Leadership This Week:    Talent show planning (June 11th activity), 7th Grade Carnival committees,  Snack Bar, Pizza lunch planning, Cooking club (after school).   

 

Dear TRCS Community,

I am very excited to be joining Three Rivers Charter School for the 2018-2019 school year. Eleven years ago, I entered into public education and I have found it to be one of the noblest of professions.

I grew up in Oregon City, attended Oregon State University and graduated from George Fox University with a degree in history. I spent the next year at Colton High School as an instructional aide in the counseling office. It was at that point that I realized how much I enjoyed working with students, and helping them to reach their goals. I decided to go back to George Fox and earn my Masters Degree in Teaching. After graduation, starting as a PE and history teacher, I began my first permanent teaching job at Alliance Charter Academy (ACA), and I have spent the last nine years there. During this time I began working on my administrative license at Concordia University. Upon completion of my administration license I accepted the position of Lead Teacher for two years. I was then promoted to co-director and then to the executive director and principal position the following year. I have spent the past two years in this position and I have enjoyed the work of school administration and educational leadership.

When I am not in school I love boating on the river, meeting for coffee, exploring new restaurants in Portland, playing with my German Shepherd named Sampson, watching the Blazers, engaging in almost anything to do baseball, and rooting for anything Oregon State.

As a teacher and educational leader, I have learned that every student has unique educational needs. It is because of each child's uniqueness that I believe in small class sizes and a personalized approach to learning in order to drive rigor and success in the classroom. When students graduate from Three Rivers, I want them to be active problem-solvers, have academic stamina and have experienced unique learning environments that have set a foundation for them to be successful, lifelong learners.

After participating in my first staff meeting, I am already seeing what makes TRCS so special. The staff is passionate about TRCS' mission and vision. In my short time on campus I have already seen TRCS' dedication to ensure that every student gets the best education possible. John Hattie states, "Strong teacher student relationships shape the way children think and act in school. When you have a good relationship with your students, they are more likely feel positive about class and about school in general. They are also more willing to have a go at hard work, to risk making mistakes, and to ask for help when they need it. Therefore, it is not surprising that research shows constructive teacher student relationships have a large and positive impact on students' academic results." I saw this impact the first time I was at TRCS. It is very exciting and not something that you see in every school.

I am committed to positive communication, transparency and building positive relationships with all the stakeholders. Together, we will continue to grow the work and mission first envisioned by Katherine Holtgraves and Merilee Bales. In conjunction with the excellent staff, outstanding families, and dedicated board members, we will stay the course and focus our sights on providing our students with the greatest possible education.

I look forward to partnering with all of the Three Rivers Charter School stakeholders in their efforts to continue building a positive learning community, with the belief that by becoming creative, compassionate, accountable learners, we will positively change our society.

I hope to meet you on May 17th, at the TRCS Parent Tea. 

Nic Chapin   

Important Upcoming Dates 

Please see our online calendar for more event details! We have more details on these events below! 

Spring/Summer Camps

Trackers Earth - This camp offers award-winning camps in traditional arts and crafts. Under the guidance of expert educators and artisans, students learn new skills and gain firsthand experience. Programs include ceramics, blacksmithing, felting, bow making, woodworking, photography, filmmaking, and more. Options for youth and teens for day or overnight camps. Learn more here . 

Basketball Camp: The Wilsonville High Boys Basketball staff is hosting the annual Wildcat Hoop Camp this summer.  This highly-popular camp focuses on fundamentals of the game, skill development and offers campers a glimpse at the Wildcat way. Dates are June 25 - 28 and July 9 - 12 for 3rd grade and up. Learn more here. 

High Tech Catalyst Camp - This free summer camp for incoming 8th and 9th graders will feature mini classes in aerial photography, movie making, robotics and much more! Located at West Linn High School July 16-20 or July 23-27.  Learn more here. 

EnviroCamp - This camp is for students entering grades 1 - 5 in the fall. CREST's nature day camp is full of exploration, learning, and discovery! Spend your days exploring local creeks and forests, finding interesting critters, playing active games, and making new friends. Learn more here.

Willowbrook Arts Camp - Willowbrook Arts Camp is an outdoor summer day camp that provides opportunities for children to develop their creative potential through experiences in the arts and nature. Campers, ages 3-18, are free to explore over 30 separate covered areas, each with their own distinct focus and experienced instructors. A wide variety of areas are available for camps with Willowbrook. Learn more here .