Gervais Elementary School: Igniting a Passion for Learning Beyond the Classroom
The spirit of exploration and creativity is alive and well at Gervais Elementary School, as students and staff alike embrace a wide variety of after-school clubs. These extra curricular activities are igniting students’ curiosity and enhancing their educational journey. Thanks to the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) Latinx Student Success grant, which provided $204,000 annually, GES has been able to offer engaging after-school clubs, family engagement activities, dynamic student assemblies, and enrichment programs during the 2022-2023 and 2023- 2024 school years.
The impact of these programs has been remarkable, with 70% of GES students participating in after-school clubs. These clubs catered to diverse interests, ranging from art, basketball, and board games to coding, comic design, robotics, and Latin music and dance. Students also enjoyed activities like Cool 2 Be Kind, drama, Earth and space science, engineering with electricity, gardening, photography, and even unique options such as Pokémon, Minecraft Science, and sewing. Principal Dusty Price reflects, “Seeing our students light up with excitement while discovering new passions has been truly inspiring. These clubs not only provide fun but also foster critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration.”
However, when the ODE did not renew the grant for the 2024-2025 school year, GES faced the challenge of sustaining these enriching experiences. Rising to the occasion, the school formed a new partnership with Active Children Portland (ACP), a non-profit organization dedicated to youth development. This collaboration brought a 10-week all-girls soccer and theater after-school club for students in grades 3-5, providing coaching and materials at no cost to the school. “This program was a game-changer for our students,” says Principal Price. “It gave 35 girls the opportunity to build confidence, develop soccer skills, and express themselves creatively through writing and acting.”
Recognizing the vital role these programs play in student growth, the Gervais School District’s superintendent and school board stepped in, approving special district funding to continue after-school clubs and family engagement activities for the second semester of the 2024-2025 school year. As a result, GES is thrilled to offer seven after-school clubs for grades 3-5 and five clubs for grades K-2 during a 7-week session in February and March, with additional clubs planned for April and May. These after-school programs are designed to make learning meaningful, fun, and relevant. They emphasize real-world skills in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math), while embedding literacy to support reading, writing, and language development. “Our goal is simple,” shares Principal Price. “We want students to learn how to learn and, more importantly, to love learning. School should be awesome fun!”
Gervais Elementary’s commitment to fostering an engaging learning environment ensures that students not only excel academically but also discover the joy of lifelong learning.
At Gervais Early Learning Center, Learning and Fun go Hand in Hand!
Over the past few months, our preschool classrooms have been bustling with exciting activities designed to engage both students and their families in meaningful, hands-on learning experiences focused on literacy, being a good steward of the earth, and having fun!
December Family Events:
In December, parents were welcomed into classrooms for special holiday-themed activities. Classrooms 1 and 3 hosted a fun and creative doormat-making event, where parents and students worked side-by-side to design personalized door mats to take home. The collaborative spirit and artistic flair on display made this event a memorable experience for all. Meanwhile, Classroom 2 embraced the holiday season with a gingerbread house decorating activity. Parents and students teamed up to construct and embellish gingerbread houses, turning simple ingredients into festive masterpieces. The joy and laughter shared during these activities highlighted the strong connections within the preschool community.
January Literacy Night:
In January, families were brought together once again for an engaging Literacy Night. Families gathered to enjoy a warm, communal dinner before diving into activities designed to support early literacy development. Parents met with the dedicated kindergarten staff from Gervais Elementary School (GES), where information was shared about simple yet effective activities that could be implemented at home to nurture reading and writing skills. While the parents attended these informative sessions, preschool staff led the preschoolers in fun craft activities, ensuring that learning and creativity continued for all. To encourage family participation, a friendly competition was introduced: the classroom with the highest parent attendance would win a pizza party. Congratulations to Classroom 3 for having the most attendees in January! The enthusiasm and involvement of families truly make these events special.
Recycling Study:
Recently, preschool students completed an insightful study on recycling, focusing on the principles of reducing, reusing, and recycling materials. Through a variety of hands-on activities, students explored creative ways to give new life to everyday objects. Classroom 3 crafted vibrant “shakers” from repurposed water bottles, which students proudly took home to share with their families. Additionally, students were encouraged to design and create imaginative projects using simple paper bags. This study not only taught valuable environmental lessons but also sparked creativity and problem-solving skills in young learners. Thank you to all of the participants in these events. Family involvement is key to fostering a supportive and dynamic learning environment for preschoolers!
Gervais School District Adult Transition Program: Opening Doors, Creating Opportunities, Learning for Life
For young adults ready to bridge the gap between high school and adulthood, the Gervais School District Adult Transition Program (ATP) opens doors to meaningful opportunities tailored to their unique strengths and aspirations. Eligible participants are aged 18-21 who have completed high school with a modified diploma or certificate of attendance and are impacted by an established disability. The program, mandated by the Oregon Department of Education, focuses on helping students identify desired occupations—whether paid or volunteer, and build the skills necessary to pursue these goals.
Dr. Creighton Helms, the Director of Student Services & Federal Programs, has played a pivotal role in the development of the ATP. When Dr. Helms joined the district in August 2017, all eligible participants were enrolled in the Functional Learning Center (FLC) self-contained classroom at the high school, as the district did not yet have a separate ATP. Recognizing the need for a dedicated transition program, Dr. Helms prioritized its creation after assuming the role of Director of Special Education.
Through a partnership with North Marion School District, which allowed for pooling of financial and staffing resources, a plan was established to bring the ATP to fruition. The old alternative high school modular building was identified as the site, and after extensive renovations carried out by the Maintenance Department during the Spring and Summer of 2024, the building was transformed into a highly functional space tailored to skill development for participants. The program officially opened at the start of the 2024-2025 school year with a limited number of participants to ensure a strong foundation before expanding to neighboring districts.
Dr. Helms reflected on the program’s progress, stating, “Just as there is with any new program, you rarely know what you don’t know, so in many ways we feel like we’re still building the ship after it has set sail, but truth be told, we’ve had a great start to the program, and we see tremendous success with it for many years to come.” He emphasized the rewarding nature of the work, highlighting the positive, immediate impacts on participants’ sense of value and self-worth.
Andre Brown, the lead teacher in the program, brings a diverse background in social work, therapy, and education. After earning a degree in Sociology from Eastern Oregon University, he worked in drug and alcohol treatment and as a Youth & Family Therapist with the Marion County Juvenile Department. Brown later pursued a Master’s in Social Work and transitioned to education, initially teaching PE and coaching basketball at Sacred Heart. His work in the Gervais community led to a position at the middle school, eventually transitioning to the high school and ultimately to the Career Transition Program. Reflecting on his journey, Brown shared, “Eventually, I was moved to the high school, and over time the Career Transition Program was created. When I was asked if I’d like to help get things off the ground, I applied for my Special Education Teacher’s license, applied for the interim Lead Teacher position, and now here we are helping the guys build their skills pursuing their dreams!”
Brown’s favorite aspect of the program is the collaborative environment: “My favorite thing about working here is the staff! We all work so well together. I also enjoy seeing these students every day and watching their development.” A typical day in the program starts around 7:30 AM for staff, with students arriving at 8:00 AM. The morning includes breakfast, interactive stretches, and yoga to get the blood flowing. Activities are directly tied to students’ Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), focusing on skill development. By 10:00 AM, students perform various duties around the district, such as recycling, assisting in the high school cafeteria, and distributing mail. Afternoons are dedicated to project work and additional skill-building activities until the day concludes at 3:00 PM.
Looking ahead, Brown hopes the program will inspire students to continue striving after graduation, exploring new opportunities and potential career paths. “My hope for this program is to see more students continue to strive after they graduate and explore new things. Being open to trying and learning new things to help them grow their potential. I’d love to see relationships established with our program, and our kiddos can possibly have more options to explore regarding employment.”
The Gervais School District ATP represents a significant step forward in supporting students’ transitions from school to adulthood, fostering growth, independence, and a strong sense of community involvement.
Piglets, Perseverance, and FFA: A Gervais High School Success Story
Excitement at Gervais High School peaked on Monday, February 3rd, as students witnessed the long-anticipated arrival of piglets. However, the preparation for this moment began months earlier. Kopi Orlov, a sophomore at Gervais High School and the Gervais FFA Vice President, purchased his first show pig in March 2024. Instead of selling the pig at the Marion County Fair, he decided to raise her for the long term. After extensive research, he selected a boar, and in August 2024, the artificial insemination process began.
Unfortunately, it didn’t work the first time, which meant waiting two cycles—21 days apart—before trying again. Adjusting the approach, they repeated the process on two consecutive days instead of one, and whether that made a difference or not, it worked. After 114 days of waiting— plus two extra—Puff, Orlov’s pig, finally went into labor. The excitement turned chaotic when she broke out of her farrowing crate, requiring Orlov and his dad to get her back in place at 6:30 a.m. Shortly after, labor signs became evident. By 8:00 a.m., Orlov returned to the barn, and by 8:15 a.m., the first two piglets had arrived. The farrowing crew, including Orlov, Addy McCargar, Andre Cam, and Josiah Garcia, worked together, even with Principal Andrew Aman assisting with one of the deliveries.
Orlov reflected on his journey, saying that just over a year ago, he had attended his first FFA meeting mainly for the food, not realizing it would open doors to amazing opportunities. Raising and showing Puff at the Marion County Fair helped him realize how expensive show pigs could be, which led him to the idea of raising his own. Learning how to assist Puff was a hands-on challenge, and the lead-up to her piglets’ birth was intense, with sleepless nights spent checking on her. When the moment finally arrived, he learned firsthand how to assist in delivery, give shots, and care for newborn piglets. The experience changed his high school journey, pushing him beyond what he thought was possible.
McCargar described how they had been monitoring Puff for two weeks, and when labor started, she joined the team in the barn at 8:15 a.m. Orlov handled wiping off the piglets, suctioning their mouths, and cutting their umbilical cords while she and the others ensured the piglets stayed warm and latched onto their mother to nurse. When one piglet was born not breathing, she and Orlov quickly rubbed it with towels and cleared its mouth and lungs, successfully reviving it. Having grown up around pigs and shown them since she was nine, she thought she knew a lot—but this experience taught her even more about the farrowing process. She never expected something this hands-on in high school and was grateful for the opportunity.
Cam admitted that last year was his first time raising and showing a pig, and he was new to the process. When Orlov said he planned to raise his pig’s offspring, Cam offered to help but didn’t really know what to expect. As Puff’s due date approached, he helped check on her and ensure she was comfortable. When he got the call that labor had begun, he rushed to the school to help. While Orlov and McCargar focused on Puff, Cam and Garcia made sure the piglets were safe. The experience gave him a new appreciation for caring for animals, and he looked forward to showing one last time at the Marion County Fair—with a pig he helped bring into the world.
Garcia explained that since it was their first time assisting with piglet births at Gervais, they wanted to make sure Orlov had all the support he needed. The experience came with a lot of uncertainty, but both he and Cam stepped up as caretakers, keeping the piglets warm and making sure Puff stayed calm. He initially doubted his ability to help, but the team worked together seamlessly. Seeing how everyone contributed to the process taught him valuable lessons about teamwork and handling high-pressure situations.
Agriculture teacher and FFA advisor Katelyn Metzger reflected on the significance of the event, explaining that when she started teaching at Gervais High School last year, she didn’t know what to expect. Their program strives to provide students with real-world learning opportunities, and helping a pig deliver her litter is one of many experiences they had embraced. “None of it would have been possible without the support of the administration and community,” Metzger said. “Seeing students take on this challenge and succeed was truly rewarding.” This hands-on experience gave Gervais FFA members a deep understanding of animal science, responsibility, and teamwork. As the piglets grow, these students will continue to care for them, taking pride in the unique opportunity they helped create.
Gervais CTE Culinary Program Takes Learning on the Road with Innovative Food Truck, Funded by ODE Grant
School District is taking career and technical education (CTE) to the next level with the launch of a fully licensed commercial food truck, a groundbreaking addition to its culinary program, and funded through a CTE Revitalization Grant from the Oregon Department of Education (ODE). This innovative initiative provides students with hands-on experience in culinary arts, entrepreneurship, and business management while serving the greater Gervais community in creative and impactful ways.
The CTE Revitalization Grant from ODE is a competitive program designed to enhance and expand CTE opportunities across Oregon, equipping students with real-world skills and industry-aligned training. This funding supports programs that foster stronger connections between education and local industries. Through this grant, Gervais School District is investing in its students’ futures by offering them practical experience in food service, business management, and customer engagement – key skills for success in Oregon’s thriving culinary and hospitality sectors.
With the support of PDX Cart Builders, the district’s new food truck is being custom-built on a brand-new 2022 Ford F59 18’ Step Van, designed to meet the unique educational needs of Gervais students. “Expanding a culinary program to include a food truck component to connect with the local community – some of whom operate their own food trucks – is a winning approach to another aspect of CTE,” said Scott Rose, Sr. Project Manager of R&C Management Group, serving Gervais School District.
The food truck will allow students to gain practical skills in event planning, menu strategies, food preparation, customer service, inventory management, and small business operations, setting them up for success in Oregon’s vibrant food industry. By integrating the entrepreneurial aspects of food service, the program equips students with the tools and experience to run their own businesses in the future. The Gervais School District’s food truck is more than just a mobile kitchen—it’s an innovative classroom on wheels that blends technical training with real-world business experience.
As part of its mission to prepare students for high-demand careers, Gervais School District continues to lead the way in reimagining CTE programs in Oregon and beyond. The food truck will not only serve as an educational platform but also as a resource for community events, local partnerships, and fundraising efforts, making a lasting impact on students and the local economy. PDX Cart Builders is finishing up customizing the interior, installing equipment, and then the exterior of the truck will be wrapped with graphics unique to Gervais School District and their CTE Culinary Program. This project is on time for completion and utilization in the very near future, more great news to come.
The Gervais School District is taking the next step in improving school buildings by selecting a company to manage and build the projects funded by the school bond. After a thorough selection process, Kirby Nagelhout Construction Company has been chosen as the best company for the job. The selection was based on a public request for proposals, contractor interviews, and scoring by a review panel.
How the Selection Process Worked:
The district announced the construction project on November 6, 2024 and invited companies to apply.
Six companies submitted proposals by January 7, 2025 after walkthroughs of the schools.
A committee reviewed the proposals and narrowed the list to four finalists:
Kirby Nagelhout Construction Company
Todd Construction
Robinson Construction
Triplett Wellman
After interviews on January 22, 2025, Kirby Nagelhout was ranked the highest by all panel members.
What Happens Next?
The Board of Directors officially approved the contract on February 20, 2025.
This project is an exciting step in making much-needed improvements to Gervais schools, ensuring safe and modern learning spaces for students!
Don’t forget to come to the Community Skate night to meet the contractors in person.
“Kirby Nagelhout Construction Company is honored to be chosen as Gervais School District’s CM/GC partner to deliver these critical upgrades for the students and community of Gervais. We watched the election closely and were extremely excited the bond passed for this deserving community. The upgrades will create safe, comfortable, and modernized learning environments and eliminate many major maintenance issues for the district. We look forward to working with the exceptional team at GSD as well as R&C Management and Arcadis to bring these bond promises to life.”
– Chris Prahl, Vice President and Project Executive