NCSD News
Hey NCSD families…want the scoop on all our 30+ schools? How about stories about sensational students…or terrific tales about teachers…anecdotes about admirable assistants…or positive pictures of principals? You’re not going to want to miss a week of NCSD NEWS, our fast-paced social media news show bringing you the latest and greatest stories from all around the district!
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.
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.
Where else can you come face-to-face with a 3-day-old sheep, pet the soft fur of a llama, and meet a duck with a comb over? President's Day was also Red Bard Baby Day at the Sabin-Schellenberg Center's Land Lab! We tag along with the hundreds of community members who came to visit the amazing animals at this annual favorite event, while learning from NCSD Agriculture students helping raise the furry and feathered friends as part of their Land Lab coursework!
With each NCSD school serving hundreds of hot lunches every day, sometimes an entrée can make a student’s mouth water before the first bite, while the same featured food can make another student’s nose crinkle. But as some Scouters Mountain third graders recently found out, our kindhearted Nutrition Department staff members will do anything to make sure students love their lunch choices…especially when their office receives fan mail!
We love our North Clackamas families! Thanks to your partnership, NCSD shined in the latest high school graduation rates announced today! Our schools outpaced the state average for the 12th consecutive year!
A giant pink stuffed unicorn is taking the Milwaukie High School hallways by storm! "Atta Baby" is awarded to a student recognized for going above-and-beyond to do amazing things for Milwaukie High. The student also gets to add a little personal style to Atta-Baby's wardrobe.
Lights, Camera, Action! Students in the Broadcasting and Journalism program recently hosted the National Teach Ag Day webcast from their studio at the Sabin-Schellenberg Technical Center. Hear from the student Executive Producer about her experience putting on a live show, and the importance of this event for both the Broadcast/Journalism program and the Agriculture program.
Sometimes, elementary students can drive a principal up a wall—literally. That was the case earlier this week when Happy Valley Elementary students arrived at school to find their principal Heather Hull duct taped to a wall just outside the office. Hull found herself in this sticky situation after HVE students met their October Jog-A-Thon fundraising goal, which also resulted in her taking a pie to the face at the last schoolwide assembly.
Would the good-sport principal recommend similar consequences for her colleagues? “Of course!” she exclaimed. “There’s nothing better than getting taped to a wall at 6:45 in the morning!”
Happy Valley students wholeheartedly agree. “I thought it was pretty funny,” said third grader Tyson Mitchell. “I think she should do it again!”