Discover why this education support group expanded their services beyond Parkrose into the David Douglas school district, helping outer East Portland kids …
As the Elevate Oregon celebration begins at Ron Russell Middle School, situated in the area shared by the Lents and Powellhurst-Gilbert neighborhoods, DDSD Family Engagement Specialist Heather Miller checks in Elevate Oregon Board Member Taaj Armstrong.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
After working in Parkrose School District schools for 14 years, Elevate Oregon opened a Center in the David Douglas School District (DDSD) this school year at Ron Russell Middle School.
Although the program officially started last fall, educators and supporters didn’t gather until the evening of February 28 at Ron Russell Middle School to celebrate the start of the Elevate Oregon program at that location.
Attending the celebration are DDSD Superintendent Ken Richardson, Elevate Oregon Executive Director Donell Morgan, DDSD Assistant Superintendent for DEI Taye Spears, and Ron Russell Middle School Principal Michael Contreras.
“We are a nonprofit youth mentoring organization that was established in 2010 in the Parkrose School District,” explained current Elevate Oregon Executive Director Donell Morgan. “Since I joined the organization since 2016, we’ve been able to expand our program in Parkrose from middle schools and high schools to all of the elementary schools.
“It’s our dream and passion to continue to take our model of success [further] in building the program to empower our youth in outer East Portland,” Morgan continued. “Tonight is a celebration of our new partnership with the David Douglas School District.”
This event is a family celebration including a pizza supper and snacks for families, staff, and supporters.
About the gathering, Morgan remarked, “Tonight is about family, laughs, love, and hugs. It’s an opportunity for fellowship and to celebrate kids, and their success.”
During his remarks in the formal program, Ron Russell Middle School Principal Michael Contreras recalled the time when Morgan called, asking for an appointment to meet with him. “Many people talk – but most are short on action,” he observed. “As people came from Elevate Oregon and told us about their program, we understood that this is something that is actually needed!”
Telling about the enthusiasm of he and his staff about Elevate Oregon programs coming to his school, it’s Ron Russell Middle School Principal Michael Contreras.
Instead of picking students at random to enter the Elevate Oregon program as school started, or by using a formula, the program’s staff was given the opportunity to meet many eligible youth over a period of time,” Contreras explained. “Only then did they select which ones would be best supported by these programs.”
Elevate Oregon Executive Director Donell Morgan speaks about the success of their programs.
In his own formal remarks, Executive Director Morgan pointed out that 96% of students in “Elevate Oregon” programs graduate from high school. These students also have better attendance, “Because the person they’re seeing in this program looks like them, talks like them – and advocates for them: They celebrate those small things that the student is doing right.
“The model is working, the vision is clear; it takes everyone here this evening to ensure that the program continues [to be successful] here at David Douglas,” Morgan said.
Students, school staff, and Elevate Oregon mentors gather for a group photo.
To find out more about Elevate Oregon, visit their official website: CLICK HERE.
On our Front Page: Educators and supporters toast with bubbly apple juice the successful establishment of the Elevate Oregon program at Ron Russell Middle School.
© 2024 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News™
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