DORENA – A rural school with fewer than 100 students has received national recognition as a Promising Practices School.
Located just 15 minutes from Cottage Grove at 37141 Row River Road, Dorena School serves students from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. Last Monday, it was announced that the school was honored by Solution Tree, a professional development company that publishes educational materials and offers various services and products, including books, videos, consultations, online courses, workshops, and conferences for educators.
Solution Tree has recognized Dorena as a “Promising Practices School.” Promising Practices Schools have strong evidence of student achievement growth, clear evidence of improved student learning, and explain the school’s culture, practices, and structures.
“Dorena’s staff have built something more than strong academics, they have intentionally created a schoolwide system focused on developing the whole child and the future-ready skills students need to succeed in school and in life,” Tonya Kerns, executive assistant for South Lane School District, wrote in a press release.
“Dorena isn’t just teaching subjects; they are building capable, resilient learners prepared for the future. The approach reflects a simple but powerful belief shared by the staff: students must first feel safe and cared for before they learn at high levels. At Dorena, that belief is not just a philosophy; it is a daily practice embedded throughout the school,” Kerns said.
The community is invited to a formal presentation about the recognition on April 6, during a school board meeting at 5:30 p.m., located at 455 Adams Ave., in Cottage Grove.
A small school assembly will also be held that afternoon at Dorena.
“We invite you to join us at the board meeting, but more importantly, we ask that you visit Dorena School before April 6 to see firsthand how this small rural school is making a big impact, helping students not only succeed in the classroom, but develop the skills and confidence they will carry into their futures,” Kerns said.
