Staff Talk
A Newsletter for Beaverton School District Employees
Recruitment for Superintendent's Internal Advisory Committee
Superintendent Don Grotting seeks a diverse applicant pool to form an Internal Advisory Committee consisting of up to 30 school-level licensed and classified staff members. The purpose of the Committee is to provide the Superintendent with input and advice on a range of District topics.
This is not a decision making group. This is a voluntary position. The Committee will meet monthly beginning in January 2019 from 4:30 - 6:00 p.m. Term of service will be Jan. 2019 - May 2020. A screening committee will review the applications and make a recommendation to the Superintendent.
Application timeline: Nov. 1 - Nov. 23, 2018 Notification by Dec. 20, 2018
Please complete the application:
School Board Resolution on Improving Attendance
The Beaverton School Board believes that regular student attendance is essential for ensuring our students are on-track to learn and succeed. We know students who routinely attend school are more likely to achieve academic success, graduate from high school, and be prepared for college and career.
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For information on the District-wide Attendance campaign launched in August 2018: Be Here. Get There., visit the Attendance Campaign webpage on the Intranet.
The Oregon Department of Education (ODE) launched a new website and toolkits for educators and families aimed at providing information and other resources to help reduce chronic absenteeism in Oregon. The website, www.Every-Day-Matters.org, is the core tool in a campaign called Every Day Matters which highlights the importance that regular attendance plays in a student’s education and how communities from around the state can join efforts with their local school district.
Reducing chronic absenteeism is a key piece in Governor Brown’s vision for having 90 percent of students graduate within four years of starting freshman year of high school, either with a diploma or with a GED.
2019-2020 and 2020-2021 Distrtict Calendars
At the October 22, 2018 Business Meeting, the School Board approved the Superintendent’s calendar recommendation for the 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 school years. Staff and community members overwhelmingly preferred Option 1 for both school years.
In the 2019-2020 school year, the first day for students will be Monday, August 26 and the last day for students will be Friday, June 12. In the 2020-2021 school year, the first day for students will be Monday, August 31 and the last day for students will be Friday, June 18. Option 1 provides 10 days for winter break in both school years.
Both calendars are below for your planning purposes. Please understand that budgetary and contractual obligations may impact the implementation of the final calendars.
2019-2020 District Calendar
Calendario 2019-2020 Del Distrito Escolar De Beaverton
2020-2021 District Calendar
Notice on Medicare Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage)
Are you or your dependent currently Medicare eligible and on District insurance coverage? You are considered Medicare eligible if you are age 65 or older, or if you are younger than age 65 and receiving social security disability benefits with Medicare.
Please see the annual Medicare Part D notice posted on the District benefits webpage.
This notice advises you that your District group medical insurance for this year is Medicare creditable for prescription drug coverage (Part D) under the Medicare requirements. There are penalties from Medicare if you are currently Medicare eligible and not on an employer group insurance with Medicare creditable prescription coverage.
Questions? Please contact Debbie Johnson in Human Resources at x64459 or by email.
90 Day Password Change
Over the next few weeks, staff password reset requirements will be changed from 365 to 90 days in response to a security audit finding.
The Nomad application is installed in the menu bar at the top of the screen on Apple computers. Nomad displays the number of days left before password expiration and after clicking on the icon, password change is available. Windows and Mac users will get notifications at least 14 days prior to password expiration.
Swipe to Lock
When you are not using your computer, you should lock the screen to protect your data. This is important for security and privacy reasons. On Apple computers, a new feature is available that immediately locks the screen when the cursor is moved to the bottom left corner. On a windows computer, the windows button + L activates screen lock.
BOOKMARK these pages for helpful IT information and updates:
- For more information about Cybersecurity and Phishing scams, please visit the IT Security and Data Privacy page on the Staff Intranet.
- To stay up-to-date with all IT changes and updates, please bookmark the IT Changes page on the Staff Intranet.
- There is now a page on the IT intranet site that houses IT Procedures and Guidelines. The IT Department will continue to add and formalized guidelines to this page.
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New District and School Websites Will Be Under Construction in 2018-2019
After five years with the current website design and content management system, the District has decided to replace the existing website. Finalsite has been chosen as the platform for the new BSD and school websites which will go live before the end of the 2018-2019 school year. A more precise timeline is being finalized.
The new websites will be fully accessible, meeting Americans with Disabilities (ADA) requirements. In addition, the new design will provide a consistent user experience and will also be mobile friendly.
Secondary Student Cumulative GPA now viewable in ParentVue & StudentVue
Raleigh Hills K-8 Construction Update
The School Board will consider the merits of pursuing the construction of a new, state-of-the-art school in a future bond in lieu of the building addition project planned in the 2014 Capital Construction Bond at their Business Meeting on Monday, November 26, 2018.
Informational Session to Learn More, Provide Input
We invite the community to join us for an informational session at Raleigh Hills K-8 in the cafeteria on Wed., November 14, 2018 at 6:30 p.m. There will be an opportunity to ask questions and provide staff with feedback that will be shared with the School Board. Additionally, you may send your questions and comments to: RHK8_Construction@beaverton.k12.or.us
Inclement Weather Information
The District makes decisions based on the ability to operate school buses safely; the ability for students and parents to get to school safely, and the ability for employees to get to work safely and on time. The decision that is made will be for the entire District. As always, parents may choose to make different decisions based on their particular location.
The District will notify parents and staff via SchoolMessenger with a Non-School Hours Emergency message. Please manage your communication preferences in SchoolMessenger InfoCenter.
For the latest inclement weather information:
- Log on to the District website and a light blue message banner will be posted on the top of the main page with the status of District operations.
- Opt-in for SMS Alerts from SchoolMessenger
- Subscribe to Flash Alert for email or text message updates
- Like the Beaverton School District on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.
- The Beaverton School District Inclement Weather Policy and transportation snow routes can be found on the Public Safety webpage.
- Subscribe to the District’s RSS Feed
What is 9th Grade On Track?
Safe Routes to School Update
Improving visibility means improving safety for all road users. Wearing light colors or reflective clothing is one of the simplest things pedestrians and cyclists can to do keep themselves safe.
Here are additional suggestions to help keep you safe while walking and biking:
- Wear bright, reflective clothing and shoes when walking or biking.
- Don’t wear headphones, text or talk on a cell phone while crossing the street.
- Be aware of vehicles around you. Make eye contact before crossing in front of vehicles.
- Don’t assume that cars see you or are going to stop.
- Driving or biking? Expect and slow down for pedestrians in popular walking areas, around schools and parks, and near crosswalks.
When more people walk, bike and take the bus, it makes the route to school safer, less congested and more fun for everyone. Thank you for continuing to walk, bike and use the bus. It’s the way to go!
Fall Bond Newsletter
Charlotte Denis awarded Regional Award by OSTA
Charlotte Denis, Science teacher at Mountainside High School was recently awarded a Regional Award by the Oregon Science Teachers Association (OSTA).
As stated in her nomination, "Charlotte is an incredible educator and leader. She has helped develop and provide professional development on District/regional biology curriculum, been a tireless advocate for underserved students, and collaborated with other leaders to help move science education in Oregon forward. Charlotte has great skill in both her classroom and as an instructional leader.
One of her specific strengths is in her support of curricular and instructional work to support ELL students. She is also very engaged in the work of Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) implementation, always asking the question of how she can have students engaging in authentic inquiry and engineering tasks. She has developed multiple engineering projects as well as investigations that she shares with biology teachers across the state."
The Regional Awards are meant to recognize and honor the work of outstanding classroom teachers in the categories of Early Career, Elementary, Middle, and High School. From every region in Oregon, awardees are selected based on their ability to motivate student achievement and excitement in science.
Staff Spotlight: Lisa Hackney, Nutrition Services Lead
West TV Elementary School
If you have ever had the privilege of eating breakfast or lunch at West TV Elementary School, you will have been greeted with a warm smile and a kind word from Lisa Hackney. Lisa has been the Nutrition Services Lead at West TV for the last three years. She joined the District eight years ago at Sunset High School and worked as a rover, going from school to school as needed for one year. “I loved being at Sunset when my son attended there,” joked Lisa. “He used to come into the cafeteria each day and say, ‘Hi mom’ and wave, and I was like – this is so embarrassing.”
Every morning Lisa preps the kitchen for the day and readies the cafeteria for breakfast and lunch. She is also responsible for ordering and stocking all of the food and supplies necessary to feed hungry kids each day. Last year, the West TV kitchen became a two-person kitchen due to increased numbers of students purchasing meals. “I think the reason this happened is serving them quality food, being nice and approachable,” explains Lisa. “I always have a smile on my face, and I think just giving good customer service is so important, because kids they do have other options.”
Read more...
McKay ES Music teacher inducted into Pacific University Music Hall of Fame
James, who graduated cum laude with bachelor’s degrees in music and philosophy, went on to earn his master’s in music and philosophy from the University of Montana. At Pacific, he was student body president and frequent performer in theater and music ensembles around the Portland area.
He’s "Mr. James" to students where he teaches music, but you may know him as the guitarist and vocalist for the band Sylvia’s Ghost, whose new album, “Epoch” was released last month.
He plays the piano, the oboe, the guitar and other instruments — “none of them well,” he says.
Besides Sylvia’s Ghost, James has played in Floating Pointe, Uncle-B & Auntie-E and J-Dog, Jesus Presley and Post Impression, the band he belonged to during his Pacific years. He was stage manager for McMenamin’s Crystal Ballroom and regularly plays the McMenamin’s circuit and other Northwest music venues. He also is on the music staff of Portland’s Trinity Episcopal Cathedral.
As a teacher, he encouraged students to play, forming after-school guitar clubs and other groups.
"I think the most admirable thing about him is that he is a humanist. Bill takes the time to think deeply about our community, and then takes action. He looks out for his colleagues and is an eloquent advocate for fair policies and good working conditions," states Jennifer Mohr Colett, Music teacher at Fir Grove Elementary School.
Carol Biskupic Knight 2018 State Finalist in Presidential Award for Excellence in Science Teaching
Carol Biskupic Knight, a STEM Teacher on Special Assignment (TOSA) at Sato Elementary school has been named a 2018 State Finalist in the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science Teaching by the Oregon Science Teachers Association (OSTA).
With 38 years of experience in the field of education, Carol has an in-depth and integral understanding of the needs of classroom students and teachers. Her knowledge and experience in curriculum and instruction as a District Science Specialist, Science Partnership TOSA, Elementary Science Curriculum Specialist and STEAM Coordinator brings a love and foundational understanding of effective science teaching, especially at the elementary level.
Carol was part of the national and state level Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) review and implementation teams and has developed professional development coursework, workshops and trainings for classroom teachers and informal educators on understanding and aligning instruction to the NGSS standards. With teaching certification in special education and talented and gifted, along with a focused study on English Language Learners, Carol has a strong passion to incorporate the NGSS Equity and Diversity lens into her work with teachers so that all elementary students have effective science instruction.
Her current position as STEAM coordinator at Sato Elementary School allows her to work with both teachers and students using the wonder of science and STEAM to engage students in a meaningful pursuit of knowledge and provide the impetus needed to promote literacy and language that is such a key focus at the elementary level.
The Presidential Award is the nation's highest honor for teachers of mathematics and science (including computer science). Awardees serve as models for their colleagues, inspiration to their communities, and leaders in the improvement of mathematics and science education.
Susan Holveck awarded Duane Marshall Special Service to Science Education Award
While Susan will undoubtedly accomplish even more in her educational career, her current accomplishments and service to science education across the state of Oregon is deserving of this high honor. Susan has an impressive ability to lead from in front and behind. At the District level she has ushered in one of the largest, positive shifts in instruction the District has seen (Physics first model).
At the regional level she has partnered, guided, and mentored other schools and districts to empower and support their teachers to make ambitious, impactful shifts in instruction and service to their students. At the state level she has both helped facilitate the Oregon Science Project and worked with the Oregon Department of Education to better align our state assessments with research based best practices and the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS).
Duane Marshall was an outstanding career teacher from Newberg High School, active in OSTA, and an important contributor to science education in Oregon. This award in his name in intended to honor those individuals who, as classroom teachers, have made significant contributions to science teaching in their own classrooms and beyond. The awardee was selected based on career longevity and body of work, statewide and regional influence, enthusiasm for science, and the ability to motivate students and colleagues alike.
Congratulations, Susan!
Stella Bergman recognized by OSTA as a Middle School Science Classroom Teacher of the Year
Stella Bergman, 7th grade Science teacher at Health & Science School (HS2) was recently named Middle School Science Classroom Teacher of the Year by the Oregon Science Teachers Association (OSTA).
As stated in her nomination, "Stella is an exceptional teacher. She engages her students with a positivity and enthusiasm I have rarely seen as an educator. Students in Stella’s class excel because she has extremely high standards for them and her upbeat demeanor. In addition, Stella possesses a strong sense of social justice, ensuring that all of her students are successful at Health & Science School (HS2).
Stella possesses a high level of science knowledge, but even more impressive is how her students apply their knowledge. Last year, Stella’s 7th grade team created a dynamic unit on Natural Disasters, which was accompanied with a full open presentation by Beaverton City officials, parents, and other community members.
This summer, Stella served as one of our science teachers for the Beaverton School District ELL/Migrant Middle School Summer Program. Her students learned basic engineering principles and then applied that knowledge to build a boat of cardboard that must be able to float one of the teachers on staff. Stella is a phenomenal teacher and often inspires me to improve my own practice."
Congratulations, Stella!
Stoller 8th Grader wins Discovery 3M Young Scientist Challenge!
Rishab Jain, an eighth grader at Stoller Middle School was recently named the winner of the 2018 Discovery 3M Young Scientist Challenge for his project: Pancreatic Cancer Deep Learning System: A Novel Tool for Improved Image-Guided Radiotherapy (IGRT) through Automated Pancreas Segmentation.
Rishab created a method that uses artificial intelligence to help accurately locate the pancreas during MRI radiotherapy and make cancer treatment more effective.
The Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge is the nation’s premier science competition for grades 5-8. This one-of-a-kind video competition has sparked a sense of wonder and discovery in hundreds of thousands of students and enhanced science, innovation and communication across the United States.
Rishab hopes to become a biomedical engineer or a doctor to keep developing technology to find a cure for cancer and improving people’s lives.
He has won $25,000, and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to attend a taping of a Discovery Network show Title of “America’s Top Young Scientist.” Congratulations, Rishab and good luck in all of your future endeavors!
Westview High student shares her experiences as a State Department Youth Ambassador to the Dominican Republic
"Walking off the plane in Santo Domingo, I could feel the muggy air so humid I could almost touch it. Although I have been studying Spanish at Westview High School,the airport sounded like I had stumbled into the Tower of Babel. But most importantly, I felt the vitality of the environment envelop my body. I knew had landed somewhere very special: "Bienvenidos a la Republica Dominicana!"
Read the whole article...
Christy Wilson named Oregon SHAPE Elementary Teacher of the Year
Christy Wilson, Physical Education teacher at Raleigh Park Elementary School was recently named an Elementary Teacher of the Year by the Oregon Society of Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE).
Christy’s learning environment fosters inquiry and a joy of movement, two things Christy models daily. She is involved at her school on the leadership committee, at the District level as a member of the active student’s cadre developing classroom physical activity and spends time collaborating with PE colleagues around the nation researching best practice and new ways to engage her students. Her love of teaching is evident daily and her relationships with her students is number one. Christy is in her 17th year of teaching Physical Education.
“First and foremost, Christy has a love for teaching and her craft. It is the medium from which she is able to bring a love and enthusiasm for health, wellness and movement into the lives of her students. This is certainly well-deserved recognition for an individual who has embraced leadership responsibilities within our building and District, and I'm thankful Oregon SHAPE has provided the platform and opportunity to learn more about what makes Christy a gift to the Raleigh Park community and Beaverton School District,” says Brian Curl, Principal at Raleigh Park Elementary School.
“Christy models a joy of movement and learning to her students that is catching. All students experience success in her class. She has been a leader developing brain boosts for classroom teachers across the District and is also active in collaborating best practice with PE teachers around the nation,” says Cheryl Wardell, TOSA K-12 Physical Education.
The Teacher of the Year awards are given in recognition of outstanding teaching performance and the ability to motivate today’s youth to participate in a lifetime of physical activity. These individuals were honored during the 2018 Oregon SHAPE Conference in Bend, Oregon.
Congratulations, Christy!
Stoller MS student named 2018 Finalist in Broadcom MASTERS competition
Pratik Vangal, currently a 9th Grader at Sunset High School was named a 2018 Finalist in the Broadcom MASTERS competition for his project: Ameliorating Acute Respiratory Infections from Solid Biomass Fuel Combustion and Empowering Rural Kitchens with a Sustainable, Cost-Effective Ventilation Solution
Project Background: “The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates around 3 billion people are exposed to toxic smoke from burning solid biomass fuels in rural kitchens worldwide,” Pratik reports. That smoke poses serious health risks. Indeed, the smoke causes millions of premature deaths each year, he adds. He saw some of those smoky kitchens when he visited a small village in India last year. “The women complained of breathing discomfort, chest pain, cough and eye irritation from chronic smoke exposure,” Pratik says. A switch to a cleaner energy would help. Better ventilation would improve indoor air quality as well, he says.
The finalists traveled to Washington, D.C. October 19-24 where they participated in a rigorous competition that leverages Project-based Learning to test and demonstrate their mastery of 21st Century skills of critical thinking, communication, creativity and collaboration in each of the STEM areas. The finalists also met with government officials and showcased their projects for the public during a free event at the National Geographic Society on October 20.
Congratulations, Pratik!
Thank You, Staff, For Your Support
The Beaverton community rallied in support of our 53 public schools by donating more than $109,000 to the Beaverton Education Foundation (BEF) during our 20th annual Phone-a-thon. Thank you to all staff who answered the call, supported our high school volunteers, and gave time to make this endeavor a success. Your support impacts more than 41,000 Beaverton students!
This community-building event thrives with the teamwork of staff, student volunteers, and business and civic partners. Excellent work by over 350 high school student volunteer callers and the top calling teams of each night: ACMA Dance West, Aloha Choir, Aloha Literary Magazine, Southridge Ski Team, and the Sunset Key Club. Each one of these teams was able to raise the most dollars during their respective volunteer shifts.
All 35 teams participating earned total honoria of $16,825 – an average of $500 per team. In addition to support from their club advisors, students benefited from coaching by volunteers from Intel, Vernier Technologies, City of Beaverton Mayor’s Office, Foresters Financial, New Seasons Markets, First Tech Federal Credit Union, Ruby Receptionists, Blount, Inc., and Farmers Insurance. Current BSD and BEF Board Members as well as current and retired BSD administrators volunteered their time, too.
We are grateful to our generous community partners, Reser's Fine Foods and First Tech Federal Credit Union, for offering challenge grants to new donors and increased gifts. An additional thank-you goes to our host, Ruby Receptionists, graciously opened its Beaverton offices to BEF volunteers for the fifth year in a row, and to the Beaverton Valley Times/Pamplin Media Group, who kindly donated advertising space. Over twenty local businesses provided refreshments and incentives to our volunteers; thank you! We appreciate the support of our Beaverton community.
As the non-profit supporting only Beaverton’s public schools, BEF mobilizes community resources to fund innovative classroom, summer and after-school programs. Staff is encouraged to apply for funding needed to make your ideas come to life. Learn more about the projects we support with the video below, and see how to apply at our website, www.beavertonEDfoundation.org.
Thank you for the work you do every day with our students. BEF and the Beaverton community support your dedication to giving our 41,000 Beaverton students the opportunity to be inspired, think innovatively, and succeed.
Budget Listening & Learning Session
Tuesday, November 13, 2018
6:30 p.m.
Highland Park Middle School
7000 SW Wilson Ave.
Beaverton, 97008
School Board Business Meeting
Monday, November 26, 2018
6:30 p.m.
Administration Office
16550 SW Merlo Rd.
Beaverton, 97003
View Meeting materials...
Beaverton School District
The district prohibits discrimination and harassment based on any basis protected by law, including but not limited to, an individual's actual or perceived race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national or ethnic origin, marital status, age, mental or physical disability, pregnancy, familial status, economic status, veteran status, or because of a perceived or actual association with any other persons within these protected classes.
Email: melissa_larson@beaverton.k12.or.us
Website: www.beaverton.k12.or.us
Location: 16550 SW Merlo Rd, Beaverton, OR, United States
Phone: 503-356-4360
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BeavertonSchoolDistrict
Twitter: @beavertonSD