Cheldelin Middle School Principal: Geoff Penrose  Geoff.penrose@corvallis.k12.or.us 987 NE Conifer Blvd., Corvallis 97330 Phone (541) 757-5971 FAX (541) 757-4596

Fingertip facts:
Principal:  Geoff Penrose
Grades: 6 - 8
Student Enrollment: 584
Mascot: Cougar

School Philosophy:
At Cheldelin, we strive to attain maximum growth in learning, citizenship, and self-respect.

Background Information:
Cheldelin was named for Vernon H. Cheldelin, founding director of the Institute of Science at Oregon State University and long-time member of the Corvallis School Board. The facility was built in 1967 as a junior high school to house 900 seventh, eighth, and ninth grade students. In 1974, Cheldelin became an intermediate school, and the name was changed to Cheldelin Middle School in 1985. Currently, there are about 584 students at Cheldelin in grades six through eight. Cheldelin's school colors are blue and gold.

Academic Focus:
The Cheldelin program is designed to help students transition smoothly from elementary school to sixth grade and from eighth grade to high school. Students at the middle school level differ in important ways from both younger elementary students and older high school students. Therefore, Cheldelin staff respond to the unique characteristics of early adolescents in policies and programs by creating opportunities for all students to be recognized as special, contributing individuals, regardless of developmental or social status. Cheldelin attempts to provide an underlying environment of consistency, structure, and support that is crucial to the success of middle school learners.

Parent Involvement:
Cheldelin has an active parent group which meets the first Friday of the month in the form of a parent coffee from 12:00 pm to 1:30 pm.  The Cheldelin Parent Organization (CPO) serves as a conduit for Cheldelin parents to give and receive input about our school. The meetings are open to all Cheldelin parents, and they are encouraged to attend.

The Cheldelin Site Council meets the first Wednesdays of each month from 3:30 pm- 5:00 pm and is another opportunity for parents to play an active role in our school. Five parents, one representing each grade level, and two "at-large" positions, serve on our school's site council.

Interdisciplinary Teaming:
Interdisciplinary team teachers meet daily to discuss the special needs and learning styles of the students they share. Teaming enables teachers to collaborate with one another to develop plans to address individual needs and develop more consistency in grading and policies.