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Welcome to Springwater Environmental Sciences School!

We are Oregon City's first public charter school, founded by a core group of parents committed to promoting an excellent sciences-based education and supported by the Oregon City School District. Springwater's curriculum, class and school size, rural location, and level of parent involvement all combine to make it a unique educational opportunity for interested students.

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River Otters Explore the World through Music PDF Print E-mail
Written by Paul Heimowitz   
Thursday, 05 November 2009

Take some PVC pipe, a piece of cork, a classically-trained musician from Mexico City, and a group of Springwater sixth and seventh graders, and you have an exploration of world music by way of the panflute.  Geraldo Calderon is leading one of the two current Artist-in-Residence programs for Springwater's middle school classes.  Geraldo not only teaches the students how to tune and play their instruments, but he helps them build them. 

Geraldo performs throughout the region with Grupo Condor.  Back in 1993, he beganworking with young audiences and now works with students in assembly programs,workshops, and more intensive residency programs like at Springwater.  He enjoys sharing the cultural aspects of music, including his own Latin American heritage.  "Students don't always know exactly where instruments come from," he points out.  "It's nice to talk about various influences from around the world."


 

This fall's music residency at Springwater features the zampoña,a type of pan flute used by the native peoples of the Andes mountains.  Traditionally made from bamboo or reeds, Springwater students learned to fashion their instruments from PVC pipe.  After Geraldo tunes their instruments, he helps them learn how to play music representing a variety of cultures. He noted how Springwater students are particularly inquisitive about the science behind the pan flute, asking questions like "how does the instrument produce sound?"

Geraldo's session with the student will end with an opportunity for them to perform what they've learned.  "I really enjoy going to schools," he notes. "It's an honor to share my culture and music."

In addition to the zampoña residency, Geraldo also teaches workshops on drums and other instruments.  He is also involved with the Regional Arts and Culture Council and the Oregon Historical Society's Folklife Program. More information on his educational programs, and on his performances and music with Grupo Condor, is available at www.grupo-condor.com.
 
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Upcoming September Dates:

7th – First day of school (1/2 day for kinders)

8th and 9th – No school for kinders (assessments)

10th – Full-day field studies for all grades (1/2 day for kinders)

13th - Building Clean Meeting 6:00 pm

16th - Fundraising Committee Meeting 7:00 pm

16th - Movie Night 6:30 / dusk 

17th – No school

24th – Friday field studies (1/2 day grades K-5, full day grades 6-8)

30th – Back to School Night (6-8pm)

See the Year-at-a-Glance Calendar for the full 2010/2011 Schedule.

School Supplies

Springwater offers the option of paying $75 per student and the school will order all the supplies for your student(s), or you can print the supply list and make your own purchases. Please label only your student’s backpack and lunch box, and bring the rest to the school.  For the supplies list click here. 

Fundraising Committee Meeting

The fundraising plan has been decided - now we need help to make it happen!  New committee chair Alex Van Pelt has great ideas and welcomes new members.   September 16th, 7:00 pm, West Linn Market of Choice.

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The average cost to families per student for outdoor school is $250/Year (6th, 7th & 8th grade). Start saving now by ordering scrip every month to pay for what you are already going to purchase at local stores and restaurants.   Click Here for details and order forms - first due date is Monday, September 20th.

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Springwater greatly appreciates the support of our community. Thank you to all who have donated their time and resources.

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