Willamette Steelhead Project

Oregon Websites and Watersheds Project, Inc.

The Willamette River Steelhead Project
Jefferson High School Agreement Text

A Cooperative Partnership Agreement Between Jefferson High School, Portland, Oregon, and Oregon Websites and Watersheds Project, Inc.

On Friday, July 21, 2000, representatives of Jefferson High School, Portland, Oregon, and Oregon Websites and Watersheds Project Inc. (ORWW), finalized and signed a long-term partnership agreement between the two organizations. The proposal had taken more than two years to develop and complete, due in most part to a series of administrative changes that took place in the school during that time. Other principals involved in developing this project include Wayne Giesy of ORWW; Opal Chancler-Moore, former Principal of Jefferson, and Ken Berry, current (March, 2001) Acting Principal of the school.

TEXT OF THE AGREEMENT

Jefferson High School ("Jefferson") and Oregon Websites and Watershed Projects, Inc. ("ORWW"), agree to cooperate in a long-term educational joint venture. We understand that this partnership will manifest itself in the form of either one or both of the following project/report topics:

Historical riverine plant and animal species populations within and adjacent to City of Portland and Multnomah County boundaries.

Surface water quality where the Willamette and Columbia Rivers enter and leave Multnomah County and Portland City limits.

Further, we understand that the project(s) will involve Jefferson students in a three part process of identifying, documenting/measuring, and communicating. For example:

1. Students will identify historical plant and animal species within Multnomah County or Portland city limits

By reviewing literature
By meeting/consulting with experts
By personal observations and guided field trips

2. Students will document and measure species by accepted scientific methodology

Via photographs and videotape
Population sampling
Independent corroboration
Personal observation and records

3. Students will communicate their findings and make them available for peer review

By making Middle School and Elementary School presentations, along with other formal school and/or community presentations
Through the development of video tape and/or television presentations
Through the preparation of public news releases and reports
By posting their findings on the school website and by linking to other websites

In addition, various Jefferson HS faculty will assist by providing their expertise regarding the above. Initial faculty members may include the following - Stephanie Pringle (Biology), Jennifer Doncan (English), Mary Dugan (Web Design) and Lennie Edwards and/or Dan Green (video/tv production). Cathy Benedetto, Curriculum Vice Principal, will serve as building coordinator and liaison.

Jefferson student findings and products can be used by ORWW for educational and promotional purposes. In return, ORWW partnership responsibilities include providing scientific resources, facilitating project fundraising needs, and professional guidance. This will involve appropriate assistance in order to achieve the following:

1. Scientific resources - providing

Appropriate literature where applicable
Guest experts and consultants
ORWW's own scientific expertise

2. Assistance raising necessary funds for

Field trips within project boundaries, to appropriate upriver and headwater locations, and to State college and University campuses for research and training needs
Publication expenses for video and television production, formal report publication, and website creation and maintenance
Costs of any expert corroboration or testing
Possible summer employment for Jefferson students who are involved in field work to collect evidence and/or communicating findings

3. Professional guidance - ORWW advice and assistance to help students

In preparing written reports
In collecting and identifying data
In documenting and measuring samples
In editing video, news releases and web page entries

Success of this project is dependent on financial support and other resources provided by government agencies, local businesses, foundations, and other organizations and individuals with an interest in enhancing academic and employment opportunities for Jefferson students and/or public research and education regarding Portland area plant and animal species and riverine water quality. This project is intended to be a model and may be expanded to include other topics or schools as funds become available.

<Signature/July 21, 2000>                         <Signature/July 21, 2000>
Kevin Bacon           Date                               Cathy Benedetto          Date
Principal, Jefferson High School                     Vice Principal, Jefferson High School

<Signature/July 27, 2000>                           <Signature/July 27, 2000>
Bob Zybach           Date                                   Stuart Hemphill          Date
Project Manager, Oregon Websites &              President, Oregon Websites &
Watersheds Project, Inc.                                  Watersheds Project, Inc.