Staff Kudos January 2018
Recognitions & Accomplishments of staff doing great things
Jeff Crapper selected 2018 ACTE Fellow
Jeff Crapper, Health and Science School Biology and Medical Intervention teacher, has been selected as a participant of the Association for Career and Technical Education's (ACTE) National Leadership Fellowship Program, which provides educators with an opportunity to enhance their leadership skills and involvement in professional organizations.
The program identifies, trains, and motivates a cadre of leaders who will continue to advance efforts which support an educated, prepared, adaptable, and competitive workforce. The Fellowship Program is a one-year commitment from January 1 through December 31, 2018.
The ACTE is the nation’s largest not-for-profit association committed to the advancement of education that prepares youth and adults for successful careers. ACTE represents the community of CTE professionals, including educators, administrators, researchers, school counselors, guidance and career development professionals and others at all levels of education. ACTE is committed to excellence in providing advocacy, public awareness and access to resources, professional development and leadership opportunities.
Congratulations, Jeff!
Dr. Romanick to be Chief Examiner for Chiropractic National Licensing Exam
Dr. Romanick has served as an examiner with the National Board for the past 20 years and currently serves on the Oregon State Board of Chiropractic Examiners as an appointee of Governor Kate Brown.
Congratulations, Dr. Romanick!
Southridge HS senior wins Portland Youth Philharmonic Concerto Competition
Nathan will perform on Saturday, March 3, 2018 at 7:30 p.m.
Congratulations, Nathan!
ACMA collects more than 2,000 socks!
Kids clothing was donated to the BSD Clothes Closet and adult wear to the Portland Rescue Mission. Great work ACMA!
Westview senior selected as delegate for U.S. Senate Youth Program
The United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP) was created by Senate Resolution 324 in 1962 as stated in supporting Senate testimony from that year, “to increase young Americans’ understanding of the interrelationship of the three branches of government, the caliber and responsibilities of federally elected and appointed officials, and the vital importance of democratic decision making not only for America but for people around the world.”
Each year, this extremely competitive merit-based program brings 104 of America’s brightest high school juniors and seniors from every state, the District of Columbia, and the Department of Defense Education Activity, to Washington, D.C. for an intensive week-long study of the federal government and its leaders. The state departments of education throughout the country select the students through a rigorous nomination and selection process. This year, students will visit Washington, D.C. March 3-10, 2018.
Kelly will also receive a $10,000 undergraduate college scholarship, with encouragement to continue coursework in history, government and public affairs.
Congratulations, Kelly!
Beaverton HS junior awarded City of Beaverton Human Rights Award
Cameron was recognized for his support and advocacy of the principles and spirit of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Cameron is a liaison from the Mayor’s Youth Advisory Board to the Beaverton Human Rights Advisory Commission, serves as a “young leader” on the World Affairs Council of Oregon, serves as president of the Beaverton High School Key Club, organized Beaverton’s first chapter of Youth Ending Slavery Club, and works with Family Promise of Beaverton to develop solutions for youth who need housing and is a member/advocate of the American Civil Liberties Union.
Cameron also received the President’s Volunteer Service Award (PVSA) gold medal in 2014 and 2015 for his continued commitment to the community through hands-on service.
Congratulations, Cameron!
Aloha High School raises $10,000 during Dare to Care 2017
Along the way, staff members pledged to complete crazy dares for dollar amount goals, including dressing up as T.V. characters, drinking Big Mac milkshakes, eating elf spaghetti, dyeing their hair and taking pies to the face!
Together they reached their goal of $10,000! Congratulations, Aloha!
Health Careers teacher Paula Jacobs featured in ODA Membership Matters
Read the article below:
From Homeless to Helping
Formerly homeless student, Jacob Messer, has returned to the Beaverton School District to volunteer as a mentor to unaccompanied homeless students. The BSD HELP Center has been awarded a grant from the Oregon Department of Education that aims to improve engagement and attendance of eleventh and twelfth grade unaccompanied students, and Jacob is the perfect match.
Jacob came to the Beaverton School District in the middle of his junior year in high school, with nothing more than his bike, to stay with a family friend after a falling out with his father and stepmother in Bend.
His journey to Sunset High School was not an easy one. His last few months in Bend were spent living in an uninsulated garage, riding his bike to and from school in the freezing cold and snow and struggling to simply survive. Jacob knew he needed to leave, needed more opportunities and a new start. A family friend in the Portland area offered him a room and an opportunity to finish out his high school career.
While at Sunset, Jacob was introduced to Beaverton School District Homeless Support Liaisons Mary Metheney and Lisa Mentesana. Mary and Lisa assisted Jacob with bus passes, scholarship and internship opportunities and resources. Jacob also had very compassionate teachers who offered him extra help, encouragement, and even food.
Following high school graduation, Jacob considered several options, including college, but did not want to take on student debt. The Navy offered him the opportunity to earn college credits and technology training while working and earning money.
Jacob recently decided to work as a Navy Recruiter which led him back to the Portland metro area. Soon after beginning his position in Portland, Jacob returned to the Beaverton HELP Center, this time to offer his hand at helping other young homeless students achieve success. “I chose to be a recruiter to give back to the community that helped me on my way to success, and also to show people that with hard work and dedication they can shine,” says Jacob.
Early Release in Action: ENVoY training at Meadow Park Middle School
Teachers and counselors at Meadow Park Middle School gathered in the library during early release on the first Wednesday in December for the second of two ENVoY trainings led by Cedar Park teachers Darla McClelland and Denise Cooney. Denise has been using ENVoY techniques in her Humanities classrooms since 2006.
ENVoY is a strategy of non-verbal communication, group dynamics, and influence skills to establish an educational environment that nourishes positive student-teacher relationships. When used consistently, ENVoY techniques shift educators from seeing themselves as upholders of power to instruments of influence. ENVoY focuses on how to use effective eye contact, voice patterns and body language (including the use of location).
Teachers formed table groups and role-played classroom scenarios using their newly-acquired skills, asking questions and sharing their own classroom experiences.
“We decided to move forward with ENVoY training to help give our staff a common language around classroom management strategies. That common language should help students because they will all experience similar responses to behaviors across the school, which allows them to feel safe and supported,” says principal Jared Freeman.
Expected outcomes of the use of ENVoY skills include fewer disciplinary incidents, improved student attendance, higher student grades, higher staff morale, and a lower level of staff burn-out. Teachers who systematically utilize the full range of non-verbal management skills are able to reinforce consistent and fair boundaries while preserving their relationships with each student, regardless of unique learning styles or cultural backgrounds.
“I’ve already seen staff using some of the material from the first professional development, so I look forward to seeing what is put in place after this one,” says Freeman.
Mountain View and Meadow Park middle schools have both participated in school-wide ENVoY training. Additional individual trainings will be offered throughout the remainder of the school year during early release Week 3 professional development.
Westview HS 11th grader wins Marvel Studios STEM Challenge
Divya Amirtharaj, junior at Westview High School, was named the Grand Prize winner of the Marvel Studios Thor Ragnarok Superpower of STEM Challenge held in Burbank, California.
Marvel Studios Thor Ragnarok Superpower of STEM Challenge invites girls nationwide, ages 15 to 18 in grades 10 through 12, to use the superpower of STEM for good by creating and sharing an original do-it-yourself project that could help their family, their community, or the world be safer, healthier, or happier.
Divya attended an immersive three-day mentorship in New York City to build her STEM story, creating a professional-level video teaching other young people how to recreate her Challenge winning project. She will also have the opportunity to demonstrate her Superpower of STEM project live to the nation with a brief appearance on Good Morning America. The video created during her mentorship will be made available to students, teachers and families worldwide on the American Association for the Advancement of Science education resource website ScienceNetLinks.com.
Dental Molars Club Takes Off
During the 2017-2018 school year, the Health Careers Dental Molars club has taken off! Local dentist, Dr. Doug Duncan, has graciously volunteered his time to schedule monthly meetings and activities for students interested in dentistry.
The club meets each month covering a wide range of topics:
- Introduction to dentistry/ careers/ dexterity
- Dental Hygiene guest - dexterity skills, oral examination
- Instruments, x-rays and suturing
Students come to Beaverton High School after school from all BSD high schools to be engaged and learn about the artistry and complexities of dentistry.
Kinnaman ES Green Team shared tips for an earth-friendly holiday season in a short video...take a look!
HS2 MEChA Club holds candlelight vigil and gallery walk
Prior to the event, MEChA Club students had a camera and a table at lunch for students and staff to write down an identity and a negative stereotype. For example... "I am Latino but not lazy." Students then took pictures of the participants holding up their signs. Superintendent Grotting even took a picture. The pictures were printed and posted in the Community Room for the gallery walk.
Students, parents, and community members were invited to participate in the gallery walk and candlelight vigil. Approximately 30 people participated. The evening began with a gallery walk looking at the photos of students and staff at HS2 that will not be defined by their stereotypes. Towards the end of the evening, participants went outside and lit candles in an effort to show solidarity with those who have been stereotyped. As each person lit their candles, they made their statements, "I am.... But I am not..."
Westview senior presents at TEDxSalem
STEM4Girls aims to instill a love for STEM in girls everywhere. Women are vastly underrepresented in STEM fields and this can only be changed by changing the attitudes young girls have towards STEM. STEM4Girls works to make fun, educational workshops and camps available to garner the interest of young minds in the hopes that it will help them throughout their lives
Early Release in Action: Campus Supervisor Training
Once a month, during early release Wednesday, campus supervisors from the District’s middle and high schools gather for specialized trainings and collaboration. Hosted by the Public Safety Office, the trainings include topics like child abuse identification and reporting, search and seizure and this month, narcotics and gangs.
The Westside Interagency Narcotics (WIN) Team from Washington County presented on narcotics use and identification. Special guest presenter, Taz, the K9 drug sniffing dog, demonstrated his skills by locating nine ounces of heroine hidden in a heating vent in the Administration Office conference room. Don’t worry, the Sheriff’s Office hid it there.
Following the presentation on narcotics, the Interagency Gang Enforcement Team (I-GET) explained their work in identifying and working with known gang members in the area. The team is responsible for assisting in investigations of violence, intel gathering and suppression.
Melissa Larson honored with Beaverton Chamber Rising Star Award
Congratulations, Melissa!
Communications & Community Involvement Department
Email: melissa_larson@beaverton.k12.or.us
Website: www.beaverton.k12.or.us
Location: 16550 SW Merlo Rd., Beaverton
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BeavertonSchoolDistrict
Twitter: @beavertonSD