Full Day Kindergarten Sign-Up Begins January 13th - If you know that Full Day is the option you desire for your child for next fall, we will begin taking names on our sign-up list on Friday morning, January 13th, which is the day following the Schools Celebration. This is for people who are committing to coming to school here for Kindergarten in the fall. You can come to the parent meeting (see next item below) to hear information on Jan. 19th first, if you like, before signing up your child for our list.
Parents! - Kindergarten Information Meeting - January 19, 2006 at 3:00 here! - This “adults-only” meeting is to give you information on our Half-Day and our Full-Day Kindergarten options for next fall. There will be presentations from our two teachers, and a chance to ask questions, or to register for the fall. If you know of other people interested in coming to Maplewood’s kindergarten, be sure to tell them to attend that day. Later in the spring, we will host an Open House to give the students a chance to come and see their class, meet future classmates, and meet their teachers.
Another Way to Get to Know Your Schools - The Portland Schools Celebration will be held this Thursday, January 12th at the Oregon Convention Center from 5:30 - 8:30 pm. Every school and program in PPS (including Maplewood) will be there so that you can meet some representatives from the schools and ask them questions. Middle Schools and High Schools will also be there, so if you are thinking of looking at some secondary options, it is an easy way to see it. You can read more about this program at their website at http://159.191.14.139/.docs/pg/10567 or by calling 916-3304.
School Transfer Timelines – PPS will only accept School Choice Transfer applications this year between Feb. 1st and March 24th (for Middle Schools and Elementary); it is between Feb. 1st and Feb. 17th(for High School)
Wheels on Shoes Not Allowed in School - A reminder to you that if students have the type of shoes with built-in wheels, they are not allowed to have the wheels exposed while on school grounds, on the buses, or at bus stops for obvious safety reasons.
Scrip Program Meeting - This Tuesday night, Jan. 10th, from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm in the library, we'll have a meeting for people interested in helping expand/support the Scrip program. Several parents have realized that this is a "no cost" way to raise money for school (as people buy certificates that they use at many stores and get full dollar-for-dollar value, and the school is paid a percentage by the Scrip program). This program has been run by a very small number of parents, and we would like to discuss how the program could be expanded if we could have other people add their assistance. If you would like to participate, come that night, or notify me of your interest!
January Character Education Program Update
Student Council: Prior to the winter break and during the next week, Maplewood has been selecting a new Student Council. The purpose of the council is to plan and organize service-learning projects and discuss school climate issues. 3rd through 5th grade classes will select one or two representatives. The method of selecting a representative will vary from class to class; some classes are having students vote for the individuals who show leadership and listening skills, are creative and organized, and will best represent their class. The council will meet every Wednesday from 11:30 to 12:15 pm starting January 11th and ending in June. On these days, council members will eat their lunch not in the cafeteria, but in the Student Council meeting space. The students who are interested in participating need parent support. Your child may have already talked to you about this and brought the permission slip home. As a part of the Character Education grant, I will be facilitating these weekly meetings and assisting the council with their goals and activities.
Lifeskills: To date we have focused on four Lifeskills: Friendship, Cooperation, Responsibility, and Caring. This month we are talking about the Lifeskill Integrity. In my discussion with students, we have observed that many of the attributes of individual Lifeskills relate to another Lifeskill as well. They are learning that the Lifeskills are intertwined and do not stand alone. Often you can see students showing many Lifeskills in just one act. It has been fun for me to see how much the students at Maplewood already know and use these skills!
Friendship Groups: I will be facilitating two small groups starting the end of January. The goal of these groups is to support and promote strong communication and friendship skills. Students will meet weekly to participate in informal discussions and activities. The activities we have planned promote positive personal growth. The groups will meet 1x per week, 30 minutes each session, for 8 weeks. Space is limited. If you are interested in having your child in one of these groups, please contact me at the number below.
Parent Resource Library: Thank you for all of your book suggestions! We have already placed the order and the books should be arriving soon. More on this in future updates!
If you have any questions, please contact me at (503) 916-6308.
Jenny Pitts, Character Education Specialist
Reminder on some unusual days coming up:
Monday, January 16 - NO SCHOOL (for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day)
Friday February 3rd – Maplewood Students DO attend school, but the students in the rest of Wilson Cluster do not go to school that day.
Upcoming Events:
Jan 16 - Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday – NO SCHOOL
Jan 12 - Schools Celebration 5:30 – 8:00 pm Convention Ctr.
Jan 19 - Kindergarten Info Session 3:00 to 4:00 pm here
Jan 27 - Read Aloud-A-Thon
