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Vernon
2044 NE KillingsworthPortland, OR 97211
View a map of the surrounding area
Phone: 503-916-6415
Fax: 503-916-2678
E-mail: tacker@pps.k12.or.us
School-created web pages: http://www.vernon.pps.k12.or.us
School-brochure: http://www.pps.k12.or.us/schools-c/profiles/brochure/Vernon.pdf
Grade levels: PK-8
Principal: Tina Acker
Student Enrollment: 410
About:
In the spring of 2005, Vernon was one of six schools in the state to be given the first "Celebrating School Success" Award. This award recognizes schools that have been successful in closing the achievement gap. Skilled and dedicated teachers work with students promoting enhanced self-esteem and problem-solving and decision-making skills in a positive and safe school environment. Vernon’s schoolwide reading program provides a 90-minute block for focused instruction at each student’s level with frequent monitoring of progress and intervention when needed. Teachers meet in teams each week to provide consistency in curriculum and expectations throughout the school. They analyze data from student assessments to make instructional improvements throughout the year. Science and technology instruction is enhanced through a partnership with NASA. Vernon began the process of becoming an International Baccalaureate School in 2007. Sixth and seventh grade students are provided with a rich program using the curricula of all PPS middle schools, enhanced by the instructional practices that are the foundation of Vernon's path to success. These middle-grade students are given frequent opportunities for leadership, including Student Council, the Peer Mediators program, and interaction with younger children.
Pre School: Half-day PK program.
Kindergarten: Full day, no fee.
Kindergarten Round-up: February 10, 9:30-10:30 am in the multipurpose room
Childcare: YMCA on-site day care.
Focus options: NASA Explorer School.
Before and after school programs
- SUN School, YMCA on-site daycare, Chess for Success Club, Self Enhancement Inc. (SEI), Ethos music classes, Higher Stages Arts Academy classes.
Community partnerships
- Friends of Children, Start Making A Reader Today (SMART) program, Experience Corp. volunteers, Oregon Food Bank, SEI, Big Brothers/Big Sisters program, Multnomah CountyLibrary Books 2U, NW Natural, Starbucks Coffee, Chess for Success.
Student learning environment
- Students learn in both large and small groups. Cooperative learning and cross-grade groupings are utilized during classroom instruction.
- Schoolwide discipline policy emphasizes students as self managers. Children learn to work together, problem solve and determine appropriate consequences for their behavior.
- Programs at Vernon are designed to produce a calm atmosphere for learning. The Breakfast to Books program, for example, helps the day begin with a quiet, peaceful atmosphere. Students quietly read in the gym before school.
- Vernon is a schoolwide Title 1 school. State and federal funds are used to secure resources to serve all students and reduce class sizes.
Curriculum components
- Teachers use teaching practices appropriate for each
child's stage of development from early learning stages
through middle school years. - Teachers work with students to promote enhanced self- esteem, problem-solving and decision-making skills in a positive, safe school environment. Students receive special training in using their skills in school and on the playground.
- Students grades 1st-5th are taught to read in groups for 90 minutes every day using the Success for All Reading Program. Success for All encourages pre-kindergarten and kindergarten students to become active learners with emphasis on phonemic awareness.
- Vernon uses the district-adopted mathematics curricula and aligns skills and content from PK through 7th grade. District science inquiry kits are enhanced with teaching materials from the NASA Explorer School program.
- Students write every day and are supported with direct instruction in writing skills, as well as with peer editing and review processes.
Staff
- 17 classroom teachers, full-time art specialist, full-time PE specialist, half-time counselor, half-time student management specialist, half-time technology assistant, half-time computer teacher, 1 ESL teachers, 1 ESL educational assistant, educational assistant for early literacy, 1 full-time and 2 half-time Learning Center teachers, speech and language pathologist, school psychologist, 1 paraprofessionals for special needs students, half-time instructional specialist and reading facilitator, half-time teacher tutor, 2 secretaries, Foster Grandparent tutors, SEI coordinator, SMART coordinator, SUN School coordinator and staff.
- Vernon staff members continually update their skills and training by taking courses and participating in workshops, often on their own time. Teachers plan together weekly to coordinate curriculum plans and analyze student assessments.
Parent and family support
- Increasing family involvement and the number of community and family volunteers is a goal at Vernon.
- Families participate in Site Council, PTA, monthly Parent-Principal Coffees and in-school volunteering.
- Back to School Night and curriculum nights draw families to Vernon.
- Parents are important partners in the work of Vernon School. In addition to participation in PTA, Site Council and monthly Parent Coffees, parents volunteer in many creative ways. Businesses and community members also enhance opportunities for Vernon students. These partners collaborate with the staff to bring to life our vision:"Every day, every child a success."
Special programs and features
- Art, PE, library classes for all grades. Technology classes for grades 3-7.
- NASA Explorer School provides curriculum and unique experiences in science and technology for all students.
- One-on-one tutoring in reading for students below grade level two to five times per week. SMART reading program, WORKS/Portland Reading Foundation tutoring.
- Reading is Fundamental (RIF) book distribution to all students.
- Students are recognized for their efforts at monthly Self-Manager parties and assemblies at the end of grading periods.
Statistics and test scores
- Enrollment statistics
Updated in the late fall of each year - Report cards and AYP Scores
Oregon Department of Education school report cards - School Enrollment and Program Data
- Standardized test scores
Course syllabus
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