LS Weekly Memo Week 21: January 28th -Feb. 1st

Week 21: The 4th grade sent us off into the weekend with an inspiring assembly.  Thank you to the 4th grade teachers, with special help from Ted Morissette, for the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. tribute.  This week brings the close of report cards and a look forward to admissions days and conferences.

COMMUNITY

Grade Level Coffees - Mid Year
Our thanks to Jackie, Angela and Dori for their contributions to Second Grade and Primary Parent Coffees this past week.  Below you will find a list of possible topics. Please update/or add topics you wish to discuss at your grade’s mid-year coffee by clicking on the link below.  https://docs.google.com/a/go.oes.edu/document/d/1WNqKkGJ4D7X6LHD0OndQB-bLdvobCXDtLICjqJja1Ro/edit

Grade	Date	Topics
3rd Grade- Kiah	Tuesday, January 29	Overnight camp Cafeteria Musical Screen Time
4th Grade- Asha	Wednesday, January 30	ERB’s Competitions OBOB Screen Time
1st Grade- Claire	Monday, February 4	Reading Continuum Assessments
5th grade- Tasha	Tuesday, February 5	ERB’s Plays Competitions OBOB Screen Time

Sensitive Communications - Please be sensitive to the public perception of your comments.  Below is an excerpt of a recommendation written to Admissions by an OES family for a prospective student:
“....we've been told by many parents and OES staff that my child's class (2020) is a bit of a problem class on many levels and that it lacks a certain cohesiveness.  This is of course upsetting and we are hopeful that future admissions can help to rectify the issue, since we've also been told that my (child) and a few of the other new students have helped to assuage this problem already.  I can assure you that both _____ and ______ are excellent citizen students and I would be thrilled to have their positive energy in this class, continuing a trend of improvement .”

Specialist Expectations During Conferences
Lower School conferences are on February 14 and 15.  As in the past, specialists are expected to be in the LS Library for the following hours:
Thursday, February 14 - 7:30am – 3:30pm, the length of a regular school day
Friday, February 15, 8:00am – 2:00pm
Those who are part time may adjust their schedule according to FTE %.
Please reach out to the parents with whom you would like to meet.

Sadri Family
Bella and Sophia Sadri’s parents have decided to withdraw their children from OES for a variety of reasons.  The girls will be attending their local public school, beginning 2/4.  Feb 1st will be their last day.  Bella has already begun sharing this news with her friends, but has not told her teacher.

SST Help Before Conferences?
Let us a member of SST know if you are interested in discussing a student before conferences.


PROGRAM

LS Faculty Meeting
1-31-13, LS Art Room
Appreciations
Announcement - US Helpers
Admissions Preparation for 2/2 and 2/8
Announcements

Report Cards
We will all have time to proof narratives after school on Monday, 1/28.
All report cards need to be loaded into PCR by 8:00 am on Tuesday, 1/29 so Angela can begin uploading them to the parent portal.  Access to report cards will be closed at 11:59 pm on 1/29.
Angela will need 1/30 and 1/31 to post comments and report cards.
Parents have been informed that the reports will available by 2/4.

Proof-Reading Plan
Proof-reading time has been set aside on Monday afternoon, 1/28.  Teachers are to proof-read narratives and comments, checking writing mechanics and clarity.
Grade level teams proof each others.
Art teachers proof each others
Music teachers proof each others
PE teachers proof each others
Kelola proofs Carmen’s
Chris proofs Kelola
David and Chris will proof Science

Learning and the Brain Conference
Executive Skills for School Success:
Enhancing Student Self-Control, Working Memory and Reasoning
May 3-5, 2013, Arlington, VA
Middle School is sending a faculty member or two. Let me know if you are interested.

History Department Chair Search
With John Holloran being appointed the Director of Studies, the search is beginning for the new PreK - 12 Department Chair.  Below is the process that will be followed.  We can discuss at our meeting on Thursday if there are questions.
Process:

• Initial meeting with US and MS departments and LS faculty.
• Share Department Chair job description.
• Teachers interested in being Department Chair are invited to submit a written statement of interest to the Division Heads.  We encourage you to speak to your qualifications for serving in the role described in the job description and outline your vision for the Department.  Due by Monday, February 4.
• We will circulate the written statements to everyone included in this email and ask for written feedback directed to the Division Heads.  Feedback closes on Monday, February 18.
• Division Heads review statements and feedback and make decision.  Decision by end of February.

OPERATIONS

LSLT - Meeting, Tuesday, January 29, 10:50 - 11:50, Janet Schillings Room
Report card check in - Timing, Technology
LSLT - Appreciative Inquiry
Other

Prospective Primary Parent Tours Fill Chris’ Schedule

Calendar - 2013-14
Lyn, Chris and I will be meeting on 2/7 to begin constructing the calendar for 2013-14.  The All School Calendar summit is scheduled for March 5th.

Uniforms, Gum and Cell Phones
The 5th grade teachers have spoken with the students about following school policy related to these three topics:
Uniforms - follow the policy
Gum - not allowed at school
Cell Phones - only allowed with special permission and should not be used on the OES campus.  Please intervene and let the teachers know if a 5th grader is not following these.

Admissions Buddies and Visitors 2nd - 5th grades
Admissions is having a busy season.  Many grades will have many visitors.  If a student in your class is going to be a buddy for a visitor:
1. Have the student come straight to the LS Office when they arrive in the morning
2. Buddies should be in the LS Office by 7:45
I will also be reminding parents about this in the WedX.

Auction Volunteering
The Action is on Saturday, August 9.  As always they are looking for volunteers. Here's the link to the OES site that directs you to where on Volunteer Spot you can sign up to volunteer at the auction.

New Phone System
To access your voicemail on your phone you now need to dial x870.  With the new software update the voicemail speed dial button works only infrequently.  You can also access voice mail remotely by dialing 503.416.9870.

LS Weekly Memo Week 20: January 21-25

With the four day weekend, I hope you were able to make good progress on your reports as well as enjoy at least a little of the break.  The next month is busy with report proofing, admissions, coffees and conferences. Pace yourself.

COMMUNITY

Angela and Chad
Angela Hancock will be on leave beginning on February 1st and ending on August 1st.  Chad Gilton, who stepped in for Julie Robison while she was on maternity leave this fall, will be covering her responsibilities.  Chad will be working with Angela this week to develop an understanding of her responsibilities and to prepare for assuming Angela’s duties starting on 2/4. Brad Baugher, Debra, Chad and I will be working closely together to ensure we sustain the high level of tech support that Angela has established.

Grade Level Coffees - Mid Year
Our thanks to Kirstin and Colesie for their contributions to Kindergarten and Pre-K Parent Coffees this past week.  Below you will find a list of possible topics. Please update/or add topics you wish to discuss at your grade’s mid-year coffee by clicking on the link below.  https://docs.google.com/a/go.oes.edu/document/d/1WNqKkGJ4D7X6LHD0OndQB-bLdvobCXDtLICjqJja1Ro/edit

Grade	Date	Topics
2nd Grade- Jackie	Tuesday, January 22	Reading Continuum Heroes Tech team to spend 15 mins. sharing math technology Tracy - share math resources App discussion- Screen TIme -
Primary- Dori	Wednesday, January 23	Transition to First Grade, Intercultural Competencies?
3rd Grade- Kiah	Tuesday, January 29	Overnight camp Cafeteria Musical Screen Time
4th Grade- Asha	Wednesday, January 30	ERB’s Competitions OBOB Screen Time
1st Grade- Claire?	Monday, February 4	Reading Continuum
5th grade- Tasha	Tuesday, February 5	ERB’s Plays Competitions OBOB Screen Time

PROGRAM

Report Cards - TImeline
Thank you for all your work on the report cards.  The report card timeline is as follows:
All reports written by end of day Tuesday, 1/22
Time designated for teams to proof report cards on Thursday,1/24 and Monday, 1/28
All report cards due proofed 8:00 am on Tuesday, 1/29.  Access to report cards will be closed at 11:59 pm on 1/29.
Angela will need 1/30 and 1/31 to post comments and report cards.
Parents will be informed that the reports will available by 2/4.

Proof-Reading Plan
Proof-reading time has been set aside on both Thursday morning 1/ 24 and Monday afternoon, 1/28.  Teachers are to proof-read narratives and comments, checking writing mechanics and clarity.
Grade level teams proof each others.
Art teachers proof each others
Music teachers proof each others
PE teachers proof each others
Kelola proofs Carmen’s
Chris proofs Kelola
David and Chris will proof Science

MLK Assembly, Friday, January 25th at 8:10 in the Gym
We gather next Friday for our MLK Remembrance Assembly. Kristen and the Fourth Grade team have been hard at work crafting a meaningful assembly.
Please be seated with your buddy class by 8:10

Open Block - 1/23 @ 3:15
Remember this Wednesday is another Open Block series of classes.

Learning and the Brain Conference
Executive Skills for School Success:
Enhancing Student Self-Control, Working Memory and Reasoning
May 3-5, 2013, Arlington, VA
Middle School is sending a faculty member or two. Let me know if you are interested.


OPERATIONS

Calendars - Conflicts
At the PAL Grade Level Representatives meeting we discussed the challenge of having multiple events on the same day. Please be sure you keep the calendar accurate for your grade level or specialist team.  Let Lyn, Chris or me know if you see a potential conflict Lyn and Chris will continue to review the LS Events and Faculty calendar to ensure accuracy.  
We will review calendar conflicts in our weekly office meeting.

Calendar - 2013-14
Lyn, Chris and I will be meeting on 2/7 to begin constructing the calendar for 2013-14.  The All School Calendar summit is scheduled for March 5th.

Primary Candidate Meetings
David, Chris and the Kindergarten team will meet on Thursday and Friday, January 24th and 25th with individual families to discuss their child’s possible Primary placement.  Scott Thomas, a new substitute teacher, will cover in Kindergarten classes while teachers are attending these meetings.  
If you urgently need support on the 24th or 25th, please ask Lyn to contact Jenny or Patti.

Admissions Update
With applications for Lower School having increased significantly compared to last year, we have a busy Admissions Season before us.  
Thursday, January 31st, Faculty Meeting. Sarah Ross-Bailey provides the details needed for successful admissions visits.
Saturday, Feb. 2nd, Pre-K Candidates- new families, faculty and staff
Our thanks to Colesie, Lauren and others who will give up their Saturday
Friday, February 8th. No school for students or Assistant Teachers. Kindergarten, Primary/First candidates visit classrooms, 3rd-5th Grade candidates test in the morning.
Saturday, February 23rd
Reserved as a possible make-up day. Sarah will try her utmost to schedule candidates on the above admissions days or during the school week.  Thanks to all for hosting candidates’ visits.

US Student Volunteers
There is a willing team of Upper School students available during US Activity period to perform all types of on-campus service.
Every Wednesday, 10:20-10:50, beginning tomorrow, Wednesday, January 16 (note that this is only half an hour & adjust your expectations accordingly!)
Every Thursday, 10:50-11:50, beginning NEXT Thursday, January 24.
PLEASE NOTE that these are the only times when I can promise to send you student help. They’ll do anything—indoors, outdoors, office work, classroom tasks, organizing, copying, you name it. If you can use student help during those hours, please email me a day or two ahead of time, and give the location, the job description, and the number of students needed. I assign tasks on a first-request, first-served basis. You may ask for help as a one-time thing, or for regular help all semester. I can sometimes handle last-minute requests as well.

US Students - Winterim Volunteers
Ann Sulzer is coordinating US and MS volunteers for the week of winterim. Email Ann at sulzera@oes.edu if you're interested or have any additional questions.

Professional Growth and Development
The Oregon Department of Education has new documentation requirements for professional developed required of you to renew your teaching license.  The DOE now requires official documentation of each professional development credit you earn.
To renew your Oregon Teaching License you need to have accumulated
125 PDU over 5 years (25/ year)
1 hour = 1 PDU
1 College credit course = 20 PDU

LS Weekly Memo Week 19: January 14-18

Welcome to Week 19. Thanks to Nancy Tesky, the LS Band, the guest actors and Murray the dog for making a sunny Friday even better.  We have a busy week ahead of us with the start of parent coffees and report writing.  I hope you got out and enjoyed some sun this weekend.

COMMUNITY

Weekly Memo - Read It
Thanks to those of you who dutifully read the WM top to bottom.  For those who don’t, please take the time.

Re-enrollment Contract Holds and Conditions
If you are concerned about child being able to continue at OES or continue without required support, contact David this week.

Jane Duty Coverage
Jane is going to need duty relief for 6 weeks to help her fracture and torn ligament heal. Please sign-up for a duty or two at Jane’s Duty Coverage

Grade Level Coffees -
Thanks to those who have agreed to come to the coffees. Add a topic to the Grade level Coffee Topics google doc or let Chris or David know if you have topics you wish addressed with parents.

Grade Level Coffees - Mid Year

Grade	Date	Topics
Kindergarten- Kirstin	Monday, January 14	Building community, Emerging project work Primary/1st Grade placement
PreKindergarten- Colesie	Tuesday, January 15	Building community Conflict resolution Emerging project work
2nd Grade- Jackie	Tuesday, January 22	Reading Continuum??
Primary- Dori	Wednesday, January 23	Transition to First Grade, Intercultural Competencies??
3rd Grade- Kiah?	Tuesday, January 29	???
4th Grade- Asha	Wednesday, January 30	ERB’s
1st Grade- Claire?	Monday, February 4	???
5th grade- Tasha	Tuesday, February 5	ERB’s

David away 1/18 - 1/21 for nephew's Bar Mitzvah. He will be available by cell phone.  Chris O’Toole will be in charge.

PROGRAM

5-year Curriculum Plan
We will be developing a 5-year curriculum initiative plan with the Team Leaders and the LSCTF, informed by our work around the new LS Building and the curriculum initiatives you are discussing.

Building Project Follow-up
Thank you again for your work on the LS Building Project.  Ashley Cadwell is preparing a Vision, Program, and Building Patterns (VPBP) document that will articulate our work.  I will share the document once it is final.

LS Faculty Meeting
No LS Faculty Meeting unless teams need it.  Time dedicated to report card preparation.
Tech support will be in the Tech Office.  David and Chris will be available in their offices to discuss difficult reports.

OPERATIONS

Auction Item
One of the auction items we are doing this year is a bookshelf from Twist.   
Rebecca Roberts would love it if we could get a number of staff members to make a donation of a favorite book (childrens, adult, non fiction, fiction, etc) to go along with this special live item.   Books can be dropped off at the Auction office with the donation form or they can email me and I will pick them up from wherever they would like (See email forwarded from David).

Report Card Check in
Based on the low number of folks who visited Angela with technology challenges related to the reports, I believe we are off to a good start. Do contact Angela ASAP if you are encountering any difficulties with the report format.
Let Chris or David know if you would like them to review a challenging report.

Proof-Reading Plan
Proof-reading time has been set aside on both Thursday morning 1/ 24 and Monday afternoon, 1/28.  

Grade level teams proof each others.
Art teachers proof each others
Music teachers proof each others
PE teachers proof each others
Kelola proofs Carmen’s
Chris proofs Kelola
David and Chris will proof Science

Admissions Update
With applications for Lower School having increased significantly compared to last year, we have a busy Admissions Season before us.  
Thursday, January 31st, Faculty Meeting. Sarah Ross-Bailey provides the details needed for successful admissions visits.
Saturday, Feb. 2nd, Pre-K Candidates- new families, faculty and staff
Our thanks to Colesie, Lauren and others who will give up their Saturday
Friday, February 8th. No school for students or Assistant Teachers. Kindergarten, Primary/First candidates visit classrooms, 3rd-5th Grade candidates test in the morning.
Saturday, February 23rd
Reserved as a possible make-up day. Sarah will try her utmost to schedule candidates on the above admissions days or during the school week.  Thanks to all for hosting candidates’ visits.

IMPORTANT. Remember Google Calendar Faculty Event Updates.
Please be sure your Grade Level LSLT representative updates our Faculty Event calendar.  Lyn and Chris compare the All School calendar and our Faculty Event (FE)  calendar every Thursday.  We’ve noticed that some important dates are not posted on the FE calendar.
Next week Lyn will book a LSLT meeting during an upcoming lunch break. There are just no open dates on Mondays for us to meet.  We hope many of you can attend. This might require swapping a duty with a colleague.  

We appreciate that this is one of the busiest times of the year.  Rest and renew this weekend. Thanks for all you do!

LS Weekly Memo Week 18: January 7 - 11

Happy New Year and welcome to Week 18.  We hope you enjoyed a restful and renewing winter break with family and friends.

COMMUNITY

Jeannie Rawley Remembrance
In the spirit of Jeannie's warm and welcoming hospitality, there will be a festive gathering on January 7, our first day back from Winter Break.  At 3:15, we'll meet at Jeannie's tree, outside the Third Grade classrooms and raised beds, to honor and remember our dear friend and colleague.  Then, around 3:30 p.m., we will move to the Morris House Conference Room.  Refreshments will be served, although there is no guarantee that they will be as healthy as the food Jeannie ate and enjoyed.  The outdoor labyrinth just outside of the Morris House Conference Room will be available for walking.  While the labyrinth has been well tended to this fall,  it might be in need of a New Year's trim by January 7, so gardening tools will also be available.

Jane Kenney-Norberg
Jane will be returning to school on Monday, though she is still recovering from her fall.  She has a hairline fracture of her tibia and torn a ligament in her knee.  Look for an email from Jane requesting duy coverage help while she is on crutches.

Heidi Hackenjos
Be sure to stop by the library and welcome Heidi back from her maternity leave.  
Thanks again to Nicole for the wonderful work she did during Heidi’s leave.

Plans for Next Year
It is time to start planning for the hiring season. If you are contemplating new opportunities for next year or interested in changing grade levels, please scheduel a time to meet with David at your soonest convenience.

Student Support Team
The Student Support Team meets every Monday and Thursday to discuss students and plans for support. If questions arise about how to best support one of your students as you are preparing reports, please contact any of the SST members so we can help.

PROGRAM

Team Meetings- Thursday, Jan. 10th 7:30-8:30
Time to check in about report cards.  Other topics at Team Leader’s discretion.


Cadwell Slide Show
Angela has reformatted the slide show Ashley Cadwell presented.  You can download the file and watch it on your laptop. Advance slides and transitions with a click or spacebar.  Otherwise, you will need to hit pause to stop the movie to spend more time on specific parts.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/o64ok48gzl5x6ep/ButlerPresentation9-23-10.mov


OPERATIONS

Report Cards
Thanks to Angela for all her work getting the report cards up and running online. Look for an email from Angela if there are any updates to the report card completion process. Let us know if you encounter any challenges as you work through the report card timeline.

Report Card Timeline
Report Writing Day - Friday, 1/18
MLK Day - 1/21
All reports written by end of day Tuesday, 1/22
Time designated for teams to proof report cards on Thursday,1/24 and Monday, 1/28
All report cards due proofed 8:00 am on Tuesday, 1/29
Reports will be sent out by Monday, 2/4

ERB Results for 4th and 5th graders will be sent out by 2/8
Conferences are 2/14 and 2/15

Lockdown Drill
Jon von Behren will be scheduling a lockdown drill for shortly after we return.  Look for an email with details in the near future.

Safety Reminders
Supervision during transitions:
Admissions has noticed many LS students traveling the campus unsupervised.  We agreed to ensure we were all accompanying students during transitions between classrooms and specialists.  This is both for safety reasons and to provide the quick exchange of information between teachers at each transition.  Confirm plans with your colleagues if you are not clear about who is supervising which transition.

Supervision of Students:
Students should not be left unattended in any space during the school day. If students are allowed to stay in and work on projects during recess, they need to be supervised.

Public access to ACP, Track and Turf Field:
Aardvark Community Park, the track and the fields are all designated for school use while school is in session, 7:30am - 3:15pm every school day. Extended Care has use of the BS playground and ACP from 3:00-6:00 pm. Kindly inform any community users that they will need to wait until after the programs are finished to use the spaces.

Safety Maintenance
Email maintrequest@oes.edu if you have any safety related maintenance issues.  

Security Reminders
Keep exterior doors closed - do not prop open 

Practice drills as if real- remind students to be quiet, calm and orderly.  Think through your response.

Reread the OES Emergency Procedures flipchart for Lock Out and Lock In.  If you don’t have an OES Emergency Procedures book contact Rebecca Williams this week to secure a new copy. 

Have the LS Office speed dialed in your cell phone.

Count all children at transitions.

New Years Reminder’s
Class Agreements:
As we all know, the return after winter break can feel like you are starting fresh. This is a good time to review agreements, rituals and expectations.

Uniforms:
Help students transition back and start off following the Uniform Policy.  Remember that hats are not part of the OES uniform and that non-uniform outerwear is only to be worn outside, not in class.

Recess and Lunch:
Review expectations to help us all start the new year well.

DEAR, PJ Day - February 22
In response to many children’s requests for a PJ day, we have chosen 2/22 as the day, starting off with an all Lower School DEAR time

LS Weekly Memo Dec. 17th through Dec. 20th

Welcome to Week 17.  Last week was a really full week; the excitement of design conversations, the opportunities to see our students shine in performances and presentations in Beginning School, 2nd and 5th grades, opportunities to share and reflect on faith traditions during the Advent Service and Hannukkah Chapel, the occasion to share fine food, wine and friendship at the OES Holiday Party.  

I am tremendously appreciative of you for creating such wonderful experiences for our students on Friday, even as you felt the weight of the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary. Let us know if we can help you, a student, a colleague or a parent.

COMMUNITY

Hanukkah Chapel
Thank you Jenny Cleveland, faculty and student participants fro another meaningful celebration of the diversity of our community.

Williams’ King Midas Production a Huge Success
What an amazing production. Everyone did an outstanding job. The best part was to see how much fun they were having with their roles, clearly loving the limelight.  Bravo, Alysa for your fine work.

Second Grade Learning Celebration- Portland Research Projects
Thank you to the second grade team for supporting their students’ inquiry into Portland. The students were so proud of their hard work, confident in their understanding of their topic, and committed to their learning.

Beginning School Winter Celebrations
Pre-K, K and Primary hosted wonderful fall and winter celebrations Friday afternoon after school. The event was capped off with a lovely Winter Celebration Program led by Kristen Haferbecker, a new Beginning School family ritual.  Thanks teachers and assistants for all of the hard work that went into this warm and joyful family holiday event.  

OES Holiday Party
Thank you to those of you who were able to attend.  The food was superb, the dining hall looked great, conversations flowed and the turnout was huge.

Lower School Holiday Celebration
Come share some more holiday cheer with your colleagues at 3:15 in the LS Library. Remember you SHH gift and potluck offering.  See Lyn’s email for details.

Jeannie Rawley Remembrance
On Monday, January 7 at 3:30, those who wish to are invited gather at the dogwood tree outside the 3rd grade classrooms to share a prayer in remembrance of Jeannie.  We will then head to the Morris House Conference Room for a time to be together and share memories with an option to help maintain the outdoor labyrinth in her honor.


PROGRAM

LS Building Design Sessions
Thanks for your thoughtful participation this week and last. The design conversations with Ashley Cadwell were very productive.  Team Leaders will meet with David to consider next steps.

Lower School Curriculum Task Force and Lower School Leadership Team Meettings
With holidays, report  writing and reading and other complications in January and February, scheduling our First and Third Mondays isn’t working out. Instead, we hope to get  lunch meetings on the calendar in February.  Obviously, not everyone will be able to attend.  Lyn will look ahead and get LSCTF and LSLT team meetings on our February calendar.

Howard Hiton, Counselor, Speaks at PAL About Boys and Girls Social Emotional Development
Books Howard Recommends
The Essential Difference: The Truth About the Male and Female Brains, Baron-Cohen, Simon
Real Boys, Pollack, William
Best Friends, Worst Enemies, Thompson, Michael
Queen Bees and Wannabees: Helping Your Daughter Survive Cliques, Gossip, Boyfriends
Wiseman, Rosalind

OPERATIONS

Second and Third Grade Mid- Afternoon Recess
Third Grade boys who love to play football and soccer are getting competitive and physical altercations are taking place. These boys are taking a break from these sports until next Wednesday, when they may resume play.  Several boys and girls wrote letters to David requesting that a portion of the field be opened up for their afternoon recess. He will discuss possible solutions with the Team Leaders and then the students.

St Nick’s Chapel
The wild and raucous event will start at 1:30 in the Gym. Plan on having your class seated and ready for the wild ride.

Report Card Timeline
Report Writing Day - 1/18
MLK Day - 1/21Written by end of day 1/22
Proofed on 1/24 and 1/28
Due all proofed on 1/29
Sent out by 2/4