Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About Portland observer. (Portland, Or.) 1970-current | View Entire Issue (June 29, 2011)
Page 4 ^ïortlanh (Dhseruer School Improvement Monies Won The Oregon Department of Edu cation Monday announced that King Elementary and Madison High School will receive a total of $5.5 million in federal grants to transform each school and raise student achievement beginning this fall. Funded by the U.S. Department of Education, the three-year School Improvement Grants provide re sources to improve persistently low achieving schools across the country. “We welcome the additional sup port,” said Superintendent Carole Smith. “For the past several years we’ve been using data to focus our efforts to improve student support and achievement. Both schools have shown progress, yet there’s much work to be done. This grant allows King and Madison to build on what’s working to ensure sup ported students and effective teach ers in every classroom.” O f the four turn around models available under the grant, both schools selected the “Transforma tion” model. The model requires PPS to replace the school principal unless they have served in the role less than two years - which is the case at both schools. lune 29, 2011 Teens Provided Summer Jobs, Life Skills First Step program geared to at-risk kids As a 40-foot bus pulls over at Southeast Powell Boulevard and 42nd Avenue, more than a dozen youth in bright yellow T-shirts hop off the bus and run to the nearby bus shelters and sidewalks. With gloves on hand and garbage bags in tow, the crew fans out, picking up trash, filling their bags, before head ing back to the bus. On Monday, 20 new young em- TriMet’s First Step program kicked off Monday, giving at-risk youth the opportunity to have a summer job. ployees kicked off their 10 week job training program through TriM et’s First Step program, which gives at- risk youth ages 13 to 18 the oppor- tunity to put their hard work into action with a summer job. Founded in 1998, the First Step program, in partnership with the Youth Employment Institute, is de- signed to encourage young people to develop work and life skills by preparing teenagers to enter the world of work and develop under- standings of workplace standards, More than 300 youth, who must be in school to participate, applied for the program, which increased opportunities to 20 full-time posi- tions in 2004. Supervisor A. K. Rucker, who has operated a TriMet bus for 30-years, leads the program and serves as a mentor to the kids throughout the year. “‘We teach accountability and responsibility,” said Rucker. “What you do - or don’t do - affects those around you.” Congratulations Haseena! DI POSSI The hardest part about going to college is getting started. Learning about the steps needed, affordability and ultimately reaching your career goals can, at first, seem a little unrealistic. But now it's easier than ever to get started. That's because there are counselors available to assist you with everything from the process of enrolling to financial aid options and career guidance. Call Oregon's toll-free College Line at 1-877-848-4669 or visit the State of Oregon website at www.OregonOpportunities. gov to get the resources to help adult learners access training or degree programs at Oregon colleges and universities. And help make your dream of going to college a reality. College. It's possible now. Sponsored by the State of Oregon Congratulations Haseena Polk on your academic success. Haseeija graduated with hon ors from the 8th grade of Ron Russell Middle School, earning a 3.75 accumulative GPA and4.0 for the third quarter. Highlighting her steady school involvement and achievement, she was selected to read in front of her peers at the school’s graduation ceremony. She was an accomplished ath lete at Ron Russell; involved with volleyball and basketball for two years and track and field for one year. She competed in the long Haseena Polk jump, high jump, and 400 meter relay. at high skills level with reading, Haseena also enjoys studying writing, and began foreign lan Spanish and music arts. She be guage studies, and studied Japa gan playing the violin at Mt. Olivet nese for 13 months before she B aptist C hurch under Pastor transferred to West Powellhurst Luther Stohs and spent four years in the David Douglas School dis in the orchestra program in the trict for 2nd grade. DDSD soaring to Cindy Raxter’s Due to school zoning chang A dvanced O rchestra with the ing, Haseena was homeschooled grade A+. for 3rd grade and then attended "I just paid attention in class, Trillium Charter for 4th grade and did extra credit homework assign Mill Park Elementary school for ments and studied," said Haseena 5th grade. of her achieved goals. She hopes In the future, she plans on con to inspire others students. tinuing orchestra with a goal of Despite moving schools sev auditioning for the Portland's eral times throughout her early Youth Symphony. She would like school history, she has had much to attend David Douglas High academic success. School and is interested in Veteri She was a graduate o f Ron narian Medicine. Herndon's Albina Head Start pro —From the Hill, Polk, and gram in 2002 where she was tested Warren families.
