State recognizes PGST for reducing high school dropout rate

PORT GAMBLE – The Family Policy Council recently recognized the Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe Chi-e-chee Community Network, with an Exceptional Results Award for making significant reductions in high school dropouts within the Port Gamble area.

Acknowledged for its youth parent and family programs applying effective strategies based upon the landmark Adverse Childhood Experience (ACE) study plus the work of leading neuro-biologists regarding the enduring effects of maltreatment on a developing child, the Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe Chi-e-chee network is a compelling example of academic knowledge being applied on a local level.

From the recent progress data by the Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe Chi-e-chee network, in 2003-2004, 25 percent of high school students from the Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe dropped out of school as compared to the 5.8 percent statewide. In the 2006-2007 school year, however, every senior student graduated.

“Changing community norms is a lengthy but necessary process,” says Dan Brewer of the Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe Chi-e-chee Community Network. The Tribe is experiencing remarkable success because graduation is promoted and supported at all levels. Our expectations for progress are high and the results show how the Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe Chi-e-chee network coordination works.”

As local affiliates of the Olympia-based Family Policy Council, community networks are special-purpose districts that provide structure, flexible funding, and umbrella associations for residents and professionals to improve the lives of children and families. The focus of the work is to reduce the rates of major social problems including: child abuse and neglect, youth substance abuse, youth violence, domestic violence, teen pregnancy, dropping out of school, and youth suicide.

Each community network represents a local community as a whole and determines on its own which community problems to address. The Family Policy Council recently celebrated the success of the Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe Chi-e-chee Community Network at an awards ceremony in Grand Mound, WA.

“The amazing cooperation among the Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe Chi-e-chee network partners was instrumental in uniting the community to achieve what could not be achieved alone,” said Family Policy Council Executive Director Laura Porter. “It is an inspiration to everyone who comes in contact with the tribe.

Poulsbo chamber announces new board of directors

POULSBO — The Greater Poulsbo Chamber of Commerce recently announced the 2009 board of directors. Serving as president for 2009 is Glenn Anderson. Anderson, who was born and raised in Poulsbo, is currently with Edward Jones in downtown Poulsbo.

Anderson is honored to take on the task of chamber president and is optimistic 2009 will bring new opportunities for Poulsbo businesses.

Prior to becoming a chamber board member Anderson was president of the Historic Downtown Poulsbo Association and is a member of the Poulsbo Noon Lion’s club. The returning board members are Linda Lincoln, Steve Komar, Jeff Dennison, Dr. Charlie DeWilde, Shawna Seals, Tom Taylor and Marlene Mitchell. The new board members are Debra Linn Allbee, Julie Krucek, Todd Hankins and Kathleen Haag. For more information call (360) 779-4848.