Celebrating Oregon schools reaching high standard

Winterhaven Middle School, Portland

Winterhaven provides a creative and challenging learning environment for students who are capable and willing learners with a particular interest in mathematics and science.
A K-8 program housed in the historic Brooklyn Elementary School, the small school environment emphasizes the development of intellect, character and creativity, and encourages a lifelong love of learning.

Elementary students are grouped in two-year blocks; older students rotate through blocks of mathematics, science and humanities, continuing with the same teachers throughout their middle school years. Winterhaven believes that staying with the same teacher for at least two years provides students with a greater degree of educational continuity and helps them gain confidence in their academic efforts.

The mathematics and science programs follow a nine-year integrated course of learning that spans each student’s Winterhaven career. Middle school students cover up to five years of mathematics and four years of science in their three years (qualifying for high school credit). Traditional grades are not given. Students are evaluated by teacher reports, progress logs, student-directed conferences, strong scoring guides and student work portfolios to provide families, students and future teachers with meaningful information on each student’s skills, knowledge, social and emotional development.

Community service is integral to Winterhaven’s academic program. Students engage in real-life learning through volunteer activities which have included working with Loaves and Fishes, the Humane Society and the Oregon Food Bank, as well as collecting homeless shelter donations, visiting retirement centers and caring for two adopted parks.

One of these parks, Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge, provides a broad-based, unique, real-world science laboratory. Winterhaven teachers have created an innovative interdisciplinary project centered on the theme of tree biology. The project is a partnership with Portland State University’s Institute of Portland Metropolitan Studies, Friends of Trees, Portland Parks and Recreation Bureau, and The Campbell Group, LLC, with support from the Waters Foundation.

Beginning in sixth grade, students embark on a three-year study of the wildlife refuge, focusing on a particular plot of land. Whether removing invasive non-native species to prepare the ground for planting of native species, charting the growth of plants or studying the complexity of the area, students gain valuable knowledge of Oregon’s forest economy.

The program is enhanced with annual field studies. Sixth graders visit a timberland management group to observe how mathematics is used on a daily basis in mapping, accounting, data gathering and analysis. Seventh graders visit a tree farm to begin data collection. Eighth graders work with planners to learn about revising management plans for growth over time.

The key objectives of the project include the development of data gathering and analysis skills, documenting environmental changes over time, and communicating data and results to the community at large. The use of technology is emphasized through internet research and website development. Finally, the students benefit from playing a critical role in providing an improved public space for the community.

With a creative curriculum, a rigorous learning environment and community partnerships, Winterhaven ensures a high caliber of teaching and learning. We salute their achievements.

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