Welcome to our School

Letter from the Principal

February, 2010

Dear Parents,

I cannot help but sing the praises concerning the amount of volunteers that we have in this building. One outstanding group is the tutor practicum program offered to Gladstone High School students. With 29 tutors last trimester and 53 this trimester, this program has been a part of our district for over 20 years and now includes tutors going to the GCCF. Sharon Crane, a staff member at John Wetten, takes on the responsibility of coordinating this wonderful partnership, and each trimester she takes a week to train the high school students in our procedures and how to work with elementary students.

One would find high school tutors throughout the two buildings working with students and teachers in various situations:

• Grading papers
• Working on bulletin boards
• Working in arts and craft project with students
• Reading with students
• Helping students with daily curriculum under the direction of certified teachers
• Out on the playground helping students in safe, organized play

The second group of high school students that offer support come from the leadership class at GHS. Dave Prom is their advisor. This group emerged last trimester through the leadership of a few students who felt that they could make this connection and broaden their service. We were able to benefit by having about a dozen tutors who came to school during the last half hour each day specifically to work with students who need academic support in grades 3-5.

Both our students and staff appreciate the additional support, whether it is academic or relational. Very often they build friendships with these high students that last over several years. The impact on our building is huge! In return, our high students come away with a sense of accomplishment, a genuine love for our students, and the possibility of continuing their work as a lifelong commitment in some way. It is always pleasurable and rewarding to have these students return as student teachers or hear that they have become professionals linked to children. For others, it is leaving GHS knowing that they have made a difference.

Our hats are off to you, Gladstone High School tutors!

With best regards,

Kathy Hartlaub

John Wetten Elementary
250 E Exeter
Gladstone, Oregon 97027-2162

Phone: 503 656-6564
Fax: 503 656-0917
webmaster (at) gladstone.k12.or.us