they’d like being involved in the ASPIRE program.
“Ask yourself these questions,” Ainslie replies:
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“Are concerned about the future workforce of our country?
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“Will you give a little yourself to help improve a young person’s entire life by helping them get a great career?
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“Can you spend as little as an hour per week with students?”
If you answer “yes“, Ainslie wants to hear from you.
“First of all,” she tells us, “no experience is necessary. We provide all training and coaching materials. Your training time is adapted to fit around your schedule.”
The more ASPIRE “College Coaches” they have, Ainslie continues, the more students will be helped to the next phase of their lives. “Whether planning for college, a trade or technical school, or other higher learning, we help young people move into the life-long learning program of their choice.”
Learn more
Ainslie asks you not to wait. “There is still time to help this year’s high school seniors ‚Äì we have more students than counselors.”
Call Ainslie today at (503) 408-2642, or Meg Kilmer at (503) 408-2681, to learn more about this great volunteer opportunity.
© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service
Try to guess what these actors are up to as they work on their parts for Arsenic & Old Lace – a play in which murder is, well, really funny …
Members of Parkrose High School Thespian Troupe 1783, Blair Osborn, Tom Crawford, Molly Wirth, Derek Herman and Maria Rose, work out the staging for Arsenic & Old Lace opening on March 1.
Story and photo by David F. Ashton
Take a look at the scenery they’re building, and you’ll know the student actors at Parkrose High School are hard at work getting ready to present a witty show, Arsenic & Old Lace, running March 1, 2 and 3.
About play’s story line
While his other plays weren’t commercial successes, Joseph Kesselring’s Arsenic & Old Lace had a very successful first run, a strong revival in the 1980s and was made into a motion picture.
The play is a farce (madcap comedy marked with many mix-ups) revolving around Mortimer Brewster, a theatre-hating drama critic who must deal with his crazy family ‚Äì and the local police. He’s debating whether to go through with a honeymoon with the woman he loves.
His family includes two spinster aunts who have taken to “helping out” lonely old men. It also includes a brother who believes he’s Teddy Roosevelt and digs locks for the Panama Canal in their home’s cellar and a criminally murderous brother who has received plastic surgery from alcoholic accomplice to conceal his identity.
“Don’t forget Brewster’s poor nephew” reminds theater program Director, Ms. Zena, “he thinks he’s going crazy ‚Äì and with all this insanity going on, perhaps is!”
One weekend only
You’ll have a great time watching this story unfold. Plan now to attend the theater on March 1, 2, or 3. Showtime is at 7 p.m. at Parkrose High School Theater, 12003 NE Shaver Street, Portland, OR 97230.
For ticket information, call: (503) 408-2621.
© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service
See why an inner Southeast Portland winery and brewery got together to host a seafood and sausage fest, raising funds for a school’s educational foundation ‚Ķ
Serving up the crabs are students Hannah Giger, Elizabeth Van Brocklin, and Sarah Menashe, at the CHS “Claws and Dogs” fest.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Two unique Southeast Portland adult-beverage businesses, Hip Chicks Do Wine and Hair of the Dog Brewing Company aren’t easy to find. They’re tucked back in an industrial park on S.E. 23rd Ave., east of the train yard, and just south of the SE Holgate Boulevard viaduct.
But their secret location didn’t stop more than 250 supporters of the Cleveland High School Foundation from finding their way recently to a new event called “Claws and Dogs for Cleveland”.
Ready to raise a glass celebrating the new event are Lisa Dandrea and Laurie Lewis, “wine goddesses” of Hip Chicks Do Wine, with Traci Wall, VP of the CHS Foundation.
“We wanted to create a fun, original event,” explained Traci Wall, VP of the CHS Foundation. “So, we came up with the idea of holding a crab and bratwurst feed. With the help of these two wonderful businesses, it looks like a real success.”
Wall said fundraising was the primary reason for the festive food event. “But secondarily, this event is giving our four-year-old foundation good exposure.”
For those who wanted a brew to go with their brats, folks checked in with Alan Sprints at his Hair of the Dog Brewing Company sampling room.
Specifically, Wall added, the foundation does fundraising — strictly for Cleveland High School academics. “The funds we raise here tonight will help purchase additional teaching or counselor time.”
Event nearly sells out
Wall said they couldn’t guess just how the turnout would be on this cold, rain-swept Saturday night, January 20. But it soon became clear that the event was close to a sell-out.
Nearly 200 people turned out for the Claws and Dogs fest to help provide more in-classroom teaching hours at CHS.
Soon diners were elbow-to-elbow, cracking freshly steamed crabs and downing brat dogs – complete with all the trimmings. Two very accomplished CHS student musicians, Charlie Stanford and Grant Richards, serenaded the crowd as they feasted.
According to the foundation’s treasurer, Jim Giger, the event took in $6,400.
On the way out, the foundation’s Randy Carlson asked us to let folks know that Ted Gamble of “Good Dog Bad Dog” supplied the savory sausages for the event. “They have locations at Portland Airport and Washington Square.”
Enjoy these additional photos from the event
Entertaining the crowd are student musical artists Charlie Stanford on guitar and keyboardist Grant Richards.
Diners Kim Nickelby and Susan Mendelson say they’re having a great time digging into their crab-and-brat dinner.
“Brat-meister” Randy Carlson spent the evening grilling up the “Good Dog Bad Dog” brats at the CHS Foundation benefit event.
Get involved
If you want to help the CHS Foundation, call (503) 916-5120 during school hours, and ask for extension 449.
© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service
See how this unique David Douglas Schools program is helping kids gain a better understanding of what it’s like to be young ‚Äì and disabled ‚Ķ
Fifth-grader Max Sklyaruk is wearing vision impairment goggles. He says, “It was hard to see and concentrate. If I couldn’t see well, it would be really difficult to do good in class. I’d feel left out.”
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Menlo Park Elementary School is the home for four self-contained classrooms, providing Structured Learning Program for Academics (SLPA) to 41 students with various eligibilities.
To help students at this school gain a better understanding of their less able counterparts at the school, the staff developed a special program they offered in late January called “Come Walk in My Shoes”.
We’re invited to observe the students experience this learning session, and are greeted by Menlo Park principal Brooke O’ Neill.
Walking to the gym area, O’ Neill fills us in. “Because we house SLPA, we feel it is important that all of our kids ‚Äì both students in the SLPA program, and general education classes ‚Äì learn empathy. To see what it feels like to go through life with certain challenges. And, they learn how they can respond to those challenges, and lend a helping hand and be a friend.”
Demonstrating how students with autism can learn better through the use of instructional picture cards is teacher Jennifer Schloth.
Challenging learning situations
In the gym, we meet Suzi Zehsazian, the school’s music instructor and chair of the program.
“We’re seeing an increasing number of students with autism,” explains Zehsazian. “This year, we added autism stations.” At the first station, we find students trying to complete educational tasks after viewing instructional picture cards.
Menlo Park teacher Sarah Magnano helps students understand the “sensory overload” many autistic students must overcome.
“At another section of this station, Zehsazian continues, “we simulate the sensory overload many autistic students experience. All of their senses are overloaded, and then, we give them an academic task to do.” Most students couldn’t complete simple math problems while being exposed to static-like noise, flashing lights, and surprise sounds.
Student K D Henley tries to make it through the “motor skills course” in a wheelchair without dropping her pretend lunch tray. “It’s not easy,” she says, “I dropped it.”
Life in a wheelchair
Principal O’ Neill adds, “We also changed the ‘gross motor station’. This year, we incorporated the task of going through a door and over different textures and surfaces while holding a lunch tray.”
To many of the fifth-graders who took the course, it seems like fun at first, trying to maneuver in a wheelchair. “I learned that it is hard to be in a wheelchair,” student K. D. Henley tells us. “I was able to open a door in the wheelchair; I pushed it open, but dropped the tray.”
A unique, “home-grown” educational program
The kindergarten-through-fifth-grade program doesn’t come out of a box, Zehsazian says.
“This program is unlike any other in the Portland area. This truly came out of teachers’ experience with their kids. It’s going on all around the David Douglas School District schools.”
The event is important, Zehsazian continues, because it gives students the chance to experience something outside of their normal world-view. “They experience what it’s like to have a different ability for a while. This helps them to develop empathy and respect ‚Äì not only here, at their school, but also among people in the real world. In the future, instead of staring at a challenged individual, they can remember what it was like ‚Äì and help them in some way.”
Suzi Zehsazian, the school’s music instructor and chair of the program, making sure the one-hour class ran on time.
Both the teachers and students told us they agree that “Come Walk in My Shoes” is a great event. “It is about becoming a better, more responsible person in the community,” concludes Zehsazian. “Isn’t this part of the purpose of education?”
© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service
Without funding available to build and expand schools, read this and learn how DDS administrators are scrambling educate outer East Portland’s growing number of students with what they have ‚Ķ
Rob Buckner, 5th Grade teacher at West Powellhurst Elementary School, can’t fit even one more student into his already-packed classroom.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Voters in the David Douglas School District (DDS) made it clear, last November: “No new taxes”. The bond measure requested by the schools garnered only a 44% “Yes” vote.
But homeowner’s reluctance to increase funding hasn’t stopped their flood of new students into the already over-crowded schools.
Back to school
“Honestly, we’re having challenges finding space to educate our students, given our growing population,” is how Allen Browning, principal of West Powellhurst Elementary School put it to us.
“We’ve had combine programs and offices through the school,” Browning continued. “Our reading coach and Title 1 program are all housed in one small area. Our school counselor’s office was moved into a closet-like space. Every classroom is full. If we have any more children come here, we will have no place to put them.”
As we tour the school, Browning didn’t grumble or whine. The teachers with whom we speak appear to be cheerful and conscientious educators. Instead, they seem to have taken on their crowded situation as a challenge. The principal shows us how the gym’s former locker room was turned into first-rate classrooms to accommodate the increase in students. “We use the stage for after-school programs, the closets for book rooms. We’re making the most efficient use of the space we have.”
And, we learn, some of the other schools in the district are even more crowded, especially in the south end of the district.
Once-rural district faces explosive growth
In 1959, three small, rural districts – Russellville, Powellhurst and Gilbert – joined with the David Douglas Union High School District to form a 1st through 12th grade school district.
Over the decades, enrollment has increased, peaking in 1970. It slightly decreased during the 1980s, but has resumed growing as unincorporated East Multnomah County continues to grow.
Superintendent Barbara Rommel, David Douglas Schools.
“By 1993,” explained the district’s superintendent Barbara Rommel, “we needed additional classrooms.” Voters approved a $20 Million bond measure that funded building classrooms on existing schools, and paid to renovate others.
But the kids kept on coming. In 2000, voters approved a $40 Million bond to refurbish a once-shuttered building, and build a new middle school. It funded new classroom space at many buildings, including the high school.
But, enrollment continued to increase.
2006 adds a ‘school’s worth’ of students
“Last year, we had a 4% increase,” Rommel continued. This translates into 400 new students, she said. “In many districts, this number represents the population of an entire school.”
Because families with older students have been moving into the district, David Douglas High teaches 2,900 students. “To accommodate the increase,” Rommel explained, the school board used some ‘reserve funds’ to build an additional wing of classrooms at the high school.”
Challenges of changing demographics
Over the last five years, the superintendent told us, they’ve seen a dramatic increase in kids eligible for free or reduced cost lunches. “David Douglas has the highest level of poverty represented by that factor of any of the fifteen largest school districts in Oregon.”
Another challenge to DDS educators is the influx of newcomers to the district. “Currently, about 25% of our student population needs ‘English as a Second Language’ assistance. Those students represent over 46 different languages or dialects spoken in the home,” Rommel said.
“B” grade doesn’t translate into votes
Asked for her analysis of the fall election results, Rommel told us, “Our polls said residents give us a “B” ‚Äì a pretty good grade. So, residents feel we’re dong a pretty good job. My personal feeling is it [that ‘no’ vote] was an economic statement. I think residents were saying, ‘We just can’t afford it’.”
The FFD board was disappointed, Rommel said, “but they are pragmatists. They both understand ‚Äì and share ‚Äì the concerns of the community.”
The school board, she continued, has a dual responsibility: To be fiscally responsible with the public’s dollar; and to make sure students get a full range of educational opportunities. “An example is our music program. Students begin their instrumental music in grade school; we have full time, certified music specialists in every elementary school. As students move up the grades, the performance level of these students allows them to go into music as a career. But, our main mission is still ‘reading, writing and arithmetic’.”
Kindergarten a key to success
What helps their students do well is the kindergarten program, Rommel said. “We have full-day kindergarten for every student in our district. Since the state only funds a half-day program, the board makes up the rest the support from general funds.”
Kindergarten students in Mrs. Leah Robinson classroom get a full school day of literacy-based education.
The result: 70% of the students meet educational objectives. “The increases in learning are strongest among students who come in with some kind of learning risk factor. Students who qualify for free or reduced lunches, ESL assistance, or special education students ‚Äì all of these at-risk groups showed remarkable gains, from being in this program.”
Condemns consolidation concepts
Last fall, Mayor Tom Potter briefly floated an area-wide school consolidation plan.
“A consideration is looking for efficient use of taxpayer dollars,” Rommel responded to the notion. “Bigger isn’t necessarily better. I don’t believe most parents want their children being bussed across the metropolitan area to fill an empty school.”
Looking at the efficiency aspect, she said DDS has a fewer-than-average number of administrators; business-level and support level services are run very lean. “Look at the Chalkboard Projects’ Open Book; it shows that we manage the district in a very thrifty way.”
Rommel added that the district is almost the perfect size. “We’re small enough to retain contact with our community; yet large enough to offer a wide range of elective subjects and extracurricular activities.”
Funding the district’s future
We asked bluntly, “OK, so what’s the plan?”
“This is a dilemma,” Rommel candidly responded. “One of the options is to look at increasing class size.”
Another option, she explained, is to shuffle classrooms. “For example, a number of high school classes are being held in the Children’s Service Center. When the new high school wing is finished, we can relive pressure on crowded elementary schools by using that building for classes, even to the point of making a small primary school in that building.”
Others suggest using “modular classrooms” at existing schools. “These trailers are an expensive fix, and don’t make a good educational environment. And, with the increased school populations we’re seeing, we need every square foot of playground space we have.”
Other possibilities are to eliminate the full-day kindergarten program ‚Äì a step that would free up 10 classrooms. “It would break my heart. We’ve documented the tremendous good that the full-day program does for students. It makes them successful learners from the start, reducing resources spent on remediation.”
ABC’s of school funding
Puzzled why districts, other than Portland Public Schools, successfully raise funding, we asked why it is so difficult in outer East Portland.
“There are no industries, and little business, in the district,” Rommel explained. “The entire burden for education falls upon the homeowner and residential property owner. If you have a good industrial base, those businesses shoulder part of the responsibility ‚Äì it reduces the amount homeowners must pay.
“In Beaverton, for example, a 47 cents-per-thousand levy raises $195 Million. In DDS, a $1.12 -per-thousand levy raises only $45 Million.”
State funding possibilities
To find out if state aid might be available, we talked with a man who was educated in the DDS school system from 3rd grade through the high school level, Oregon House Speaker Jeff Merkley.
“The schools are bustin’ at the seams with more children poised to come in. The district has a substantial challenge to find classroom space,” agreed Merkley. “Our families [in the school district] are working incredibly hard. They are squeezed too tightly to afford a property tax increase.”
Merkley said the state legislature recognizes that this is significant problem for fast-growing school districts that have a low prosperity basis. “One of the ideas we’re exploring is to see if ‘system development charges’ can be used to help build new schools.”
Another concept, the “Kansas Plan”, is up for discussion, said the state legislator. “It is a brand new idea. It allows districts with lower tax base to get a matching grant from the state government. The match would be 2-to-1 in David Douglas. But I don’t know if that will have the support of educational organizations.”
You can help: volunteer
We asked if parents and interested citizens might directly help DDS schools. From the schools themselves, we learned they can.
Rommel answered, “Just go to any neighborhood school to the office, say ‘I’d like to volunteer’.”
Principal Browning added, “We get many supportive comments from parents. Parents, you are welcome to help out in our school! We’d love for you to become part of your child’s education.”
© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service
We became fans of Captain Bogg & Salty when we reported their first East Portland library show years ago. See Bogg and his merry band of musical scallywags play a benefit to help local education …
Captain Bogg works the crowd, crying out, “Give me the first group-‘Yarrrr’ ever heard in the Moreland Theater!”
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Some walking in the door are dressed like pirates; others are wearing pirate bandanas, eye patches, or tri-cornered hats. Still others are carrying skull and crossbones flags, as they file into the Moreland Theater.
Surprisingly, most of these colorfully-dressed characters aren’t children going to see a high-seas adventure matinee. Instead, they’re the adult parents of Llewellyn School students coming to see Captain Bogg & Salty and their merry pirate band of musical scallywags on January 20.
Taking tickets at the door, Julie Wright and Robin Johnson, co-presidents of the Llewellyn Foundation, say the event was nearly a sell-out.
While taking tickets from a stream of patrons coming to see the early-afternoon show, Llewellyn Foundation co-president Robin Johnson tells us, “We love our 75-year old neighborhood school. The funds we raise from this benefit concert will help us hire an extra teacher. The result will be smaller class sizes.”
Amber Buford and her family were a few of the patrons without costumes, but they said they were excited to see Portland’s world-famous pirate band.
As the band is getting ready to appear, we ask Captain Bogg how the idea for this benefit concert got started. As usual, he grumbles, grunts, and pulls his First Mate up front, to answer our query.
“Julie Wright, the parent of a Llewellyn student first approached us,” says the effable First Mate McGraw. “She had this idea that Captain Bogg & Salty could play a benefit concert at Moreland Theatre. The band agreed, and here we are!”
Captain Bogg (far left) and his musical buccaneers strike a pose for ye scribe, just before rocking out the Moreland Theater.
Typically, a sunny Saturday afternoon is prime box-office time for the Moreland Theater. We ask Jim Hunt, who runs the theater with his wife, Lynn, why they donated the space for the event, instead of selling tickets to a Hollywood movie.
“We’re glad to be helping raise funds to help out at Llewellyn School,” says Jim as he popped another batch of fresh popcorn. “Our theater is supported by the community. We’re deeply thankful for the people here in inner East Portland who support our movie house.”
The Moreland Theater is nearly sold out. This crowd knows they’re about to enjoy a rollicking good show put on the Portland’s most famous pirates.
The show starts off with Captain Bogg and the boys doing their famous “Peg-leg Pirate Tango” and “Pieces of 8ight”. From the first number onward, everyone is clapping along; some are dancing in the aisles.
On the way out Johnson stops us to say the foundation sold more than 400 tickets to the event, raising more than $2,500. “Please let everyone know how much we appreciate their support of this event on behalf of the Llewellyn Foundation.”
Johnson continues, “For helping with advance ticket sales, we thank Wallace Books, New Seasons Market, Music Millennium, and the Llewellyn School office. Also, thanks to Molly Lee and Jennifer Maxwell-Muir for the posters and tickets, and Moreland Presbyterian Church for equipment. And finally, thank you so much to the many volunteers who helped in so many ways.”
Other photos from the show we enjoyed…
The Captain sings for the appreciative crowd.
This wacky band plays for an adoring – and wacky – crowd!
© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service
Know a Bronco alumnus or supporter who deserves to be recognized? Now’s the time to recommend they be added to the school’s Hall of Fame. Here’s how ‚Ķ
Principal Roy Reynolds announces the 2nd Annual Hall of Fame program at Parkrose High School.
Story and photo by David F. Ashton
We just got word that it’s time again to make your nomination of a Parkrose High School alumnus or community member to the school’s newly-established Hall of Fame.
At the school, principal Roy Reynolds told us, “The Hall of Fame is the Parkrose School Districts’ way of showing our Parkrose graduates and community members how much we appreciate all their effort while working with our school, and then later, in their lives.”
At Parkrose High School, Reynolds added, teachers and staff work hard to give Parkrose students the best education possible. “We know their dedication, which shows in the successes of our alums and the community members who support them.”
What’s the criterion?
Parkrose High School Hall of Fame Nominees should demonstrate leadership, success in their chosen field of work, and significant contributions to community improvement.
Contact the school for a nomination form at (503) 408- 2600; then make sure to return it before March 1, 2007.
The Hall of Fame awards will be presented at the 4th Annual Parkrose Educational Foundation Auction on April 28th at the Holiday Inn on Columbia Ave. You can join the celebration: Get your tickets now by going online at www.parkroseedfdn.org, or by calling (503) 408-2106.
We asked Reynolds if there’s anything else we should add to this article. “Go Broncos!” was his reply.
© 2007 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service
See why this dance school is attracting both students and audiences to their programs …
CBA dancers Katrina Cunningham and Brooke Thornberry touch up their makeup, moments before they go onstage in “The Nutcracker”.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
For those hoping to read a review of Classical Ballet Academy’s production of “The Nutcracker”, here it is: It was wonderful!
The performance we saw, performed at St. Mary’s Academy, and delivered on its promise of presenting this holiday classic with professional costumes, extravagant sets, and original choreography.
“I thought it would be quaint,” Helen Hildebrandt told us following the afternoon performance early in December, “so, I took family, visiting from out-of-town, to see it. But we agree — the performance and staging was what you’d expect from a professional ballet company in any major city.”
Director says she loves Sellwood
Although she only opened the academy in 2004, Rigles said there are now 250 students ranging in age from 3 to 70 years. Several of her students have received scholarships for college dance programs. Last summer, ten students went to a professional dance program in Boston.
“The first classes I taught here in Portland were at the Sellwood Community Center,” Rigles said. “I wanted to start a school for people serious about ballet. The continuing support I’ve had from students and parents in inner Southeast Portland is why I chose to open the academy here.”
Behind the scenes
Rigles gave us unprecedented back-stage access, as her student dancers readied themselves for their performances.
“From September through December every year since I was three years old, ‘The Nutcracker’ has been part of my life,” Rigles told us as she adjusted a student’s costume. “I’ve danced all the different parts. It is something that is part of my life ‚Äì and now, it is part of my students’ lives, too.”
The costumes at CBA’s production of this holiday classic were charming and very professional. Here, young dancers make their final preparations to go on stage.
In every room backstage at St. Mary’s Academy, dancers were putting on their makeup and adjusting their hairstyles. Others were limbering up and stretching, getting ready to perform athletic ballet moves.
CBA’s Director, Sarah Rigles, gives her students a heartfelt pep talk moments before the curtain goes up on their performance of “The Nutcracker”.
A group of young dancers looked nervous as they stood in the hallway. Rigles gathered them around her and gave each of young ballerinas a small memento. “You have danced these parts so well, so many times,” she said sincerely. “You are prepared. I’m so proud of you. You’ll do really well. Now, have fun and do well.”
Parent volunteers lend a hand
As we reported on the students’ backstage preparation, we noticed many adults, calmly helping out. “We couldn’t stage a show of this magnitude without the help of our 150 parent volunteers,” Rigles told us, as she rushed past more than a dozen backstage assistants — prop and set managers and costumers.
As the show’s opening overture was about to start, we made our way into the audience. We were greeted by usher John Southgate, formerly an East Portland Development Commission manager, now Economic Development Manager of Hillsboro. “Even though we’ve moved to the west side,” Southgate said, “Our kids love this school. It is an honor to help out.”
Teaches more than dance
Taking their seats were the family of eastside attorney and Sellwood resident Pete Diamond. His daughter, Caroline, 7, was about to dance as a mouse in this show. And 4-year-old Phoebe had her turn onstage earlier in the day, when she performed in the academy’s scaled-down version of the show, “The Nutcracker Suite”.
“What they learn goes beyond dancing,” Diamond said. “It gives them confidence and poise. You can see how the kids ‘grow up’ through the program. Even if they stop dancing at some point, they’ve still gained a lot, in terms learning dance, and becoming more confident ladies and men.”
He added that all students get personal attention. “They connect with all their students, regardless of age, and help make even the youngest students feel comfortable performing on stage.”
Curtain time! Nearly every seat at the St. Mary’s Academy theater was filled as this holiday classic came to life.
The large, 650-seat theater St. Mary’s Academy was filled to capacity as the house lights dimmed and the production began. It was, indeed, a very good show.
© 2006 David F. Ashton ~ East PDX News
See how many different agencies provided information about their services, at this unique event held by the David Douglas School District …
Families of students from the David Douglas School District learned about many different resources available to them at the Family Resource Fair.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Hundreds of students, and their parents, took advantage of the annual event provided by the David Douglas School District: The East Portland Family Resource Fair.
After touring the fair ourselves, we talked with the woman in charge of this year’s event, Catherine Nyhan, school counselor, of the Fir Ridge Campus, David Douglas Schools.
“We have 54 agencies, representing all kinds of services, here,” Nyhan told us. “They are here to meet, and help, members of our community.”
Nyhan said this annual event is important, because students, and their parents, can learn what community resources are available. “As winter sets in, this is a good time for them to be able to access information about energy conservation, housing, and food services.”
At the Fir Ridge Campus, Nyhan continued, about 82% of the students are on programs for free or reduced-cost lunches. “In other words, we are in a high-poverty area. They need a lot of help right now. We help families find the resources they need. When a student comes from a stable family, they tend to do better in school.”
Shanley McLaughlin, counselor at Ron Russell Middle School, is greeted by Fir Ridge Campus principal Ron Knight, on her way into the Resource Fair.
Resources help school counselors
Staffmembers from other schools in the area–like Shanley McLaughlin, a counselor at Ron Russell Middle School in Powellhurst-Gilbert–told us that this fair helps them discover ways to help their student’s families. “Each year that I come to the fair, I learn about services that will help our students do better.”
As we continued our tour on Nov. 30, we saw folks learning where they could get energy assistance, find free and low-cost food and clothing resources, avail themselves of counseling resources, find out how to access local community colleges, and more.
© 2006 David F. Ashton ~ East PDX News
See alumnus Michael Allen Harrison’s personality and talent warm the Parkrose High auditorium as he comes “Back Home” ‚Ķ
Not often do school kids get to sing with an international recording star; Michael Allen Harrison seemed genuinely pleased to lead the Parkrose students in song.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Many families and students began their holiday season enjoying the genius and flair of award-winning Michael Allen Harrison in December.
The Parkrose High Theater was bedecked with simple-yet-elegant trim, adding a picture-postcard look to the event.
This, the fourth such annual event, featured performances by Parkrose High School A Cappella Choir, and the elementary school choirs from Prescott School and Russell Academy.
First, the choirs presented both traditional and modern Christmas songs.
Playing one of the Christmas arrangements that has made him an internationally renowned recording artist, Michael Allen Harrison entertains in the Parkrose High Theater.
Then, as Michael Allen Harrison walked out to sit at the grand piano, the audience broke into a thunderous applause. He played medleys of his original songs, show tunes, and holiday favorites.
We have a winner! This audience member correctly “named those tunes”.
After his “Show Tunes” medley, Harrison held an impromptu “quiz”, awarding an audience member with a CD for correctly naming both the tunes and shows.
As the combined choirs came back to the stage, Harrison talked with the audience, gave away more of his CD recordings. His relaxed, upbeat interaction with the audience was warm and engaging.
The combined choirs sing Silent Night.
Under Harrison’s direction, the choirs sang the Christmas song “Silent Night”. He asked the students to hum during the fourth verse, in honor of his friend, “musical saw” virtuoso, Allan deLay. Harrison reminded everyone how deLay, who passed away this year, had given much to Parkrose students over the year.
Proceeds from the program will be used help further develop the award-winning PHS choral program.
Talking with the audience, Harrison demonstrates his abilities as a skilled raconteur, in addition to being a consummate musician.
A moment with Michael
We spoke with Harrison backstage, and asked him why he comes back to Parkrose High to perform with kids.
“This is where I grew up. I love Parkrose. Anytime they ask me to come, I raise my hand and say, ‘Yes, of course.’
“There are all sorts of special feelings you get from different venues. But nothing compares to the feeling of being in the place where you grew up.
“The connection I feel here is so strong–both to those I’ve known in the past, and the young students here now. They embrace me and make me feel welcome. They make me feel like I’m still their neighbor and friend. When I come here, I’m truly home again.”
For more information about Harrison, his projects, catalog, and his performance schedule, see www.mahrecords.com.
© 2006 David F. Ashton ~ East PDX News
Shoppers looking for great Christmas gifts found great buys at this annual event. See the story of a family, at the bazaar, who sell gifts they make entirely within their own East Portland home …
Peggy Zeller sells her holiday decorations at the annual David Douglas Holiday Bazaar.
Story and photo by David F. Ashton
More than 100 tables of gifts filled David Douglas High School on December 2, as the 10th Annual PTSA Holiday Bazaar got underway.
One of the largest bazaars in outer East Portland, it featured local crafts, decoration, baked goods ‚Äì and a new section they called “100% DDHS”, showcasing the artistic talents of David Douglas Students.
Terri Jones sells professional, yet completely home-made, ceramic decorations at the DDHS Bazaar.
Crafty family business
One of the many 87 vendors we met was Terri Jones and her family.
“This is my first year here,” Jones said. “This craftwork lets me stay home with my son ‚Äì and still make some extra money.”
The business is a family affair. The entire production process is done right in their home. Instead of painting cheap, imported greenware, her husband, Wayne, casts every piece from liquid clay. “We have nearly 2,000 molds,” she says.
Artistic family Terri Jones with Nathan, and husband Wayne.
When it is ready, she paints and fires the ceramics. “My living room is our ‘paint station’ this time of year,” she added.
Look for Jones’ ceramics also at the Gresham Farmer’s Market, or contact them at meandmymarbles@yahoo.com.
Fund raising while community building
We met up with Karin Britton, president of the DDHS PTSA and chair of the decade-old event.
“As important as the funds it brings in,” Britton told us, “it also helps draw the community together. It gives us an opportunity to share crafts, companionship.”
But, the fundraising component is important, she adds. “Our event helps raise money for scholarships for our graduating seniors. We also widen it to include the entire school. Our goal is to make this a broader project.”
If you missed it, why not mark your 2007 calendar right now? Just jot down DDHS Bazaar on the first Saturday in December!
© 2006 David F. Ashton ~ East PDX News
Look at this, and you’ll discover why a professional club disc jockey spent an afternoon sharing her love of spinning disks with kids ‚Ķ
Leonetti, a professional club DJ, starts by showing kids how she hooks up a basic music system.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
In night clubs, at banquets ‚Äì and event wedding receptions ‚Äì almost everyone has “rocked out” to tunes played by a professional disc jockey.
But, how does one learn how “play the hits” like a pro?
Your Midland Library brought in professional DJ, Leonetti, to show kids the ropes – or perhaps we should say wires and disks.
“I love music. It’s all about bringing the music,” Leonetti told us, as she set up her gear.
“Working the kids is great. Today, I’m glad to see we have several gals who came out!”
Leonetti said most folks are pleased to learn they can bring any kind of music they love when they DJ. “It doesn’t have to be hip-hop or rock. You can find a place to play any kind of music you love.”
DJ Leonetti asks what kind of music each of the kids like to hear – and would like to play.
“Today I’m showing them the basics,” Leonetti continued.
She introduced them to several music styles, told them where they can buy their music. And yes, showed a basic set up for DJing. The gear she brought was two turntables and a special DJ mixer.
“You need turntables ‚Äì record players ‚Äì that allow you to adjust the playback speed,” she told the youngsters. “This allows you to beat match; an essential in being a good DJ.”
Leonetti rocks out! “Yes, it is unusual for a woman to be a DJ, but we’re accepted by men in the field.”
Leonetti said she’s been DJing for six years, professionally for four. “I started because I love ‘house’ music. I’m a big Beastie Boys fan and worked with their DJ on an event ‚Äì he helped me get started. There is real camaraderie among DJs. While most of them are guys, they accept women DJs, too.”
What is going on at your library today? Check out our Community Calendar for unique and interesting events taking place here in outer East Portland.
© 2006 David F. Ashton ~ East PDX News
