by Jay Conroy, Principal, Corvallis High School
“Extended Learning Opportunities”, “Extended Applications” – Educators are notorious for attaching new labels to their work without helping their students/ parents to understand what’s really happening. We are focusing a great deal of time and effort this coming school year on improving student learning by “extending” the academic content—“making it come alive,” “giving it a real-life context.” We know that students understand and retain facts and concepts when that material fits into a context they can relate to. Studying trout from a text is ok, but moving that study to a fish lab or to a stream will help students learn that material to greater depth and for a longer period of time. Or, studying the court system using a diagram in class is a start, but having students conduct a mock trial or visit an actual court proceeding will improve their learning immensely.
.. As a parent, you should look for those “extended” lessons in your student’s classes. We will be working hard to build on quality examples and experiences that we know work well, not just giving “outside of class projects” that are ineffective.
“New CHS Update”-- We have received copies of the appellant’s brief to the Land Use Board of Appeals (LUBA). No new issues were raised and the attorneys for the City and the School District will be responding to the arguments made. A decision from LUBA is expected in late November. Clearly, these proceedings are making it more and more unlikely that the building will be on schedule for Fall ’05 opening. The district is committed to doing the new building and doing it well. Stay tuned for more updates.
Congratulations, Betsy Berg!—The Pacific Northwest Clean Water Association has named Betsy Berg, CHS Marine Science and Horticulture teacher, to receive the NW Region Education Award. Betsy has been instrumental in bringing a fish lab experience to CHS students. She has her students participating in field studies with Oregon Trout and Salmon Watch and recently has worked with the City of Corvallis to apply for funds to build a stream monitoring station on Dixon Creek, adjacent to CHS. Betsy will receive a $500 stipend with her award to use towards an educational project of her choice. We’re grateful to Betsy for her tireless energy, her high expectations for kids and her efforts at making meaningful connections for her students.
Parent Conferences—Useful or not? By the time you read this note we will have conducted our Fall conferences with parents. This involves teachers meeting for two days (two evenings and one long afternoon) with parents about students’ performance. We do this twice each year and believe that it has much to offer parents, staff and students. But, we also know that four days of classroom instruction are given up to make it happen. We’re looking for you input—do you think conferences are valuable and effective. We’ll be asking for input from parents who attend, but would welcome your input if you have thoughts and didn’t get an opportunity to give us input. Drop us a note or email us.
Good sports!! – We’re especially proud of the performance of our student athletes this fall and the behavior of their fans, as well. Our teams have worked hard, competed with great energy and focus and displayed consistently good attitudes toward their opponents and fans. Teamwork, respect, good preparation, hard work and healthy competition are life skills and life-experiences that will help students be productive, positive workers and citizens for years to come. Thanks to the coaches and to the parents for their leadership.
Thanks for your support and feedback. – Jay Conroy, Jay.Conroy@corvallis.k12.or.us [home] [top]
Activities Office.................. 757-5917
Attendance Office.............. 757-5888
Beyond CHS...................... 757-4453
CHS Main Office................ 757-5871
Counseling Center........... 757-5881