North Clackamas
School District
In North Clackamas, almost all students who attend a specific group of neighborhood elementary schools eventually attend the same middle school, which then "feeds" into the same high school. That's why we call them "feeder systems!" Over the past few months, we've highlighted the Adrienne C. Nelson, Rex Putnam, Clackamas, and Milwaukie High School Feeder systems!
But those four systems don’t represent our entire North Clackamas School District community. NCSD also offers several unique school options. This month, we're bringing you a Feeder Focus – Special Edition!
What a COOL Way to Celebrate Student Learning!
There's a reason why Clackamas Web Academy leaders kept referring to their recent end-of-year celebration of students' research displays as COOL. One student explaining about her recent experience volunteering at Outdoor School = cool. Another student erupting his model volcanoes on demand = also really cool.
Even the name of the first-ever celebration was COOL, as in, “Celebration Of Our Learning.” Nearly 90 students from the NCSD-sponsored K-12 charter school participated in the showcase, which allowed them to reflect on their growth, present to a live audience, and engage in real academic discussions. Ninth-grade projects explored a theme of love and transformation, while 10th graders focused on survival, integrating language arts, history, and science. Pretty COOL indeed!
"I’d Like to Thank the Academy…”
Amid bursts of applause, wide-eyed recipients came forward one by one to accept a gold statuette honoring many months of hard work. While it may not have been the Oscars or the Emmys, Clackamas Middle College staff members recently gave students the Hollywood treatment during its annual schoolwide recognition ceremony.
Students from the district-sponsored charter school even walked a makeshift red carpet toward the stage to receive awards recognizing academic excellence, personal growth, and resilience. The ceremony also included a heartfelt tribute to the school’s seniors, many of whom are graduating with multiple terms worth of college credits and thousands of dollars worth of tuition savings.
Students from the district-sponsored charter school even walked a makeshift red carpet toward the stage to receive awards recognizing academic excellence, personal growth, and resilience. The ceremony also included a heartfelt tribute to the school’s seniors, many of whom are graduating with multiple terms worth of college credits and thousands of dollars worth of tuition savings.
Leading the Parade About Equality
As they move about during a typical school day, high school students may "parade" through a crowded hallway on their way to class…or maybe through the cafeteria toward their favorite seats. But every spring for the past 16 years, New Urban High School students actually do parade up and down Oak Grove Boulevard in front of their school. On a recent Friday afternoon, local store owners and neighbors cheered as the students marched in the school’s annual Pride Parade, celebrating a community spirit of recognizing people’s identities and advocating for equal rights. The beloved annual tradition even gathered some new participants this year, as residents of the nearby RoseVilla Senior Living Community joined the festivities.
Past Feeder Focus Newsletters
Adrienne C. Nelson High School
In North Clackamas, almost all students who attend a specific group of neighborhood elementary schools eventually attend the same middle school, which then "feeds" into the same high school. That's why we call it a "feeder system!" Although it may vary for students attending one of our fabulous magnet, charter, or dual language immersion schools, it's a great way for us to give you an inside look at each school within one feeder system. This month? It's schools that all eventually feed into Adrienne C. Nelson High School!
Happy Valley 5th Graders Explore the Art of Persuasive Writing
In Ms. Petri's 5th-grade class, students are honing their persuasive writing skills. They explored how to craft a compelling topic, take a clear stance, and brainstorm effectively to support their claims.
This wasn't a typical writing lesson— as Ms. Petri's class had special guests: a group of fellow NCSD teachers!
These 3rd-5th grade educators observed the lesson to learn new strategies for teaching writing, hoping to bring fresh ideas back to their own classrooms.
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OBOB Comes to Scouters Mountain Elementary
This year at Scouters Mountain, a new adventure began for the Coyotes as they formed their very first teams for the Oregon Battle of the Books (OBOB). For many of these 3rd through 5th graders, the challenge is an exciting one—reading a carefully selected list of books and preparing to answer questions about them in a fast-paced competition.
The students have thrown themselves into the task with enthusiasm, often sacrificing their recess time to meet up and quiz each other on the details of their books.
As the date for their first "battle" approaches, there’s a sense of anticipation in the air. The outcome will determine which group of Coyotes will move on to compete in the state competition in Salem, Oregon, this April. It’s an exciting time, and the Coyotes are ready to give it their all!
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Verne Duncan Students Travel the Globe with Passport Club
Can you identify Mozambique on a map? What about Bahrain or Burkina Faso? Those are just some of the countries students in the Passport Club are studying this month.
Fifth grade teacher Brian Pfaff brought the Passport Club to Duncan. Once a month, students to identify as many countries on the list as possible on a blank map.
"The goal is for students to not only study geography, but to also have kids realize that there is a bigger world than just Oregon," said volunteer Michelle Pfaff.
Starting next week, these geography buffs will have a new list of countries to study!
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Beatrice Morrow Cannady Students Dive into Fresh Books
The new calendar year means a new book or series to explore at Beatrice Morrow Cannady Elementary!
The library, run by Media Tech Jennifer McLaughlin, has some fresh new books on the shelf for students to check out.
"Picking out new books is my favorite part of library time," said first grade student Fatima Warraich as she's in line to check out Unicorn and Yeti Friends Rock.
There's a lot that goes into deciding which new books to bring into a school's library. At Cannady,
McLaughlin says she keeps an ongoing wish list of books that students ask for. She also uses resources like Destiny, that makes books suggestions.
McLaughlin adds media techs around the district also work together and ask for recommendations as well.
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Happy Valley Middle Hosts Inspiring Art, Food, Film & Engineering Festival
Happy Valley Middle School held its annual Art, Food, Film, and Engineering Festival! It was a true celebration of creativity, innovation and community.
Students in the Engineering, Arts, and FACS programs showcased what they have been working on this semester while enjoying delicious treats and short films.
Seventh grade engineering student Samantha Walker displayed the game she created titled Clowning Around.
"I really enjoyed showing my creative side when creating my carnival game!" Walker said. "It's fun watching everybody play it."
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Adrienne C. Nelson Students Craft Creative Magnets for National Exchange
ANHS Junior Sophia Leontyuk, Senior Norah Simmons, and Senior Bridgit Szczesniak, along with their classmates have finished up their ceramics projects for the semester!
Students in Linda Kieling's class have been working on a variety of projects this semester, including creating magnets for a nationwide magnet exchange! At least 70 schools from across the country are participating this year.
Magnets that ANHS students contributed include odes to the state of Oregon, and of course the Nelson Hawk.
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Bonus Feature from NCSD's Sabin-Schellenberg Technical Center
Into the Woods: NCSD Students Building Forestry Futures
As a new term of classes begins for NCSD high school students in February, many eager teenagers take notes and contribute to class discussions in warm indoor classrooms…safe from the cold, rainy weather that usually comes during that time of year. Yet for several groups of classmates, the outdoors is their classroom…and they wouldn't want it any other way.
Who are these high-climbing, hands-on high schoolers who happily spend class time trekking along forest pathways, wearing weighted vests, and even harnessing themselves to trees more than 15 feet off the ground?
They're all students in NCSD's unique Forestry Program, one of 17 Career Technical Education study areas offered by the district's one-of-a-kind Sabin-Schellenberg Professional Technical Center (SSC). And they have some advice for students considering a career in the outdoors.
Coming up next month... NCSD heads to the Rex Putnam High School Feeder System!
Rex Putnam High School
In North Clackamas, almost all students who attend a specific group of neighborhood elementary schools eventually attend the same middle school, which then "feeds" into the same high school. That's why we call it a "feeder system!" Although it may vary for students attending one of our fabulous magnet, charter, or dual language immersion schools, it's a great way for us to give you an inside look at each school within one feeder system. This month? It's schools that all eventually feed into Rex Putnam High School!
Annual Spring Sing Unites Elementary, Middle and High School Choirs
It’s a unique once-a-year opportunity for student singers from five different schools to blend their voices together in one community-building concert. The exciting Spring Sing takes place March 11th at Rex Putnam High, and will include choirs from View Acres, Bilquist, Milwaukie El Puente, Alder Creek, and Rex Putnam. Singers rehearsed together for the first time this week in preparation for the traditional concert that’s been a yearly favorite for decades!
Riverside Elementary Breaks Ground on New Garden
A once barren hillside at Riverside Elementary will soon be home to a new community garden! Students helped break ground on "Sarah's Hill" February 12th. Appropriately, the project is named after the Riverside staff member leading the effort: fourth-grade teacher Sarah Hill.
With help from Dennis' 7 Dees Landscaping and the Portland Trail Blazers, the garden is expected to be finished in the coming weeks.
More Photos from Riverside
Riverside has partnered with PlayWorks Northwest, a local company that helps schools keep kids active and builds valuable social and emotional skills on the playground and in the gym.
Riverside Elementary students benefit from Playworks Northwest activities in the gym.
Some literacy book groups give kids a reading choice. These fifth graders chose "Los Gatos Guerreros" or "Warrior Cats."
Not only are students in this group reading their common book together, they engage in deep discussions about characters and themes.
As part of their daily literacy, fifth graders are split into book club groups, where student partners read and discuss the same book.
As part of their daily literacy, fifth graders are given the opportunity to choose books that they would like to read independently.
Kindergarten Dual Language Immersion students partner together in reading groups.
Kindergarten Dual Language Immersion students gather on the carpet before heading into writing groups.
A Dual Language Immersion kindergartener works on her writing assignment.
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Student authors meet one-on-one with their teacher during writing time to discuss their latest efforts.
Kindergarten students in the Dual Language Immersion Program learn letter names and sounds from their teacher.
Bilquist Elementary Brings the World Together for Culture Day
Bilquist Elementary shined with color, tradition, and pride as students celebrated their annual Culture Day! Festivities included a vibrant assembly and a "Cultural Museum," where students proudly showcased personal items from their native countries while sharing stories and traditions that make their cultures unique. It was a day that certainly showed off the unity within Bilquist's diverse commUNITY.
View More Photos From Around Bilquist
One Bilquist Bronco even brought a real flag to celebrate her Mexican culture!
Many math activities require much more space than a desktop, so these second graders moved to the carpet!
Three second graders use blocks to verify the answers to their math problem.
Two students share special items that their family brought to the United States from Ethiopia.
Bilquist teachers take time during their math lessons to individually connect with each student.
As organizers, these Bilquist staff members are proud to celebrate Culture Day on February 7th.
The Bilquist Elementary community celebrated Culture Day during an assembly on February 7th.
Students are all smiles and more than happy to point out their native countries on a globe!
Alder Creek Middle School Explores the Wonders of Science
Ever wondered what a brine shrimp looks like under a microscope? So did sixth-grade Alder Creek scientists, who also estimated the shrimp's size and observed its response to light.
Meanwhile, eighth graders were on a roll learning about kinetic energy. Science students collaborated on a marble ramp experiment, predicting and measuring how far the marble would spin from different ramp heights.
Rex Putnam’s Clubs Fair Sparks Student Involvement
A new semester also gave Rex Putnam students a chance to join a new after-school club, and there were plenty to choose from during the recent Clubs Fair…14 to be exact! Club leaders spent lunch periods showcasing their organizations, sharing their passions, and recruiting new members.
The Drumline Club has competed in national competitions- no experience necessary!
Just write your name to sign up!
All experience levels are welcome in the Dungeons & Dragons Club.
Students representing the Art Club during the Rex Putnam Clubs Fair on February 3rd.
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These students are happy to welcome potential new members of their after-school club.
Oak Grove Elementary Makes a Trip Around the World
It may only be down the hallway, but definitely bring a passport when visiting Oak Grove Elementary's Library these days. After teaching about different countries, Media Tech Alisa Rich stamps student-created passports to verify their latest knowledge. In February, third-fifth graders learned about North and South Korea, while kindergarten, first, and second-grade classrooms took imaginary tours around various Pacific Northwest National Parks and monuments.
After learning about North and South Korea, students are eager to ask questions.
Students are captivated by the lessons they learn each week about different cultures during library time.
One-on-one attention is essential for teachers to assess their students' reading progress.
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| Oak Grove is the only NCSD school that houses a full-day free preschool program |
Picture clues help some second graders sound out words during phonics lessons.
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Flexible furniture allows first graders to comfortably work on their writing skills.
View Acres Celebrates 30 Years of Advocating for Healthy Hearts
View Acres Elementary students always show a lot of heart when it comes to the Kids Heart Challenge, an annual fundraising drive that raises money for the American Heart Association. They consistently rank among the top schools statewide for funds raised while they take on heart-healthy activities both in PE and at home with their families.
This year is extra special for the Vikings, as they celebrate 30 years of participation! Over the decades, they’ve proudly hung success banners year after year in their gym and inspired other school communities to join the movement.
Bonus Feature from NCSD's Sabin-Schellenberg Technical Center
An Un-baaa-lievable Time at the Land Lab's Red Barn Baby Day
A little rain didn’t stop hundreds of community members from visiting NCSD’s Land Lab for an up-close look at the farm’s newest additions. Red Barn Baby Day, an annual event hosted by NCSD agriculture students ahead of National FFA Week, gives students the opportunity to showcase adorable baby animals while helping the furry and feathered friends get comfortable around people.
Coming up next month: NCSD is heading to... all Clackamas High School feeder schools!
Clackamas High School
In North Clackamas, almost all students who attend a specific group of neighborhood elementary schools eventually attend the same middle school, which then "feeds" into the same high school. That's why we call it a "feeder system!" Although it may vary for students attending one of our fabulous magnet, charter, or dual language immersion schools, it's a great way for us to give you an inside look at each school within one feeder system. This month? It's schools that all eventually feed into Clackamas High School!
1 Night, 30 Years, & 100 Days: Mt. Scott By The Numbers
After meeting a survey response goal challenge by principal Jeff Green, community members watched in amazement as the proud principal fulfilled his promise to spend 1 night on the school roof! We also found retired teacher Karen Cook utilizing her 30+ years of experience with weekly volunteer visits, and kindergartners celebrating their first 100 days of school!
Sweet dreams! Principal Green made it to the roof as after meeting a schoolwide survey response goal!
Mr. Green makes his way up to the roof!
Students love the chance to meet one-on-one with volunteer Karen Cook for a little extra help.
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The former educator works with first-grade students each week.
Eight different teachers dressed as crayons for "Dress Like A Book Character Day."
A crowning achievement - two kindergartners celebrate 100 days with fashionable headwear.
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A teacher works one-on-one with a student as they practice place value.
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Spotted: A class full of paw-some dalmatians for "dress like a book character day"!
Spring Mountain Ignites Imagination During Artist-in-Residence Visit
Spring Mountain students recently had the opportunity to explore their creativity through a special Artist-in-Residence program with Mrs. Flinn from Acts of Wonder. Mrs. Flinn guided students in the art of Creative Dramatics, focusing on social-emotional skills, problem-solving, imagination, storytelling, creativity, collaboration, and movement.
Mrs. Flinn, Artist-In-Residence from Acts of Wonder, sits in a circle with fifth-grade students during introductions.
Artist-In-Residence sessions often start with all students receiving directions at once.
Students use dramatic skills to act like they are part of a garden.
These fifth graders are tree-mendous as they act like trees in a forest.
In celebration of Women's History Month, a student learns about artist Georgia O'Keeffe.
A Spring Mountain teacher listens to her student as he works on reading fluency.
In their groups, Mrs. Flinn asked the fifth graders to act out the what it would be like to be a tree in the forest.
Rock Creek's Dungeons & Dragons Club Keeps Membership Rollin'
Where are students allowed to cast a spell, grapple, dash, dodge, disengage, or drink a potion? If they're members of Rock Creek's Dungeons & Dragons after-school club, they can do all of those and more with a roll of the dice! More than 20 students gather after school every Thursday to embark on creative adventures together!
A group of 20 Rock Creek students play Dungeons & Dragons together once a week. Some students have a lot of experience playing, while others are just learning the rules of the game.
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Two club members discuss what their next move in the game may be.
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There's always at least one student able to clarify a rule in question.
Club members are happy to explain what makes this game so special.
These students partner up to develop a strategy to advance through their fantasy world.
Cavalier Girls Basketball Makes Memorable Playoff Run
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Sunnyside's Annual Potato Parade Celebrates Creativity and Reading
A SPUD-tacular morning at Sunnyside Elementary always gets this annual favorite day off to a great starch! Students paraded potatoes down the hallways, with each spud decorated as a favorite book character. Check out the students' tater-ly awesome creativity!
Oregon Trail Caps Off Spirit Week With Dill-lightful Surprise!
The Wildcats wrapped up their Spirit Week with a literacy walk down the hallways showing off their favorite books, and a special assembly featuring a celebrity guest- Dillon from the Portland Pickles! Dillon The Pickle and his friends introduced the upcoming Pickles Spring Reading Challenge.
Coming up next month... NCSD heads to the Clackamas High School Feeder System!
Milwaukie High School
In North Clackamas, almost all students who attend a specific group of neighborhood elementary schools eventually attend the same middle school, which then "feeds" into the same high school. That's why we call it a "feeder system!" Although it may vary for students attending one of our fabulous magnet, charter, or dual language immersion schools, it's a great way for us to give you an inside look at each school within one feeder system. This month? It's schools that all eventually feed into Milwaukie High School!
Stock Market Simulation Pays Big Dividends
When a suspenseful simulation suddenly turned their everyday Advanced US History classroom into the New York Stock Exchange, groups of Milwaukie High students were forced to buy, sell, or trade assigned stocks before the final bell! Did they make a stash…or did their prices crash?
A STEAM Powered Family Fun Night
This was far from a typical Science Fair full of age-old experiments with charts and graphs! At Milwaukie El Puente, the annual STEAM Night took Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math to the next level with eye-popping projects ranging from catapult launchers to egg shakers. Visitors couldn't get enough of all the hands-on happenings!
Worming Their Way Into Science
For young aspiring scientists in NCSD, the second grade curriculum really opens up a can of worms…and Ardenwald wouldn't want it any other way. Daily science lessons used live mealworms to help students learn about life cycles, habitats, and food chains. As you can see, students couldn't get enough of the crawling critters.
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Let's Get This Pottery Started
When it comes to schoolwide art projects, Lewelling volunteers came through in a pinch! Thanks to their incredible efforts, every Lewelling student created a clay pinch pot to take home and share with families. A huge thank you to volunteer Christina Coleman for helping this special project bloom!
Passion Projects on Parade: Sojourner Students Share Their Discoveries
Sojourner intermediate students showed off their research projects that they had been working on over the last few weeks! These projects allowed students to explore a topic they were passionate about, then share their findings with their families and peers.
Adding Some Extra Spark to Kindergarten Learning
As part of a recent Community Heroes unit, kindergartners didn't have any trouble warming up to special visitors from Clackamas Fire. The real-life heroes gave tips about fire safety and showed off how parts of their trucks work— including the hoses!
Shamrocks Sprint into Track Season
High school students aren't the only athletes jumping into track & field season. Along with all other NCSD middle schools, Rowe is off and running! The Shamrocks kicked off their season with a crosstown meet against Alder Creek, where many speedy students from both schools competed in their very first event.
Coming up next month... an NCSD Feeder Focus Special Edition!
