This spring, Open Meadow Middle School students participated in the Kennedy Center’s On Location filmmaking project. On Location provides students with experiences using digital media to tell stories, share, and explore their world. Check out their documentary featuring Master Drummer, Obo Addy from Homowo African Arts and Culture as he shares his experience with us.

Open Meadow graduate and now board member, Josh Monda wrote a guest column on OregonLive on August 19. Josh was responding to a recent article that was highly critical of Portland’s alternative school network. Click here, or keep reading below.

Alternative schools: Success outside the cookie cutter

Published: Thursday, August 19, 2010, 6:29 PM

Guest Columnist

By Josh Monda

In its July 25 story, “Dropouts in Portland Public Schools,” The Oregonian displays a remarkable disconnect with secondary education in the 21st Century. I strongly agree with the premise that programs need accountability and high standards, but I seriously question the newspaper’s understanding of the task at hand when reporter Betsy Hammond criticizes the ability of alternative schools to “get the job done”.

As a 1999 graduate of Open Meadow High School, a North Portland alternative school, I know that holding up high school graduation as an end completely misses the point. At a time when the unemployment rate for youth ages 16-24 is at an all-time historical high—nationally and globally—success in the 21st Century economy clearly requires advanced training and skills far beyond the diploma. A diploma does not get a real job.

As a student at Open Meadow, I took college classes and eventually earned my way into Oregon State University. But, at Open Meadow I learned something far more important than what it takes to graduate high school and go to college: I learned what it takes to succeed in life. I learned that hard work pays off and doesn’t go unnoticed. I learned that I am capable and responsible for my own achievement. I learned that goals matter.

The Commerce Company is celebrating 15 years of business in the Pacific Northwest, and as part of their ongoing 15th Anniversary celebration, they are recognizing Open Meadow with a special contribution. For every 15 people that email (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) between now and September 15th, 2010, The Commerce Company will donate $15 of bookstore gift cards to Open Meadow Alternative School, up to $1,500.  So, come on and help out our students! All you have to do is send one more email today.

Career Services student Michelle recently sent this amazing letter to the staff that helped her get on the path to a bright and promising future. It is such a sweet letter that we just couldn’t keep it to ourselves, so we are sharing it with the world. Thank YOU, Michelle, for giving us your all.

Dear Open Meadow Staff,

I started writing this as a journal halfway through the class. Originally, it was just going to be for my own reflection. Then I thought maybe I should share it with everyone as a means to show my appreciation. I will try not make it too long.

When you were a child, what did you want to when you grew up? A scientist? Professional athlete? Doctor or lawyer? When I was young I really didn’t have big aspirations. I would simply say I wanted to be a mom. Even as a teenager, I didn’t have any dreams or goals. As I started my college career I didn’t have any set goals, and I didn’t have the drive to make any. I never had meaningful employment because I never cared. I wanted a paycheck and nothing more. There were, and still are a few memorable people at PCC who made a huge impact on me. One of them is John Mathews, my former GED resource specialist. I graduated three years ago, and he is still helping me better myself. Thank goodness for that because he is directly responsible for me applying to Career Connections. He threatened to “disown” me if I didn’t stop procrastinating with my life!

On July 15, a group of Open Meadow High School students embarked on the trip of a lifetime to Ecuador with The Pangaea Project. The students, who will be traveling with peers from Mt. Scott Learning Center and Portland YouthBuilders, will explore issues of human rights, social change, and community organizing as they explore the country and meet with hosts at Decoin, Sarayacu, & Yunguilla. The Ecuador Pangaea group has a blog which they will regularly update over their 5-week journey. Read about their exciting adventures here!

On July 15, a group of Open Meadow High School students will leave for a four-week educational excursion in Ecuador with The Pangaea Project. Please join them on July 13 at 7pm for a send-off party and benefit concert to celebrate the students as they prepare for departure. The event, to be held at the Tin Shed Garden Cafe at 1438 NE Alberta, will feature the music of Stephanie Schneiderman and costs $10 in advance ($15 at the door). Please help support our students as they prepare for the one of the biggest journeys of their lives! Visit The Pangaea Project website for more information or call 503-517-8999.

Open Meadow is honored to have received the Northwest Evaluation Association’s (NWEA) 2010 Ron Hauser Educational Innovation Award today. The NWEA annually recognizes an educational program that “promotes kid-centric education and a system wherein all kids can learn”.  In presenting the award, Matt Chapman, NWEA President and CEO commended Open Meadow for its “creativity, drive, and leadership”. Here at Open Meadow we recognize that the preciousness of every young person’s mind means that our work is to keep that mind precious, in all of its idiosyncratic, creative glory. It is for that reason that our focus is to support the clover-shaped students who don’t fit into a traditional square-shaped system. We are honored to be acknowledged by the NWEA for our efforts and look forward to doing even better tomorrow.

- Andrew Mason, Executive Director

Open Meadow students were featured on local news programs recently after the Oregon State Schools Superintendent released the four year high school graduation rate. In 2008-09, 66% of students graduated after four years in high school. Both KOIN local news and OPB’s “Think Out Loud” talked to students about how Open Meadow helps them stay in school and keeps them motivated to graduate. To see and hear our students, please visit the KOIN news and “Think Out Loud” websites.

On Wednesday, June 2nd at 7pm, students in Cara Van Gorder-Lasof’s Social Justice class are hosting a screening of Libby Spear’s documentary “Playground” at the Mercy Corps Action Center (28 SW First Avenue, Portland). The film, much of which was filmed in Portland, addresses the problem of domestic minor sex trafficking. The students are aiming to raise awareness of this growing and serious issue, and request a suggested donation of $5 from attendees at the event. Proceeds will benefit the Sexual Assault Resource Center (SARC). At present, there are only 50 beds with targeted services for domestic minor sex trafficking victims across the country. Please view the flyer for all the details about the event and support our students’ efforts if you can!

Career Services participant Eddie Trusov was recently hailed as an “Ace of Parks” by his colleagues at Portland Parks & Recreation for his work ethic and ability to “handle any task.” Among the other accolades he received were, “Eddie is very sharp…and is is a nice and pleasant person to be around…The work he has done for my work group is excellent. I couldn’t have done it better if I had done it myself!” He is the first intern to receive this kind of recognition at Portland Parks & Recreation. Nice work Eddie! This is a great testament to the quality of the youth enrolled in Career Services and the staff advising them.

Five Open Meadow High School seniors were recognized on May 19th at a reception at the Multnomah Education Service District with E2 Scholarships. The E2 Foundation awards scholarships to students in programs that are served through the Alternative Pathways partnership based on activities they have participated in during high school and the essays they submit to apply for the scholarship. Open Meadow students were awarded 5 of the 12 scholarships available. Most of them will be first-generation high school grads or the first in their families to attend college.

Congratulations to Abby, Christian, Egbavado, Jalena, and Patricia and to all the staff that have supported them along the way!

Students in Cara Van Gorder-Lasof’s Social Justice class at Open Meadow High School are holding a car wash on Friday, May 14 from 3-5 PM at Arby’s at 3171 N. Lombard Street (Portland). Prices are $5 for the outside of the car, $10 for inside and out. Individual donors have agreed to match contributions up to $500! Proceeds will benefit a shelter for local victims of domestic sex trafficking. In addition, students will screen a film about sex trafficking to help raise awareness of the issue on June 3 at Mercy Corps. PLEASE SHOW YOUR SUPPORT FOR THE EFFORTS OF OUR STUDENTS!

Please join us at the Water Pollution Control Lab, 6543 N. Burlington Avenue, to enjoy the outstanding artwork of Open Meadow students. The Student Art Show is an annual tradition at Open Meadow, featuring the incredible creations made by our students over the school year. The art show is on Thursday, May 20th, 5-8 p.m. Snacks and refreshments will be served at the event, sited at a lovely spot on the Willamette River in St. Johns. Please call Kenya Budd if you’re interested in volunteering, or have any questions about the event, 503-488-5176. Details and directions can be found here.

Students and staff from Open Meadow Step Up’s Gresham High School program were able to enjoy a night out at a Portland Trail Blazers game thanks to their Behavior and Attendance Rewards program. Through the program, the basketball organization offers free tickets to local students who perform well in school, and discounted tickets for friends and family. The students had a great time cheering on the home team. We’re so grateful to be able to give them this opportunity, and we deeply appreciate our partnership with the Portland Trail Blazers. Go Blazers!

Career Services student Adrian Thompson was honored on April 8th at the State Capitol Building by Governor Ted Kulongoski and commissioner of the state Department of Community Colleges and Workforce Development Cam Preus as one of Oregon’s Outstanding Community College Student Scholars. Adrian is a 2008 Open Meadow High School graduate now completing his second year at Portland Community College’s Cascade Campus. To quote Adrian, “Everyone has experienced some kind of difficulty in life; it is universal. I want to dedicate my life to overcoming the difficulty, and helping others do so as well. I plan to become a dentist; work in the poor and low-income communities, serve as a dental professional abroad, and ultimately manage my own dental office.” He will be attending Portland State University next year where he will continue pursuing his dreams. Congratulations Adrian!

Step Up staff at Roosevelt High School’s ACT campus will host a benefit to raise funds for the school’s music program. Money for Music will feature an amazing afternoon of music, celebration, and a raffle with prizes donated by local businesses.  Please come out and support Roosevelt students’ access to music!

When: Saturday, April 17th, 2:30 - 6 PM
Where: Open Meadow Middle School, 7602 N. Emerald
Cost: $5 minimum donation per person
Who: This is an all ages event…bring the family!

See the attached flyer for more details!

Students in Open Meadow High School’s Social Services class presented grant awards to three community nonprofits as part of their Community 101 project on Wednesday, March 3. Students aimed to fund organizations addressing poverty, suicide, and sexual abuse, and chose New Avenues for Youth’s drop-in center, Luke Dorf’s Bridgeview program, and Better People’s job readiness program. Funding for the awards was provided by the Northwest Health Foundation and the project is supported by the PGE Foundation and the Oregon Community Foundation.

To learn more about the Community 101 program, click here

Do you like to eat? Are you looking for a way to support Open Meadow? Well, here is a way that you can do BOTH!

Sign up to attend Dining to Give at the Oregon Culinary Institute on Wednesday, March 31@ 7 PM and 40% of the proceeds will go to Open Meadow!

Dinner is $30 per person for a four-course, prix-fixe meal (beverages and gratuity not included). Seating is limited to 50 guests.

To register you MUST email (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). A confirmation email will be sent to you upon receipt of your reservation request.

To view a sample menu, please visit: http://www.oregonculinaryinstitute.com/pdf/spring-dinner-menu-2010.pdf

The Institute is located at 1701 SW Jefferson in downtown Portland and is easily accessible by public transportation. Please DO NOT call the restaurant directly.

Portland Public Schools News highlights Step Up’s work with ninth graders at Marshall High School’s campus in its most recent issue. Citing Step Up’s integral role in giving students a “strong start in high school,” the article credits the program with helping PPS meet Milestone 4: on track to graduate. A short video features Step Up students and staff discussing the program’s impact. Visit the PPS website to read the article and watch the video to learn why students thrive from their involvement in Step Up!

The short season for the high school’s basketball team is almost over. They will play two more games at the Pearl Court February 19 and 26 against Helensview and Youth Employment Institute. Though the team has experienced a number of losses, playing competitively has been a great experience for the students. Coaches Hoover and Dion note that the team improves with each game and practice. In a game against Mt. Scott, players showed heart, spirit, and court skills heavy on teamwork. Teamwork, after all, is what it’s all about! We wish the Open Meadow Goats great play as they finish out their season!