Principal Notes Memorial Day Weekend

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!

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

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.

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!

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!

Principal Notes 4-09-09

SCHOOL IN SESSION AT MAPLEWOOD TOMORROW
In order to make up one of the snow day cancellations, Maplewood will have school this Friday, April 10th.


BYE BYE BIRDIE AT ROBERT GRAY MIDDLE SCHOOL - Be sure to get your tickets for the musical Bye Bye Birdie at Gray coming this April 30 (6:30pm), May 1 (7:00pm) & May 2 (2:00pm). The student actors and crew have been rehearsing every Monday - Thursday and some Saturdays to bring you a quality theatrical experience. Tickets are $5 for students & seniors, $7 for adults, $20 for a family 4-pack, and $10 for reserved seating. Order your tickets by contacting Christy Caton at christycaton@msn.com, or by calling 503-246-0891. Plus, Salvador Molly's will reimburse your ticket price with a free Cheesy Poof appetizer when you bring your ticket stub in to their Hillsdale location! Thank you! Christy Caton - RGMS parent, BBB Producer, PPS teacher

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Parent Meeting with Principal #2:
“Everything You’ve Wanted to Know About Maplewood But Were Afraid to Ask”
Tues April 28th 6:00 to 8:00
Maplewood Library

- Childcare provided by 2 Art4Life Staff in cafeteria -

This parents-only meeting with me is another chance to exchange information between you and I on any subject you’d like to discuss. Examples of questions could be “What should I do when my child says they don’t want to come to school?”, or ”How do you make decisions about budget cuts?”, or “How do you choose the class placements?”, or other subjects you choose.
To help me plan the best, please send me the questions you’d most like to have answered before the meeting (either by email, or drop off a note to me, or just pass on to me when you see me).
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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!


BUILDING TAG PLAN - Between now and June 1st, I will be required to turn in a “Building TAG Plan”, and I welcome your input into what this plan includes. This plan is to include documentation of what we do here to address Talented and Gifted students’ rate and level of learning. You can write me or send me information about your input and ideas; a draft version of the TAG Plan is posted on the TAG bulleting board across the hall from the library door in school.


WALK TO SCHOOL DAY – On Thursday, April 23rd, our Safe Routes to School representatives are going to hold another Walk to School Day, and this time will have Portland Mounted Police and their horses to help with one of the routes.


WISH LIST – We could use some help with repairing our stage curtain, and with re-painting the benches in the gym. I also have wondered if someone could help us replace the moveable stairway from the gym floor to the stage (it had to be completely dismantled).

Principal Notes Oct. 17, 2008

NO SCHOOL NEXT FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24TH
This is a District-wide Professional Development Day, and school offices will be closed!

GRANDPARENTS/SPECIAL FRIENDS - WHEN: Grandparents or special friends can come to Maplewood on Thursday, Oct. 23rd. A ceremony will be held starting at 12:30 p.m. in the gym. WHO: Grandparents or Special Friends of your child. Space is limited for the performance and in the room, so it is usual to have one or two people come (but we don’t have room for the “whole family”. WHAT: The student musical performance will be in the gym, and we ask all attendees to stay until the end; after the program in the gym is finished, the adults can go back to the classroom with the students to visit there and see the classrooms; hint: we’ll let our guests all leave school by 2:00 p.m. to avoid the usual traffic jams at the dismissal time at the end of the day. (If you want your child to leave school with someone different than we have on file, or to leave early, we must have a note from you or the hot pink permission slip turned in!) Come enjoy the children, and hear praises for you as their Special Friends or Grandparents! The kids love to see you here!

MAPLEWOOD AWARDED FUNDS FROM INTEL - I received this message today from Intel: I am pleased to inform you that Intel volunteers invested 259 hours at Maplewood Elementary during the 2007-2008 school year, earning your school a $2590 grant from the Intel Foundation through the Volunteer Matching Grant (VMG) program. I want to congratulate you and your volunteers on this wonderful investment of time. A big thanks goes to Scott Noble, Christina Foulger, and Slobodan Mrdjan who donated a great amount of volunteer time, which earned us this funding amount which I’m putting in a discretionary account until we decide where to allocate these funds! If you know of other Intel employees, please remind them.

COSTUME PARADE - FRIDAY, OCT. 31ST - again be the day when children can bring costumes to school to wear in an afternoon parade. Students will put on costumes after lunch, and begin the parade at 12:45 p.m. on the playground (in the gym if poor weather). To make this a safe, enjoyable event for everyone, make sure that the costumes are: SAFE (they shouldn’t restrict vision or trip them up; also, absolutely no fake or real weapons should be brought for this school affair) and APPROPRIATE FOR THEIR AGE (no revealing, bloody, or violent costumes) and CONVENIENT (so the student doesn’t have to be stressed about the time limits to get dressed; they will not be allowed to put on costumes until right after lunch).

LIFESKILLS - The Lifelong Guidelines are the behavior guidelines that our school community will be practicing this year. These five guidelines (Trustworthiness, Truthfulness, Active Listening, No Put-Downs, and Personal Best) are based upon a respect for others and self and provide a safe environment in which learning can take place. The specific Lifeskill that our school focused on in October was Active Listening. Some of the ways that we can explore the Lifeskill of Active Listening include:
• Practice note-taking skills
• Listening to different forms of music
• Listing the characteristics of an active listener
• Attending an in-school or community performance and practicing active listening skills
In addition to modeling Active Listening for your child, there are ways that parents can help improve their children’s listening skills. You can support your child by:
• Reading aloud increasingly longer stories, staring with picture books and working up to chapter books and asking him/her to share what pictures come to mind as the story progresses
• Asking him/her to retell and evaluate TV programs
• Providing opportunities for your child to remember and follow increasingly difficult, multi- step instructions
• Identifying nature sounds during a walk in the woods, park, or while strolling along the beach

TAG PARENT INFORMATION SESSION - On Weds. Oct. 29th, from 7:00 to 8:00 at Wilson High School, I will be hosting an informational meeting for parents wanting to learn more about TAG identification and instruction. We will be meeting at Wilson with the parents from all the other Wilson Cluster Schools for a joint meeting, and then we’ll follow this with “bread-out” sessions for each individual school to meet with the Principal and ask more specific questions. Roxanne Coleman, a representative from the district’s TAG office, will be present to offer information and answer questions.

DISTRIBUTION OF MATERIALS TO YOU - It is the policy of the Board of Education to allow organizations that provide educational, athletic or training services or opportunities for children to send information home to students on a schedule established by the school. The Board adopted this policy and the Superintendent has developed an accompanying administrative directive because there is a vast array of excellent community opportunities available to supplement your child’s education, and we want you to be aware of these opportunities.
However, once we decide to allow this type of information to be distributed, state and federal law prohibit Portland Public Schools from restricting certain information based on the viewpoint of the group distributing information. This means that from time to time you may receive materials from a group that holds values that may offend some of our families. You will want to review this material closely to determine if it presents an opportunity in which you want your child to participate.
The organizations providing this information are not endorsed or sponsore6308d by Portland Public Schools. District policy prohibits discrimination on the basis of age, color, creed, disability, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, and sexual orientation (BP 1.80.020). Not all outside organizations comply with the District’s non-discrimination policy. Again, families are strongly encouraged to review all materials closely (3.30.038-AD).
Maplewood has made the decision to distribute materials on Fridays.
From time to time, items may be placed on the Community Information Display Area, where items will be available to students and families. Organizations that choose this mode of distribution will have the opportunity to display their items in this designated area for two months.
If you have any questions regarding this policy or the administrative directive (3.30.038-AD), it is available on the web at www.pps.k12.or.us (click Board of Education, then Policies). You may also contact our office at 503-916-6308.

CONFERENCE SCHEDULING OR RE-SCHEDULING – I have become worried again this year that an unusually high number of parents may have scheduled family vacations during the days that school is cancelled for parent/teacher conferences and Thanksgiving Holiday Nov. 24 through Dec. 1st. I have requested that if a conference is not held that week due to family vacation plans:
• that the conference not be re-scheduled, but
• that any conference information be sent home after the conference week for parents’ information.
My concern is that re-scheduled conferences take more teacher time, which affect teachers’ planning time (the time that they use for valuable curriculum and lesson planning that affects all students). If the conference can’t be held for unavoidable reasons, please contact the teacher for re-scheduling; however, if it is for avoidable reasons such as vacations, please do not request a different meeting time.
Also, because of the high numbers of students here and the limited times for conferences, I’m also asking that conferences with divorced/separated parents be held when both parents can attend at the same time. It helps with healthy communication to have both parents discuss the child with the teacher together.

LOST AND FOUND - We are setting a record for number of clothing items that are “lost” and then put in our “Found” area (at the top of the cafeteria stairs near the Kindergarten room in 101). It is a huge pile, and usually if filled with clothes that the kids forget somewhere, and with clothes that don’t have any name written on them anywhere. I would strongly suggest that you put your child’s name on the clothing somewhere (on the label, e.g.); also, please make sure you or your child check there for any lost clothing items.

Upcoming Events:
Oct 17 - Maplewood Carnival!
Oct 21 - Kindergarten Vision/Dental Screening
Oct 23 - Grandparents/Special Friends Day at 12:30 pm
Oct 24 - NO SCHOOL – Professional Development Day
Oct 28 - 1st grade Vision/Dental Screening
Oct 29 - TAG Parent Meeting at Wilson High School 7 to 8 pm
Oct 31 - Sally Foster Orders Due
Oct 31 - Costume Parade 12:45 pm
Nov 10 - NO SCHOOL – Teacher Planning Day
Nov 11 - NO SCHOOL – Veteran’s Day

SOME SCHEDULED EVENTS FOR '08-'09

Dear Community, We have not yet scheduled ALL the events as yet, but here are ones that I know about at this point:

Future Events

October Lifeskills Theme – Active Listening

10/2 Picture Day.

10/08 Walk/Bike to School Day.

10/10 NO SCHOOL - Statewide In-Service Day

10/17 Carnival.

10/23 Grandparents/Special Friends Day.

10/24 NO SCHOOL - Professional Development Day

10/29 TAG Parent Meeting (to be held at Wilson H.S. 7 to 8 p.m.)

10/31 (Friday) Costume Parade.

November Lifeskills Theme = Effort

11/10 &11/11 NO SCHOOL - Planning Day and Veterans Day

11/17-Nov. 25^th Scholastic Book Fair.

11/24 and 25 – NO SCHOOL - Parent Teacher Conferences, day and evening

11/27and 28 – Thanksgiving Holiday

11/26 – Deadline to turn in TAG Nominations to John

12/1 NO SCHOOL - Planning Day

December Lifeskills Theme = Organization

12/19 Winter Sing-a-long in afternoon

12/22 Begin Winter Break

January Lifeskills Theme = Initiative

1/5 – Return from Winter Break

1/19 NO SCHOOL Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

1/30 NO SCHOOL - Professional Development Day

FEB. Lifeskills Theme = Patience

Feb 4 – Matt Holm Author Visit

Feb. 16 – NO SCHOOL - Presidents Day

March Lifeskills Theme = Perseverance

March 2 – Read Across America

March 6 Friday – Planning Day

March 23-27 – NO SCHOOL – Spring Break

April Lifeskills Theme = Problem Solving

April 10 Professional Development Day April 22 Secretary Day.

May Lifeskills Theme = Responsibility

May 2 – School Auction

May 7 – Spring Sing Celebration?

May 4th-8th Teacher Appreciation Week.

May 25 – NO SCHOOL Memorial Day

June 3 (Weds) Junior Rose Festival Parade

Summer Reading Ideas

Dear Community, I was looking at the last PTA newsletter for June, and thought there were many pieces of great information there, including several lists/recommendations for summer reading - whether your child is in kindergarten and just learning to read, or in the intermediate grades and wants to compete in the "Battle of the Books" competition next fall. If you don't have the June issue, email me at jblanck@pps.k12.or.us and request to have a .pdf of the issue sent to you. Happy Summer, and Happy Reading! - John

Principal Notes May 22, 2008

NO SCHOOL MONDAY! – Monday, May 26^th is Memorial Day – have a great 3 day weekend!

TEACHER APPRECIATION – Thanks to all of you who contributed (with kind words, time, treats, notes, flowers, or special thoughtfulness) to the week’s activities. We (staff and families) lead very busy lives when it comes to raising and nurturing children, and taking the time to express appreciation can be so encouraging. The community continues to be such a warm, generous one that all I can humbly offer is my deepest appreciation!

FIELD DAY RE-SCHEDULED??? - Last Tuesdays Field Event was cancelled due to weather, but aside from that, the parent volunteers almost had to cancel anyway due to barely enough volunteers. But they are considering re-scheduling this event to happen on Thursday, May 29^th.
This will happen ONLY IF 2 THINGS HAPPEN:

1) - If weather cooperates that day, and

2) - If they get the volunteers to sign up for it by 1:30 pm on Tuesday, May 27^th.

If these two things don't happen, they won't be able to host this event. I therefore caution us to not make a big deal about this with kids, but keep it in your planning and volunteer, if possible, as mentioned below.

VOLUNTEERING: By 1:30 pm on Tuesday, May 27^th, volunteers will need to email Kimmy at kimmy@easystreet.net and indicate when they can help as scheduled below:

1. We need 16 volunteers from 9-11 and 16 volunteers from 12-until the

games are done and their stations are put away (Probably 2:30ish).

2. We need 5 volunteers to help gather all of the items for the games on Wednesday at 2:15 until complete.

3. We need 4 volunteers to help with set up on Thursday, May 29^th at 8:00 am

4. We need all of these volunteers committed by Tuesday, May 27^th by 1:30 pm

PLEASE EMAIL KIMMY NADEAU AT KIMMY@EASYSTREET.NET .

YEAR END CAFETERIA ACCOUNT BALANCES -

· 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 Jenkins, Cafeteria Lead at 503-916-5219 to arrange for a refund.

LIBRARY MATERIALS DUE BY MAY 30^TH – Please make sure that all books, magazines, or reference materials from the school library are returned by then. Fees for lost books should also be turned in by then as well. Thank you!

MEDICATION IN THE OFFICE – Medication left at school must be picked up by the parent or it will be destroyed at the end of the school year per district policy. If your child has any unused medication in the office please make arrangements for picking it up before the last day of school.

P.T.A. USED BOOK SALE - We had our best used book sale ever, thanks in part to being able to keep the books out for over a week after the sale. The final total was $886.40!! Thank you so much to all who helped, whether it be sorting, setting-up, cashiering, or clean-up: Kelley Callais, Teri Carlson, Renae Conkle, Cathie Dainton Piacente, Tawnia Emerson, Kris Franca, Melissa Gagliano, Marie Gettel-Gilmartin, Betty Girsch, Sandi Hildreth, Renee Lee, Jelena and Dan Mrdjan, Jolie Russo, Diane Smith, Joan Stein, Joan Wallace, Susan Wickstrom, and Evelyn Wilkins. As always, we were hugely supported by John Blanck, Kathy Shimizu, and Craig Gintz, our custodian, as well as P.T.A. treasurer, Lori Hesse. Finally, Bob and Shirley Gettel, grandparents extraordinaire, I could not do any of this without your constant willingness to look after "the boys." (Phew! I feel like I just won an Oscar.) Thanks! Mike Gettel-Gilmartin

REMEMBER “HILL STREET BLUES” T.V. SERIES? – Just before the Day Sergeant finished their daily meeting and sent out the officers for their duty, his last words were: “And Hey - let’s be careful out there.” I was thinking to myself that I’d like us all to “be careful out there” with ourselves, and with our children, at this stressful time of year.

This year as in all school years, during the last 3 weeks of school, we remember that: parents are stressed getting ready for summer; teachers are stressed trying to balance keeping the children engaged in learning and yet getting ready to say goodbye to their students (and trying to deal with the demands of their Principal and District); and the students themselves – well, that’s a longer story.

The best description for some of the emotions for the students is similar to that seen in teenagers getting ready to leave home: they are excited about going on (to summer, or to another teacher or another school in the fall), and yet they feel partly sad and afraid and also a little guilty. As one psychologist put it, the kids feel guilty that they are excited to move on, but also think: “Why would I be excited to move on from the people who have loved me and cared for me for the past (one, or several) years?” So some teens will actually “act out” and in a sense try to “pick a fight” or find flaws in their parents (teachers) to justify their guilt. I know that this doesn’t apply to all students, but I do believe that it makes sense that kids’ (and adults’) behaviors sometimes are actually more complicated than what shows on the surface.

Because emotions might be running high for people now, and because of the pressures to do so much at this time of year, I just want to advise students and parents and staff to “be patient with yourselves and others”; enjoy these last 11 days of school and appreciate each other; be kind when you see others feeling some stress and know that they might be doing the best they can with what they’ve got; and take care of yourselves and others (or….. “Hey, lets be careful out there”).

Upcoming Events:

May 26 - Memorial Day – NO SCHOOL

May 28 - 5^th Grade to visit Robert Gray Middle School

May 29 - Reading Friends Pizza Party – 11:15 am

May 30 - 2^nd grade Picnic at April Hill Park – 11:30 am

May 30 - Student Council Party – 11:15 am

June 2 - 5^th grade Jet Boats

June 3 - Staff vs 5^th grade Basketball Game – 12:45 pm

June 5 - PTA Meeting - 6:15 pm

June 6 - 4^th grade Play – 1:00 pm

June 9 - Year End All School Assembly – 12:30 pm

June 10 - 5^th grade Talent Show – 10:00 am

June 10 - Last Day of School!

Principal Notes April 21, 2008

Dear Community, I haven't put in a post in too long! My apologies! Here is the current Principal Notes!

KINDERGARTEN - Once again, I would like to request that if you know anyone interested in enrolling their child for Full or Half-Day options, please encourage them to register their child as soon as possible. This will help us make sure that we have the right resources ready for another world-class year of Kindergarten here!

STUDENT COUNCIL ADVISOR - Debra Wisniewski, our part-time Character Education Specialist, has been the advisor for our Student Council the last two years, but will be leaving us, as the Character Education Grant will be expiring at the end of this year. Prior to these Specialists helping us, the advising of Student Council had been done by parent advisors; we will need to have a parent advisor once again. If you would like to be that person, please contact Debra Wisniewski by leaving a message for her in the school office or by emailing her at dwisniew@pps.k12.or.us. There will be 3 more Student Council meetings this school year; if you contact her soon, you could attend some or all of these meetings with her to help you understand the process and get information and resources from her (On Mondays; April 28, May 5^th and 19^th).

LEAVE PLAYGROUND AFTER SCHOOL - As the days become nicer (keep your fingers crossed), please remember that children by policy must leave school at 2:15, unless they are in Art4Life, or have an adult responsible with them on the playground. I and the staff cannot be responsible for the safety of the children after school (see page 6 of “Maplewood’s Handbook and Calendar”).

GREEN SUMMIT - I accompanied four of our students to the Green Summit in Salem on March 13^th, to represent what we, as a Green School, have been doing, and to learn about other ways to help our environment and human community. We went with representatives for 5 other PPS Schools, and spent the day sharing what we have been doing. There is great interest from the students in making sure we are conserving and “being green” whenever possible.

SITE COUNCIL NOMINATIONS SOUGHT - Maplewood’s Site Council is set up by Oregon State Law, that mandates that 3 parents serve on the committee of 10, along with staff and the Principal, to meet monthly. There will be one opening for people to serve a two-year term beginning in the fall. Why is this important? This committee represents our school community in setting the direction for the educational focus of our school, including helping decide and write the annual School Improvement Plan. They also give guidance on what types of Professional Development should happen for staff; and approve some important decisions (e.g., in the past such as offering both full- and half-day kindergarten, and scheduling on a Trimester calendar.)

Lisa Sloan and Laura Shier will continue in their second year, but we will need nominees to replace parent Darryn Sikora, who is finishing her second year of work on this Council. Please let John know immediately if you have interest in serving on this monthly Council meeting or want to nominate someone to provide this important input to our learning.

Once we get the nominations, we’ll hold an election in early May to select that person. Thank you for your interest and involvement!

SPELLDOWN - The following students from grades 3 - 5 will represent Maplewood at the district Spelldown on April 23^rd: Eleanor Solomon and Jordan Samuel (3rd), Gavin McMinn and Brook Bateman (4^th), and Carly Campbelll and Zoe La Du (5th).

SPRING SING - You are invited to a singing and dancing performance in our gym on the evening of Thursday, May 1^st. The instrumental students will begin playing at 6:15 p.m. for the parents in the gym and the other students should report to their classrooms by 6:20 p.m. the program will start at 6:30 p.m. This year’s theme is, “A Land of a Thousand Dances!” Every grade level will share with you songs and dances from different places. The fifth grade students will narrate the program with the help from the “Maplewood Jukebox Time Machine” to take you to these different lands. Please don’t’ miss these outstanding students!

In addition, The PTA has set up two additional features for that night: Their Annual Used Book Sale which will start at 5:15 p.m. (see below) and they will be offering you a chance to have the Yearbook photographer take individual or group portrait photos.

MAPLEWOOD USED BOOK SALE

Please bring your gently used books, CDs, videos/DVDs, and CD-ROMs from Wednesday, April 23 to Thursday, May 1st. Take them to the hallway by the elevator (first left past the library).

Sale will be on Thursday May 1st, part of the Spring Celebration. Cash or check only.

“Many Bookworms make light work”

Cashiers and sorters needed!

Call Mike Gettel-Gilmartin at 244-7759 or e-mail gilmartin_michael@yahoo.com if you can help.

All profits go to the Maplewood PTA

(We’re hoping to have the sale outside, like we did last year, so if you have a canopy please let Mike know.)

RUN FOR THE ARTS - From Fran Kincaid, (Run for the Arts Coordinator): Thanks to all the parents, teachers and kids who make Run for the Arts such a great event! I am amazed each year at how hard so many of the kids work to get pledges and to keep moving for 30 minutes. A very special thanks to the many parent volunteers who make this event happen. We had so many volunteers we were able to have official cheerers! We also had several parents who ran with their kids. Be sure to thank our 5th grade team leaders who worked extra hard this year! It was a cold event this year but fortunately it didn't rain except for briefly during one of the afternoon sessions. I don't yet know how much money we raised but will keep you posted. I will also let you know how many miles we covered! If your child was absent and would like to participate in the Make-up Run, it will be on Tuesday, April 22^nd!! Thanks again for a great RUN!!

NIKE 5K FUN RUN FOR MAPLEWOOD - You have likely received information about a fund-raiser sponsored by NIKE – a 5K Fun Run on their world headquarters campus in Beaverton. If you would like to participate please turn your registration form into the office by Tuesday, April 22^nd. If you prefer to register your child or your family on your own, you may do so two ways. You may mail in your own application form with payment directly to NIKETOWN at the address on the entry form by May 28^th. Or, you can register online at www.nike5Kforkids.com by May 30^th. For more information go to www.nike5Kforkids.com – the Official Race website – or see our NIKE 5K For Kids School coordinator Maggie Vanderbeek.

SHARE YOUR IDEA ON NEIGHBORHOOD SCHOOL ASSIGNMENTS AND BOUNDARIES - Superintendent Carole Smith is reviewing a draft policy to clarify how Portland Public Schools assigns students to neighborhood schools. The policy, prepared by district staff, also offers guidelines for changing neighborhood school boundaries, using criteria including school feeder patterns, student body diversity, proximity and sense of community, optimal use of facilities, resource conservation stability at nearby schools and limiting the number of students affected. A board committee will take up the policy in late April, with school board consideration and a vote slated for May and June. To read more including the draft policy text, go to: http://cms9.pps.k12.or.us/.docs/pg/12484. Also to complete a survey go to the main PPS web page and go to "Click here for they survey" at http://www.pps.k12.or.us/.

OUR ENERGY CHALLENGE - Did you know that last year Portland’s public schools consumed over $3 million worth of electricity? Lucky for the district, which pays those hefty bills, this past spring we began this year’s “Energy Challenge”! The Energy Challenge is a Portland Public Schools program currently in its third year. The Challenge is a great opportunity for schools in the district to address their energy consumption and its inherent costs – both financial and environmental - and to reduce this consumption. In Oregon, where roughly forty percent of our electricity is produced by hydroelectric dams and another forty percent by burning coal, reducing our consumption of electricity can reduce our negative impacts on local salmon populations, while at the same time preventing air pollution and additional CO2 emissions that contribute to global warming.

This year, 15 schools participated in the Challenge, a three-month campaign from January through March. The campaign involved a wide range of awareness-raising activities as well as weekly classroom audits to monitor progress. Each school, including Maplewood, had a student team that champions the Challenge at their school. This team of students – which was made up of Student Council representatives and which we called the “Power Patrol” – performed the weekly energy audits and was responsible for raising awareness throughout the student body. To reduce energy consumption at each school the Challenge focuses on eliminating wasted energy, specifically where lights and computers are left on when not in use. In the past, schools have reduced their consumption by over ten percent during the Energy Challenge. With 15 schools participating this year, that could mean big savings for the district – and for the schools. To reward schools for their energy savings, each participating school received $150 at the start of the Challenge, and an additional $350 at the conclusion of the Challenge.

NEXT YEAR FOR YOUR CHILD - Believe it or not, I am needing to make some plans for next year, and some of those plans require your input! You will soon see requests coming home from me for two things:

• Your plans for next year (staying here, moving, waiting for transfer possibilities, other?)
• Your thoughts on the type of approaches/environment your child performs best in, and 2 or three main goals you would have for your child next year.

Upcoming Events:

Apr 21-27 - T.V. Free Week

Apr 22 - Earth Day

Apr 22 - Run for the Arts Make-up Run

Apr 25 - Bookbaggers Overnight Event

May 1 - Spring Sing! - 6:30 pm

May 5 - Cinco de Mayo

May 11 - Mother’s Day!

May 12 - Yearbooks due to Arrive

May 19-23 - Teacher Appreciation Week! Note new date!

May 20 - Field Day

May 26 - Memorial Day – NO SCHOOL

June 5 - PTA Meeting - 6:15 pm

June 10 - Last Day of School!

Principal Notes December 21, 2007

Dear Community,
You get an advanced notice of the Principal Notes that will be sent home tomorrow with the students. Please take a look at the items, and at the "Upcoming Events" section of today's Notes to make sure you're aware of some important events!

HAPPY WINTER BREAK TO YOU! See you when school resumes on January 7^th!

MAPLEWOOD CHOIR ON THE RADIO - Our choir was recorded by KBPS radio 1450 am this past Wednesday. Their music will be broadcast at an unspecified time on Dec. 24^th and 25^th; KBPS will announce who will be performing at the beginning of every hour that day.

ANNUAL CAMPAIGN UPDATES –

1. REMINDER: This winter break is the last opportunity to get your donation logged to be eligible for the drawing for the "Blanck Check". A donation of any size will make you eligible for two hours of my time for any project! Donations postmarked during the holiday will be added to the drawing, to be done when we return from break!

2. I wanted to give belated thanks to the parent committee that has worked so hard for this year's Maplewood Campaign. Their tireless efforts (some of them have been active for several years on supporting the funds going to our teaching specialists).

3. At my last contact with the committee, we have had 63 Maplewood families contributing a total of $17,934 to this year's campaign. We still need $27,066 to reach our goal! I will be working with our committee to apply for grants and find ways to reach our goal - the more families that donate, the easier it will be to convince grant funders that our community truly does everything it can to support the educational programs for our children.

4. I received the news from the Portland Schools Foundation that they have changed their policy on how much of a donation goes directly to Maplewood; the PPS School Board recently voted that after the first $10,000 of donations each year to a school, 66% goes to the school and 33% goes to the PPS Foundation to help out schools with high poverty rate (prior policy was that the percentages would apply after the first $5,000 - this increases the amount that will go directly to Maplewood).

5. My thanks to all of you who have contributed so far - I conduct many tours of the school each year, and in almost all cases, people have heard of the reputation this community values a well-rounded education.

CORRECTIONS AND ADDITIONS TO THE PTA’S NEWSLETTER “BRANCHING OUT” DEC. 07

~ Fundraising Meeting date should read Dec. 10

~ jsmrdjan@comcast.net is correct email for Jelena Mrdjan (a letter was reversed)

~Third Restaurant Review should read: Acapulco Gold SW

~ Kudos should have included: Thanks to Charis Botek, Stacie Pacheco & Monica Sandoval for making the lovely red caps for the first graders mall performance!

~ We are currently providing the Reading Friends program for 43 Maplewood students. We had a tremendous response from volunteers, and we have 24 Reading Friends at this time. Unfortunately, we have a waiting list of 5 students in need of this wonderful reading enrichment program. I need at least five more volunteers that could start after the winter holidays. Parents, grandparents, and neighbors are encouraged to contact me if they have an hour of volunteer time that they could offer weekly. Training is provided. Contact Ally Burr-Harris at 503-246-4766 or burrharrisa@yahoo.com if interested in volunteering. Thanks!

~ Coffee orders are in and have been delivered. Happily, they are the full pound we have always enjoyed. (The order was taken by a new employee, and all was straightened out before it was filled.) The labels reflect the correct amount in the bag. Any questions can be directed to Diane F. Smith 452-6948.

RGMS PTA E-MAIL LIST - Robert Gray PTA invites Maplewood parents to join the RGMS PTA e-mail list, a periodic electronic newsletter. E-mails are informative and relevant and contain PPS news, updates on events, activities, and volunteer opportunities at Gray and in the community. All are welcome to join; just send an e-mail to graypta@gmail.com. For more information on the Robert Gray PTA, go to http://www.graypta.org.

A SPECIAL GIVING OPPORTUNITY - Friday Jan. 18^th ~ By David Dacklin/Volunteer Coordinator

Around the holiday our thoughts tend to the appreciative side of things. The act of giving Thanks at Thanksgiving can be humbling when we recant all that we can grateful for. It can also instill us with a sense of duty to those in our community who don’t have quite as much to be thankful for as we do.

To meet that end the Parent Resource Committee has selected a Giving Opportunity for our community at Maplewood to enrich the Goose Hollow Family Shelter. For Friday night Jan. 18^th we are actively seeking two families who would like to jointly cook a meal for 30 – 35 residents and to sit down and share the meal with them.

In addition, we are seeking 5 pairs of: 1 Maplewood Student and 1 parent/Guardian to serve the meal and do the clean up. The site will provide all utensils and cleaning supplies. Since this is a limited opportunity please only commit if you’re sure you can fulfill the obligation. Please contact David Dacklin at dacklind@aol.com or 503-244-5938 if you’d like your student or family this opportunity to give back and give thanks. The Goose Hollow Family Shelter is a homeless shelter for families with children in Southwest Portland. Their mission is to provide a temporary safe haven for homeless families, access to transitional services, and advocacy for social change that eliminates homelessness.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR: PPS SCHOOLS CELEBRATE! – Interested in looking at school options for middle school, or want to find out about our kindergarten program? These are just some of the reasons to go to this annual event, where all schools and programs will have an information table. Where? - At the Portland Expo Center from 10 to 3 on Saturday, Feb. 2^nd. Maplewood will have a table there, as well, hosted by myself and some of our staff, to give information about our programs here. Free childcare is provided for kids 4 and over. Go to http://www.pps.k12.or.us or call 503-916.6308 for more information.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR: FAMILY MATH NIGHT! - Do you like mathematics? Do you wish you knew more about the mathematics your children are learning? You’ll enjoy our activities on Tuesday, Feb. 5^th starting at 6:00 p.m. in our gym, where you’ll hear about the foundations of our math curriculum, and get a chance to have your children work on some math activities with you! Please bring the whole family!

KNOW SOMEONE INTERESTED IN KINDERGARTEN HERE NEXT FALL? – Pass the word that we are going to host our annual Kindergarten Information Session/Round-Up on Thursday, Feb. 7^th at 3:00 (for adults). We’ll discuss what types of Kindergarten we will offer and give valuable information on our curriculum and approaches to a well-rounded education. It is a huge help to the parents, and to me, to have as many parents know about this as possible!

LIBRARY NEWS -

OPAC - You now have access to the Maplewood Library Catalog on line! Our Online Patron Access Catalog can be located at http://library.pps.k12.or.us (make sure to select "Maplewood" in place of "View Entire Collection".) Not all of of the features work yet, but you can see what materials we have! It's much easier for students to search and find things independently in the library, too.

BOB - Battle of the Books is gearing up again! This year third graders, in addition to fourth and fifth graders, have been invited to participate. Ask you child if they are interested. All classes third through fifth graders received an introduction to the program this week and last. A sign-up sheet will be sent home in the next week. Parents are encouraged to read the selected titles (16) aloud at home! The first battles will begin in February. The first statewide/regional battle is March 1!

Shelving Books - As always, I can use more volunteers to help re-shelve the books our students check out. Each week approximately 1,000 books are checked out and returned. Thanks to a steady crew of parents (thank you!) we are able to keep the library organized and keep favorite titles on the shelves. Even shelving only five to ten books makes a dent!

Lost Items/Late Items - Books are due weekly. Students wishing to renew books should bring them to the library for renewal weekly. If you lose or damage a book, please contact me (kordahl@pps.k12.or.us, 503-916-6308). Fees are negotiable and I'm mostly just pleased to hear from you.

Portaportal - Remember that students can use the websites they access at school at home. Visit www.portaportal.com and enter "elin" as the Guest Name. The new popular vocabulary-building site (Freerice.com) is on there, too!

As always, your children are a pleasure to work with. Their enthusiasm for reading and books is unbounded. -Elin Kordahl, Maplewood Media Specialist

MAPLEWOOD GREEN SCHOOL - Our students were very persistent, and creative, in their desire to make our school community be environmentally responsible. Their efforts last year helped our school be awarded a Green School designation. Their efforts will continue in January, with an energy challenge (to help our school keep our energy costs down), and with efforts to reduce the paper and copying costs for us. Congratulations to the students for this, as well as the incredibly successful Battery Recycling project coordinated by Mr. Novitsky’s class!

SIGN DESIGN HELP NEEDED -The PTA has graciously set aside money to help build a new, improved front yard sign for the school. They could use some help with the coordination of the design and future installation; know anyone out there with some talent to offer their efforts? If so, please contact me, or the PTA!

Upcoming Events:

Dec 24 thru

Jan 4 WINTER BREAK!! – NO SCHOOL

Jan 7 - Welcome Back!!

Jan 10 - PTA Meeting – 6:15 pm

Jan 15 - Site Council Meeting – 2:30 pm

Jan 21 - Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday – NO SCHOOL

Jan 25 - Winter Family Art Night – 6:30 pm

Feb 1 - Professional Development Day – NO SCHOOL

Feb 5 - Family Math Night

Feb 7 - Kindergarten Info Session – 3:00 pm