Chief Joseph and the new principal

We live in Piedmont and Chief Joe is our neighborhood school. For a long time I'd heard only good things about the school, not least because everyone seemed to love the principal, who I hear had been there for many years. Then she retired and a replacement recently came on board. Interestingly, I hear the new principal sees fit to send his own children to Catholic school instead of to public school, although that may not be indicative of anything...

So I'm really wondering, Chief Joe parents: What's up? How are things at your school? Still good? How do you feel about the new principal?

Comments

[susan]

We sent our daughter to CJ last year for pre-k and were not impressed with the principal. My husband met with the new principal this summer and had a good connection with him. You might want to make an appointment to meet with him and get your own take on him.

For a bunch of reasons, we have decided to homeschool. So we are probably not the best people to respond to your inquiry because we are pretty concerned about the track that all public schools are on right now, thanks to the current federal legislation.

We have been surprised that so many public school administrators feel the need to be cheerleaders for legislation that, in my opinion, is draining the creativity and confidence out of so many of our children and teachers.

[Erica]

I know the new principal personally at Chief Joseph. I have known him (and taught under him) for years. He will be a wonderful principal for Chief Joseph. He is a long-time (life-time, perhaps) resident of North Portland, and he and his family are also very involved in the Holy Redeemer community, where his kids go to school. He may have even gone there.

He supports teachers, knows what it's like to be a parent of children in grade school, and is passionate about his community. You, and everyone at Chief Joseph are lucky to have him.

[Carolina]

I teach at Chief Joseph Elementary School, and hope that people will continue to send their children to our happy little school. We strive to work with parents and provide a happy and strong education for their children. The new principal is a gem and he will lead our school with grace and good judgement.

[Nancy R.]

I am a parent at the school for several years now -- our kids have always been super happy at Chief Joe, we love the teachers and the staff, and our new principal is great. We're having a good year.

As for this comment: "I hear the new principal sees fit to send his own children to Catholic school instead of to public school, although that may not be indicative of anything..."

It's not indicative of anything. His family is Catholic :) I think it's a good rule of thumb to not comment on people's religion (or in the case of my own family, the lack thereof).

My only regret is that our school doesn't go through 8th grade! (No space for it.)

[Nancy R.]

I have been a parent at the school for several years now, make that. Nice grammar!

[Sarah]

Can anyone talk about the curriculum at Chief Joseph for 1st grade and beyond? What are the enrichment offerings (e.g., music, PE, art, etc.)? What is the day like? Do the teachers utilize creative teaching methods, or is there a lot of rigor and desk time?

[Nancy R.]

Half-time music teacher (each class gets one music class per week); full-time PE teacher (with 1-2 sessions per week for younger students, 3 sessions per week for upper grades); library assistant two full days per week (money from two book fairs a year purchases new books for library); no art teacher, but some art in classes (focus on reading and math, though); band; chess club; garden club; active PTA (annual auction); after school science and art classes; no on-site childcare (pick-up by One With Heart and Peninsula Children's Center).

[Chris]

Does anyone know how allergies are handled at CJ? We live in the school district, my daughter will be in kindergarten next year. She has a nut allergy and a milk allergy.