Dear Community - Enjoy your three day weekend! Here is a text version of the Principal Notes that went home today.
No School Monday! Memorial Day Holiday
FIELD DAY WEDNESDAY MAY 27TH - Field day is coming up and we need adult volunteers! K, 1 and 5th graders will participate in field day from 9:30-11:00 while 2, 3, 4 grades will participate from 12:30-2:00. We are looking for 10 volunteers in the a.m. shift and 10 in the afternoon shift. If you can help, please contact Kimmy at kimmy@easystreet.net. Thank you!
WILSON HIGH SCHOOL PRESCHOOL - Now Enrolling for 2009 - 2010 School Year. The Wilson High School Preschool is now enrolling for the Fall 09' school year. We offer a comprehensive part-day preschool program that is taught by Wilson High School students taking Child Psychology and Preschool Teaching Lab Courses. Each day High School Students create and implement preschool lessons to 24 preschoolers (3 to 5 year olds). This program is managed by a Preschool Director and Certified Teacher.
Rates for September 2009 through June 2010:
Monday (8:30am-11:30am) and Wednesdays (10:30am-1:30pm): $200 per month
Tuesday (8:30am-11:30am) and Thursdays (8:30-11:30am): $200 per month
Monday-Thursday: $400 per month
For more information, please contact Erica Meyers emeyers@pps.k12.or.us
SPECIAL EDUCATION PARENT SURVEY - As part of the Special Education audit, Pat Steinburg worked with the SPEAC (Special Education Advisory Council) and the IEP Partners Program to develop a parent survey that will provide valuable input. The web-based survey is now posted on the Special Education home page at http://www.sped.pps.k12.or.us/ It is translated into six languages and available on the web for parents to fill out. Please post the flyers in a prominent location and encourage special education parents to provide us their important input to our audit process.
REGISTER FOR K: This year there have been several parents who have indicated that they felt there would not be a pressing reason to enroll for kindergarten soon. But in fact, it would be very advantageous to register as soon as possible. There is no longer a need to put down a deposit for the Fee for Service, (Full Day) program. But having our enrollment numbers be as “up-to-date” as possible will help us have the best program and best teachers be prepared for the fall!
CALENDAR FOR NEXT YEAR - NOTE CHANGES! - There are some important changes for the school calendar next year! The first day of school for First through Fifth graders will be Tuesday, Sept. 8th (the first day after Labor Day weekend), and the first day for Kindergarteners will be Friday, Sept. 11th. ALSO, NOTE THAT THERE WILL BE REGULARLY SCHEDULED LATE OPENINGS FOR ALL SCHOOLS IN PORTLAND! On the third Wednesday morning of each month, except November, there will be a two hour late opening; Maplewood will begin at 10:00 that morning, instead of 8:00! This is part of a district-wide calendar recently approved by the School Board; these late opening hours were to replace the usual full-day Professional Development days (three) that were dropped from next year’s calendar. The calendar for trimester schools such as Maplewood can be found at http://www.pps.k12.or.us/news/events.php (click on trimester calendar).
LAST DAY OF SCHOOL - Our official last day for students this year is Wednesday, June 10th (it was originally scheduled to be the day before, but one day was added to help make up for some of the snow days).
Upcoming Events:
May 25 - NO SCHOOL – Memorial Day
May 27 - Field Day
May 30 - Maplewood’s 1st Annual Rummage Sale! 9:00 – 3:00 pm
At Wildwood Preschool/Friends Church
June 3 - Junior Rose Festival Parade
June 4 - 5th Grade vs Staff Basketball Game @ 1:20 pm
June 9 - End of Year Assembly for students, followed by 5th grade
“Promotion” ceremony
June 10 - Last Day for Students!
Friday, May 22, 2009
Friday, May 15, 2009
Updates for imminent events!
"Run to the Music" on Monday, May 18 . Remember to send your children with running clothes/shoes this Monday! (Weather should be nice!) And please consider helping them to get pledges to help raise money to be able to retain Music for next year. We are very near reaching this goal, but need to come up with close to $5000 to put us over the top (we’ve usually raised this money through a Run every year!). I believe local newspapers are going to come take photos and write a story about this, as part of story about parents raising funds to help out public education.
Meeting with State Legislators Monday at 7:00 - I am going to attend a meeting with Senators Burdick and Bonamici, and Representatives Greenlick and Nolan this Monday, and I’ve been asked to give a very short testimony to them on the effects of budget cuts on a school such as Maplewood. You are welcome to come, signaling with your presence, an indication of the importance you place on educational budgets. It will be held at the Temple Beth-Israel, 1972 NW Flanders St. from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Bike Fair Tomorrow! - Southwest Neighbors Crime Prevention and Public Safety Committee invites you, your family, and your bike to a Bicycle Rodeo and Safety Fair on Saturday, May 16th from 2:00 p.m.-4:00pm at Bridlemile Elementary School, 4300 SW 47th Drive (under the covered basketball court). Please join this committee for a fun-filled afternoon that includes a safety training, bike rodeo for kids and teens, bike swap, and inspection. At this event, participants will learn about the rules of the road, effective signaling, and how to share the road with other vehicles. Kids and teens will navigate their way through an obstacle course and improve riding skills. Attendees are invited to bring their old bikes, accessories to a buyer-direct exchange based on availability with no commissions. Volunteers at the fair will perform inspections of bikes. It's a free event and refreshments will be available. We are also looking for volunteers to help assist with this event. For more information, contact Jan Weston, organizer at 503-293-4301 janweston@comcast.net; Nancy Hand, Committee Chair at 503-452-9483 enchand@hotmail.com.
Field Day Wednesday May 27 Field day is coming up and the parents need adult volunteers! K, 1 and 5th graders will participate in field day from 9:30-11:00 while 2, 3, 4 grades will participate from 12:30-2:00. We are looking for 10 volunteers in the a.m. shift and 10 in the afternoon shift. If you can help, please contact Kimmy at kimmy@easystreet.net. Thank you!
Calendar for Next Year - NOTE Changes! - There are some important changes for the school calendar next year! The first day of school for First through Fifth graders will be Tuesday, Sept. 8th (the first day after Labor Day weekend), and the first day for Kindergarteners will be Friday, Sept. 11th. ALSO, NOTE THAT THERE WILL BE REGULARLY SCHEDULED LATE OPENINGS FOR ALL SCHOOLS IN PORTLAND! On the third Wednesday morning of each month, except November, there will be a two hour late opening; Maplewood will begin at 10:00 that morning, instead of 8:00! This is part of a district-wide calendar recently approved by the School Board; these late opening hours were to replace the usual full-day Professional Development days (three) that were dropped from next year’s calendar. The calendar for trimester schools such as Maplewood can be found at http://www.pps.k12.or.us/news/events.php (click on trimester calendar).
Cafeteria Money Info - Any remaining account balances (positive or negative) on students’ meal accounts at the end of the year will be automatically held for students at their current school or transferred to students’ new schools within the district. If your student is leaving the district, then you may call Marci, our Cafeteria Lead at503-916-5219 to arrange for a refund.
Free and Reduced Lunches - I want to remind people that applying for Free or Reduced Lunch assistance can be done at any time during the year. If you believe that you may qualify for this assistance due to your income now, you can get an application through the school office. I believe, by the way, that school lunches will increase by 10 cents starting next fall.
"TAG Parent 101: For Parents of Newly-Identified Children" Wed, May 20, 2009 - BESC - Board Room - 7-8:30 PM All PPS parents and the general Portland community are invited to attend this meeting for an opportunity to have your questions regarding the TAG identification process answered, and what programs and services are available for your child. More TAG Info, including this message, can be found at http://www.tag.pps.k12.or.us/.docs/pg/10597
Register for K: This year there have been several parents who have indicated that they felt there would not be a pressing reason to enroll for kindergarten soon. But in fact, it would be very advantageous to register as soon as possible. There is no longer a need to put down a deposit for the Fee for Service, (Full Day) program. But having our enrollment numbers be as "up-to-date" as possible will help us have the best program and best teachers be prepared for the fall!
Wish list - We could use some help with stitching up about 4 tears in our stage curtain.
Future Events
May Lifeskills Theme = Responsibility
Mon. May 18 - "Run to the Music!"
Mon. May 25 - NO SCHOOL Memorial Day
June 3 (Weds) Junior Rose Festival Parade
June 4 - Staff vs. 5th graders Basketball Game 1:20 in gym
June 9 - 12:30 End of Year Assembly for students, followed by 5th grader "Graduation" ceremony
Meeting with State Legislators Monday at 7:00 - I am going to attend a meeting with Senators Burdick and Bonamici, and Representatives Greenlick and Nolan this Monday, and I’ve been asked to give a very short testimony to them on the effects of budget cuts on a school such as Maplewood. You are welcome to come, signaling with your presence, an indication of the importance you place on educational budgets. It will be held at the Temple Beth-Israel, 1972 NW Flanders St. from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Bike Fair Tomorrow! - Southwest Neighbors Crime Prevention and Public Safety Committee invites you, your family, and your bike to a Bicycle Rodeo and Safety Fair on Saturday, May 16th from 2:00 p.m.-4:00pm at Bridlemile Elementary School, 4300 SW 47th Drive (under the covered basketball court). Please join this committee for a fun-filled afternoon that includes a safety training, bike rodeo for kids and teens, bike swap, and inspection. At this event, participants will learn about the rules of the road, effective signaling, and how to share the road with other vehicles. Kids and teens will navigate their way through an obstacle course and improve riding skills. Attendees are invited to bring their old bikes, accessories to a buyer-direct exchange based on availability with no commissions. Volunteers at the fair will perform inspections of bikes. It's a free event and refreshments will be available. We are also looking for volunteers to help assist with this event. For more information, contact Jan Weston, organizer at 503-293-4301 janweston@comcast.net; Nancy Hand, Committee Chair at 503-452-9483 enchand@hotmail.com.
Field Day Wednesday May 27 Field day is coming up and the parents need adult volunteers! K, 1 and 5th graders will participate in field day from 9:30-11:00 while 2, 3, 4 grades will participate from 12:30-2:00. We are looking for 10 volunteers in the a.m. shift and 10 in the afternoon shift. If you can help, please contact Kimmy at kimmy@easystreet.net. Thank you!
Calendar for Next Year - NOTE Changes! - There are some important changes for the school calendar next year! The first day of school for First through Fifth graders will be Tuesday, Sept. 8th (the first day after Labor Day weekend), and the first day for Kindergarteners will be Friday, Sept. 11th. ALSO, NOTE THAT THERE WILL BE REGULARLY SCHEDULED LATE OPENINGS FOR ALL SCHOOLS IN PORTLAND! On the third Wednesday morning of each month, except November, there will be a two hour late opening; Maplewood will begin at 10:00 that morning, instead of 8:00! This is part of a district-wide calendar recently approved by the School Board; these late opening hours were to replace the usual full-day Professional Development days (three) that were dropped from next year’s calendar. The calendar for trimester schools such as Maplewood can be found at http://www.pps.k12.or.us/news/events.php (click on trimester calendar).
Cafeteria Money Info - Any remaining account balances (positive or negative) on students’ meal accounts at the end of the year will be automatically held for students at their current school or transferred to students’ new schools within the district. If your student is leaving the district, then you may call Marci, our Cafeteria Lead at503-916-5219 to arrange for a refund.
Free and Reduced Lunches - I want to remind people that applying for Free or Reduced Lunch assistance can be done at any time during the year. If you believe that you may qualify for this assistance due to your income now, you can get an application through the school office. I believe, by the way, that school lunches will increase by 10 cents starting next fall.
"TAG Parent 101: For Parents of Newly-Identified Children" Wed, May 20, 2009 - BESC - Board Room - 7-8:30 PM All PPS parents and the general Portland community are invited to attend this meeting for an opportunity to have your questions regarding the TAG identification process answered, and what programs and services are available for your child. More TAG Info, including this message, can be found at http://www.tag.pps.k12.or.us/.docs/pg/10597
Register for K: This year there have been several parents who have indicated that they felt there would not be a pressing reason to enroll for kindergarten soon. But in fact, it would be very advantageous to register as soon as possible. There is no longer a need to put down a deposit for the Fee for Service, (Full Day) program. But having our enrollment numbers be as "up-to-date" as possible will help us have the best program and best teachers be prepared for the fall!
Wish list - We could use some help with stitching up about 4 tears in our stage curtain.
Future Events
May Lifeskills Theme = Responsibility
Mon. May 18 - "Run to the Music!"
Mon. May 25 - NO SCHOOL Memorial Day
June 3 (Weds) Junior Rose Festival Parade
June 4 - Staff vs. 5th graders Basketball Game 1:20 in gym
June 9 - 12:30 End of Year Assembly for students, followed by 5th grader "Graduation" ceremony
Wednesday, May 06, 2009
Principal Notes 5-6-09
MAPLEWOOD FLAG – Did you know that we have a stitched flag made for us several years ago by parent Joan Wallace? We have people take this flag to special places all over the globe. Would you like to take it to a special place and have a photo taken (as an example, photo above was taken at President Obama’s Inauguration). This flag has been to the North Pole, South Pole, various places in Europe, and to the top of Mt. St. Helens, among other locations. Please let the office know if you would like to take the flag at any point; we have a calendar set up to coordinate it's trips!KAISER OFFERS FREE HEALTH INSURANCE FOR KIDS - Kaiser Permanente, in partnership with schools and the Multnomah Education Service District, is offering free health insurance to grade K-6 children attending Multnomah County public schools. The insurance is free — there is no premium — but families must pay a small co-pay for office visits and prescriptions. Once enrolled, children are covered through age 19 if they remain in school. To qualify, children must meet three main requirements:
Attend school – Children must attend a public school in Multnomah County. Charter schools and publicly funded alternative programs also qualify.
Grades K-6 – To enroll, children must be in grades K-6. Siblings can also be covered if they are age 3 or older (through 12th grade).
Income – Families must earn 250 percent or less of the federal poverty level. For a family of four, this is about $4,600 per month, or $53,000 per year.
Kaiser offers the insurance as part of its community benefit program, which, among other goals, seeks to expand access to medical care for the uninsured. About 4,000 children already are covered through this no-premium plan; Kaiser and MESD want to double enrollment by the end of the year. In addition to the Kaiser insurance, the Oregon Health Plan offers low-cost health insurance to children from families that earn up to 185 percent of the federal poverty level. According to the latest census data, 107,000 Oregon children — about one in nine — lacked health insurance in 2005-07, the latest period for which data are available.
For questions about the Kaiser program or the Oregon Health Plan, or to enroll, contact MESD: 503-257-1732, speterso@mesd.k12.or.us.
NOTES COMING FROM THE PARENT MEETINGS WITH PRINCIPAL - “Everything You’ve Wanted to Know About Maplewood But Were Afraid to Ask” was held twice this year; my goal is to write some notes about the questions and then post them on the website and to update my blog site so that people can see them! I appreciated the parent participation and their questions!
APRIL 24 – BOOKBAGGERS - My congratulations go to David Dacklin for his detailed, thoughtful organization of this great event. One of our honored station hosts was Pepye Ladd, who actually began this activity 25 years ago! We were sorry to hear that this may be the last year in which she will be able to participate, as she is keeping so busy with family and community activities. I have attended all these events since the 2001 event, and am continually amazed and pleased to see the community involvement and the emphasis on children and children’s literature.
Attend school – Children must attend a public school in Multnomah County. Charter schools and publicly funded alternative programs also qualify.
Grades K-6 – To enroll, children must be in grades K-6. Siblings can also be covered if they are age 3 or older (through 12th grade).
Income – Families must earn 250 percent or less of the federal poverty level. For a family of four, this is about $4,600 per month, or $53,000 per year.
Kaiser offers the insurance as part of its community benefit program, which, among other goals, seeks to expand access to medical care for the uninsured. About 4,000 children already are covered through this no-premium plan; Kaiser and MESD want to double enrollment by the end of the year. In addition to the Kaiser insurance, the Oregon Health Plan offers low-cost health insurance to children from families that earn up to 185 percent of the federal poverty level. According to the latest census data, 107,000 Oregon children — about one in nine — lacked health insurance in 2005-07, the latest period for which data are available.
For questions about the Kaiser program or the Oregon Health Plan, or to enroll, contact MESD: 503-257-1732, speterso@mesd.k12.or.us.
NOTES COMING FROM THE PARENT MEETINGS WITH PRINCIPAL - “Everything You’ve Wanted to Know About Maplewood But Were Afraid to Ask” was held twice this year; my goal is to write some notes about the questions and then post them on the website and to update my blog site so that people can see them! I appreciated the parent participation and their questions!
APRIL 24 – BOOKBAGGERS - My congratulations go to David Dacklin for his detailed, thoughtful organization of this great event. One of our honored station hosts was Pepye Ladd, who actually began this activity 25 years ago! We were sorry to hear that this may be the last year in which she will be able to participate, as she is keeping so busy with family and community activities. I have attended all these events since the 2001 event, and am continually amazed and pleased to see the community involvement and the emphasis on children and children’s literature.
BIKE FAIR - Southwest Neighbors Crime Prevention and Public Safety Committee invites you, your family, and your bike to a Bicycle Rodeo and Safety Fair on Saturday, May 16th from 2:00 p.m.-4:00pm at Bridlemile Elementary School, 4300 SW 47th Drive (under the covered basketball court). Please join this committee for a fun-filled afternoon that includes a safety training, bike rodeo for kids and teens, bike swap, and inspection. At this event, participants will learn about the rules of the road, effective signaling, and how to share the road with other vehicles. Kids and teens will navigate their way through an obstacle course and improve riding skills. Attendees are invited to bring their old bikes, accessories to a buyer-direct exchange based on availability with no commissions. Volunteers at the fair will perform inspections of bikes. It's a free event and refreshments will be available. We are also looking for volunteers to help assist with this event. For more information, contact Jan Weston, organizer at 503-293-4301 janweston@comcast.net; Nancy Hand, Committee Chair at 503-452-9483 enchand@hotmail.com.
SWINE FLU - Like many of you, I have been watching the news reports about swine flu, and today received this message from PPS, which I think covers the most important messages. I've cut and pasted it below:
Swine flu information
As you have likely heard so often, please take this opportunity to remind your children and others about the following prevention measures:
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
- Stay home if you are sick. Influenza is most often passed through coughing or sneezing of infected people.
A PARENT'S CONTRIBUTION TO THE ARTS (from an article in the Wilson H.S. Newsletter) - (Dave Garnand is an ex-member of our Maplewood Site Council)
Ever wondered where our young students get their talent? Just look at our parents. A perfect example is David Garnand (photographer) - parent of Isaac (Wilson), Tom Wilson), and Isabelle (Maplewood), and husband of Liz Garnand, president of Wilson Area Arts Council. David's first solo abstract nature photography show opened last weekend at Multnomah Arts Center and runs through May 27 (MAC Hours: Monday-Friday 9am-9:30pm and Saturday 9am-12:30pm). In addition to this exhibition, two of David's photographs were selected by the Lake Oswego Festival of the Arts 2009 Artist's Vision Juried Show, and he also generously donated one of his photographs for the recent Wilson Auction. David states that his dad always had a camera with him when they traveled. "He loved taking scenic pictures, vistas, beautiful nature scenes. When he gave me his Kodak Instamatic I looked through the viewfinder and saw a whole other world." So stop by the Multnomah Arts Center and take a look at David's exhibit. Check out his website at: http://www.davidgarnand.com. Congratulations, David!
REGISTER FOR K - This year there have been several parents who have indicated that they felt there would not be a pressing reason to enroll for kindergarten soon. But in fact, it would be very advantageous to register as soon as possible. There is no longer a need to put down a deposit for the Fee for Service, (Full Day) program. But having our enrollment numbers be as “up-to-date” as possible will help us have the best program and best teachers be prepared for the fall!
WISH LIST - We could use some help with repairing our stage curtain. We have received offers to help with rebuilding stairs to stage and re-painting the benches.
Upcoming Events:
May 4-8 - Teacher Appreciation Week
May 7 - Book Sale, Party Boards, and Hanging Plant Pick-
Up (Picnic only if weather is nice) 5:00 – 7:30 pm
May 8 - Family Dance Party in the gym 6:00 pm
May 13 - PTA Meeting 6:15 pm
May 18 - “Run to the Music”
May 25 - NO SCHOOL – Memorial Day
May 27 - Field Day
June 3 - Junior Rose Festival Parade
June 4 - 5th Grade vs Staff Basketball Game
June 10 - Last Day for Students!
May 4-8 - Teacher Appreciation Week
May 7 - Book Sale, Party Boards, and Hanging Plant Pick-
Up (Picnic only if weather is nice) 5:00 – 7:30 pm
May 8 - Family Dance Party in the gym 6:00 pm
May 13 - PTA Meeting 6:15 pm
May 18 - “Run to the Music”
May 25 - NO SCHOOL – Memorial Day
May 27 - Field Day
June 3 - Junior Rose Festival Parade
June 4 - 5th Grade vs Staff Basketball Game
June 10 - Last Day for Students!
Summer - Installation of new modular with two classrooms
Plan to Save Music Program at Maplewood
Update on Maplewood Staffing and Fundraising Efforts:
I want to let you know that I turned in my staffing requests, based on what the district allotted me for that staffing equivalent (“FTE”). There is some good news and some worrisome news for us.
The Worrisome News:
q Updated budget restraints in the present economy has meant that we do not at the present time have enough FTE or funds to be able to retain Music for next year.
q The State of Oregon grant to continue our Full-time P.E. teacher was eliminated.
q Although we have raised a great deal through our Annual Campaign, there has been a smaller percentage of families this year who contributed any amount to the campaign.
The Good News:
q Our enrollment was based on how many students I believe we will enroll next year, which helps our amount of FTE. Our enrollment is at its highest level.
q Our Foundation funds enabled us to retain half-time P.E.
q The District committed to having at least three specialist sessions per child per week, including requirements for Library and P.E. They added some FTE for us to be able to retain Computer Lab.
q Our FTE will allow us to add a third class for First Grade for next year to keep the class numbers for this year’s large number of Kindergarteners.
q We are only about $9000 away from being able to keep Music, which our parents feel is very possible to obtain through added focus on Scrip, Campaign, and a different focus on our Run in May.
OUR PLAN? Renewed Focus on Saving Music at Maplewood -
q Renew efforts to raise money at no cost to families by increasing participation in Scrip. We don’t need people to spend more money, we just need more people to purchase scrip.
q Renew our message to families who have not made a pledge to our campaign that to purchase scrip.
q “Party Boards” and Family Dance Night fundraising this week will add to our goal.
q Renew our message to families who have not made a pledge to our campaign that any amount, no matter how small, can make a big difference. We have about 230 families here, and only about 45 families have made a contribution so far.
q Instead of having our usual Young Audience “Run for the Arts”, we are going to host our own “Run to the Music” on Monday, May 18 . Organizing this ourselves will let us keep overhead costs to “zero”, and all pledges raised will go to our fund to pay for keeping music here.
I am confident, as are the parent coordinators, that we can make this goal, and be able to provide Music, Computer/Technology, Library, and P.E. to our students. Watch for the information coming from our parent coordinators on how each part of our plan will work! We don’t have much time, but the end result will surely be worth it to the students!
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