By Madeline Turnock, Concordia University
Back to school takes on a whole new meaning this month for students at the new Faubion School + Concordia University, a 3 to PhD® community.
The grand opening is Tuesday, Aug. 29, from 3 to 5 p.m. at 2930 N.E. Dekum St. A brief program begins at 3:30 p.m., and neighbors are welcome. Learn more at 3toPhD.org.
For the past two years, Faubion School served students at an alternative location on North Flint Avenue.
“We’ve felt homesick off-site the past two years, and now Faubion School is looking forward to being ‘back home’ in the neighborhood with a brand new footprint,” said Faubion school principal Jennifer McCalley. “This is a unique opportunity to realize our shared vision for a safer, healthier, more educated community.”
Concordia University College of Education Dean Sheryl Reinisch agreed. “The collaboration with Portland Public Schools’ Faubion School and the university has inspired how we prepare leaders and teachers for the 21st century.”
3 to PhD aims to become a new national model in which committed partners work together with schools to ensure every student has both educational and wrap-around services needed to “pursue highest dreams,” better known as PhD.
Founding partners in 3 to PhD include: Concordia University, Faubion School, Trillium Family Services and Kaiser Permanente.
Faubion School and Concordia University have been neighbors in education for 63 years. With only 102 steps between them, collaboration and partnership increased in 2008 when LaShawn Lee became principal and envisioned Faubion as the “heartbeat of the community.” Concordia University stepped up to help by providing mentors, tutors, coaches, recess help, student teachers and more.
Then, in November 2012, voters approved the first school district capital improvement bond which partially funded the Faubion School rebuild. Concordia Universit y and its supporters are contributing an additional $15.5 million to the total cost of the $48.8 million project.
The new 138,000 square-foot-facility, and those it serves, is capturing the hearts and minds of an entire generation.
The new environmentally-friendly building includes the Concordia University College of Education; the Kaiser Permanente 3 to PhD Wellness Center; an early childhood education center; science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM) and maker spaces; a food club with organic products from Pacific Foods of Oregon; access to mental and behavioral health from Trillium Family Services; and more.