Do Now:
Levy News: Keep up the messaging about the Levy. Make sure you have the posters up, reader boards informed (see messaging from Scott), let us know if you want us to speak to any groups, pass our fliers, etc. Thanks for sharing the news!
Reminders:
- Give the Middle School Transition and Math Bypass Testing for 5th grade
- Youth Truth. Reminder: Please share the data presentations with your staff by May 8. By May 29, meet with your ICCL teams to synthesize the information you get from the posters at the data walks, and decide what you want to focus on. Write the 2 areas of focus and link them in your School Design Plans under the Annual Plan Review Tab in the mid-year location. Sounds like presentations are being received very well!
- Roger White support: Want to help? Click this link.
- Performance Evaluation Reminders: At site visits we will look over your UKG dashboard with you
- Here is an instruction video to share with your staff on how to complete self-reflections
- Here is an instructional video for admin on how to review, submit and finalize self-reflections
- Erin’s Law: When you finish with these, let April Jorgenson know!
- TLC Update: May 1, Elementary TLC Update
- Inservice Week Certified work calendar for 24-25
- Dibels Testing Dates: Here is the schedule. (make 12 stations, let them test all K-5 kids, clear schedules and make testing the priority)
New Notes:
From Dana Pedersen Re: FAN Evaluations: If your FAN Advocate is due for a summative evaluation this spring, you received an email from Dana Pedersen earlier this week. Please provide her with the requested information by May 10. All feedback will be summarized, and Dana will complete the evaluation conference with the Advocate later in May. Thanks!
From Colleen Funderburg Re: Acadience Math Benchmark Testing
As we gear up for the spring reading DIBELS schedule (starting May 9th), let’s seize this opportunity to complete Acadience math assessments!
All elementary learning specialists have the essential student materials for the benchmark tests. They were conveniently left at your site in the fall.
📚📽️ Resources:
- Access our digital scoring materials through the provided link here.
- For a quick refresher on administering the test, we’ve embedded helpful instructional videos right here.
- Need additional booklets? Contact Lisa McNulty in Student Services
🙋♂️🙋🏽♀️ Support: Remember, our dedicated Student Services Coaches are just a message away! Whether you have questions, need assistance with materials, or require help entering scores post-assessment, they’re here to ensure your experience is seamless.
From Brad Henry Re: Pace, More than Just Insurance
Many of you are aware that our property, liability, auto, cyber and other insurance is provided by an insurance pool, Pace. Pace was formed in 2006 by the Oregon School Boards Assoc and Special Districts Assoc of Oregon. With the exception of three large school districts, all school districts and community colleges in Oregon are members of the pool. This unique insurance structure not only provides for great coverage when there are claims but also allows Pace and these two organizations to provide many risk prevention strategies, trainings and tools across risks like cybersecurity, playground safety, athletics, and CTE classrooms. One area that cannot receive enough attention and resources is the prevention of abuse, including sexual abuse.
Sexual abuse prevention education is crucial for all students and staff, despite its discomfort. Empowering district employees with the knowledge and skills to protect students’ physical and mental well-being is paramount. Understanding signs of potential abuse, recognizing grooming behaviors, and responding effectively are critical roles employees play in fostering a safe learning environment. When employees are well-informed about prevention strategies, it promotes transparency, communication, and collaboration, strengthening relationships within the school community and enhancing overall safeguarding measures.
If you would like more information, please visit the Pace website for lots of information and tools regarding sexual abuse prevention and reporting requirements. While on the website, check out the other items available on the “resources” tab at the top of the page. You can find District policy GBNAB/JHFE-BP on Suspected Abuse of a Child Reporting Requirements here and District Administrative Regulation GBNAB/JHFE-AR on Reporting of Suspected Child Abuse here.
Thanks for all you do to help create an environment where students and staff can thrive!
From Culture of Care: Check out our latest news and workshop offerings!
Curriculum and Instruction Updates from Julie:
- Instructional coaches will only be in buildings on Tuesdays and Thursdays during May and June. They will be busy prepping for summer professional learning!!
- Your instructional coach will be reaching out to set a time for end of the year reflection on how coaching went in your building this year and beginning to make plans for next year
- I will be reaching out to set up a site visit with each of you to review coaching in your buildings and talk over a few curriculum and instruction related topics. Look for an invite very soon!
Life and Career Readiness with Jenny White: Help students navigate the complexities of friendships with this collection of lessons and activities. It offers guidance on resolving conflicts and cultivating healthy and supportive friendships.
How to find the Navigating Friendships Collections in Wayfinder.
Direct Links. Kindergarten. 1 – 2. 3 – 5
From Tami Pike Re: National Nurses Day, May 8
NATIONAL SCHOOL NURSE DAY IS WEDNESDAY, MAY 8, 2024!!!
Nurses practicing in the school setting play such a crucial role in keeping students healthy and safe. Please take a moment to honor the nurse in your school for their dedication and hard work with supporting students, staff, and families.
Architects in School Summer Opportunities. Please share with families! I am excited to share some architecture and design related resources and opportunities with you, in hopes that you will spread the word to your network of families, students, educators and more!
Virtual Architects in Schools Summer Camp (designed for youth ages 8-12)
Please help us in sharing our Architects in Schools Summer Camp information (see attached English and Spanish flyer). Our virtual camp held from June 24-28 is free and designed for youth ages 8-12. During this camp, students will learn about the benefits of adaptive reuse and how the built environment must evolve with cultural, societal, and environmental changes. They will take on the role of an architect and builder to redesign a structure for their community. Learn more here or through the link in the attached flyer. Register by June 14 to participate (Oregon residents can request a free supply box by June 7).
2024 Summer Camp Catalog (for students K-College)
There are several great camps for Oregon students to explore design this summer (including our Architects in Schools Camp, NOMA PDX’s Project Pipeline, ELSO’s Wayfinders and more) and we have compiled those opportunities into our 2024 Summer Camp Catalog (please see PDF attachments, English and Spanish version). Registration deadlines are approaching soon. Here are the weblinks in case those are easier for you to share: English Catalog, Spanish Catalog.
Oregon Student Opportunities Hub (for students K-College)
Our Hub is a resource for students, Kindergarten through Post-Secondary, to explore architecture, engineering, construction, and design opportunities across Oregon. This includes programs, camps, internships, scholarships, events, and more. Check it out and share with a student!
Please let me know if I can supply you with anything else to help spread the word. Thank you and have a great rest of the school year! Candice Agahan (she/her). Education Program Manager, [email protected]. work: 503-542-3823. cell: 858-243-8720
From Walt and Jackie (Custodial and Sustainability). Thank you for your patience as we work on retiring/removal of the Wonders Curriculum books. Please refrain from boxing any hardbound books as we are finalizing a specialized box for shipment to a recycling facility in Vancouver. If books are already boxed, please leave them as is until the next steps are finalized. Soft-cover books and paper product manipulatives can be recycled in the large blue co-mingle bins or go home with students. Please start this process early so as to not overload the carts. Thank you for your cooperation.
From Tammy and Lisa:
Sharezies: Now contains the tentative BEA Agreement
Self Care: We are in the middle of the long stretch to the end. It’s important to take care of yourself. You know the ol’ adage, you can’t pour from an empty cup? Here are some self-care tips—are you able to do 2-3 of these on a daily basis? Remember, don’t live to work, but rather, work to live!
- Get regular exercise. Just 30 minutes of walking every day can boost your mood and improve your health. …
- Eat healthy, regular meals and stay hydrated. …
- Make sleep a priority. …
- Try a relaxing activity. …
- Set goals and priorities. …
- Practice gratitude. …
- Focus on positivity. …
- Stay connected.
- ….and more!
Mark Your Calendars: Next Wednesday, May 8, will be the Deputy Superintendent Forum for all admin. The Forum starts with dinner served from 5:00-6:00, followed by the Forum from 6:00-7:00. It would be great if admin could make it. The Deputy Superintendent directly impacts teaching and learning and the work we do in our schools, so let’s come give some input into our next leader. Thanks! —Tammy
Important Dates
- May 4: Queer Prom 7 pm at BTA (Star Wars theme)
- May 4: Official Star Wars Day—May the 4th be with you!
- May 6-May 10: Teacher Appreciation Week!
- May 8: Deputy Superintendent Forum in the Board Room 5-6 dinner, 6-7 Forum
- May 15: Monthly Admin PD at Perseverance Hall, 3:00-4:30
- May 18: Kinder Fiesta 10-1 at Ed Center (newly enrolling Spanish-speaking kindergarten families)
- May 28: Horizontal Meeting @ Rosland 3:00-5:00 (Please add in travel time, as we will be starting on time)
- May 30: School Counselor Celebration in board room 8-9:30
- June 1: Pride @ Drake Park (BLS Family Advisory hosting a booth)
- June 6: GSA in the Park: 10-1 at Troy Field/Ed Center
- June 6: TAG Night at Juniper 5-6 pm
- June 15-16: Juneteenth Community Celebration in Drake Park
- TBD: Last Horizontal meeting/celebration of the year will be rescheduled! Stay tuned!
And finally…
Help! Please reach out to your friends and family connections within the community to help find a house to rent for Beth Martin and family. Beth is our newest administrator who will be leading North Star next year and they are on their way….but are struggling to find something to rent. Preferably a 3+ bedroom, 2+bath (family of 5), and a yard for a 4 legged friend! You can email Beth any leads at [email protected].
