NCSD News

In NCSD, we know that strong literacy skills allow students to confidently seek out information, explore self-interests, and gain a deeper understanding of the world around them. That’s why we continue to place a strong emphasis on teaching reading fundamentals as early as age 3! Yes, you read that right…did you know that students receive individualized literacy instruction even in NCSD’s preschool program at Oak Grove Elementary? This week, Dr. James visits this amazing classroom and learns how our youngest students are learning literacy more than one letter at a time.

As students get closer and closer to kindergarten age, a good start can make all the difference. At NCSD’s Wichita Center for Family and Community, parents/caregivers learn side-by-side with their 3- and 4-year-olds as part of the Ready Set Go! preschool program, an NCSD partnership with Metropolitan Family Services. This week, Dr. James visits with three of this program’s leaders, whose wonderful work brings smiles to families and helps kids gain confidence before enrolling in NCSD schools.

As part of our Social Emotional Learning curriculum in elementary, middle, and high school, all NCSD staff members are dedicated to making sure all students feel safe, welcome, and celebrated as members of a learning community where everybody belongs. This week, we visit Verne Duncan Elementary for a heartwarming look at how teacher Brian Pfaff fosters that deep sense of belonging with each of his 25+ fifth graders…by letting them brightly shine in his classroom’s weekly Student Spotlight.

At exactly 10:17 a.m. on 10/17, many NCSD schools joined more than 500,000 people across the state participating in the Great Oregon Shakeout—an annual earthquake preparedness drill reminding people to Drop, Cover, and Hold On as if a major earthquake occurred at that very moment. We take an inside look at how the drill played out at Mt. Scott Elementary School, where NCSD Security & Emergency Management Specialist Kimmy Boone was happy to be at the epicenter of NCSD students and staff perfectly practicing our district’s Standard Response Protocols.

It was just another day when the phone rang in Robert Parker’s office seven years ago, when the practicing architect was busily going about his routine of drawing plans and scheduling meetings with clients. He never dreamed that phone call would change his life forever, when a local school principal was on the line. 

“They had a need and they were desperate,” explained a smiling Parker. “They invited me in and I got in the classroom and I realized this is a good fit for me—I just like the feeling, I like the excitement, and I like the impact you can have on young people, so I got hooked…and here I am.”

“Here” is NCSD’s Sabin-Schellenberg Professional Technical Center, where the start of Parker’s third period class was suddenly interrupted this week by several district and regional education leaders. That’s when to the excitement of cheering students and colleagues, Parker was named the 2024-25 Regional Teacher of the Year for Clackamas County.

Need your hair streaked, styled, or straightened? How about a magical makeover or fancy facial? Did you know there are advanced students right in our school district who can perform these services just like a professional? This week, Dr. James visits “Guest Day” in the Cosmetology program at our Sabin-Schellenberg Center, where we highlight a Skills USA champion student and tour the working salon where students never brush off a chance to show off their skills for special guests!

Episode 10 - Where The Gloss Is Always Half Full

When Jake Lee asked his kindergarten students at Scouters Mountain Elementary about ways they could spread kindness throughout local neighborhoods, all 24 of his enthusiastic five- and six-year-olds immediately signed up. And by “signing up,” that meant putting motivational signs up at landmarks all over the Scouters Mountain and Happy Valley area, including walking trails, parks, and even the local library. See how the kindness is spreading beyond the classroom and throughout the community.

This week, a prime example of how wires get crossed in communication. Curtis shows off some VERY awkward robot dance moves, only to learn that Dr. James is actually featuring NCSD’s amazing Robotics program and a dancing robot. No wires needed as a Nelson High School student shows Dr. James what makes Robotics so cool, and how he programmed Marty the dancing robot!

Episode 9 - Classroom Visit Takes An R2-Detour

With more than 21,000 Chromebooks distributed for student use throughout our district, some machines are bound to break down at some point, right? Ever wonder how we get those defective devices back in service so quickly? This week, Dr. James visits a small, little-known workroom in the basement of our district’s Technology Department, and some of the people who live in a world of shattered screens, coffee-spilled keyboards, and powerless processors.

Episode 8 - 2024: A Technology Odyssey