January 2003

Web site: http://www.fgsd.k12.or.us

BACKGROUND: Schools often go to businesses with their hands out, seeking donations. But the Forest Grove School District went to our local businesses in the fall of 2002, seeking something even more valuable - their time and expertise. The result is a new program called T.E.A.M. (Together Everyone Achieves More).

WHAT IT IS: T.E.A.M. is a wonderful collaboration between businesses and individual classrooms. The project was developed to strengthen ties with the business community and to involve more people in our schools in meaningful ways.

HOW IT STARTED: The district inviting about 70 local business owners to attend a breakfast to learn more about the program. They teamed with the Forest Grove Chamber of Commerce to plan and publicize the breakfast. About 35 people showed up, and all of them signed up to have a school partner. District staff then asked them what projects they had going, or would like to do, that would be better and more meaningful for students if they had a business partner.

SUCCESS: The response has been tremendous, according to TEAM coordinator Connie Potter. “Teachers have come up with some wonderful, truly innovative projects and are so excited to collaborate with local businesses,” she says. “Some are just getting started with their partnerships while others have been working together for a few months. The businesses seem pleased to share their knowledge and are getting an opportunity to come into our classrooms and see what schools are like these days.”

While local businesses have always been supportive of our schools, this program created a way for businesses to work one-on-one with teachers and students in their classrooms. One of the best results is the personal relationships that are developing. Business people are delighted when students “light up” when they see them and of how rewarding it is to work with students. Students love working on real-life projects that have some relevance and with professionals who actually work in the fields they are studying.

A key is that the partnerships are not one-sided, Potter says. While the businesses are giving their time and expertise (and sometimes donating materials as well), students are also finding ways to give back. For example, in one partnership, the students designed Christmas cards that their partner company sent out as their corporate holiday cards. On the back, the students got credit for their work.

SUCCESS STORIES: The partnership projects are outstanding. Here are just a few:

• A second grade class at Cornelius has partnered with West Coast Bank, and employees are teaching the students money identification skills.
• A second grade class at Harvey Clarke is writing a book about the Statue of Liberty, and their partner -- Lazerquick -- is publishing it for them. Lazerquick staff provided journals and pens for the students to write their drafts and had different staff (graphic artists, designers, etc.) come in to work with students on illustrating it. One of the account representatives comes to the class every week or so to listen to the children read aloud what they have written. Students will be taking a field trip to the Lazerquick production facility this winter to see the printing presses.
• A fourth grade class at Cornelius partnered with Mahlum Architects who helped them with their study of earthquakes.
• Jennings McCall Center has partnered with Dilley School, which has a new garden and greenhouse. Members of Jennings McCall’s Garden Club visit the school once a month to give gardening tips and work with students in their garden.

The district provides special framed certificates to each business partner. “It’s been fun to go around town and see these proudly displayed in their store or office,” Potter says.

Cost of the program is minimal. The district food service program catered the kickoff continental breakfast for $3 per person ($105) and $30 was spent on certificates.

This program is a wonderful example of schools and businesses working together to create outstanding learning opportunities for students.