Sunday, October 11, 2015

LS Weekly Memo
Weekly Memo Week 9, October 12-14 , 2015
I hope you all enjoyed your PGD day on Friday.  I look forward to our sharing about our experiences on Monday afternoon during the faculty meeting time.  We will not have a faculty meeting on Thursday due to Open House the night before.
Let me know your feedback about the approach to student conversations last Thursday morning.  The format worked well in the few conversations I had. I did notice that almost every specialists started out talking about 1 of 2 students.
A collection of Ted Talks about screen time:
An Article about recent ADHD Research - the short form courtesy of the Marshall Memo


CONSTRUCTION UPDATES
  • The first foundation walls are getting ready for a cement pour.
  • Join in playing “Where is Doug?” and see if you can find Doug Healy, the site supervisor, on the site
  • Kristen Fallin, Doug Healy and Patrick Kempster are enjoying visits and questions from classes
Playground Design with Natural Materials
Let Chris or me know if you are interested in experimenting with more natural materials at recess.  We are going to need to make some decisions about the New Building playground this fall and will need to defer some of the design work until 2016-17.
Greening the Campus
OES has the unique opportunity to join in a cohort of other schools and businesses with Energy Trust of Oregon to develop and implement a Strategic Energy Management (SEM) plan.  As a participant, we will receive technical support, state-of-the-art tools and templates, and coaching from energy experts. YOU can be a part of the team at OES. Contact Rod for more information.


COMMUNITY
Open House, Wednesday, October 14, 6:00 - 8:00pm
  • Read Sarah’s email with all the details - preparation, timing, set-up, dinner
  • All faculty are expected to participate in Open House
  • Remember, dinner is served from 4:30-5:30 in US Room 60
DEAR Assembly, Friday, 10/14, 8:10
Look for details later in the week.
Field Trips I
Several classes are heading out on field trips this week.  Use the Field Trip Checklist.
Field Trips II
Each year I budget $1500 per grade for field trips, thinking that is roughly 3 trips per grade.  I have had a great flurry of field trip requests recently.  Though it is too late to expand the budget this year, it is great time to build a budget for next year.  Spend wisely this year and start thinking about next year.

Testing in US on 10/14
On Wednesday, October 14 we will be giving the PSAT to all sophomore and juniors in the Upper School and Drinkward. We would like to request that all Lower School students enter/exit through the front door, walk past Arleene and through the dining hall door in the Great Hall (closest to the bussing bins). And we need to remind them to enter and exit quietly. We don’t know exactly when the exam will finish, but it could be close to 12:30 pm.
LS Transitions Update
  • First grade dismissed by the back (south) door and walks around by the Drinkward center (not using the ramp).
  • First graders who aren’t done should join the 2nd grade line- 2nd grade line departs around 11:18.
  • 3rd grade departs with all stragglers by 11:20.
  • A recess duty teacher/s (please designate one/more- possibly the person on the Field?) will meet the line at the Chapel at or before 11:20 to make sure the stragglers make it down the hill and cross to the field.
Drop-off
3rd - 5th need to go down to the BS wing and out to recess - Library, ACP or Gym. They cannot linger up by Scott House waiting for 7:50 where there is no supervision.  Please remind your students and help us enforce the rule.
LS Library Open for 1st-5th from 7:30 - 7:50 each day
The Lower School Library will again be open to First through Fifth Grade Students for quiet reading, or reading to BS students.  This is a good time and place to practice some quiet mindfulness exercises.  Beginning School Assistant Teachers on duty next week, David or I will help reinforce these expectations. If students want to chat they will be asked to go to ACP or the gym.
Lewis and Clark Student Teachers Visit, 10/22
About 20 Lewis and Clark student teachers will be visiting Lower School on Thursday, October 22.  They will be start off with an orientation in the Platt Classroom, 8:15 - 8:45, visit classes from 8:45 - 10:15 and then debriefing their experience. The students will travel in groups of 2 or 3. Let me know if any of you L & C grads (9 of you ) want to participate in the welcome.
Storyteller Judith Black comes to campus!
Internationally known storyteller Judith Black is coming to OES on Tuesday, Oct. 13, 8:30-9:20 am, and again on Wednesday, Oct. 14, 11:50am-12:50pm. Tuesday’s performance will be held in the Middle School Commons and our theme will be Jewish folktales. On Wednesday, Judith will tell stories from U.S. history with a special focus on immigration and stories with strong female characters.  See Jennie Kiffmeyer for more details.
Chapel
As we settle into our school routines, please work on timeliness to Chapel. Be seated promtly by 11:50 and 8:10.
Monday - 11:50 - 12:20
Friday - 8:10 - 8:40
Chapel Seating
In order to take some of the stress out of knowing where to sit during chapel on Monday and Friday, Jennie has made signs for each pew with the class teacher’s name. We will use these for the first time on Monday, Oct. 5.  It’s come to my attention that the map I sent out at the beginning of the year was not the most current one and needs updating…so if the sign is on a pew that is different from where your class sat last year, please move it to the correct area for your class and then leave the sign there at the end of chapel and I will make a note of the change. If the sign is in the right spot, please leave it there to confirm your pew. Thanks for your help in streamlining this process! —Jennie
PE Offering in the Gym
The PE Team would like to start offering options in the gym during Lunch Recess.  To do so for 4th and 5th grade we will need an additional duty teacher for Lunch Recess from 10:50 - 11:20 on M, W, F. Looks like Chris T. can take Wednesday’s 4/5 lunch recess and Ari can do Friday’s 4/5 lunch recess. Do we have a volunteer for Mondays? Thanks, Chris and Ari!
If you are willing take on an additional duty please enter it in the Extra Duty doc.  Thanks.
2015-16 Chaperone Needs
I know there are more. Please enter your Chaperone needs in 2015-16 Chaperone Needs by Wednesday so I can make a plan.

OES Fund Request
Thank you Beth for taking this on for the LS Faculty. See her email for more details.
The link for the payroll deduction google from is here: 2015-16 Faculty/Staff Payroll Deduction - OES Fund.

Students of Concern
  • HB - K- CB
    • Has been in Japan visiting dad with mom. When he returns he will be fatigued and need support re-entering his K community. Let Carole and Chris know if he is having difficulties. We want to be consistent in our support.
  • OB-K-CB
-Mourning the loss of her father, hasn’t wanted to be at school, has strayed
away from the class, needs to be shadowed
-Giving her lots of love and support
-Specialists check in with Carole on how she is doing, we are taking this day by
day
  • LL- KMcA
-Specialists, refer to the notes Kirstin sent out
- Call the office if he gets stuck and disrupts the class or needs support on the
playground
  • SG - 2 JB
–Working on first time listening, being respectful to adults and students, doing
his best, being a flexible thinker
-Let Jackie or Chris know if he is having difficulty in your class
-If he gets stuck and disrupts the class, let Chris know- call the office
  • GH - 4 having a very difficult time recently
    • Transitions are difficult.  G should be next to teacher during transition
    • Needs explicit directions about how to manage his body in class
    • Benefits from 5’ perimeter from friends when having trouble focusing
    • If his behavior is a safety issue he needs to come to the LS Office for time to settle and regain self-control
  • 5th grade girls - Ava, Elsa, Maggie and Sophia in Alysa’s class
-Ava and Sophia are taking a break from each other, please keep an eye on them during
recesses and lunch
-Maggie and Elsa to play together and with the individual girls, not as a foursome
-Sophia to participate in specialists classes
Upper School Helpers
Every Wednesday, 10:20-10:50 (note that this is only half an hour & adjust your expectations accordingly!)
Every Thursday, 10:50-11:50
Send Robin Schauffler the location, the job description, and the number of students needed
Friday, 10/16 from 10:00 - 2:00
They will do anything - be pals for your kids, read stories, walk in the woods, help with writing, grade math quizzes, organize your junk drawer, put up posters, shelve books, draw pictures., take dictation,assemble Legos, gather leaves, look at bugs….
Student Support Team
Know we have begun are weekly meetings and have time slots available for teachers. Reach out if you want to consult about a student.
Transitions for 2015-16
The Faculty Meeting time Monday 10/5 was set aside for teams to meet and iron out any lingering questions about transitions.  Team Leaders will update the Transitions Document to reflect any changes.  
Attendance - We are back to digital attendance.  LS at 8:00. BS at 8:10
Please do not enter any after school changes in PCR.  If a parent let’s you know about an after school change of plans, please refer them to lsattend@oes.edu.  ces.
Local Beekeeper - Michael Standley, US Ceramics Teacher,
Yellowjackets - be aware and careful when adventuring
Rain Coats - remind your students to bring them
Community Communications Protocol - see David before sending out community wide email
Fall Parent Partnership Coffees - Coffees conclude this week
Timeliness - it is a year long theme
LS Office Conference Room - voices carry
Whistle Signals - 1 for recess.  3 for emergencies
LS Office as Communication Hub


PROGRAM
10/12 - PGD Meeting - Monday, 3:20 in DVR
We will meet on Monday 10/12 at 3:20 to share PGD experiences.
Enter a few notes from your experience before the meeting - 2015-16 LS PDG Experiences
We will have 20 minutes to review entries. 20 minutes to share in person. 20 minutes to reflect on inclusion/ diversity experiences.
10/15 - No required meeting
Optional Mindfulness Meeting - sharing practices.  
Someone willing to host in classroom? Let David know.
Stickie Notes from 10/1
Read them and then pass them on. Thanks to those of you who have. For the rest, please place in Chris’ or my box so we can use them at a future faculty meeting.  Thanks.
AS Meeting Starting Time 3:30
Per several LS faculty requests, AS Meetings will start at 3:30 to allow transition time.
Lamb Endowment
Thank you Erin for taking this on.
The first round application deadline Nov. 30, 2015 and the second round deadline is April 18, 2016. The links to more information and the application form were sent to you in an email from Erin.
Book Recommendations for the Library
Lara has added a recommendation link to her email signature.  Click on it if you have a recommendation.
Book Fair Wish List
5 -15 books for your wish list by 10/9.  Add your favorite book of all time if you are so inspired. Send to Margueritte Kim or Betty Inscore.
2015-16 Faculty Events Calendar - enter dates
Schedules - changes to Lyn


OPERATIONS
Snack Bowls
We have them.  Only use them if you used ceramic or plastic bowls previously.  We do not want to create a large new waste stream.
IMPORTANT: After School Plans
Last week a Second Grade student forgot that he had an after school class. When he wasn’t picked up in the car line at dismissal, he went to EC.  His mother, who went to pick him up at the usual time and found he wasn’t there, spent a panicky 10 minutes trying to find him.  David and Chris will investigate how this happened and how to prevent it from happening again on Monday. If you have some insights, please let them know.
Going forward, it can’t hurt to spend a minute before dismissal reminding students of their after school destinations.

Additional Background Checks for Specialists Teachers and All Who Supervise Pre-K
In a recent visit from the state inspectors, we learned that everyone  who teaches or supervises Pre-K children will need to undergo an additional background check. Stay tuned for further details from David.
Noise Level Entering and Exiting the Dining Hall
Improvement noted. Keep it up.
Sand Box Toys
Take good care of them
OES Car Stickers Needed
Last call! I’ve sent the link on to Robbi and Rebecca and am awaiting release date.
Bring Cell Phones to Recess Duty
Miriam’s direct line on speed dial 503.768.3143
Our after school class and bus pick up plan for younger students:
Any issues?
Classroom Cleaning
As custodians get into a routine, email Bill Peoples if you have compliments, questions or concerns, peoplesb@oes.edu.

Emergency Drills
As in the past, you will not be notified about the date and time of our emergency drills. We want this to be authentic, spontaneous and efficient.
Rebecca Williams, our Safety Coordinator, informed me that the state of Oregon requires that  all students have a minimum of 30 minutes of classroom instruction around emergency drills per year...above and beyond the actual drill.  
Please take time early in the year to run through what a fire drill evacuation, earthquake duck and cover and evacuation and lock-down would look like.  This is especially important this year, given we are in different spaces with very different conditions.
If you have a student(s) who are have extreme fears around these drills let Chris know, and she will give you one week advanced warning.
Used Spanish Materials
Judy Pinkerton, former LS Spanish Teacher,  is travelling to Spain and will visit some schools. The teachers of the school she is visiting are asking for used learning materials. Judy is wondering if you are able to donate some of these items:
·         English flash cards
·         Flip charts with English words
Phone: 503-245-3593
Email: pinks55@msn.com
Your Announcements
Send any announcements you have for faculty to Chris or me by Thursday each week and we will include them in the Weekly Memo.  This should help reduce the number of emails we are receiving, and to maximize our time to collaborate during meetings.

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Sunday, October 4, 2015

LS Weekly Memo
Weekly Memo Week 8, October 5 - 9 , 2015
Thank you for your flexibility around Spirit Week, the Pep Rally and W4F.  I think it worked well to save all that LS Spirit for Friday.  I also want to thank the PE team for their efforts  to make W4F work well with the Pep Rally and Homecoming. Lara Ingham once again brought us a great author/ illustrator duo to inspire our students’ reading.


This week we continue with Parent Partnership Coffees and end with our PGD day on Friday.  I look forward to learning about your PGD experience at our faculty meeting on 10/12.
CONSTRUCTION UPDATES
  • The first foundation walls are getting ready for a cement pour.
  • Join in playing “Where is Doug?” and see if you can find Doug Healy, the site supervisor, on the site
  • Kristen Fallin is enjoying visits and questions from classes
Playground Design with Natural Materials
Let Chris or me know if you are interested in experimenting with more natural materials at recess.  We are going to need to make some decisions about the New Building playground this fall and will need to defer some of the design work until 2016-17.
COMMUNITY
Drop-off
3rd - 5th need to go down to the BS wing and out to recess - Library, ACP or Gym. They cannot linger up by Scott House waiting for 7:50 where there is no supervision.  Please remind your students and help us enforce the rule.
LS Library Open for 1st-5th from 7:30 - 7:50 each day
The Lower School Library will again be open to First through Fifth Grade Students for quiet reading, or reading to BS students.  This is a good time and place to practice some quiet mindfulness exercises.  Beginning School Assistant Teachers on duty next week, David or I will help reinforce these expectations. If students want to chat they will be asked to go to ACP or the gym.
Chapel
As we settle into our school routines, please work on timeliness to Chapel.
Monday - 11:50 - 12:20
Friday - 8:10 - 8:40
Chapel Seating
In order to take some of the stress out of knowing where to sit during chapel on Monday and Friday, Jennie has made signs for each pew with the class teacher’s name. We will use these for the first time on Monday, Oct. 5.  It’s come to my attention that the map I sent out at the beginning of the year was not the most current one and needs updating…so if the sign is on a pew that is different from where your class sat last year, please move it to the correct area for your class and then leave the sign there at the end of chapel and I will make a note of the change. If the sign is in the right spot, please leave it there to confirm your pew. Thanks for your help in streamlining this process! —Jennie
PE Offering in the Gym
The PE Team would like to start offering options in the gym during Lunch Recess.  To do so for 4th and 5th grade we will need an additional duty teacher for Lunch Recess from 10:50 - 11:20 on M, W, F.  If you are willing take on an additional duty please enter it in the Extra Duty doc.  Thanks.
2015-16 Chaperone Needs
I want to get an understanding of how many requests we are going to have for teacher chaperones on trips, day or overnight.  I would like to create a more equitable way for teachers to tend to these duties.  Please enter your Chaperone needs in the 2015-16 Chaperone Needs Doc.  
OES Fund Request
Thank you Beth for taking this on for the LS Faculty. See her email for more details.
A gift to the annual fund, no matter the size, is saying YES to OES.  I hope you will join me in contributing whatever amount works for you this year.  If you have any questions about the annual fund, please seek Beth out and she will be glad to talk to you about it (She is in room 12 in the Lower School).
The link for the payroll deduction google from is here: 2015-16 Faculty/Staff Payroll Deduction - OES Fund.


2nd Grade Chaperones
The 2nd grade has a few upcoming field trips and they would like to invite YOU to chaperone. Upcoming dates include:
Wednesday, September 30 8:15-1:30--Portland Public Art and Transit walking tour
Thursday, October 15 8:45-1:45--Portland Bridges Walking Tour
Tuesday, December 8 exact time TBD--Portland Art Museum
Timeliness - it is a year long theme.  
Conference Room Hush
We were made aware that when you go to the 5th grade boys bathroom in Scott House (upper level) one is able to listen to the conversation in the LS conference room and in the Health Room (Nurse’s station) , albeit muffled a bit.
Students of Concern
SM in 5th
  • She needs to come into class at the regular time, 7:50 - 8:00, ready for the day
  • She needs to enter the building and class independently
  • She needs to participate in the whole school day; specialist classes, lunch and recess included
  • If she is unable to make it into class in the morning she will need to go home.
  • If at any time during the day she is unable to participate in the school program she will need to go home
  • Alysa will call the office and Melanie, Chris or David will come to get her. She will wait quietly in the Nurses Station until a parent comes to take her home.
GH in 4th
  • Keep a special eye on him at recess and during transition times.  
  • Let Rachel know asap if he engages in play that is too rough or hurtful.
  • Specialists, if you encounter issues in your class let Rachel know.
Upper School Helpers
Once again, Robin Schauffler will have a willing team of Upper School students available to perform all types of on-campus service:
Every Wednesday, 10:20-10:50 (note that this is only half an hour & adjust your expectations accordingly!)
Every Thursday, 10:50-11:50
They’ll do anything—indoors, outdoors, office work, classroom work, 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


Whistle Signals
For as long as we use the whistle system follow the protocol below.
  • 1 blast to end recess
  • 3 blasts for an emergency
Yellowjackets
  • We have had far more stings from yellow jackets this year than ever before.
    • Stay out of the wetlands until Mark has finished checking trails and gives us the OK
    • Be vigilant during any outdoor explorations.  The yellow jackets are busy and grumpy.
  • Mark Heningsen just completed a seminar on pests and has interesting information about the life of yellow jackets.  

Local Beekeeper
Michael Standley, US Ceramics Teacher, is a long time beekeeper and willing to share his hobby with others.
Student Support Team
Know we have begun are weekly meetings and have time slots available for teachers. Reach out if you want to consult about a student.
Transitions for 2015-16
The Faculty Meeting time Monday 10/5 is set aside for teams to meet and iron out any lingering questions about transitions.  Team Leaders will update the Transitions Document to reflect any changes.  See Team Leader for details.  
Attendance - We are back to digital attendance.  LS at 8:00. BS at 8:10
Please do not enter any after school changes in PCR.  If a parent let’s you know about an after school change of plans, please refer them to lsattend@oes.edu.  If a student reports a change of plan, please remind them to tell their parents to use lsattend@oes.edu.  We need a consistent process to accurate track changes. As always – email lasattend@oes.edu every time you receive an email from parents about after school plan changes or advance absences.
Rain Coats
With construction of the new covered play delayed until after Winter Break, we will need each child to have a good raincoat.
Community Communications Protocol
If you are inclined to send out an All School e-mail please check with David first. We want to be sure we are using this function wisely.
Fall Parent Partnership Coffees
Coffees began the week. Click on the link below to review dates, possible agendas and who typically is invited to attend.  Team Leaders  will  meet with teams to explore possible fresh ideas on what we might offer in  this first round of community-building coffees.
Stay tuned for details in the coming week.
Walk-for-Fun and Fitness
Our thanks to the PE Team for organizing this super fun for all event.  Be sure to thank the mighty team of parent volunteers who helped make this possible!                                                                                                                                                                                               
LS Office as Communication Hub
Remember that from 7:30 - 4:00 each day either Lyn or Miriam are in the office. They are our communication hub for minor emergencies and issues.  
PROGRAM
PGD Plans for 10/9 - We will meet on Monday 10/12 at 3:20 to share PGD experiences.
M 10/5 - Teams - Student Transition Review
TH 10/8 - LS Division- Students of Concern and UbD Work
Team Leaders will come up with a plan on Monday for how Specialists and Teachers can share insights about students of concern. Stay tuned for details.
10/12 - sharing PGD experiences
10/15 - optional Mindfulness Meeting - sharing practices.  
Someone willing to host in classroom?
Stickie Notes from 10/1
Read them and then pass them on. Thanks to those of you who have. For the rest, please place in Chris’ or my box so we can use them at our next faculty meeting.  Thanks.
Field Trips
Each year I budget $1500 per grade for field trips, thinking that is roughly 3 trips per grade.  I have had a great flurry of field trip requests recently.  Though it is too late to expand the budget this year, it is great time to build a budget for next year.  Spend wisely this year and start thinking about next year.


Book Recommendations for the Library
Lara has added a recommendation link to her email signature.  Click on it if you have a recommendation.
Book Fair Wish List
5 -15 books for your wish list by 10/9.  Add your favorite book of all time if you are so inspired.
2015-16 Faculty Events Calendar - enter dates
Schedules - changes to Lyn
OPERATIONS
Snack Bowls
As mentioned last week,  the use of snack bowls that are hand washed daily does not meet health code. Miriam purchased, for a great price, paper snack dishes.  You’ll find them in the snack cabinet in the Lower School office.
In the new building we will have access to a dishwasher and can return to more sustainable practices.
Noise Level Entering and Exiting the Dining Hall
Please talk to students about this. If noise levels don’t improve, everyone will have to be lead out the back door and around the longer way by MST.  Look for duty changes and updates the first week of October.
Sand Box Toys
Half of the Beginning School’s sand toys, now shared with all, have disappeared in just a few short weeks. Shelley has done an amazing job of teaching BS children to care for the toys, many she has had for more than 10 years. She asks:
•Keep the opened box on the ground by the left corner of the shed (consistency matters)
•Sand toys to be used ONLY IN THE SANDBOX, when children play in other areas they tend to disappear
•Five minutes before recess ends, one duty teacher helps children collect toys, return bin to the shed
Locking Doors
We are working on getting the timing of doors locking just right. Please do not prop open doors. If you find a door propped open, please shut it. If a door locking schedule is off, please email Robbi Garvin, garvinr@oes.edu. The entrance to Scott House should be unlocked every day. Let us know if it is not.
OES Car Stickers Needed
Last call! I’ve sent the link on to Robbi and Rebecca.


Cat 15 Keys - Recess Equipment Shed
Lyn has several. Come get one.
Bring Cell Phones to Recess Duty
We would like you all to bring your cell phones with you when you go out to recess duty. Please have Miriam’s direct line on speed dial 503.768.3143. Let us know if you choose not to carry a cell phone, we’ll figure something else out.


Our after school class and bus pick up plan for younger students:
Juidi- Comes by around  2:50 to pick up Beginning School students. Juidi could you stop by the BS classes Monday some time during the day to introduce yourself to our young friends?
Debra or Ari - Meets First and Second Graders at the Tech Office door, library door
Third through Fifth Grade walk down the back walkway and enter the gym via the front door by the covered walkway.


Classroom Cleaning
As custodians get into a routine, email Bill Peoples if you have compliments, questions or concerns, peoplesb@oes.edu.


Picture Day Rescheduled, Oct. 8th
Let’s hope for dry weather!
Safety - Blinds
Be sure your blinds are functional in case of emergency.
Our first evacuation drill was challenging.  Maintenance is working to fix the notification issue.  It should be loud and clear at our next drill.
Emergency Drills
As in the past, you will not be notified about the date and time of our emergency drills. We want this to be authentic, spontaneous and efficient.
Rebecca Williams, our Safety Coordinator, informed me that the state of Oregon requires that  all students have a minimum of 30 minutes of classroom instruction around emergency drills per year...above and beyond the actual drill.  
Please take time early in the year to run through what a fire drill evacuation, earthquake duck and cover and evacuation and lock-down would look like.  This is especially important this year, given we are in different spaces with very different conditions.
If you have a student(s) who are have extreme fears around these drills let Chris know, and she will give you one week advanced warning.
Used Spanish Materials
Judy Pinkerton, former LS Spanish Teacher,  is travelling to Spain and will visit some schools. The teachers of the school she is visiting are asking for used learning materials. Judy is wondering if you are able to donate some of these items:
·         English flash cards
·         Flip charts with English words
Phone: 503-245-3593
Email: pinks55@msn.com
Your Announcements
Send any announcements you have for faculty to Chris or me by Thursday each week and we will include them in the Weekly Memo.  This should help reduce the number of emails we are receiving, and to maximize our time to collaborate during meetings.

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