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Why choose North Clackamas Schools?

Why choose North Clackamas?

Why do families still prefer North Clackamas Schools, even in times of change and funding cuts?

• 14 outstanding schools were honored by the Oregon Department of Education this year. School report card ratings are based on academic improvement, attendance, staff qualifications, and graduation rates.

• Personalized education: North Clackamas teachers go the extra mile to meet individual needs and learning styles, whether a student needs extra help or a greater challenge. Our experienced and highly qualified teachers understand the importance of differentiated learning and work to develop each child's strengths while addressing challenges.

• Community involvement: With more than 7,000 volunteers, North Clackamas Schools is the top volunteer organization in Clackamas County. From Clackamas High and Alder Creek Middle School to Oregon Trail and Concord, parents and others contribute time equivalent to 153 full time employees per year. Volunteers provide the mentorship and one-on-one attention that help kids thrive. In addition, partnerships with local businesses, churches, and non-profits help provide everything from technical programs and school supplies to nutrition programs and free parenting classes.

• 4 magnet school options focus learning in distinctive ways: El Puente and Riverside elementaries offer dual-immersion Spanish bilingual programs. Sojourner offers multiple-intelligence elementary learning. New Urban High School offers a small school alternative to large comprehensive high schools.

• 4 charter school options give families choices, from Cascade Heights Public Charter School (K-8) and Clackamas Web Academy (K-12) to Clackamas Middle College and Milwaukie Academy of the Arts for high school students.

• Social service programs: North Clackamas Schools has numerous programs to support students and families in tough economic times. The Family Support Center at Wichita provides resources to homeless students and others, including emergency food boxes, clothing, school supplies, hygiene items, and access to a computer lab for homework support. Other programs include access to Head Start and Ready-Set-Go kindergarten readiness programs, the Dental Health Solutions program, and Outside In medical van access at New Urban High School. The district's first school-based health center, at Milwaukie High, began serving students in February 2012, providing free medical, dental, and mental health care to students.

• 6 new schools were built in the past five years: Ardenwald, Scouters Mountain, Verne A. Duncan, Happy Valley Elementary, Happy Valley Middle School, and Rock Creek Middle School.

• Every school building was recently improved or renovated thanks to voter approval of the second largest school bond in Oregon history. Major remodels included Linwood and Bilquist elementaries, Rowe Middle School, Rex Putnam High School, and the Milwaukie High arts center.

• Research-based teaching strategies: District teachers are trained in Response to Intervention, sheltered instruction (SIOP), and other strategies to boost student achievement and literacy. Teachers also participate in professional learning communities to share best practices and team mentorship.

• 150 years of excellent education: The history of public education in North Clackamas dates back to pioneer times, with Concord School's 150 year history and a one-room schoolhouse in Happy Valley. Milwaukie High was established as the first high school in the area, and students used to row across the river from Lake Oswego to attend classes here. This community has always valued and supported education, and continues to do so today.

Elementary highlights:

• Elementary music, PE, and counseling remain a priority in North Clackamas, despite funding cuts. In most other Oregon school districts, these programs were eliminated or reduced years ago.

• Arts-based learning: Thanks to partnership with the Right Brain Initiative, 13 North Clackamas elementary schools focus learning around arts projects, through artist-in-residence experiences and teacher training. Right Brain Initiative schools include Ardenwald, Concord, Linwood, Oak Grove, Scouters Mountain, Spring Mountain, Sunnyside, El Puente, Milwaukie Elementary, Happy Valley Elementary, Oregon Trail, Riverside, and View Acres.

• SMART reading program: Six North Clackamas Schools offer the SMART reading program, which pairs adult mentors with two students in grades K-3 to share their love of reading. Students receive free books, and the one-on-one mentorship that increases their academic success. SMART schools include Ardenwald, Oak Grove, Lewelling, El Puente, Sunnyside, & Milwaukie Elementary.

• 3 magnet school options focus learning in distinctive ways: El Puente and Riverside Elementaries offer dual-immersion Spanish bilingual programs. Sojourner offers multiple-intelligence elementary learning.

• 2 charter school options give families choices, from Cascade Heights Public Charter School (K-8) to Clackamas Web Academy (K-12).

• 4 new elementary schools were built in the past four years: Ardenwald, Scouters Mountain, Verne A. Duncan,& Happy Valley Elementary.

• Kindergarten readiness program: Ready, Set, Go. is a kindergarten readiness program for four-year-olds and their parents, including Spanish speakers, run by Metropolitan Family Service.

• After-school programs: From the Extended Day child care program to CAFE after school programs, children can spent time after school in a safe, nurturing child care setting that provides homework time, academic support, fun activities, and enrichment. Extended day sites, open to elementary students across the district, include Bilquist, Duncan, Happy Valley, Linwood, Sunnyside, and View Acres. CAFE sites, open to qualified students, include Lewelling, Linwood, Oak Grove, Rowe Middle School and Lot Whitcomb.

High School & Middle School highlights:

• More AP, IB, & college credit courses: Clackamas and Milwaukie High Schools offer an array of AP courses for college credit, and Rex Putnam High School has an International Baccalaureate diploma program. Most courses at the Sabin-Schellenberg Center offer college credit. Last year high school student enrollment in other college credit courses was 5,253.

• Sabin-Schellenberg Professional-Technical Center offers all students from Clackamas, Rex Putnam or Milwaukie High a choice of 15 hands-on career programs on 3 campuses, from broadcasting, automotive services, and health services to law enforcement, culinary arts, electronics, and manufacturing.

• New Urban High School serves students who seek an alternative experience to the large comprehensive high schools. With a school of 200, students have greater personalization and have been recognized for experiences in the community through programs like Youth Take Action and Senior Internships.

• Twilight is an evening school held on the New Urban High School campus that allows students to work independently toward a high school diploma through online course curriculum.

• Performing arts opportunities: North Clackamas has a thriving arts education program, including partnerships with the community theater group New Century Players, and numerous grant funded artists-in-residence. Starting in 6th grade, every student has the opportunity to pursue band, choir, or orchestra. Of 197 public school districts in Oregon, only 9 offer orchestra, and North Clackamas is one of them.

• Health Services: A new school-based health center at Milwaukie High serves teens. At no cost to students, the center provides a full spectrum of services, from medical and dental care to mental health services.

• 4 charter school options give families choices, from Cascade Heights Public Charter School (K-8) and Clackamas Web Academy (K-12) to Clackamas Middle College and Milwaukie Academy of the Arts for high school students.

• 2 new middle schools were built in the past four years: Happy Valley Middle School, and Rock Creek Middle School.

• Sports: School and club sports offer students a spectrum of opportunities to pursue athletic excellence and learn about teamwork and perseverance. Dance & Drill teams from Rex Putnam, Milwaukie, & Clackamas consistently excel in state competitions. Milwaukie High recently tied as league champion in boys basketball, finishing 4th in state, and the Clackamas High girls basketball team finished second in state.

• Student activities: Students have a wide array of activities, clubs, groups, and extra-curriculars to choose from, enabling them to apply their learning and connect with their community. From Key Club, Model U.N. Club, DECA, and FFA, to thespian troupes, multicultural clubs, and speech team, students can find their niche and take on leadership roles.

• Real-world learning: From the high school deli, child care, and catering programs students have opportunities to operate a real business, learning career skills vital to the work place.

• SAT scores are up thanks to an increased focus on research-based teaching strategies and added opportunities for academic support.

What parents say:

"North Clackamas schools have retained a feeling of community that other school districts have lost. Teachers and parents are determined to keep programs and seasonal traditions that make students feel more connected to a school and its teachers."

"North Clackamas has a balanced focus on education, arts, and extra-curricular activities."

"It's a big district, but it feels small."

"North Clackamas has amazing technology in the classroom."

"We have a tight-knit community and an 'It takes a village' mentality in regards to our children."

"North Clackamas really encourages parent involvement and a sense of community."

"We have an outstanding staff constantly working to improve the schools."

"The district provides extra services and support to students who need it."

"North Clackamas creates strong connections between students, parents, and staff."

"North Clackamas Schools keeps parents informed of everything that is going on. This communication is essential and exceptional."

"The school district keeps a sense of 'small' -- caring and connections -- even as it becomes bigger and bigger. This smallness is also what helps them stay connected to students."

"Teachers are creative and engage their students."

"For sporting events, our staff, parents, and students support our teams, win or lose."

"North Clackamas has high standards and exceptional educators."

Leslie Robinette
robinettel@nclack.k12.or.us
503-353-6018