This is an article that was in the Statesman Journal today about the school where I work. It was written by Susan Castillo the Superintendent of Public Instruction for the State of Oregon...

(sorry, the way it formats on here makes it hard to read but I know you can do it!)

-Swegle is Example of a School Overcoming Hurdles

Susan Castillo
July 15, 2009

Nowhere is Oregon's amazing diversity more in evidence than in our schools, where children
of all colors and cultures, rich and poor, learn and play and grow up together.
Unfortunately, schools in the U.S. (and Oregon is no exception) are struggling with an
"achievement gap" that divides our children by race and ethnicity, by language and by income.
As a society, we must come together to close the achievement gap, and not just for the sake of
those children who find themselves on the wrong side of that gap, but for our nation's future, as
well.
Our schools are the key to turning the country around. We must rise to the challenge and
embrace diversity and equity as we raise standards and expectations for every student. We
can do it. I know it because I've seen it again and again.
Across this state, we have many stellar schools showing the way, demonstrating outstanding
leadership, collaborating and innovating and putting students at the center of every decision
and every move they make. Every year, the Oregon Department of Education honors many of
these schools with "Celebrating Student Success Awards" to recognize their work.
You don't have to look far to find one of these terrific schools. When Swegle Elementary in the
Salem-Keizer School District rewrote its school mission, words meant a lot. The previous
mission spoke to students being "responsible, respectful, cooperative citizens." In essence,
former Principal Phil Decker said, the mission was focused more on behavior than learning.
That got changed, and today the school's mission states, in part: "Swegle empowers students
to achieve academic excellence."
Swegle has seen marked improvement despite changes in its student body. Today, four out of
five students are economically disadvantaged, compared with two out of three just five years
ago. The percentage of English Language Learners has doubled to 37 percent in that same
span. Nevertheless, at the school entrance a poster proclaims "Swegle's Soaring Success"
and displays a graphic showing student achievement on a strong, steady rise.
A Comprehensive School Reform grant enabled the staffers to revisit and realign their mission,
objectives and strategies, and to carry out extensive professional development. Building on
that work, teachers formed "professional learning communities" focused on student learning.
The staff reorganized itself into teams, some based on grade and others constructed
"vertically" across grade levels with emphases on math, reading, writing and school climate.
"In the midst of getting measured more and more through high-stakes testing, I want to make
sure that this school doesn't lose its heart — and that means connecting with kids and families
and the community," Decker said.
A full-time outreach coordinator facilitates partnerships with local churches and community
organizations such as the Boys & Girls Club, which runs an after-school program next door.
Another personal touch is Bella, a trained therapy dog that sits in the counselor's office and
gently interacts with students who might be going through a rough time.
"These kids need to be here," third-grade teacher Casandra Huerta said. "They need the
support, the structure — a place where everyone is invested in them and their future."

Susan Castillo of Eugene is Oregon's superintendent of public instruction. She can be reached
at superintendent.castillo@state.or.us.