|
|
Colleagues -
We’re co-hosting a conference on school district leadership in the age of artificial intelligence and we’ve lined up some of the biggest names in the game to present. Still on the fence about going? Ask ChatGPT to help you make a decision…
 Image description: A conversation between you and ChatGPT about whether you should attend an upcoming AI conference. ChatGPT says you should attend so you can learn from experts in the field, network and stay ahead of the curve in leveraging AI for educational innovation.
The ESD offerings don’t stop there. This month we are promoting two more opportunities that get to the core of who we are and what we care about – student and family partnerships.
Register…participate…share…engage however makes sense for you:
While many corners of our ESD are thriving, I recently shared difficult news about the Early Intervention and Early Childhood Special Education budget. Primarily because the Legislature failed to adequately fund the program despite record revenue and state reserves, we are facing a deficit of $6.5 million — or about 15% of our early learning workforce. In case you missed it, read the message I sent to families and partners on March 22.
This program will navigate some rough waters in the weeks and months ahead. While the needs of some of our state’s youngest and most vulnerable learners must serve as our compass, with such a large deficit, there is no way critical services for children and families won’t be impacted.
At Northwest Regional ESD, we are unabashedly committed to educational equity. We believe our learning communities thrive only when each child gets what they need to be successful. Although forced reductions in our early learning programs are unfortunately unavoidable, our incredibly skilled staff will continue to individualize critical intervention services for children experiencing delays and disabilities. Together, we will ensure that every student is educated, equipped and inspired to achieve their full potential and enrich their communities.
|
|
|
Respectfully –
 Dan Goldman
Superintendent
|
|
 Students and teachers sign I love you as a way to express their appreciation for the supplies and recognition. Photo courtesy of KPTV Fox12.
Our very own Lee Ann Banning was recognized by KPTV Fox12 news on March 12. The Classroom of the Month recognition earned her $1,000 in classroom supplies donated by a local chapter of the Oregon Freemasons, a fraternal organization that promotes volunteerism and community service.
Lee Ann is the lead deaf and hard of hearing teacher for our specialized classroom at Groner Elementary School in Hillsboro, which draws students from the Beaverton, Hillsboro, Scappoose and Tigard-Tualatin school districts. Students range in age from kindergarten through sixth grade.
Lee Ann says many of her students do not have a first language when they come to her classroom. Learning American Sign Language provides them with those foundational language skills, and she says watching students communicate with others and develop friendships is what motivates her as a teacher.
The donations included classroom and art supplies, books, interactive games, snacks and a high-quality speaker (for students who have some hearing).
Congrats to Lee Ann and her fellow deaf and hard of hearing educators at Groner Elementary: Kandace Anderson, Kimberly Ansberry, Shannon Crisostomo, David Beebe, Marie Groshans and Phaedra Kossow-Quinn on receiving this recognition.
|
|
 From left: Yolanda Coleman, talent acquisition and retention administrator at NWRESD, Rachel Williamson, a principal at Liberty Elementary School in the Tillamook School District, Morgan Whitney, a pre-k through twelfth grade literacy coach at Tigard-Tualatin School District, and Amber Fields, director of secondary education also at Tigard-Tualatin school district, talk about how to make system-wide improvements in their respective spaces. Photo by Tracey Goldner.
The excitement in the room was palpable.
Dozens of teachers and administrators gathered around rectangular tables to learn about the ins and outs of the grants they had just received.
Tillamook School District administrators Charlotte Ellis and Rachel Williamson are working to transform the social-emotional teaching practices of dozens of educators in their district.
Shirley Brock wants to bring AVID practices — a curriculum that prepares all kids for college, not just those closest to opportunity — to every educator in the St. Helens School District.
Clatskanie Superintendent Danielle Hudson is providing mentors to teachers who are in the process of completing their special education licenses. The mentors have decades of experience in special education and will provide the network and expertise that new teachers need to stay in the field.
These 36 teachers and administrators are the recipients of a Northwest Regional Educator Network grant. NWRESD has recently awarded $5 million in grants to 42 projects. The work will span this school year and next.
|
|
 Raiden with his mom on the playground. Raiden receives services from our Early Intervention and Early Childhood Special Education program. His family is working to find a gene replacement therapy that will address his ultra-rare genetic disorder. Photo courtesy of the Pham family.
Four-year-old Raiden Pham’s story has already traveled farther than most. His life story was included among just a few hundred others in a cargo ship that recently landed on the moon. Raiden has an ultra-rare genetic disorder called UBA5 that results in quadriplegic cerebral palsy. It's so rare in fact that only a handful of people in the world are known to have it.
As is often the case with rare genetic conditions, there is not a cure or much funding behind finding one. So his family is racing the clock to fund a gene replacement therapy that will save Raiden's life.
Raiden receives services from a team of NWRESD specialists. “The advocacy and determination of his family are truly amazing,” says his early childhood education specialist Mallory Berry. “I am so lucky I get to be a part of his journey.”
|
|
 Image description: An illustration includes text that says your voice matters with a photo of a preschooler in an orange shirt and jaw-length brown hair smiling for the camera
We’ve recently launched a parent advisory committee (PAC) to help us improve what we do. And any parent or caregiver whose child receives services from NWRESD is invited to join. We estimate this is a 10-15 hour commitment each year, and we ask that people participate for at least 2 years.
Participants will:
- share their voices and perspectives as parents/caregivers
- offer suggestions for making our programs and services more inclusive
- connect with families
- meet at times that are convenient
|
|
|
“The PAC provides an innovative collaboration between NWRESD and the families they serve. We are helping to strengthen a new wave of parent-led advocacy through shared experiences and connections. The PAC gives us a creative and safe outlet designated for reflection, encouragement, resources and hope.”
-Lisa Bosotina, PAC Member
|
|
The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting
 From left: Members of the fiscal services team Alice Parr, accounting support specialist, Jennifer Werner, accounting support specialist, Christina Noerr, senior accountant, Brandon Gallinat, senior accountant, Tera Van Dyke, director of fiscal services, Jennilyn Wilson, business analyst, Heather Dickerson, senior accountant, Hollande Lawrence, senior accountant, Tina Mam, fiscal support specialist, pose with their award. Photo by Tina Mam.
For the 16th year in a row, Northwest Regional Education Service District’s fiscal services team has snagged a top honor from the Government Finance Officers Association for its financial reporting.
The team received the recognition for its most recent annual comprehensive financial report. The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by NWRESD's fiscal team.
“This award is essentially about fiscal transparency and stewardship and sends an important message about accountability to our community, staff and component school districts,” says Superintendent Dan Goldman “Our finance team carefully pores over mountains of information every year to produce a thoughtful, transparent and accurate annual comprehensive financial report. I’m excited they are being recognized at the highest level.”
Northwest Regional and Multnomah were the only two ESDs in the state to receive this award.
|
|
We are seeking applicants for two zoned board positions that will begin this summer. Zone 1 represents Gaston, Sherwood and Tigard-Tualatin school districts, and zone 3 represents the Hillsboro School District. Applicants must live and be registered to vote in the area they are representing. |
|
"Public education is a cornerstone of democracy,” says Maureen Wolf, current NWRESD at-large board member. “Every child deserves a quality education that equips them to successfully pursue higher education and/or a career. Those beliefs are why I serve on NWRESD’s board of directors." |
|
|
Board members typically gather once per month for a regular meeting and are expected to review the board packet beforehand and come prepared to discuss items and make decisions. Members are also expected to participate in committee meetings, work sessions and executive sessions and visit various ESD and school district sites and programs throughout the year.
Both volunteer positions are four-year terms that will begin July 31, 2024, and end June 30, 2028. Apply by this Friday, April 5.
|
|
|
FEATURED EVENTS
Empowered Edu Conference: School District Leadership in the Age of Artificial Intelligence
May 14 | 8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. | University of Portland
6 PDUs
Come learn from industry leaders about how to navigate the opportunities and pitfalls of using AI in schools. Sessions will cover ethical considerations, practical tools and strategies and the latest AI technologies. Register for AI Empowered Edu Conference.
Northwest CAFE Summit
May 29 | 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. | Wingspan Conference Center - Hillsboro
7 PDUs
We're teaming up with K-12 students to change the game of educational equity in northwest Oregon. Come spend the day engaging with student equity leaders. Together, we’ll flex some mental muscle and bring the heat to tackle challenges and create solutions. This free event is for teachers, administrators, support staff and community partners. Register for the Northwest CAFE Summit.
|
|
|
Behavioral Safety (Threat) Assessment Training in Schools
April 15 & 16 | 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. | NWRESD Regional Office - Hillsboro
14 PDUs
This two-day, in-person training will help educators build a sustainable, community-based violence prevention, threat management, and behavioral safety assessment system composed of school- and community-based teams.
The training provides a comprehensive review of the technical aspects of preventative behavioral safety assessments and will also discuss bias, restorative practices, trauma-informed care and risk factors. Participants will learn through case studies.
This training is free for educators and community partners in Clatsop, Columbia, Tillamook and Washington counties. Learn more and register.
Integrated Guidance Collaborative
April 16 | 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. | NWRESD Regional Office - Hillsboro
Come learn about Integrated Guidance updates and prepare your application for 2025. We will also have time for you to plan your community engagement calendar for next year and explore resources and tools for your application.
We encourage districts to bring their entire Integrated Guidance team to this session. Lunch will be provided. Learn more and RSVP.
Engaging Caregivers about Attendance Concerns
April 17 | 10 - 11 a.m. | Virtual
Whether the caregiver you are working with is indifferent to attendance or as equally concerned as the school, there are many different tactics you can use to navigate these situations. In this session we will look at common caregiver responses, case studies, areas of needed support, and how to increase effective parenting strategies.
This session is specifically designed for educators and support staff leading attendance initiatives at schools in Columbia, Clatsop, Tillamook, and Washington counties. Learn more and register.
NCPMI-Pyramid Model Infant-Toddler Module Series: Introduction & Understanding Social-Emotional Development
April 17 | 6 - 8:30 p.m. | Virtual
The pyramid model takes a comprehensive approach to promoting positive behavior in young children. This session will introduce you to the model and related terms and help you create classrooms that support children as they develop their social-emotional skills.
This free training is open to educators who work in preschools, child care centers, family child cares and Head Start classrooms in Clatsop, Columbia, Tillamook and Washington counties. Learn more and register.
|
|
The Monthly Messenger is a monthly update for Northwest Regional Education Service District partners. Would you like to see your team's work featured? Email communications. |
|
|
|
|
