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City View Charter School

Administrator's Corner


I have to admit that before arriving at City View Charter School it had been a long time since I used the word, expedition.

What mental images does it conjure in your mind? Antarctic explorers, Ernest Shackleton or Ann Bancroft? Sacajawea, Meriwether Lewis or William Clark? Astronauts, Neil Armstrong or Sally Ride? Whatever face or famous trek is triggered in your mind when you think of expeditions I will bet the word adventure could easily be a part of your thoughts.

Adventure should be a key component of learning. Outward Bound and Expeditionary Learning understands the importance of adventure in the school experience of children and City View Charter School is fortunate to be associated with Expeditionary Learning Schools (ELS). Ten structures or “design principles” as they are called in ELS, provide a research based and innovative platform for City View teachers.

The first principle is called The Primacy of Self-Discovery. “Learning happens best with emotion, challenge and the requisite support. People discover their abilities, values, passions, and responsibilities in

situations that offer adventure and the unexpected.” These sentences are quoted directly from the Expeditionary Learning Outward Bound Design Principle overview. City View Board of Directors and Staff support this approach to learning. It is my hope that all parents in our school community come to know and support this approach, as well.

I invite you to join in the adventure at City View through the Expeditions your children will undertake with their classmates and in our larger endeavor to build a new and improved City View Charter School.

There is a saying used in Expeditionary Learning Schools. “We are Crew, not Passengers”. It is my hope that you join the crew of this year’s learning expedition. I guarantee it will be an adventure.

With Enthusiasm,

Jeff Hays
Executive Director
About Jeff Hays, Executive Director/Principal
 

What an exciting time to arrive at City View!  There are some positive changes ahead for the school and it is my hope that I can support them.  I come to City View with 31 years of experience as an educator.  I’ve taught elementary age students in both private and public school settings.  For the past 10 years I’ve been a school administrator, most recently school principal at Deep Creek Elementary in Damascus.  It’s thrilling to think of the possibilities Expeditionary Learning can offer students and I’m looking forward to joining teachers, students and families in these adventures! I am ready to learn right with you.

 

I live in St Johns and enjoy home improvement and gardening around my 1919 bungalow.   The challenge of keeping the gardens interesting in all seasons is a favorite pastime.  I love to make a difference in my community and dedicate weekends during the winter and early spring to improving Portland’s urban tree canopy by volunteering as a crew leader with Friends of Trees.   Portland is a great place to live but I’m a bit biased as I was born and raised in the area.  I love to hike, run and bike in Forest Park, just minutes from my house, taking advantage of the outdoor opportunities Portland and Oregon provide.  
 
 
About David DeMarkey, Business Director
 

I am City View's new Director of Business. I bring an eclectic background to City View including 15 years' experience in management consulting, several years' experience in property management, another 10 in sales and marketing and about 6 years of teaching at the community college level.

 

Having just come back from  an Expeditionary Learning's seminar on Bainbridge Island I am eager to help us to continue to grow our alternative to traditional education.

 

This position is new to City View, so let me tell you more about what I will be doing.  I am responsible for all of the school's business operations including strategic planning, finance, facilities, fund-raising and public awareness. I am looking forward to working with the planning, finance, and public relations and fund-raising committees. I encourage you all to participate in these or any other of the committees at City View. I look forward to working with you all, and making this a great year at City View.