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CONTACT:
Principal Mike Solem
Maria
Caballero, Board Member
Gervais
High School Web site
When Mike Solem became Gervais High School principal four years ago, three very distinct “cultures” thrived in the school community: Hispanic, Anglo and Russian. Drop-out rates were high, attendance rates were mediocre and academic progress wasn’t anything to brag about.
Today, the three cultures are still thriving and proud – however, all three know all the words to the school fight song and the
graffiti on the walls has turned into beautiful murals celebrating each culture and how they work toward personal success. The dropout rate is almost “zero”, attendance is strong and reading and math scores are rising.
While Board Member Maria Cabellero and Superintendent Larry Glaze are quick to point out Solem’s role, Mike Solem is even quicker to credit his entire staff for the turnaround.
Solem divided school staff into two focus areas: one for reading and writing; the other for math. Three interdisciplinary teams meet weekly to help students improve academic performance and attendance, and prevent dropouts.
Building personal relationships with students are the key, Mike says, also noting major contributions by high school math teacher and student activities coordinator Terry Witter.
If attendance problems arise, students may get placed on an “attendance contract.” A team works closely with the student to get back on track, building on strengths. “Our teaching team, support staff and administrators are proactive with students on a daily basis,” Solem said.
2004 School Report Card from the Oregon Dept. of
Education (39k  ): Gervais High went from two years of a "Low" rating to a "Strong" last
year.
Sample Parent
Information Night Agendas:
Woodburn
Independent Story (148k ):
John Gervais of the Woodburn Independent wrote this Dec. 15 story about the school's dramatic state report card improvement.
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