School News Blast
Gladstone District • Growing Great People • 1.6.21
Gladstone School District featured in national video
For nine years, the Gladstone School District has worked to understand adverse childhood experiences [ACEs], and to mitigate their impacts to children’s health, behavior, and academic success. In December the district’s groundbreaking Culture of Care was featured in a video produced by Education Week, the core of a four-part series on trauma-informed education.
The 11 minute video about Gladstone features staff from both John Wetten Elementary and Kraxberger Middle School.
https://www.edweek.org/leadership/what-does-it-mean-to-be-trauma-informed-a-4-part-video-explainer
“Education Week has a national following of 1.6 million educators,” said Superintendent Bob Stewart. “We are excited about this opportunity to share our work nationally in hopes that it will help students in other states benefit from these practices. That’s especially critical now, given the anxiety, depression, stress, and isolation children and teens face as a result of the rising spread of COVID-19."
Gladstone band students share online concert
Teaching band via distance learning is a real challenge because there is no way for musicians to play together. Despite the difficulties, Gladstone Band Teacher Seth Arnold still managed to produce a winter concert video featuring bands from both Kraxberger Middle School and Gladstone High.
“Sound mixing all the individual sound tracks into a cohesive performance takes hours of painstaking work,” said Gladstone High Principal Kevin Taylor. “The result was impressive!”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tid3-HLsFhU&feature=youtu.be
Gladstone High offers wellness and happiness course
When Brad Kuntz’s new class began in December 2019, Gladstone High students sat in a circle on soft cushions on the floor. Surrounded by periwinkle walls, murals, and low-key lighting, they were eager to begin the Study of Wellness and Happiness.
From global issues like climate change and COVID-19 to the school angst of social media and academic pressure, teens across the nation have experienced unprecedented levels of stress, anxiety, apathy, and depression. That motivated Spanish teacher Brad Kuntz to take action.
“When students look at the world, the problems seem insurmountable,” said Kuntz. “I want to give them tools to create a meaningful life, increase positive emotions, and connect with others.”
Founded on brain science, the new course is based on the most popular class at Yale, Psychology and the Good Life, and a similar class at Stanford. Gladstone High had planned to offer one section of the new elective, but when 25% of the student body rushed to sign up, the program expanded.
The class studies neuroscience and psychology, why people have certain emotions, ways to focus on gratitude, and how to savor their experiences. They also learn ways to increase empowerment and how to alter negative self-talk.”
“What surprised me most was the diversity of students who took the class,” said Kuntz. “This was an opportunity for popular kids and jocks to connect in meaningful ways with kids they never noticed before. We created a community where students felt safe enough to open up and share.”
Class topics ranged from overcoming trauma and how to create a meaningful life to goal setting, motivation, and identifying personal values and principles.
“This adds brain science to our K-12 wellness program, combining behavioral science and positive psychology,” said Kuntz. “It will give students life-long tools.”
Winter trimester of 2021, the class will begin with online instruction via Zoom.
“Given the isolation, stress, and anxiety caused by the pandemic, this course is an important resource to our students not only during distance learning, but moving forward, as students return to classrooms,” said Principal Kevin Taylor.
Key dates to remember
January 9: Clothes Closet open every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Off Nelson Lane @ GHS
January 11: Free Meal pickup @ Kraxberger every Monday, 11-12:30 or 4-6 p.m. [10 meals/child]
January 18: No School — Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Holiday
Free online parenting classes start in January
The pandemic has made everything more challenging, including parenting. Parents looking for proven strategies and a chance to connect with other parents will appreciate the range of free online parenting classes provided by Clackamas Parenting Together.
Strengthening Families - For Parents and children 10 to 14 years old
Thursdays at 6:30 p.m., 10 consecutive weeks starting January 21.
This exciting new program includes weekly family fun boxes, weekly live classes, and an interactive private Facebook group! Space is limited, so register today.
REGISTER ONLINE: https://www.nwfs.org/parenting/strengthening-families-wednesdays-april-15th-2020.html
Strengthening Families January 2021 (1).pdf
Growing Up - For parents with children 5 to 8 years old
First and third Thursdays @ 6:30 p.m., January to June 2021
These groups will focus on our children's social, emotional and behavioral needs.
JOIN THE ZOOM SESSION: https://clackamascounty.zoom.us/j/9719905677
Virtual Growing Up Jan 2021.pdf
Precious Preschoolers - For parents with children 3 to 5 years old
Second and fourth Fridays @ 9 a.m., January to June 2021
These groups will focus on our children's school readiness including social, emotional, and academic benchmarks and skills.
JOIN THE ZOOM SESSION: https://clackamascounty.zoom.us/j/9719905677
Virtual Preschoolers Jan 2021.pdf
Terrific Toddlers - For parents with children 1 or 2 years old
Fridays a@ 1 p.m., 10 consecutive weeks starting January 22nd
This group is perfect for parents with curious toddlers full of energy!
Positive discipline, language development, and managing emotions will be a focus of this series.
JOIN THE ZOOM SESSION: https://clackamascounty.zoom.us/j/9719905677
Virtual Terrific Toddler January 2021.pdf
Incredible Infants - For parents with children under 12 months old
Wednesdays @ 10 a.m., 10 consecutive weeks starting January 20th
This group is perfect for new moms & dads!
Infant care, adjusting to parenthood, connecting with others, and taking care of yourself will be a focus of this series.
JOIN THE ZOOM SESSION: https://clackamascounty.zoom.us/j/9719905677