Wolverine News
November 2, 2020
West Orient Middle School
Website: gresham.k12.or.us/woms
Location: 29805 Southeast Orient Drive, Gresham, OR, USA
Phone: (503) 663-3323
Twitter: @WOMSwolverines
Dear Families,
Hello November!
October has come and gone, and here it is...November. Looking ahead, there is a lot happening in a short amount of time. There is no school on November 11th Veterans Day. Thank you veterans for your service! In addition, we have first quarter final grades coming up on November 13th. Last but not least, Student-Led Parent Conferences are coming up on November 23 and 24. Please review our weekly newsletter for more details.
Please take a few moments to read through our current newsletter as it contains quite a few new items this week. All new and updated articles are posted on the uppermost part of the newsletter and recurring articles on the lowermost.
Our mission is to prepare our students for the best comprehensive distance learning experience possible. We ask that you guide and support your child's learning by ensuring that they:
- Attend all classes, arrive on time, and be prepared and ready for the day's learning.
- Complete and turn in all assignments on time.
- Consistently communicate with their teachers.
- Know that you expect them to succeed in school.
Together we will make this Mission Possible!
Ms. Elise Catanese
Principal
WOMS is EPIC (Engaged, Persistent, Intentional, Career & College Ready)
Student Materials Distribution
On November 18th from 2-6 PM, WOMS will be holding our 2nd quarter materials distribution drive-thru. At this time students and families can come to school to pick up supplies that will be needed for the 2nd quarter of the year.
For 6th graders, this will mean picking up just a new dry erase marker and a jump rope if participating in PE. 6th grade supplies will be distributed at the front of the school in the drive-thru near the main school entrance on Orient Drive.
For 7th and 8th graders, this will mean picking up a novel, some school supplies, and some materials packets for different courses (including a jump rope if participating in PE). 7th and 8th grade supplies will be distributed in the same manner as the first distribution. Cars will pull to the back of the school through designated lanes. Enter at the upper gate on Orient Drive and exit onto Short Road.
Mrs. McBride will also have music for distribution to students who are taking band classes.
Please practice safe social distancing by wearing a mask and staying in your vehicle during the event. See you soon!
Online Book Fair
West Orient will be hosting an ONLINE ONLY Scholastic Book Fair from November 16-29! All orders will ship to students homes - if over $25, they will ship for FREE! Check out some trailers of books to expect here: https://tinyurl.com/y5k84t6x. (After opening, click the play arrow to view more!)
To view a handful of book options that will be available via the digital fair flyer, view this link: https://tinyurl.com/y6l2wzpx.
Student-Led Parent Conferences
Expect to see an email later this week from your teachers regarding the upcoming student-led parent conferences scheduled for Monday, Nov 23 4:30 pm-8:00 pm and Tuesday, Nov 24 8:00 am-8:00 pm.
State Testing Information
With the 2020-21 school year well under way, I wanted to take a moment to provide some important information about this year’s state tests. Last year, state testing was cancelled as we transitioned to distance learning. For this year, we are still waiting for guidance from the state regarding whether or not we will be offering state tests in the Spring. Even though we do not know what will happen this Spring in regards to state testing, we are still required to let you know about your rights as a parent regarding state testing.
ORS 329.479 establishes a Student Assessment Bill of Rights permitting parents or adult students to annually opt-out of statewide summative assessments in English language arts and Mathematics. The opt-out forms will not be available on the Oregon Department of Education website until later this school year. We will let you know when the opt-out forms become available. This notification will be sent to you at least 30 days prior to when your student would begin testing. More information about the annual opt-out / testing notification process can be found here:
Oregon Annual Testing Notification - English
Oregon Annual Testing Notification - Spanish
In the Gresham-Barlow School District, we are deeply committed to inspiring and empowering each student and ensuring that every student in our schools has the support they need to achieve at high levels and graduate prepared for their next steps.
I encourage you to reach out to your child’s teacher(s) with any questions you may have about your student’s progress.
WOMS Counseling Center
Hello again, Wolverine Students & Families!
Our "new normal" continues to impact us and those around us in many different ways. Whether it be housing, bills, food, mental health, or other needs, I am happy to help connect you to those resources. The links below are by category and can be translated to your home language. Other specific resource links can be found on the WOMS Counseling Website.
Please don't hesitate to contact me! Students & Families can always email me or submit a Request Form.
-Ms. Kinder
Lost & Found & Locker Belongings
We wanted to provide an opportunity for you to pick up any Lost and Found items that your child/children may have left behind from the last school year including their locker belongings from last spring. Our lost and found include items such as clothing, lunch boxes, water bottles and shoes. Please contact the office @ (503) 663-3323 to schedule an appointment to claim your child/children belongings.
ALL unclaimed items will be donated to a local charity by Friday, November 6th.
Free Online Workshops for Teens and Parents
Workshop topics include teen alcohol and cannabis use, the new vaping epidemic, and empowering families through increased communication. Dates, times, and registration information can be found on the attached fliers and at nwfs.org/familyworkshops.html.
Multifamily Workshops ENG 2020-21.pdf Multifamily Workshops SPANISH 2020-21.pdf
Distance Learning Resources for Parents
Do you need Technology Help?
If I have further technology related questions, where can I get help?
For further technology questions, please contact our school at 503-663-3323. Our school will work to get you in touch with a staff member who is able to assist you, or pass along further information to the Technology Department. You may now also get in touch by calling our Family Tech Assistance Line at 503-258-4733.