Skyline K-8 News
October 25, 2019
From the Principal
Happy Friday! Our amazing 6th graders had a blast at Outdoor School this week with Mr. Grivel and Ms. McConney. I really enjoyed my visit to Canby Grove on Monday, watching our students learn about soil, animals and make new friends from other PPS middle schools.
Thank you to Ms. Arias for hosting Tuesday's staff meeting in her classroom and sharing one of her awesome teacher tricks. Thanks to Michelle and Scott Posey for providing treats for all of us. We completed a district-wide Successful Schools Act activity and provided staff time to work on their IB Planners.
Thank you to everyone who came to our IB/Golden Awards Assembly and Pastries with the Principal event. It was so much fun celebrating our students who were recognized for the IB Learner Trait "Caring" and classes who won the golden awards.
The assembly was awesome. Thank you to Miss Allie for planning it and to Mrs. Barten for having your 8th Grade Marimba Ensemble perform at the assembly.
We were so fortunate Amy Kohnstamm, PPS Board Chair, came and presented at PTA last week and recognized our staff and students' amazing SBAC testing results. Skyline K-8's English Language Arts achievement scores increased from 65.1% in 2017-2018 to 69.8% in 2018-19. English Language Arts Academic Growth scores increased from 56% in 2017-2018 to 70% in 2018-19. Skyline K-8's Math achievement scores increased from 50.2% in 2017-2018 to 61.9% in 2018-19. Math Academic Growth scores increased from 65% in 2017-2018 to 78% in 2018-19.
These double digit gains are phenomenal, and all staff and students deserve credit for their hard work over the past two years, collaborating and planning instruction based on student data. We will continue digging into our data during PLC's, driving our instruction based on assessment data and look forward to continuing to increase achievement scores.
If you have not already done so, please use the Sign-Up Genius to sign up for conferences coming up on November 25th and November 26th. Our specialist teachers, Miss. Allie and Mrs. Dunn are also available to meet during conferences. If you would like Miss Allie, Mrs. Dunn or me to attend a conference or if you would like to meet with us, please send us an email. We look forward to seeing all of you!
Skyline K-8 had a team attend the PPS MTSS Coaching Academy on Thursday and Friday. We will spend the next two staff meetings reviewing what we learned with all staff members, beginning to implement new practices during our weekly PLC meetings. To learn more about MTSS, please check out the MTSS district website https://www.pps.net/domain/5007.
Our PBIS/Climate Committee is super excited to have Morgan Bors and Alissa Leavitt join the committee. We will meet on October 30, December 18, January 29, February 26, April 29 and May 27. Thanks again for volunteering!
If you are not following us on Twitter @BGAGUIRRE1 and @skyline_ib, you are missing out! It has been so much fun watching all of our students engaged in learning while also being safe, respectful, responsible and IB ready.
All the best,
Mrs. Aguirre
NEXT WEEK AT A GLANCE
Monday:
Restorative Justice Training - Melissa Dunn will sub for me
Tuesday:
Weekly 1:1 Principal Meeting with School Counselor 9:30 a.m. - 10: 30 a.m.
Weekly 1:1 Principal Meeting with IB TOSA 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Literacy Check-in with Literacy TOSA 11:30 a.m.
Weekly 1:1 Principal Meeting with Media Specialist 1:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Classroom Observation 1:25 p.m.
Staff Meeting 3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. in Luke’s Room
Wednesday:
PBIS/Climate Committee Meeting 7:45 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. in the library
ILT Committee Meeting 7:45 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. in Mrs. Dunn’s Room
IB/PLC Prep 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 am.
Specialist Professional Learning Committee 1:40 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. in Mrs. Dunn’s room
Site Council 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Thursday:
Middle School PLC Meeting 7:45 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. in Mrs. Dunn’s room
Mr. Griffin’s Drama’s class play
3-5 Professional Learning Committees 1:40 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. in Mrs. Dunn’s room
Friday: NO SCHOOL - TEACHER PLANNING DAY
Upcoming Events
October
28-29 Storybook Pumpkin Voting
28- Picture Re-take Day
November
1- Planning Day- No School for Students
11- Veteran's Day Holiday
6- *Talk with Elona Landau 6:30 - 7:30 (Skyline Library)
11- Veteran’s Day Holiday
19- *Talk with Kim DeMarche 6:30 - 8:00 (Skyline Library)
20- IB Assembly, Inquiry
20- Pastries with the Principal 9:15-10:00 AM
21- *PTA Meeting 6:00 PM, Foundation Meeting,
7:00 PM
25 & 26- Day and Evening Parent Conferences
27-29- Thanksgiving Break
*PTA Sponsored Event
Parent Conferences- Nov. 25 & 26
Middle School Teachers (Middle School teachers meet together in the gym)
IB Corner
On Monday, October 28th, Skyline will be visited by the three other IB Coordinators in PPS as well as our District IB Coordinator and two IB TOSA’s, for our monthly IB Coordinator meeting. In this meeting, we will be walking through the school highlighting all the amazing work that our teachers are doing. Within our school, we have IB Standards and Practices that we focus on and align to. On Monday we will be focusing on:
Standard C3: Teaching and learning
Teaching and learning reflects IB philosophy
We will be looking at standards:
14. Teaching and learning foster a stimulating learning environment based on understanding and respect.
15. Teaching and learning encourage students to demonstrate their learning in a variety of ways.
16. Teaching and learning develop the IB learner profile attributes.
This is an exciting opportunity for our school to show off all the amazing work that our teachers and students are doing!
TAG
This past Tuesday, October 22nd, I handed out TAG Nomination forms to all teachers to send home to their students who have been identified as qualifying for TAG based on their 2018-19 OSAS scores as well as their beginning of the year, 2019-20, MAP scores. The TAG office will also be sending home a postcard letting families know that their student qualifies. Please fill out the Nomination Form, IDPF, and return it to your student’s teacher. All forms need to be turned in to me no later than November 26, 2019.
If you have any questions please feel free to email me at mdunn2@pps.net or call at 503-916-5212.
Last year the TAG department hosted TAG nights at OMSI and as they are continuing this tradition this year I am happy to announce that the first TAG OMSI night will be on December 9, 2019. The exhibit is Exquisite Creatures. This is free to families and there is no upcharge for the special exhibit. The time is from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. Please mark your calendars!
Proposed Levy Letter
Library/ Technology
MARIMBAS FOR SKYLINE STUDENTS
Skyline students need one to one instrumentation for Music Class to learn rhythm, melody, harmony and ensemble musicianship. Marimbas can be played by all students K-8. They are simple enough for a young student and complex enough for older students. Music is fun, interesting and challenging when all students have an instrument to play in the Marimba Ensemble!
Help us raise $5,000 for a full classroom set of Marimbas. Make check donation out to Skyline PTA and deliver to the front office - Thank you for your generosity to Skyline Music Students!
Further Questions? Please email sbarten@pps.net
Watch our amazing students!
https://www.wevideo.com/view/1474324950
Donate https://www.schoolpay.com/
2019-20 Eighth Grade Information Nights
Dear families,
Eighth-grade students in Portland Public Schools will have a chance to see their future high schools when informational sessions are held throughout the district from October to January. Neighborhood, focus-option and alternative high schools will give students and families the opportunity to tour the campus, meet staff and learn more about the academic and athletic programs offered. The different nights are listed below and if you have questions please reach out to the high schools.
Benson Polytechnic High School
Tech Show, April 16 & 17, 2020 6-9 p.m.
Cleveland High School
“Bridging the Gap”
Thursday, Dec. 12, 7-9 p.m.
“Discover Franklin” High School
Wednesday, Dec. 4th, 6-8:30 p.m.
Grant High School
Thursday, Nov. 14th 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Jefferson HS-Middle College for Advanced Studies
Wednesday, Oct. 30th, 6-8 p.m.
Tuesday, Nov. 19th, 6-8 p.m.
Lincoln High School
Wednesday, Dec. 11, 6-8 p.m.
Madison High School
Tuesday, Nov. 5th 6:15 – 8 p.m.
Metropolitan Learning Center
Wednesday, Nov. 6, 6-7:30 p.m.
Thursday, Nov. 14, 6-7:30 p.m.
Roosevelt High School
Tuesday, Nov. 19th, 6-8pm
Wilson High School
Wednesday, Nov. 6th 6-9 p.m.
Timeline
Lottery/Transfer Application Timelines for the 2020-21 School Year:
- Middle & High School applications available November 5-December 3
- K-5 applications available February 5-March 6
FREE/ REDUCED PRICE MEAL BENEFITS – STILL ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS
While the Nutrition Services department has processed almost 4,000 applications for free/reduced-price meal benefits for families, we are still missing quite a few from those who were eligible last year. On October 10, all families who were eligible last school year (2018-19) and did not reapply this school year, switched from free/reduced status to paid status. Overall, the district percentage dropped 5% in one day from those who had benefits last year but did not reapply this year. It is not too late! You can still encourage families to apply, as they can apply at any time. Please note that the USDA Child Nutrition Programs are not subject to the “Public Charge” and will not jeopardize anyone’s immigration status.
From the US Citizenship and Immigration Services Website: Any benefits not listed not in the rule are excluded from consideration. Notably, the rule does not include consideration of emergency medical assistance, disaster relief, national school lunch programs, foster care and adoption, student and mortgage loans, energy assistance, food pantries, and homeless shelters and Head Start.
Please contact our department for further support: mealbenefits@pps.net or 503-916-3402
Whitney Ellersick, Senior Director, Nutrition Services
x63276 wellersi@pps.net
Safe Oregon Tipline
Student Success Act
Yearbook Cover Art Contest
Parent Education Guest Speaker Series
(1) Wednesday, November 6, 2019
6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Skyline’s library
“How to Talk With Kids About Sex & Sexuality” with Elona Landau, Certified Sexuality Educator.
*This workshop is for adults, only (infants, however, are welcome).
(2) Tuesday, November 19, 2019
6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
Skyline’s library
“Building Resilience in School-Age Children” with Kim DeMarchi, M.Ed., Certified Parent Educator, Certified Family Coach & Speaker
(3) Wednesday, December 18, 2019
6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Skyline’s library
“How to Prepare for an Earthquake at School and Home, and as a Community” with Lydia LedgerwoodEberlein & Steven Eberlein of Tipping Point Resilience
All Parent Education Guest Speakers are free! And PTA will provide FREE childcare + pizza dinner for the kids in the cafeteria. Please RSVP for childcare by sending an email to me at: skylineschoolpta@gmail.com. First, drop your child/ren off in the cafeteria, and then proceed to the library. We’ll look forward to seeing you!
Skyline Community Partnership Fundraising Events 2019-2020
Skyline Community Partnership Fundraising Events 2019-2020
Please support these businesses who are donating a portion of their profits back to our school. Enjoy the best of local food, shopping & entertainment and raise funds for our PTA! Questions? Contact Nicole - nicoleoanderson@gmail.com
Skyline + Bella Organic Pumpkin Patch
Corn Maze ticket fundraiser
early September thru October 31
16205 NW Gillihan Rd., Sauvie Island
Purchase corn maze tickets through Skyline School and Bella Organic will give 50% of sales back to our PTA. Contact Nicole Anderson at nicoleoanderson@gmail.com / 614-975-9942 to arrange ticket pickup at school. Checks may be made to Skyline School PTA or pay via PayPal: https://www.paypal.me/skylinepta and type "corn maze" in notes.
Adult tickets: $8
Children 6-12: $6
Seniors 65+: $6
Under 5 free, no ticket needed
Note: Haunted corn maze tickets are sold through Bella Organic. Our fundraiser is for the family corn maze only. The 2019 maze theme is Equality: The Time Is Now. Please visit Bella Organic's web site for corn maze hours and a listing of their fall activities: https://bellaorganic.com
Skyline + Bethany Public House
Sunday, November 3 - 10am-9pm (brunch, lunch AND dinner!)
4840 NW Bethany Blvd., 97229
Bethany Public House will give back 15% of Skyline community food & drink sales back to our PTA. Show the attached flyer on your phone or bring to the restaurant!
Skyline + Piccolo Mondo Toy Store Bethany Village
Monday, Nov. 11 - Sunday, Nov. 17
4768 NW Bethany Blvd. C5, 97229
This local toy store is once again supporting local schools by offering 15% of sales back to our PTA. Simply shop their fabulous toy selection and at checkout, they will ask you if you support a school. No need to bring a flyer. Their staff is always very helpful and they offer FREE gift wrap at the time of purchase! Phone orders count too, please see attached flyer for more details.
Skyline + Mapel Boutique Bethany Village
Wednesday, November 13, 6-8 pm
4768 NW Bethany Blvd C-8
Skyline ladies shopping night out! Mapel will provide drinks and sweets with 20% of Skyline sales going back to the PTA. Free gift with $75 purchase. Stock up on holiday gifts! Flyer and more details to come.
Foundation Information
1. What does the money raised from Foundation pay for at Skyline?
A: The money we raise can only go directly to pay for (FTE) Full-Time Equivalent employees or staff.
2. How much support did Skyline staffing get for our current school year?
A: Last year’s auction raised enough to support .75 of an FTE and .45 of an (EA) Educational Assistant.
3. What are the ways I can donate to the Foundation?
A: You can sign up to donate online through fundforpps.org as a one-time or monthly giving, write a check made to “fund for pps” (memo -skyline), or come and support the auction in the spring!
4. Who are the members of the board and how can I contact them?
A: Our board members are:
Tiffani Torgeson – chair – torgesontiffani@gmail.com
Liz Ascher – co-chair – leezard85@yahoo.com
Erika Gustafson – secretary – emacy.gustafson@gmail.com
Michelle Ruppelt – interim treasurer – ruppeltfamily@yahoo.com
Morgan Bors – auction chair – skylineauction@gmail.com
Backpack Program
Hello Skyline Families –
Our wonderful school has an important program that helps fellow Skyline families that are in need of grocery help.
Usually, we get our food for the Backpack program from Sunshine Pantry in Beaverton. Sadly, they are in the midst of moving facilities and cannot help us right now.
I am asking that you, our awesome families, help us out until we can resume our regular food pick up.
I ask that you drop non-perishables at the school near the office. We are looking for pasta, sauce, fruit cups or squeezes, cereals, beans, veggies, canned meats. Anything your family would consume can be donated. Remember shelf-stable foods only.
Thank you,
Liz Ascher
Backpack Program Chair
Skyline Wrestling
Hello Wrestlers!
I hope you have been well and putting 100% in Fall Sports.
We have exciting news for this Wrestling season 2019 and I can’t wait to share them with you!
First I am so happy to confirm that practices will be again held in our Skyline Gymnasium.
M - W - F/ 5:30pm to 7:30pm.
Secondly, REGISTRATION is now OPEN and LIVE.
Please click on the link below to fill out paperwork and submit payment. Both are DUE NOVEMBER 18th, first day of practice!
https://www.lincolnathletics.com/page/show/2215835?referrer_id=
Middle school wrestlers need to process through Family ID for registration/ forms and School Pay for payment.
Elementary school wrestlers (Rick Sanders Mat Club) need to print out forms, filled them out (especially medical release form), bring cash/ check made out to Lincoln Wrestling/ Rick Sanders Mat Club for $150 and turn them in to me.
Share this information with friends! Our numbers were great last year and this year is going to be better!
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me.
I am here to help you.
Go Cards!
Wendy Hendren
Lincoln Youth Wrestling Cluster Coordinator
The Rock Dojo Guitar After School Program
Have a kid interested in learning guitar? Look no further! Rock Dojo's stellar after school enrichment program is coming to Skyline!
The 8 weeks of classes will be on Wednesdays from 3:15-4:15 p.m., Oct. 23-Dec.18, in our music room. Register online here: https://rockdojo.org/find-a-guitar-lesson-class/
Scholarships are available through PROWUS: http://www.prowus.org/scholarships-1
Kids are to supply their own guitars. Go here to learn more: https://rockdojo.org/find-the-best-guitar-deal-for-you/