Philomath Community
I decided to add a page about Philomath, because when I try to open my students eyes and minds new horizons and to other places, I also want them to be proud and knowledgeable about their own community. This page could also have valuable information for our exchange partners form Hamburg, Germany, for both teachers and students coming to Philomath.
Philomath
I teach German at Philomath High School and have been living on the outskirts of Philomath (3 miles out of town) since 2004. My three daughters have gone to Philomath schools, and I have been involved in the schools, volunteering on the high school site council, doing theater sets for 4 years for the elementary school, volunteering to teach a one-year reading program for 6th graders once a week, volunteering in and outside my daughter's classrooms. In 2008, I started substitute teaching at the high school, first as a long-term sub in the art classroom, and then in many other classes: foreign languages, sciences, math, technology and business, P.E., health, English, music, foods, childhood development, and psychology. This really helped me get to know the student community at PHS and get to know the curriculum of most classes taught there. in 2010, I started to teach German, half time. I teach all the levels of German language classes (German 1 through 4 and AP).
Philomath is a wonderful place to live and I enjoy the community as well as the surroundings.
I have done most of my research on Philomath on the Internet, and through my previous knowledge of the community. I also interviewed a former school principal and superintendent, the director of the historical museum, and a timber industry worker.
History of Philomath
The word Philomath (pronounced "fill-o-math") comes from the Greek language and means "love of learning" (philos ="beloved," "loving," + math="to learn").
Philomath was named after the Philomath College that was founded in 1867 by the United Brethren Church. The College was established on eight acres in Benton County. As settlers arrived, they began developing the town around the college site. The college's name suited these first citizens' ideals, and so the town was named Philomath. The city was incorporated in 1882. Not one, but two colleges operated between 1889 and 1913: a large radical faction split from liberal Philomath College and established the College of Philomath just a few blocks away. From 1889 to 1906 and 1909 to 1913, two colleges existed side by side in Philomath.
Lack of enrollment at Philomath College due to economic depression and poor financial management forced the school to close its doors in 1929. During its 62 years of operation, the institution enrolled about 6,000 students, 1,200 of whom became teachers. After the college closed, the building was used as a church. In the 1960s, the building had fallen into disrepair. The fate of the structure was in question until local citizens saved the building in the late 1970s, and placed it on the National Register of Historic Places. The Benton County Historical Society acquired the property and opened the Benton County Historical Museum in 1980.
The Siletz tribes are native to the area, especially near Alsea and Toledo.
Timber industry was the most important industry in Philomath during the 20th century. At its peak, there were 14 mills in Philomath.
Geography of Philomath
Philomath is in Benton County, in the Willamette Valley in Central Oregon. Philomath is at the base of Mary’s Peak, the tallest peak in the Coast Range, where the Mary’s River leaves the Coast Range and meanders through Philomath. The town lies at an elevation of 280 feet above sea level. Philomath is 5 miles West of Corvallis and Oregon State University, on U.S. Route 34/20, and a short 45 minutes drive from the Oregon Coast.
Philomath Population
According to Philomath city Census 2010 results, the population of the area is approximately 4,584 people. From 2000 to 2010, the Philomath city population growth percentage was 19.4% (or from 3,838 people to 4,584 people). This is faster than the average US growth. 27.9% of the Philomath city residents were under 18 years of age. The racial breakdown percentage in Philomath is 87.8% White, 0.6% Black, 0.9% Indian, 1.0% Asian and 6.7% Hispanic. Also, there were 1,837 housing units in Philomath city, 94.3% of which were occupied housing units.
In my German class, I have mostly students that are white, but I do have a couple of students who are Native American and African American.
Philomath Economy
An estimated 320 businesses operate within a three-mile radius of downtown Philomath and employ more than 3,000 people. The largest share (41%) of employees works in the services industry, followed by manufacturing (18%) and retail trade (17%). The City’s commercial district includes a variety of businesses, as well as the Benton County Historical Museum. The Police Station, City Hall, Post Office and the Philomath Community Library are located on Applegate Street.
Some examples of companies in Philomath are Georgia Pacific and Mary’s River Lumber sawmills, 3 banks, a grocery store, hardware store, Philomath Family Medicine, dentists, counseling, physical therapy, acupuncture, hair dresser, barber, quilt store, furniture renovation, 2 fitness centers, veterinary, mechanics-garage, Gene Tools (manufactures Morpholino antisense oligos), Wet Labs (produces oceanographic measuring equipment), Alyrica Networks (high speed internet), Solar Summit (manufactures solar panels and alternative energy products), Pioneer (telephone), and Peak (DSL, internet access). Philomath has many restaurants, including Woodsman (delicious Thai food), La Rockita (best burritos in town), Gathering Together Farm (organic scrumptious food), Ixtapa (good family Mexican dinning), Creekside coffee, CD & J Cafe, Cake-Time, Nutcakes, Figaro's Pizza, DQ, Subway, Taco Time, McDonald, Jona's Market Deli Subs, Meet'n Place Tavern and Wing Sing.
Philomath is a "green Power" community, because it purchases 10 percent of its power through Blue Sky.
There is also a private school in Philomath called Philomath Montessori School.
Attractions and happenings in Philomath
I have listed the most important Philomath community websites. These are important entities in Philomath and may be useful for teachers. The ones I find most useful are the school website, the Benton County Historical Museum, the Philomath Community library, Marys Peak Natural Resources Interpretive Center and the Rotary Club (because they fund student exchanges).
- Philomath Schools (http://www.philomath.k12.or.us)
- City of Philomath (www.ci.philomath.or.us)
- Philomath Chamber of Commerce (www.philomathchamber.org)
- Clemens Community Pool (http://www.philomath.k12.or.us/pool/): public pool at the high school.
- Benton County Historical Museum (http://www.bentoncountymuseum.org/): great exhibits on history and art. Also research library, Oregon Trail docents.- Philomath Scout Lodge Inc (http://www.philomathscoutlodge.org/)- Philomath Frolic & Rodeo (http://www.philomathrodeo.org/): famous rodeo in July.
- Philomath Youth Activities Club (http://www.pyac.org/): recreational activities for kids. Also day care for older children after school.
- Philomath Classic Car Show (http://www.philomathchamber.org/carshow): first Saturday in July
- Philomath Area Chamber of Commerce (http://www.philomathchamber.org/)
- Philomath Downtown Association (http://www.philomathda.com/)
- Philomath Community Library (www.thebestlibrary.net)
- Philomath Community Foundation (http://www.philomathcommunityfoundation.org/): grants and scholarships
- Marys Peak Natural Resources Interpretive Center (http://www.mpnric.org/): amazing source for teachers and students interested in wetlands and nature. Help run an ecology program, where high school students taking the ecology class are docents for middle school students who come and learn about wetlands for a day.
- Shrewsbury Renaissance Faire (http://shrewfaire.com/): medieval fair in September
- Holiday Craft Fair (http://www.philomathrodeo.org/craftsfair/): November
- Gathering Together Farm (http://www.gatheringtogetherfarm.com/): organic farm and restaurant
- Philomath Open Studio (http://www.philomathopenstudios.com/): group of artists opening their studios for 2 weekends in fall.
- The Bounty of Benton County (http://www.ruralfamilies.org/)
- Philomath Rock and Gem Show: September
- Clemens Foundation (541/929-2592) P.O. Box 427 Philomath, OR
- Benton County (www.co.benton.or.us)
- Oregon State University (www.oregonstate.edu) in Corvallis
- Linn-Benton Community College (www.lbcc.cc.or.us) in Albany
- Strengthening rural families (http://www.ruralfamilies.org/)
- Skate park (in City Park)
- Rotary Club (http://www.philomathrotary.org/): fund an exchange student every year.
Philomath School District 17J
The Philomath School District serves approximately 1,635 students in grades K-12. There are six schools total, two of which are located in the outlying communities of Blodgett (grades K-4) and Kings Valley Charter School (grades K-11).
Blodgett Elementary (K-4), and Philomath Elementary (grades K-5) serve the elementary students. Philomath Middle School serves grades 6-8 and Philomath High School grades 9-12. Clemens Primary is being used by the high school during the school year of 2011-12, because a new high school is being built. Usually Clemens Primary houses K-1. In 2012, the construction of the new high school will be finished.
In terms of socio‐economic status of the community, Philomath has a combination blue collar, timber‐oriented economic base and a white‐collar population that commutes to Corvallis to work primarily at Oregon State University, Linn Benton Community College, Samaritan Health Services, and Hewlett‐Packard.
Approximately 40 % of students are on free or reduced lunches. 1.8% of students are English language learners. 86% of students graduate on time. 77% of teachers have master's degrees. The teachers' average experience is 14 years.
PHS has 29% on free or reduced lunches, compared to CV at 22%, CHS at 33%. Some of the elementary schools in Corvallis have actually much higher populations of students with free or reduced lunches (Garfield at 77%, Lincoln Elementary at 68%).
Philomath High School
PHS is located on 2054 Applegate Street, Philomath, OR 97370. PHS colors are Black and Gold and the mascot is the Warriors. PHS is in the OSAA Oregon West Conference 4A. The principal is Ken Ball, and vice principal is Jon Bartlow.
Philomath High School was built when the old high school burned down in the mid 1950s. This year (2011-12) it is being rebuilt, and only a small portion of the school is being kept (the gym, which will become the commons and theater/music auditorium, the science wing, the library and a few classrooms).
There are 32 teachers at the High School (26.41 full‐time teachers) and 2 full‐time counselors. Of the students, 6.5% are Talented and Gifted; 10% are minority status; about 26% receive free or reduced price breakfast and lunch. 2011 senior class enrollment is 136. Class sizes are mostly 25‐33 students. Philomath High School is accredited by the Oregon Department of Education and Northwest Accreditation Commission.
Philomath High School offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses in English Lit and Calculus, College Level Physics and Writing (students may also take AP testing, having taken Spanish and German) and College Now courses that receive credit through Linn Benton Community College. "Beyond PHS" is a college program in conjunction with Linn Benton Community College that allows students 16 or older to get an early college experience while in high school. Students take classes on both the high school and the community college campuses. Students have the opportunity to graduate with a high school diploma and possibly an AA degree.
PHS students participate in an extensive Senior Project as required for graduation. The senior project provides students the chance to design and implement a complex learning experience that represents their interests, the knowledge and skills they have gained in school, and their vision for the future. While each student’s work is quite unique, every project must include a research paper, mentorship connection, project defense, product/ experience, and oral presentation.
In addition to the diploma, students may obtain the Certificate of Initial Mastery (CIM) through accomplishment of performance demonstrations in Mathematics, Reading, Writing, Speaking, and Science. Students must receive a passing level on the Oregon Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (OAKS) and must perform in the classroom to the CIM standard achievement level in classroom work samples.
PHS has the following school sponsored activities: Associated Student Body=ASB, Band Council, Choir Council, Drag Team, Equestrian Team, FBLA, Robotics=PHRED, Forestry/Natural Resources, German Club, Link Crew, National Honor Society=NHS, and Theatre Club. It also has the following student initiated clubs: Bible Club, Dungeons & Dragons, Gay/Straight Alliance=GSA, School of Thought, and Writing Club.
Some of the things that I think make PHS special are:
- The forestry department is one of only 5 remaining forestry departments in high schools in Oregon.
- Even though the school is small, two foreign languages are offered at PHS: Spanish and German.
- The science department is excellent and students can take a large amount of classes (Chemistry, Physics, Forensics, Botany, Ecology, Anatomy and Physiology, Biology, Integrated Science, independent study in Marine Biology and Advanced Anatomy and Physiology).
- The music department in all Philomath schools is excellent. In high school, students can take choir, symphonic band, jazz band/pep band, and guitar.
- Each year, there is a Science Fair, open to all students in the district.
In the athletic department, Philomath has some special accomplishments: State championships have been won in the past few years, in girls soccer, girls track and field, boys cross-country and track and field.
Media
Newspapers: Gazette Times (daily newspaper, Corvallis, OR)
Documentary: "Clear Cut": The Story of Philomath, Oregon, documents the clash of cultures in Philomath between the old-time timber industry and the professionals and techies of the information age. High school graduates used to have their college tuition paid thanks to the generosity of local lumber baron Rex Clemens. But when a new schools Superintendent arrived from Chicago, the administrators of the scholarship became concerned over the increasingly "liberal" direction of the schools. The conflict between the old-time loggers and the "urban immigrants" escalated dramatically, and the scholarship administrators delivered an ultimatum: either the superintendent leaves, or the scholarship is withdrawn, leaving the town's children without money for college.
The film was shown in the Sundance Film Festival in 2006.
Community services
Philomath community services
In 2010, Philomath Food Bank provided 5,522 emergency food boxes for low-income families and individuals. Food boxes typically provide meals for three to five days.
June's Kid's Kloset provided 3,957 people (2,346 of those children) with clothing, diapers, formula, layettes and pajamas in 2010. In four years the number of families in need has tripled.
Last year hundreds of people received a total of over 64,828 pounds of locally grown food that would otherwise go to waste. Philomath Gleaners was a big part of this operation.
In 2010, the Community Garden harvested 914 pounds of fruits and vegetable of different varieties.
Holiday Cheer supplied Christmas gifts for children, food baskets and hygiene supplies for families.
Summer Meal Program: The Corvallis School District offers free meals everyday during the summer to all children age 18 and under, regardless of income.
Food Bank: The Philomath Food Bank (started by Nancy Flegal in 1975) provides emergency food boxes for low-income families and individuals. Food boxes typically provide meals for 3-5 days and serves families west of 53rd Street in Corvallis to the western border of Benton County. Teachers report that children in their classes have to cut or skip meals at home, jeopardizing their health and learning capabilities. If it were not for the Food Bank, the only decent meal some children would get is at school.
Hunger is the silent epidemic that affects everyone in our community. One out of every six families in Linn and Benton counties must depend on food from an emergency food pantry at least once each year. As you would expect, senior, disabled persons, single parents and the unemployed are all represented as those who are having a hard time feeding their families. But in Oregon, the majority of people who live in poverty are working. The Oregon Center for Public Policy states that at least one parent works part-time and more in 64 percent of families with children living in poverty.
Kid's Kloset: June’s Kids Kloset provides clothing, diapers, formula, layettes and other necessities to children and families. It’s the only place where many children can get back to school shoes, a warm winter coat and things most of us take for granted. In 2009 alone they served in excess of 808 families representing nearly 1,981 children. 2010 has already exceeded the number served in 2009. Department head Carey Oien through her outreach has partnered with most of Philomath’s Churches.
Gleaners: Philomath Gleaners is a self-help program that works with Linn Benton Food Share providing supplemental food and firewood. This program requires participants that are physically able to volunteer 10 hours a month to qualify. They are seniors on fixed incomes, families with children, and people with disabilities. Last year, more than 5,500 people received a total of over 2,000,000 pounds of food (that would otherwise have gone to waste) through the fourteen gleaning groups of Linn Benton Food Share.
Holiday Cheer: Holiday Cheer is a program that supplies Christmas gifts to those who have missed the opportunity to receive assistance through other organizations. We work with the school counselors, senior centers and other organizations in town to find those that would not have a Christmas otherwise. Debbie Thorpe has run this program for several years.
Community Garden: The Community Garden has 20 raised beds. AmeriCorps has helped this year with volunteers.
Sources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philomath,_Oregon
http://www.philomath.k12.or.us/
Historic pictures from the Salem Public Library
http://www.ci.philomath.or.us/newsletters/2010%20Spring.pdf
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Philomath+OR&hl=en
http://www.philomathda.com/PDF/Marketek%20Feb%2009.pdf
http://www.bentoncountymuseum.org/
http://www.ci.philomath.or.us/index.html
http://www.philomathchamber.org
http://www.clearcutmovie.com
http://www.philomathcommunityservices.org/
http://www.urbanspoon.com/n/243/44869/Oregon/Philomath-OR-restaurants
http://www.philomath.k12.or.us/phs/guidance/school%20profile%201011%20pt%205.pdf
I teach German at Philomath High School and have been living on the outskirts of Philomath (3 miles out of town) since 2004. My three daughters have gone to Philomath schools, and I have been involved in the schools, volunteering on the high school site council, doing theater sets for 4 years for the elementary school, volunteering to teach a one-year reading program for 6th graders once a week, volunteering in and outside my daughter's classrooms. In 2008, I started substitute teaching at the high school, first as a long-term sub in the art classroom, and then in many other classes: foreign languages, sciences, math, technology and business, P.E., health, English, music, foods, childhood development, and psychology. This really helped me get to know the student community at PHS and get to know the curriculum of most classes taught there. in 2010, I started to teach German, half time. I teach all the levels of German language classes (German 1 through 4 and AP).
Philomath is a wonderful place to live and I enjoy the community as well as the surroundings.
I have done most of my research on Philomath on the Internet, and through my previous knowledge of the community. I also interviewed a former school principal and superintendent, the director of the historical museum, and a timber industry worker.
History of Philomath
The word Philomath (pronounced "fill-o-math") comes from the Greek language and means "love of learning" (philos ="beloved," "loving," + math="to learn").
Philomath was named after the Philomath College that was founded in 1867 by the United Brethren Church. The College was established on eight acres in Benton County. As settlers arrived, they began developing the town around the college site. The college's name suited these first citizens' ideals, and so the town was named Philomath. The city was incorporated in 1882. Not one, but two colleges operated between 1889 and 1913: a large radical faction split from liberal Philomath College and established the College of Philomath just a few blocks away. From 1889 to 1906 and 1909 to 1913, two colleges existed side by side in Philomath.
Lack of enrollment at Philomath College due to economic depression and poor financial management forced the school to close its doors in 1929. During its 62 years of operation, the institution enrolled about 6,000 students, 1,200 of whom became teachers. After the college closed, the building was used as a church. In the 1960s, the building had fallen into disrepair. The fate of the structure was in question until local citizens saved the building in the late 1970s, and placed it on the National Register of Historic Places. The Benton County Historical Society acquired the property and opened the Benton County Historical Museum in 1980.
The Siletz tribes are native to the area, especially near Alsea and Toledo.
Timber industry was the most important industry in Philomath during the 20th century. At its peak, there were 14 mills in Philomath.
Geography of Philomath
Philomath is in Benton County, in the Willamette Valley in Central Oregon. Philomath is at the base of Mary’s Peak, the tallest peak in the Coast Range, where the Mary’s River leaves the Coast Range and meanders through Philomath. The town lies at an elevation of 280 feet above sea level. Philomath is 5 miles West of Corvallis and Oregon State University, on U.S. Route 34/20, and a short 45 minutes drive from the Oregon Coast.
Philomath Population
According to Philomath city Census 2010 results, the population of the area is approximately 4,584 people. From 2000 to 2010, the Philomath city population growth percentage was 19.4% (or from 3,838 people to 4,584 people). This is faster than the average US growth. 27.9% of the Philomath city residents were under 18 years of age. The racial breakdown percentage in Philomath is 87.8% White, 0.6% Black, 0.9% Indian, 1.0% Asian and 6.7% Hispanic. Also, there were 1,837 housing units in Philomath city, 94.3% of which were occupied housing units.
In my German class, I have mostly students that are white, but I do have a couple of students who are Native American and African American.
Philomath Economy
An estimated 320 businesses operate within a three-mile radius of downtown Philomath and employ more than 3,000 people. The largest share (41%) of employees works in the services industry, followed by manufacturing (18%) and retail trade (17%). The City’s commercial district includes a variety of businesses, as well as the Benton County Historical Museum. The Police Station, City Hall, Post Office and the Philomath Community Library are located on Applegate Street.
Some examples of companies in Philomath are Georgia Pacific and Mary’s River Lumber sawmills, 3 banks, a grocery store, hardware store, Philomath Family Medicine, dentists, counseling, physical therapy, acupuncture, hair dresser, barber, quilt store, furniture renovation, 2 fitness centers, veterinary, mechanics-garage, Gene Tools (manufactures Morpholino antisense oligos), Wet Labs (produces oceanographic measuring equipment), Alyrica Networks (high speed internet), Solar Summit (manufactures solar panels and alternative energy products), Pioneer (telephone), and Peak (DSL, internet access). Philomath has many restaurants, including Woodsman (delicious Thai food), La Rockita (best burritos in town), Gathering Together Farm (organic scrumptious food), Ixtapa (good family Mexican dinning), Creekside coffee, CD & J Cafe, Cake-Time, Nutcakes, Figaro's Pizza, DQ, Subway, Taco Time, McDonald, Jona's Market Deli Subs, Meet'n Place Tavern and Wing Sing.
Philomath is a "green Power" community, because it purchases 10 percent of its power through Blue Sky.
There is also a private school in Philomath called Philomath Montessori School.
Attractions and happenings in Philomath
I have listed the most important Philomath community websites. These are important entities in Philomath and may be useful for teachers. The ones I find most useful are the school website, the Benton County Historical Museum, the Philomath Community library, Marys Peak Natural Resources Interpretive Center and the Rotary Club (because they fund student exchanges).
- Philomath Schools (http://www.philomath.k12.or.us)
- City of Philomath (www.ci.philomath.or.us)
- Philomath Chamber of Commerce (www.philomathchamber.org)
- Clemens Community Pool (http://www.philomath.k12.or.us/pool/): public pool at the high school.
- Benton County Historical Museum (http://www.bentoncountymuseum.org/): great exhibits on history and art. Also research library, Oregon Trail docents.- Philomath Scout Lodge Inc (http://www.philomathscoutlodge.org/)- Philomath Frolic & Rodeo (http://www.philomathrodeo.org/): famous rodeo in July.
- Philomath Youth Activities Club (http://www.pyac.org/): recreational activities for kids. Also day care for older children after school.
- Philomath Classic Car Show (http://www.philomathchamber.org/carshow): first Saturday in July
- Philomath Area Chamber of Commerce (http://www.philomathchamber.org/)
- Philomath Downtown Association (http://www.philomathda.com/)
- Philomath Community Library (www.thebestlibrary.net)
- Philomath Community Foundation (http://www.philomathcommunityfoundation.org/): grants and scholarships
- Marys Peak Natural Resources Interpretive Center (http://www.mpnric.org/): amazing source for teachers and students interested in wetlands and nature. Help run an ecology program, where high school students taking the ecology class are docents for middle school students who come and learn about wetlands for a day.
- Shrewsbury Renaissance Faire (http://shrewfaire.com/): medieval fair in September
- Holiday Craft Fair (http://www.philomathrodeo.org/craftsfair/): November
- Gathering Together Farm (http://www.gatheringtogetherfarm.com/): organic farm and restaurant
- Philomath Open Studio (http://www.philomathopenstudios.com/): group of artists opening their studios for 2 weekends in fall.
- The Bounty of Benton County (http://www.ruralfamilies.org/)
- Philomath Rock and Gem Show: September
- Clemens Foundation (541/929-2592) P.O. Box 427 Philomath, OR
- Benton County (www.co.benton.or.us)
- Oregon State University (www.oregonstate.edu) in Corvallis
- Linn-Benton Community College (www.lbcc.cc.or.us) in Albany
- Strengthening rural families (http://www.ruralfamilies.org/)
- Skate park (in City Park)
- Rotary Club (http://www.philomathrotary.org/): fund an exchange student every year.
Philomath School District 17J
The Philomath School District serves approximately 1,635 students in grades K-12. There are six schools total, two of which are located in the outlying communities of Blodgett (grades K-4) and Kings Valley Charter School (grades K-11).
Blodgett Elementary (K-4), and Philomath Elementary (grades K-5) serve the elementary students. Philomath Middle School serves grades 6-8 and Philomath High School grades 9-12. Clemens Primary is being used by the high school during the school year of 2011-12, because a new high school is being built. Usually Clemens Primary houses K-1. In 2012, the construction of the new high school will be finished.
In terms of socio‐economic status of the community, Philomath has a combination blue collar, timber‐oriented economic base and a white‐collar population that commutes to Corvallis to work primarily at Oregon State University, Linn Benton Community College, Samaritan Health Services, and Hewlett‐Packard.
Approximately 40 % of students are on free or reduced lunches. 1.8% of students are English language learners. 86% of students graduate on time. 77% of teachers have master's degrees. The teachers' average experience is 14 years.
PHS has 29% on free or reduced lunches, compared to CV at 22%, CHS at 33%. Some of the elementary schools in Corvallis have actually much higher populations of students with free or reduced lunches (Garfield at 77%, Lincoln Elementary at 68%).
Philomath High School
PHS is located on 2054 Applegate Street, Philomath, OR 97370. PHS colors are Black and Gold and the mascot is the Warriors. PHS is in the OSAA Oregon West Conference 4A. The principal is Ken Ball, and vice principal is Jon Bartlow.
Philomath High School was built when the old high school burned down in the mid 1950s. This year (2011-12) it is being rebuilt, and only a small portion of the school is being kept (the gym, which will become the commons and theater/music auditorium, the science wing, the library and a few classrooms).
There are 32 teachers at the High School (26.41 full‐time teachers) and 2 full‐time counselors. Of the students, 6.5% are Talented and Gifted; 10% are minority status; about 26% receive free or reduced price breakfast and lunch. 2011 senior class enrollment is 136. Class sizes are mostly 25‐33 students. Philomath High School is accredited by the Oregon Department of Education and Northwest Accreditation Commission.
Philomath High School offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses in English Lit and Calculus, College Level Physics and Writing (students may also take AP testing, having taken Spanish and German) and College Now courses that receive credit through Linn Benton Community College. "Beyond PHS" is a college program in conjunction with Linn Benton Community College that allows students 16 or older to get an early college experience while in high school. Students take classes on both the high school and the community college campuses. Students have the opportunity to graduate with a high school diploma and possibly an AA degree.
PHS students participate in an extensive Senior Project as required for graduation. The senior project provides students the chance to design and implement a complex learning experience that represents their interests, the knowledge and skills they have gained in school, and their vision for the future. While each student’s work is quite unique, every project must include a research paper, mentorship connection, project defense, product/ experience, and oral presentation.
In addition to the diploma, students may obtain the Certificate of Initial Mastery (CIM) through accomplishment of performance demonstrations in Mathematics, Reading, Writing, Speaking, and Science. Students must receive a passing level on the Oregon Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (OAKS) and must perform in the classroom to the CIM standard achievement level in classroom work samples.
PHS has the following school sponsored activities: Associated Student Body=ASB, Band Council, Choir Council, Drag Team, Equestrian Team, FBLA, Robotics=PHRED, Forestry/Natural Resources, German Club, Link Crew, National Honor Society=NHS, and Theatre Club. It also has the following student initiated clubs: Bible Club, Dungeons & Dragons, Gay/Straight Alliance=GSA, School of Thought, and Writing Club.
Some of the things that I think make PHS special are:
- The forestry department is one of only 5 remaining forestry departments in high schools in Oregon.
- Even though the school is small, two foreign languages are offered at PHS: Spanish and German.
- The science department is excellent and students can take a large amount of classes (Chemistry, Physics, Forensics, Botany, Ecology, Anatomy and Physiology, Biology, Integrated Science, independent study in Marine Biology and Advanced Anatomy and Physiology).
- The music department in all Philomath schools is excellent. In high school, students can take choir, symphonic band, jazz band/pep band, and guitar.
- Each year, there is a Science Fair, open to all students in the district.
In the athletic department, Philomath has some special accomplishments: State championships have been won in the past few years, in girls soccer, girls track and field, boys cross-country and track and field.
Media
Newspapers: Gazette Times (daily newspaper, Corvallis, OR)
Documentary: "Clear Cut": The Story of Philomath, Oregon, documents the clash of cultures in Philomath between the old-time timber industry and the professionals and techies of the information age. High school graduates used to have their college tuition paid thanks to the generosity of local lumber baron Rex Clemens. But when a new schools Superintendent arrived from Chicago, the administrators of the scholarship became concerned over the increasingly "liberal" direction of the schools. The conflict between the old-time loggers and the "urban immigrants" escalated dramatically, and the scholarship administrators delivered an ultimatum: either the superintendent leaves, or the scholarship is withdrawn, leaving the town's children without money for college.
The film was shown in the Sundance Film Festival in 2006.
Community services
Philomath community services
In 2010, Philomath Food Bank provided 5,522 emergency food boxes for low-income families and individuals. Food boxes typically provide meals for three to five days.
June's Kid's Kloset provided 3,957 people (2,346 of those children) with clothing, diapers, formula, layettes and pajamas in 2010. In four years the number of families in need has tripled.
Last year hundreds of people received a total of over 64,828 pounds of locally grown food that would otherwise go to waste. Philomath Gleaners was a big part of this operation.
In 2010, the Community Garden harvested 914 pounds of fruits and vegetable of different varieties.
Holiday Cheer supplied Christmas gifts for children, food baskets and hygiene supplies for families.
Summer Meal Program: The Corvallis School District offers free meals everyday during the summer to all children age 18 and under, regardless of income.
Food Bank: The Philomath Food Bank (started by Nancy Flegal in 1975) provides emergency food boxes for low-income families and individuals. Food boxes typically provide meals for 3-5 days and serves families west of 53rd Street in Corvallis to the western border of Benton County. Teachers report that children in their classes have to cut or skip meals at home, jeopardizing their health and learning capabilities. If it were not for the Food Bank, the only decent meal some children would get is at school.
Hunger is the silent epidemic that affects everyone in our community. One out of every six families in Linn and Benton counties must depend on food from an emergency food pantry at least once each year. As you would expect, senior, disabled persons, single parents and the unemployed are all represented as those who are having a hard time feeding their families. But in Oregon, the majority of people who live in poverty are working. The Oregon Center for Public Policy states that at least one parent works part-time and more in 64 percent of families with children living in poverty.
Kid's Kloset: June’s Kids Kloset provides clothing, diapers, formula, layettes and other necessities to children and families. It’s the only place where many children can get back to school shoes, a warm winter coat and things most of us take for granted. In 2009 alone they served in excess of 808 families representing nearly 1,981 children. 2010 has already exceeded the number served in 2009. Department head Carey Oien through her outreach has partnered with most of Philomath’s Churches.
Gleaners: Philomath Gleaners is a self-help program that works with Linn Benton Food Share providing supplemental food and firewood. This program requires participants that are physically able to volunteer 10 hours a month to qualify. They are seniors on fixed incomes, families with children, and people with disabilities. Last year, more than 5,500 people received a total of over 2,000,000 pounds of food (that would otherwise have gone to waste) through the fourteen gleaning groups of Linn Benton Food Share.
Holiday Cheer: Holiday Cheer is a program that supplies Christmas gifts to those who have missed the opportunity to receive assistance through other organizations. We work with the school counselors, senior centers and other organizations in town to find those that would not have a Christmas otherwise. Debbie Thorpe has run this program for several years.
Community Garden: The Community Garden has 20 raised beds. AmeriCorps has helped this year with volunteers.
Sources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philomath,_Oregon
http://www.philomath.k12.or.us/
Historic pictures from the Salem Public Library
http://www.ci.philomath.or.us/newsletters/2010%20Spring.pdf
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Philomath+OR&hl=en
http://www.philomathda.com/PDF/Marketek%20Feb%2009.pdf
http://www.bentoncountymuseum.org/
http://www.ci.philomath.or.us/index.html
http://www.philomathchamber.org
http://www.clearcutmovie.com
http://www.philomathcommunityservices.org/
http://www.urbanspoon.com/n/243/44869/Oregon/Philomath-OR-restaurants
http://www.philomath.k12.or.us/phs/guidance/school%20profile%201011%20pt%205.pdf