Newsletter
- January 8, 2021
- December 7, 2020
- November 23, 2020
- November 9, 2020
- October 26, 2020
- October 12, 2020
- September 28, 2020
- September 14, 2020
- August 31, 2020
- June 8, 2020
- May 26, 2020
- May 11, 2020
- April 27, 2020
- April 13, 2020
- March 30, 2020
- March 9, 2020
- February 24, 2020
- February 10, 2020
- January 28, 2020
- January 13, 2020
- December 16, 2019
- December 3, 2019
- November 18, 2019
- November 4, 2019
- October 21, 2019
- October 7, 2019
- September 23, 2019
- September 9, 2019
- August 26, 2019
- June 10, 2019
- May 28, 2019
January 8, 2021
BSD In-Person Instruction Update
Note: this article is a repeat of the communication sent to parents by the BSD Communications office on 1/8/21.
Thank you to all of you — staff, students and families — for your resilience during the past several months. We know that you’ve all been working diligently to provide the best educational experience possible during these challenging times. Your efforts are very much appreciated.
On December 23, Governor Kate Brown announced changes to the state’s approach to reopening schools. Rather than mandating that all school districts meet designated health metrics to begin in-person instruction, she has made those metrics advisory — meaning the decision to reopen will be made at the district level instead of the state level. However, the bulk of the 90-pages of safety requirements issued by the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) and the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) in the Ready Schools Safe Learners Guidance have not changed.
As we plan for the next steps, we’re currently considering several factors:
- On January 19, ODE is expected to announce revisions to the Ready Schools Safe Learners Guidance. We’re waiting to see if the state eases cohort numbers (current requirement: student cannot be exposed to more than 100 students/week) and social distancing requirements (currently requirement: 35 square feet of space per student). Those changes could impact what the District would be able to offer in terms of in-person instruction.
- Also on January 19, the state may change the health metrics. Under the previously-mandated health metrics, positive COVID-19 cases in Washington and Multnomah Counties had to drop below 100 per 100,000 residents (during the previous two-week period) to begin in-person instruction. As of this writing, the current case count in Washington and Multnomah Counties is 324 and 342, respectively.
- The Governor has prioritized teachers and district staff who have regular contact with students to be vaccinated in Phase 1b, after health care workers and residents of nursing facilities. As of this writing, it’s unclear when those vaccinations will be administered.
- Currently, changes in working conditions are being bargained with our teachers' association, the Beaverton Education Association (BEA). As such, finalized plans are subject to agreements made in those negotiations.
Given what we know at this moment, here’s our current thinking. We must emphasize that these plans are NOT final.
- Current guidance from ODE prioritizes the return of students in grades PreK - 2 to in-person instruction first. While not finalized, current hybrid plans have students who elect to come back to school being assigned to either mornings or afternoons (total in-school time: 2 ½ hours) on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. When not at school, these students would be learning online. All students would be online on Wednesdays. Currently, we don’t have a start date identified. We hope to know more after January 19. Prior to returning to in-person instruction, elementary families will be asked to make a commitment to either hybrid or Comprehensive Distance Learning (CDL) instruction.
- Because the District has committed to providing a Comprehensive Distance Learning (CDL) option for the entire school year, families should expect some teacher reassignments. Whether your elementary student remains in CDL or opts for in-person hybrid instruction, your child’s teacher may change. We realize that this is not ideal, but it’s also unavoidable. We will do everything in our power to minimize any disruptions to your child’s learning.
- Because middle and high school students have several classes and are exposed to more students, in-person instruction under current required safety protocols remains impossible. Our tentative plan is to have all secondary students remain online in Comprehensive Distance Learning (CDL). However, we are considering offering limited in-person instruction (LIPI) for students with disabilities, emerging bilingual students and students without reliable internet connectivity. We also may invite students who have credit-recovery needs to come to campuses.
- We know that our secondary students are desperately missing social interaction. To meet these needs, we’d also try to facilitate small-group, in-person interactions. For example, we may be able to bring students in for AVID, clubs, community service, specific course activities and specific social activities. In terms of school-sponsored sports and activities, we’ll continue to follow guidance from the Oregon School Activities Association (OSAA).
We appreciate that many of you have passionately shared your opinions with us over the past few weeks — whether you adamantly want your child to return to in-person learning or you adamantly believe students should continue online. At the end of day, no solution will be perfect. We’re simply trying to do what’s in the best interest of our children in vastly imperfect times - both in terms of their education and their safety — and the safety of our staff.
For now, we will continue in Comprehensive Distance Learning (CDL) and await changes to be announced by ODE on January 19 — after which, we will have a better idea of how to proceed.
As always, thank you for your continued patience and support.
Picture Day is Coming on Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2021
Dorian Studio will be at Jacob Wismer on Wednesday, Jan. 27 to take student photographs. Please watch for a School Messenger communication that will include a link to sign up for an appointment slot and ordering information. Stringent safety protocols will be in place, however, the event is optional if parents choose not to have their child participate.
JW Parents: Please Join Us! RSVP Link
Student Slideshow: Invitation to Participate
As we plan for our Winter assembly (date TBD at this time), we would like to include a student slideshow similar to the one that we included in our last all-school virtual assembly. Students who want to participate should submit a photo of themselves with a book that they recommend to this link. The submission due date is next Friday, Jan. 15.
Wed., Jan 20th Reminder
Because there is no school on Jan. 18 (Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday), Wednesday Jan. 20 will be a regular school day like M, T, Th and F. Please contact your child's teacher if you have any questions.
TAG Parent Input Forms Due by Jan. 29, 2021
If you think your child might qualify for TAG, here is the link to the Parent Information Form. Please complete and return the form to Jolene Urban in our school office by Friday, Jan. 29, 2021.
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K-3 Parent Information Form - submit the form to Jolene Urban*
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4-8 Parent Information Form - submit the form to Jolene Urban*
*Email the form to: Jolene Urban at jolene_urban@beaverton.k12.or.us or send by US mail to: Jolene Urban, Jacob Wismer Elementary School, 5477 NW Skycrest Parkway, Portland, OR 97229
Book Stop Contest Coming in February!
Enter drawings to win these awesome Pokemon prizes!
Hint: Be sure you know how to use the Destiny Discover program to hold and pickup books!
Safe Routes to School 2021 Art Contest
BSD students in grades K-5 are encouraged to enter the 2nd Annual Walk + Roll K-5 Art Contest. This year’s theme is “Places We Love to Walk + Roll.” The deadline to enter is January 29. The grand prize is a new bicycle from Washco Bikes. Visit www.beaverton.k12.or.us/safe-routes and link for contest details. Please share with your children.
Sunset HS New Year's Zoom Party 2021
Behavioral Health and Wellness
Creating spaces for All Emotions
As we return to the routines of school, even at a distance, children might be experiencing strong emotions, such as frustration or sadness, as they adjust from the winter break. This Take-Home Skill by the Greater Good Science Center will provide a quick guide for caregivers to encourage their children to verbalize and discuss their feelings and emotions. By creating space for all emotions, this increases children’s secure attachment through spending time with your children to support their experiences with their emotions.
Literacy Resources for Parents
Shanna Schwartz, the Curriculum Coordinator for Primary Literacy at the Teachers College Reading & Writing Project at Columbia University, provided outstanding professional development for BSD teachers in December. She also shared the following resources for parents which we encourage you to explore.
Box Tops for Education ~ Please Participate!
Dear Families and Friends,
During this challenging time, our teachers and students need more help than ever. Usually by this time of year we have collected over $500 worth of Box Tops for our school through the General Mills Box Top program. Our school has only collected $47 to date due to the trying times and the change from clipping Box Tops (the pink ones) to scanning the receipt (The blue logo tells us that we need to scan the receipt to earn the rewards instead turning in the blue label). No matter what school looks like, Box Tops for Education is a fast and easy way for you to help out from home.
The Box Tops program has been around for over 20 years, and it really works. In fact, Box Tops for Education has helped give Jacob Wismer Elementary $21,634 to fill in the gaps since we joined the program. In 2019, the program evolved to become digital so that we can earn for our school with just the touch of a button.
HERE’S HOW IT WORKS: Buy participating products and use the Box Tops mobile app to scan your store receipt. The app identifies eligible products and automatically adds Box Tops to your school's earnings online. Even if you’re shopping online or doing grocery pickup, you can still submit your e-receipts and earn Box Tops.
Have physical Box Tops? As long as they aren’t expired you can save them and turn them in for 10 cents each when in-person school resumes. Have some that will expire before then? Please contact our school’s coordinator, Martine Ayers, to find a safe way to get them to her; whether that is thru the mail or a porch drop off or pick up. You can reach her by email (martine.ayers@gmail.com) or phone (541-231-5971) if you have any questions or are unfamiliar with the program and have too many questions to begin let her, help you, help our school!
Twice a year, our school gets a check! Your earnings may seem small, but they really do add up. The more people that participate, the bigger the impact we can make. So, let's give our teachers the support they need and help give more kids the opportunity to dream. Little by little, we can help make a big difference!
Resources from Our Community Libraries
Current Services at Cedar Mill & Bethany Libraries
NEW and NOTEABLE Titles for All Ages and Across All Formats: Find what's available now, including graphic novels, early readers, books in Chinese, Spanish, Tamil and more.
One World Many Faiths: Celebrate the diversity of faiths in picture books!
Favorite Children's Non-fiction Books of 2020: A timely, beautiful and interesting selection of books that were published in 2020.
Virtual Read to the Dogs program for beginning or struggling readers with DoveLewis Canine Therapy Team!
OBOB Trivia for Grades 3-5 - Registration information can be found on our OBOB website, along with practice questions for this year's books.
December 7, 2020
Wishing Your Family a Safe & Peaceful Winter Break!
Marathon Kids Q & A Meeting & FAQ Document: Link
Mr. V has created an FAQ document (see above link) that answers many of the questions that students and parents have had regarding Marathon Kids. The FAQ document will be updated as new information and questions arise.
If you have any other questions that are not answered here, please join Mr. V for a question & answer session on Zoom. You can come in at any point during the meeting session to get your questions answered.
Marathon Kids Question & Answer Session with Mr. V
Wednesday, Dec. 9, 12:00-1:00
Meeting ID: 754 954 2880 Passcode: 240133
Student Ideas for Spirit Days
We are planning our next Spirit Week for the end of January 2021 and are collecting ideas from students for daily themes (ex. crazy hair day). The form will allow students to submit up to three ideas (students will only be able to submit one form). The survey will close on Friday, Jan. 8, 2021. Here is the link to the form: https://forms.gle/oJhrqoaVRFphgCk59
Please encourage your child to submit their creative and fun ideas!
Please Help our Library!
We still have many books that were not returned from last school year, totaling almost $3,000. Please return these books as soon as possible so that we can safely redistribute them to other families. All books can be returned on a cart outside of the Book Stop, near the playground, daily from 11-3:30.
If you have lost any of these books, please pay the replacement fee via online.
Thank you for your help!
Wed. Jan. 20 is a Synchronous Day
Please mark your calendars: Because there is no school for students on Monday, Jan. 18, we will have a regular synchronous teaching day (like Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays & Fridays) on Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021.
Kindergarten Student Photos
Thank you to all of our kindergarten parents who have submitted photos of the kindergarten student for our student data management system. If you have not submitted your child photo (we are still missing a few), please do so at your earliest convenience by completing this form: Link
Please remember that the photo must be:
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A portrait view of your child's face (front not side view) from the waist up
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A solid color background
Behavioral Health & Wellness
Holidays During the Pandemic
As we head into the holidays, families everywhere are struggling to make plans appropriate for the pandemic. This article by the Child Mind Institute gives families tips for reducing stress, helping kids cope with change, and ideas for making new traditions for any celebration. By following these tips, family celebrations can feel as good as possible during this unusual year.
As we head into the holidays, families everywhere are struggling to make plans appropriate for the pandemic. This article by the Child Mind Institute gives families tips for reducing stress, helping kids cope with change, and ideas for making new traditions for any celebration. By following these tips, family celebrations can feel as good as possible during this unusual year.
Sunset HS Future Apollos Opportunity!
Attention, Eagles! We want to tell you about a wonderful new opportunity coming your way! The “Future Apollos” committee is a group of Sunset high school Leadership students who are excited to make a positive impact in our Jacob Wismer community. Starting on Wednesday, December 2nd, these students from Sunset High school will be offering zoom sessions every Wednesday for our Jacob Wismer students. In these sessions, you will have the opportunity to connect in breakout rooms and do games, activities and/or get help with assignments. It’s a great way to build community and help our students make positive connections with their older peers. We encourage you to join us! Please look at this Slide Deck to learn more. If you have questions, please contact Ms. Patterson at margaret_patterson@beaverton.k12.or.us
BSD Winter Break Meals
Beaverton School District Nutrition Services will be providing free meals to all children ages 1-18 during Winter break. Meal boxes consist of 5 breakfasts and 5 lunches and there are pick-up locations at both Sunset High School and Westview High School. To receive meals, families must fill out this form due on December 11th.
Resources from Beaverton Libraries
We know how important and challenging access to books is during CDL. The Beaverton City Library has great options for getting books to kids that we want to make sure everyone knows about. It would be great for teachers to share this information with families and encourage them to use the Library curbside / walk up pick up for book bundles and checking out books.
Beaverton Library
Cedar Mill & Bethany Library
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Library Services (place holds to pick up)
Other Resources
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BSD followed by your child’s student ID number (Example: BSD123456)
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Cold Weather Doesn’t Mean You Need to Stay Inside!
With the change in weather it can be tempting to stay indoors. We know that our kids need to move every day and the extensive associated benefits of physical exercise. Here are some tips to help you build healthy (and fun!) habits into the remote school day:
- Start your day by taking a walk or a bike ride. Do you still travel to a different location for school? Then make that trip an active one! Too far to walk? Try parking halfway and walking the rest. Commit to walking or biking 2 days a week and start building those healthy habits.
- Take movement breaks in between classes or at lunch time. A brisk walk around the block will get your heart pumping and re-energize you for the rest of your day.
- Need to pick up your library holds or free lunch? Bike over to your pickup location and reap the benefits of an active trip while checking off your to-do list.
BSD Open Enrollment for 2021-22
The Beaverton School District will offer open enrollment for students living within the BSD service area for the 2021-22 school year at the schools listed below. Applications for open enrollment are available in ENGLISHPDF opens in a new window and SPANISHPDF opens in a new window at each school and at the Administration Center, 16550 SW Merlo Road, Beaverton. The window for accepting applications is Monday, December 7, 2020 through Friday, January 22, 2021, 2:00 p.m. Completed applications should be returned to the school for which the student is applying.
How to submit your application:
Beaverton High School: Applications can be submitted in person or mailed to Beaverton High School, Attention: Ann Skaugset, 13000 SW 2nd Street, Beaverton, OR 97005. You can also email your application to ann_skaugset@beaverton.k12.or.us.
Southridge High School: Applications can be emailed to lorena_alvarez-alonso@beaverton.k12.or.us, or submitted in person at Southridge High School, Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Elementary Schools
No slots available at the elementary school level.
Middle Schools
No slots available at the middle school level.
High Schools
(# of slots open)
(# of slots open)
Beaverton (50)
Southridge (50)
Please see the BSD website for more information about 2021-22 Open Enrollment.
November 23, 2020
Nov. 20 All-School Assembly Link
If you missed our all-school assembly on Friday, here is the link to the video: https://youtu.be/hASaE1EAefQ
Dorian Picture Day Canceled
Due to the Governor's recent pause to stop the spread of coronavirus, our picture day scheduled for Dec. 2 has been canceled. We will let you know when picture day is rescheduled.
Kindergarten Student Photos Requested
Kindergarten parents and guardians: Because we do not know when we will have student photographs taken this year, we request that you send us a photo of your child that we can upload in Synergy, our student data management system. The photo must be:
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A portrait view of your child's face (front not side view) from the waist up
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A solid color background
Please click on this link and upload your photo on this form by Dec. 1, 2020: Link
Note: If your child is new to BSD and does not have a photo in Synergy from last year and is in grades 1-5, we will be collecting photographs at a later date.
5th Grade CogAT Testing Canceled
Due to the Governor's recent pause to stop the spread of coronavirus, the 5th grade CogAT Dec. 2 and 9 testing dates have been canceled. We will let you know when testing is rescheduled.
BSD/Jacob Wismer Marathon Kids 2020-21
The Beaverton School District is excited to announce its partnership with Marathon Kids; a running club that will be available to your student on Wednesday, November 18, 2020.
What is marathon kids?
- An all inclusive running club
- Students track miles run to earn Maratons
- Rewards are available for students when they hit different mile markers
Marathon Kids mission is to get kids moving, one lap at a time, at the pace they choose. Walk, run, jog those laps until they have earned the goals they have set for themselves.
why marathon Kids?
We all know how that exercise and movement are important for not only our physical health, but also our mental health. Research shows that incorporating consistent running/walking routines into students' lives, helps them both physically and mentally. No matter the students ability, they can run/walk/jog at their own pace and set their own mileage goals. This is the perfect activity for students and families to do safely and socially distanced from others, in the time frame that fits each family's schedule.
how will this work during CDL?
Students will run/walk/jog and track their own miles at home with their families. Parents will then submit the miles completed on the Marathon Kids website. Miles will then be approved by the student’s PE teacher.
In order to have access, parents will receive an email to join the schools Marathon Kids Club. Be sure to click on the link in the email to get connected!
when does it start?
As soon as you receive your email and you are logged in, you can start running and tracking your students miles!
Be on the lookout for our Kick Off Turkey Trot event information coming soon! Happy Running!
Middle School Options Portal
This link will take you to the Middle School Options Portal where you can see important application dates and take a virtual open house at all of the options programs.
Device Protection Fees Reminder
If you intend to enroll in the Damage/Loss Protection Program (but have not as of yet), or if you have enrolled but not activated the coverage, you may pay for the coverage using the District's Online Payment System. If you have opted out of the Protection Plan, please disregard this reminder.
All students are automatically enrolled in the Damage and Loss Protection Program and have the $20 fee added to their account. The maximum fee is $60 per family per school year. Parents may choose to decline coverage, but this is not recommended, because the family is assuming full responsibility for any costs due to damage, loss or theft. These costs could be as much as $300 per incident, regardless of how it happens.
For more information, please visit https://www.beaverton.k12.or.us/departments/future-ready/chromebook-resources
Safety at the JW Book Stop
Our Book Stop can get very busy at times, so we are asking families to please help us to reduce the line by reserving books before you visit, whenever possible.
Please use our online system to reserve books at least one hour before coming to the Book Stop.
It's easy and the best way to ensure that your child receives the books they want! We have them all ready for them to pick up, and if they see more on display they can certainly add to their book pile.
More information and step-by-step instructions are on our website:
Behavioral Health and Wellness
the importance of gratitude for kids-part 2
Thanksgiving is the perfect time to stop and talk with your kids about gratitude. It’s definitely something that in this age of instantaneous everything, it’s nice to focus on. This gratitude activity for kids is the perfect way to focus on gratitude in a fun way. Click on the link to print out your own gratitude Tic Tac Toe board, and enjoy a simple and fun way to connect with your loved ones and focus on all you are grateful for! Access the free printable by clicking here.
Internet Activity Reports & Filtering/Archiving Page
This weekend IT began sending Parent Reports for students who have iPad devices. General information on these activity reports can be found here (link). If there are problems with the report, please submit a student help desk ticket at shd@beaverton.k12.or.us and provide:
Student Name
Contact Information (phone number)
School
Student ID
Description of Issue
iPad Serial Number
IT has also rolled out a new Filtering & Archiving page located at (link). This new filtering page explains:
- The different layers of internet filtering the district provides
- How we provide extra protections using Lightspeed Classroom and Google Apps
- And if a family is interested in filtering sites at home, where they can find resources to do just that
November 9, 2020
Reminder: No School for Students Nov. 11 & 13
Please remember that there is no school for students this Wednesday, Nov. 11 (Veterans' Day) and Friday, Nov. 13 (Grading Day). The Book Stop will also be closed on these days.
JW Virtual Spirit Week is Almost Here! November 16-20
Picture Day is Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2020
Photographers from Dorian Studios will be at Jacob Wismer on Wednesday, Dec. 2 to take student photographs. The link for parents to sign up for photo appointments and order their photo packages online for their child(ren) will be published in the November 23 Journal and sent out by School Messenger.
New Chromebooks for 3rd-5th Students - Last Call!
All 3rd, 4th and 5th graders should now have the newer model Chromebook. The newer model is a significant improvement over the older model and even comes with a stylus. If your child did not swap their old Chromebook out for a new one during our recent Chromebook Swap event, we still have a few new devices left. Please contact Lori Secker at lori_secker@beaverton.k12.or.us or call 503-356-2150 if your 3rd, 4th or 5th grade child is still using an old Chromebook that you would like to exchange for a new one. New Chromebooks will be given out on a first come, first served basis while supplies last.
JW Book Stop is Closed on Non-Student Contact Days
Please remember that our The JW Book Stop is closed on days when there is no school for students. These days include holidays, grading days, staff development days, breaks, etc.
TAG UpDate
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and our current reality of Comprehensive Distance Learning, CDL, the BSD TAG testing process will look different this year. Teachers will spend this Fall/Winter collecting evidence on how students respond to differentiation within their distance learning classroom. School TAG facilitators will collect nominations from teachers and parents this Fall/Winter and along with collected evidence, decisions will be made on which students will be selected to test in person after March, 2021.
TAG Testing
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CogAT
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The CogAT Screener will not be administered to all 3rd & 5th grade students this year.
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Grade 5 students will be invited to take the CogAT Full Version at designated test sites on December 2 or December 9. Scores can be used for both TAG/Summa. Invitations for testing will be emailed from the District mid November.
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A school TAG committee will determine which K-3 students take the CogAT, based on nominations and collected evidence. Testing will occur after March, 2021.
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Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS: Reading and/or Math) - TBD
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A committee will convene to look at achievement testing during CDL and recommendations will be made for the testing process.
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Summa Testing and Eligibility
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Scores from the 3rd grade CogAT Full Version will be used for Summa eligibility. This is a change from last year.
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Scores from 4th grade ITBS Reading and Math tests will be used for Summa eligibility.
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Students will be notified in early November of their eligibility. Students who are eligible do not require further testing.
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All Grade 5 students will be invited to take the CogAT Full Version at a designated test site on December 2 or December 9. Invitations to all 5th graders will be emailed from the District in mid November.
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The process for reading and math achievement is currently under review. Updates will be posted once decisions have been made.
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Summa and Learning Options
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There will be no Summa applications this year. Eligible students will be notified and asked to electronically confirm or decline a Summa position during January 27-February 3, 2021.
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Students may apply for one Learning Option in addition to being eligible for Summa.
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Students who are selected through the Options Lottery or from Second Consideration AND are eligible for Summa will need to make a choice by February 3, 2021.
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Governor Releases New Health Metric Requirements
On Oct. 30, 2020, Governor Kate Brown announced that she is relaxing the criteria required to open school in a hybrid model (part in-school/part online).
Given current data, Beaverton School District does NOT qualify to move into a hybrid model at this time. You can find the full details in the Governor’s announcement. Over the coming weeks, we’ll be considering these new metrics and whether or not they will change our timeline for implementing a hybrid model. We continue to prioritize the safety of our staff and students while balancing the desire to bring students back on-site for in-person instruction.
Parent Communication in Lieu of Conferences
This year the calendar adjustments to accommodate remote learning have shifted how learning time is used. The District chose to keep student-contact days instead of setting aside two non-student learning days so that parent teacher conferences could occur at the elementary level. Weekly embedded Student Family Connection time in school schedules is intended to allow for regular opportunities for educators and families to communicate. Students do best when parents can support student learning through engaging in two-way communication with educators to support learning.
Behavioral Health & Wellness
The Importance of Gratitude for Kids - Part 1
Studies show that gratitude for kids can be a very powerful tool, with lots of benefits to mental and physical health. They include things like:
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Higher levels of happiness and optimism
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Improved sleep
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Less stress and an improved ability to cope with stress
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Fewer physical problems
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Reduced depression
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Less aggression
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Increased self esteem
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Improved resilience
The more children practice gratitude, the better they get at it and the greater the benefits. In fact, studies show that the benefits can be seen after just 2 weeks of gratitude practice, and they can last up to 6 months! So it’s definitely worth introducing kids to some simple gratitude exercises. Follow this link for a fun gratitude activity to try with your family in November. Gratitude
BSD Safe Routes to School Update
On Sunday, Nov. 1st, we lost an hour and it will be darker earlier. With shorter days this time of year, all road users should be extra alert to see each other. Here are some suggestions to help everyone stay safe on the road:
• Wear bright reflective clothing when walking or rolling.
• Don’t assume people driving will see you. Make eye contact before crossing in front of vehicles.
• Be alert! Keep eyes and ears open, especially while crossing the street.
• Cyclists should make sure to have lights and wear helmets – it is the law, and it helps people see you and keep you safe.
• Driving or biking? Use extra caution and slow down in the dark and rain. Always be alert for people on foot or bike at intersections, crosswalks (marked and unmarked), bike lanes and in school zones. Do not text and drive – it’s against the law, carries steep fines and is unsafe for all road users.
October 26, 2020
Principal Message
First of all, I want to express my appreciation for the support and care you are giving your child(ren) during on-line learning. I am aware of the challenges that this presents for parents and students. While this is not what we would hope for, I appreciate how all are making the best of the situation. Teachers are working tremendously hard, students are engaging and trying to the best of their ability and parents are giving so much. It is a remarkable time in so many ways!
One of the many aspects of my work that I enjoy the most is being in classrooms and watching children at work. The focus of our work with children is to engage them in thoughtful, rigorous work, hold them to high expectations and provide just enough support so that they can complete tasks independently. There is a sweet spot between offering too much and not enough help or support. As teachers, we have come to learn that when we step in to support at the first sign of struggle for a child, rather than giving them time and space to work through the challenge independently, we tend to limit their learning. In order for students to truly become independent learners, they need to believe in themselves and their ability to persist through the challenges they encounter.
We certainly do not want children to get the point where they feel frustrated and give up, but we do want them to experience success by working through tasks on their own or with a peer. When students make meaning on their own, ask questions for understanding and see that their hard work resulted in success then they not only feel better about themselves, their learning is far more durable. If the work is too easy or we support them too much, they may get the “right answer”, but their sense of self and the quality of the learning is not as strong.
This is part of our ongoing work, whether in person or on-line. As a school we continue to explore how to do this depth of work well. We invite you into this learning with us. If you see your child struggling, here are somethings you can do to help:,
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Ask leading questions to guide their thinking
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Instead of asking what they don’t understanding, ask them what they do understand about the task
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Have them step away from the task and come back to it to give their subconscious time to wrestle with the work
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Encourage your child to see mistakes as opportunities to learn
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Praise them for their persistence
I am so proud of teachers and students and all they have accomplished this fall. We have all been engaged in our own “productive struggle”. As always, do not hesitate to reach out with questions, concerns or tips for how we can help you support your child at home.
New Chromebooks for 3rd-5th Graders
If your 3rd, 4th or 5th grader did not swap their old Chromebook for a new one at our "swap" event last week, please email Lori Secker at lori_secker@beaverton.k12.or.us to set up a time to get one. We would like ALL 3-5 students to have the newer model since they work much better than the older models and also come with a stylus.
CDL Extension for Pre-K to 3rd
Due to health metrics, the District previously announced plans to extend Comprehensive Distance Learning (CDL) through the end of first semester (February 4) for grades 4-12. We are now announcing the same decision for grades Pre K-3. Comprehensive Distance Learning will be extended for younger students through February 4.
As previously stated, the criteria established by Governor Kate Brown for starting hybrid learning for grades Pre K-3 students is different than grades 4-12:
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30 or fewer cases of COVID-19 per 100,000 people in Washington (and Multnomah) County over 7 days for 3 weeks in a row
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Test positivity of 5% or less in Washington (and Multnomah) County over 7 days for 3 weeks in a row
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COVID-19 is not actively spreading in the school community
Current health metrics for both Washington and Multnomah Counties are not trending in a desirable direction. (As a reminder, while the Beaverton School District is located in Washington County, we’re linked with Multnomah County because more than 10% of our employees live in that neighboring county.)
COVID Metrics
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Washington County
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Multnomah County
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September 13
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29.8 / 5.2%
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32.1 / 5.3%
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September 20
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37.3 / 5.6%
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45.0 / 5.6%
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September 27
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42.4 / 5.5%
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40.8 / 6.4%
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October 4
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46.6 / 5.6%
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58.9 / 6.7%
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Know that if the District were to see a drastic change in metrics or the Oregon Department of Education/Oregon Health Authority changed the guidance, we could alter our decision. Our goal is to provide you with as much information as possible so that your family can make plans accordingly. Thank you for your continued support.
Visit our NEW JW Library Website!
https://sites.google.com/beaverton.k12.or.us/jacobwismerlibrary/home
Behavioral Health and Wellness: Growing Friendships During the Pandemic Series Part 3: Stay Strong
"The coronavirus pandemic has made friendship extra complicated for kids. Many are feeling lonely, anxious, and upset, wondering, “Will I even have any friends when this is over?” This practical and funny ebook helps children ages 6–9 navigate the challenges of social distancing.” In Part 3, kids (and parents) can learn about how families have different rules for handling the pandemic and what kinds of things you can do to “stay strong”. Kids will learn the importance of following safety rules and persevering when feeling fed up and frustrated.
2021-22 Option School Application Process Now Open
Option school applications for the 2021-2022 school year open today.
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Current BSD students may apply online using their student ID.
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All applicants must reside within the Beaverton School District boundaries.
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Resident students not currently attending a Beaverton school (i.e. homeschool or private school students) will need to complete a paper application available online or at any school office.
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Applicants who don’t have internet access may complete a paper application.
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Students may only select one option on their applications.
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Please give careful consideration to your choice of school. Once an application has been submitted, no changes will be allowed.
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Raleigh Hills and Springville will only be accepting applications for 7th and 8th grades.
Applications must be received no later than December 11 at 4:00 p.m. Important dates, deadlines and answers to frequently asked questions can be found on the Learning Options webpage.
Parent Tips for Remote Learning Success
Tip #1 - Don't hover or do your child's work for them
Take on the role of "encourager" by being positive and interested in your child's online learning. Help them start a learning task but don't hover. By correcting their mistakes and doing their work for them, you are not giving them the chance to learn from their own experience which it vital to their success virtually and when they return to school.
Tip #2 - Connect with the teacher if you're worried about task completion
If you're worried that your child isn't completing all of the assigned tasked, contact your child's teacher who can advise you on which tasks your child should focus on.
Tip #3 - Don't play the role of the "teacher"
Although this new learning environment will more than likely require a more hands-on approach from parents, try not to fall into the trap of becoming their teacher. Try not to correct their work or interfere with the learning process.
Tip #4 - Stay connected
Discuss any concerns, questions or requests with your child's teacher who is eager to support you. Reach out to other parents and consider setting up virtual play dates to establish peer connections.
Tip #5 - Help your child create and stick to a routine
Work together with your child to create a schedule that works for them. Focus on setting up a sustainable routine that can accommodate both your child's and your needs. Routines are helpful to get your child into a positive headspace for learning.
(from Dulwich College International)
Resources from Our Community Partner:
October's issue features:
Child Care Subsidy
Washington County has secured a grant through the federal CARES Act to provide child care subsidies to parents/guardians. The Beaverton School District will be distributing approximately $2.4 million to families who are eligible and apply for these subsidies. In other words, if you pay for child care, you could be eligible to receive money to help cover some or all of your out-of-pocket expenses.
Eligibility Requirements
Monthly Household Income
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Child Care Cost per Child*
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Child Care Subsidy
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$0 - $6,250
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Up to $1,415
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Up to $1,415
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$6,251- $9,375
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Up to $1,415
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Up to $715
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Over $9,375
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Up to $1,415
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Up to $415
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*Maximum assumed cost per child based on Washington County average for a child, age 0-3
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You are a parent or guardian who has a child (or children), age 0 (birth) to 17 years old.
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You live in the Beaverton School District attendance area. However, your child does not need to be enrolled in the district.
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Your child has been enrolled with a licensed child care provider any time after August 1, 2020 AND/OR your child will be enrolled with a licensed child care provider before December 30, 2020. Check the state’s list of licensed child care providers to verify that your child care provider is licensed.
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Your job qualifies you as an “essential worker” (pages 7-23). Qualifying industries include (but are not limited to) health care, public safety, education, food service, grocery, agriculture, energy, water and wastewater, hazardous waste, transportation, logistics, government, public works, communications, information technology, critical manufacturing, defense, finance and housing. If you’re unsure if your job qualifies, simply apply.
If you answered “yes” to the above questions, you qualify for a child care subsidy up to $1415/month per child.
We will be opening the application window on October 28, 2020. To apply, visit the Child Care Subsidy website: https://www.beaverton.k12.or.us/child-care-subsidy. If you do not have internet access, you can pick up a paper application at your school or the District Office (16550 SW Merlo Drive, Beaverton). If you have questions, email child-care-subsidy@beaverton.k12.or.us.
In preparation to apply, we suggest that you gather the following information to include with your application. The funds will be distributed until they are gone. It is in your best interest to apply early.
Required Documentation
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Receipts or invoices for any child care expenses paid or to be paid to a licensed child care provider, starting August 1, 2020 through December 30, 2020: If you do not have your receipts or invoices, ask your child care provider for copies. If you participate in an Employment-Related Day Care (ERDC) program or any program that already subsidizes your child care expenses, know that you may only claim your out-of-pocket child care expenses (the portion that you pay) for this subsidy. You’ll need to either scan or take a photo of your documents to upload online. If you’re applying via a paper application, you’ll need to include copies of your receipts or invoices.
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Valid license number for your child care provider: Ask your provider for the number or check online.
We’ll be sending a reminder next week prior to the application window opening. If you need translation assistance, please contact our Multilingual Department before October 28 at 503-356-3755.
“Color a Smile” Volunteer Opportunity
Color a Smile is a nonprofit organization that distributes cheerful drawings to senior citizens, our troops overseas, and anyone in need of a smile. This is a great volunteer project to do from home during the pandemic. Color a Smile shows kids they have the ability to help others and spread joy during this difficult time. Anyone can volunteer and we encourage our Jacob Wismer families to check it out! Instructions can be found on their website: colorasmile.org
October 12, 2020
Talented & Gifted (TAG) Update
Every year students are considered for Talented and Gifted services in the Beaverton School District. These services are provided by your child's classroom teacher(s). Oregon law and District policy define gifted students as those who score at or above the 97th percentile on a standardized, nationally normed test of mental ability and/or academic achievement in reading and/or math. Behavioral, learning, and/or performance information is also considered before a student is identified for TAG services.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and our current reality of Comprehensive Distance Learning, our TAG evaluation process will look different this year. We will administer in-person TAG testing after January 11, 2021. Until then, teachers will collect evidence on how your student responds to differentiation within their distance learning classroom. This evaluation may include: file reviews, teacher and student observations, a collection of work samples, and/or individual or group assessments. This process may take some time, but every effort will be made to complete the evaluation in a timely manner. Parents will be notified of their school’s in-person testing dates in January.
If you think your child might qualify for TAG, here is the link to the Parent Information Form. Please complete and return the form to Jolene Urban in our school office.
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K-3 Parent Information Form - submit the form to Jolene Urban*
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4-8 Parent Information FormPDF opens in a new window - submit the form to Jolene Urban*
*Email the form to: Jolene Urban at jolene_urban@beaverton.k12.or.us or send by US mail to: Jolene Urban, Jacob Wismer Elementary School, 5477 NW Skycrest Parkway, Portland, OR 97229
Completing this form gives our school TAG Committee more information about your child, but it is not required. All qualified students will be considered regardless of the form’s completion.
The latest TAG information and Summa information can now be found on our school website at: https://jacobwismer.beaverton.k12.or.us/academics/talented-and-gifted-tag
Main JW page > Academics > Talented & Gifted (TAG)
2021-2022 Full-Time Learning Options Lottery & Admission Information-Apply beginning Oct. 19
Beaverton students in grades 6-12 have the opportunity to investigate learning options that best fit their academic needs. Students can choose their neighborhood school or apply to a Learning Option Program. Transportation is provided.
Please do some online research on the Learning Options Programs and attend one or more of the virtual open houses.
Applications for the 2021-2022 school year will be available starting October 19:
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Current BSD students may apply online using their student ID.
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All applicants must reside within the Beaverton School District boundaries.
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Resident students not currently attending a Beaverton school (i.e. homeschool or private school students) will need to complete a paper application available online or at any school office beginning October 19.
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Applicants who don’t have internet access may complete a paper application.
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Students may only select one option on their applications.
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Please give careful consideration to your choice of school. Once an application has been submitted, no changes will be allowed.
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Raleigh Hills and Springville will only be accepting applications for 7th and 8th grades.
Applications must be received no later than December 11 at 4:00 p.m.
Important dates, deadlines and answers to frequently asked questions can be found on the Learning Options webpage.
Please have your children turn on their Zoom video so we can...
...read their facial expressions to see if they are understanding what is being taught, if they are confused about their assignment or if they need more instruction/directions.
...see if they are participating in a movement activity such as a game in PE, singing a song in music or giving a thumbs up or down to see if they understand a concept.
...increase their ability to build relationships with other students especially when they are working in breakout rooms.
...increase their ability to build relationships with the teacher, counselor, paraeducators and other trusted Jacob Wismer staff.
...give them the means to share their work visually with other students.
...increase their whole class' perception that they are a classroom community.
Thank you for your help!
Comprehensive Distance Learning Update
At the Sept. 29, 2020 School Board meeting, administrators announced plans to extend Comprehensive Distance Learning (CDL) through the end of first semester (February 8) for grades 4-12. We continue to consider extending CDL through February 8 for grades Pre K-3.
Grades 4-12
We’ve been watching the county and state COVID-19 metrics closely. While the Beaverton School District is located in Washington County, we’re linked with Multnomah County because more than 10% of our employees live in that neighboring county. To be able to start hybrid learning (part in-school/part CDL) for grades 4-12, the following metrics would have to be met:
- 10 or fewer cases of COVID-19 per 100,000 people in Washington (and Multnomah) County over 7 days for 3 weeks in a row
- Test positivity of 5% or less in Washington (and Multnomah) County over 7 days for 3 weeks in a row
- Test positivity of 5% or less statewide over 7 days for 3 weeks in a row
Given the trajectory of the health metrics, we don’t believe that we’ll realistically meet those numbers by November 16, the end of the first quarter. We have previously communicated that we’d be making the decision to continue in CDL on a quarter-by-quarter basis.
Grades Pre K-3
As established by Governor Kate Brown, the criteria for starting hybrid learning with Pre K-3 students is different:
- 30 or fewer cases of COVID-19 per 100,000 people in Washington (and Multnomah) County over 7 days for 3 weeks in a row
- Test positivity of 5% or less in Washington (and Multnomah) County over 7 days for 3 weeks in a row
- COVID-19 is not actively spreading in the school community
Again, current health metrics aren’t trending in a positive direction. However, we’ll wait until October 19 to make a final decision for the quarter.
Know that if we were to see a drastic change in metrics or the Oregon Department of Education/Oregon Health Authority changed the guidance, we could alter our decision. Our goal is to provide you with as much information as possible so that your family can make plans accordingly.
Book Stop Safety Precaution Reminders
To keep everyone safe, please be sure to practice social distancing (guidelines are marked for your convenience), wear masks and use the provided hand sanitizer when visiting the Book Stop.
All books are quarantined for 7 days before they are checked in and available to another student, which far exceeds the CDC guidelines.
Let's be safe and keep reading!
Behavioral Health and Wellness
Growing Friendships During the Pandemic Series Part 2: Message with Kindness
“The coronavirus pandemic has made friendship extra complicated for kids. Many are feeling lonely, anxious, and upset, wondering, “Will I even have any friends when this is over?” This practical and funny e-book helps children ages 6–9 navigate the challenges of social distancing.” In Part 2, kids (and parents) can learn about ways to cope with feeling cut off from friends when they don’t respond. As you explore Part 2 of this e-book with your child, you can discuss the ways a friendship might change or feel different during the pandemic and how your child can respond to worried feelings.
In case you missed Part 1 of this e-book, here is a link.
Beaverton School District seeks applicants for Social Studies Project Team
Teachers, students, parents, administrators, and community members are encouraged to apply to serve on the Beaverton School District’s Social Studies Project Team. The Social Studies Project Team will review existing Social Studies curriculum and practices in order to make curriculum adoption recommendations to the School Board. The Project Team’s work will begin on October 20, 2020 and will conclude by June of 2021. For more information on the Social Studies Project Team and a link to the application, please click here or email susan_ouellette@beaverton.k12.or.us
Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Awareness Week (October 12-16)
BSD will be promoting its first Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Awareness Week (October 12-16) to spread awareness of actions that we can all take to prevent suicide and reduce the stigma related to mental health concerns. Last school year, BSD staff completed 138 suicide screenings and/or interventions for elementary-aged students.Unfortunately, we suspect the number of students struggling with a mental health crisis was much higher.
As part of our effort to support student wellness, students at Jacob Wismer will be receiving Social Emotional instruction to promote positive mental health and navigating their feelings. Children and young people in particular can be overwhelmed by stress during an event like the COVID-19 pandemic. These stressors include changes in routine, breaks in continuity of learning, missing significant life events and feeling less safe and secure due to loss of housing or a shortage of food resources.
We wanted to highlight a few resources for parents of elementary-aged children that can be found on our website. Learn more about mental health and how to engage kids in important topics by accessing the resources at eachmindmatters.org. The organization has gathered quite a list of resources. Specifically related to COVID-19, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has developed a Parental Resources Kit. It includes resources, by age group, to help you support your child’s social, emotional and mental well-being.
BSD Approved Flyers
Due to COVID-19 facility closures, BSD is not accepting flyers for review at this time with the exception of approved childcare. Below please find the link to the approved list of flyers for October 2020. Flyers approved for Electronic Student Distribution are listed alphabetically under elementary. Please note there are NO Approved Flyers for Community Table or Staff Lounge Distribution during CDL. Copy and paste the link below of the After-school Activities page in your school newsletter, or you can access it on your webpage under Family Tab.
Approved Flyers for Electronic Student Distribution – After-school Activities
September 28, 2020
Thank You for Attending our Back to School Night!
Please click here if you missed our Back to School Night Slideshow: Link
Please contact your child's teacher for the Zoom video if you missed their classroom presentation.
TAG Testing
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and our current reality of Comprehensive Distance Learning, the BSD TAG testing process will look different this year. Teachers will spend this Fall collecting evidence on how students respond to differentiation within their distance learning classroom. School TAG facilitators will collect nominations from teachers and parents this Fall, and along with collected evidence, decisions will be made on which students will be selected to test in person after Jan. 11, 2021. More details regarding testing will be updated on or before January 5, 2021.
Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT):
- The CogAT screener will not be administered to all 3rd and 5th graders this year.
- ALL 5th grade students will be invited to take the CogAT Full Version at their neighborhood school in late October/early November. Scores from the full version of the CogAT can be used for both TAG and Summa.
- A school TAG committee will determine which K-3 students take the CogAT based on nominations and collected evidence. Testing will occur after Jan. 11, 2021.
Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS: Reading and/or Math)
- For elementary schools, a school TAG committee will determine which K-5 students take the ITBS based on nominations and collected evidence. Testing will occur after Jan. 11, 2021.
- For middle and high schools, a school TAG committee will determine which 6th-12th grade students will take the ITBS, based on nominations and collected evidence. Testing will occur after Jan. 11, 2021.
Summa Testing
- Grade 5 students will be invited to take the CogAT Full Version at their neighborhood school in late October/early November.
- All 5th grade TAG students will be invited to take the ITBS Reading and Math tests in late November at their neighborhood school.
- All 6th and 7th grade TAG students will be invited to take the ITBS Reading and Math tests after Jan. 11, 2021.
Notes
- A process for nominating your child for TAG will be available in mid October.
- CogAT and ITBS scores are used for TAG identification in all grade levels.
- For current 5th-7th graders, CogAT and ITBS scores administered after July 1, 2019 can be used for Summa eligibility. Test scores must be administered within a school system.
For more information regarding TAG and Summa, please go to the BSD website at: https://www.beaverton.k12.or.us/departments/student-programs/talented-and-gifted
How to Use Destiny to Reserve Library Books
It's easy to reserve and check out a specific book that your student wants at our "Book Stop." Click here for directions:
Navigating to Music & PE Activities in Seesaw
Here is a simple "How To" video if you're experiencing difficulty finding Music and PE activities and assignments in Seesaw: https://youtu.be/lJ_TYtX2km4
International Walk + Roll to Anywhere Day–Oct. 7th!
Join students and families from around the world as you walk or roll in your neighborhood on October 7th. (Please remember to stay 6 feet from those not in your household and wear a mask.) All community members are welcome to participate. Use the link to fill out the google form for each person that joined you on your trip. (BSD students may include name and student ID number for a prize entry). This year students can earn things like flashing safety lights, reflective shoelaces and new bike helmets. Schools with the most participation will also earn a Safe Routes to School book bundle for their school library. Finally, celebrate International Walk + Roll Day with our Beaverton community by visiting our Facebook page @BeavertonSafeRoutes to share a photo of you with a sign telling us why you love to walk, bike, scooter or skate! (Use the hashtag #BSDtogether)
Google Form Link: https://forms.gle/9rBZws7qDdqAj6Ab6
Behavioral Health and Wellness
Growing Friendships During the Pandemic Series Part 1: Start the Fun
“The coronavirus pandemic has made friendship extra complicated for kids. Many are feeling lonely, anxious, and upset, wondering, “Will I even have any friends when this is over?” This practical and funny ebook helps children ages 6–9 navigate the challenges of social distancing.” In Part 1, kids (and parents) can learn about different ways to “start the fun” and connect with friends who are far away. As you explore Part 1 of this e-book with your child, you can find safe ways to help your child foster friendships during this difficult time.
“The coronavirus pandemic has made friendship extra complicated for kids. Many are feeling lonely, anxious, and upset, wondering, “Will I even have any friends when this is over?” This practical and funny ebook helps children ages 6–9 navigate the challenges of social distancing.” In Part 1, kids (and parents) can learn about different ways to “start the fun” and connect with friends who are far away. As you explore Part 1 of this e-book with your child, you can find safe ways to help your child foster friendships during this difficult time.
Beaverton School District seeks applicants for Social Studies Curriculum Adoption Project Team
Parents, guardians, community members, teachers, students and administrators are encouraged to apply to serve on the Beaverton School District Social Studies Project Team. The Social Studies Project Team will review existing Social Studies curriculum and practices to make curriculum adoption recommendations to the School Board. The Project Team is an important part of the BSD Quality Curriculum Cycle (QCC), which provides a systematic means for making decisions about the BSD curriculum review, revision, development, and adoption of practices and instructional resources.
The Project Team’s work will begin on October 20 and will conclude by June 2021. The team will meet on the following weekday evenings from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. via Zoom (unless otherwise communicated): October 20, November 17, January 5, February 16, March 30, April 27 and May 25.
The Project Team and supporting BSD Teacher Cadre will be charged with the following goals:
● Researching best practices and instructional materials to be considered for possible adoption in Social Studies
● Articulating and supporting long-term academic learning targets and assessments in Social Studies
● Recommending professional development and structures for ongoing professional learning
● Participating in learning opportunities in the form of readings, discussion and trainings related to culturally relevant teaching practices
These goals are aligned with Oregon Social Sciences Standards as well as Multicultural Studies and Ethnic Studies Standards (draft)
The District reviews and updates its curriculum, instructional practices and classroom materials according to Board policy and Oregon State Statute and Administrative Regulations.
Membership for the Social Studies Project Team will include:
● Elementary classroom teachers (4)
● Middle school classroom teachers (2)
● High school classroom teachers (2)
● Students (4)
● Parent/Community members (4)
● School administrators (2 elementary, 1 middle school, 1 high school) (4)
● Social Studies specialists (1 elementary, 1 secondary) (2)
● Teaching Specialists, including but not limited to special education, multilingual, dual-language, advanced program and additional content area specialists (6)
● School Board representative (1)
Please note that membership roles/numbers are subject to change based on applications received.
Google Form and/or email submissions are due on Monday, October 5 by 4 p.m.
Applications should include the following information:
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Students: Name, address, school and grade level, plus any special training or experience in Social Studies.
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Parents/Community members: Name, address, ages of children and schools where enrolled (if applicable), plus any special training or experience in Social Studies.
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Teachers & Administrators: Name, address, teaching experience and current assignment.
All: Respond to the following questions/prompts: (please limit your response to no more than one typed page)
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Why do you want to serve on the Social Studies Project Team and what contributions will you make towards its goals?
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Please describe your personal/professional experiences with educational equity work, and your commitment to educational equity in the realm of Social Studies education. (Educational Equity Policy, BSD Equity Lens)
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What unique skills, perspective and voice will you contribute to ensure an inclusive and socially just Social Studies education for all of our students?
Please complete the appropriate online application form here:
Or mail your application including all information listed above to:
Beaverton School District
Teaching and Learning
Attn: Susan Ouellette
16550 SW Merlo Rd.
Beaverton, OR 97003
For questions or additional information, please contact susan_ouellette@beaverton.k12.or.us
September 14, 2020
Welcome Back, Jacob Wismer Families!
Jacob Wismer is having Virtual Back-to-School Nights the week of Sept. 21st. Each grade level has selected different times so parents can attend each of their child's session if they have children at JW in more than one grade level. The times (see above) are the same for the whole grade level but the individual information session will be hosted by your child's classroom teacher. Please don't miss this opportunity to learn about the curriculum, virtual learning schedule and strategies to help your child be successful this year.
"Welcome Back from JW Staff" Slideshow!
Student Passwords
If your child has not changed their password, the password can be found in ParentVue. If, however, your child has changed their password from the original one and they can no longer remember it, parents will should email our Library Media Assistant, Tina Oki Le at Tina_Oki_Le@beaverton.k12.or.us
JW Staffing Changes for 2020-21
Our assistant principal, Erika Heslin, was transferred to Scholls Hts. this summer as their new assistant principal. Wendy Bernard, formerly assistant principal at William Walker, replaces Erika at Jacob Wismer.
Music teacher, Beverly Shuck, has decided to retire and is moving to Montana. Taking Beverly's place at Jacob Wismer is Kelly Angle, who recently taught music at Bonny Slope.
New first grade teacher Andrea Varadi is replacing co-first grade teachers, Jennifer Willis and Katie Alexander. Jennifer Willis has become a Flex Online teacher and Katie Alexander decided to stay home this year with her family and newborn daughter.
Other staffing changes include: 5th grade teacher, Heidi Bossert, is teaching 4th grade at Bonny Slope; former 2nd grade teacher Julie Eggers will now be teaching 3rd grade at JW; Allison Guilfoyle returns to 1st grade after teaching 3rd grade last year; and para-educator, Daniel Eells, has become a Technology Support Special with the district.
Introducing Wendy Bernard, Asst. Principal
Jacob Wismer Families,
My name is Wendy Bernard, and I’d like to formally introduce myself as your new Assistant Principal. I look so forward to being a part of your outstanding community and getting to know each of you better, despite the somewhat limiting circumstances of this time in history!
On a professional level, I have been an educator since 1995, when I first started teaching third grade in Michigan. Since moving to the Portland area in 1998, I have been an elementary classroom teacher, a middle school Language Arts and Social Studies teacher, a Middle Years Program IB Coordinator, a Teacher on Special Assignment (TOSA), a Student Supervisor, and an Assistant Principal at William Walker Elementary. Although I have taught in several states, districts, and schools, at the heart of my experience is the belief that all our students come to us with strengths and the desire to do well. Our work is to create positive, inclusive learning communities for them.
On a personal level, I enjoy spending time with my family, especially out in nature on hikes or bike rides. My son Luke is a 7th grader at Mt. Tabor Middle School in Portland, and he is in the Japanese Immersion Program there. He is still a good sport about playing board games with his mom and dad, and we especially like Yahtzee and Scrabble. We adopted a “pandemic puppy” in March - an English cream golden retriever named Ripley who has already grown to 70 pounds! Needless to say, I spent a lot of the summer at the dog park, but we also enjoyed some road trips around Oregon, including a first ever visit to the Wallowas.
I am already so impressed with Joan’s leadership, and I am thrilled to be able to team with her and learn from her this year. The Jacob Wismer staff is outstanding, and I know they will work so hard to make this a memorable year for your students. I look forward to the opportunity to support you in any way that I can, so please don’t hesitate to reach out to me if I can help with anything.
Warmly,
Wendy Bernard
wendy_bernard@beaverton.k12.or.us
Welcome From Our PE & Music Teachers
Brent Van Volkinburg, PE: My name is Brent Van Volkinburg (Mr. V), and I am one of the PE specialists at Jacob Wismer Elementary School. I have been a teacher for 17 years. I taught 3rd grade for five years, Health for 2 years, and now PE for the past 10 years. I love being active with my family. The specialists will see all students throughout the school year on a rotating basis (still to be determined). Each class will meet once per week both synchronously and asynchronously with one PE teacher and one Music teacher. If you ever need to get in contact with me, please email me at brent_van_volkinburg@beaverton.k12.or.us.
Colin Arnold, PE: Hey Eagles, Mr A here, welcoming you back to school! I’m very excited to be in my 15th year at Jacob Wismer. Who am I you might ask? I’m an outdoor loving, game playing, coach, husband, father, world traveler and all-around crazy guy who loves sharing my joy of physical fitness and health with my students. Looking forward to seeing all your fantastic smiles soon! The specialists will see all students throughout the school year on a rotating basis (still to be determined). Each class will meet once per week both synchronously and asynchronously with one PE teacher and one Music teacher. If you need or want to get a hold of me here’s the info you need…Colin_arnold@beaverton.k12.or.us Or maybe just want to check out what we’re doing… Jacob Wismer PE Website https://www.facebook.com/jacobwismerpe/
Maralyn Belgique, Music: This is my 14th year teaching, my 7th in the district. I have three daughters, an RN at the VA hospital in Salt Lake City, a sophomore at BYU, and a senior at Wilson High School. I’m a kinesthete -I love playing my cello, walking, partner dancing, gardening, boogie boarding, and kayaking. This summer I kayaked at Scappoose Bay, the Willamette and Columbia rivers, and Sand Lake near Cape Lookout. The specialists will see all students on a rotating basis (still to be determined). Each class will meet once per week, both synchronously and asynchronously, with one PE teacher and one Music teacher. My contact information is maralyn_smartbelgique@beaverton.k12.or.us. Email or contact through Seesaw work best. I’m excited to do my part to make this school year interesting and engaging.
Kelly Angle, Music: My name is Mrs. Angle. Last school year, I taught K-1 music at Bonny Slope Elementary School, and I am absolutely THRILLED to meet all of you this year and teach alongside Mrs. Belgique! Beyond teaching, I love making food with my husband, going on runs in my new neighborhood, and curling up on the couch with a good book. The specialists will see all students throughout the school year on a rotating basis (still to be determined). Each class will meet once per week, both synchronously and asynchronously, with one PE teacher and one Music teacher. If you would like to contact me, my school email is kelly_angle@beaverton.k12.or.us. Feel free to chat with me at any time!
Greetings from our Student Support Services Staff
Maggie Patterson, Counselor: Greetings! My name is Ms. Maggie Patterson and I’m the school counselor here at Jacob Wismer. Whether you are brand new to our school or returning back, I’m so happy you are here. Here is a little bit about me and my background. This will be my 5th year as the counselor at Jacob Wismer. I’m originally from St. Louis, Missouri, and since beginning my career I have fallen in love with the Pacific Northwest and all the beauty of Oregon. When I’m not working, I love to relax with a good book, explore the beautiful outdoors, and facetime with my adorable 4 year old niece. My favorite part about being a school counselor is advocating for young students and helping them grow in their social-emotional learning (SEL). During distance learning, I will be working with students in a variety of ways, including whole-class SEL lessons, small “lunch bunch” groups, and individual check-ins. I can also provide families with connections to school and community resources that best meet your needs. I’d love to hear how I can support your child this year, so feel free to contact me any time. I look forward to connecting with you. My District email is margaret_patterson@beaverton.k12.or.us.
Hristina Stoilov and Pamela Jacobsen, ELD Teachers: Hello Dear Families! Mrs. Jacobsen and I are so thrilled to be your child’s ELD teachers! We are getting prepared for the challenges ahead in this unique school year and looking forward to new learning adventures and opportunities for making new friends!
Both Mrs. Jacobsen and I will be working with our newest JW students in Kindergarten. I will be teaching 1st and 2nd grade students, and my wonderful colleague will work with our 3rd- 5th grade ELD learners. As the ELD team, we will provide whole group, small group, and 1:1 instruction, depending on your children’s needs. We will also continue to collaborate and consult with classroom teachers as we all support the learning needs of our students.In my spare time, I enjoy playing with our dog, crafting, cake decorating, and spending time with family and friends. Both Mrs. Jacobsen and I love nature and share a common passion for traveling and exploring different cultures. Playing the violin, cooking, gardening, and hiking are a few of Mrs. Jacobsen’s favorite things to do.
We will reach out to you in the next couple of weeks to establish connections with the kids and to share our finalized ELD schedule. We want to partner with you in order to best support your children, so please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns you might have. We can be reached at: hristina_stoilov@beaverton.k12.or.us ( Mrs. Stoilov) and pamela_jacobsen@beaverton.k12.or.us ( Mrs. Jacobsen). Together we can make a difference!
Yvette Wallace, Intervention Teacher: Hi! My name is Yvette Wallace. When I'm not cuddling with my cats, reading, or planning travel adventures, I am the Intervention Teacher at Jacob Wismer. This role is a half-time position, and I will be supporting primarily Kindergarten-2nd grade students and teachers this year. I have taught 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grades, as well as served for six years as a Reading Support/Intervention Teacher in my 29 years of teaching. I have been fortunate to be a part of our Jacob Wismer community since our opening in 2001. I can be reached through my district email Yvette_Wallace@beaverton.k12.or.us
Amy Curran, Speech Language Pathologist (SLP): Hello JW Families! My name is Amy Curran. I have been a Speech-Language Pathologist in the Beaverton School District for over 20 years. This year I am serving students at Jacob Wismer 2 days a week. I love my job and love helping students with their communication needs. My husband Paul and our three children (all teenagers!) live with two German shorthaired dogs, a leopard gecko and fish. This summer I have enjoyed working on projects around our home, reading, hiking and gardening. This year I will be jumping into learning how to serve students digitally through teletherapy. I wish you all a great year! amy_curran@beaverton.k12.or.us
Lisa Caverly, Resource Room Teacher & Student Success Coach: Welcome to the 2020-21 School Year, Jacob Wismer Families! I’m Lisa Caverly. I wear two hats in the Jacob Wismer community as both the Learning Specialist and the Student Success Coach. Working with students is a passion of mine and I am so excited to continue our work together this school year, even starting virtually. When I am not teaching you will find me hanging out with my family, walking, biking, camping, skiing, and hiking. I have lived in three different counties and love to travel and learn about new cultures. You can reach me through email. If you would like to set up an appointment, we can schedule a time either on the phone or through Zoom. I look forward to working with you and your student. lisa_caverly@beaverton.k12.or.us
Check Out our New Book Stop!
iPad & Chromebook Distribution Update
All kindergarten, 1st and 2nd grade students should have a BSD-issued iPad to use during Comprehensive Distance Learning (CDL) and all 3rd, 4th and 5th grade students should have a BSD-issued Chromebook.
Students who do not have a device, may come to Jacob Wismer to obtain a device by following these directions:
- Come to Jacob Wismer between 2:30-3:30pm Monday - Friday. You do not need to call the office first.
- You will be asked to complete a short form and will need to know you child's ID which can be obtained in ParentVue. Please know the ID number before coming to school.
- Newly enrolled students will need to wait one day before picking up a device since registration information will not be accessible in our online information system which is necessary to check out a device. For example, if you register your child on Monday, you will need to wait until Tuesday at 2:30pm to get your device.
- If your device is not working properly, you must contact the Student Help Desk M-F 8:30am-3:30pm at 503-356-4656 or email: shd@beaverton.k12.or.us
Elementary School Daily Schedule Video
Online Enrollment Verification~Now Due
Before the beginning of every school year, we request that parents/guardians begin to review and/or update their family and student information. Keeping your family's information up to date is crucial to receiving timely communication from the Beaverton School District and ensures that you can be contacted in case of emergency. These updates can be done online through your ParentVUE account. Here is the link to get started: https://www.beaverton.k12.or.us/departments/information-technology/parentvue-studentvue/online-verification
BSD Safe Routes to School~Link to Toolkit
Free Meals for Kids~BSD Link
- Parents or guardians may pick up meals for students who are not present.
- Meal pickups will occur two days per week: Tuesday (2 days of food) and Thursday (3 days of food) from 11 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
- Meals will be packaged with breakfast and lunch together.
- Masks must be worn by anyone picking up meals.
Curbside Grab-and-Go School Sites:
Elementary Schools: Aloha-Huber Park K-8, Barnes, Beaver Acres, Chehalem, Elmonica, Fir Grove, Greenway, Hazeldale, Kinnaman, McKay, McKinley, Nancy Ryles, Springville K-8, Raleigh Hills K-8, Raleigh Park, Vose, William Walker
Middle Schools: Cedar Park, Five Oaks, Highland Park, Meadow Park, Mountain View, Whitford
High Schools: Aloha, Beaverton, Mountainside, Merlo Station, Sunset, Southridge, Westview
Cedar Mill & Bethany Community Libraries
Links:
Read Alouds by librarians (by theme):
A Final Note from Mrs. McFadden
I am so proud of the Jacob Wismer staff for their determination to make Comprehensive Distance Learning (CDL) engaging, fun and beneficial for all JW students. Not only are teachers learning how to navigate Zoom, Seesaw, Canvas, and posting their lessons on YouTube, they are also learning how to present the curriculum to your children using the most effective virtual strategies. The resilience that I see in our staff is the same that I'm sure we will see in your children. It is an essential trait for all of us to acquire as we navigate these unique times.
Please don't hesitate to communicate with your child's classroom teacher; music/PE teachers; our counselor, Maggie Patterson; our new assistant principal, Wendy Bernard; or me if you have any concerns with your child's CDL education. Since CDL is new to all of us, we depend on everyone to communicate their needs and suggestions to help us do our very best for your children. I look forward having your support and partnership this school year.
August 31, 2020
Dear Jacob Wismer Families,
Thank you for your patience as we prepare to bring Comprehensive Distance Learning (CDL) to your children beginning Monday, Sept. 14th. Although the conditions are not ideal, we are very excited about reconnecting virtually with all of our students and their families.
Classroom Teachers & Schedules
Students will find out their classroom teacher this Thursday, Sept. 3rd when their teacher will send you an email welcoming your child to their classroom. Your child's new teacher will also send you their daily schedule so you will know the times for class meetings, Music/PE, and each subject area. The following is a "general" schedule (which is the same for all elementary students across the district) that will be helpful for you to prepare for online learning at home:
- Students will be learning 5 days a week.
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The school day for students in all grades is 8:30am to 2:30pm which means any live instruction will take place during that time. Students are still encouraged to complete any assigned work outside of that time
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Teachers will meet 'live' with their classes each morning from 8:30 to 9:00am to build community and make connections.
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Lunch is from 11:00am to 12:00pm each day.
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PE and Music lessons will alternate on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays (students will have 2 PE lessons and 2 Music lessons each week).
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Wednesdays may look different than the other days as students may be engaging with other building specialists. Students may also be attending guidance lessons from our Counselor and SEL lessons (Social & Emotional Lessons) from our Student Success Coach. Students will also be able to participate in technology lessons and listen to a read aloud from our Library Assistant. Students may also be participating in other services such as Special Education services or English Language Learner support. Meetings regarding Special Education services may also be held on Wednesday.
Technology Devices
All kindergarten, 1st and 2nd grade students will be issued a BSD iPad to use at home for distance learning. Distribution instructions were sent to K-2 parents last week. If you did not see the communication, please come to the school upper parking lot on Wednesday, Sept. 2 from 12:30-3:00pm (only if you are the parent of a kindergarten, 1st or 2nd grade student) with this form completed:
Link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kxPsql_EW-eYGjRGJb8BTdIpIk5iyAfj/view?usp=sharing
Chromebooks will be available for all 3rd, 4th and 5th grade students who do not have one at home. If you borrowed one in the spring, please continue using it this fall. The office is contacting new families directly with instructions on how to obtain their devices. The priority for the start of the year is for all students to have a working device.
Family Toolkit
The Beaverton School District has compiled a library of resources and on-demand videos to support families during CDL. Please keep checking this page for updates: https://www.beaverton.k12.or.us/connect/family-toolkit
Back-to-School Verification
Before the beginning of every school year, we request that parents/guardians begin to review and/or update their family and student information. Keeping your family's information up to date is crucial to receiving timely communication from the Beaverton School District and ensures that you can be contacted in case of emergency. These updates can be done online through your ParentVUE account. Here is the link to get started:
We hope that you enjoy the last weeks of summer vacation as you prepare for the upcoming school year!
Sincerely,
Joan McFadden
Principal
Beaverton School District | Jacob Wismer Elementary
5477 NW Skycrest Parkway, Portland, OR 97229
Main Office: 503-356-2150 | Attendance: 503-356-2151 | Fax: 503-356-2155
Go Eagles!
June 8, 2020
Farewell to a School Year Like No Other...
This has been a school year like no other. It is difficult to describe just how enormous the impact has been on families. And as if managing through the pandemic, quarantine and closing of schools didn't give us enough to navigate as staff and parents, we now have the tragic incidents with Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Abery and George Floyd as well as the riots and protesting resulting from the frustration people of color feel at the inequities of how they are treated.
Even though we may think our child is too young to know what is going on, they are very observant and perceptive to the stress and fear felt by those around them and we encourage you to talk to your child about what is happening. According to research conducted by The Children's Community School in Philadelphia (summarized here), "Silence about racism reinforces racism." By not talking about race, we leave them to grapple with their fears and emotions about what is happening without the context for doing so.
Here is a very brief video called "Talking to your Children About George Floyd and the Nationwide Unrest-NBC10 Philadelphia" where an educational psychologist and parenting expert shares some helpful tips.
Here is a brief article from ABC News called "How to talk to kids about race, privilege amid George Floyd protests". In the conclusion of the article you'll find 3 specific examples of ways parents can support young children through these difficult times.
Often with young children it's much easier to have these conversations at the appropriate level if you start with a story. Here is a list of "31 Children's books to support conversations on race, racism and resistance-EmbraceRace" that will help give a context for your conversation:
The staff at Jacob Wismer are indescribably thankful to you for all your efforts to keep your children engaged in school while at home. As we head into summer where there will no longer be Zoom meetings or class assignments, this is a good time to focus on helping children identify and talk about their feelings. Sanford Harmony, the Social-Emotional Learning curriculum our teachers use with students, has a wonderful bank of resources for parents. Below are links to a few resources you can use to continue your child's social-emotional learning and development over the summer:
Empathy and critical thinking are the foundations of peaceful relationships and will strengthen each of the social emotional learning skills you learn at home. Here are detailed lessons, materials and activities for you to use.
If you would like to go deeper in supporting your child's social-emotional learning, Sanford Harmony has additional units, lessons, materials and other resources for parents.
Thank you again for partnering with us this year, in ways we never imagined would be necessary, to continue your child's education under stay at home orders. We hope these resources will be helpful for supporting your child's social-emotional well being over the summer.
While this is the last Journal of the 2019-20 school year, please look for updates from the district office regarding how school will look this fall. The updates will come via School Messenger and will also be communicated on the BSD webpage at: https://www.beaverton.k12.or.us/
Have a wonderful summer and stay safe!
Additional SEL Articles for Parents & Children
Resources for Parents:
Resources for Kids:
Videos: Just Breathe
Read Aloud: Listening to My Body by Gabi Garcia
Google Takeout for Students Leaving BSD
Seniors, or any student or staff member not returning to BSD next year have the ability to use Google Takeout to export all of their google documents and data. Instructions are on the district web site at this address: https://www.beaverton.k12.or.us/departments/information-technology/export-data-from-google-apps
Summer Reading is Here!
Get ready for the summer reading season with information regarding:
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Public library summer reading programs
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How to access the district’s eBook library (Sora)
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Recommended reading lists
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OBOB 2021 title list with book trailers
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ORCA 2021 title list with book trailers
PLUS a downloadable Summer Reading BINGO card!
Here's Your 20-21 JW PTO Board!
Congratulations to our 2020-21 PTO Board:
President- Sonia Lall
Treasurer- Shalini Sivas
Secretary- Shauna Rakshe
VP Community Affairs- Alexandra Yau
VP Fundraising: Paola Corredor
Volunteer Coordinator (BetterImpact): Pooja Madan
Volunteer Coordinator (Chairs coordinator): Anne Haartman
Member-at-Large: Tomoko Tokunaga
Thank you to the following outgoing 2019-20 PTO Board Members for your time and dedication to our Jacob Wismer community:
Cara Coates, Treasurer
Sonia Sahu, Member-at-Large
Margaret Maes, Co-Volunteer Coordinator
Last Week for School Supply Pack Orders
Just a reminder that this is the last week to order school supply packs online! Each pack contains everything requested by the grade's teachers at JW, even hard-to-find items such as hand sanitizer. Order online by June 13th and the supplies will be delivered to your child's classroom before school starts. (This is not a PTO fundraiser; the program is offered for convenience only.) Questions? Contact Shauna Rakshe at secretary@jacobwismerpto.org.
What? School supply packages, as requested by JW teachers. There is also an (optional) request for each student to supply a ream of copy paper; this is available through the online ordering as well, as a separate item.
When? April 6th – June 13th
How?
2. Enter the school ID, WIS016
3. Follow the directions to complete your order.
4. Keep your online confirmation as your receipt.
JW PTO needs YOU to help build community next year!
We're launching two pilot programs next year to help JW families who might need a little extra support! Please consider volunteering a bit of your time to help another family at our school. The time commitment is small, but the impact will be big! If you're interested in either program, please contact member-at-large@jacobwismerpto.org for more information or to sign up!
Program #1 -- Buddies for New Families!
Remember how bewildering your child's first year at JW can be? Help support and encourage a new family as they adjust! You don't need to be an expert on JW, just a friendly contact person; you'll be provided support in answering any questions your new family may have!
A Buddy that's matched with a new family can answer questions, give advice or just chat about how the kids/parents are doing. During sign-up, Buddies should provide info such as: kids' grades, languages spoken, any other important info they'd like to share with new families (ie "I have a dyslexic kid so can help families whose kids need extra support", "I'm Hispanic", "I'm from India"...).
Once you are matched with a new family, you'll:
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Contact your new family virtually (phone, email, Zoom...) at least two times, once before school starts and once within two weeks after the first day of school.
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Help answer questions when contacted by the new family at any time during the school year. It's okay not to know the answers! The PTO Member-at-Large will be working with Buddies to help find any information you need.
Program #2 -- Community Coordinators!
Our school is very diverse, with many cultural groups, minorities, and foreign language speakers represented. We're seeking members of all these communities to help the PTO understand and address community concerns. No qualifications necessary, except a willingness to talk to other parents and to the PTO board members! Community Coordinators will be asked to keep in contact with the Member-at-Large regarding community concerns, and are invited (but not required!) to present concerns and suggestions at a PTO meeting.
May 26, 2020
May 28th is the FINAL Student Belongings Pick-Up Date
This Thursday, May 28, from 10am to 2pm is the LAST OPPORTUNITY for parents to pick up their children's belongings and any medications that were stored in the health room. Please note:
- Students whose last name begins with R-Z can now pick-up.
- Students whose last name begins with A-Q who did not pick up their belongs on the previous two Thursdays can also come on May 28 from 10am-2pm.
Instructions:
1. Please remain in your car.
2. IMPORTANT: For safety/social distancing: Please tape a sign with your student's name, grade & teacher to the front passenger side window (see photo below). Please do this before you reach the school.
3. A staff person will stop you at the entrance to read the student's information from the sign on a walkie-talkie. For safety, we will not lean into your car to speak to you if you forgot your sign. Cars without signs will be asked to leave and return with a sign.
4. Staff will then collect your child's bag from their classroom and give it to the runner to bring to your car.
5. Drive around to the pick-up/drop off lane in the upper parking lot and wait for the student's bag to be brought to your car. Please leave the sign visible on the window so we know what bag to bring to your car. Remain in your car at all times for social distancing.
Notes:
- Lost & Found items with names on them have been placed in the bag of students' belongings. All Lost & Found items without names have been donated to the Clothes Closet.
- All students' medications from the health room will be included with their belongings. Parent will be asked to sign for them being returned.
Fall Return to School: What will it look like?
As we wind down this school year, we’ve received many questions about the 2020-21 school year. We need to be prepared for several possible scenarios for returning to school, based on direction and guidance from the Governor’s Office and the Oregon Department of Education. Possible scenarios include heading back to schools and classrooms with moderate social distancing requirements; a hybrid of classroom and remote learning instruction; or fully remote learning.
The Beaverton School District has convened an interdepartmental planning group to develop these scenarios. While the timeline for planning is very tight, we will be providing opportunities for staff, parents, students and community to share their thoughts about how the district can best serve students and families in each scenario. We will provide further communication on how you can weigh in, in the coming weeks.
Friday Furlough Days
To mitigate some of the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the District will be participating in Oregon’s Work Share program. This participation will result in weekly furlough days of staff each Friday through the end of the school year. To account for these furlough Fridays, the following adjustments to the student, teacher, and service provider weekly work schedule are necessary.
Teachers and services providers will continue to use a mix of synchronous and asynchronous interaction during the final month of Remote Learning. With one less day to connect with students each week, teachers will make adjustments to their Monday through Thursday weekly schedules. This may include adjusting their office hours and/or student contact time. Teachers and service providers will not be available virtually, by phone or via email on Fridays for student or parent consultation, to deliver instruction or to provide feedback on student work.
Students can continue to use Friday to complete work previously assigned. They also have access to the Art Literacy lessons.
Elementary Special Education
Special Education teachers, case managers, and service providers will continue to follow the four-stage instructional model of I Do, We Do, You Do, and Feedback for the delivery of Specially Designed Instruction and Related Services to students. The only difference is that students will not receive teacher-led or service provider-led instruction, SDI, and/or related services on Fridays. For the purposes of Special Education services, Fridays that are furloughed will be treated in the same manner as a holiday, snow day, or other school closure. Furloughed days will not count as part of the 60-day evaluation timeline.
● Students who receive daily teacher-led or service provider-led SDI or Related Services will not receive them on Friday and they will not be made up at a later time.
● Case managers and service providers will review their schedules and work with families to make adjustments as needed to provide weekly/monthly SDI or Related Services Monday-Thursday.
● Special Education staff will reschedule any Friday IEP meetings to another day of the week.
Elementary English Language Development
Students will not receive instruction or supplemental supports on Fridays. ELD teachers are still expected to collaborate with classroom teachers to align language and content targets during the teacher-led time and to provide supplemental activities to students. Small group check-in will occur from Mondays-Thursdays, especially for newcomer students and students at the emerging level.
Joyce Richards Spirit of Volunteering Award
LINK to downloadable form LINK to online fillable form
Nomination Deadline: Sunday, May 31, 2020
Joyce Richards
Each year at Jacob Wismer, a special volunteer is honored by receiving The Joyce Richards Spirit of Volunteering Award. Joyce Richards was a very special volunteer at Jacob Wismer who passed away unexpectedly many years ago. Her wonderful spirit, contributions, and the special connections she made with the students and staff exemplifies the true purpose of volunteerism.
Nominations are accepted each spring for volunteers that most exemplify the attributes that Joyce possessed throughout her life. The Nomination Committee reviews all applications based on the following criteria:
- The nominee has inspired others to cheerfully volunteer his/her time and energy to school activities. By attitude or deed, the nominee has exhibited creativity, enthusiasm, leadership and responsibility and has encouraged these attributes in others.
- The nominee has selflessly worked to contribute to an enriching experience for the students at Jacob Wismer Elementary School. Relevant criteria in this category would include the love of working with children, a “can do” attitude, an ability to successfully accomplish tasks, and a willingness to serve where and when needed.
- The nominee has shown exceptional volunteer spirit through a wide spectrum of activities in the Jacob Wismer School community.
*Due to the school closure, all volunteering recognition for 2019-2020 must be carried out at a distance or online. We are so grateful to all our hardworking volunteers! If you would like to recognize a volunteer who has made exceptional contributions to our JW community, please nominate them for the Joyce Richards Spirit of Volunteering Award. Links to the nomination forms can be found at the top of this article.
Dreambox, Bookshelf & SeeSaw
DreamBox, Bookshelf, and SeeSaw and other programs students have been using this spring will remain open through the summer. They will be available for student usage up until about a week before next school year starts.
Report Cards
Parents should be able to view their child’s report card in ParentVUE starting on June 18 at the latest (link to ParentVUE report card access instructions). When a school’s report cards are posted, IT will send out a SM notification to the parents.
Summer Reading-Prizes from JW
Throughout the summer all JW students can enter to win Barnes and Noble gift cards by completing different reading challenges. Contests will be posted through Facebook and Instagram, so be sure to follow either or both for information. You will NOT need to post directly to these pages, but the information will be released there.
Our first giveaway will be 6/1!
As you have undoubtedly discovered by now, facilitating your child's learning at home can be very challenging, and at times, quite frustrating. We are in the home stretch to the end of this school year now, but it's not too late to implement some strategies to help make learning at home more productive for your child and less frustrating for you. Here is an article from Edutopia called "7 Guiding Principles for Parents Teaching From Home" that you might find helpful. Hang in there and know that our teachers are very thankful for all of the hard work you are doing at home to keep children engaged in school!
Parent Wellness Resources
Here is a helpful link for parents that includes a collection of wellness tips for parents such as:
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Responding gently to behavioral challenges
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Encouraging kindness
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Coping with challenges
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Encouraging self-awareness
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Fostering optimism
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Work spaces vs. calming spaces
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Sticking to a routine
2020-21 Kindergarten Registration is OPEN
Click here for our JW Virtual Kindergarten Orientation!
Any child who will be five (5) years of age on or before September 1 is eligible to enroll for Kindergarten at their designated home school.
Jacob Wismer encourage families to enroll their child using the district's Online Registration which is available for new student enrollment. If you register online, you can upload your child’s certificate of immunization, birth certificate and proof of address.
If you are uncertain about which elementary school is your home school, you can check any address to see what elementary, middle or high school attendance boundary it is located in using the District Address Locator or call 503-356-4500.
Other Parent Resources
8 Ways Parents can Support Their Children in Math at Home
Link to article
Covid 19 Five Helpful Tips for Parents
Link to article
Elementary Summer Reading: Includes information regarding public library summer reading programs, recommended reading lists, new OBOB and ORCA title lists, how to access the district’s eBook library, and BINGO.
Link to resource
May 11, 2020
Staff Appreciation Week ~ Thank You PTO!!!
We are so grateful to have such a caring, generous PTO who showed such creative ways to celebrate Staff Appreciation Week. A very heartfelt thank you from all of us:
New Dates to Pick-Up Student Belongings
We have had to change the dates when parents can pick up their child's belongings. Here are the new dates:
Thursday, May 14, 10am - 2pm, student last name A - I
Thursday, May 21, 10am - 2pm, student last name J - Q
Thursday, May 28, 10am - 2pm, student last name R - Z
Instructions:
1. Please remain in your car.
2. IMPORTANT: For safety/social distancing: Please tape a sign with your student's name, grade & teacher to the front passenger side window (see above photo). Please do this before you reach the school.
3. A staff person will stop you at the entrance to read the student's information from the sign on a walkie-talkie and runners will then collect the student's bag.
4. Drive around to the pick-up/drop off lane and wait for the student's bag to be brought on a cart to your car. Please leave the sign visible on the window so we know what bag to bring to your car.
5. Retrieve your bag from the cart and exit the parking lot.
Notes:
- Lost & Found items with names on them have been placed in the bag of students' belongings. All Lost & Found items without names have been donated to the Clothes Closet.
- All students' medications from the health room will be included with their belongings. Parent will be asked to sign for them being returned.
2020-21 Kindergarten Registration is OPEN
Click here for our JW Virtual Kindergarten Orientation!
Any child who will be five (5) years of age on or before September 1 is eligible to enroll for Kindergarten at their designated home school.
Jacob Wismer encourage families to enroll their child using the district's Online Registration which is available for new student enrollment. If you register online, you can upload your child’s certificate of immunization, birth certificate and proof of address.
If you are uncertain about which elementary school is your home school, you can check any address to see what elementary, middle or high school attendance boundary it is located in using the District Address Locator or call 503-356-4500.
Spring Report Cards
When you receive the elementary report card in June, you will see the changes described below.
Behavior Marks:
X - Not assessed this semester
Each report card will also include the following auto-populated comment:
School closure was ordered by Governor Brown in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Academic Progress is marked with an X as teachers do not have adequate summative assessment data for students. Comments in Reading, Writing, and Math reflect the participation and engagement of students during the period of Remote Learning. Paper packets which mirrored the learning of the Remote Learning classrooms were given to some students. During this closure, the social emotional health of a child was our number one priority.
Academic Progress for All Subject Areas:
X – Not assessed this semester
In the areas of Reading, Writing and Math, teachers will include a comment that reflects the students participation and engagement during this time. Report card comments will also reflect a goal for moving forward. PE and Music specialists will also be including information about the concepts and skills instructed during the period of Remote Learning.
Order Your 2020-21 School Supplies Online Now!
Our school supplies ordering program is now open for 2020-21 supplies! Each pack contains everything requested by the grade's teachers at JW, even hard-to-find items such as hand sanitizer. Order online by June 13th and the supplies will be delivered to your child's classroom before school starts. (This is not a PTO fundraiser; the program is offered for convenience only.) Questions? Contact JW PTO secretary, Shauna Rakshe at secretary@jacobwismerpto.org
- What? School supply packages, as requested by JW teachers. There is also an (optional) request for each student to supply a ream of copy paper; this is available through the online ordering as well, as a separate item.
- When? April 6 – June 13
- How?
- Go to www.educationalproducts.com/shoppacks
- Enter the school ID, WIS016
- Follow the directions to complete your order.
- Keep your online confirmation as your receipt.
One School One Book (OSOB)
The 8th annual One School One Book event at Jacob Wismer was introduced last week and is available online!
The book we've selected is Magic in the City by Heather Dyer! This year we are doing things a little differently by reading a book on Epic since we can't hand out books to every family. Find out all the details @ the JW OSOB Website: https://osob-jacobwismer.weebly.com/ and for current book: https://osob-jw-2020.weebly.com (note: BSD Chromebooks may not allow you to access these sites).
You can find Magic in the City online via Epic (https://www.getepic.com/). Please see the new Epic guidelines in the article below for access Epic ebooks from home.
We hope you and your family have a great time reading together!
Jennifer Politsch & Shauna Rakshe - OSOB Co-chairs (marisky23@gmail.com, shauna.puhl@gmail.com)
New Epic Guidelines for Parents
The way students access Epic ebooks from home through June 30th has changed. Epic has requested that class codes no longer be used from home. Please see the steps below for details.
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Families will receive an email invitation from Epic! Books for Kids <hello@getepic.com> to join Epic.
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From the email invitation, select Sign Up Now to create an Epic account using your same email address that received the invitation.
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After signing up for an account, go to https://www.getepic.com/sign-in and select the Parents button. Then enter your email and password.
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Select your child’s classroom profile. Students can explore the library and check their Mailbox to access books sent to them by their teacher.
Washington Co./Cedar Mill Library Parenting Series
Parenting Anxious Children
Wednesday, May 20th from 7-8:30 p.m. via Zoom
Link to registration and more information: https://tinyurl.com/Parenting-Anxious-Children
Toddler Talk
Tuesday, May 26th from 7-8:30 p.m. via Zoom
Link to registration and more information: https://tinyurl.com/Toddler-Talk-with-Megan-Barell
Safe Routes to School Annual Parent Survey
It’s data collection time again for Beaverton’s Safe Routes to School program. The purpose of this program is to make walking and biking to school safe, convenient and fun.
Parent’s and guardian’s input into how students travel to and from schools and their impression of the safety of the route is valuable as the city and county prioritize needed improvements for our roads. This link was generated from the National Safe Routes to School Center and will be used to give us a good picture of how students are getting to and from schools throughout the district.
The school’s survey will be open for responses until May 31. We appreciate your help in giving us information to make our program effective for all Beaverton School District students.
April 27, 2020
JW Staff Parade
It was so wonderful seeing so many students and families as staff drove through the JW neighborhood on April 23rd. Thanks for coming out to watch!
1. Does it matter if my child does not complete their online assignments?
Yes! The lessons that teachers have been developed by the district to ensure that the learning targets taught in the spring are covered during this period of distance learning. While assignments are not graded and attendance is not taken, teachers are noting whether each student is:
1. Completing all of their assignments
2. Completing some of their assignments
3. Not completing their assignments
4. Engaging with their classroom teacher
This information will be noted on the child's report card in June and reported to their 2020-21 teacher to identify students who may have missed critical learning this spring.
2. Here are the curbside pick-up dates to get your child's belongings:
Here are the dates and times that students' belongings will be available for curbside pick-up in Jacob Wismer's upper parking lot:
Students whose last name begins with:
A-I Fri., May 15th 10am-2pm
J-Q Fri., May 22nd 10am-2pm
R-Z Fri., May 29th 10am-2pm
Procedure:
1. Stay in your car at all times for your safety and the safety of our staff.
2. Have your child(ren)'s name, grade and teacher written on a piece of paper to show staff positioned at the entry of the parking lot.
3. Staff will radio the runners who will obtain your child's belongings that are pre-bagged and will meet you in the drop off/pick-up lane in front of the school.)
3. Return your Jacob Wismer library books on May 1st or May 8th!
Many of you have been asking about the process for returning your library books and we now have a plan for how to receive nearly 3000 books.
Please bring your library books for curbside drop off on the dates/times listed below and place them in the large bin sitting in the first visitors parking spot in the upper parking lot (please do not come into the school):
Friday, May 1st, 10:00am-2:00pm
Friday, May 8th, 10:00am-2:00pm
Thank you so much for helping us to manage such an enormous task!
4. Student Plans & Input Form for 20-21
If you haven't already done so, please let us know if your child(ren) are planning to attend Jacob Wismer next year by completing this online form: https://forms.gle/Ho5mPJHPPkbWtwW17
This form also includes a space for parents/guardians to get input on considerations for their child's 2020-21 classroom placement.
5. Useful Resources for Parents
Seesaw: Tips for Parents Free Webinars on Tuesday April 28, 2020
Session 1: 2:00pm https://bit.ly/3cKWGml password: Seesaw4Fam
Session 2: 7:00pm https://bit.ly/2RVhyiA password: Seesaw4Fam
Community Resources: Link
Meals for Students: Link
6. News from Your JW PTO
Joyce Richards Spirit of Volunteering Award Nominations - Do you know a JW volunteer who deserves recognition for their exceptional service? We are now accepting nominations for the 2020 Joyce Richards Spirit of Volunteering Award! Nominations are due by May 18th. You can find more info and a fillable entry form (scroll down) on this page: Link Please feel free to nominate more than one person! Thank you to ALL our wonderful volunteers!!
PTO Alumni/Cherie Pun Memorial Scholarships - Spread the word! Seniors who are JW alums can apply for the PTO Alumni/Cherie Pun Memorial Scholarships! We have three $300 scholarships to award. You can find more info and application forms here: Link Applications are due May 20th!
Staff Appreciation - We celebrate our school staff--teachers, office staff, custodians, everyone!--every May. This year we can't have students bring flowers, but you can still send your notes of thanks via our Google form. Please help us thank the folks who do so much for our kids! We will be collecting notes through early May and compiling them for our Staff Appreciation event. Please submit as many notes as you like, and brighten the day of our wonderful JW staff members! You can submit your notes here: Link Thank you for your help!
EPI School Supply Ordering Open - Every year the PTO organizes online school supply ordering for parents who don’t want to drive around to stores looking for just the right type of flair pen or expo marker. This year, we received the school supply lists for next year shortly before the schools closed, and the ordering program has been set up as usual. This sale is not a fundraiser for the PTO; it is organized for parent convenience only and packages prices are set as low as possible. Online ordering is open April 6-June 13. Questions? Contact Shauna Rakshe at secretary@jacobwismerpto.org.
What? School supply packages, as requested by JW teachers. There is also an (optional) request for each student to supply a ream of copy paper; this is available through the online ordering as well, as a separate item.
When? April 6th – June 13th
How?
1. Go to: www.educationalproducts.com/shoppacks
2. Enter the school ID: WIS016
3. Follow the directions to complete your order.
4. Keep your online confirmation as your receipt.
April 13, 2020
Phase 3 Distance Learning Plan
Last Friday, April 10th, parents received communication from the district office regarding our transitioning to Phase 3 of the Remote Learning Plan. Please be sure to read the letter carefully so you know what to expect for your child for the remainder of the school year. Link to parent letter: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qhgjE2vg-Dlgzv1bcG40NsLh162ndPhe/view?usp=sharing
Here are some key points that parents should know as we enter Phase 3:
1. Phase 3 begins on Monday, April 20th.
2. Teachers will be tracking student involvement in Phase 3 lessons so their 2020-21 teachers will know which learning targets the student had mastered, or missed, in 2019-20. We no longer consider the lessons to be supplemental or optional as they were in Phase 2.
3. Teachers will upload daily recorded learning lessons and assignments by 8:00am each day so students can access the lesson at a time that is convenient for the family.
4. Students will receive instruction in reading, writing and math four times per week.
5. Students will also be receiving instruction in science, social studies and health.
6. Students will be receiving opportunities to participate in PE and music two times a week.
7. Teachers will be connecting with students three times a week via multiple modes including Zoom, Seesaw, email and phone calls.
Please remember that your child's success also depends on regular parent/guardian involvement in providing supplemental activities and meeting nutritional and wellness needs. Details can be found in the April 10th parent letter.
Seesaw for Specials!
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The JW specials teachers (PE & Music) are learning to use Seesaw!
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We have a Specials Class for each grade level that is shared between the 4 specials teachers.
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To navigate to the Specials Class, look in the upper left corner. You should see your child’s name. If you click on his/her name, a list should appear below with your child’s classroom teacher and now you should see Specials Grade XX (KF for kindergarten, 01-05 for Grade 01-Grade 05).
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If you click on the Specials Grade XX, it will open up the Specials Seesaw class.
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This should bring you to the “Journal” page of the specials classroom. This is where you can see anything that has been approved by a specials teacher for that grade level.
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We will be trying to post any “activities” in subject-specific folders. You can find those by looking on the right side. There should be three different options – Journal, Activities, and Inbox. You should be able to see the activities after you’ve clicked on the “Activities” tab.
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When we post activities, we’d love to get responses from students. If you respond, you should be prompted to put the response in the correct subject-specific folder. Doing this will help the specials teachers to find the correct responses.
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Seesaw is brand new for all of the specials teachers. We are still learning how to use it. Please be patient with us as we go through the learning process with this.
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We have a general schedule of when things will get posted to Seesaw for specials beginning April 20th.
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Ms. Belgique will post Music stuff on Mondays.
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Mr. V will post PE stuff on Tuesdays.
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Mrs. Shuck will post Music stuff on Wednesdays.
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Mr. A will post PE stuff on Thursdays.
Student Access to BSD Resources When Out of the Country
Students that are currently out of the country and trying to log into BSD resources will be unable to do so. Due to the way the network is set up, they will not be able to access Canvas, or anything using Clever to log in. Unfortunately, at this time there is no way for the district to do individual exceptions and opening up the network to foreign countries poses a significant risk to the network. The students still have access to their District Google Accounts which gives them access to Email, and Google drive documents.
Essential Item Pick-Up
When we left school on March 13 we were under the assumption we would be back in two weeks. However, with the directive from the governor, we now know that students will not be returning this school year. Plans are being developed for all student items to be collected and distributed later this spring. However, we know that there may be personal items that are of an urgent need for learning, personal health or that a family may be moving out of the area. As a school, we want to help students collect these urgent items. However, we also hope families will understand that it would simply be impossible to get every item to each child in the school at this point.
For purposes of this opportunity, we will be identifying items that are urgent as:
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Any medication that is in the health room
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Any personal tech devices that support a child’s learning
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Glasses, hearing aids or other physical support items
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If a family is moving, all a student’s personal items will be collected
Each school has been given the following direction:
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Students, families, and non-BSD employees are not allowed in the schools at any time.
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Principals and/or school staff will be the only personnel to access school lockers, cubbies or desks.
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Distribution of items will be done by curbside pickup only.
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Principals and/or school staff will use nitrile gloves when collecting items
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Student items will be collected and placed in one plastic bag and labeled with the student’s name.
If there are items that your child needs based on the criteria above, please complete this survey by 4:00pm, Wednesday, April 15th. Items will ONLY be available for pick-up by parents/guardians who complete this link by the April 15th deadline.
The curbside pick-up day will be this Thursday, April 16th, from 1-3pm at Jacob Wismer School. For safety, please remain in your car and the items will be brought to you. Thank you for your help and understanding with this process.
Student Plans & Input Form for 2020-21
If you haven't already done so, please let us know if your child(ren) are planning to attend Jacob Wismer next year by completing this online form: https://forms.gle/Ho5mPJHPPkbWtwW17
This form also includes a space for parents/guardians to get input on considerations for their child's 2020-21 classroom placement.
eBooks via Sora
Did you know every JW student has access to thousands of ebooks via Sora? Some very popular titles are available right now for your children to read (chapter books, picture books, even Pokemon!). New books have been added recently, so be sure to check out the new section!
Use the following links to help you navigate to this wonderful resource:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Qya87PAB1Cz65-AygV5C5lv0CcO9mqAB/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WUrFzQUpocAIJ8KWrtVINF4jlNIhqZST/view?usp=sharing
Jacob Wismer Alumni PTO Scholarship and Cherie Pun Memorial Scholarship Award
Jacob Wismer PTO gives out three scholarships for $300 each to seniors who plan to continue their education and who attended Jacob Wismer for at least one full year. At least one of these scholarships designated as the Cherie Pun Memorial Scholarship emphasizes community involvement and volunteer service. Please pass on the information to seniors in high school who are Jacob Wismer Alumni.
To be considered for the scholarship, applicants should e-mail their completed application by May 20, 2020 to Sunita Thulasi (PTO Scholarship Chair, rrstpdx@gmail.com) and Joan McFadden (Jacob Wismer Principal, Joan_Mcfadden@beaverton.k12.or.us). For more information on this and the application form, please visit the Jacob Wismer PTO website: http://www.jacobwismerpto.org/
March 30, 2020
Calendar
March 30 through April 28: School Closed
Remote Learning Plan-Phase 2
These are unprecedented times, and we hope that all of you and your extended families are safe and well. Please don't hesitate to contact any school staff member if you need support of any kind. We will help to connect you with the resources that you need.
As you are aware from the recent district communications that have been shared with you, we are now entering Phase 2 of our Remote Learning Plan. Here's what this means:
Remote Learning Plan - Phase 2
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Teachers will be connecting with students to maintain relationships and support social emotional wellness during this challenging time. Student and staff well-being is our highest priority.
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We will be providing supplemental learning opportunities connected to typical classroom curriculum to prevent learning loss.
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We are not creating an on-line school or trying to replace/match the learning that happens in classrooms everyday - we are creating supplemental learning opportunities for children.
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Teachers will connect with students remotely on a regular basis to maintain relationships and support social emotional learning.
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Teachers will provide remote supplemental learning opportunities in reading, writing, math, social studies and science.
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PE, music, library and technology teachers will also be providing optional activities for students.
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Our school counselor, student success coach, special education staff, and intervention teacher will be reaching out to families with activities or support as needed. Please don't hesitate to contact any staff member if you need assistance in any way.
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All activities are optional. Students will not be held accountable for the lessons if they do not participate.
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Students will receive feedback from their teachers but the activities will not be graded.
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Learning will be asynchronous. This means that activities will be recorded and can be accessed at any time by families to fit the different schedules that you may have.
Please look for future updates from the district office. We are looking forward to making more connections with you and your children in the coming days. Be safe, well and healthy!
Elementary (K-5) Chromebook Needs Survey Round 2
We want to make sure all of our students can remain connected to their peers, teachers, and schools and have regular access to learning opportunities and curriculum materials.
Please fill out the form below if your elementary student or students need to borrow a mobile device from BSD. Please complete one form for each student that needs a device. If you already completed the survey in round one (1) and are scheduled to pick up a Chromebook this week, please do not complete this form again.
Student Plans & Input Form for 2020-21
Please let us know if your child(ren) are planning to attend Jacob Wismer next year by completing this online form: https://forms.gle/Ho5mPJHPPkbWtwW17
This form also includes a space for parents/guardians to get input on considerations for their child's 2020-21 classroom placement.
PTO Connection
Follow the PTO facebook page for community news! Link: https://www.facebook.com/JWESPTO/
We will be posting information about book clubs, facemask collections, fun at-home activities, Earth Day activities, and more! Join us as we try to maintain community even while we're apart, and please feel free to share what your family has been working on!
Students of the Month for Perseverance
Kindergarten (front row, left to right): Ethan Malberg, Nickole Sharp, Kai Giles, Julian Sanders, Fermin De Ezcurra First Grade (middle row, left to right): Zachary Wang, Harshini Gatla, Simone D'Souza, Gunit Aggarwal Second Grade (back row, left to right): Aditi Rao, Peyton Kuo, Yash Murchite, Tom Diaz Arceo, Krish Telang
Third Grade (left to right): Guy Hen, Lydia Rutter, Eva Surlari, Quinci Holden, Dayan Loreth Fourth Grade (left to right): Milo Brook, Yuto Tokunaga, Julie Kise, Neeharika Sawant, Karthikeya Gondi Fifth Grade (left to right): Livia Stringer, Hailey Gabriel, Josh Sleman, Iden Park, Srinidhi Inam
Safe Routes to School Art Poster Contest
Out of 1000 entries to the BSD Safe Routes to School Art Poster Contest, two Jacob Wismer students had their drawings selected. Fifth grader Prajna Sripathi's drawing was selected as the 5th Grade Prize Winner and third grader Emily Xia's drawing was selected as the Grand Prize Winner. Congratulations Prajna and Emily!
Grand Prize Winner - Emily Xia
5th Grade Prize Winner - Prajna Sripathi
March 9, 2020
bsd Coronavirus update link
Hand Sanitizer Shortage
Some of our classrooms are running out of hand sanitizer. If you can, please consider donating an 8 fluid oz. (or larger) pump bottle of alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Please bring your donation to the school office, and we will distribute the bottles to the classrooms that need them. Thank you for your help!
Calendar for March 9 to March 30, 2020
Mar. 16: PTO E-Blast
Mar. 16-20: Passport Club
Mar. 20: Crazy Hair Day
Mar. 23-27: Spring Break
Congratulations to Our OBOB Winner & Runner-Up!
A special thank you to our OBOB chair, Priya Mani and all of our dedicated volunteers!
1st Place: The Reading Pandas
(left to right) Raaga Mandala, Annika Telang, Tripthi Mathew, Swathi Ram
Runner Up: Relay Readers
(left to right) Riddhi Puthenkovilakam, Eva Surlari, Eesha Juneja, Aditi Adiraju
The Final Battle on March 2nd
Moderated by our librarian, Tina Oki Le, and parent volunteer, Aaron Loreth
OBOB Celebration on March 6th
Sign Up Now Open for Spring Conferences
Jacob Wismer is using PTCFast.com to schedule spring conferences. Please click on the link below or enter the following web address into your browser window:
https://www.ptcfast.com/schools/Jacob_Wismer_Elementary_School_Spring2020
Please remember that there is no school for students on April 2-3, 2020.
Author Visit: Jody Little!
Thank you to children's author AND 3rd JW third grade teacher, Jody Little, for introducing her new book, Worse than Weird, and providing storyline writing strategies at an assembly for 3rd, 4th and 5th grade students on March 2nd.
Click here to watch a video clip of the assembly!
Book Character Dress-Up Day Photos
STEAM Night Challenge for Students
Something new! We'd like to invite all students and their families to participate in our Recycling Robots Engineering Challenge. Robots will be displayed at our STEAM Night on May 21st. Start working on your robot today! (Note: This is an optional activity that is to be completed at home.) Here are the details:
Click here for the Recycling Robots registration form!
Technology Tips for Parents*
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General tips
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Have clearly defined, written rules about screens in your home. Be consistent with these rules.
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Keep all electronics (e.g., computers, tablets, cell phones) out of your child’s bedroom. The bedroom should be a room for rest, relaxation and sleep. Have children complete homework (that requires technology) in another room.
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Turn off devices one hour before bedtime. In addition, devises should not be used first thing in the morning.
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Do not use electronics as a reward. It makes technology usage a prize and that should not be a goal.
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Know your child’s passwords and check their devices regularly (especially with older children). Some parents worry about invading their child's privacy but when thinking of a digital footprint, technology is not private anyway.
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MODEL APPROPRIATE SCREEN USAGE. This is hard for parents, but the probably the most important. Put down your device at set times and practice using technology safely (e.g., not using cell phones when driving).
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Video games
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Not all video games are bad, but they often produce a spike in dopamine in the brain. After playing a video game, children may “crash” and be reluctant to complete chores or homework. Instead, have your child play outside or engage in other physical activity immediately after playing a video game.
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Limit the amount of time your child plays video games and become familiar with the games yourself so you can decide if it is something you think is okay.
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Understand the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) rating system of video game. Commonsensemedia.org and screenagersmovie.com are other resources you can use.
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*This information is from Shawn Marshall, MA, LPC, who is a licensed professional counselor with over twenty years of experience working with children and families.
Bethany Library Tours: Mar. 30, Apr. 4 & Apr. 13
Notes from Meeting with Dr. Mary Ehrenworth
Dr. Mary Ehrenworth spoke about reading to a crowded gymnasium of parents and caregivers at Springville K-8 on Feb. 12th. Reading is powerful, transformational, and significant to academic success. Parents and caregivers can support the reading lives of their children in the following ways:
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Fit more reading into kids’ lives. Protect this time.
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Read at night/after school, read more on the weekend, even more on longer weekends, even more on holidays and breaks from school, and even more over the summer.
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When kids don’t read for five weeks, they drop a reading level.
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When this happens in the summer, it takes until February to catch up to where they were in June.
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When they do read over the summer, children move up reading levels.
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Help kids fall in love with reading.
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When kids love reading, they find more time to read.
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Give kids access to books they find fascinating.
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A book is a good book if your kid likes it. Channel their passions in book form.
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Read aloud (picture books, early readers, series books above child’s reading level, fascinating chapter books and nonfiction).
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When reading, don’t stop to ask questions about words. Act like you find the book fascinating.
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Representation matters. Look for books featuring diversity, and pick books written and illustrated by “own voice” writers and artists.
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These books build empathy and provide prospective.
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Use audiobooks.
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If you are a multilingual household, read books in all the languages spoken in your home.
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Sources cited in this talk:
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“Kids Who Read, Succeed.” from Scholastic
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Outliers: the Story of Success by Malcom Gladwell
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David and Goliath: Underdogs, Misfits, and the Art of Battling Giants by Malcom Gladwell
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Untangled: Guiding Girls through the Seven Transitions into Adulthood by Lisa Damour, Ph.D.
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The Smartest Kids in the World and How They Got That Way by Amanda Ripley
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Teachers College Reading and Writing Project at Columbia University
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BSD Resources for Finding Books that Kids Find Fascinating
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School Libraries
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Sora app for e-books and audiobooks
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BSD Librarians Recommend: booklists for K-12, updated regularly
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Beaverton City Library: all BSD students have library cards
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News from Your JW PTO
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Spring Dance Postponed
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The Spring Dance (originally scheduled for March 13th) has been postponed, due to uncertainty regarding the novel coronavirus situation. We are rescheduling this event for later in the spring-- more information to come soon!
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Science Fun Competition Registration Open Now!
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Jacob Wismer PTO Science Fun Competition is back! Mark your calendars: The 2020 competition will be held on Thursday, 7th May 2020! After a successful pilot in 2019, the JW PTO Science Fun competition is set to be back, with all new events for JW 3rd-4th-5th Graders to choose from. The competition will have teams of three (3) students each. Space is limited and only pre-registered teams will be invited to participate on a first-come-first-selected basis. Registration form and competition/event details are included in the registration packet which is available now on the JW PTO website (http://www.jacobwismerpto.org/programs/science-fun-day/). For questions, please contact the competition chair/committee at jw.sci.fun@gmail.com.
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Passport Club
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Next Passport Checkout Week: March 16-20!Thanks to our wonderful volunteers and congratulations to our February high five students! Remember that Passport Club is an at-home study program – please go over maps with your child a few times before checkout. Our next checkout is March 16-20th! You can find Study Maps at http://www.jacobwismerpto.org/passport-club-study-test-maps/. *If you don’t have access to a computer or printer, please contact us or your teacher to provide you with a printed map.
- POSTCARD CHALLENGE ACTIVITY: Spring break is coming and will be a great opportunity for you to join our PostCard Challenge, send a postcard to Jacob Wismer and share a couple of fun facts about the place you visit. We will create a collage at school to share the postcards. Drop off in the school office: place in the “Passport Club” drawer!
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- Middle School Boundary Adjustment
The BSD Middle School Boundary Adjustment committee is nearing the end of its public meetings, with only one meeting remaining! Your comments on the BSD website are crucial input to the committee. Right now, the committee’s final recommendation is being formulated. See below for the stance of the parent group leading JW community efforts*. You can comment here: https://www.beaverton.k12.or.us/departments/long-range-planning/boundary-adjustments/middle-boundary-adjustments/ms-boundary-comment-form
The most recent BSD committee meeting saw consideration of several options for reducing crowding at Stoller Middle School. Splitting several elementary schools (JW, Sato, and Springville) to feed into more than one middle school apiece was proposed as a solution, but the only option that won a majority vote was splitting Springville.
The last MS Boundary Adjustment committee meeting is scheduled for March 12th, 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM, at Mountain View Middle School (17500 SW Farmington Road). Doors open at 6 pm.
Due to the high level of interest in the JW community, the PTO will be reporting the stance of the parent group leading the JW community efforts with regard to the MS boundary adjustment. Updates provided by the parent group will be clearly marked as coming from the MS Boundary parent team.
The following is provided by the MS Boundary parent team and the JW PTO:
1. Walkability. JW families are 100% within walking distance of Stoller Middle School according to BSD criteria. Since transportation money and teacher salaries come out of the same pot, the MS Boundary parent team believes that it is a waste to bus our kids elsewhere.
2. Healthy feeder patterns. The parent team feels that feeder patterns should bolster, not reduce, cohorts traveling together from elementary to middle to high school. Currently JW Stoller kids make up 17% of students going to Sunset. If SUMMA is moved elsewhere, this percentage drops to the single digits.
3. Maintain SUMMA at Stoller. If SUMMA moves to another school, the remaining portion of JW kids at Stoller bound for Sunset drops into the single digits.
Please send your comments to BSD at: https://www.beaverton.k12.or.us/departments/long-range-planning/boundary-adjustments/middle-boundary-adjustments/ms-boundary-comment-form
- Film Plastic Recycling Competition
Our JW community has collected 110 lbs of plastic so far! Go Eagles!!! Keep up the great work!
JW is competing with other elementary schools to see who can keep the most film plastic out of landfills. This type of plastic is not eligible for curbside recycling in our area, and it’s a major pollutant in oceans. Even if properly disposed of in a landfill, it takes an incredibly long time to biodegrade. Keep your Ziplocs and bread bags out of the trash – send them to our film plastic collection bins to start a new life in Trex building materials!
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Where? Yellow bins outside of JW office
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When? Bins are up now; collection continues through April 15th
- What? You can recycle these materials (please make sure they are clean, dry, and free of food residue): grocery bags, bread bags, case overwrap, dry cleaning bags, newspaper sleeves, ice bags, wood pellet bags, ziplock & other re-sealable bags, produce bags, bubble wrap, salt bags, and cereal bags
Please note: You can recycle plastic Amazon mailer bags too! (Consider removing the sticker with your address if you’re concerned about privacy.)
These items are NOT recyclable: plastic clamshells; chip bags and plastic-and-metal laminate bags; candy wrappers; cellophane wrappers; any plastic bags that don’t pass the rule of thumb stretch test, such as cut salad bags and bags of dal or spices.
RULE OF THUMB: If you try to tear the plastic (you can also try to poke a hole with your finger)….plastic that STRETCHES can be recycled; plastic that BREAKS OR TEARS CLEANLY can’t be recycled.
Link to After-School Activity Flyers
Link to PTO E-Blast (PTO Parent News)
Health Curriculum Preview for Parents
In the Beaverton School District, we teach children important skills for getting along with others and doing well in school. In order to help our school be a safe and supportive place where everyone can learn, we also provide age-appropriate health instruction. There will be two primary resources used for this instruction: The Great Body Shop to teach the adopted Oregon Health Education Standards and fightchildabuse.org to teach sexual abuse prevention in accordance with Erin’s Law.
Oregon Health Education Standards
The Great Body Shop, published by The Children’s Health Market, will be used to teach the new Oregon Health Education Standards. It offers skills-based instruction that addresses physical, social, emotional, and mental health. Human Sexuality Education instruction is age appropriate, medically accurate, and relevant for all students.
If you would like to preview the health lesson materials, please come to the Jacob Wismer school office to look at our health notebooks (drop-ins are fine). If you would like to preview the student editions, you will need to complete the form on this link and submitted it to our school office to arrange an appointment time. Please note that the materials must remain in the office and cannot be photographed or copied. Download, print and return this form (link) if you wish to opt-out your child for any or all of these lessons/activities.
February 24, 2020
Calendar for Feb. 24 - Mar. 9
Feb. 24-28: Passport Club
Mar. 2: "Dress as Your Favorite Book Character" Day
Mar. 2: PTO Walking School Bus
Mar. 2: Sign Up for Spring Conferences begins *See below
Mar. 2: Art Literacy Training 8:30am & 7:00pm
Mar. 3: PTO Meeting 6:00-7:00pm
JW Valentine's Day Photos!
Kindergarten
1st Grade
2nd Grade
3rd Grade
4th Grade
5th Grade
Spring Conferences
Spring conferences are scheduled for Thursday, April 2nd and Friday, April 3rd. There will be no school for students on these dates. A school messenger will be sent to all parents on Monday, Mar. 2nd, with instructions on how to sign up for conferences on PTCFast.com.
Student Investment Act (SIA) Update
All community members are invited to provide feedback on the Student Investment Account. Information and a copy of the draft plan can be found on this link. The form to provide your individual feedback can be found on this link.
JW State Testing Window for 3rd, 4th and 5th Grades
Important: Please do NOT schedule family vacations during the months of April and May when grades 3-5 will be completing state testing. Thank you!
Parents-Below are some sample questions that are similar to those found on the state test. See if your child can answer them! More sample questions will be coming in future Journals.
3rd Grade Sample Math Test Item:
Grandpa’s Farm
Fred and Patti go to Grandpa’s farm. In the barnyard there are ducks and sheep. Fred and Patti see 9 animals all together. The animals have a total of 26 legs. How many ducks and how many sheep are there in the barnyard?
4th Grade Sample Math Test Item:
Kyle’s Corral Caper
Kyle works at Greenhorn Ranch every summer. He is building a rectangular corral using 64 feet of fencing. How wide and how long should he make the corral to get the largest possible area? Explain your thinking and your answer(s).
5th Grade Sample Math Test Item:
Jones Family Pizza
The four members of the Jones family are having pizza for dinner. John and his mother each eat 1/8 of the pizza. If Jana and her father divide the remaining pizza so that Jana eats twice as much as her father, show what fraction of the pizza Jana will eat.
click here for More math sample test items: Link
3rd, 4th & 5th Grade Writing Sample Prompts:
Narrative
Have you ever made someone happy—or given someone a good surprise? Tell a true story about a time when your actions had a positive effect on someone else.
Expository
Fish have fins, birds have wings, turtles have shells, and slugs have slime. Think of an animal and explain the things that make it special.
Imaginative
Imagine that you find a one-dollar bill on the street. As you look closely, you can see that a note has been written on it. Make up a story about what it says and what happens.
click here for More writing sample test prompts: link
click here for the Oregon State Sample training tests: Link
click here for math, reading and writing scoring guides: Link
Feb. 18th Staff Development Day Photos
2020-21 Kindergarten Registration & Orientation
Kindergarten registration information is now available on our school website at this link.
Families who are planning to attend our Kindergarten Orientation on Thursday, April 23rd from 6:00-7:30pm should complete this link: RSVP form on this link
News from your PTO!
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Passport Club
We only have four more Passport Checkouts to go! Remember Passport club is an at-home study program, please go over maps with your child once or twice before checkout! You can find maps here: http://www.jacobwismerpto.org/passport-club-study-test-maps/
*If you don’t have access to a computer or printer, please PTO or your teacher to provide you with a printed map.
POSTCARD CHALLENGE ACTIVITY:
Spring Break is coming and will be a great opportunity for you to join our PostCard Challenge: Mail a postcard to Jacob Wismer Attn. Passport Club (5477 NW Skycrest Parkway, Portland, OR 97229) and share a couple of fun facts about the place you visit. We will create a collage at school to share the postcards. Or, if you prefer, you can drop off your post card in the school office in the “Passport Club” drawer after Spring Break.
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Middle School Boundary Adjustment
The BSD Middle School Boundary Adjustment committee is nearing the end of its public meetings! If you haven’t yet commented on the current maps – or even if you have (you can comment multiple times) – NOW is the time to make your voice heard.
You can comment here: https://www.beaverton.k12.or.us/departments/long-range-planning/boundary-adjustments/middle-boundary-adjustments/ms-boundary-comment-form
The next MS Boundary Adjustment committee meeting is scheduled for Feb. 25th, 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM, at Whitford Middle School (7935 SW Scholls Ferry Road). Doors open at 6 pm.
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Walking School Bus
Our next "1st Monday of the Month Walking School Bus" is scheduled for Monday, March 2nd. See you then!
When: Monday, March 2nd - weather permitting
Time: meet between 7:50 & 8:00 AM
Where: 2 locations
- Our volunteer Margarita will meet you at NW Kyle Pl/ NW Vance Dr.
-Our volunteer Ana will meet you at Arbor Heights Playground
Time: meet between 7:50 & 8:00 AM
Where: 2 locations
- Our volunteer Margarita will meet you at NW Kyle Pl/ NW Vance Dr.
-Our volunteer Ana will meet you at Arbor Heights Playground
Questions? Please contact Margarita at vpcommunityevents@jacobwismerpto.org
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Film Plastic Recycling Competition
Our JW community has collected 87 lbs of plastic so far! Go Eagles!!! Keep up the great work!
JW is competing with other elementary schools to see who can keep the most film plastic out of landfills. This type of plastic is not eligible for curbside recycling in our area, and it’s a major pollutant in oceans. Even if properly disposed of in a landfill, it takes an incredibly long time to biodegrade. Keep your ziplocs and bread bags out of the trash – send them to our film plastic collection bins to start a new life in Trex building materials!
Where? Yellow bins outside of JW office
When? Bins are up now; collection continues through April 15th
What? You can recycle these materials (please make sure they are clean, dry, and free of food residue): grocery bags, bread bags, case overwrap, dry cleaning bags, newspaper sleeves, ice bags, wood pellet bags, ziplock & other re-sealable bags, produce bags, bubble wrap, salt bags, and cereal bags
Please note: You can recycle plastic Amazon mailer bags too! (Consider removing the sticker with your address if you’re concerned about privacy.)
These items are NOT recyclable: plastic clamshells; chip bags and plastic-and-metal laminate bags; any plastic bags that don’t pass the rule of thumb stretch test, such as cut salad bags and bags of dal or spices.
RULE OF THUMB: If you try to tear the plastic (you can also try to poke a hole with your finger)….plastic that STRETCHES can be recycled; plastic that BREAKS OR TEARS CLEANLY can’t be recycled.
Link to After-School Activity Flyers
Link to PTO E-Blast (PTO Parent News)
Health Curriculum Preview for Parents
In the Beaverton School District, we teach children important skills for getting along with others and doing well in school. In order to help our school be a safe and supportive place where everyone can learn, we also provide age-appropriate health instruction. There will be two primary resources used for this instruction: The Great Body Shop to teach the adopted Oregon Health Education Standards and fightchildabuse.org to teach sexual abuse prevention in accordance with Erin’s Law.
Oregon Health Education Standards
The Great Body Shop, published by The Children’s Health Market, will be used to teach the new Oregon Health Education Standards. It offers skills-based instruction that addresses physical, social, emotional, and mental health. Human Sexuality Education instruction is age appropriate, medically accurate, and relevant for all students.
If you would like to preview the health lesson materials, please come to the Jacob Wismer school office to look at our health notebooks (drop-ins are fine). If you would like to preview the student editions, you will need to complete the form on this link and submitted it to our school office to arrange an appointment time. Please note that the materials must remain in the office and cannot be photographed or copied. Download, print and return this form (link) if you wish to opt-out your child for any or all of these lessons/activities.
February 10, 2020
Calendar for Feb. 10 - 24
Feb. 12: Parent Class-Helping Your Child Achieve Academic Success, 6:30pm @ Springville K-8 Speaker: Mary Ehrenworth, Columbia University *See article below for more information.
Feb. 17: Holiday-School Closed
Feb. 18: Staff Development Day-No School for Students
Feb. 19: PTO E-Blast
Feb. 24-28: Passport Club
Meet Our Students of the Month for Empathy
K-2 Students of the Month for Empathy
(front row, left to right) Matheus Figur (Vuksich), Everleigh Johnson (Karim), Jason Xi (Gilchrist), Tanvi Datla (Arnzen), Lisa Ngo (Sippel); (middle row, left to right) Jack Austermiller (Stewart), Martina De Ezcurra (Reimer), Shaivi Vodapally (Alexander/Willis), Alice Luhavy (Reid); (back row, left to right) Chloe Scantlebury (Sundahl), Sarah Hu (England), Sarayu Kommineni (Toevs), Sahasra Vinjam (Amato), Zoha Ahsan (Eggers).
3rd-5th Students of the Month for Empathy
(front row, left to right) Arjun Downer (Dargen), Abiella Fung (Guilfoyle), Siyona Choudhury (Johnston), Stella Von Haartman (Little), Max Allen (Kerrigan) (middle row, left to right) Sameeha Gohil (Hanson), Amelie Jacobs (Guevara), Agamya Anand (Huelskamp), Olivia Gaete Perez (Richardson), Hanna Lim (Silver) (back row, left to right) Olivia Rosario (Bossert), Annika Telang (Brundidge), Bowie Barker (Elms), Alex Gledhill (Getty), Rishi Iyer (Scoggins)
PE All-Stars for Sportsmanship/Empathy
Here's what our teachers are saying about your generous gift...
"We had one of the "tiny TV's" before and my class is really loving that we can all see at once on the giant TV! We especially appreciate this feature during our morning brain boost time. Thank you!"
"Thank you for funding the TV for the music classroom. It's great to be able to play world class music for the students and to let them see and hear great musicians at work."
"The 4th graders were thrilled, cheering when they returned from Specials and found the new monitor ready to use in our classroom. We have been using it throughout the day for learning across all subjects. Thank you so much!"
"So... I am a techno-fear person... I was VERY nervous about giving up my old "full of wires" document camera... I LOVE our new classroom life with wireless! Thank you so much PTO!"
"My class really likes the bigger screen. On the day that it replaced the smaller one, a student asked if the TV got bigger. A different student wanted to know where the smaller TVs would go. She would like her teacher from last year to get a TV for the classroom. Another one who needs glasses is just happy that the screen is bigger."
"I am very appreciative of the TV. It has made it so much easier to do research for our penguin and Arctic animal reports! We've all enjoyed seeing information clearly and up close. I especially like how it had added excitement to brain boosts. The kids and I feel like the dancers are right in the room with us."
"The children and I LOVE the new tech products! There are no cords to trip over and I can be anywhere in the classroom to teach. Thank you!"
"Thank you so much for providing the new technology to our classrooms! The picture is so much clearer and the time it takes to get the image up is so much less. With the old document camera, we were constantly waiting for the image to appear, especially when switching from the projector to the camera. The teachers and students appreciate this gift so much!"
"We LOVE having our TV! Students can see the screen from the farthest point in the classroom. I love being able to position my TV in different directions. I turn it towards the class or Brain Boosts, science lessons, health lessons, math warm-ups, etc. I turn it towards my carpet space during reading, writing, and math lessons. Since these are students of the technology age, I feel that having a TV helps hold their interest. Thank you so much for this wonderful addition to our classroom environment!"
"The students were so excited and I heard, "When are we getting our TV?" about 20 times a day.... now that it has arrived, they love it! It is working extremely well to provide a brighter, clearer display and the sound is far better than our old speaker. A big THANK YOU from our classroom!"
"Thank you for the TVs! My kids read their writing on the screen using the iPad stand. The clarity of the TVs is way better than the projectors & pull-down screens."
"I can't believe how much I've embraced my new "wireless" life! A couple of quick examples of how I've used the TV/Belkin stand /I-Pad combo just this past week involve my read aloud book (Hatchet). I quickly pulled up the cockpit of the airplane involved in the crash in the book and the students loved imagining what it was like to be the main character, a young teen flying in a plane in the Canadian wilderness, with a dead pilot in the seat next to him and a sea of flight instruments in front of him! Then, when the same character struggled to catch fish with his homemade spear because of how light bends in the water, I was able to pull up a short video on refraction and squeezed a science lesson in there. Easy peasy! We love the amazing, crisp quality of the TV and have thoroughly enjoyed our "new addition" to our class."
"We absolutely love our TV, Apple TV, and Belkin tablet stands! It has allowed us to create more flexibility with our classroom arrangement, ease of technology transfer, and class instruction. Thank you so much for the generous and helpful resource!"
"My students love how clear everything looks on the new TV! I love how easy it has been to use. Thank you to our amazing PTO!"
"Thank you so much for the wonderful TV and stand, we appreciate your generosity. This week my students were able to use the TV for their powerpoint presentations and were able to watch amazing solar system videos. We are all excited about the new TV addition to our classroom. Thanks again!"
"Thank you so very much for your generous gift of the amazing TVs and stands. The new technology is opening up so many possibilities! We love it! Thank you!"
"My class was very excited to get the TV "upgrade" as they kept calling it. They love using the screen and every kid in the class knows how to connect their Chromebook to the screen. It is so powerful for a kid to be able to stand in front of the class and give a slide presentation they worked on independently. Thank you PTO for making learning at JW such a powerful thing!"
"Thank you so much for purchasing the TV's and iPad stands for us. I am quite amazed at how it has already changed my teaching and freed me up to move around the classroom more. The children are more engaged which is a great recipe for learning."
"The TV's have really revolutionized my teaching! The students are able to move around the room and work in different areas while still accessing the tools I post on the TV. Also, I can move around the room with the iPad and show student work in live time. It is so meaningful and my class is so excited to see new ways to utilize these resources. Thank you!"
"You can see everything more clearly on the TV. There are no shadows. It is never blurry. It is beautiful and nice! We can learn good stuff!"
"Thank you so much for the new TV for our classroom. Everyday my students would walk by the carts being built in the hall and ask when WE were going to get a TV in our room? They would count them down as they would be wheeled away to their classrooms. (Always wondering if there would be enough…) I told them that our Amazing PTO bought one for every classroom and ours would be coming soon. One day we walked in the room and he was setting it up in our class. Everyone was SO excited, they started shrieking and jumping up and down. Once we calmed down we were ready to try it out. They all walked like they were in a trance towards it and just stood there staring at it. Nothing was even on yet! Now that they are used to it things are still exciting. When we watch a brain-boost or something we have seen before, they will comment on how clear the picture is or how they didn’t notice something on 'that old foggy screen'. We can’t thank you enough for the very generous purchase. It is being well used and loved by all!"
"Thank you for all of the effort and time you put into supporting our school, our students, and staff. You are amazing and make such a positive difference! The latest purchase of classroom TV's will help to bring us up to current classroom technology standards. The students will be able to see curriculum materials better and have access to more!"
Math Night for Parents-Feb. 6, 2020
Here are resources if you missed Math Night!
Math Slideshow: Link
Handout:
Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Spotlight
Not all children express nor want affection and attention in the same way. In the article, The Five Love Languages of Children, parents can consider five different ways our children might speak or ask for love. As Dr. Chapman, a marriage counselor and author of The 5 Love Languages states, “You have to know how to communicate love to a child so that he genuinely feels loved.”
Kid Gov. Rosarians' Newsmakers of the Year Award
Raaga Mandala, JW 5th grader and Oregon's Kid Governor, was honored on Jan. 30, 2020 at the Royal Rosarian's Newsmakers of the Year Banquet at the Doubletree Hotel near Lloyd Center. Above are photos of Raaga with the other Newsmakers (left) and with our own Royal Rosarian, fifth grade teacher, Mary Getty. To see Raaga's presentation, go to our Activities page or click on this link.
JW Named Walk & Roll Champions for January 2020!
Jacob Wismer's Walking School Bus coordinators, Alexandra Yau, Ana Pacheco and Maggie Thygesen as well as PE teachers Colin Arnold and Brent Van Volkinburg, have been recognized as the Walk + Roll Champions for the month of January! The district's Safe Routes to School Program recognizes a school, individual or group each month that is making efforts to promote safe, active transportation for their school community. This award recognizes our efforts towards increasing student access to safe walking to school.
JW State Testing Window for 3rd, 4th and 5th Grades
Important: Please do NOT schedule family vacations during the months of April and May when grades 3-5 will be completing state testing.
Annual State Testing Notification
Important Parent Training Opportunity!
Presenter: Dr. Mary Ehrenworth, Columbia University
Date: February 12, 2020
Time: 6:30pm
Location: Springville K-8, 6655 NW Joss Ave., Portland, OR 97229
Topic: What you do at night, on the weekends, and on vacation can make a world of difference to your child's academic success: practical advice for families from a leading literacy expert.
Link for more information
Link to register
Coronavirus
There have been some concerns about the recent outbreak of the coronavirus. The Beaverton School District has been in contact with Washington County Public Health and have been provided information and guidelines for the public (link). As of right now, we are directing concerned parties to the information being provided through the Washington County Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
Beaverton School District is Now Enrolling for Kindergarten
The Beaverton School District is now enrolling for Kindergarten at all elementary schools for the 2020-2021 school year.
Any child who will be five (5) years of age on or before September 1, 2020 is now eligible to enroll for Kindergarten at their designated home school. Online Registration is available for new student enrollment. After the online application has been submitted you will want to schedule a visit to your child's school, prior to the first day of their attending. This visit is important as you may receive school-specific forms to complete. Parents/guardians will need to provide a birth certificate and immunization record at the time of enrollment.
Each elementary school will offer parents an orientation to find out more about the Kindergarten program at their spring Kindergarten information events. Please check the Kindergarten webpage or with your neighborhood school to see when the orientation is scheduled.
If you are uncertain about which elementary school is your home school, you can check any address to see what elementary, middle or high school attendance boundary it is located in using the District Address Locator or call 503-356-4500. For more information on registering your child for Kindergarten, including a list of 2020-2021 Kindergarten Orientation Dates, Immunization Requirements and much more, please visit the Kindergarten Information webpage.
From the JW PTO
Middle School Boundary Adjustment
The BSD Middle School Boundary Adjustment committee is nearing the end of its public meetings! At the latest meeting, the committee voted to advance Map C, although many committee members favored Map A. You can see these maps and supporting documents here: https://v3.boardbook.org/Public/PublicMeetingMaterials.aspx?ak=1000186&mk=50364854
Let BSD know your views on these maps and other boundary questions here: https://www.beaverton.k12.or.us/departments/long-range-planning/boundary-adjustments/middle-boundary-adjustments/ms-boundary-comment-form
The next MS Boundary Adjustment committee meeting is scheduled for Feb. 13th, 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM, at Five Oaks Middle School (1600 NW 173rd Ave., Beaverton, OR 97006). Doors open at 6 pm.
Film Plastic Recycling Competition
We were blown away by how much plastic JW families have collected--more than 50 lbs in our first two weeks!!! Go Eagles!!! Keep up the great work!
RUNNING TOTAL: 50.6 lbs plastic!
JW is competing against other elementary schools to see who can keep the most film plastic out of landfills. This type of plastic is not eligible for curbside recycling in our area, and it’s a major pollutant in oceans. Even if properly disposed of in a landfill, it takes an incredibly long time to biodegrade. Keep your ziplocs and bread bags out of the trash – send them to our film plastic collection bins to start a new life in Trex building materials!
· Where? Yellow bins outside of JW office
· When? Bins are up now; collection continues through April 15th
· What? You can recycle these materials (please make sure they are clean, dry, and free of food residue):
grocery bags, bread bags, case overwrap, dry cleaning bags, newspaper sleeves, ice bags, wood pellet bags, ziplock & other re-sealable bags, produce bags, bubble wrap, salt bags, and cereal bags
Please note: You can recycle plastic Amazon mailer bags too! (Please REMOVE any labels on plastic bags and mailers.) Keep an eye out for our Fantastic Plasticometer, which will track how much plastic we’ve kept out of the landfill! Start collecting your film plastics now—you will be amazed by how much you’ve been throwing away!
AVID Volunteer Tutors Needed and Paid College Student Tutor Position Available!
AVID Volunteer Tutors are needed in all the Middle Schools, Options schools and High schools (all levels please promote to your school community) And now, just added a new Paid College Student Tutor Position! Information regarding this position can be viewed here: Detailed Handout
AVID=Advancement Via Individual Determination
The Beaverton AVID Program teaches students the skills and behaviors necessary for academic success in high school, college and beyond.
• AVID tutors work with small groups of middle school students under the supervision of a teacher.
• Tutors are trained to use specific strategies that help develop students’ critical thinking, literacy, and math skills.
• Tutoring is held mainly on Tuesday & Thursday, and times vary depending on the school and volunteer availability.
• Training and ongoing support provided.
Link to After-School Activity Flyers
Link to PTO E-Blast (PTO Parent News)
Health Curriculum Preview for Parents
In the Beaverton School District, we teach children important skills for getting along with others and doing well in school. In order to help our school be a safe and supportive place where everyone can learn, we also provide age-appropriate health instruction. There will be two primary resources used for this instruction: The Great Body Shop to teach the adopted Oregon Health Education Standards and fightchildabuse.org to teach sexual abuse prevention in accordance with Erin’s Law.
Oregon Health Education Standards
The Great Body Shop, published by The Children’s Health Market, will be used to teach the new Oregon Health Education Standards. It offers skills-based instruction that addresses physical, social, emotional, and mental health. Human Sexuality Education instruction is age appropriate, medically accurate, and relevant for all students.
If you would like to preview the health lesson materials, please come to the Jacob Wismer school office to look at our health notebooks (drop-ins are fine). If you would like to preview the student editions, you will need to complete the form on this link and submitted it to our school office to arrange an appointment time. Please note that the materials must remain in the office and cannot be photographed or copied. Download, print and return this form (link) if you wish to opt-out your child for any or all of these lessons/activities.
January 28, 2020
Calendar Jan. 28 to Feb. 10, 2020
Jan. 28: Start reporting absences online *See below
Feb. 3: Report cards available to view on ParentVue
Feb. 3: PTO Walking School Bus
Feb. 3: PTO Meeting 6:30-7:30pm Cafeteria
Feb. 6: Math Information Night for Parents 6:15-7:15pm
Feb. 28 - Feb. 3: Passport Club
Don't Call! Report Absences ONLINE
To make our absence reporting more efficient, we ask that you now report your child's absences online (no need to call). It's easy! Go to our JW Website > Connect > Absence Reporting (Direct Link)
Photo: Family Movie Night
Thank you to chair Jennifer Politsch and parent volunteers for coordinating our Family Movie Night!
JW Math Information Night for Parents- Feb. 6th 6:15-7:15pm
The ability to think and communicate mathematically is essential to becoming a successful and productive member of our dynamic global society. The way that we teach mathematics today uses strategies that includes problem-solving, thinking creatively, making connections and working with others collaboratively.
This math information night is for parents who would like to learning more about our adopted district math curriculum and how it is being implemented in our K-5 classrooms. Please note that this session is for parents-only (no children).
Photo: NED Assembly
Students in grades 3-5 learn about perseverance, positive thinking and growth mindset at our NED assembly on 1/9/2020.
Report Cards will be on ParentVue (no paper copies)
The Beaverton School District is transitioning to electronic report cards for all students. The electronic report cards will be accessed through ParentVUE (mobile and desktop). If you have not set up your ParentVUE account, you will need to do so in order to view your child's report card which will be available online on Monday, Feb. 3rd. No paper copies will be sent home.
Three are resources and guidance on how to set up a ParentVue account. Please view the FAQ for instructions on setting up your account. There are several benefits to moving to paperless report cards. You will be able to view grades days after grading days, rather than wait up to two weeks for a report card to come by mail or in your child’s backpack. In addition, moving away from paper is environmentally friendly and cost-effective for the District.e
Please contact your school if you need help setting up or accessing your ParentVUE account or need assistance with a printed copy.
Parent Guides for Report Cards-Math Update-Click on Grade Level
Congratulations "Read for Bees" Readers - 4,090 hrs!
Photo: Elementary All-State Choir
Help Keep our Crosswalks Safe!
Please SLOW DOWN when approaching our cross walks at Wendy Lane/Crady Lane and Skycrest Parkway/Crady Lane. Report of cars speeding through crosswalks, running through stop signs and almost hitting our crossing guards and students are becoming more and more frequent. How can you help keep our children and staff safe? Number 1 - Be safe and responsible drivers. Number 2 - Leave your house earlier so you won't be in a hurry. Number 3 - Report unsafe vehicles that you witness to the Washington County Sheriff's Office: Link Your support and concern for the safety of our neighborhood is appreciated!
Register to attend the Community-Wide Conversation Around Race
In our ongoing efforts to ensure equitable access, inclusion, and opportunity for our students, families, and staff, the Beaverton School District is engaging in the first of, hopefully, many community conversations around race. As a valued member of our community we would like to cordially invite you to attend and participate!
On Wednesday, January 29, 2020 from 3:15 to 6:00 p.m., we will be welcoming students, families, staff, and community members from throughout Beaverton and the surrounding region to join us at Southridge High School. The afternoon will include the elevation of student and adult voices from our schools and community partners in two breakout sessions focused on specific topics within the conversation around race. In between those two sessions, we will be listening to students engaging in conversation about the importance of developing and empowering our racial literacy. Please consider joining us for the event, and please share the opportunity with others!
You can learn more about the schedule, the various breakout sessions being offered, and register to attend the event by going to our website.
Southridge High School is located at: 9625 SW 125th Avenue Beaverton, OR 97008
For questions or assistance please call Susan Ouellette at 503-356-4431.
Online Registration Open for 20-21
Online registration is available for new student enrollment. After the online application has been submitted, you will want to schedule a visit to your child's school, prior to the first day of their attending. This visit is important as you may receive school-specific forms to complete, and your child will receive class assignments, schedules and other information to make your child's transition a smooth one.
News from your PTO
Passport Club
Passport Checkout Week is Jan. 28th - Feb. 3rd! Remember Passport club is an at-home study program - please go over maps with your child once or twice before checkout!
You can find Study Maps at http://www.jacobwismerpto.org/passport-club-study-test-maps/.
*If you don’t have access to a computer or printer, please ask your teacher to provide you with a printed map.
Postcard Challenge Activity (You can still participate!)
Passport Club wants to encourage kids to learn more of the places they visit or live in. That is why we invite you to participate in our Passport Club Postcard Challenge activity by sending a postcard to Jacob Wismer and sharing a couple of fun facts. We will create a collage at school to share the postcards. If you are not doing long or short traveling you can share a lot of fun and interesting facts about Portland/Oregon/United States. You can either send your postcard by mail or you can drop off in the school office: place in the “Passport Club” drawer!
PTO Meeting Rescheduled
Our next meeting will be Monday, February 3rd. This meeting was originally scheduled for the following day, Tuesday the 4th. It’s been rescheduled to accommodate a special guest, Steven Sparks, BSD’s Executive Administrator for Long Range Planning. While the most effective way to make your views on the Middle School Boundary Adjustment known is to submit comments to BSD (you can do so here: https://www.beaverton.k12.or.us/departments/long-range-planning/boundary-adjustments/middle-boundary-adjustments/ms-boundary-comment-form ), we invite you to come ask Mr. Sparks any questions you may have. We hope to see you there!
Film Plastic Recycling Competition
The yellow recycling bin by the office was nearly filled last week, for a total of 8.5 lb plastic! Keep up the good work, Eagles!
JW is competing against other elementary schools to see who can keep the most film plastic out of landfills. This type of plastic is not eligible for curbside recycling in our area, and it’s a major pollutant in oceans. Even if properly disposed of in a landfill, it takes an incredibly long time to biodegrade. Keep your ziplocs and bread bags out of the trash – send them to our film plastic collection bins to start a new life in Trex building materials!
Where? Yellow bins outside of JW office
When? Bins are up now; collection continues through April 15th
What? You can recycle these materials (please make sure they are clean, dry, and free of food residue): grocery bags, bread bags, case overwrap, dry cleaning bags, newspaper sleeves, ice bags, wood pellet bags, ziplock & other re-sealable bags, produce bags, bubble wrap, salt bags, and cereal bags
Keep an eye out for our Fantastic Plasticometer, which will track how much plastic we’ve kept out of the landfill! Start collecting your film plastics now—you will be amazed by how much you’ve been throwing away!
Middle School Boundary Adjustment
The BSD Middle School Boundary Adjustment committee is nearing the end of its public meetings. At the latest meeting, the committee heavily favored maps 8 & 9, which send JW with Sato and Springville elementary schools to Stoller Middle School. Findley and the Summa program are sent to Timberland Middle School. You can see these maps and the details of student population numbers here: https://v3.boardbook.org/Public/PublicItemDownload.aspx?ik=45797500
If you want to submit any comments to BSD, you can comment here: https://www.beaverton.k12.or.us/departments/long-range-planning/boundary-adjustments/middle-boundary-adjustments/ms-boundary-comment-form
The next MS Boundary Adjustment committee meeting is scheduled for Jan. 30th, 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM, at Meadow Park Middle School (14100 SW Downing Street, Beaverton, OR 97006). Doors open at 6 pm.
Common Middle School Experience: Family Listening & Learning Sessions
Please join us to learn more about the Beaverton School District’s efforts to create a common experience at all of our comprehensive middle schools. This effort includes middle school course offerings and schedules that are standardized across the District.
The Family Listening & Learning Sessions will be held at every middle school on Thursday, February 6, 2020 from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. We look forward to seeing you there!
Register to attend the Community-Wide Conversation Around Race
In our ongoing efforts to ensure equitable access, inclusion, and opportunity for our students, families, and staff, the Beaverton School District is engaging in the first of, hopefully, many community conversations around race. As a valued member of our community we would like to cordially invite you to attend and participate!
On Wednesday, January 29, 2020 from 3:15 to 6:00 p.m., we will be welcoming students, families, staff, and community members from throughout Beaverton and the surrounding region to join us at Southridge High School. The afternoon will include the elevation of student and adult voices from our schools and community partners in two breakout sessions focused on specific topics within the conversation around race. In between those two sessions, we will be listening to students engaging in conversation about the importance of developing and empowering our racial literacy. Please consider joining us for the event, and please share the opportunity with others!
You can learn more about the schedule, the various breakout sessions being offered, and register to attend the event by going to our website.
Southridge High School is located at: 9625 SW 125th Avenue Beaverton, OR 97008
For questions or assistance please call Susan Ouellette at 503-356-4431.
Annual State Testing Notification
Health Curriculum Preview for Parents
In the Beaverton School District, we teach children important skills for getting along with others and doing well in school. In order to help our school be a safe and supportive place where everyone can learn, we also provide age-appropriate health instruction. There will be two primary resources used for this instruction: The Great Body Shop to teach the adopted Oregon Health Education Standards and fightchildabuse.org to teach sexual abuse prevention in accordance with Erin’s Law.
Oregon Health Education Standards
The Great Body Shop, published by The Children’s Health Market, will be used to teach the new Oregon Health Education Standards. It offers skills-based instruction that addresses physical, social, emotional, and mental health. Human Sexuality Education instruction is age appropriate, medically accurate, and relevant for all students.
If you would like to preview the health lesson materials, please come to the Jacob Wismer school office to look at our health notebooks (drop-ins are fine). If you would like to preview the student editions, you will need to complete the form on this link and submitted it to our school office to arrange an appointment time. Please note that the materials must remain in the office and cannot be photographed or copied. Download, print and return this form (link) if you wish to opt-out your child for any or all of these lessons/activities.
Sensitive Health Lesson/Activity Titles by Grade Level (Note: These are the lessons/activities that align with Oregon Health Standards for human sexuality, gender education, HIV/AIDS education and sexual abuse prevention and do NOT include non-sensitive health topics such as nutrition, safety, etc. All health lessons are available to preview in the school office.)
Kindergarten:
Unit 5 Lesson 4: Safe Touch, Unsafe Touch
Unit 4 Lesson 1: What is a Family?
Erin's Law Kindergarten Lessons & Videos:
The Protect Yourself Rules (2:43) Shout, Run, Tell (1:46) Safe Touch/Unsafe Touch (2:07) Neighbor (3:49) A Friendly Stranger (3:04) Recognize the Signs (2:01)
1st Grade:
Unit 2 Lesson 4: My Body is Extra Special
Unit 6 Lesson 4: My Body is Private
Unit 8 Activity 18: Learning About HIV
Unit 5 Activity 21: Meet My Family
Unit 6 Lesson 2: Talking Helps Me Feel Better
Erin's Law 1st Grade Lessons & Videos:
The Protect Yourself Rules (2:43) Shout, Run, Tell (1:46) Safe Touch/Unsafe Touch (2:07) Neighbor (3:49) A Friendly Stranger (3:04) Recognize the Signs (2:01)
2nd Grade:
Unit 5 Lesson 4: Your Body is Private!
Unit 8 Activity 17: HIV & Drugs
Unit 6 Lesson 2: Families
Unit 6 Lesson 3: Families Grow & Change, Too
Erin's Law 2nd Grade Lessons & Videos:
The Protect Yourself Rules (2:43) Shout, Run, Tell (1:46) Safe Touch/Unsafe Touch (2:07) Neighbor (3:49) A Friendly Stranger (3:04) Recognize the Signs (2:01
3rd Grade:
Unit 6 Activity 24: Identity
Unit 6 Portfolio 2: Dealing with Discrimination
Unit 8 Lesson 1: Being Sick
Unit 8 Lesson 2: Fighting Diseases
Erin's Law 3rd Grade Lessons & Videos:
The Protect Yourself Rules (2:43) Shout, Run, Tell (1:46) Safe Touch/Unsafe Touch (2:07) Neighbor (3:49) A Friendly Stranger (3:04) Recognize the Signs (2:01)
4th Grade:
Unit 5 Lesson 1: Hormones & Body Changes
Unit 5 Lesson 4: Prevent Abuse/Privacy
Unit 6 Activity 10: Hormones & Reproductive Organs
Unit 6 Activity 18: Talking About Sensitive Issues with a Trusted Adult
Unit 6 Activity 19: Identity
Unit 6 Activity 20: Finding Credible, Medically Accurate Resources
Erin's Law 4th Grade Lessons & Videos:
4th Lessons 1-4 (Lessons 1, 2, 3, & 5)
5th Grade:
Unit 5 Lesson 4: My Body is Private
Unit 6 Activity 19: Abstinence
Unit 6 Activity 26: Talking About Sensitive Issues with a Trusted Adult
Unit 6 Activity 27: Identity
Unit 6 Activity 28: Finding Credible, Medically Accurate Resources
Unit 6 Lesson 1: Hormones & Your Body
Unit 6 Lesson 2: Growing Up Male & Female
Unit 6 Lesson 3: Good Hygiene and Feeling Good About the Way You Look
Unit 6 Lesson 4: Growing Up with a Healthy Attitude
Erin's Law 5th Grade Lessons & Videos:
January 13, 2020
Calendar
Monday, Jan. 13 Art Lit Training 8:30am & 7:00pm
Friday, Jan. 17 PTO Family Movie Night 6-8pm
Friday, Jan. 17 Read for Bees (last day to turn in forms)
Monday, Jan. 20 MLK Holiday - School Closed
Tuesday, Jan. 21 PTO E-Blast (newsletter)
Monday, Jan. 27 Grading Day - No School for Students
BSD Inclement Weather Information
School closure or delayed start decisions will typically be communicated to media outlets and posted on the District website, Facebook and Twitter by 5:30 a.m. and SchoolMessenger text, email or phone (depending on selected preferences).
We encourage families to make transportation and attendance decisions for their child(ren) based on their own assessment of travel conditions at their location.
When all district schools and facilities are closed: All daytime and evening activities/events on closure days are canceled.
When there is a 2-hour delay in opening school and buses are on snow routes: All schools will open two hours later than regularly scheduled. The following classes/programs are cancelled: AM early intervention, AM Preschool Classes, AM Health Careers & Auto Program, Terra Nova Program is canceled all day. There will be no bus service for Bonny Slope, Nancy Ryles and Sato elementary schools. Bus services will not be provided to McKinney-Vento students living outside of the district.
When school is on time and buses are on snow routes: All schools operate on regular daily schedules. There will be no bus service for Bonny Slope, Nancy Ryles and Sato elementary schools. Terra Nova Program is canceled all day. If the weather forecast calls for declining weather conditions throughout the day, the district will implement snow routes for PM dismissal.
When weather conditions necessitate an early dismissal/closure of schools: We encourage you to refer to the BSD website, SchoolMessenger and local media for more detailed information. All daytime and evening activities/events are cancelled. BE SURE TO KNOW WHAT YOU SUBMITTED FOR YOUR CHILD'S EARLY RELEASE PLAN (see ParentVue if unsure) since this is what we will use for dismissal.
This article has been translated by BSD in the following languages. Click on the language to open the link: Arabic, Russian, Somali, Chinese, Japanese, Spanish, Korean, Vietnamese
BSD Inclement Weather Communication
When the weather outside gets inclement, school schedules could be affected. The District generally makes inclement weather decisions by 5:15 a.m., posting them by 5:30 a.m. on the District website and on social media. All Portland Metro area media outlets are also notified and announce the information on TV newscasts and online. Parents and guardians that have opted in for SchoolMessenger will receive timely notifications.
The District makes decisions based on the ability to operate school buses safely; the ability of parents and students to drive safely; and the ability of students to walk safely. The decision that is made will be for the entire District. (As always, parents may choose to make different decisions based on their particular location.)
For the latest inclement weather information:
-
Log onto the District's website: http://www.beaverton.k12.or.us and a page pop will be posted
on the main page if there is a change in school operations.
-
Beaverton School District Public Safety webpage has information about inclement weather procedures and snow routes.
http://www.beaverton.k12.or.us/departments/public-safety/ then click on Inclement Weather Information. -
Follow us on
o Twitter@BeavertonSDo Facebook-https://www.facebook.com/BeavertonSchoolDistrict/
-
Follow media outlets. The Districts posts information via Flash Alert. Parents can also sign up to receive weather alerts: www.flashalert.net
This article has been translated by BSD in the following languages. Click on the language to open the link: Arabic, Russian, Somali, Chinese, Japanese, Spanish, Korean, Vietnamese.
Kid Governor Raaga Mandala's Inauguration-1/8/2020
Click here to see video's of Raaga's swearing-in and acceptance speech!
PTO Family Movie Night is Friday, Jan. 17th at 6pm!
We’ll be screening Abominable, rated PG.
Doors will open at 5:30 pm and the movie starts at 6:00 pm sharp. All students must be accompanied by a parent or authorized adult.
Come support your 5th graders as part of their fundraiser for their end of the year activities. Pizza, candy, glow necklaces and water will be available for purchase! Cash Only.
Please bring your sleeping bag and your appetite, and get ready to join Yi and friends as they embark on an epic quest to reunite a young Yeti with his family at the highest place on Earth.
Check out our PTO Movie Night RSVP form and let us know if you will be joining us at the movies! http://www.jacobwismerpto.org/family-movie-night-rsvp/
Photograph of our Dec. 20th Singalong & PJ Day
"Mr. Robert" (Rt 132 Bus Driver) Retires
Students wish "Mr. Robert" (Bus Driver #132) a happy retirement on his last day, Dec. 20, 2019
BSD School Bus Drivers Needed
Please call 503-356-4220 for more information.
Read for Bees - Last Day is Friday, Jan. 17th!
Here is our list of AMAZING readers who have turned in forms so far:
Kindergarten
Akshaj Dashputre (Karim) 40 hrs.
Ryker Hayes (Sippel) 40 hrs.
Natalie Chu (Karim) 20 hrs.
Fermin De Excurra (Sippel) 20 hrs.
Kyle Hu (Sippel) 20 hrs.
James Cross (Sippel) 10 hrs.
Harper Guilfoyle (Sippel) 10 hrs.
Henry Little (Sippel) 10 hrs.
Lila Pearson (Sippel) 10 hrs.
Hawthorne Wright (Vuksich) 10 hrs.
1st Grade
Jack Austermiller (Stewart) 20 hrs.
Martina De Ezcurra (Reimer) 20 hrs.
Harshini Gatla (Alexander/Willis) 20 hrs.
Krish Suganth (Alexander/Willis) 20 hrs.
Aadhya Aggarwal (Reid) 10 hrs.
Georgia Burgess (Alexander/Willis) 10 hrs.
Ovi Bhole (Reid) 10 hrs.
Isabella Jacob (Alexander/Willis) 10 hrs.
Deetya Suryadevara (Reid) 10 hrs.
2nd Grade
Pavan Sai Pydi (Sundahl) 50 hrs.
Sienna Hayes (Amato) 40 hrs.
Jashwika Rameshkumar (Amato) 40 hrs.
Zunyra Kadri (Sundahl) 30 hrs.
Elaina Abraham (Amato) 20 hrs.
Jaxon DiPaula (Amato) 20 hrs.
Shoubith Gnanaprakasan (Amato) 20 hrs.
Aaron Hsiao (Amato) 20 hrs.
Maryam Iqbal (England) 20 hrs.
Jeremy Lim (Amato) 20 hrs.
Airi Ng (Amato) 20 hrs.
Catalina Olcese (Amato) 20 hrs.
Vincent Pham (Amato) 20 hrs.
Karthik Vankayalapati (Sundahl) 20 hrs.
Sruthi Vijayababu (Amato) 20 hrs.
Adaline Ayers (Toevs) 10 hrs.
Prisha Jaroli (Sundahl) 10 hrs.
Shaheer Malik (Amato) 10 hrs.
Laksetha Velmurugan (Sundahl) 10 hrs.
3rd Grade
Nicholas Otaka (Little) 20 hrs.
Kalyani Rakshe (Little) 20 hrs.
Faseeh Sheikh (Little) 20 hrs.
Stella Austermiller (Kerrigan) 10 hrs.
Daniel Huh (Guilfoyle) 10 hrs.
Eesha Juneja (Kerrigan) 10 hrs.
Seeyoon Jung (Guilfoyle) 10 hrs.
Violet Pattison (Little) 10 hrs.
Leah Suh (Guilfoyle) 10 hrs.
Gryphon Wright (Guilfoyle) 10 hrs.
Emily Xia (Little) 10 hrs.
Amy Yoo (Little) 10 hrs.
4th Grade
Sameeksha Boggarapu (Huelskamp) 110 hrs.
Akshara Dashputre (Guevara) 60 hrs.
Srinika Reddy Mandyam (Hanson) 60 hrs.
Sahasra Bejugam (Guevara) 40 hrs.
Aroush Iqbal (Richardson) 40 hrs.
Akshaya Ankireddi (Richardson) 30 hrs.
Lily Eaton (Silver) 30 hrs.
Agamya Anand (Huelskamp) 20 hrs.
Matthew Chen (Guevara) 20 hrs.
Kevin Dai (Brundidge) 20 hrs.
Oakley Giles (Huelskamp) 20 hrs.
Alex Manspeaker (Huelskamp) 20 hrs.
Nikhilsai Gatla (Silver) 10 hrs.
Riya Agarwal (Hanson) 10 hrs.
Adelaide Almeida (Huelskamp) 10 hrs.
Jack Guilfoyler (Silver) 10 hrs.
Aarushi Jain (Huelskamp) 10 hrs.
Camden Johnson (Hanson) 10 hrs.
Caleb Kelly (Huelskamp) 10 hrs.
Aditya Kumar (Huelskamp) 10 hrs.
Shreyas Murchite (Huelskamp) 10 hrs.
Matt Pearson (Richardson) 10 hrs.
Vasu Rajan (Brundidge) 10 hrs.
Grant Salisbury (Guevara) 10 hrs.
Sivadharsana Sangeetha (Richardson) 10 hrs.
Lucas Su (Huelskamp) 10 hrs.
Daivik Yenduri (Silver) 10 hrs.
5th Grade
Suan Cho (Getty) 30 hrs.
Ishaan Kodarapu (Getty) 20 hrs.
Cora McCarty (Getty) 20 hrs.
Anton Nemkov (Brundidge) 20 hrs.
Srisa Prananth Mavireddy (Getty) 10 hrs.
Rithika Thatipatri (Getty) 10 hrs.
Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Spotlight
Do you have concerns about your child’s ability to handle stress and anxiety? In this article, 10 Reasons Teens Have So Much Anxiety Today, parents can learn what environmental factors your child is exposed to that could foster anxiety rather than resilience.
JW Math Information Night for Parents- February 6, 2020 6:15-7:15pm
The ability to think and communicate mathematically is essential to becoming a successful and productive member of our dynamic global society. The way that we teach mathematics today uses strategies that includes problem-solving, thinking creatively, making connections and working with others collaboratively.
This math information night is for parents who would like to learning more about our adopted district math curriculum and how it is being implemented in our K-5 classrooms. Please note that this session is for parents-only (no children).
Follow the PTO Facebook Page for the Latest News (submitted by JW PTO)
Do you ever wish you had reminders about upcoming PTO events? Or wish you could get updates about JW issues in between newsletters? Follow the PTO Facebook page for the latest news, updates and reminders! https://www.facebook.com/JWESPTO/
Middle School Boundary Adjustment Information for Jacob Wismer Families (submitted by JW PTO)
Link: https://www.facebook.com/JWESPTO/
Film Plastic Collection Competition (submitted by JW PTO)
JW is competing with other elementary schools to see who can keep the most film plastic out of landfills! This type of plastic is not eligible for curbside recycling in our area, and it’s a major pollutant in oceans. Even if properly disposed of in a landfill, it takes an incredibly long time to biodegrade. Keep your ziplocs and bread bags out of the trash – send them to our film plastic collection bins to start a new life in Trex building materials!
· Where? Yellow bins outside of JW office
· When? Bins will be up by Jan. 13th; collection continues through April 15th
· What? You can recycle these materials (please make sure they are clean, dry, and free of food residue):
grocery bags, bread bags, case overwrap, dry cleaning bags, newspaper sleeves, ice bags, wood pellet bags, ziplock & other re-sealable bags, produce bags, bubble wrap, salt bags, and cereal bags
Keep an eye out for our Fantastic Plasticometer, which will track how much plastic we’ve kept out of the landfill! Start collecting your film plastics now—you will be amazed by how much you’ve been throwing away!
Digital Citizenship Resources
The Beaverton School District has developed a digital citizenship resource webpage to share with families.
Digital citizenship refers to using technology safely and responsibly. The District has been teaching digital citizenship to students for the past several years. In our continued work, we are now offering families information and resources to support safe and responsible digital practices.
Topics on the page include digital health and wellness, media literacy, and online privacy and safety. You can view the webpage at www.beaverton.k12.or.us./digital-citizenship, or simply go to our website and enter “digital citizenship” in the search tool.
BSD Community Event: Conversations About Race
Come join the conversation! Southridge High School is hosting a community-wide event on Wednesday, January 29, 2020. Starting with a schoolwide "conversation about race" earlier in the day, the school is then opening its doors to all students, families, staff, community members, and partners to engage in community-wide conversations about race from 3:30-6:00 p.m. There will be student, staff, and community-led breakout sessions on various topics from 3:30-4:10 and 5:05-5:45, with a keynote student panel from 4:15-5:00. The goal of this event is to increase individual racial literacy by participating in meaningful and purposeful learning and conversation. Look for a registration link via a GoogleForm coming soon!
Link to After-School Activity Flyers
Report Cards will be on ParentVue (no paper copies)
The Beaverton School District is transitioning to electronic report cards for all students. The electronic report cards will be accessed through ParentVUE (mobile and desktop). If you have not set up your ParentVUE account, you will need to do so in order to view your child's report card which will be available online on Monday, Feb. 3rd. No paper copies will be sent home.
Three are resources and guidance on how to set up a ParentVue account. Please view the FAQ for instructions on setting up your account. There are several benefits to moving to paperless report cards. You will be able to view grades days after grading days, rather than wait up to two weeks for a report card to come by mail or in your child’s backpack. In addition, moving away from paper is environmentally friendly and cost-effective for the District.e
Please contact your school if you need help setting up or accessing your ParentVUE account or need assistance with a printed copy.
Health Curriculum Preview for Parents
In the Beaverton School District, we teach children important skills for getting along with others and doing well in school. In order to help our school be a safe and supportive place where everyone can learn, we also provide age-appropriate health instruction. There will be two primary resources used for this instruction: The Great Body Shop to teach the adopted Oregon Health Education Standards and fightchildabuse.org to teach sexual abuse prevention in accordance with Erin’s Law.
Oregon Health Education Standards
The Great Body Shop, published by The Children’s Health Market, will be used to teach the new Oregon Health Education Standards. It offers skills-based instruction that addresses physical, social, emotional, and mental health. Human Sexuality Education instruction is age appropriate, medically accurate, and relevant for all students.
If you would like to preview the health lesson materials, please come to the Jacob Wismer school office to look at our health notebooks (drop-ins are fine). If you would like to preview the student editions, you will need to complete the form on this link and submitted it to our school office to arrange an appointment time. Please note that the materials must remain in the office and cannot be photographed or copied. Download, print and return this form (link) if you wish to opt-out your child for any or all of these lessons/activities.
Sensitive Health Lesson/Activity Titles by Grade Level (Note: These are the lessons/activities that align with Oregon Health Standards for human sexuality, gender education, HIV/AIDS education and sexual abuse prevention and do NOT include non-sensitive health topics such as nutrition, safety, etc. All health lessons are available to preview in the school office.)
Kindergarten:
Unit 5 Lesson 4: Safe Touch, Unsafe Touch
Unit 4 Lesson 1: What is a Family?
Erin's Law Kindergarten Lessons & Videos:
The Protect Yourself Rules (2:43) Shout, Run, Tell (1:46) Safe Touch/Unsafe Touch (2:07) Neighbor (3:49) A Friendly Stranger (3:04) Recognize the Signs (2:01)
1st Grade:
Unit 2 Lesson 4: My Body is Extra Special
Unit 6 Lesson 4: My Body is Private
Unit 8 Activity 18: Learning About HIV
Unit 5 Activity 21: Meet My Family
Unit 6 Lesson 2: Talking Helps Me Feel Better
Erin's Law 1st Grade Lessons & Videos:
The Protect Yourself Rules (2:43) Shout, Run, Tell (1:46) Safe Touch/Unsafe Touch (2:07) Neighbor (3:49) A Friendly Stranger (3:04) Recognize the Signs (2:01)
2nd Grade:
Unit 5 Lesson 4: Your Body is Private!
Unit 8 Activity 17: HIV & Drugs
Unit 6 Lesson 2: Families
Unit 6 Lesson 3: Families Grow & Change, Too
Erin's Law 2nd Grade Lessons & Videos:
The Protect Yourself Rules (2:43) Shout, Run, Tell (1:46) Safe Touch/Unsafe Touch (2:07) Neighbor (3:49) A Friendly Stranger (3:04) Recognize the Signs (2:01
3rd Grade:
Unit 6 Activity 24: Identity
Unit 6 Portfolio 2: Dealing with Discrimination
Unit 8 Lesson 1: Being Sick
Unit 8 Lesson 2: Fighting Diseases
Erin's Law 3rd Grade Lessons & Videos:
The Protect Yourself Rules (2:43) Shout, Run, Tell (1:46) Safe Touch/Unsafe Touch (2:07) Neighbor (3:49) A Friendly Stranger (3:04) Recognize the Signs (2:01)
4th Grade:
Unit 5 Lesson 1: Hormones & Body Changes
Unit 5 Lesson 4: Prevent Abuse/Privacy
Unit 6 Activity 10: Hormones & Reproductive Organs
Unit 6 Activity 18: Talking About Sensitive Issues with a Trusted Adult
Unit 6 Activity 19: Identity
Unit 6 Activity 20: Finding Credible, Medically Accurate Resources
Erin's Law 4th Grade Lessons & Videos:
4th Lessons 1-4 (Lessons 1, 2, 3, & 5)
5th Grade:
Unit 5 Lesson 4: My Body is Private
Unit 6 Activity 19: Abstinence
Unit 6 Activity 26: Talking About Sensitive Issues with a Trusted Adult
Unit 6 Activity 27: Identity
Unit 6 Activity 28: Finding Credible, Medically Accurate Resources
Unit 6 Lesson 1: Hormones & Your Body
Unit 6 Lesson 2: Growing Up Male & Female
Unit 6 Lesson 3: Good Hygiene and Feeling Good About the Way You Look
Unit 6 Lesson 4: Growing Up with a Healthy Attitude
Erin's Law 5th Grade Lessons & Videos:
5th Lessons 1-4 (Lessons 1, 2, 3, & 5)
December 16, 2019
Calendar for Dec. 16 - Jan. 13
M-F Dec. 16-20 Passport Club
Fri. Dec. 20 Pajama Day*
Dec. 21 - Jan. 5 Winter Break
Mon. Jan. 6 School Resumes
Mon. Jan. 6 PTO Walking School Bus
Mon. Jan. 6 PTO E-Blast
Tues. Jan. 7 PTO Meeting 6:00pm
Mon. Jan. 13 Art Lit Training 8:30am & 7:00pm
*Remember ~ Friday, December 20th is...
Congratulations to Our Students of the Month for Gratitude!
Kindergarten: Kylie He, Keerthi Thota, Natalie Chu, Kyle Hu, Daniel Chen
1st Grade: Tanmaya Muthaiya, Koji Tseng, Joann Mathew, Maryn Erickson
2nd Grade: Hanalei Fallau, Misha Dewan, Tyler Ellis, Abby Salakhov, Stuti Atreya
3rd Grade: Nishanth Gautam, Caleb Buhacoff, Amitai Vax, Kota Eriguchi, Jackson Ditchfield
4th Grade: Arshia Ramesh, Prajin Sangitha Babu Kannan, Alice Leleko, Diego Escudero Pacheco, Harshil Ajmera
5th Grade: Brady Babst, Alex Shishin, Kai Pattison, Andy Shin, Elliott Baker
Meet Our December PE All Stars!
Winter Reading Challenge "Read for Bees" - Nov. 25 through Jan. 17th
In partnership with the Bethany and Cedar Mill libraries, Jacob Students are encouraged to take part in their Winter Reading Challenge "Read for Bees." A donor has pledged to buy a hive of honeybees, through a charity that is helping to end world hunger (link), for every 6,000 hours local kids read between November 25 and January 17th. Forms for the Winter Reading Challenge have already been sent home with the students. Completed forms should be returned to the Jacob Wismer school office. Here is a link to the form if students would like to complete more than one.
Here is a list of student who have taken the "Read for Bees" Reading Challenge through Friday, Dec. 13th:
Cora McCarty (20 hours)
Natalie Chu (20 hours)
Sameeksha Boggarapu (30 hours)
Matthew Chen (20 hours)
Aarushi Jain (10 hours)
Nicholas Otaka (10 hours)
Akshara Dashputre (20 hours)
Lily Eaton (30 hours)
Airi Ng (20 hours)
Srinika Reddy Mandyam (20 hours)
Deetya Suryadevara (10 hours)
JW Math Information Night for Parents- February 6, 2020 6:15-7:15pm
The ability to think and communicate mathematically is essential to becoming a successful and productive member of our dynamic global society. The way that we teach mathematics today uses strategies that includes problem-solving, thinking creatively, making connections and working with others collaboratively.
This math information night is for parents who would like to learning more about our adopted district math curriculum and how it is being implemented in our K-5 classrooms. Please note that this session is for parents-only (no children).
Library Cards Issued...Just in Time for Winter Break!
Student who do not currently have a Washington County library card and whose parents have not opted them out of sharing student directory information have been (or will be given) library cards by their classroom teachers. Students who are new to the Beaverton School District will be given library cards in February. For more details about these cards, please see the the BSD webpage about the partnership and/or go to this video link.
PTO Cookie Exchange-Thank you from JW Staff!
Thank you to our PTO for our festive spread of holiday cookies!!! Yummy, beautiful and soooo delicious!
Lost & Found In Main Hall
Lost & Found is on display this week in the main hall. Please take a look for your children(s)' clothing or accessories.
All unclaimed items will be collected and brought to the Clothes Closet on Friday, December 20th.
PTO Walking School Bus
When: Monday, Jan. 6
Time: Meet between 7:50 & 8:00 AM
Where: 2 locations
1. NW Kyle Place/ NW Vance Dr.
2. Arbor Heights Playground
For questions please contact: Margarita or Alex at wehike97229@gmail.com
Here is the link to the BSD Safe Routes to School webpage for parent reference: link
Location 1: NW Kyle Place & NW Vance Dr.
Location 2: Arbor Heights Playground
Thank You Volunteers for Supporting Our Book Fair!
Passport Club
Checkout Week: December 16th - 20th !
Passport club is an at-home study program, and kids are doing great !!!! Let’s keep up the good work-- please go over maps with your child once or twice before checkout!
You can find Study Maps at http://www.jacobwismerpto.org/passport-club-study-test-maps/.
*if your child needs a printed copy please ask your teacher or passport chairs to provide with one.
Volunteers please signup!!! https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0948A9AC2EA4FE3-jacob
General passport information: http://www.jacobwismerpto.org/programs/passport-club/
Thank you much! Please let us know if you have any questions. Ana Pacheco scrafted@hotmail.com Archana Nim archana.manish.jain@gmail.com
Let's Share & Learn with Passport Club ~ The Places You Will Go!!!
Passport Club wants to encourage kids and families to learn more about places you visit locally or internationally, that is why we invite you all to share with us “ THE PLACES YOU WILL GO" during WINTER BREAK by sending a postcard to Jacob Wismer and sharing a couple of fun facts about the place you visited. We will create a collage at school to share the postcards, and don’t worry !!! if you are not traveling you can also share a lot of fun and interesting facts about Portland/Oregon/United States.
There are two ways to deliver your postcard!
1) Mail to: Jacob Wismer Elementary School
Attention: PASSPORT CLUB
5477 NW Skycrest Pkwy
Portland, OR 97229
2) Drop off in the school office after Winter Break: place in the “Passport Club” drawer
Here is an example:
Timber Joey Reads to Our Kindergartners!
Timber Joey from the Portland Timbers pays a special visit to our kindergarten classes on Dec. 13th.
Important Parking Lot Reminders
When dropping off your student on school grounds, be sure to follow the school’s arrival/ departure procedure to help ensure safety and efficiency for all. Find your school's arrival/departure plan here (click on your school’s name in the drop down menu).
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Know the plan, follow directional arrows and crossing guards.
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Pull forward as far as possible before dropping off.
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Students MUST enter/ exit vehicle onto/ from the sidewalk.
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Students must cross at intersections: DO NOT wave students across travel lanes.
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5 mph/ maximum speed on school property.
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When dropping off, the driver must stay at the wheel
Please park the car if you need to:
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walk your student to the door
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watch your student enter the building
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get supplies from the trunk
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help with a coat or backpack
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send your student off with anything more than a wave or good-bye.
Thank you for keeping our parking lots flow smoothly so everyone can stay safe and be where they need to be in a timely fashion.
Unscheduled Dismissal-What's Your Plan?
During an unscheduled early dismissal, schools will use the emergency closure plan you indicated for your student in enrollment and enrollment verification. During the online process, you were asked to indicate what the student should do in case of emergency or early school closure.
The three options were:
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Pick up by Parent/Emergency Contact/Daycare
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School Bus to Home/Neighbor/Daycare
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Walk/Ride Bike/Drive to Home/Neighbor/Daycare
If you don’t remember what you selected, you can check by logging into ParentVUE and clicking on “Student Info” in the left hand navigation. Your selection will be displayed at the bottom of the page under “Other Data.”
If you wish to change this plan, contact your school or update through ParentVUE using the Family Updates and New Student Enrollment button. The fastest way to update your information is to call the school.
Please make a note of the option you selected and keep the information somewhere handy, in the event of a future early school closure.
Open Enrollment for the 2020-2021 School Year
The Beaverton School District will offer Open Enrollment for students living within the BSD service area for the 2020-21 school year at the schools listed below.
Applications for Open Enrollment will be available in English and Spanish at each school and at the Administration Center, 16550 SW Merlo Rd., and will be accepted from Monday, December 9, 2019 through Tuesday, January 21, 2020 prior to 2:00 p.m. Students may only apply to two schools. Applications to more than two (2) buildings will be denied. Completed applications should be returned to the school for which the student is applying.
Elementary Schools (# of open slots):
- Errol Hassell (20)
- Fir Grove (30)
- Kinnaman (15)
- Sexton Mountain (10)
- Terra Linda (12)
Middle Schools: No slots available at middle school
High Schools (# of open slots):
- Beaverton HS (40)
- Southridge HS (40)
Principals will make the final determination as to what grade levels will be filled with these Open Enrollment slots.
There are some important factors families must consider when applying for a 2020-21 Open Enrollment transfer:
- Student must maintain attendance at 92% or greater; no more than one minor suspension per academic year; no suspension greater than five days, and no expulsions.
- Transportation to the new school is the responsibility of the family. Buses do not travel from the resident school to the open enrollment school; however, occasionally the student may live close to the attendance boundary of the open enrollment school. In this case, parents must submit a written request by completing a “Transportation Service Request" form.
- Approval is for the duration of the current school level only (i.e., elementary, middle or high school).
- There is no guarantee of sibling applications being approved.
- Commitment to attend any school should be for the entire academic year.
- A lottery system may have to be implemented if there are more applications than allocations available.
- Copies of the completed applications will be distributed by the receiving school principal, pending a letter or conversation with the parent/guardian of the student.
Parents will be informed of the decisions by the principal of the school applied to within one week after the conclusion of the open enrollment period. Parents will need to confirm acceptance at that time.
Digital Citizenship Resources
As we approach winter break, students will have more opportunities for screen time and digital interaction. We’ve developed a digital citizenship resource webpage to share with families.
Digital citizenship refers to using technology safely and responsibly. The District has been teaching digital citizenship to students for the past several years. In our continued work, we are now offering families information and resources to support safe and responsible digital practices.
Topics on the page include digital health and wellness, media literacy, and online privacy and safety. You can view the webpage at www.beaverton.k12.or.us./digital-citizenship, or simply go to our website and enter “digital citizenship” in the search tool.
Science Instructional Materials Review
The Beaverton School District is currently involved in the Science Instructional Materials Adoption Process K-12. The Project Team, comprised of community members, students, teachers, administrators and specialists has been meeting since September 2018 to review existing Science curriculum and practices in order to make curriculum and adoption recommendations to the School Board this Spring.
The Beaverton School District reviews and updates its curriculum, instructional practices, and classroom materials according to Board policy and Oregon State Statute and Administrative Regulations.
The community, parents, students, and Beaverton School District staff are invited to review and provide input on instructional materials in the following ways:
Online review period – Monday, December 2, 2019 – Sunday, January 5, 2020. Please visit
Cedar Mill/Bethany Library Parent Workshops
Health Curriculum Preview for Parents
In the Beaverton School District, we teach children important skills for getting along with others and doing well in school. In order to help our school be a safe and supportive place where everyone can learn, we also provide age-appropriate health instruction. There will be two primary resources used for this instruction: The Great Body Shop to teach the adopted Oregon Health Education Standards and fightchildabuse.org to teach sexual abuse prevention in accordance with Erin’s Law.
Oregon Health Education Standards
The Great Body Shop, published by The Children’s Health Market, will be used to teach the new Oregon Health Education Standards. It offers skills-based instruction that addresses physical, social, emotional, and mental health. Human Sexuality Education instruction is age appropriate, medically accurate, and relevant for all students.
If you would like to preview the health lesson materials, please come to the Jacob Wismer school office to look at our health notebooks (drop-ins are fine). If you would like to preview the student editions, you will need to complete the form on this link and submitted it to our school office to arrange an appointment time. Please note that the materials must remain in the office and cannot be photographed or copied. Download, print and return this form (link) if you wish to opt-out your child for any or all of these lessons/activities.
Sensitive Health Lesson/Activity Titles by Grade Level (Note: These are the lessons/activities that align with Oregon Health Standards for human sexuality, gender education, HIV/AIDS education and sexual abuse prevention and do NOT include non-sensitive health topics such as nutrition, safety, etc. All health lessons are available to preview in the school office.)
Kindergarten:
Unit 5 Lesson 4: Safe Touch, Unsafe Touch
Unit 4 Lesson 1: What is a Family?
Erin's Law Kindergarten Lessons & Videos:
The Protect Yourself Rules (2:43) Shout, Run, Tell (1:46) Safe Touch/Unsafe Touch (2:07) Neighbor (3:49) A Friendly Stranger (3:04) Recognize the Signs (2:01)
1st Grade:
Unit 2 Lesson 4: My Body is Extra Special
Unit 6 Lesson 4: My Body is Private
Unit 8 Activity 18: Learning About HIV
Unit 5 Activity 21: Meet My Family
Unit 6 Lesson 2: Talking Helps Me Feel Better
Erin's Law 1st Grade Lessons & Videos:
The Protect Yourself Rules (2:43) Shout, Run, Tell (1:46) Safe Touch/Unsafe Touch (2:07) Neighbor (3:49) A Friendly Stranger (3:04) Recognize the Signs (2:01)
2nd Grade:
Unit 5 Lesson 4: Your Body is Private!
Unit 8 Activity 17: HIV & Drugs
Unit 6 Lesson 2: Families
Unit 6 Lesson 3: Families Grow & Change, Too
Erin's Law 2nd Grade Lessons & Videos:
The Protect Yourself Rules (2:43) Shout, Run, Tell (1:46) Safe Touch/Unsafe Touch (2:07) Neighbor (3:49) A Friendly Stranger (3:04) Recognize the Signs (2:01
3rd Grade:
Unit 6 Activity 24: Identity
Unit 6 Portfolio 2: Dealing with Discrimination
Unit 8 Lesson 1: Being Sick
Unit 8 Lesson 2: Fighting Diseases
Erin's Law 3rd Grade Lessons & Videos:
The Protect Yourself Rules (2:43) Shout, Run, Tell (1:46) Safe Touch/Unsafe Touch (2:07) Neighbor (3:49) A Friendly Stranger (3:04) Recognize the Signs (2:01)
4th Grade:
Unit 5 Lesson 1: Hormones & Body Changes
Unit 5 Lesson 4: Prevent Abuse/Privacy
Unit 6 Activity 10: Hormones & Reproductive Organs
Unit 6 Activity 18: Talking About Sensitive Issues with a Trusted Adult
Unit 6 Activity 19: Identity
Unit 6 Activity 20: Finding Credible, Medically Accurate Resources
Erin's Law 4th Grade Lessons & Videos:
4th Lessons 1-4 (Lessons 1, 2, 3, & 5)
5th Grade:
Unit 5 Lesson 4: My Body is Private
Unit 6 Activity 19: Abstinence
Unit 6 Activity 26: Talking About Sensitive Issues with a Trusted Adult
Unit 6 Activity 27: Identity
Unit 6 Activity 28: Finding Credible, Medically Accurate Resources
Unit 6 Lesson 1: Hormones & Your Body
Unit 6 Lesson 2: Growing Up Male & Female
Unit 6 Lesson 3: Good Hygiene and Feeling Good About the Way You Look
Unit 6 Lesson 4: Growing Up with a Healthy Attitude
Erin's Law 5th Grade Lessons & Videos:
5th Lessons 1-4 (Lessons 1, 2, 3, & 5)
December 3, 2019
Calendar for Dec. 3 - Dec. 16
Tues. Dec. 3 PTO Meeting 6-7pm
Thurs. Dec. 5 Picture Re-Takes
Mon. Dec. 9 Walking School Bus
Mon. Dec. 9 PTO E-Blast
Tues.-Thurs. Dec. 10-12 Scholastic Book Fair
M-F Dec.16-20 Passport Club
Oregon's New Kid Governor is Raaga Mandala!
We are very proud and pleased to announce that Jacob Wismer fifth grader, Raaga Mandala, was selected as Oregon's 2020 Kid Governor by the Oregon Secretary of State's Office. Raaga was selected from a pool of nominees as one of seven final candidates. Registered classes across the state then watched and analyzed the campaign videos and voted for the platform and candidate that they wanted to support. The candidate with the most votes statewide is then named Oregon Kid Governor. This year Raaga received the most votes and on Nov. 20th, the Director of Civics Education from the Secretary of State's Office, Mary Beth Herkert, the Deputy Secretary of State, Rich Vial, as well as the 2019 Oregon Kid Governor, Erikka Baldwin, presented the award to Raaga. The presentation was covered by a number of media outlets. Congratulations, Raaga! We are very proud of you.
Raaga's campaign video: Link
Nov. 20th Assembly Announcement: Link
Raaga's Inauguration
Raaga's Inauguration will be held in the Senate Chamber at the State Capitol on January 8, 2020 at 10:00am. All Jacob Wismer fifth graders are welcome to attend, however, they will need to have their parent or authorized adult drive and accompany them to the Inauguration. The absence to attend this event will be excused. If you are planning to attend, you must RSVP by Wednesday, Dec. 18: Link to RSVP Form
PTO Approves $25,000 Tech Purchase for JW Classrooms!
The Jacob Wismer PTO recently approved a $25,000+ technology purchase that will provide 60" LG TV monitors for ALL of our K-5 classrooms including PE and music. Also included are Kanto stands, Belkin tablet stages (to replace document cameras), Apple TVs and HDMI cables. Thank you to our PTO for this remarkable gift!
Holiday Support for Jacob Wismer Families
The Holiday season is a joyful time of year, but it can also be a difficult time of year for some families. If your family is in need of help this Holiday season with food, clothing, or gifts please contact the school counselor, Maggie Patterson, or complete this brief confidential survey. We would love to support your family this year and help make the Holiday season joyful for all.
Book Fair is Coming! Dec 10-12
Come support your library and find some great books and gifts at the same time!
New this year, we are open early for parents to shop before school (and as usual, after school too). Please enter through the main entrance.
Parent Shopping hours: 7:30-8/3:05-4:30
Students can shop independently during class times or recess.
New this year, we are open early for parents to shop before school (and as usual, after school too). Please enter through the main entrance.
Parent Shopping hours: 7:30-8/3:05-4:30
Students can shop independently during class times or recess.
Winter Reading Challenge "Read for Bees"
In partnership with the Bethany and Cedar Mill libraries, Jacob Students are encouraged to take part in their Winter Reading Challenge "Read for Bees." A donor has pledged to buy a hive of honeybees, through a charity that is helping to end world hunger (link), for every 6,000 hours local kids read between November 25 and January 17th. Forms for the Winter Reading Challenge have already been sent home with the students. Completed forms should be returned to the Jacob Wismer school office. Here is a link to the form if students would like to complete more than one.
Fall Choir Performance
Congratulations to our 4th & 5th Grade Honor Choir, directed by Mrs. Shuck, for an incredible fall performance on November 21st. Video highlights can be found at: link
JW Fun Fridays/Spirit Days
Get ready!!!! Our Fun Fridays/Spirit Days this year will be:
Friday, Dec. 20th: Pajama Day
Monday, Mar. 2 (Read Across America Day): Book Character Day
Friday, Mar. 20: Crazy Hair Day
School Photo Retakes on Thurs., Dec. 5th & Class Composite Photo Information
Dorian Studios will be at Jacob Wismer on Thursday morning, December 5th, for new students, students who were absent for our original Photo Day and students who need a retake. If your child is having a retake, their original package must be returned to the photographer on retake day for your child to be photographed. If your child is new to our school or was absent on photo day and you would like to purchase pictures, please visit Dorian Studios online to order your photos now with a credit card -or- you may pick up an order form from the Community Information Center in the main hallway and have your child bring it with a check or the exact cash (no change will be available) to school on December 5th.
Individual student photos will be delivered before Winter Break. All Class Composite Photos will be delivered after winter break.
If you have any questions regarding Dorian photos, please call Dorian at 1-800-826-3535.
Staff Development Day
Jacob Wismer teachers participated in a math training called "5 Practices for Orchestrating Productive Math Discussions" led by 5th grade teacher, Heidi Bossert, on the Dec. 2nd Staff Development Day.
STEAM Night Date & Time Change
Our Spring STEAM Night has changed from April 9th to May 21st. The time will be an hour earlier (session 1 will be from 5-6pm and session 2 from 6-7pm) so students are not up so late on a school night. Thank you for your flexibility!
PTO Meetings Location Change
Due to building security, our PTO meetings will now be held in the JW staff room so we can close off access to the main part of the building to prevent unauthorized people from entering the area where we keep our valuable tech devices. On PTO meeting days, the front entrance will be open from 5:45-6:15pm. Parents arriving late can knock on the staff room window located next to the 4th & 5th grade morning entrance behind the flag pole.
Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Spotlight
As parents, we often can feel challenged in ways to support our students as they navigate school. It is so different from when we were children. In partnership with Sesame Workshop, Life Kit talks to parenting experts for tips and tricks to empower kids to be compassionate, embrace math without fear and cultivate self-control. These are all skills that help our children thrive in school. Click on this link to listen in to what the experts have to say: NPR Life Kit Podcast: Parenting: Raising Awesome Kids
Report Cards are Going Paperless
The Beaverton School District is transitioning to electronic report cards for all students. The electronic report cards will be accessed through ParentVUE (mobile and desktop). If you have not set up your ParentVUE account, you will need to do that by January 2020.
Three are resources and guidance on how to set up a ParentVue account. Please view the FAQ for instructions on setting up your account. There are several benefits to moving to paperless report cards. You will be able to view grades days after grading days, rather than wait up to two weeks for a report card to come by mail or in your child’s backpack. In addition, moving away from paper is environmentally friendly and cost-effective for the District.e
Please contact your school if you need help setting up or accessing your ParentVUE account or need assistance with a printed copy. We will be sharing more information about this transition in the coming weeks.
New Community Partnership Opens a World of Reading
The Beaverton School District and our Washington County Cooperative Library Services (WCCLS) partners are expanding access to library materials and resources via the public library Youth Access Card (YAC) for BSD students who do not already have a public library card. This special library card allows students to check out up to five print books or audiobooks from any WCCLS library without any overdue fines. It also provides access to ebooks, digital audiobooks, and other online library resources that can be obtained directly from their BSD Chromebooks or other device.
Using the Sora app, students can link their WCCLS library cards to the BSD digital library so they can browse and borrow BSD and public library ebook/audiobook collections in one place. Rolling distribution of the YAC cards to BSD schools will begin starting in November and continue through January. For more details about these cards, please see the the BSD webpage about the partnership and/or go to this video link.
Too Sick for School?
Cold and flu season has already begun, but there are things you can do to keep yourself and your children healthier. Prevention measures include washing your hands frequently, getting lots of rest, drinking plenty of fluids, and avoiding touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
Home is the best place for a child who is ill. Please review the Washington County Should My Child Go to School webpage for guidance, and symptoms and prevention information. Too Sick for School guidelines are available to help you make the decision about when to keep your child home from school.
PTO Walking School Bus
When: Monday, December 9th
Time: Meet between 7:50 & 8:00 AM
Where: 2 locations
1. NW Kyle Place/ NW Vance Dr.
2. Arbor Heights Playground
For questions please contact: Margarita or Alex at wehike97229@gmail.com
Location 1: NW Kyle Place & NW Vance Dr.
Location 2: Arbor Heights Playground
Health Curriculum Preview for Parents
In the Beaverton School District, we teach children important skills for getting along with others and doing well in school. In order to help our school be a safe and supportive place where everyone can learn, we also provide age-appropriate health instruction. There will be two primary resources used for this instruction: The Great Body Shop to teach the adopted Oregon Health Education Standards and fightchildabuse.org to teach sexual abuse prevention in accordance with Erin’s Law.
Oregon Health Education Standards
The Great Body Shop, published by The Children’s Health Market, will be used to teach the new Oregon Health Education Standards. It offers skills-based instruction that addresses physical, social, emotional, and mental health. Human Sexuality Education instruction is age appropriate, medically accurate, and relevant for all students.
If you would like to preview the health lesson materials, please come to the Jacob Wismer school office to look at our health notebooks (drop-ins are fine). If you would like to preview the student editions, you will need to complete the form on this link and submitted it to our school office to arrange an appointment time. Please note that the materials must remain in the office and cannot be photographed or copied. Download, print and return this form (link) if you wish to opt-out your child for any or all of these lessons/activities.
Sensitive Health Lesson/Activity Titles by Grade Level (Note: These are the lessons/activities that align with Oregon Health Standards for human sexuality, gender education, HIV/AIDS education and sexual abuse prevention and do NOT include non-sensitive health topics such as nutrition, safety, etc. All health lessons are available to preview in the school office.)
Kindergarten:
Unit 5 Lesson 4: Safe Touch, Unsafe Touch
Unit 4 Lesson 1: What is a Family?
Erin's Law Kindergarten Lessons & Videos:
The Protect Yourself Rules (2:43) Shout, Run, Tell (1:46) Safe Touch/Unsafe Touch (2:07) Neighbor (3:49) A Friendly Stranger (3:04) Recognize the Signs (2:01)
1st Grade:
Unit 2 Lesson 4: My Body is Extra Special
Unit 6 Lesson 4: My Body is Private
Unit 8 Activity 18: Learning About HIV
Unit 5 Activity 21: Meet My Family
Unit 6 Lesson 2: Talking Helps Me Feel Better
Erin's Law 1st Grade Lessons & Videos:
The Protect Yourself Rules (2:43) Shout, Run, Tell (1:46) Safe Touch/Unsafe Touch (2:07) Neighbor (3:49) A Friendly Stranger (3:04) Recognize the Signs (2:01)
2nd Grade:
Unit 5 Lesson 4: Your Body is Private!
Unit 8 Activity 17: HIV & Drugs
Unit 6 Lesson 2: Families
Unit 6 Lesson 3: Families Grow & Change, Too
Erin's Law 2nd Grade Lessons & Videos:
The Protect Yourself Rules (2:43) Shout, Run, Tell (1:46) Safe Touch/Unsafe Touch (2:07) Neighbor (3:49) A Friendly Stranger (3:04) Recognize the Signs (2:01
3rd Grade:
Unit 6 Activity 24: Identity
Unit 6 Portfolio 2: Dealing with Discrimination
Unit 8 Lesson 1: Being Sick
Unit 8 Lesson 2: Fighting Diseases
Erin's Law 3rd Grade Lessons & Videos:
The Protect Yourself Rules (2:43) Shout, Run, Tell (1:46) Safe Touch/Unsafe Touch (2:07) Neighbor (3:49) A Friendly Stranger (3:04) Recognize the Signs (2:01)
4th Grade:
Unit 5 Lesson 1: Hormones & Body Changes
Unit 5 Lesson 4: Prevent Abuse/Privacy
Unit 6 Activity 10: Hormones & Reproductive Organs
Unit 6 Activity 18: Talking About Sensitive Issues with a Trusted Adult
Unit 6 Activity 19: Identity
Unit 6 Activity 20: Finding Credible, Medically Accurate Resources
Erin's Law 4th Grade Lessons & Videos:
4th Lessons 1-4 (Lessons 1, 2, 3, & 5)
5th Grade:
Unit 5 Lesson 4: My Body is Private
Unit 6 Activity 19: Abstinence
Unit 6 Activity 26: Talking About Sensitive Issues with a Trusted Adult
Unit 6 Activity 27: Identity
Unit 6 Activity 28: Finding Credible, Medically Accurate Resources
Unit 6 Lesson 1: Hormones & Your Body
Unit 6 Lesson 2: Growing Up Male & Female
Unit 6 Lesson 3: Good Hygiene and Feeling Good About the Way You Look
Unit 6 Lesson 4: Growing Up with a Healthy Attitude
Erin's Law 5th Grade Lessons & Videos:
November 18, 2019
JW Calendar for Nov. 18 - Dec. 3
M-F, Nov. 18-22 Passport Club
Mon., Nov. 18 Art Lit Volunteer Training 8:30am & 7:00pm
Tues., Nov. 19 Stoller 5th Grade Parent Info Night 5:30-7:00pm at Stoller MS
Thurs., Nov. 21 JW Honor Choir Concert 6:30-7:30pm
Mon., Nov. 25 PTO E-Blast
W-F, Nov. 27-29 School Closed/Happy Thanksgiving!
Mon., Dec. 2 Staff Development Day (no school for students)
Tues., Dec. 3 PTO Meeting 6:00pm
STEAM Night Photos
Thank you for a fun and memorable STEAM Night! We look forward to seeing everyone at our next STEAM Night on Apr. 9th.
PTO Walking School Bus
Here are a few photos from our last Walking School Bus on Nov. 4th. Please join us for our next Walking School Bus on Monday, December 9th (and every first Monday of each month that school is in session this year). For questions please contact: Margarita or Alex at wehike97229@gmail.com
Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Spotlight
In the article Seven Ways to Foster Gratitude in Kids parents can explore scientifically-researched strategies to help children develop gratitude - that is, appreciation for when somebody has done something kind or helpful for them or recognition of the good things and people they have in their lives. Research shows “Grateful young adolescents (ages 11-13), compared to their less grateful counterparts, are happier and more optimistic, have better social support, are more satisfied with their school, family, community, friends, and themselves, and give more emotional support to others.”
Health Curriculum Preview for Parents
In the Beaverton School District, we teach children important skills for getting along with others and doing well in school. In order to help our school be a safe and supportive place where everyone can learn, we also provide age-appropriate health instruction. There will be two primary resources used for this instruction: The Great Body Shop to teach the adopted Oregon Health Education Standards and fightchildabuse.org to teach sexual abuse prevention in accordance with Erin’s Law.
Oregon Health Education Standards
The Great Body Shop, published by The Children’s Health Market, will be used to teach the new Oregon Health Education Standards. It offers skills-based instruction that addresses physical, social, emotional, and mental health. Human Sexuality Education instruction is age appropriate, medically accurate, and relevant for all students.
If you would like to preview the health lesson materials, please come to the Jacob Wismer school office to look at our health notebooks (drop-ins are fine). If you would like to preview the student editions, you will need to complete the form on this link and submitted it to our school office to arrange an appointment time. Please note that the materials must remain in the office and cannot be photographed or copied. Download, print and return this form (link) if you wish to opt-out your child for any or all of these lessons/activities.
Sensitive Health Lesson/Activity Titles by Grade Level (Note: These are the lessons/activities that align with Oregon Health Standards for human sexuality, gender education, HIV/AIDS education and sexual abuse prevention and do NOT include non-sensitive health topics such as nutrition, safety, etc. All health lessons are available to preview in the school office.)
Kindergarten:
Unit 5 Lesson 4: Safe Touch, Unsafe Touch
Unit 4 Lesson 1: What is a Family?
Erin's Law Kindergarten Lessons & Videos:
The Protect Yourself Rules (2:43) Shout, Run, Tell (1:46) Safe Touch/Unsafe Touch (2:07) Neighbor (3:49) A Friendly Stranger (3:04) Recognize the Signs (2:01)
1st Grade:
Unit 2 Lesson 4: My Body is Extra Special
Unit 6 Lesson 4: My Body is Private
Unit 8 Activity 18: Learning About HIV
Unit 5 Activity 21: Meet My Family
Unit 6 Lesson 2: Talking Helps Me Feel Better
Erin's Law 1st Grade Lessons & Videos:
The Protect Yourself Rules (2:43) Shout, Run, Tell (1:46) Safe Touch/Unsafe Touch (2:07) Neighbor (3:49) A Friendly Stranger (3:04) Recognize the Signs (2:01)
2nd Grade:
Unit 5 Lesson 4: Your Body is Private!
Unit 8 Activity 17: HIV & Drugs
Unit 6 Lesson 2: Families
Unit 6 Lesson 3: Families Grow & Change, Too
Erin's Law 2nd Grade Lessons & Videos:
The Protect Yourself Rules (2:43) Shout, Run, Tell (1:46) Safe Touch/Unsafe Touch (2:07) Neighbor (3:49) A Friendly Stranger (3:04) Recognize the Signs (2:01
3rd Grade:
Unit 6 Activity 24: Identity
Unit 6 Portfolio 2: Dealing with Discrimination
Unit 8 Lesson 1: Being Sick
Unit 8 Lesson 2: Fighting Diseases
Erin's Law 3rd Grade Lessons & Videos:
The Protect Yourself Rules (2:43) Shout, Run, Tell (1:46) Safe Touch/Unsafe Touch (2:07) Neighbor (3:49) A Friendly Stranger (3:04) Recognize the Signs (2:01)
4th Grade:
Unit 5 Lesson 1: Hormones & Body Changes
Unit 5 Lesson 4: Prevent Abuse/Privacy
Unit 6 Activity 10: Hormones & Reproductive Organs
Unit 6 Activity 18: Talking About Sensitive Issues with a Trusted Adult
Unit 6 Activity 19: Identity
Unit 6 Activity 20: Finding Credible, Medically Accurate Resources
Erin's Law 4th Grade Lessons & Videos:
4th Lessons 1-4 (Lessons 1, 2, 3, & 5)
5th Grade:
Unit 5 Lesson 4: My Body is Private
Unit 6 Activity 19: Abstinence
Unit 6 Activity 26: Talking About Sensitive Issues with a Trusted Adult
Unit 6 Activity 27: Identity
Unit 6 Activity 28: Finding Credible, Medically Accurate Resources
Unit 6 Lesson 1: Hormones & Your Body
Unit 6 Lesson 2: Growing Up Male & Female
Unit 6 Lesson 3: Good Hygiene and Feeling Good About the Way You Look
Unit 6 Lesson 4: Growing Up with a Healthy Attitude
Erin's Law 5th Grade Lessons & Videos:
5th Lessons 1-4 (Lessons 1, 2, 3, & 5)
Holiday Support for JW Families
The Holiday season is a joyful time of year, but it can also be a difficult time of year for some families. If your family is in need of help this Holiday season with food, clothing, or gifts please contact the school counselor, Maggie Patterson, or complete this brief confidential survey. We would love to support your family this year and help make the Holiday season joyful for all.
Follow Jacob Wismer PE on Facebook and Instagram!
Do you want to see what’s happening in PE at Jacob Wismer? Do you want to see pictures and videos of your kids participating in fun activities and learning the importance of leading healthy, active lifestyles? Do you want to see your child developing physical literacy and gaining the competence and confidence to be able to participate in a wide variety of physical activities? Well, YOU CAN!
The Jacob Wismer PE Department uses both Facebook and Instagram to share videos and pictures of students in action. You can do a quick search on either social media site to find us.
Facebook: Jacob Wismer PE (https://www.facebook.com/jacobwismerpe/?ref=bookmarks)
Instagram: jacobwismerpe (https://www.instagram.com/jacobwismerpe/)
Like our pages and follow us so you can see all the cool things happening in PE!
Meet Your 19-20 JW PTO Board!
Thank you to our talented and dedicated 2019-20 PTO Board:
President: Sonia Lall president@jacobwismerpto.org
VP Fundraising: Shalini Sivas vpfundraising@jacobwismerpto.org
VP Community Events: Alexandra Yau vpcommunityevents@jacobwismerpto.org
Secretary: Shauna Rakshe secretary@jacobwismerpto.org
Treasurer: Cara Coates treasurer@jacobwismerpto.org
Member-at-Large: Sonia Sahu member-at-large@jacobwismerpto.org
Co-Volunteer Coordinator: Margaret Maes parentcoord@jacobwismerpto.org
Vo-Volunteer Coordinator: Pooja Madan volcoord@jacobwismerpto.org
Vision Screening Results
Jacob Wismer has received results from Lion’s Club vision screening on November 14. All students in attendance that day were screened. If your child did not pass the screening, the results will be mailed to you this week, and you are encouraged to follow up with an eye care provider. If your child passed, you will not receive any results. Thank you!
Link to After-School Activity Flyers
Link to PTO E-Blast (PTO Parent News)
Middle School Boundary Adjustment Advisory Committee
The Middle School Boundary Adjustment Advisory Committee held a public meeting last Tuesday at Stoller Middle School. The meeting was live streamed and the video is available on the Middle School Boundary Adjustment webpage.
The primary activity was a visioning workshop, where the public helped create the first set of themes for potential middle school boundaries. Everyone in attendance was at a table with approximately 6-8 people; they each had a large district-wide map and markers with which to work. The objective was for each table, as a group, to create a new boundary for the new middle school, reduce the size of Stoller Middle School, and amend other middle school boundaries to accommodate the changes created by the first two items.
This exercise was more qualitative than quantitative, forecast data was not provided on the maps at this meeting. The emphasis of the exercise was for participants to show the committee how they see their neighborhood identities, where “natural” boundaries (such as major roads, parks/open space, etc.) may be, and anything else that should be taken into consideration by the Committee. Committee members joined table groups throughout the room to listen in on the conversations.
The workshop maps have been posted to the Middle School Boundary Adjustment webpage.
Following the workshop staff will analyze the workshop maps and will provide the Committee with the data coming from those themes. This will serve as the starting point for the Committee's work in narrowing down a set of options to an eventual recommendation.
The next meeting will be held on Thursday, November 21, 2019 at 6:30 p.m. at Conestoga Middle School, 12250 SW Conestoga Dr., 97008 and the public will have the opportunity to participate in a similar visioning activity.
November 4, 2019
Calendar for Nov. 4 - 18
Mon., Nov. 4 PTO Walking School bus
Tues., Nov. 5 PTO Meeting 6-7pm, Library
Thurs., Nov. 7 Conferences (no school for students)
Fri., Nov. 8 Conferences (no school for students)
Mon., Nov. 11 Veteran's Day (school closed)
Tues., Nov. 12 PTO E-Blast
Thurs., Nov. 14 Vision Screening K-5
Thurs., Nov. 14 STEAM Night (last Name A-L attends 6-7pm; M-Z attends 7-8pm)-JW Students only-no siblings
Mon., Nov. 18 Art Lit Volunteer Training 8:30am & 7:00pm
M-F, Nov. 18-22 Passport Club
Meet our Students of the Month for Responsibility!
Kindergarten, 1st & 2nd Grade: Neela Sturm (Mrs. Arnzen), Ari Goldstein (Mrs. Gilchrist), Brooke Lunden (Mrs. Karim), Tanushaa Vinodh Kumar (Mrs. Sippel), Aaminah Iqbal (Mrs. Vuksich), Ashwath Arunkumar (Mrs. Alexander/Mrs. Willis), Deetya Suryadevara (Mrs. Reid), Hannah Simon (Mrs. Reimer), Bentley Wissenback (Ms. Stewart), Sienna Hayes (Ms. Amato), Kelsey Van Doorn (Mrs. Eggers), Varshika Vijayakanth (Mrs. England), Tejas Thatipatri (Mr. Sundahl), Durriya Magesh (Mrs. Toevs)
3rd, 4th & 5th Grade: Mia Johnston (Ms. Dargen), Seeyoon Jung (Mrs. Guilfoyle), Rita Astafeva (Ms. Johnston), Kotoha Torii (Ms. Kerrigan), Amy Yoo (Mrs. Little), Akshara Dashputre (Ms. Guevara), Sriharsha Padigi (Ms. Hanson), Lucas Su (Mrs. Huelskamp), RaeAnn Li, (Ms. Richardson), Prathana Patel (Mr. Silver), Caroline Visintainer (Mrs. Bossert), Swathi Ram (Mrs. Brundidge), Shreya Ranawat (Mrs. Elms), Anne Mauery (Mrs. Getty), Rick Mazumder (Mrs. Scoggins)
PE All-Stars for October
Coming Soon!!! JW STEAM Night ~ Nov. 14, 2019
Due to our high enrollment numbers, we will be dividing our STEAM Night into two sessions like we've done in the past: Students whose last name begins with A-L can attend from 6:00-7:00pm and students whose last names begins with M-Z can attend from 7:00-8:00pm. Schedules will be sent home with students on Nov. 13th. The schedules will also be your "entry ticket" so you must bring it with you. A-L students will receive yellow schedules and M-Z students will receive blue schedules. Only JW students can attend; older/younger brothers and sister cannot attend because we do not have the space and supplies. Please remember that for safety, every student must be accompanied by an adult and the adult must stay with the student for the entire session.
Students and parents can look forward to these fun Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math (STEAM) activities:
Science Festival (provided by OMSI): Explore all of the 12-15 stations around our upper hallway with hands-on with brainteasers, challenges, science equipment, and touch tables.
The Arts & Science of Slime! (provided by Young Audiences of Oregon): Students will explore slime while learning about the art and science behind this delightful chemistry, learn color theory while mixing colors, explore textures and shapes, and create slime sculptures.
Geometry in Art: Shapes, Patterns & Tessellations! (provided by Young Audiences of Oregon): Families will be introduced to the art of printmaking while practicing math strategies. Students and families will be encouraged to create their own works of art by using a repeated pattern.
Crank & Shine (provided by Mad Science of Portland): These kid powered flashlights help students learn about renewable and non-renewable energy sources. This station complements the Super Power sources discovery station or Zap Attack. Powered by battery or a mechanical generator that kids activate, this activity shines light on alternate energy sources!
Super Power Structures (provided by Mad Science of Portland): What do a river, sunlight and the wind all have in common? Power up your creativity as we explore all of these alternative sources of energy! Experiment with light, water and even chemical reactions to harness the electrons that energize our world.
Slimy Science (provided by Mad Science of Portland): Discover the ooey gooey origins of plastic and see why plastic is so hard to break. Kids make their own slippery slime to go!
Cubetto (provided by JW Kindergarten Teachers): Cubetto is the friendly wooden robot that will teach children the basics of computer programming through adventure and hands-on play. Note: This activity is for primary grades only.
Ozobots (provided by JW 1st Grade Teachers): Explore how Ozobot understands its environment and how this system compares to ours and observe the cause and effect relationship of how it responds.
Quiver (provided by JW 2nd Grade Teachers): With Quiver children can bring their unique coloring creations to life in extraordinary 3D augmented reality. Characters literally leap off the page, entertaining both little and big minds.
Spheros (provided by JW 3rd Grade Teachers): Program a Sphero robot to show that there is a linear relationship between time, speed, and distance.
Makey Makey (provided by JW 4th Grade Teachers): Makey Makey is an electronic invention tool and toy that allows users to connect everyday objects to computer programs.
Sam Labs (provided by JW 5th Grade Teachers): SAM Labs kits are bursting with wireless electronic blocks that each have a personality of their own. From lights to motors to sliders to buzzers, every Bluetooth-enabled block can connect to the others via the app to do something different.
Parent-Teacher Conferences
If you haven't schedule a conference with your child's teacher, please sign up at:
Please sign up for a conference time at: https://www.ptcfast.com/schools/Jacob_Wismer_Elementary_School_Fall2019
Lost & Found Displayed this Week
Items in our Lost & Found will be displayed in the front hall through Friday of this week. After conferences end on Friday, the remaining clothing will be delivered to the BSD Clothes Closet. Lost & Found items will also be displayed on the weeks listed below. Please make a note of these dates. Teachers are encouraging students to look in the Lost and Found for their lost items throughout the school year. However, it always helps for parents to double check the weeks they are displayed in the front hall.
Fri, December 13 - Fri, December 20 (prior to Winter Break)
Mon, March 16 - Fri, April 3 (prior to Spring Break and during Spring Conferences)
Mon, June 8 - Fri, June 12 (prior to Summer Break)
Preview GBS Health Materials During Conferences Days
Parents are welcome to preview the Great Body Shop (GBS) health material in our office during conferences on a drop-in basis. The binders must remain in the school office and photographs of the materials cannot be taken due to copyright law. Here is a link to our BSD elementary Health Scope & Sequence K-5: link
Parent who wish to preview the Great Body Shop health materials at other times can complete this request form (link) submit it to the school office and we will schedule an appointment time. Parents may also drop by the office to see if the binders are available.
BSD Report Cards Going Paperless
The Beaverton School District is transitioning to electronic report cards for all students. This upcoming Progress period will be the last time we will be printing progress reports/report cards. The electronic report cards will be accessed through ParentVUE (mobile and desktop).
Monday, Feb. 3, 2020 - Report cards available on ParentVue
Friday, June 19, 2020 - Report cards available on ParentVue
If parents/guardians have not set up their ParentVUE account, they will need to do so by January 2020.
New Date for Stoller 5th Grade Parent Info Night
Stoller's 5th grade Parent Info Night has been changed from Nov. 14th to Tuesday, November 19, 2019 from 5:30-7:00pm at Stoller Middle School.
Box Tops for Education
The Box Tops for Education program is changing the way we can earn cash for our school! Over the summer, participating brands have begun to change their packaging from the traditional Box Tops clip to the new Box Tops label.
Going forward, instead of clipping from packages and checking expiration dates, all NEW Box Top labels will be earned digitally by scanning your receipt. The Box Tops for Education team has worked hard to build a NEW-and-improved, user-friendly Box Tops mobile app, available now. The new app allows you to scan your store receipt, and automatically finds participating products and instantly adds those Box Tops to our school's earnings online.
BE SURE TO DOWNLOAD THE NEW APP OR UPDATE YOUR EXISTING APP: Click the links below if you are viewing this on your smartphone😊
Click here to download on the App Store
Click her to get it on Google Play
If you still have traditional Box Tops clips at home, make sure to send them to school. We will still earn cash for all clipped Box Tops until they expire. Better yet, you can “double dip” during the packaging transition by clipping traditional Box Tops AND scanning your store receipt containing participating products. Thanks for helping our school get what it needs!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hh94b2BvFK4&feature=youtu.be
The link above is to a YouTube video that has a demonstration of how the app works. It’s pretty slick. If you have any questions please reach out to me, Martine Ayers -Jacob Wismer’s Box Top Coordinator, at 541-231-5971 or email me at martine.ayers@gmail.com.
Passport Club News
Congratulations to our October high five students! November Passport Club checkout is Nov. 18-22nd. Passport Club is a HOME study program, so please remember to go over maps a couple of times with your students at home before checkout. You can find the maps here:
http://www.jacobwismerpto.org/passport-club-study-test-maps/
PTO Walking School Bus
NEW THIS YEAR... the PTO is launching a Walking School Bus!
Our goal is to help parents and children to get to know each other earlier in the year and experience the health benefits of walking to school in the fresh air. So join us EVERY 1st Monday of the month. Here are the details of our November Walking School Bus: For questions please contact: Margarita or Alex at wehike97229@gmail.com
October 21, 2019
Calendar for Oct. 21-Nov. 4
Oct. 21: Parent-teacher conference scheduling begins
Oct. 21-25: Passport checks
Oct. 28: PTO E-Blast sent to volunteers
Nov. 1: Grading Day/No school for students
Nov. 1: Oregon Battle of the Books (OBOB) registration forms due
PTO Fall Event Photos
Thank you to PTO Fall Event coordinators Alexandra Yau and Margarita Thygesen and their wonderful team of volunteers for an extraordinary evening of family fun! Below are some photos of the Fall Event. Click here for additional photos: Link
Sign Up Now for Parent-Teacher Conferences
Please sign up for a conference time at: https://www.ptcfast.com/schools/Jacob_Wismer_Elementary_School_Fall2019
Eagle Run Post Assembly
Click on this link to experience our post assembly with individual recognitions: link
Here is a photograph in the school hallway of the amount raised toward our goal of $85,000. Final stats coming soon!
Passport Club Begins this Week!
Passport Club checks begin this week for 2nd through 5th graders. Students are expected to study at home to prepare for their checks so here are the links to the maps:
PTO Walking School Bus
NEW THIS YEAR... the PTO is launching a Walking School Bus!
Our goal is to help parents and children to get to know each other earlier in the year and experience the health benefits of walking to school in the fresh air. So join us EVERY 1st Monday of the month. Here are the details of our November Walking School Bus:
When: Monday, November 4th.
Time: Meet between 7:50 & 8:00 AM
Where: 2 locations
1. Mr. A and our volunteer Margarita will meet you at NW Kyle Place/ NW Vance Dr.
2. Mr. V and our volunteer Ana will meet you at Arbor Heights Playground
For questions please contact: Margarita or Alex at wehike97229@gmail.com
See you on the 4th!
State Report Cards Now Available
Jacob Wismer's State Report Card 2018-19:
Beaverton School District State Report Card 2018-19:
All school and district report cards for the 2018-19 school year are available at:
http://www.ode.state.or.us/data/reportcard/reports.aspx Select Beaverton in the District Selection drop-down menu.
We welcome the opportunity to share this information with you on the progress we are making to improve academic achievement for each student in the District. We are making progress.
State report cards began when the 1999 Oregon Legislature passed a law requiring every public school and district to receive a report from the Oregon Department of Education about how they are performing overall. The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), signed by President Obama on December 10, 2015, replaces the No Child Left Behind (CNLB) Act and affords states greater flexibility. ESSA encourages schools and educators to innovate and create systems that address local needs. As a part of this work, The Oregon Department of Education redesigned the School and District report cards to engage and inform families about their school's approach to learning, academic and extracurricular offers, and student performance. Report cards also serve as an important tool for continuous improvement planning by local and state policymakers, in conjunction with the communities they serve.
Why It's Important to Make Time for Reading at Home
Spring Conferences Date Change
Spring conferences dates have been changed from April 30 & May 1 to April 2 & 3.
After-School Activities Flyers
Click here for a list of BSD approved after-school activities flyers: link
BSD Inclement Weather Information
When the weather outside gets inclement, school schedules could be affected. The District generally makes inclement weather decisions by 5:15 a.m., posting them by 5:30 a.m. on the District website and on social media. All Portland Metro area media outlets are also notified and announce the information on TV newscasts and online. Parents and guardians that have opted in for SchoolMessenger will receive timely notifications.
The District makes decisions based on the ability to operate school buses safely; the ability of parents and students to drive safely; and the ability of students to walk safely. The decision that is made will be for the entire District. (As always, parents may choose to make different decisions based on their particular location.)
For the latest inclement weather information:
• Log onto the District's website: http://www.beaverton.k12.or.us and a page pop will be posted on the main page if there is a change in school operations.
• Beaverton School District Public Safety webpage has information about inclement weather procedures and snow routes. http://www.beaverton.k12.or.us/departments/public-safety/ then click on Inclement Weather Information.
• Follow us on o Twitter @BeavertonSD o Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/BeavertonSchoolDistrict/
• Follow media outlets. The Districts posts information via Flash Alert. Parents can also sign up to receive weather alerts: www.flashalert.net
Inclement Weather Decisions & Definitions
School closure or delayed start decisions will typically be communicated to media outlets and posted on the District website, Facebook and Twitter by 5:30 a.m. and SchoolMessenger text, email or phone (depending on selected preferences).
We encourage families to make transportation and attendance decisions for their child(ren) based on their own assessment of travel conditions at their location.
When all district schools and facilities are closed
- All daytime and evening activities/events on closure days are canceled.
When there is a 2-hour delay in opening school and buses are on snow routes
- All schools will open two hours later than regularly scheduled. Ø
- The following classes/programs are cancelled:
- AM early intervention
- AM Preschool Classes
- AM Health Careers & Auto Program
- Terra Nova Program is canceled all day.
- There will be no bus service for Bonny Slope, Nancy Ryles and Sato elementary schools.
- Bus services will not be provided to McKinney-Vento students living outside of the district.
When school is on time and buses are on snow routes
- All schools operate on regular daily schedules.
- There will be no bus service for Bonny Slope, Nancy Ryles and Sato elementary schools
-
Terra Nova Program is canceled all day.
-
If the weather forecast calls for declining weather conditions throughout the day, the district will implement snow routes for PM dismissal.
When weather conditions necessitate an early dismissal/closure of schools
- We encourage you to refer to the BSD website, SchoolMessenger and local media for more detailed information.
- All daytime and evening activities/events are cancelled.
PTO E-Blast
Please click on this link for previous JW PTO E-Blast newsletters: Link
Learning Options Application Process for 2020-21
The Beaverton School District is nationally recognized for high student achievement and innovative programs. Beaverton students in grades 6-12 have the opportunity to investigate learning options that best fit their academic needs. Students can choose their neighborhood school, or apply for one of a number of Learning Option Programs. Transportation is provided.
Applications for the 2020-2021 school year will be available starting Monday, October 14, 2019. Please do some early investigation of the Learning Options Programs online and plan to attend one or more of the open houses that are available. Students may only select one option on their application.
All applicants must reside within the Beaverton School District boundaries. Beginning October 14, current Beaverton School District students are able to apply online using their BSD student ID. Resident students not currently attending a Beaverton school will need to complete a paper application available online, or at any school office beginning October 14, 2019. Applicants who do not have Internet access may also complete a paper application available at any school office. Please give careful consideration to your choice of school. Once an application has been submitted, no changes will be allowed.
Applications must be received no later than Friday, December 6, 2019 at 4:00 p.m. (PST).
OFFICE OF LEARNING OPTIONS
Information Line: 503.356.4440 • FAX: 503.356.4415
Mon., October 14, 2019 ------- Applications for the 2019-2020 school year will be available.
Fri., December 6, 2019 ------- Applications due no later than 4:00 p.m. PST.
Wed., December 11, 2019 ------- Electronic Lottery conducted for the 2020-21 School Year.
· Acceptance or wait pool notifications will be sent via email.
· Students who are not selected via the lottery will be emailed a Second Consideration application for the school for which they applied where applicable.
Thurs., January 9, 2020 ------- Second Consideration applications due to schools.
Wed., January 29, 2020 ------- Deadline to accept/decline enrollment – by 4:00 p.m. PST
AVID Volunteer Tutors Needed and Paid College Student Tutor Position!
AVID Volunteer Tutors are needed in all the Middle Schools, Options schools and High schools (all levels please promote to your school community)
And now, just added a new Paid College Student Tutor Position! Information regarding this position can be viewed here: Detailed Handout
AVID=Advancement Via Individual Determination
The Beaverton AVID Program teaches students the skills and behaviors necessary for academic success in high school, college and beyond.
• AVID tutors work with small groups of middle school students under the supervision of a teacher.
• Tutors are trained to use specific strategies that help develop students’ critical thinking, literacy, and math skills.
• Tutoring is held mainly on Tuesday & Thursday, and times vary depending on the school and volunteer availability.
• Training and ongoing support provided.
Contact: Danica Jensen Weiner 503-356-4478
October 7, 2019
Calendar for Oct. 7-21
Oct. 8: CogAT Screener given to all 3rd and 5th graders
Oct. 11: Staff Development Day (no school for students)
Oct. 15: Oregon Battle of the Books (OBOB) Parent Information Mtg. 6-7pm
Oct. 16: Picture Day
Oct. 18: TAG parent nomination forms due
Oct. 18: PTO Fall Event 6-8pm
Oct. 21: Parent-teacher conference scheduling begins
Oct. 21: Passport checks begin
JW Students Soar at our Eagle Run!
A special thank you from the PTO Board, Jacob Wismer staff and all of our JW Eagles to our talented Eagle Run planning team, Lori Near, Amanda Netter and Courtney Austermiller, for such an incredibly well-organized, out of this world, fun and fulfilling Eagle Run! Your hard work and perseverance was amazing! Thank you so much also to all the wonderful volunteers, without whom this event would not have been possible.
Be sure to check out the videos on our Activities Page! Link
Here are a few photos from Friday's Eagle Run:
Kindergarten:
1st Grade:
2nd Grade:
3rd Grade:
4th Grade:
5th Grade:
School Pictures ~ Wednesday, Oct. 16th
Dorian Studios picture order forms will be sent home early this week. Every student will be photographed for class composites, whether or not you place an individual order. Photo retakes will be on Thursday, December 5th. Online orders are now available ... please see the information below regarding payment options.
If you are ordering photos with exact cash (no change available) or check, please enclose your payment in the Dorian envelope, indicate the payment method under #6 at the bottom of the envelope and send it to school with your child on October 16th. All backgrounds will be blue unless you choose a different background color on the envelope. The envelope with payment will need to be turned in by your student to the Dorian photographer at the time your student’s photo is being taken.
If you are ordering photos online, there is no need to turn in an envelope unless you choose a background color other than blue. If you do not choose blue, the envelope (indicating only your child's name, choice of color background & online payment under #6 "online") will need to be turned in by your student to the Dorian photographer at the time their photo is being taken. Dorian has all the other information they need with your online order, as each student is given a "photo identification card" to give the photographer before their photo is taken.
Parent Teacher Conference Sign-Up
A School Messenger with the login information for PTCFast.com will be sent out sometime the morning of Monday, Oct. 21st for parents to sign up for parent-teacher conferences. PTCFast.com is the online conferencing tool that we use to schedule our parent-teacher conferences. Parent-teacher conferences are Nov. 7th and 8th this year. Just a reminder that there will be no school for students on these days.
PTO Fall Event~Oct. 18th
Join us for an evening of fun on October 18th from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at the school cafeteria and gym. We will have a DJ, face painting, games and a grand finale. To help families connect faster, we will have color bracelets per grade for adults and children as well as icebreaker games.
Donation opportunity: we will have an on-site collection box for new or gently used winter clothes (coats, hats, scarf and gloves) and books. Children’s winter clothes will be donated to the Beaverton Clothes Closet. Books will be donated to the Children’s Book Bank.
Volunteer opportunity: To make this event a success, we need your help. Sign up online at myvolunteerpage.com
For questions, please contact Alexandra Yau at vpcommunityevents@jacobwismerpto.org