Newberg Service Clubs were honored by the school district as the 2013 Partners in Education for their exceptional support for education in Newberg Public Schools.

Superintendent Kym LeBlanc-Esparza recognized Newberg Kiwanis, Newberg Noon Rotary and Newberg Early Bird Rotary Clubs at the annual Chehalem Valley Chamber of Commerce Awards program on March 22nd.

The Partner in Education Award recognizes businesses and individuals who have demonstrated outstanding support for public education. Superintendent LeBlanc-Esparza praised each organization for their  support activities, including:

Newberg Kiwanis Club

• BUGS program – bringing up grades – motivates and recognizes elementary students for academic improvement
• Kiwanis “Terrific Kid” Program at elementary school promotes character development, recognizes students with good citizenship and helpfulness towards others
• K-Kids Club – A new Leadership program this year for kids ages 6-12. K-Kids Club is lead by students, guided by adults and encourages service and leadership
• Keep kids in the community safe by serving as crossing guards downtown at Halloween and sponsoring the “Newberg Safe Kids Fair” 
• Sponsor of Key Club at Newberg High school, helping develop a culture of service in young people
• Providing scholarships for hundreds of NHS graduates

Newberg Noon Rotary

• Rotary Exchange student program provides opportunity to enrich educational experiences for students at home and abroad
• Thousands of dollars have helped deserving graduates continue their education through Rotary scholarships
• Behind the scenes support for children in need  from purchasing a pair of glasses to helping athletes defray the cost of  fees to play

The Early Bird Rotary Club

• Members are regulars at the SMART Reading Program – not only do they purchase books, EB Rotary picked up the coordinator’s salary when SMART ended funding for local coordinators
• Provided seed money for a new greenhouse at Newberg High School
• Work with students to plant and raise flower baskets in the NHS Greenhouse for the Rotary plant sale
• Provided financial support for the fitness trail behind Antonia Crater Elementary School