Ruch K-8 School is known for its parental involvement and strong community ties, which have been critical to the success of academic test scores and the enrichment programs.  It’s just as well known that Ruch is located in a rural setting where enrollment is significantly lower than other Medford schools. Low enrollment is a blessing and a curse; a smaller school means students receive individual attention that creates an intimate, family-like environment. It also means when the district is forced to consider budget cuts Ruch is often at the top of the list.

Recognizing a need to revitalize the current public education curriculum, with the goal of keeping Ruch sustainable for generations to come, the Applegate Partners Promoting Local Education, (APPLE), began working diligently to find a solution. It took almost a year, but together with input from school board members, the APPLE team proposed that Ruch K-8 become a Community School with a Place Based Learning curriculum.

Governor Kitzhaber and the Oregon Department of Education agree there are unique learning opportunities available throughout all of Oregon’s school districts and believe that each district would be capable of excellence if allowed to customize their curriculum to meet the needs of the children in their districts; hence the birth of the “Tight/Loose Plan.” The plan means that academic expectations, goals and standards remain “tight,” while the strategy a district chooses to achieve academic standards is up to them, thereby “loose.”

At the November 5, 2012 school board meeting, Superintendent Phil Long expressed his endorsement of APPLE’s plan by recommending the board agree to work with neighboring districts in an effort to provide “comprehensive consideration of inter-district transfer requests,” acknowledging that school boundaries and “geography doesn’t always align with student needs.” After careful consideration of the APPLE plan and Superintendent Long’s positive comments, the board exercised their ability to be “loose.” One-by-one the board members articulated their support for the APPLE plan and agreed easier transfers and flexible enrollment would help the Ruch Community School to remain open through 2014-15, allowing the program time to evolve.

A Community School partners with various organizations to provide: information on local resources and services, classes, training, and may include medical/dental services; whatever the needs of the community may be. Place Based Learning is about connecting classroom lessons with a variety of real-world, interactive learning opportunities, which are rooted in the environment. Students in Community Schools with Place Based Learning curriculums tend to have a stronger appreciation for the natural environment in which they live, learn the importance of community responsibility and the value of civic pride.

Thousands of schools across the country have adopted a community school/place based approach and children are demonstrating marked improvement and great success; many of which are here in Oregon. The Oregon Department of Education recognizes academic achievement through positive family relationships and community connections on their website:

“Community schools are grounded in the concept that learning occurs in many places—in school, after school, in neighborhoods and communities-throughout our lives. Evaluations of community school programs have shown that they help improve student achievement, increase attendance and reduce participation in high-risk behaviors. Community schools that engage families have led to increases in family involvement with school programs and improved family functioning.” www.ode.state.or.us/search/page/?id=575

Although Ruch School has been uncertain of its future in the past, the dedication of the parents, staff and community remains strong and enthusiastic. Ruch families and community partners are loyal and committed to ensuring the success of the pioneering little school so rich in natural, educational resources and history. Come Fall 2013, Ruch Community School intends to ignite an education revolution, one that is sure to strengthen, unite and enrich the lives of local families and community members throughout the valley.

*Special thanks to Medford School Board Member Sally Killen for coining, “The Ruch Revolution.” Three simple words that personify both the excitement and anticipation of all that’s to come for Ruch Community School in 2013! I’m told the T-shirts have been ordered!

For more information on curriculum, becoming a partner or to share your support please email Michelle Hensman, Ruch Community School Coordinator: ruchcc@ymail.com or call 541-842-3850.