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After serving as a teacher and administrator at another school for 25 years, I accepted the job as principal of Aloha High School in 2004. I immediately discovered the key factors that make Aloha High School a special place.

First and foremost, Aloha is dedicated to intellectual rigor within a curricular context that is applicable to our ever changing world. This academic excellence and curricular relevance is evident in many areas:

• In 2008 Newsweek ranked Aloha as the fourth most effective high school in Oregon, with the ranking considering academic achievement coupled with various demographic categories.

• We currently offer 18 Advanced Placement courses, a 125% increase from 2001. In 2008-09, 424 students took 694 AP tests compared to 156 AP tests administered in 2001. We are proud to say that not only are more students accessing challenging courses but the composition of these classes is representative of our cultural, ethnic and socioeconomic diversity. In addition, students are successfully earning college credit and studies show that participation in AP classes increases college achievement.

• Last year 162 students earned a Career Pathway Certificate. In their culminating projects students applied knowledge and skills related to their interests in authentic situations. They demonstrated critical thinking, problem-solving and inquiry in real world contexts in career fields ranging from Child Development to Marketing to Graphic Design to Environmental Science.

Aloha is one of Washington County's most diverse student bodies. Our students are committed to learning and living cooperatively in a manner that transcends cultural tolerance. Every day I observe students and staff engaging in teaching and learning, celebrating the rich personal history and world view we each bring to Aloha.

The teachers at Aloha are "difference makers" in the lives of their students as they combine a passion for their discipline, excellent teaching strategies and a commitment to "go the extra mile."

It was difficult to leave my alma mater after 25 years. It was my home and a very special place for many reasons. Little did I know that I would find a second home that inspires me daily as an educator and person. It is a privilege to serve as the Principal of Aloha High School.

Aloha Snapshot

Enrollment Diversity Oregon Report Card Overall Rating 2008-09   1,942 2007-08   2,052 2006-07   2,083 2005-06   2,003 2004-05   1,942   American Indian 1% Asian or Pacific Islander 12% Black 6% Hispanic 23% White 63% Multiple Categories Selected 6%   2008-09 In Need of Improvement