February 29, 2012
Portland Opera To Go! visits Levi Anderson Learning Center
Students appear engaged in Portland Opera To Go! performance of Engelbert Humperdinck's classic fairytale opera, Hansel and Gretel today at St. Mary's Home for Boys* in Beaverton. The 50-minute show is part of Portland Opera's outreach program that seeks to connect young audiences with opera. www.portlandopera.org/company/education-and-outreach/portland-opera-go.
*NWRESD provides educational programs for adolescent boys placed by public and private child caring agencies at St. Mary's Home for Boys. Students making satisfactory social and academic progress may receive a portion of their education program on a Beaverton School District campus: www.nwresd.k12.or.us/Schools/LeviAnderson.html. |
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February 29, 2012
State Goal Ball Tournament Friday, March 2, in Canby
High school students from around the state who have visual impairments and blindness will be competing for the state goalball championship at Baker Prairie Middle School in Canby (1859 S. Township Rd., Canby, OR 97013) Friday, March 2.
The tournament, which is open to the public, begins at 9:15 a.m. and concludes with the championship game at 2:45 p.m. |
A student who is sight impaired slides across the gym floor to block a shot during a goal ball scrimmage. (Photo courtesy of the Hillsboro Argus 2012.)
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Goalball, an official Paralympic sport designed specifically for the visually impaired, is a fast paced, physically challenging, strategic, and exciting game. The sport is unique in that it requires the audience to be silent so that the athletes can listen for a ball with bells inside and try to roll it past their competitors into the goal area (more information about goalball below).
The tournament is sponsored by the Blind and Visually Impaired Student Fund (BVIS) in partnership with the Northwest Association for Blind Athletes (NWABA), the Northwest Regional Education Service District (NWRESD), and Baker Prairie Middle School in Canby.
ABOUT GOALBALL: Two teams of three players each two teams of three players each face each other across a court that is nine meters wide and 18 meters long. The object of the game is to roll a basketball size ball with bells inside over the opponent's goal line. Your opponents listen for the oncoming ball and attempt to block it with their bodies. Once they are able to stop the ball and take control of it, they become the offensive team. Complete rules are available at www.ibsa.es. The players— both male and female, who are mixed on the teams — wear ski goggles with lenses that have been blacked out, assuring there were no advantages to those with more visual abilities.
ABOUT NWABA: The Northwest Association for Blind Athletes (NWABA) is a 501(c)(3) Charitable Organization. It was formed on May 5, 2007 by a group of visually impaired athletes because there was a lack of sports opportunities in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana.
The mission of NWABA is to provide opportunities for blind and visually impaired persons to become engaged in physical activity and sports. We will provide scholarships and host events to build confidence and physical fitness. The confidence gained from sports will inspire athletes to follow their dreams in life and in sports.
NWABA provides opportunities to athletes in Powerlifting, Goalball, Judo, Swimming, Track and Field, Tandem Cycling, Skiing, and Wrestling. Our dream is to make a difference in the lives of every visually impaired individual in the Northwest and give them the opportunity to participate in sports and physical activity. Sports have a life-changing impact on an athlete’s life. When athletes realize that they can excel in sports, it builds the confidence to excel in school or work. |
February 27, 2012
Although Miles Apart, Educators find Common Ground in Dealing with Behavior
Usually separated by over 5,000 miles, a Beaverton-area alternative high school will play host Tuesday afternoon to a delegation of seven educators from Guam – sharing what they have in common as well as learning new and effective approaches in their efforts to turn around troubling student behavior.
Earlier this year, representatives from J.P. Torres Alternative School in the village of Santa Rita on the Micronesian island of Guam, connected with Pam Hallvik, Professional Development Specialist at the Northwest Regional Education Service District (NWRESD) in Hillsboro, as a result of their effort to locate a similar at-risk program that has successfully implemented Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports, or PBIS. |
Student artwork graces the wall at Cascade Academy; welcoming visitors from J.P. Torres Alternative School on the island of Guam.
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PBIS teaches positive, school-wide behavioral changes and creates a safer, more respectful school environment, ultimately leading to higher student achievement.
Both schools will take part in a national PBIS conference held this week (February 29 through March 2), at the Red Lion Jantzen Beach, so the timing was right to set up a visit.
J.P. Torres on Guam, and Cascade Academy in Washington County (operated and staffed by NWRESD), are both designed to meet the social, emotional, and behavioral needs of at-risk students grades 6 through 12 who aren’t succeeding in the regular school setting.
Cascade Academy has had great success with the PBIS method which includes social skills classes; a variety of incentive-based activities and events; and outside-of-class interventions to reinforce positive academic and behavioral changes with their students.
PBIS establishes clear social expectations, then teaches, models, and reinforces behaviors that match the expectations across the school setting. The students make the behaviors their own, which translates into greater social and academic success.
Skills gained through the PBIS process help create school environments that promote effective learning, meaningful behavior change, and ultimate success in all walks of life.
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About Northwest PBIS Network: A non-profit dedicated to supporting educators as they develop, implement, and sustain safe and effective learning environments where students experience success. www.pbisnetwork.org
About Northwest Regional Education Service District: As the state's largest ESD, the Northwest Regional Education Service District provides special education, instructional services, and technology support to 20 school districts in Columbia, Clatsop, Tillamook, and Washington counties. NWRESD represents one of the most diverse education service districts in Oregon, serving school districts ranging in size from approximately 290 students to more than 45,000. |
February 06, 2012
Students with visual impairments and blindness prepare to compete in state-wide goalball tournament
Goalball: An action-packed sport similar to soccer but played by blind/visually impaired or blindfolded athletes who use hearing and touch to pass, block, and score by rolling a 3.5 lb. ball with bells inside across the other team’s goal line... Got your attention?!
Local students who are blind/visually impaired are preparing for the March 2, state goalball tournament by practicing every Tuesday in February at 4:30 p.m. at Eastwood Elementary in Hillsboro.
Watch goalball in action: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mdCtkzJjQ_o |
Goalball Athletes
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The state tournament* is one component of the services that Northwest Regional Education Service District (NWRESD) facilitates as the agent for the Blind and Visually Impaired Student fund (BVIS). The fund was created by the legislature in 2009 when it closed the Oregon School for the Blind (OSB), and provides former OSB students across the entire state of Oregon the services they need to succeed in school.
* March 2 at Baker Prairie Middle School in Canby (1859 S. Township Rd., Canby, OR 97013). First game at 9:15 a.m. & championship game at 2:45 p.m. Open to the public.
For more information, please contact Scott McCallum, NWRESD Vision Coordinator, at 503-614-1260 or smccallum@nwresd.k12.or.us. |
November 30, 2011
Noteworthy achievement gains at two Forest Grove schools
Tom McCall Middle School and Cornelius Elementary have realized growth in student achievement - the result of a strong partnership between the district and Northwest Regional ESD's School Improvement Department.
At the request of the school district, NWRESD school improvement specialists facilitated data teams and provided long-term coaching at the schools - both of which face challenging demographics:
- Tom McCall Middle School increased state reading performance. Over 80 percent of the sixth graders exiting the school in 2011 met or exceeded state reading performance standards.
- Cornelius Elementary increased achievement and decreased office referrals by implementing a social behaviors program - PBIS (Positive Behavior Intervention Supports).
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Read more >>
Questions? Please contact Art Anderson, NWRESD Director of Curriculum and Instruction, at 503-614-1443 or aanderson@nwresd.k12.or.us. |
November 10, 2011
Flag Raising Ceremony at Hillsboro Education Center
A flag will be raised above the new Hillsboro Education Center (HEC) at 759 SE Washington Street in Hillsboro for the first time Monday afternoon. Preschool students, staff, and parents will participate in the traditional ceremony presided over by a group from Veterans of Foreign War (VFW) Monday, November 14, at 2:00 p.m. The media is invited. |
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Using $4,263,819 in federal stimulus funds, Northwest Regional Education Service District (NWRESD) purchased, remodeled, and added 6,186 square feet to the former Hillsboro School District alternative school - creating 15,898 square feet of usable classroom and training space.
Opened in August, HEC is home to the ESD's special needs preschool serving children and families in Western Washington County school district boundaries (Banks, Forest Grove, Gaston, and Hillsboro), and the only statewide autism training center and library.
Date and time: Monday, November 14 at 2:00 p.m.
Location: 759 SE Washington St. Hillsboro OR 97123 |
November 9, 2011
FLYER
Free Workshop for Parents and Teachers Nov. 16
Make and take a ‘visual story’ to encourage interaction and ease frustration at home and school
- Do you need help organizing your children or students’ schedules?
- Does your child or student have difficulty with daily tasks?
- Is your home hectic during the holidays?
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Example of a visual story
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| Northwest Regional Education Service District (NWRESD) staff in Astoria are hosting a free workshop for parents and teachers to learn how to create picture-based cards and boards to represent schedules or step-by-step directions for specific tasks to help children better understand their environment and behavioral expectations.
The drop-in workshop will be held Wednesday, November 16, from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m., at the NWRESD’s Clatsop Service Center: 3194 Marine Drive, Astoria OR 97103.
Called Boardmaker, the program uses a wide range of pictures to set up visual ‘stories’ explaining how to carry out routines more independently and to help young children and students communicate and cope when routines and schedules change. Visual communication tools (also called augmentative communication tools) like Boardmaker can help encourage interaction and ease routines for all children, and are widely used by NWRESD staff in their work with children with disabilities that include limited communication skills.
NWRESD serves thousands of children each year, birth through age 21, in Clatsop, Columbia, Tillamook, and Washington counties in the areas of autism, orthopedic impairments, vision impairments, hearing impairments, speech impairments, developmental delays, behavioral and emotional disturbances, and other mental health issues.
The drop-in workshop is for all skill levels, and open to anyone who would like to try their hand at being creative. To ensure that there are sufficient supplies on hand, please RSVP to Angie Harrington at 503-338-3377 or aharrington@nwresd.k12.or.us. |
October 24, 2011
Hillsboro Education Center Open House
Tuesday, Oct. 25, from 5:30-7:00 p.m.
759 SE Washington Street, Hillsboro 97123
Help us celebrate the ESD’s new Hillsboro Education Center – home to the only statewide center for autism training and observation, as well as an early childhood special needs preschool program for children with disabilities – age three to five – who live in Western Washington County (Banks, Forest Grove, Gaston, and Hillsboro school district boundaries).
When: Tuesday October 25, 5:30-7:00 p.m.
Where: Hillsboro Education Center, 759 SE Washington Street, Hillsboro, OR 97123
Visitors can check out the preschool rooms, the autism training rooms, the sensory and fabrication rooms (even make a fidget toy*!), and take a peek at the new home of the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) state Library.
Refreshments will be served.
* Fidget toys: If we were business executives we would call them "stress toys"! Children with autism and other disabilities often focus better and absorb material more quickly if they have something to do with their hands. Fidget toys allow the child to experience movement without having to actually get up and move around. Playing with a fidget toy provides the tactile stimulation their mind is craving, which can calm their mind, allowing the child to stay on task. |
Hillsboro Education Center |
October 17, 2011
Middle school students in Beaverton lending a helping hand around town
Pacific Academy* middle school teacher Elizabeth Frank's students are setting a great example of how to be a caring and responsible part of the community.
Today, the students who call themselves "Care Bears & Work Wolves", are pulling invasive ivy alongside Tualatin Hills Park and Recreation Department (THPRD) staff at AM Kennedy Park in Beaverton.
The group has already volunteered for several projects around the school, including cleaning the school grounds, and they'll continue to find ways to get out and make a difference.
Care Bears and Work Wolves will be on hand to discuss their display about the effects of smoking and tobacco at the school's Community Health Fair tomorrow night:
Community Health Fair - Open to the public
- FLYER -
Tuesday, Oct. 18, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Pacific and Cascade Academies
14255 SW Brigadoon Ct., #140, Beaverton 97006
Representatives from service providers, community organizations, and recreational programs will be available to answer questions, provide
information about services, nutrition, and living a healthy lifestyle.
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*Pacific and Cascade Academies are educational therapeutic programs run by Northwest Regional Education Service District, serving students in grades 6 through 12, primarily from the seven school districts in Washington County.
School district teams refer students when they need a small, supportive academic environment with a mental health focus. A consulting clinical psychologist and district team with mental health staff and teachers to meet the student’s social, emotional and behavioral needs. Curriculum, instruction and assessment are linked to the Oregon State Standards. Students receive 20 hours per week of instruction and an average of 5 hours per week of mental health services.
An average of 125 total students are enrolled each year from Banks, Beaverton, Forest Grove, Gaston, Hillsboro, Sherwood, and Tigard Tualatin school districts. |
October 13, 2011
Technology Opens Worlds for Student Who is Blind and Hearing Impaired
- Read about Alfredo in the Hillsboro Argus
- Download a PDF of the Argus story
Alfredo, a senior at Glencoe High School in Hillsboro, will be the lone student presenter at a conference Friday, October 14, in Albany, demonstrating iPod apps that help him communicate, navigate, and manage school assignments as a student who is a blind and hearing impaired. He will join a panel of teachers introducing a variety of apps for iPad, iPhone, and Android.
The conference, “Best Apps for Use by Persons with Visual Impairments”, is sponsored by Oregon Chapter of the Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (Oregon AER).
Alfredo, who has received hearing and vision services from the Northwest Regional Education service District* since he was three-years old, purchased an iPod with money he earned working for the Commission for the Blind through their Summer Work Experience Program (SWEP) at Reed College. Watching podcasts, he taught himself how to use Apple programs and apps for school assignments, Web access, emails, and phone calls. At Friday’s conference, he will demonstrate the system he created for himself, which includes a small, lightweight, wireless Apple keyboard. |
Alfredo demonstrating
technology
that works for him as a student
who
is blind
and hearing impaired. |
Alfredo will also demonstrate how a GPS for the blind and hearing impaired called the Trekker Breeze has opened up his world to safer travel. By connecting his personal sound amplification system (FM System) to the GPS, he’s able to hear announcements transmitted from the device, such as the names of approaching streets when walking or in a vehicle, the number and names of streets when he’s crossing at intersections, and the names of stores and businesses as passes by. Alfredo has also entered personal landmarks into the GPS, alerting him when the bus is one stop away from his destination, which gives him time to prepare to exit the bus.
*Northwest Regional Education Service District Orientation and Mobility Specialists work with students with visual impairments to help them learn to move safely, efficiently, and gracefully in their environment. Orientation and Mobility training (O&M), is an integral part of the disability-specific expanded core curriculum (ECC) in the comprehensive delivery of services to children with visual impairments. The goal of the training is to help students become safe and independent travelers—assisting them in pursuing their life goals, improving in their quality of life and integrating successfully into society. |
October 11, 2011
BISCUIT the animatronic dog has a new home in the Little Buds toddler room at *Woodside Early Childhood Center, the ESD's special needs preschool in Beaverton.
Donated by a young girl in Portland who knew that Biscuit would be happiest around lots of attentive children, the multi-sensory dog has been instrumental in engaging children in joint attention activities by petting and feeding Biscuit together. He's also a great ice breaker for a child’s first time in a group.
Sensors allow the life-size golden retriever to respond to a variety of voice commands and touch. Biscuit moves like a real dog and responds to six voice commands such as "sit" and "lie down".
*Woodside serves children ages 3 to 5 with a variety of disabilities, including: autism spectrum disorder (ASD); speech/language delays; and motor, vision, and hearing impairments. |
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October 10, 2011
Kudos to ESD staffers who volunteered their time Saturday at the COMPASSION CLINIC at Tigard High School: Kimberlee Dixon, Registered Nurse; Dawn Marie Powers, EI/ECSE Intake Screener; Jennie Jones, Speech Language Pathologist; and Lori Kellogg, Principal of Tualatin Early Childhood Center.
ESD staff worked alongside caregivers from agencies throughout Washington County to offer free services to families such as dental, medical, vision, social services, haircuts, prescription vouchers and more.
The Clinic, held at Tigard High School, was hosted by Compassion Connect in collaboration with the
Tigard-Tualatin School District Safe School/Healthy Students Initiative. |
Vision screening |
Learn more at compassiontigard.com. |
September 30, 2011
Open House to Highlight Early Childhood Special Education Services and Community Collaboration in Washington County
An Open House on Tuesday is aimed at helping families learn about resources available in Washington County for children experiencing developmental delays and disabilities (from birth to kindergarten age) and how agencies collaborate.
The event will be held Tuesday, October 4, from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at Northwest Regional Education Service District: 5825 NE Ray Circle Hillsboro, OR 97124. The event is free and open to the public and activities for children will be provided. |
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| Organized by a consortium of agencies providing early childhood services and advising Early Intervention/Early Childhood Special Education(EI/ECSE*) services, the fair will host a dozen community agencies working with children with disabilities, developmental delays, mental health and behavioral struggles.
*EI/ECSE is the federally and state funded program serving children birth to kindergarten age who are experiencing developmental delays and disabilities.
Community partners attending
Washington County Commission on Children & Families, Washington County Public Health, Lifeworks Northwest, Mental Health, Oregon r.i.s.e. (respect, inspire, support & educate), Head Start, Developmental Disabilities, Healthy Start, Child Care Resource & Referral, Washington County Library.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Lori Kellogg, Early Childhood, Early Intervention Coordinator
lorik@nwresd.k12.or.us (503) 614-1274 |
September 21, 2011
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Old Wilson School Gets a Facelift for New Occupants Photo Gallery >>
9/27/11: Story in the Tillamook Headlight Herald
Community volunteers are needed for a “beautification” work party on Thursday, September 22, 2011, from 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. at the Wilson School, 2515 3rd Street, Tillamook.
The former Wilson School has a new life as the home of the Northwest Regional Education Service District (NWRESD) Tillamook Service Center. The school will also house the ESD’s Early Childhood Pre-School program as well as the Hospitality, Tourism & Recreation program. |
Wilson School
2515 3rd Street
Tillamook OR 97141
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Volunteers should be prepared to rake, paint, stain, till and plant to revitalize this important community asset. Most supplies and tools will be provided, but any additional tools you could bring would be helpful.
If you have any hosta plants or daylilies in your yard that need separating, please donate the separated plants to the effort. Plants can be dropped off any time during the work party.
Pizza lunch will be provided at noon catered by Hospitality, Tourism and Recreation students.
For more information about the work party or how you can contribute to this effort, please contact Helen Armstrong at 503-842-8423. |
September 14, 2011
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New Facility Opens in Hillsboro for Early Childhood Education Services and Statewide Autism Training
The Northwest Regional Education Service District (NWRESD) began the school year by opening a new school and training center at 759 SE Washington Street in Hillsboro.
The Hillsboro Education Center houses the only statewide center for autism training and observation, as well as an early childhood special needs preschool program for children with disabilities – age three to five – who live in Western Washington County (Banks, Forest Grove, Gaston, and Hillsboro school district boundaries).
Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) present unique challenges to teachers and support staff responsible for meeting the child's educational needs. Hillsboro Education Center offers face-to-face and virtual statewide training opportunities to assist in ongoing staff development designed to improve educational outcomes for these children, ages birth through twenty-one.
The center is also home to the statewide ASD library, a sensory evaluation room that allows parents and educators to preview learning resources with their child, and a fabrication room where staff will train and assist families and educators to make and take a variety items that will be used directly with children.
The preschool is staffed by Northwest Regional ESD specialists and educational assistants who provide a neighborhood-centered resource for families with preschool-age children who have developmental delays and disabilities in the areas of vision, hearing, speech, and orthopedic impairments. |
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Hillsboro Education Center
759 SE Washington St.
Hillsboro OR 97124
Debi Gustafson, NWRESD Early Childhood Education Specialist, works with preschoolers at the new Hillsboro Education Center. The center began serving children and families this fall.
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August 17, 2011
Oregon educators gather at NWRESD in Hillsboro for meaningful work around common core standards with national presenter Larry Ainsworth.
www.nwresd.k12.or.us/tweet
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October 11, 2011
BISCUIT the animatronic dog has a new home in the Little Buds toddler room at *Woodside Early Childhood Center, the ESD's special needs preschool in Beaverton.
Donated by a young girl in Portland who knew that Biscuit would be happiest around lots of attentive children, the multi-sensory dog has been instrumental in engaging children in joint attention activities by petting and feeding Biscuit together. He's also a great ice breaker for a child’s first time in a group.
Sensors allow the life-size golden retriever to respond to a variety of voice commands and touch. Biscuit moves like a real dog and responds to six voice commands such as "sit" and "lie down".
*Woodside serves children ages 3 to 5 with a variety of disabilities, including: autism spectrum disorder (ASD); speech/language delays; and motor, vision, and hearing impairments. |
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October 10, 2011
Kudos to ESD staffers who volunteered their time Saturday at the COMPASSION CLINIC at Tigard High School: Kimberlee Dixon, Registered Nurse; Dawn Marie Powers, EI/ECSE Intake Screener; Jennie Jones, Speech Language Pathologist; and Lori Kellogg, Principal of Tualatin Early Childhood Center.
ESD staff worked alongside caregivers from agencies throughout Washington County to offer free services to families such as dental, medical, vision, social services, haircuts, prescription vouchers and more.
The Clinic, held at Tigard High School, was hosted by Compassion Connect in collaboration with the
Tigard-Tualatin School District Safe School/Healthy Students Initiative. |
Vision screening |
Learn more at compassiontigard.com. |
September 30, 2011
Open House to Highlight Early Childhood Special Education Services and Community Collaboration in Washington County
An Open House on Tuesday is aimed at helping families learn about resources available in Washington County for children experiencing developmental delays and disabilities (from birth to kindergarten age) and how agencies collaborate.
The event will be held Tuesday, October 4, from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at Northwest Regional Education Service District: 5825 NE Ray Circle Hillsboro, OR 97124. The event is free and open to the public and activities for children will be provided. |
|
| Organized by a consortium of agencies providing early childhood services and advising Early Intervention/Early Childhood Special Education(EI/ECSE*) services, the fair will host a dozen community agencies working with children with disabilities, developmental delays, mental health and behavioral struggles.
*EI/ECSE is the federally and state funded program serving children birth to kindergarten age who are experiencing developmental delays and disabilities.
Community partners attending
Washington County Commission on Children & Families, Washington County Public Health, Lifeworks Northwest, Mental Health, Oregon r.i.s.e. (respect, inspire, support & educate), Head Start, Developmental Disabilities, Healthy Start, Child Care Resource & Referral, Washington County Library.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Lori Kellogg, Early Childhood, Early Intervention Coordinator
lorik@nwresd.k12.or.us (503) 614-1274 |
September 21, 2011
| |
Old Wilson School Gets a Facelift for New Occupants Photo Gallery >>
9/27/11: Story in the Tillamook Headlight Herald
Community volunteers are needed for a “beautification” work party on Thursday, September 22, 2011, from 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. at the Wilson School, 2515 3rd Street, Tillamook.
The former Wilson School has a new life as the home of the Northwest Regional Education Service District (NWRESD) Tillamook Service Center. The school will also house the ESD’s Early Childhood Pre-School program as well as the Hospitality, Tourism & Recreation program. |
Wilson School
2515 3rd Street
Tillamook OR 97141
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| |
Volunteers should be prepared to rake, paint, stain, till and plant to revitalize this important community asset. Most supplies and tools will be provided, but any additional tools you could bring would be helpful.
If you have any hosta plants or daylilies in your yard that need separating, please donate the separated plants to the effort. Plants can be dropped off any time during the work party.
Pizza lunch will be provided at noon catered by Hospitality, Tourism and Recreation students.
For more information about the work party or how you can contribute to this effort, please contact Helen Armstrong at 503-842-8423. |
September 14, 2011
| |
New Facility Opens in Hillsboro for Early Childhood Education Services and Statewide Autism Training
The Northwest Regional Education Service District (NWRESD) began the school year by opening a new school and training center at 759 SE Washington Street in Hillsboro.
The Hillsboro Education Center houses the only statewide center for autism training and observation, as well as an early childhood special needs preschool program for children with disabilities – age three to five – who live in Western Washington County (Banks, Forest Grove, Gaston, and Hillsboro school district boundaries).
Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) present unique challenges to teachers and support staff responsible for meeting the child's educational needs. Hillsboro Education Center offers face-to-face and virtual statewide training opportunities to assist in ongoing staff development designed to improve educational outcomes for these children, ages birth through twenty-one.
The center is also home to the statewide ASD library, a sensory evaluation room that allows parents and educators to preview learning resources with their child, and a fabrication room where staff will train and assist families and educators to make and take a variety items that will be used directly with children.
The preschool is staffed by Northwest Regional ESD specialists and educational assistants who provide a neighborhood-centered resource for families with preschool-age children who have developmental delays and disabilities in the areas of vision, hearing, speech, and orthopedic impairments. |
| |
Hillsboro Education Center
759 SE Washington St.
Hillsboro OR 97124
Debi Gustafson, NWRESD Early Childhood Education Specialist, works with preschoolers at the new Hillsboro Education Center. The center began serving children and families this fall.
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August 17, 2011
Oregon educators gather at NWRESD in Hillsboro for meaningful work around common core standards with national presenter Larry Ainsworth.
www.nwresd.k12.or.us/tweet
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December 07, 2011
Washington County Educators Explore the Impact of Race on Student Learning
| Over the past decade, a significant demographic shift has occurred in Washington County, changing the racial makeup of public schools.
In an effort to help address issues of race, racism, and racial disparities in education, the ESD hosted Beyond Diversity, a seminar facilitated by Pacific Education Group (PEG) this week for Washington County school district staff. |
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Teachers and administrators from Forest Grove, Hillsboro, and Tigard-Tualatin school districts took part in the two-day training to explore how the culture and climate of their schools are influenced by race. The seminar is meant to set the stage for developing action plans to engage in school-wide conversations about the issue, and to develop strategies for closing the achievement gap.
Beyond Diversity is nationally recognized for helping administrators, teachers, students, and parents identify and examine the powerful intersection of race and schooling. PEG consultants have been featured on ABC’s “Good Morning America” as well as cable access television.
For more information please contact Theresa Gartner at tgartner@nwresd.k12.or.us. |
November 30, 2011
NWRESD helps facilitate noteworthy achievement gains at two Forest Grove schools
Tom McCall Middle School and Cornelius Elementary have realized growth in student achievement - the result of a strong partnership between the district and Northwest Regional ESD's School Improvement Department.
At the request of the school district, NWRESD school improvement specialists facilitated data teams and provided long-term coaching at the schools - both of which face challenging demographics:
- Tom McCall Middle School increased state reading performance. Over 80 percent of the sixth graders exiting the school in 2011 met or exceeded state reading performance standards.
- Cornelius Elementary increased achievement and decreased office referrals by implementing a social behaviors program - PBIS (Positive Behavior Intervention Supports).
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Read more >>
Questions? Please contact Art Anderson, NWRESD Director of Curriculum and Instruction, at 503-614-1443 or aanderson@nwresd.k12.or.us.
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November 10, 2011
Flag Raising Ceremony at Hillsboro Education Center
A flag will be raised above the new Hillsboro Education Center (HEC) at 759 SE Washington Street in Hillsboro for the first time Monday afternoon. Preschool students, staff, and parents will participate in the traditional ceremony presided over by a group from Veterans of Foreign War (VFW) Monday, November 14, at 2:00 p.m. The media is invited.
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|
Using $4,263,819 in federal stimulus funds, Northwest Regional Education Service District (NWRESD) purchased, remodeled, and added 6,186 square feet to the former Hillsboro School District alternative school - creating 15,898 square feet of usable classroom and training space.
Opened in August, HEC is home to the ESD's special needs preschool serving children and families in Western Washington County school district boundaries (Banks, Forest Grove, Gaston, and Hillsboro), and the only statewide autism training center and library.
Date and time: Monday, November 14 at 2:00 p.m.
Location: 759 SE Washington St. Hillsboro OR 97123 |
November 9, 2011
FLYER
Free Workshop for Parents and Teachers Nov. 16
Make and take a ‘visual story’ to encourage interaction and ease frustration at home and school
- Do you need help organizing your children or students’ schedules?
- Does your child or student have difficulty with daily tasks?
- Is your home hectic during the holidays?
|
Example of a visual story
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| Northwest Regional Education Service District (NWRESD) staff in Astoria are hosting a free workshop for parents and teachers to learn how to create picture-based cards and boards to represent schedules or step-by-step directions for specific tasks to help children better understand their environment and behavioral expectations.
The drop-in workshop will be held Wednesday, November 16, from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m., at the NWRESD’s Clatsop Service Center: 3194 Marine Drive, Astoria OR 97103.
Called Boardmaker, the program uses a wide range of pictures to set up visual ‘stories’ explaining how to carry out routines more independently and to help young children and students communicate and cope when routines and schedules change. Visual communication tools (also called augmentative communication tools) like Boardmaker can help encourage interaction and ease routines for all children, and are widely used by NWRESD staff in their work with children with disabilities that include limited communication skills.
NWRESD serves thousands of children each year, birth through age 21, in Clatsop, Columbia, Tillamook, and Washington counties in the areas of autism, orthopedic impairments, vision impairments, hearing impairments, speech impairments, developmental delays, behavioral and emotional disturbances, and other mental health issues.
The drop-in workshop is for all skill levels, and open to anyone who would like to try their hand at being creative. To ensure that there are sufficient supplies on hand, please RSVP to Angie Harrington at 503-338-3377 or aharrington@nwresd.k12.or.us. |
October 24, 2011
Hillsboro Education Center Open House
Tuesday, Oct. 25, from 5:30-7:00 p.m.
759 SE Washington Street, Hillsboro 97123
Help us celebrate the ESD’s new Hillsboro Education Center – home to the only statewide center for autism training and observation, as well as an early childhood special needs preschool program for children with disabilities – age three to five – who live in Western Washington County (Banks, Forest Grove, Gaston, and Hillsboro school district boundaries).
When: Tuesday October 25, 5:30-7:00 p.m.
Where: Hillsboro Education Center, 759 SE Washington Street, Hillsboro, OR 97123
Visitors can check out the preschool rooms, the autism training rooms, the sensory and fabrication rooms (even make a fidget toy*!), and take a peek at the new home of the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) state Library.
Refreshments will be served.
* Fidget toys: If we were business executives we would call them "stress toys"! Children with autism and other disabilities often focus better and absorb material more quickly if they have something to do with their hands. Fidget toys allow the child to experience movement without having to actually get up and move around. Playing with a fidget toy provides the tactile stimulation their mind is craving, which can calm their mind, allowing the child to stay on task. |
Hillsboro Education Center |
October 17, 2011
Middle school students in Beaverton lending a helping hand around town
Pacific Academy* middle school teacher Elizabeth Frank's students are setting a great example of how to be a caring and responsible part of the community.
Today, the students who call themselves "Care Bears & Work Wolves", are pulling invasive ivy alongside Tualatin Hills Park and Recreation Department (THPRD) staff at AM Kennedy Park in Beaverton.
The group has already volunteered for several projects around the school, including cleaning the school grounds, and they'll continue to find ways to get out and make a difference.
Care Bears and Work Wolves will be on hand to discuss their display about the effects of smoking and tobacco at the school's Community Health Fair tomorrow night:
Community Health Fair - Open to the public
- FLYER -
Tuesday, Oct. 18, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Pacific and Cascade Academies
14255 SW Brigadoon Ct., #140, Beaverton 97006
Representatives from service providers, community organizations, and recreational programs will be available to answer questions, provide
information about services, nutrition, and living a healthy lifestyle.
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*Pacific and Cascade Academies are educational therapeutic programs run by Northwest Regional Education Service District, serving students in grades 6 through 12, primarily from the seven school districts in Washington County.
School district teams refer students when they need a small, supportive academic environment with a mental health focus. A consulting clinical psychologist and district team with mental health staff and teachers to meet the student’s social, emotional and behavioral needs. Curriculum, instruction and assessment are linked to the Oregon State Standards. Students receive 20 hours per week of instruction and an average of 5 hours per week of mental health services.
An average of 125 total students are enrolled each year from Banks, Beaverton, Forest Grove, Gaston, Hillsboro, Sherwood, and Tigard Tualatin school districts. |
October 13, 2011
Technology Opens Worlds for Student Who is Blind and Hearing Impaired
- Read about Alfredo in the Hillsboro Argus
- Download a PDF of the Argus story
Alfredo, a senior at Glencoe High School in Hillsboro, will be the lone student presenter at a conference Friday, October 14, in Albany, demonstrating iPod apps that help him communicate, navigate, and manage school assignments as a student who is a blind and hearing impaired. He will join a panel of teachers introducing a variety of apps for iPad, iPhone, and Android.
The conference, “Best Apps for Use by Persons with Visual Impairments”, is sponsored by Oregon Chapter of the Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (Oregon AER).
Alfredo, who has received hearing and vision services from the Northwest Regional Education service District* since he was three-years old, purchased an iPod with money he earned working for the Commission for the Blind through their Summer Work Experience Program (SWEP) at Reed College. Watching podcasts, he taught himself how to use Apple programs and apps for school assignments, Web access, emails, and phone calls. At Friday’s conference, he will demonstrate the system he created for himself, which includes a small, lightweight, wireless Apple keyboard. |
Alfredo demonstrating
technology
that works for him as a student
who
is blind
and hearing impaired. |
Alfredo will also demonstrate how a GPS for the blind and hearing impaired called the Trekker Breeze has opened up his world to safer travel. By connecting his personal sound amplification system (FM System) to the GPS, he’s able to hear announcements transmitted from the device, such as the names of approaching streets when walking or in a vehicle, the number and names of streets when he’s crossing at intersections, and the names of stores and businesses as passes by. Alfredo has also entered personal landmarks into the GPS, alerting him when the bus is one stop away from his destination, which gives him time to prepare to exit the bus.
*Northwest Regional Education Service District Orientation and Mobility Specialists work with students with visual impairments to help them learn to move safely, efficiently, and gracefully in their environment. Orientation and Mobility training (O&M), is an integral part of the disability-specific expanded core curriculum (ECC) in the comprehensive delivery of services to children with visual impairments. The goal of the training is to help students become safe and independent travelers—assisting them in pursuing their life goals, improving in their quality of life and integrating successfully into society. |
October 11, 2011
BISCUIT the animatronic dog has a new home in the Little Buds toddler room at *Woodside Early Childhood Center, the ESD's special needs preschool in Beaverton.
Donated by a young girl in Portland who knew that Biscuit would be happiest around lots of attentive children, the multi-sensory dog has been instrumental in engaging children in joint attention activities by petting and feeding Biscuit together. He's also a great ice breaker for a child’s first time in a group.
Sensors allow the life-size golden retriever to respond to a variety of voice commands and touch. Biscuit moves like a real dog and responds to six voice commands such as "sit" and "lie down".
*Woodside serves children ages 3 to 5 with a variety of disabilities, including: autism spectrum disorder (ASD); speech/language delays; and motor, vision, and hearing impairments. |
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October 10, 2011
Kudos to ESD staffers who volunteered their time Saturday at the COMPASSION CLINIC at Tigard High School: Kimberlee Dixon, Registered Nurse; Dawn Marie Powers, EI/ECSE Intake Screener; Jennie Jones, Speech Language Pathologist; and Lori Kellogg, Principal of Tualatin Early Childhood Center.
ESD staff worked alongside caregivers from agencies throughout Washington County to offer free services to families such as dental, medical, vision, social services, haircuts, prescription vouchers and more.
The Clinic, held at Tigard High School, was hosted by Compassion Connect in collaboration with the
Tigard-Tualatin School District Safe School/Healthy Students Initiative. |
Vision screening |
Learn more at compassiontigard.com. |
September 30, 2011
Open House to Highlight Early Childhood Special Education Services and Community Collaboration in Washington County
An Open House on Tuesday is aimed at helping families learn about resources available in Washington County for children experiencing developmental delays and disabilities (from birth to kindergarten age) and how agencies collaborate.
The event will be held Tuesday, October 4, from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at Northwest Regional Education Service District: 5825 NE Ray Circle Hillsboro, OR 97124. The event is free and open to the public and activities for children will be provided. |
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| Organized by a consortium of agencies providing early childhood services and advising Early Intervention/Early Childhood Special Education(EI/ECSE*) services, the fair will host a dozen community agencies working with children with disabilities, developmental delays, mental health and behavioral struggles.
*EI/ECSE is the federally and state funded program serving children birth to kindergarten age who are experiencing developmental delays and disabilities.
Community partners attending
Washington County Commission on Children & Families, Washington County Public Health, Lifeworks Northwest, Mental Health, Oregon r.i.s.e. (respect, inspire, support & educate), Head Start, Developmental Disabilities, Healthy Start, Child Care Resource & Referral, Washington County Library.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Lori Kellogg, Early Childhood, Early Intervention Coordinator
lorik@nwresd.k12.or.us (503) 614-1274 |
September 21, 2011
| |
Old Wilson School Gets a Facelift for New Occupants Photo Gallery >>
9/27/11: Story in the Tillamook Headlight Herald
Community volunteers are needed for a “beautification” work party on Thursday, September 22, 2011, from 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. at the Wilson School, 2515 3rd Street, Tillamook.
The former Wilson School has a new life as the home of the Northwest Regional Education Service District (NWRESD) Tillamook Service Center. The school will also house the ESD’s Early Childhood Pre-School program as well as the Hospitality, Tourism & Recreation program. |
Wilson School
2515 3rd Street
Tillamook OR 97141
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Volunteers should be prepared to rake, paint, stain, till and plant to revitalize this important community asset. Most supplies and tools will be provided, but any additional tools you could bring would be helpful.
If you have any hosta plants or daylilies in your yard that need separating, please donate the separated plants to the effort. Plants can be dropped off any time during the work party.
Pizza lunch will be provided at noon catered by Hospitality, Tourism and Recreation students.
For more information about the work party or how you can contribute to this effort, please contact Helen Armstrong at 503-842-8423. |
September 14, 2011
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New Facility Opens in Hillsboro for Early Childhood Education Services and Statewide Autism Training
The Northwest Regional Education Service District (NWRESD) began the school year by opening a new school and training center at 759 SE Washington Street in Hillsboro.
The Hillsboro Education Center houses the only statewide center for autism training and observation, as well as an early childhood special needs preschool program for children with disabilities – age three to five – who live in Western Washington County (Banks, Forest Grove, Gaston, and Hillsboro school district boundaries).
Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) present unique challenges to teachers and support staff responsible for meeting the child's educational needs. Hillsboro Education Center offers face-to-face and virtual statewide training opportunities to assist in ongoing staff development designed to improve educational outcomes for these children, ages birth through twenty-one.
The center is also home to the statewide ASD library, a sensory evaluation room that allows parents and educators to preview learning resources with their child, and a fabrication room where staff will train and assist families and educators to make and take a variety items that will be used directly with children.
The preschool is staffed by Northwest Regional ESD specialists and educational assistants who provide a neighborhood-centered resource for families with preschool-age children who have developmental delays and disabilities in the areas of vision, hearing, speech, and orthopedic impairments. |
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Hillsboro Education Center
759 SE Washington St.
Hillsboro OR 97124
Debi Gustafson, NWRESD Early Childhood Education Specialist, works with preschoolers at the new Hillsboro Education Center. The center began serving children and families this fall.
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August 17, 2011
Oregon educators gather at NWRESD in Hillsboro for meaningful work around common core standards with national presenter Larry Ainsworth.
www.nwresd.k12.or.us/tweet
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October 11, 2011
BISCUIT the animatronic dog has a new home in the Little Buds toddler room at *Woodside Early Childhood Center, the ESD's special needs preschool in Beaverton.
Donated by a young girl in Portland who knew that Biscuit would be happiest around lots of attentive children, the multi-sensory dog has been instrumental in engaging children in joint attention activities by petting and feeding Biscuit together. He's also a great ice breaker for a child’s first time in a group.
Sensors allow the life-size golden retriever to respond to a variety of voice commands and touch. Biscuit moves like a real dog and responds to six voice commands such as "sit" and "lie down".
*Woodside serves children ages 3 to 5 with a variety of disabilities, including: autism spectrum disorder (ASD); speech/language delays; and motor, vision, and hearing impairments. |
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|
October 10, 2011
Kudos to ESD staffers who volunteered their time Saturday at the COMPASSION CLINIC at Tigard High School: Kimberlee Dixon, Registered Nurse; Dawn Marie Powers, EI/ECSE Intake Screener; Jennie Jones, Speech Language Pathologist; and Lori Kellogg, Principal of Tualatin Early Childhood Center.
ESD staff worked alongside caregivers from agencies throughout Washington County to offer free services to families such as dental, medical, vision, social services, haircuts, prescription vouchers and more.
The Clinic, held at Tigard High School, was hosted by Compassion Connect in collaboration with the
Tigard-Tualatin School District Safe School/Healthy Students Initiative. |
Vision screening |
Learn more at compassiontigard.com. |
September 30, 2011
Open House to Highlight Early Childhood Special Education Services and Community Collaboration in Washington County
An Open House on Tuesday is aimed at helping families learn about resources available in Washington County for children experiencing developmental delays and disabilities (from birth to kindergarten age) and how agencies collaborate.
The event will be held Tuesday, October 4, from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at Northwest Regional Education Service District: 5825 NE Ray Circle Hillsboro, OR 97124. The event is free and open to the public and activities for children will be provided. |
|
| Organized by a consortium of agencies providing early childhood services and advising Early Intervention/Early Childhood Special Education(EI/ECSE*) services, the fair will host a dozen community agencies working with children with disabilities, developmental delays, mental health and behavioral struggles.
*EI/ECSE is the federally and state funded program serving children birth to kindergarten age who are experiencing developmental delays and disabilities.
Community partners attending
Washington County Commission on Children & Families, Washington County Public Health, Lifeworks Northwest, Mental Health, Oregon r.i.s.e. (respect, inspire, support & educate), Head Start, Developmental Disabilities, Healthy Start, Child Care Resource & Referral, Washington County Library.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Lori Kellogg, Early Childhood, Early Intervention Coordinator
lorik@nwresd.k12.or.us (503) 614-1274 |
September 21, 2011
| |
Old Wilson School Gets a Facelift for New Occupants Photo Gallery >>
9/27/11: Story in the Tillamook Headlight Herald
Community volunteers are needed for a “beautification” work party on Thursday, September 22, 2011, from 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. at the Wilson School, 2515 3rd Street, Tillamook.
The former Wilson School has a new life as the home of the Northwest Regional Education Service District (NWRESD) Tillamook Service Center. The school will also house the ESD’s Early Childhood Pre-School program as well as the Hospitality, Tourism & Recreation program. |
Wilson School
2515 3rd Street
Tillamook OR 97141
|
| |
Volunteers should be prepared to rake, paint, stain, till and plant to revitalize this important community asset. Most supplies and tools will be provided, but any additional tools you could bring would be helpful.
If you have any hosta plants or daylilies in your yard that need separating, please donate the separated plants to the effort. Plants can be dropped off any time during the work party.
Pizza lunch will be provided at noon catered by Hospitality, Tourism and Recreation students.
For more information about the work party or how you can contribute to this effort, please contact Helen Armstrong at 503-842-8423. |
September 14, 2011
| |
New Facility Opens in Hillsboro for Early Childhood Education Services and Statewide Autism Training
The Northwest Regional Education Service District (NWRESD) began the school year by opening a new school and training center at 759 SE Washington Street in Hillsboro.
The Hillsboro Education Center houses the only statewide center for autism training and observation, as well as an early childhood special needs preschool program for children with disabilities – age three to five – who live in Western Washington County (Banks, Forest Grove, Gaston, and Hillsboro school district boundaries).
Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) present unique challenges to teachers and support staff responsible for meeting the child's educational needs. Hillsboro Education Center offers face-to-face and virtual statewide training opportunities to assist in ongoing staff development designed to improve educational outcomes for these children, ages birth through twenty-one.
The center is also home to the statewide ASD library, a sensory evaluation room that allows parents and educators to preview learning resources with their child, and a fabrication room where staff will train and assist families and educators to make and take a variety items that will be used directly with children.
The preschool is staffed by Northwest Regional ESD specialists and educational assistants who provide a neighborhood-centered resource for families with preschool-age children who have developmental delays and disabilities in the areas of vision, hearing, speech, and orthopedic impairments. |
| |
Hillsboro Education Center
759 SE Washington St.
Hillsboro OR 97124
Debi Gustafson, NWRESD Early Childhood Education Specialist, works with preschoolers at the new Hillsboro Education Center. The center began serving children and families this fall.
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|
|
|
August 17, 2011
Oregon educators gather at NWRESD in Hillsboro for meaningful work around common core standards with national presenter Larry Ainsworth.
www.nwresd.k12.or.us/tweet
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