News From The Abernethy Office
November 10, 2022
From The Desk Of Mrs. Dunn
Happy Wednesday!
I hope you have been having a great week and are looking forward to our 3 day weekend. Somehow, I have lost track of the days this week - it has been flying by!
Last week was very busy at Abernethy. Between the festivities from the start of the week to our assembly, and then the cold and rain made for a lot of energy around the building. I think that the teachers and I all played catch-up on Friday, which for us was our report card/conference prep work day.
If you have not signed up for your conference with your students teacher, please do so. This is a great opportunity for you to connect with your teacher, hear how your student is doing, and ask questions. Teachers have put a lot of thought into preparing for these conversations.
I feel so fortunate to be in the building every day and see all the learning happening. I am also so lucky to be able to be a part of many successes with your students. Just this week a teacher called me into their room to show me some amazing growth that a student had made on her fluency test! The smile that the student had on her face made my day! I also was able to grab a parent in passing and tell them about the amazing work that their student had done in class that morning. It is important to remember to celebrate and talk about all the growth and success that comes with the hard work of your students. Conferences times are one of the times that you can hear and see that success and growth of your student as well as build plans to support areas that may need more assistance.
First Quarter Report Cards
Report Cards will be sent home with your student on November 18th, 2022. Check your student's backpack when they get home!
This year, report cards will be used to guide conferences, rather than the conference forms that have been used in the past. We will be sending student report cards home with students on Friday, November 18th. If you have any questions about report cards, teachers are happy to talk about them during your conference.
Our Dance Party Fun Raiser Is Getting Closer!
We are so excited to be getting closer and closer to our dance party fundraiser on November 18th!
If you have not been able to bring in any pledges or donations, you still have time. Please remember, anything helps!
Remember. the money we raise, combined with corporate donations, will be equally divided between all of the participants in the region.
Want to make an online donation?
Click here and you will see the landing page to Donate and Register
There is a box where you can search for Abernethy's page.
On the school's page you can see all who have already registered, and donate buttons to be able to donate! If you are not yet registered please do so!
FUNDRAISING AT ABERNETHY
There are a variety of fundraisers at Abernethy throughout the year. The Annual Appeal, Fund Run, Tour de Ladd, and the auction. This year, we also have a unique opportunity to participate in a model of fundraiser that reaches our community and region beyond Abernethy. The Fun for the Arts is a dance-a-thon that will take place November 18th. It is unique in that the fundraising model is communal and based on participation.
FAQ:
Where does this money go? Directly to the school to cover costs such as art supplies and artists in residence or assemblies with a music or art focus. Did you know that many teachers pay for art supplies out of their own pockets? Currently we have no other fundraiser that is earmarked for art supplies or assemblies.
My child can get overwhelmed with noise and lots of activity, is there a way for them to still participate? Yes, we will have a quiet space for students and they can spend the dance party time there and still be considered a participant.
Does my child have to dance to be considered a participant? No, participation can mean dancing, cheering on friends, vibing in the corner, or even hanging out in the established quiet space.
Scholastic Book Fair
Dear Parents and Families:
Get ready! The Scholastic Book Fair is coming our way (YAY!). Choosing their own books empowers kids and inspires them to become Bolder, Prouder, and Stronger Readers. AND—as always—every book they buy earns rewards for our own Abernethy School Library.
Here’s what you need to know about the Fair, which will take place from
Monday, November 14 - Tuesday, November 22
Community Shopping Hours:
Thursday, Nov 17 3:00-3:30pm after school
Friday, Nov 18 3:00-3:30pm after school
Monday, Nov 21 9:00am-3:00pm all day on Conference Day
Tuesday, Nov 22 9:00am-3:00pm all day on Conference Day
Location: Room 2A in the breezeway near the Garden of Wonders & portable building
This year, say goodbye to cash and hello to eWallet—your child’s digital payment account. Before the Fair, set up eWallet for worry-free, cash-free purchases. Anyone can contribute! Share each child’s eWallet so friends and family can add funds and give your kids more books to enjoy.
If you can’t make it to the Fair, then shop at our school’s Online Book Fair. All orders ship directly to your home, and shipping is free for book orders over $25. Your online orders will also benefit our school.
Visit our Book Fair homepage to learn more and get started with eWallet and online shopping:
https://bookfairs.scholastic.com/bf/abernethyelementaryschool1
The countdown to more Book joy is on! Catch you at the Fair!
Happy reading,
Melissa Dunn, Principal, Abernethy Elementary
With the cold weather upon us and the school year in full swing, we are seeing an uptick in our students with colds, runny noses, fevers, stomachaches, and much more. Given the past couple of years of wearing masks and distancing, it is not surprising that we all need to build back our immunities. We are also seeing a few more Covid cases pop up.
The guidance from the district as well as MESD does not have us contact trace or notify of exposure as we did last year. The recommendation is to use the self screening tool and, when not feeling good or showing signs of any symptoms, to stay home or test for Covid if possible.
Here are some helpful tips to how we can all help each other stay healthy!
Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer often, rubbing for at least 20 seconds.
Do not share food, drinks, or personal items.
Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or by completely covering your nose and mouth with the inside of your elbow.
Here are some ways to protect your family and community:
Stay up-to-date on all vaccines, including COVID-19 boosters and influenza.
Limit close contact with anyone who is sick or has a new rash.
Disinfect high-touch surfaces daily.
Wear a well-fitting, multi-layered mask indoors and on public transit if local COVID-19 cases are high or you were around someone with a respiratory illness.
Check for symptoms of illness before leaving your home each day:
Fever or chills
Cough
Shortness of breath
New loss of taste or smell
New rash or sores
Sore throat
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Red eyes with drainage
Anyone who has symptoms of illness OR tests positive for COVID-19 should:
Stay home and notify their school or direct supervisor.
Wear a well-fitting, multi-layered mask around other people.
If symptoms last longer than 24 hours, consider testing for COVID-19 or visit a healthcare provider. Students may get care at a Student Health Center.
Oregon Battle of the Books
Oregon Battle of the Books season has officially started!
In the Library classes, 3rd-5th graders are learning about the fundamentals of our Abernethy OBOB program and being introduced to the books.
All parent and coach information can be found on the Abernethy Library OBOB website ,including registration, rules, FAQs and this year's titles.
For questions please email abernethybobinfo@gmail.com
November Calendar of Events
November 11th - No School - Veteran Day
November 14th to 22nd - Scholastic Book Fair
November 17th - PTA Community Meeting 6:30 - 8:30pm
November 18th - FUN For the Arts Dance Party!
November 21st and 22nd - Parent -Teacher Conferences
November 23rd - 25th - No School - Thanksgiving Break
November 25th - Native American Heritage Day
December 1st - 2nd Grade Field Trip to OMSI
What's For Lunch?
November Parent-Teacher Conferences
November 21st and 22nd are this year's Parent-Teacher Conferences. Here are the conference links for each teacher. If you click on the picture of the teacher that you would like to conference with, you will be able to sign up. If you have any questions about conference times please email your students teacher. Our goal is to have 100% of our families attend conferences. This is a great opportunity to have a conversation with your students teacher about what is happening in the classroom and how you can support your student.
Mrs. Dunn
Please email Ms. Dunn, at mdunn2@pps.net, if you would like to set up a meeting with her.
Ms. Ryan
Please email Ms. Ryan, at lryan2@pps.net, if you would like to set up a meeting with her.
News From The TAG Department
TAG REFERRAL WINDOW OPENS OCTOBER 17
The TAG referral process is live and accepting applications.
Parent Office Hours with the TAG Department
The October focus will be the TAG referral process
Our next meeting will be Wednesday, October 26 6:00-7:00 PM
Zoom link for Parent Office Hours with the TAG Department
A list of questions and answers from past meetings are in this FAQ document.
We look forward to seeing you!
Dana Nerenberg, Senior Director, Academic Programs dnerenberg@pps.net
Lisa Draper, Data Clerk ldraper@pps.net
Kim Bertelsen, TOSA: Cleveland, Lincoln, Wells-Barnett clusters kbertelsen@pps.net
Kasey Bond, TOSA: Grant, Jefferson, Roosevelt clusters kbond@pps.net
Michelle York, TOSA: Franklin & McDaniel clusters, and Special Programs myork@pps.net
PTA General Meeting Next Week
Thursday, November 17, 6:30 - 8PM in the Auditorium or via view-only virtual option (a link will be posted on Konstella the day before). All are welcome—and childcare is provided!
The purpose of the meeting is to vote on important topics, update the community on what is happening at the school and within the PTA, provide presentations on important topics affecting our community from time-to-time, and provide an opportunity for anyone in the Abernethy community to participate and be heard. The agenda will be posted in Konstella next week.
In order to vote at a General Meeting, an individual must register as a PTA member at least 48 hours prior to the meeting. To cast a vote on either of the topics listed above, you must join the PTA no later than Tuesday, November 15 at 6:30 p.m. Sign up here.
The 2022 Annual Appeal Is Here
Abernethy is back in full swing after nearly 3 YEARS of school interrupted by the pandemic! It is in that spirit that we launch this year’s Annual Appeal. The Annual Appeal is a direct giving campaign, and one of Abernethy’s most critical fundraisers. Between now and Friday, Dec 2nd, we are asking the families of our more than 300 STUDENTS to participate and give what they can to support. $3, $33, $303 - every donation helps to ensure support for many of the school resources our students and teachers depend on. And, through weekly prize drawings, 3 LUCKY PARTICIPANTS will receive a $33 gift card to 3 Doors Down Cafe.
This week, check your student’s backpack for a green envelope and a letter with more information. Participation in the Annual Appeal has never been easier! You can donate directly through Konstella.
PLEASE GIVE AS GENEROUSLY AS YOU CAN. Every donation – small and large - helps to ensure critical support and resources, including literacy and instructional support, classroom resources including books for every classroom, field trips and (in-person!) assemblies, opportunities for families in need, and so much more.
CONSIDER WAYS TO MAKE YOUR DONATION GO FARTHER.
Make it monthly! We love recurring donations - and you may too! If it helps you donate more over the course of the year, set up a recurring contribution through Konstella.
Ask if your employer offers corporate matching. Many employers, both small and large, match employee charitable donations.
Ask your community to support. Grandparents and other extended family members of Abernethy students are often happy to give, especially around the holidays.
COME LEARN MORE about the Annual Appeal and all of our PTA programs at our coffee hours held during the morning drop off at the gazebo on these dates: November 10, 15, 18 & 30. On November 10 you'll also have the opportunity to look through the lost and found collection, donate a coat with the coat donation program, and take home clothing items (for free!) left over from the PDX Flea Fundraiser.
Thank you for your participation and showing your support for the Abernethy community!
Sincerely, 2022 Annual Appeal Co-chairs
Julie Humsi (Ramzi - 5th, Hutchison; Augustus - 2nd, Lannigan)
Emily Moore (Davis - 5th, Hartmann; Lila - Abernethy alum)
Beth Schuenemann (Owen - 3rd, Gerlach)
Volunteer Opportunities Available
Still looking for that great volunteer opportunity? We have plenty! Here are some positions we are still looking to fill:
Auction Chair
Annual Appeal coffee hours (Nov. 10, 15, 18 & 30)
Scholastic Book Fair volunteers (Nov. 10-18)
Holiday Shoppe
5th Grade Classroom Leads
Carnival Co-Chair (Spring)
Organizer: Holiday Gift for Classified Staff
All year: Small Business Fundraisers
Interested in learning more about these roles? Feel free to email our Volunteer Coordinator at cynthia.campos@supportabernethy.org.