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2010 Application Deadlines
Re-enrollment Deadline is March 31. Forms will be
mailed by January 29.
Financial Aid
Deadline is March 1.
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After School Enrichment Classes Starting in February
New Parents Group Recruits International Artist to Teach
The new group for Park Academy parents met for the first time on
January 6. Discussion was animated as ideas bounced around the room.
Ten committed parents gathered to discuss priorities and establish an
action plan to create enrichment opportunities for students.
After school enrichment classes will
start in February. We will begin the enrichment series with an Art class
suitable for all grades. The class will be taught by South African artist Ian Yallop.
Ian taught high school art for three years and private lessons for over a
decade in South Africa. He is a good friend of Park parents Rich & Cindy Milock. The classes will be held once a week in February
(3:30 - 4:30 p.m.) and the fee is $25 per student. In March the series
will continue with a Music class.
Registration forms will be e-mailed or you can pick up a form in the
office. Scholarships are available.
The next parent meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, February 3, at 6pm at Park Academy. Join us as we work together to create new opportunities and experiences for our kids. Contact co-chairs Anne Gray 503.344.4090 or Brenda Braxton for more information. See you there!
"Leopard in a Tree" by Ian Yallop. Pastel on matte board.
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| Board of Directors |
Piper Park, Founder
Scott Howard, President
Gary Maffei, Treasurer
Robert Campo
William A Furman
Harry A Merlo
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P.O. Box 34
Marylhurst, Oregon 97036
503.697.6213
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Directors Letter
Dear Friends, Board Members & Colleagues,
The New Year provides an opportunity to reflect on where we have been, where we are currently and the opportunities ahead. Many milestones have been achieved since the school first opened in 2005. We continue in our commitment to provide students with a school that meets their unique learning challenges and ensures their emotional and physical safety.
In 2005, our vision was simply to prepare students to graduate from high school. In 2009, our vision expanded to prepare every graduating senior for post-secondary education. In 2010, we will have six graduating students who are all heading for post-secondary education! You can read their stories in the article below.
The vision for Park Academy continues to evolve. In future newsletters I'll share more about the strategic plan
for our school. I look forward to engaging with you all in
advancing our vision and mission for 2010 and beyond.
Sincerely,
Paula Kinney
School Director
P.S. This month I'd like to send a special thank you to Ms. Gray and Ms.
Braxton for getting our parent group started. I know this group will
be a great asset to Park Academy and will make us even stronger as a
"whole" school community!
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Songwriting with Kids
Save the Date! March 31 Music Workshop for Students
Steve Seskin helps children of all ages to create their own songs that speak to issues that affect
the entire school community, such as bullying, respect, peer pressure,
diversity and self-esteem. When students write their own song, they're
more apt to live by the words and quietly convince other students to do
the same.
Steve is "one of country music's most successful songwriters" and his compositions have been recorded by many well know artists. "Grown Men Don't Cry", recorded by Tim McGraw, was nominated for a 2002
Grammy award.
Seskin is known for performing at schools in support
of a tolerance program named after a song he wrote performed by Peter, Paul and Mary, the Operation Respect/Don't Laugh at Me project.
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Milestone for Park Academy
First Student to be Dual Enrolled at Marylhurst University
Congratulations are in order!
Will Cheng is now dual enrolled as a student at Park Academy and
Marylhurst University. He is taking Introduction to Music Technology.
Will is a senior and he has already completed his science and social
studies requirements and has more than enough credits to graduate, so
he is continuing to upgrade his knowledge and skills in anticipation of
taking a larger class load next year in college.
The
partnership between Park Academy and Marylhurst University provides
seniors the opportunity to earn college credit while finishing high
school, and provides a gentle transition into college life. We plan to
expand this partnership with Marylhurst in the future and get more of
our seniors dual enrolled and on their way to achieving their college
dreams!
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Middle School Staff Update
Welcome Ms Patton & Ms McCarthy - Farewell Ms Weekes
From the start of her time at Park Academy we knew Ms. Lauren Weekes
would be leaving for Chicago in the new year to pursue her career in
Art History. Ms. Weekes is an incredible teacher and was very committed
to her work and to the students. Good Luck Ms. Weekes- we know you'll
be a great success wherever you go - but we miss you!
 Ms. Ivy
Patton joined the faculty in October and has fit in so beautifully it's
almost like she was always here! Ms. Patton graduated from the
University of Georgia and is completing her Masters in Teaching with
Board Certification as a Behavior Analyst. She studied literature at
Oxford University in England, photography at the Lorenzo de Medici Art
Institute in Florence and psychology at City University of New York.
After a brief career in radio and TV in New York City she taught at
Savannah Country Day School in Savannah Georgia. Ms. Patton worked
closely with Ms. Weekes prior to her departure and the kids love her.
Welcome Ms. Patton! After the holiday break middle school students enthusiastically
welcomed their  new teacher, Ms. Jennie McCarthy. Ms. McCarthy has been
observing classes once a week for the past month to get acquainted with
the students and their learning styles. Ms. McCarthy has an elementary
teaching license in multiple subjects, including teaching students with
learning challenges. She comes to us with a rich background including
substitute teaching in the Beaverton School District since September
2008, and directing and teaching in an afterschool program at Hazeldale
Elementary School. In addition to her education background, Ms.
McCarthy spent five years serving in the United States Army as a
Medical Logistics Captain, serving in Iraq - thanks for your service
Jennie. Welcome, we're excited to have you join our team!
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Theatre Class Demonstrates Improvisational Skills
Peter Yarrow Drops by to Sing "Puff The Magic Dragon"
The Theatre Class,
which is composed of both middle and high school students, presented their
first show, IMPROVISE! Improvisation is a form of acting that requires
quick, in-the-moment thinking and action. Students had the audience in stitches
with their clever characters and off-the-top comments. Everything from
interviewing aliens to dancing with broomsticks showcased the student's wit and
imagination. Alexia acted as hostess and a good time was had by all.
An impromptu visit by Peter Yarrow delighted the audience as he performed a
modified rendition of "Puff the Magic Dragon" with a much
happier ending. We all learned that Puff still lives by the sea and were quite
relieved and joined enthusiastically in the chorus. Peter also performed "Don't Laugh at Me" and provided an update on the activities of "Operation Respect".
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Schedule of Upcoming School Tours
All Are Invited to See Learning in Action at Park Academy!
Word of mouth has been our most powerful method for recruiting new students. We welcome referrals and appreciate your help spreading the word about our life changing school
Upcoming tours are at 10:00 a.m. on January 27, February 10 and 25. Please see the Web site for more dates. ALL are welcome to visit. Contact Kim Barton, Registrar 503.635-3088.
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Winter
Weather Reminder
Follow
Lake Oswego School District Delay & Closures
 During inclement weather Park Academy follows Lake Oswego School District's decision on late starts or closures. Please check your local news station about school closures on any morning we have ice or snow. Then check again before you leave the house. Stay warm and safe!
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Annual Appeal Nets $10,000 and Sets Record for Parent Giving!
Annual Spring Plan Sale Coming in March
A hearty THANK YOU to everyone who helped make our year end fund drive
a success. Parent participation this year is up 83% over last year!
Parents and staff contributed and pledged nearly $4,000 which will be
used to help purchase document cameras for classrooms. We're really
excited about the enthusiastic attitude and willingness to participate
that was exhibited this year.
Overall our year end
fundraising generated more than $10,000 in new money for school
programs and scholarships!
Thanks everyone!
April Harris, Development Director.
P.S. Get ready to breathe in the fresh scents of our "Bloom into Spring"
Annual Plant Sale - March 11-29. The plants are gorgeous. Check the nursery Web site for a list of packages and look for your order form via email and in kids' backpacks..
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Park Academy empowers students with diverse learning challenges to
reach their highest potential of giftedness while excelling
academically and becoming responsible citizens and community leaders.
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e Arnold plans to enter 
Will Cheng plans to enter either Portland Community College or 
Jack Cornelius plans to attend 
Steven Davis will attend 
Alexia Horovak
will attend Portland Community College to study elementary education.
Her love of children and great people skills landed her a job this year
at a Day Care Center in Tigard. This job has given her hands-on
experience in preparing for her next steps to college and career.
Patrick Meadors
will be attending Portland Community College to fulfill his
undergraduate requirements before transferring to a 4-year college.
Patrick is interested in political science, community service, and
student leadership. Patrick attended two National Student Leadership
Conferences this past year and is active in student leadership at Park
Academy.
