GET SCHOOLED
I am writing in response to the story “Painful Lesson” [WW, Feb. 11, 2009], that focused on the recently released Oregon Department of Education audit of Portland Public Schools’ work with non-English-speaking students and families.
Beth Slovic’s article, which focused on one individual, the mother of a Roosevelt High School student, painted a picture of forgotten or ignored students. As the campus principal of Roosevelt High School, I can tell you that this is not an accurate depiction of our dedicated and compassionate staff and their work with our students
Slovic’s article did not include key information. We advise families about a student’s progress via phone calls, and quarterly and semester grade reports. If a student is missing the required credits for graduation, we notify the family a year in advance to allow for proper preparation. We are dedicated to help all of our students overcome any challenges they may face. We have made it our mission to serve the entire student population of Roosevelt in a variety of ways. We have two full-time staff members who translate and interpret for our Spanish-speaking families. We have numerous opportunities for free tutoring after school as well as free summer school during morning and evening hours to allow working students a chance to attend.
Roosevelt is a diverse school community—diverse in economic situation, diverse in culture and diverse in family support. We support and assist all of our students equitably. We hear and respond to all of their voices, and celebrate the richness our diverse families bring to our campus.
Deborah Peterson
Roosevelt campus principal
CORRECTION
Because of incorrect information listed on Basic Rights Oregon’s website, WW printed in last week’s “No Bully Left Behind” the wrong time of a rally this Friday, March 6, at the Capitol. The rally is at 11:30 am.
AT WWEEK.COM
Last week, we rogued Oregon Brewers for their resistance to an increase in the beer tax. This week we gave them a chance to fire back. Kurt Widmer, one of the godfathers of Oregon’s craft brewing industry, and Irene Firmat, founder and CEO of Full Sail Brewing, agreed to sit down for an interview. Click here for their very candid views on the attempts to put the highest beer taxes in the country on their product.
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Galen Olson
