Dragon Tales
April 25th - April 29, 2022
Spoiler Alert: No One Eats Alone, Outdoor School reminders, Last call for Plant Sale orders, Musical link ...
Greetings da Vinci Families!
I hope this email find you well. Last week our students and staff engaged in the Day of Silence, where our students banned together in a silent demonstration. The demonstration was to bring awareness to the voices which are often silenced in the LGBTQ community. There were different ways to show up for this demonstration. Some students participated in the school wide moment of silence, while others chose to remain silent throughout the entire day.
At da Vinci, we try really hard to help students feel a sense of safety and belonging. The other truth is that middle school can be hard for students. Students are in a pivotal point in their lives where they are in a growing stage. Part of their growth is defined by their experiences, learning their preferences and of course exploring language. As our children move through these stages of learning and affirming their identity, they need us (even when sometimes their words or actions tell us otherwise).
Here is a quick read on ways to support and connect with your child who identifies as being part of the LGBTQ community.
Tips for Parents of LGBTQ Youth
Speaking of connection, this Tuesday, our students will participate in No One Eats Alone Day. Details to this event are provided further down in the newsletter.
Be well,
Principal Davis
PS -
Don't forget to support da Vinci's PTSA by ordering your plants via the da Vinci Plant Sale.
Outdoor School Reminder- May 2 & 3 for all 6th Graders
No One Eats Alone, Tuesday, 4-26-22
Volunteers @ School- Updated Signup
Thanks AGAIN to Leslie Arndt and Jennifer Shuping for taking a second trip with the canned goods to our chosen food pantry. That job is now crossed off the list but there are more opportunities to get involved. Take a look and sign up HERE or call the office if you have any questions.
PTSA Corner and Last Call for Plant Sale Orders
The Spring Plant Sale is ON!
We’ve got plants for your garden, porch and patio. Whether you are planting in the ground or a pot on your stoop we’ve got something for you! Orders happening now through noon on April 25th. Shop HERE to support da Vinci.
Da Vinci Auction
Bidding begins on May 20th but the online auction website is up and running now!
View the catalog here (new items are added daily).
We are still accepting donation items from individuals and businesses. If you or someone you know has an item, service, gift card, etc to donate it can now be completed directly through the website here.
PTSA Seeking 2022 - 2023 Board Members
Do you have experience on a PTSA board or seeking more consistent involvement in da Vinci Arts Middle School? The board is currently seeking a President or Co-President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer! HERE is where you can understand more about the open roles and HERE is where you can sign up to speak with a current board member to have your questions answered
Cell Phone and Personal Electronics Policy
If phones are out when they are not supposed to be, teachers or other staff members will ask for the phone to be kept in the office until the end of the day. After three occasions, we will be contacting parents/guardians.
Earbuds and headphones generally should not be brought to school unless a student has a Special Education plan for their use.
Yearbook - New Website for Student Voting and to Submit Photos
Calendar Highlights
April 26th, No One Eats Alone, Special Schedule, volunteers welcome
April 28th, Site Council Meeting,
April 26th, Black and Brown Family Night at 6pm. Join via this link
April 27th, PPS Choir Festival
April 28th, Site Council, 4:00 PM (join via this link)
May 2-6, Teacher Appreciation Week
May 2 and 3, Outdoor School Day Trips for 6th Graders
May 19 and 20, Spring Dance Concert
May 20, Online bidding for PTSA Auction opens
May 26th, Spring Music Concert, 7 pm
May 30, Memorial Day Holiday
June 7th, 8th Grade Field Trip @ Oaks Park
June 9th, 8th Grade Promotion, 6:00 at Grant HS
June 8th, Portland Jr. Rose Festival Parade, Band students
June 10, Last Day of School
Deadline for Submissions- Dragon's Fire Literary Magazine
The Dragon’s Fire Literary Review is seeking submissions for our Spring 2022 issue!
We’re looking for poetry, fiction, nonfiction, comics, and everything in between --and outside the lines. You may submit up to five of your best pieces.
Work will be chosen based on creativity, coherence, and writing conventions.
To submit your work, use this Google Form.
Submissions must be your own original work, include your name and a title, and should be well-edited. The deadline is April 29.
If you have questions, email Ms. Conner: emconner@pps.net.
Attendance Reporting Reminder
COVID-19 OHSU Screening Continues
If your student needs a kit for this coming week, have them stop in the office or let Sheli in the office know to deliver one to them. Most students received two kits last week but due to absences, some were not sent out. Remember to label the bag and the sample. Each week we have at least one sample that is unlabeled!
Safe Oregon
SafeOregon is a program created for Oregon students, parents, school staff, community members and law enforcement officers to report and respond to student safety threats. Please see this brochure for information about how to share information.
PPS Sponsored Family Resources
Verselandia! (April 28, 2022 Flier)
Cognizant 360 Arts Summer Camp
OSU STEM Academy AWSEM Club Spring Dates (English) (Spanish)
Multnomah Youth Commission accepting applications (flier) (FAQ)
VIBE of Portland Art Camps, Classes, No-School Workshops
VIBE of Portland East Winds Summer Camp
Multnomah Early Childhood Program: (English) (Spanish) (Vietnamese)
Portland Parks & Recreation Preschool 2022-2023 Registration