Dragon Tales
October 4th - October 8th
Spoiler Alert: TikTok Challenge Strikes Again, Community Expectations, Outdoor School, Canceled Fall Festival...
Hello da Vinci Families,
I hope this message finds you well and that you have taken advantage of the crisp air and sun rays this weekend brought. After all of the sunshine I hate to rain on our parade, but, I want to let you know that our next TikTok trend has struck again! Last week our boys' restrooms were hit with a Mio spray liquid enhancer prank. I have photos of our restrooms below.
Because, I am trying to keep with the TikTok trends and stay ahead of the curve, I have since learned that there is a new October Challenge. Now, I hardly think our kids will want to participate in this new challenge; however, I am strongly encouraging families to connect with their students and let students know there are negative consequences attached to TikTok challenges (it is not worth the handful of likes - I promise). This month's challenge is for students to film themselves (or have a peer) film as a student runs up to a staff member and slaps them.. Again, I hardly think our kids will participate, but if such behavior happens at da Vinci, please know the consequences attached to such actions are pretty serious.
On the more positive side, we had our first few rainy days this week. For the most part our students did a nice job. On the staff end, we made a few tweaks and our students are rolling with the changes. Since our COVID guidelines don't allow us to invite families in, I am sharing photos of what a few of our spacing systems look like. I am including photos below this message.
I would like to thank our Lead (and only) Cafeteria Chef, Georgie and our Head Custodian, Terry for taking time to help us tighten our systems.
All the best,
Ms. Davis
Celebrating LatinX Heritage Month
Cesar Chavez
TikTok Challenges Strike Again...
Mio Liquid Spray Challenge
Both boys' restrooms were hit
This makes us so sad...
MIO Drink Enhancer
A Look Inside da Vinci
Our Village Supporting Distancing!
Georgie Made DIY Cutter 'X' for Students
X marks the spot!
Blue marked line marks
Thank you, Terry, for marking these spots for our kids to stand on!
Enjoying lunch on our new stools (perfect for those damp days)!
Save the Date
State-wide Inservice (no school)
Schools across Oregon will be closed on October 8th for a statewide inservice day.
MAP Testing
Map testing is scheduled for the last week in October. All students will participate in our district benchmarking assessment (there is no opt-out process). During the Math and ELA testing, we will have a special schedule.
All School Virtual Assembly
Our Counseling and Administration team planned to have a 6th - 8th grade virtual assembly, but we need more time, so we plan to move it to Thursday.
Spirit Week
Last week of October! Our Leo Leaders are getting our daily schedule together. We will share more about costumes and expectations.
Family/Teacher Virtual Conferences
Conferences will be held on November 22nd and 23rd.
Based on the feedback that I have received, it sounds like last year's virtual conferences were a success for families. Thus, why recreate the wheel?! We will be using the same virtual platform and format that da Vinci teachers used last year. We are working the logistical pieces out and should have an update about how to sign-up for virtual conferences very soon.
Updates from Assistant Principal Ms. Wilson
Reminders about expectations
Hello Families,
Teachers will review the following in each class as a reset to the start of the second half of Q1. Please review these at home with your student(s), so they are hearing the same messaging. Thank you! It takes a village to raise our children.
Building Entrance expectations: Which door to enter: Facing dV: 6th left, 7th center, 8th right side. If they arrive after the 8:45 am bell, they can push the doorbell at the main center doors to be let in.
Classroom seating: Desks, sit on the outside of desks
Masks: To be worn at all times: bathrooms, halls, if not eating on the playground, after school on school property.
Bathrooms: Not the first 10 or last 10 minutes of class (unless a dire emergency) and students must sign in and out with a teacher on paper. Wear masks in all places, especially bathrooms.
Hall Passes: Even if a student is needing to be in the hall for a break, please have hall passes. Hall passes for when you leave the class for any reason. Please sign out time wherever you leave the classroom.
Cafeteria: Sit at the X marks, do not move the X marks that our lovely Cafeteria Lead Georgie made with her very own print maker.
Outside lunch: Leave No Trace: Bring in stools, throw away trash: today there were 6 stools left out and about 8 paper plates and lots of food trash. How to enter back into the building. 6th Garden Gates, 7th front left of building and 8th front center of building
Update Seating charts in classrooms: COVID: tracing purposes and good practice. Students should sit in assigned seats.
Off and Away: This includes chromebooks even at lunch, personal devices, electronic devices, cell phones headphones.
Technology Use: "Using technology equipment (aka chromebooks and apps) other than in the manner directed by school staff" is a violation.
Personal Laptops: Only students who have written into their 504 or IEP are allowed to bring their own laptops or I-pads to use in the classroom. Since PPS gives chromebooks to all students, students are to use a PPS laptop only. On Oct 18th ALL students will receive a brand new laptop provided by PPS.
Latinx Student Union
Please sign up using this quick form if you are interested in participating as a student and parent. Students, parents and teachers can join!
TAG (Talented and Gifted) Nominations start now!
- Here is our current dV TAG Plan.
- If you want to start the nomination form, please complete this form first
In case you were not able to attend da Vinci's TAG Info Night, here is the recording.
Counselor Corner
Hey daVinci Families
We hope we find you doing well and making the transition into October - weather changes, settling into the school year, finding space during this extended pandemic, and hopefully finding some bright spots in each of your days. With suicide prevention month, and the passage of Senate bill 52 - Adi’s act we wanted to talk about this very hard subject.
In January of 2021, the PPS School Board passed the PPS Suicide Prevention Policy in response to Senate Bill 52- Adi's Act. This policy builds on already existing work district-wide and supports multi-tiered suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention efforts. As counselors we are often times the first people that a student might disclose thoughts about suicide, or we are the people that educators come to when they have a concern about a specific student. Talking about suicide isn’t ever an easy conversation, and the more comfortable we get talking about it, the easier it is to talk with our kids.
Talking about suicide can be scary or uncomfortable, so we wanted to give you some information about what to look for and what to do if you have a concern about your own child, or a friend of your student.
Suicide Warning Signs (not a comprehensive list):
Talking about wanting to die
Looking for ways to kill themselves
Talking about being in unbearable pain
Sleeping too much or too little
Increased use of alcohol or drugs
Talking about being a burden to others
Showing lack of interest in future plans
Withdrawal from things they love
What you can do:
1. Understand the risk factors. Not all risk factors directly result in a suicide attempt, however certain ones may increase the likelihood that someone will consider, attempt or die by suicide.. These risk factors include mental and substance use disorders, a history of trauma, major physical illness or an experience of loss, among others.
2. Recognize warning signs. Take note of sudden changes in behavior, especially if it seems related to a painful event, loss or change. Start a conversation with your child or loved one about how they’re doing if something feels off.
3. Reach out for help. Knowing, supporting and loving a young person who is struggling with their mental health can be stressful, but resources are available. Call the behavioral health number on the back of your insurance card, contact your Employee Assistance program, and reach out to your student's school counselor.
Here are resources for you if you need to reach out for support:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:
1-800-273-8255
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals.
Multnomah Co Crisis Line
(503) 988-4888
Free, 24/7 mental health support
Interpretation services for non-English speakers
Referral to low-cost or sliding-scale agencies
Help finding mental health providers
Information about non-crisis community resources
Trevor Line for LGBTQIA+ youth
Trevor Line for LGBTQIA+ youth
Our trained counselors are here to support you 24/7. If you are a young person in crisis, feeling suicidal, or in need of a safe and judgment-free place to talk.
Youthline at Lines for Life
877-968-8491
Text: teen2teen to 839863
Chat: www.oregonyouthline.org
A teen-to-teen crisis and helpline. Contact us with anything that may be bothering you; no problem is too big or too small! Teens are available to help daily from 4-10 pm Pacific Time (off-hour calls answered by Lines for Life)
We know that talking about suicide can be hard. We are here to support you and help you find resources for you or your student.
Be well,
Counselor Heather & Ms Shannon
Updates
Outdoor School Information for our Sixth-Grade Families
Please look for the information coming home Friday and emailed by Ms. Stevens. Outdoor School will be on-site at da Vinci on October 11, 14 & 15, during regular school hours. We hope there will be an overnight opportunity from May 18-20.
Picture Day Ordering Update and Clarification
The link and code provided earlier was for pre-orders only! At this time, the site is not taking orders. In 2-3 weeks they will send a proof package with a code unique to your student so you can order at that time. The retake day is scheduled for October 29th for students who were not present on the first round or wish to re-do.
New Student Chromebooks Coming!
Our date for receiving new student computers is scheduled for October 18th. All students will be asked to bring back any PPS issued devices (and charge cords) and will be assigned a new one.
Please send your students prepared for the day! This includes bringing their charged Chromebooks and a water bottle. We are going through a lot of cups! We do have filling stations, so they can refill bottles. Please reinforce the need to put caps firmly on bottles and use an exterior pocket on the backpack if possible to prevent the computers from getting water damaged.
Parking Asks
da Vinci Families, I have received a few emails about traffic flow. Please remember that you may not park in areas that prohibit parking. We are getting complaints from our neighbors. This year this is more traffic due to families not always feeling comfortable with carpooling. We know there is a need for a different or revised traffic plan at da Vinci. If you have ideas or suggestions, please email Ms. Davis at rdavis@pps.net. Thank you.
Please remember to travel headed east on Everett St. in front of the school at drop-off and pick-up times. Drive safely and be courteous of our neighbors. Never block driveways or the fire hydrant zone.
Additionally, the have been reports about families blocking the bike lane on Couch. Please remember that many of our students bike to school. Please do not idle and block the bike lanes.
Drop-off/Pick-up
We understand that families have different balls to juggle. However, we ask, if possible, please be mindful of how early students arrive to school, as we have limited adult support to monitor students in the morning. The first bell rings at 8:40 AM and the late bell rings at 8:45 AM. Students who are grabbing breakfast should arrive between 8:20 AM - 8:40 AM. As a reminder, breakfast is served through the doors nearest to the courtyard and is to be eaten outside.
Thank you for helping us with discouraging students from crowding, by not having students arrive too early to school.
Volunteering Opportunities
We are ready to invite a few volunteers to help us out with lunch and recess duty. In order to volunteer, you must complete the PPS COVID-19 Vaccination survey (connect with Ms. Sheli and we will share information about how to receive your unique survey link) and be able to commit to consistent volunteer shifts throughout the week (doesn't need to be everyday but could be something like, every Tuesday, etc.). If you are interested, please email Ms. Sheli at sbryan@pps.net.
Rainy Day Lunch Plan
Much needed rain is here! With the rain comes implementation of our rainy day indoor lunch plan. We have 5 identified spaces that students will enjoy their lunch: cafeteria, library, two classrooms and hallway spaces (the gym will be used as a space for students to use for recess; however, students cannot eat in our gym space). Please know we are still honoring the spacing rules; students will need to use a color coded pass to enter each of these spaces, so that we can monitor the capacity of each space. Students will not be allowed to bounce around to the different spaces - once they choose a space for the day, they will remain there. HEPA filters and windows will remain open in order to promote proper air flow.
I am also pleased to share with you that our district is investigating the use of tents and outdoor coverings. Last week I responded to a survey asking principals if they would be interested in receiving tents. da Vinci has requested that we be included in receiving tents at our site.
Attendance Reporting
If your student will be absent from school for any reason, please notify sbryan@pps.net with their name and the reason for the absence. If your student is ill, please keep them home. We will need to ask questions to screen for specific symptoms. You can also call the main office at 503-916-5356 but we receive a high volume of calls and email is preferred.
COVID SPECIFIC UPDATES
OHSU COVID-19 K-12 Testing Program
Consent forms with information are being sent home with students on Friday. The primary target for this program is unvaccinated students for screening of asymptomatic cases of COVID. You can opt in by filling out and returning the forms. The implementation of this program is coming but due to supply chain issues getting all of the materials, we do not know the exact timeline. More information will be coming as we receive it but you can send in the consent form now if you are interested. The yellow consent form is for in-school testing in the event your student has symptoms while at school. If you have already turned this form in, you do not need to complete it again. Check all three boxes on the back side of the yellow form if you give consent for those options.
Northwest Children's Theater Fall 2021:
PTSA Corner
PTSA News
School Volunteers Needed
Our school is in great need of help during lunch shifts along with drop off and pick up traffic and safety support. Sign up for shifts and see other school needs HERE.
Fall Community Field Day - CANCELLED
Unfortunately a moratorium is now in effect for in person events and the Fall Community Field Day has been canceled. Many great raffle prizes have been donated by the community so we will be pivoting the event, likely to a virtual raffle. Look for further updates next week.
Thank you to all those who have joined the PTSA, we are halfway to our goal of becoming 100 members strong. Click HERE to join us.
Questions? Want to get more involved? Please reach out to davinciptsa@gmail.com
Carpool List and Family Directory
Carpool List and Family Directory If you want to be added to the directory, fill out this form. The sheet is only shared with those families that opt-in.