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FEATURE STORY
Cornelius Principal To Retire in June
Cornelius Elementary School Principal Dave Dorman will retire in June after 19 years with the Forest Grove School District. During his tenure with the district, he has served as a teacher and principal and also was a leader in the district's equity work. He started as a business education teacher at Forest Grove High School in 1994. He became principal at Dilley Elementary School in 1999 and moved to Fern Hill Elementary when it opened in 2003. He became principal at Cornelius in 2012. "I will take with me many fond memories of times together, working our way through decisions, always keeping in mind what is best for children," Dorman said. Superintendent Yvonne Curtis said she is grateful for Dorman's contributions, "especially his leadership in guiding our equity and race work. I wish him well on what he calls Stage 3 of his lifetime vocation."
Waterman, Winkler, Hayes Win Board Seats
Charless Waterman and Lonnie Winkler have won their races for seats on the Forest Grove School Board. Voters also endorsed incumbent John Hayes, who was unopposed, to continue on the board. All will serve four-year terms that start July 1. Waterman's election means she will continue in the Position 2 seat that she has filled since March, when she was appointed to fill the remaining term of Gil Jimenez after his death. Hayes will continue in the Position 1 seat he has held since being appointed to the board last January. WInkler is a newcomer to the board.
STEM Garden At Tom McCall Yields Produce, Learning
Lettuce, cucumbers and tomatoes, oh my! The STEM garden at Tom McCall Upper Elementary School is sprouting all kinds of vegetables that students planted this year. The garden is maintained by three fifth grade classes, plus members of a 5th/6th grade after-school club. Next fall, students hope their produce could contribute to the salad bars in the cafeterias at Tom McCall. They also are considering a tasting table in the cafeteria where students could taste new foods grown in the garden. Amy Sanford and Rogelio Vivanco, the school's STEM teachers, have facilitated student learning through this process. STEM stands for Science-Technology-Engineering-Math.
What Topics Would You Like For Next Year's Parent Academy?
We would like your feedback about Parent Academy, the series of parent education classes and workshops that Forest Grove School District started this year. Our goal was to provide useful tools and resources for parents. We would appreciate your taking a minute to answer a short survey that will help us offer topics of interest to you. Click here to take survey
Neil Armstrong Wins Grant For Garden
Neil Armstrong Middle School has been selected to receive a $2,850 grant from Lowe's Toolbox for Education to use for its school garden project.
Ride For Schools Benefits Ed Foundation
If you like to ride bikes, you can generate cash to benefit schools. The "Ride For Schools" organized bike ride on June 29 is a fundraiser for local education foundations, including the Education Foundation of Forest Grove. Riders will start and finish at Aloha High School. There are two routes to choose from - a 25-mile relatively flat route and a 40-mile route with a challenging hill climb. Both routes will have a rest stop in the middle with snacks, water/sports drink and rest rooms. After the ride, a light lunch will be served. One hundred percent of the fundraising proceeds will be given to the education foundation selected by the rider. The money will be used to purchase classroom needs and to enhance the learning experience for children. To register or for more information, visit www.rideforschools.com
Budget Committee Approves 2013-14 Budget
The Budget Committee on Tuesday approved the Forest Grove School District's proposed $54.1 million budget for 2013-14. The budget, which is up 10 percent from last year, allows for a full instructional year for the first time in six years. The budget also includes $300,000 for a pilot program at Neil Armstrong Middle School to provide iPads for all seventh and eighth graders. Other budget additions include: Adding two elementary teachers with the goal of reducing class sizes for kindergartners and first-graders by one student; funding an elementary school library media technician and $25,000 for library materials, and restorations to counseling at K-4, plus an increase in contracted work days for counselors at the high school. The budget now goes to the School Board for final approval on June 10.
Budget Message - English / Spanish l Proposed Budget l Budget PowerPoint l Budget At A Glance
Budget Message - English / Spanish l Proposed Budget l Budget PowerPoint l Budget At A Glance
FGHS Golfer Wins State Girls' 6A Title
Congratulations to Forest Grove High School junior Hannah Swanson, the new state 6A girls' golf champion! She scored a 67 in the final round of the tournament, setting a state record for a round of 6A girls golf!
Art Show Features FGHS Alumni
The artwork of 10 Forest Grove High School alumni is showcased in an art show that runs through June 27 at Valley Art, 2022 Main Street in Forest Grove. The gallery is open from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
Free Meals Available For Kids This Summer
Youngsters 18 and under in the Forest Grove School District will be able to get free meals this summer when school is not in session. The district is again participating in the Summer Food Service Program, a federally funded program that provides meals for low income youngsters at various sites throughout Forest Grove and Cornelius. The program will run from June 24 to August 22 (Monday through Thursday). There will be no lunches at the schools on July 3 and 4, and no lunches at the parks on July 4.
Meals will be provided at the following addresses and times:
- Bard Park, 2921 22nd Avenue, Forest Grove. Lunch 12-12:30 p.m. from June 24-Aug. 22
- Rose Grove Mobile Park, 3839 Pacific Ave., Forest Grove. Lunch 12-12:30 p.m. from June 24-Aug. 22
- Harleman Park, 795 S. Heather St., Cornelius. Lunch 12-12:30 p.m. from June 24-Aug. 22
- Lincoln Park, 2725 Main St., Forest Grove. Lunch 12-12:30 p.m. from June 24-Aug. 22
- Fern Hill Elementary School, 4445 Heather St., Forest Grove. Breakfast 7:45-8 a.m. and Lunch 11-11:30 a.m. from July 8-Aug. 1
- Neil Armstrong Middle School, 1777 Mountain View Lane, Forest Grove. Breakfast 7:45-8 a.m. and Lunch 11-11:30 a.m. from July 8-Aug. 1
- Joseph Gale Elementary School, 3130 18th Ave., Forest Grove. Breakfast 8-9 a.m. and Lunch 11-11:30 a.m. from June 24-Aug. 1
- Tom McCall East Upper Elementary School, 1341 Pacific Ave., Forest Grove. Breakfast 7:45-8 a.m. and Lunch 11-11:30 a.m. from June 24-July 25
- Centro Cultural, 1110 N. Adair, Cornelius. Lunch 11:30-12 p.m. from July 1-Aug. 1
20 FGHS Seniors Share Valedictorian Honors
Twenty Forest Grove High School seniors will share valedictorian honors at graduation on Saturday, June 8. Congratulations to Peter Lommen, Jessica Steigerwald, Elena Torry-Schrag, Kara Bruckert-Frisk, Paul Schot, Joelle Hepler, Vera Hutchison, Livia Lichtenstein-Hershman, Jessamy Taylor, Franziska Monahan, Mackenzie Backous, Antonio Rojas-Ramirez, Claire Nadauld, Colleen McNeely, Luke Berdahl, Alicia Vasquez, Molly Johnson, Levi Egg, Abby Vanderzanden and Drake Morgan. Congratulations also to salutatorian Laura Shonk.
News & Events
Register Now For Viking Challenge 5K Run/Walk
Registration is now open for the Viking Challenge 5K Run/Walk, which will be held on Saturday, May 11 at Forest Grove High School. Entry fee is $20 for those who pre-register before May 3, or $25 for entries received after that date. The annual event is co-sponsored by the Viking Booster Club and Forest Grove Police Department and benefits FGHS athletics and Special Olympics. Registration form
Registration Open For CBAP Summer Program
The Community Based Activity Program's annual summer program will run June 25 through Aug. 1 from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Joseph Gale Elementary School. Registration fee is $650 and is set on a sliding scale. The program includes rafting, kayaking, science, art, music, field games, beach trips and a variety of other activities. For more information, contact Beth Buehler at 503-359-8110 Ext. 4555 or visit the CBAP website, www.CBAPkids.comFlyer
FGHS Named Again As Metlife Breakthrough School
Forest Grove High School has again been designated as a MetLife Foundation-NASSP Breakthrough school. The prestigious designation recognizes schools that are high achieving while serving large numbers of students living in poverty. FGHS also earned this designation in 2008. The honor is based on a number of criteria, including student achievement, the number of Advanced Placement classes and electives, dual credit opportunities and student leadership opportunities. During 2011-12, 90 percent of FGHS juniors met the essential skills requirement in reading and 89 percent met in math. A total of 418 unduplicated students earned 1,529 community college credits, savings more than $125,378 in tuition costs. As part of earning the Breakthrough School designation, FGHS will be featured in an upcoming edition of Principal Leadership magazine and on the Breakthrough School website. Principal Karen Robinson will also be recognized at the Breakthrough Schools Policy Forum in Washington D.C. in May.
Beaverton Student Wins Spanish Spelling Bee
About 50 students from eight school districts participated in the third annual Spanish Spelling Bee on April 16 at the Forest Grove School District administrative offices. Brenda Ramirez of Beaverton (center) won for the second straight year and will advance to the national Spanish Spelling Bee in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Second place was Tim Kuskie (left) of Hillsboro, and third place was Julissa Kochi of Salem-Keizer School District.
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7 FGHS Students Win Wyatt Scholarships
Seven Forest Grove High School students have been named 2013 winners of the Wyatt Scholarship. The students were selected because of their academic potential and their interest in pursuing a career in agriculture. The winners are Mackenzie Backous, Alicia Vasquez, Jose Perucho, Lacretia Taber, Richard Elwess, Miguel Paniagua-Rodriguez and Norma Medina. The scholarship program was established by Harold Wyatt, former chief executive officer of Flavorland Foods in Forest Grove.
Cancer Claims Board Member Gil Jimenez
School Board member Gil Jimenez died Tuesday after a long battle with cancer.
Jimenez was appointed to the board in January 2012, bringing extensive experience in banking, finance and economic development. He made a big impact in a short time, said Superintendent Yvonne Curtis.
Jimenez was appointed to the board in January 2012, bringing extensive experience in banking, finance and economic development. He made a big impact in a short time, said Superintendent Yvonne Curtis.
“I feel fortunate to have known Gil,” said Curtis. “Even though he was only on our board for a short time, he made great contributions with his leadership and experience. He had great compassion and a strong desire to serve students.”
Board member Fred Marble noted that Jimenez joined the board following the recall of two members. “He brought with him great insights and was a great calming influence,” said Marble. “I am truly disappointed to have lost his leadership as we go forward.”
Board member Kate Grandusky described Jimenez as “passionate about helping the next generation of students have opportunities to fulfill their dreams.”
“Even through his illness this past year, he was committed to helping the Superintendent and Board in any way he could,” she said.
Board Chair Alisa Hampton said Jimenez brought a sensible, balanced "caring for people at the core" approach to district issues.
Jimenez was a strong advocate for education and served on the board of directors for the Portland State University Foundation as well as the Hispanic Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce.
Jimenez had planned to seek election to his board position in the May election. The School Board will now decide whether to appoint someone to fill the remainder of his term, which runs through June 30.
His position is one of three that will be open on the May ballot. Board Chair Alisa Hampton has decided not to seek re-election to her Position 3 seat. John Hayes, who was appointed to the board at the same time as Jimenez, has filed for the Position 1 seat.
Rodriguez Named Latino Educator of Year
Echo Shaw Elementary School Principal Perla Rodriguez has been named the 2013 Distinguished Latino Educator by the Oregon Association of Latino Administrators. The award was presented at the association's annual conference at Marylhurst University. Rodriguez joined the Forest Grove School District in 1998 as a teacher at Echo Shaw. She served as principal at Cornelius Elementary School from 2003 until 2012 when she returned to Echo Shaw as principal.
Kathy Rodriguez Wins State Honor
Kathy Rodriguez, coordinator of the migrant education program in the Forest Grove School District, has been named 2013 Oregon Title I-C Employee of the Year. The award is given by the Oregon Department of Education's Title I-C program in recognition of contributions to Oregon's migrant children. Rodriguez has worked in the Forest Grove School District's migrant education program for 21 years. She oversees the identification and recruitment of students in the migrant program and works closely with migrant families to help them receive necessary services. She also helps plan the annual summer school for migrant students. Leonard Terrible, the district's English Language Learners coordinator, calls Rodriguez "a master of her craft." 2013 AP Exam Schedule
The 2013 AP Exams will be administered over two weeks in May (May 6-10 and May 13-17). Early testing or testing at times other than those published by the College Board is not permitted. Registration begins in January after Winter Break. See Mrs. Collins in the Forest Grove High School bookkeeping office to register. Some fee assistance may be available. Talk to Mrs. Schnoor or Mrs. Collins for more information. Click here for 2013 AP Exam Schedule
New Parent Academy Offers Resources For Parents
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Forest Grove School District's new Parent Academy is offering monthly classes and other resources to help parents become more knowledgeable and involved in their children's education. A half-day Parent Academy Workshop is planned for Saturday, Jan. 26 at Joseph Gale Elementary School, open to all parents in the district. A complete schedule will be posted soon. Monthly parent tip sheets will also offer information and resources on a variety of topics. Parent Academy flyer - English / SpanishBond Construction Progressing On Time and Within Budget
The walls are up and the roofs are on at Forest Grove High School's new gymnasium and science classroom wing. The projects are part of the $65.3 million bond that voters approved in November 2010. The bond also financed construction of the new Joseph Gale Elementary School and other improvements throughout the district. The high school construction is the last part of the bond work and is scheduled for completion by June 2013. The science wing will include eight new science classrooms with labs. Work was finished last summer on an expanded kitchen and cafeteria at the high school as well as improvements to the offices and entryway. Photos
School Board Approves New Strategic Plan
The Forest Grove School Board approved a new strategic plan, which outlines a five-year strategy to transform learning for the district's 5,700 students. The plan will provide the direction for instruction, curriculum, budgeting, staffing and partnerships. While acknowledging that the district's number one priority is to prepare students well for college and career, Superintendent Yvonne Curtis said the plan makes it clear that a high-quality, well-rounded educational experience is "rigorous, culturally relevant, engaging and healthful." The new plan also stresses the importance of nurturing "the whole child, with opportunities for music and world languages and hands-on learning." Strategic Plan English / Strategic Plan Spanish
NAMS History Teachers Win National Award
Neil Armstrong Middle School teachers Sol Joye and Malynda Wenzel have been named winners of the national American Historical Association Beveridge Family Teaching Prize for 2012. The award recognizes excellence and innovation by history teachers. It's the second major award in a week for Joye, who was honored Oct. 25 as Oregon's 2012 History Teacher of the Year. For the Beveridge award, Joye and Wenzel were honored for their collaboration on curriculum that engages students while enriching their understanding of historical events. News Times ArticleNAMS Teacher Honored As History Teacher of the Year
Neil Armstrong Middle School's Sol Joye drew cheers and applause Thursday when he was honored at an assembly as Oregon's 2012 Oregon History Teacher of the Year. The award, given by the Oregon Department of Education, earned him a $1,000 award and puts him in the running for National History Teacher of the Year. The school will also receive an extensive collection of books and videos to add to its media collection. One of 19 applicants for the award, Joye was selected for using a modern, technologically based teaching method that keeps students engaged and enjoying learning. He has taught at Neil Armstrong since 2007. Joye is shown at right with Dr. Samuel Henry from the Oregon State Board of Education. Oregonian article47 FGHS Students Named AP Scholars
Forty-seven students at Forest Grove High School have earned AP Scholar Awards in recognition of exceptional achievement on Advanced Placement exams taken last spring. The College Board recognizes several levels of achievement based on students’ performance on the exams. Three FGHS students – Kira Hall and Josh Schneider, who graduated in June, and senior Peter Lommen -- qualified for the National AP Scholar award. This award goes to students who receive an average score of at least 4 on all AP Exams taken, and scores of 4 or higher on eight or more of these exams. Full Story
District Sponsors GLAD Training
Forest Grove School District is sponsoring training for teachers in Guided Language Acquisition Design (GLAD) in December and January. The focus will be Kindergarten through Grade 2. A two-day foundation workshop will be held Dec. 13-14, followed by a five-day classroom demonstration session on Jan. 14-18. Cost is $1,025 per participant, which includes the the 2-day workshop, the 5-day classroom demonstration, training materials, website access and access to follow-up activities. For more information, contact Melissa Timm at MelissaTimmGLAD@gmail.com or Laura Mannen at lmannen-martinez@fgsd.k12.or.us Flyer / Registration Form
Cornelius Named Model Title I School
Cornelius Elementary has been designated as a “model school” by the state Department of Education based on the academic growth of students. This honor was given to only 27 out 600 Oregon Title I schools. These schools will serve as models and mentors to other schools around the state.
“We are proud that the hard work and the success that teachers and staff at Cornelius have with students is being recognized by ODE,” said Assistant Superintendent John O’Neill. “They have established a welcoming and family atmosphere in which students learn and thrive.” Full Story
Oregon used a new system to rate its public schools this year, emphasizing students' year-to-year growth in reading and math rather than whether students passed or failed state tests. Three ratings were used: model school, focus school and priority school.
Two schools in the Forest Grove School District -- Joseph Gale and Fern Hill elementary schools -- were designated as “focus schools.” Focus schools fall within the bottom 15% of high poverty schools and have faced challenges with closing the achievement gap.
“Priority schools” rank within the bottom 5% of Title I schools and have the lowest overall achievement or graduation rates. Both “priority” and “focus” schools will receive additional supports from the state to help improve student achievement.
Multiple measures were used to rate schools. For elementary schools, they included academic achievement, academic growth and subgroup growth. For high schools, graduation rates and subgroup graduation were also used.
Dilley Again Rated Outstanding on State Report Cards
Dilley Elementary has received an “Outstanding” rating on the 2011-12 state report cards, the 11th time since the rating system was introduced in 2000. Schools are identified as Outstanding, Satisfactory or In Need of Improvement based on state reading and math tests, growth in student achievement, participation in reading and math assessments, and graduation or attendance rates.
Forest Grove School District's six other elementary schools and Neil Armstrong Middle School all received "Satisfactory" ratings. Forest Grove High School was rated as "In Need of Improvement" because too few special education students took the state assessment. This year, for the first
time, schools that miss participation targets in any subgroup automatically received an overall rating of “In Need of Improvement." Four additional special education students needed to take the test in order to meet the state's participation target.
Twenty-nine of the schools on the state's must-improve list were dinged for the same reason, including Southridge and Beaverton high schools in Beaverton and Grant and Lincoln high schools in Portland.
“We're disappointed at the rating, but we have set systems in place to make sure this doesn't happen again," said Assistant Superintendent & Chief Academic Officer John O'Neill.
More important, said O'Neill, is that Forest Grove High School scored well above the state average in student achievement. In math, 89 percent of FGHS students met or exceeded benchmarks, compared to the state average of 66 percent. In reading, 90 percent of FGHS met or exceeded benchmarks,
compared to the state average of 84 percent.
"We are proud of our high school and the success students are achieving," he said. "We also congratulate the students and staff at Dilley Elementary for another Outstanding rating."
Forest Grove School District's six other elementary schools and Neil Armstrong Middle School all received "Satisfactory" ratings. Forest Grove High School was rated as "In Need of Improvement" because too few special education students took the state assessment. This year, for the first
time, schools that miss participation targets in any subgroup automatically received an overall rating of “In Need of Improvement." Four additional special education students needed to take the test in order to meet the state's participation target.
Twenty-nine of the schools on the state's must-improve list were dinged for the same reason, including Southridge and Beaverton high schools in Beaverton and Grant and Lincoln high schools in Portland.
“We're disappointed at the rating, but we have set systems in place to make sure this doesn't happen again," said Assistant Superintendent & Chief Academic Officer John O'Neill.
More important, said O'Neill, is that Forest Grove High School scored well above the state average in student achievement. In math, 89 percent of FGHS students met or exceeded benchmarks, compared to the state average of 66 percent. In reading, 90 percent of FGHS met or exceeded benchmarks,
compared to the state average of 84 percent.
"We are proud of our high school and the success students are achieving," he said. "We also congratulate the students and staff at Dilley Elementary for another Outstanding rating."
FGHS Students Named National Merit Semifinalists
Forest Grove High School seniors Peter Lommen and Paul Schot have been named semifinalists in the National Merit Scholarship program. A former student, Rosie Steinbach, also was named as a semifinalist. Rosie graduated early and now attends Stanford University. The three are among 16,000 students nationwide who scored in the top one percent of U.S. high school seniors on the 2011 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. They will learn in February if they have been selected as finalists and eligible for National Merit Scholarships.
Viking House Wins Best of Show & More
Forest Grove High School’s Viking House won all 12 awards -- including "Best of Show" -- at the 2012 Street of Affordable Homes. It was the first time in show history that one home collected all of the awards. Congratulations to Viking House instructor Chris Higginbotham (shown with the awards) and to all the students in the program!
Use Click. Buy. Help. to Start Your Back-to-School Shopping
Did you know that your back-to-school shopping can directly help schools in the Forest Grove School District, and it won't cost you an additional cent? The district has partnered with Click.Buy.Help. to earn commissions on online purchases made by parents and other community members. For example, if you are buying school supplies from Office Depot, or clothes from Old Navy, or college text books from Amazon, just start your shopping from this link -- Click.Buy.Help.-- and we earn a commission on your purchase. There are thousands of retailers available, so if we haven't activated your favorites, tell us! We'll work with Click.Buy.Help. to see if they are available and activate it as soon as possible.
