Donald E. Long Students Produce Their Own Plays
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Students at the Donald E. Long School wrote and directed their own plays via PlayWrite inside the DEL Juvenile Detention facility this spring.
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PlayWrite provides safe-space theater workshops to assist youth in finding their voice and healing trauma through self-driven performance.
"I have found that students who complete the process have a better understanding of themselves and their recidivism is less," said Patty Coble, a Special Education teacher at the school. "Students often find the process difficult and want to quit, but a majority push through to the end."
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Students at Albany Sites Handcraft Gifts for Staff
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"We recognized [school] staff with flower baskets that had been made by Linn County JDEP students, Three Lakes students, and horticulturalist Kate Hemlock," said Joy Koenig, Principal at the Linn-Benton JDEP School, Three Lakes High School, Riverside High School and Ocean Dunes High School.
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Staff selected a flower basket from over 80 that were handmade.
“These baskets are quality," said Teacher Cindi Brokaw. "Our students are learning such a great life-long skill they can take with them.” [They've] learned all of the processes involved in making a flower basket and treating them with organic methods for pest control, etc. We are having a lot of fun!”
Staff also received a 24 oz. water flask with their name laser engraved on it, along with the MESD logo. Fabrications CTE Teacher Marcia Latta helped the students design and make these gifts.
“These bottles are awesome," Teacher Greg McGowan said. "It makes me want to drink more water."
The schools wrapped up the week with a celebratory barbecue.
"The administrative team of Oak Creek made the barbecue and we all supported with amazing side dishes," said Koenig. "We then attended the Oak Creek Correctional Facility Assembly where Oregon Youth Authority employees were recognized for their service. Teacher Levi Moody and Administrative Assistant Maranda Reeger were also recognized by OYA Leadership for their positive contributions to our schools."
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Transition Specialists Reflect on Kids at Hope
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Bars to Bridges Transition Specialist Micaella Flores and Donald E. Long School Transition Specialist Montel Shirley attended the Youth Development Master's Institute from Kids at Hope in Arizona in May. Arizon State University routinely co-sponsors the event.
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Kids at Hope is a youth advocacy group that works directly with youth and families, and offers professional development to organizations and schools.
"After attending the Kids at Hope training, I've made a commitment to becoming a treasure hunter, [which means being] a caring adult who searches beneath the surface to find all the talents, skills and intelligence that exists in children, while believing all youth are capable of success," Shirley said. "No exceptions!"
Flores said she learned learned change happens in small steps. She also mentioned the impact of future-forward thinking.
"[Students] can achieve success and if they feel they can't do it," Flores said. "Telling them maybe they can't do it yet, but they will. I will make sure to say to the youth I work with they are capable of success, no exceptions, and that I believe in them. Helping them overcome struggles by encouraging small steps to improve their abilities at school and in the community. I want to make sure all my clients know I support them."
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In Case You Missed It...
Bars to Bridges and the Donald E. Long School are featured in this Stronger Together video to show how the two programs work collaboratively in supporting students.
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