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About Portland observer. (Portland, Or.) 1970-current | View Entire Issue (June 5, 2024)
June 05, 2024 Page 9 Onpoint’s Prize Tigard-Tualatin School District for Excellence in Announces New Leader Dr. Udosenata Education Named as an ice storm left Markham El- Superintendent Principal Traniece Brown-War- rens immediately jumped in to ensure as little disruption as pos- sible. She worked with four oth- er schools to “host” students by crafting new bus schedules and ensuring every student received support through carefully sched- uled classes and counseling. Even though students could not be at Markham, Brown-Warrens made sure Markham was always with them by sending a daily newsletter called the “Energy Bus News.” Since becoming principal in 2022, Brown-Warrens’ impact on Markam can be felt just about everywhere. She introduced calming corners in each class- room to help students self-reg- ulate their emotions. She imple- mented a "What I Need" (WIN) initiative for students to dedicate 30 minutes each day to address individual learning and emo- tional needs – which led to in- creased state assessment scores in math, English, and students’ feeling of belonging. To spark a renewed enthusi- asm for literacy, Brown War- rens introduced a book vend- ing machine and spearheaded the "Markham Reads a Million Minutes" read-a-thon, raising funds for the PTA and boosting reading proficiency. She also helped establish new student groups such as the Black Ex- cellence Club, the Asian Pacif- ic Islander Club and the Lead- ership Club. OnPoint will also award a $5,000 cash prize to each of the following 2024 run- ners-up and make a $1,500 donation to their schools for resources and supplies. After a national search, the Tigard-Tualatin School District (TTSD) School Board announced that Dr. Iton-Etok O Udosenata will be the District’s new Super- intendent beginning July 1, 2024. Dr. Iton-Etok O Udosenata is cur- rently serving as the Deputy Su- perintendent with the Salem-Keiz- er School District and will step into the position held by Dr. Sue Rieke-Smith who announced she is retiring at the end of the 2023- 2024 school year. “We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Udosenata to the Tigard-Tu- alatin School District. Because of his focus on working as a collec- tive to advance student outcomes and his commitment to centering students in every decision, it was clear to the board that Dr. Udose- nata would be the perfect lead- er for our district,” said Board Chair, Tristan Irvin. “His demon- strated ability to foster academic achievement, promote equity, and build collaborative relationships with our parents, community leaders, and local organizations are key areas that will guide our district forward and build on our successes. We are excited to in- troduce him and his family to the Continued from Page 5 ementary School inoperable. crafting new bus schedules and ensuring every student received support through carefully sched- uled classes and counseling. Even though students could not be at Markham, Brown-Warrens made sure Markham was always with them by sending a daily newsletter called the “Energy Bus News.” The four Educators of the Year will have their mortgage or rent paid for one year and will receive $2,500 for each of their schools. In addition, the four runners-up will receive $5,000 for themselves and $1,500 for each of their schools. “Our Educators of the Year Awards recognize the remark- able educators whose dedica- tion impacts their students and community every day,” said Rob Stuart, President and Chief Executive Officer of OnPoint Community Credit Union. “This year’s winners and runners-up use their amazing creativity and innovation to inspire students. As we celebrate the 15th year of these awards, we are honored to recognize and support the edu- cators who go above and beyond to teach and lead our youth." The OnPoint Prize for Ex- cellence in Education has awarded more than $843,000 in prizes to 326 local educators and schools since 2010. The 2024 campaign will award an additional $193,000 to deserv- ing public and private K-12 ed- ucators and schools. Gold Star Educator of the Year goes to Dr. Traniece Brown-Warrens Principal, Markham Elementary School, Portland, Ore. In January 2024, Advertise with diversity in The Portland Observer Call 503-288-0033 or email ads@portlandobserver.com Dr. Iton O. Udosenata. Photo Courtesy of PPS TTSD community, and look for- ward to our district’s future!” As a leader, Dr. Udosenata brings a student-centered focus with a commitment to creating systems where all students thrive academically, socially, and emo- tionally. He brings a knowledge of state-level policy for working with the school board to iden- tify a vision for unifying staff to a collective purpose while maintaining a focus of academic achievement, advancement, and fiscal responsibility. While serving as Depu- ty Superintendent for the Sa- lem-Keizer School District for four years, Dr. Udosenata ac- complishments include working with the bargaining team to suc- cessfully settle a contract and as a vital member of the executive team, bridging an $80 million dollar budget shortfall. Addi- tionally, he oversees secondary instruction, student and family services, and the Office of Stu- dent Equity, Access, and Ad- vancement. Dr. Udosenata also supervises the Office of Safety Risk and Management Services and has worked to improve safe- ty, risk management, and com- munity engagement strategies to promote school safety and mitigate risk. “I understand the importance, now more than ever, of fostering safe and welcoming schools that nurture our students’ academ- ic and social-emotional needs from the day they enter our classrooms as kindergarteners to when they accept a diploma as graduates. The impact of public education is long-lasting, and as a Superintendent you can expect my best in service of all TTSD students, staff, and community to make the greatest impact possi- ble,” said Dr. Udosenata. Dr. Udosenata holds a BA in Ethnic Studies, an MA in Edu- cation Leadership, and Doctor- ate in Education Methodology, Policy, and Leadership from the University of Oregon. Follow Us on Socials /ThePortlandObserver @PDXObserver @PortlandObserver www.portlandobserver.com
