NCSD Elementary Arts Education

District staff, public invited to enroll freshmen & sophomores in Rex Putnam or Milwaukie HIgh

North Clackamas Schools will open enrollment to 50 high school freshmen and sophomores at Milwaukie and Rex Putnam High Schools in 2013-14. Part  of the benefits of these 2 high schools are there amzaing music and arts programs.  We are one of only 9 districts in the state that offers orchestra.

 “Providing students with engaging, challenging learning opportunities to pursue their individual interests is a huge catalyst for academic success,” said Superintendent Matt Utterback.  “In North Clackamas, we offer a full spectrum of electives — from college-level AP and International Baccalaureate courses and career-technical programs to first-rate performing and visual arts. We work to meet each student’s unique needs.”

Openings in North Clackamas include:

•  25 spots at Rex Putnam High School, which offers the county’s only International Baccalaureate college preparatory program; competitive band, orchestra, choir, and drama and athletic programs; a newly renovated building; and a large number of on-site courses in which students can earn college credits. 

•  25 spots at Milwaukie High School, rated Outstanding by the State of Oregon, with on-site health care at no cost to students; competitive band, orchestra, choir, drama and athletic programs; a newly renovated arts center; and many on-site courses in which students can earn college credits.

Students in both of these schools may also take elective classes at the Sabin-Schellenberg Center, the state’s largest career-technical center, with 15 in-depth, hands-on programs providing college credit opportunities to high school students. Programs at the center include: Agriculture, Automotive Services, Broadcasting & Digital Media, Business Management, Computer-Aided Design, Cosmetology, Culinary Arts, Digital Design, Early Learning, Electronics, Fire Science, Forestry, Health Services, Law Enforcement, and Manufacturing Engineering.

The North Clackamas Education Foundation is excited to have received a total of $10,500 in grant for elementary musical instruments from Target, PGE, the Swigert Foundation and the Charlotte Y. Martin Foundation.

The North Clackamas School District (NCSD) takes pride in the ability to offer music, arts and physical education to students at every education level.  Unfortunately, due to a $10 million budget shortfall the NCSD had to eliminate 140 teaching positions for the 2011-2012 school year, including 4 of 13 elementary music teachers, a 30% staff reduction. Even with the budget cuts, NCSD was able to preserve music classes at all levels, but was forced to increase class sizes. Due to these increased class sizes, our elementary music programs do not have enough instruments for each student to fully participate in class.

These grant will help purchase the instruments needed to present music curriculum in a relevant and meaningful way, so that all NCSD school children can experience hands-on learning and contribute fully in music classes.

As one of our music teachers said “NCEF has been ‘instrumental’ in bringing Linwood's music department to life.  Instruments and books purchased through NCEF funding are the foundation of what Linwood students experience in music.  From African djembes and bell trees to storybooks we can orchestrate and additional keyboards to compensate for growing class sizes, the Foundation is a big part of what makes music education possible.  Our lives are all made richer through the continued support of NCEF!”

The North Clackamas Education Foundation is excited to have received a total of $10,500 in grant for elementary musical instruments from Target, PGE, the Swigert Foundation and the Charlotte Y. Martin Foundation.

The North Clackamas School District (NCSD) takes pride in the ability to offer music, arts and physical education to students at every education level.  Unfortunately, due to a $10 million budget shortfall the NCSD had to eliminate 140 teaching positions for the 2011-2012 school year, including 4 of 13 elementary music teachers, a 30% staff reduction. Even with the budget cuts, NCSD was able to preserve music classes at all levels, but was forced to increase class sizes. Due to these increased class sizes, our elementary music programs do not have enough instruments for each student to fully participate in class.

These grant will help purchase the instruments needed to present music curriculum in a relevant and meaningful way, so that all NCSD school children can experience hands-on learning and contribute fully in music classes.

Thank you!

North Clackamas is facing the most challenging time in the history of our school district during this financial crisis. After making substantial staff reductions in our fourth year of reduced funding, the most noticeable impact is that class sizes, but there have been schedule cuts, school closures, increased fees, and more children coming to school not prepared.

On April 21, over 200 people attended the NCEF Annual Gala Auction and Dinner at Abernethy Center in Oregon City. The event raised approximately $77,000 (a more the 50% increase from last year!) to help advance our mission to bridge the gap between district funding and unmet student needs. All funds go directly into the North Clackamas schools and students thourgh programs such as scholarships, innovative teacher grants, arts education and activity fees support. The NCEF also supports the Backpack Buddy program, the Lunch Buddy program and the Wichita Family Support Center.

Links:

• nc-foundation.org

NCSD is proud of our strong arts education. This year the NCEF funding has helped pay the fee for: