Sunset High

2009-11-17T12:26:00.000-08:00

Fall 2009

Recently, I have been asked about the District’s new approach in assessing student learning. This Fall all of the District’s middle schools as well as two classes at Sunset (10^th grade Language Arts and Algebra/Geometry) implemented a “proficiency” assessment model that has caused some confusion, particularly around grades and report cards. Up front, I will state that traditional grade reporting is here to stay. Report cards will continue to use letter grades of A, B, C, D, and F. With that stated, proficiency assessment attempts to provide a greater level of detail on each student’s performance.

As I consider an explanation for this change in assessment, I can’t help but consider the experience of my own children. Some may be aware that I am the proud father of fraternal twins: Kobe and Kortnie. And as their father, of course, I believe that they are absolutely brilliant! Nevertheless, as adolescents, they are learning through trial and error. Their experience last year is illustrative of why proficiency assessment is much needed approach. Last year, they entered middle school and were placed into an advanced math course. Kobe qualified for the class based on his state test scores; Kortnie was placed in the class based on a teacher’s recommendation. Completion of the three-year sequence advance math program with a “B” average would provide them with high school credit for Algebra and place them on track to take Geometry as freshmen.

While my children share many things in common, including a birthday, they have starkly different strengths and abilities. Kobe is a talented math student, but he currently struggles with time management and homework. Kortnie, on the other hand, is a stronger reader, and she loves school. Homework has never been a problem for her. Obviously, this sets up an interesting dynamic as Kobe struggled throughout the year staying current with his homework. Consequently, on more than one occasion, he was cautioned that his grade needed to remain above a “B” in order to stay in the class.

My struggle with this situation is that Kobe knew the material well as measured by test scores and classroom work. In fact, he knew the material so well that he would help his sister on her homework. Ironically, Kortnie maintained an “A” average for the year while Kobe struggled to keep the required “B” average. The obvious determining factor for them was homework; Kortnie never missed an assignment, and Kobe’s behavior, as much as I hate to admit it, was less than stellar. I had to monitor him throughout the year. I, however, really struggled as a father and as an educator when Kobe would ask me why he needed to do the homework when he already knew the material.

Proficiency, I believe, will address the fundamental needs for both Kobe and Kortnie. Proficiency will allow both children to progress at their own rate and provide them with necessary support. In many ways, Kobe was bored with the material, and he needed to accelerate faster through the course work. Kortnie, on the other hand, had some deficiencies in her understanding that are masked by her ability to play the homework game – turn in your homework and receive good grades. Proficiency will allow us to address her deficiencies earlier in her learning before the curriculum has outpaced her.

Proficiency is an approach to instruction that begins with clearly defined outcomes for student learning. To reach these outcomes, teachers carefully craft a handful of learning targets that progressively guide the student to achieve the outcome. Students are provided with multiple and varied assessments to gauge their progress and identify deficiencies in this progression. Teachers work in collaboration with their colleagues to develop these assessments and standardize their results. Once students have mastered a target or identified a deficiency, interventions may be applied to extend a student’s learning in new ways or fill in the gaps in a student’s understanding. The fundamental difference in this approach is that it more readily focuses on developing an individual student’s strengths and weaknesses. This is an approach that I believe will benefit all students, high achieving, struggling and everyone in between.

2009-04-01T08:28:00.001-07:00

April 2009

Dear Sunset Families,

It is difficult to believe that we are a mere three weeks from prom and only ten weeks from graduation. I know that many of our students are looking forward to the prom. The prom is scheduled for April 18th at the Wonder ballroom in NE Portland. The theme for this year’s prom is centered on the concept of Phantom of the Opera. If your student decides to dress for the occasion, please remind them masks are not permitted at school functions. Prom is always the highlight of the spring, and I look forward to this year’s event.

As for graduation, it will take place at the Chiles Center on the campus of the University of Portland on June 11th. The last day for seniors is schedule for June 4th, and the senior breakfast is scheduled for Jun 5th. The last day for all other students is June 12th. We will run a regular daily schedule during these final weeks of school, including the final day. School will begin at 7:45 and end at 2:30. In light of this change, I anticipate that our teachers will be communicating with your student very shortly on how they will manage their final assessments.

I know that many of you are aware of the state’s budget issues and asking what the implications may be for Sunset. Currently, the state’s budget projection is $3 billion short for the next biennium. Depending on how the legislature decides to use its reserve funds, the Beaverton School District may be faced with cutting $10 to $40 million in the fall. Unfortunately, this is only a projection. If the current recession deepens, we may be faced with a larger shortfall. With so many unknown variables it is difficult to envision the direct impact this will have on Sunset. I do know that we need to change our practices to become even more efficient. If you have ideas or suggestions, I welcome your feedback.

Best wishes,
Todd

2009-04-01T08:27:00.001-07:00

March 2009

Dear Sunset Families,

These days I often feel that the district has been given the impossible task of trying to safely land a free-falling plane onto the Hudson River without hitting a bridge. Unfortunately, the current financial crisis has forced all of us to be “Captain Sully” as we try to land this school year safely without negatively impacting any of our students. The state’s announcement on February 20th that we (the state of Oregon) are facing an $855 million shortfall in the current school year could have disastrous affects for students. Without any legislative action, Beaverton’s share of any cut would be approximately $11 million. This amount at this time of the year would almost sure result in the loss of staff and/or school days. I am very optimistic, however, that the federal stimulus package along with the efforts of our state legislature and school board will allow us to make it through the school year without any cuts to staff or school days. The federal stimulus package combined with resources from the district’s Sustainability Fund and the district’s cost cutting measures may offset the shortfall. Of course, many aspects to this plan still need to be finalized at this time, but I am far more hopeful today of a safe landing than I was on February 20th.

Best wishes,
Tod

2009-04-01T08:26:00.002-07:00

February 2009

Dear Sunset Families,

As you may well be aware, the current national financial crisis has directly affected the Beaverton School District and many of our families. The continuing stream of foreclosures and layoffs has brought new meaning to “trickle-down” economics as declining property and income tax revenues have created a shortfall in the district’s budget. The district and schools have worked diligently throughout the fall and winter to minimize any direct impact on student achievement. The news, however, is that state revenues will continue decline, and we may be facing additional cut backs this spring. While this may be gloomy news, I want to reassure you that the district and school are doing everything possible to minimize any impact on your child’s education.

With this in mind, it is important to note that we will be restoring 3 snow days that were lost in December to our calendar. This is achieved by converting June 8th, 9th, 10th, and 11th into full school days and adding June 12th as the last day of school for students. It is anticipated that this calendar change will not effect graduation or senior activities, but it does impact our final exams schedule for grades 9 through 11. I’ll be working with staff on developing the best plan for semester finals to occur, and we’ll be sure to communicate this to you. While these changes should have minimal impact on your summer plans, please note that any further school closures will likely result in the extension of the school year.

There are two important dates that you need to keep in mind. First, the district is planning a Strategic Planning Community Forum at Sunset High School, beginning at 6:00 pm and concluding at 9:00 pm. This forum is intended to collect input on the development of the district’s five-year goal. Second, the theater department will present the musical “Urinetown” on March 5th – 7th and 12th – 14th. This award-winning production is a whimsical satire on corporate greed and the scarcity of natural resources. This will be a great opportunity to see our students showcase their incredible talents.

Best wishes,

Todd

2009-04-01T08:26:00.001-07:00

Jan 2009

Dear Sunset Families,

Happy New Year! I hope that this finds you well and refreshed after an extended winter break. The weather has been rather challenging the past three or four weeks, and I fear that we are not in the clear as of yet. If there is a silver-lining to the snow storms, it is the numerous acts of kindness and service that I have witnessed and have been shared with me. It speaks well of our wonderful community that during difficult times individuals are so willing to extend a helping hand to their neighbor.

As we look forward to the second semester, there are a couple of events that I would like to draw your attention. First, student forecasting for next year’s course will begin in February, starting with in-coming 9th graders during the first week and subsequent grades in the following weeks. I ask that you take the time to review the course catalog with your student and assist in the selection of courses. The information that we gather from these forecasts is critical to the development of our course schedule and will have a direct impact on next year’s class sizes. Inaccurate information will negatively impact our ability to best serve your child’s needs.

Second, I am pleased to announce that we have completed all construction and anticipate opening the new wing of classrooms during the second semester. This will be a tremendous asset to the school, and we look forward to sharing it with you. We are planning an open house for the community in the evening of May 1st. This event will be in combination with our week-long “Purple and White Days” celebration to recognize the 50th anniversary of Sunset High School. More details will be forthcoming, but hopefully you will mark your calendars.

Finally, many of us were deeply saddened to hear of the loss of a Sunset student during the break. Melody Christie passed away in December from unanticipated health condition. She was a vibrant young lady that brightened the lives of everyone around her, and her greatest goal was to walk across the stage this spring to receive her high school diploma. Our heart goes out to Melody’s family and everyone that knew her well. Her loss will not be forgotten and we intend to honor her memory during the graduation ceremony.

Best wishes,
Todd

2009-04-01T08:25:00.001-07:00

Dec 2008

Dear Sunset Families,

I am pleased to announce that your musical this year is Urinetown. If your initial response is anything like mine, I am sure that you are asking what is going on at Sunset. Once I recovered from my own disbelief, I took the time to review the script and understand the plot. I discovered that this award winning, Broadway musical is much more than the title may reveal. It is about a world with a scarcity of water and the corporation that is brought in to manage it. Of course, when market forces are allowed to manage a scarce natural resource, corporate greed seems to come into play. Consequently, everyone is charged a fee to use the restroom. Thus, the title of Urinetown.

What I am particularly impressed with is the power that this musical is having across our campus. Teachers and students are embracing the concept of conservation of natural resources, and they are finding ways to connect course content and activities to the musical’s themes. Aside from the title, I do believe that you will find very little that is objectionable. I know for myself that I intend to bring my own middle school-aged children to see the projection. Hopefully, you will join us.

I hope that you and your family have a wonderful, fun and safe winter break. Hopefully, you will have the opportunity to spend it with family and friends. Happy Holidays!

Todd

2009-04-01T08:24:00.001-07:00

Nov 2008

November

Dear Sunset Families

Like so many in our community, Sunset has felt the repercussions of the changing national economy. As families struggle with their personal finances, we have experienced a decline in our enrollment and consequently, a decline in our operating budget. While it is unfortunate that it takes a financial crisis to challenge us to be more efficient, I believe that we also have an opportunity to demonstrate what it truly means to be a "green school." One way that we are trying to be more efficient is by applying the three R's of conservation - recycle, reuse, and reduce. Hopefully, when you visit the school, you will notice the 3 R’s at work.

It has been an incredible fall as our students continue to do extremely well academically as well as athletically. Over half of our juniors and seniors are enrolled in advanced courses and many of these students will be challenging themselves by sitting for the rigorous IB exams. Our SAMBA students have once again distinguished themselves as one of the primer high school bands in the northwest. Finally, our athletes have concluded a very successful fall season with volleyball, cross-country and both soccer teams qualifying for their respective state tournaments. Congratulations Apollos!

While it has been a long time in coming, I am very pleased to announce that our new website is now live and update with the most current information that you and your family may need. The new structure of the site should allow us disseminate information in a much more timely fashion, and while some aspects are still under construction, it is my hope that you will find it to be very beneficial. You can visit the new site at: www.sunsetapollos.org.

As we enter the holiday season, I truly hope that everyone finds an opportunity to spend time with family and friends.

Best wishes,
Todd

2009-04-01T08:23:00.001-07:00

Oct 2008

Dear Sunset Families,

I hope that everyone was able to take part in our tremendous Homecoming activities. Our student leadership did a marvelous job of developing a week full of events, culminating in a barbecue for students and the community prior to the football game. It was a wonderful night that ended incredibly with our young men keeping Wilson out of the end zone not once but twice. It was an exciting ending to a wonderful week for our students.
In an effort to save gas, protect the environment, and increase parking at Sunset, over 40 staff members, including myself, used alternative means to get to school on September 24th. Staff from as far away as Canby found alternative means of travel. After making the trip from Barlow on Trimet at 5:12 am, I have much greater respect for those who use public transit on a daily basis. Our “Hike, Bike, or Hitch-a-Ride Day” was such a great success that we are planning a second day in the spring.
As you may know, the theme for the year is “50 Years of Excellence: The Tradition Continue.” As evidence to our proud tradition of excellence, Sunset High School for the second year in a row is second only to South Eugene High School to the number of National Merit Semi-finalists. Our twelve semi-finalists scored in the top 1% of all students nationally on the PSAT exam. In addition, another eleven students received commendations for their performance. I am so very proud of all our terrific students and excellent staff.

Happy Autumn!
Todd

2009-04-01T08:04:00.000-07:00

Sept 2008

Dear Sunset Families,

Welcome back to another fabulous school year! I am indeed pleased to welcome you as we celebrate our “golden” anniversary at Sunset High School. Over the course of the past 50 years, Sunset has developed a strong tradition of excellence in the classroom and on the athletics fields. Many individuals have worked tirelessly this summer to ensure that this tradition continues. I am particularly looking forward to our Homecoming celebration on September 19th. Our student leadership has worked diligently over the summer to plan a true celebration for our community, honoring our 50 years of excellence. I hope that everyone will be able to attend.

One of the strategies developed over the summer to celebrate our tradition of excellence is known as Sunset P.R.I.D.E. (People, Respect, Integrity, Diversity, & Effort), which endeavors to create a positive environment for students through consistent expectations and recognition of positive behavior. While the concept is not new to the Beaverton School District, it is to Sunset, and I am excited about the impact it will have on fostering a more positive experience for all of our students. Throughout the year, your child will be experiencing and you should be witnessing examples of Sunset PRIDE across the campus.

You may have noticed over the summer a considerable amount of work being done to the building. Construction workers have literally touched every nook and cranny as they have gone about remodeling all of the science classrooms, counseling center, athletics office, auditorium, gymnasium, choir and band rooms, and locker rooms. In addition, our fire protection has been improved; additional parking has been added; and 12 new classes will be available around Winter Break. In spite of all the activity, I marvel that the school year started so smoothly. I am grateful to our custodial staff that worked over 300 hours during the Labor Day weekend to get the building into pristine condition. They exemplify our commitment to excellence at Sunset!

I am looking forward to anther year, and if you are in the building, please do not hesitate to drop by and say hello.

Best wishes for a wonderful year and go Apollos!

Todd