Dear Friends,

You are invited to the Grand Finale of this year’s Parkrose Movie Nights, free admission for the whole family on Thursday, July 17th from 6 to 8:30pm!

Our feature film is “Promises“, a lighthearted movie about Israeli and Palestinian children who become friends despite their cultural differences.  For our Grand Finale we’ve partnered with Mercy Corps, who this summer connected Parkrose students with new friends in Gaza. The Why Not? Youth Exchange participants made videos and shared cultural perspectives.  At Parkrose Movie Night, they’ll be sharing their videos with you!

Bring your friends and family to this free family movie night Thursday, July 17th starting at 6pm in the Parkrose High School Theater

Ever wanted to make friends across the globe? Wondered about a day in the life of people your age on other continents?  This summer, PHS students have the chance to increase their knowledge of Arabic cultures through the Why Not? Youth Exchange, co-sponsored by Mercy Corps and the Community Connections program at PHS.
Mercy Corps, the international humanitarian organization based in Portland, is active in youth leadership development as a long-range strategy for solving global problems. Their Youth Exchange program introduces American youth to their peers in predominately Arab nations via real-time video chat over the Internet.
Last spring, PHS was matched with a school in Jordan. Students, led by Community Connections organizer Brendan Gill, sent digital photos, movies, poetry and music to their counterparts across the globe and enjoyed video chats with their partnering school.
Parkrose is the only Oregon school selected to participate in the Youth Exchange this summer. Students from all grades are invited to participate in the high-tech pen pal–type program with Palestinian youth.  “Everyone is welcome,” Brendan Gill explains. “The goal is to share the images, interests and emotions of daily life in Parkrose, Portland and Oregon with new friends in Palestine. In return, they send us their photos, text and videos.” Club members will learn to make videos and post them to YouTube and blogs.  Mr. Gill anticipates that students will really enjoy the face-to-face video chats which could feature music, fashion, dance or whatever PHS students want to share.
Why not get involved? Represent your school, your state and your country! Meetings will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 4 and 5 pm in the Region A Computer Lab. Starts Tuesday, June 24th, continues Tue / Thu weekly until Thursday, July 17th.
“Why Not?” is “Laysh La?” in Arabic, an optimistic question building a bridge that can connect Parkrose teens with Palestinian youth over geographical, political, and cultural divides.
Call Brendan Gill in the Community Connections Office at (503) 408-2645 to join Why Not or find out about other community service ideas.

We had a great time with over 150 community members and students of the Parkrose School District partying in the pool while PRIDE (2007) starring Terrence Howard and Bernie Mac played on a big screen projection system.

Our next movie night is Thursday, April 24th at 7pm in the PHS Community Room. Free admission for everyone in the Parkrose School District.

Partnering with Sun Community Schools, Shaver Elementary presents a vibrant after school program that offers amazing volunteer opportunities!

Become a teacher / tutor / mentor for one of these classes:

Basic Spanish, Beginner’s Band, Break Dancing, Chess, Gardening, Homework Hour, Latin Dance, Magic Tricks / Juggling, Poetry / Hip-Hop, School Paper / Literary Magazine, Sign Language, and any other class you’re skilled in teaching!

We’ve come so far along on the labyrinth that it is a real joy to give it a try!  Come out and be among good people and good snacks for a good cause.

Every other Saturday!

Oct. 13th & Oct. 27th from 10 AM to 12 PM.

See you there!

Students who signed up for Big Brothers Big Sisters (thank you everyone!) and were contacted for an interview, here’s some good info for you!

Interviews at Parkrose HS:

When: Monday & Tuesday, 9/24 and 9/25, 3:00 PM -5:15 PM

Where: Community Connections Volunteer Office SC13, Library

For those of you who haven’t signed up but are interested, please see Brendan at SC13 to sign up!

The Peace Labyrinth creation continues!

We need volunteers to come out and dig for peace, for Parkrose, for future generations to enjoy this wonderful addition to the community center’s grounds.   Refreshments and tools provided, kids 6+ are welcome!

Date: Saturday, 9/15 and 9/29 (subsequent Saturdays will follow until the project is completed)

Time: 10 AM – Noon

Location: Corner of NE Shaver & NE 115th (southwest corner of Parkrose High School field)

To sign up, or for any questions, please call (503) 408-2645

or email:

sharon_dewitt@parkrose.k12.or.us

brendan_gill@parkrose.k12.or.us

This is Brendan Gill, the new Americorps member serving as Volunteer Coordinator for the vibrant Community Connections Program at Parkrose High School.

I hope to make this year an even better one by bringing Parkrose and neighboring communities together to make PHS a bustling center for fun, productive activities that unite and mobilize us for change.

Come on down to SC13 and say hi!  I’m right across from the vending machines and between Athletics and Community Connections.

Brendan

Veteran muralist Larry Kangas has created a vibrant 1600 sq ft mural- a frieze with the working title of “Horses Through History and World Cultures” (The Broncos are the PHs team mascot). More than 20 feet of mural is already installed on the wall (east side of PHS). Completion of the mural installation will be in stages, with the final sections scheduled to be placed on the wall during the first week of August, 2007.

The mural dedication party is planned for Saturday, July 28th, from noon- to 2pm.

Parkrose High School Community Center is located at NE 120th and Shaver Streets.

You are invited to view the mural, meet artist Larry Kangas and the mural crew and celebrate with the Parkrose community on that day. Enjoy food, music and a few surprises.