Eagle's Edge
St. Therese Weekly Newsletter - August 26, 2020
Look for the Helpers
Helpers are all around us. They are the people who text to ask how you are doing, and then offer to take on some of your burden. They are the people who work behind the scenes to make the school safe and ready for opening (Penny Montani, Angie Barnett, and Matt Shelton, that's you!). They are health care professionals, public servants, clergy, grocery store employees - we have called them essential workers because society can't continue to function through this pandemic without them. They are the helpers.
I loved Mr. Rogers growing up and looked forward to visiting his neighborhood each day after I watched Sesame Street. Like most kids, I was drawn to his gentle voice, calm demeanor, and gift for storytelling. As an adult, I'm drawn to his lessons - what we didn't realize he was teaching us about how to be a member of a community and take care of our neighbors. The video above is really one of my favorite Mr. Rogers Message: look for the helpers.
Our school year is about to begin and there's no telling how long we will be using the distance learning model for school. My message to you is an echo of Mr. Rogers' message: look for the helpers, and be a helper. Attend class meetings via Zoom and get to know the other families - how can you help them during this time? How might they be able to help you? Perhaps its just a regularly scheduled Zoom call so the kids can talk to each other and maintain a connection, or maybe it's ride sharing to attend in-person learning sessions at school. Whatever it is, helping each other will make it better.
Today I challenge you to make a list of the helpers in your life; the people you know you can count on to assist when you need it. Whether the list is long or short, reach out to some of those people this week. If you are a helper, reach out to the people you know will need you and help them make a plan for how to get in touch when they do. Helpers are the worst at asking for help, so maybe put them at the top of your list! Ask your kiddos to do the same - I bet it won't surprise you who they list, but I encourage you to have that conversation with them, especially now. Our young people are struggling with the distance, and being able to ask for help when they need it has a tremendous impact on their mental and physical health.
In times of catastrophe, look for the helpers, "because if you look for the helpers, you'll know that there's hope." Thank you, Mr. Rogers, and thank YOU neighbors. I love being in your community!
Yours,
Rosemarie El Youssef
Principal, St. Therese School
Food Boxes Continue at St. Henry's!
Every Friday from 9 a.m. to Noon there are fresh food boxes to pick up - the only question they will ask you is "How many boxes would you like?"
Don't just look for the helpers
Bottle Drop Thursdays at St. T
Welcome Week! September 8th - 11th
Some things to expect from Welcome Week 2020:
* Scheduled conferences with teachers (in person or via Zoom)
* Orientation videos
* Supply check-out: devices, textbooks, and other materials
* Competitions and special prizes
Expect detailed information from your child's teacher next week. We are so excited to celebrate this new year with you!
SAFE & READY SCHOOLS UPDATE
Please check out the links below, or visit our website and click on the "COVID-19 Updates" tab at the top to read the latest news about school this fall.
Some details:
August 31st - September 4th: Teachers come back to school
Teachers will design class schedules and call families to schedule in-person orientation meetings for each student with their parents/guardians.
September 8th - 11th: WELCOME WEEK!
Special activities, orientation videos, and class meetings to get to know each other. In-person orientation meetings will take place this week in classrooms, and students will be given the materials they need to be successful. This week will run on a special schedule (will be sent to you by Monday, August 31st).
September 14th - 18th: 1st week of regular classes
Students will log in and follow their regular schedule of classes. School staff will be in the building to assist students and their families as needed.
September 21st: Begin limited in-person instruction with small groups
We are permitted to bring students into their classrooms in groups of no more than 10, for no longer than 2 hours each day. This time will be used to build connections with teachers and peers, receive learning support, and participate in hands-on learning experiences.
September 28th: Begin St. Therese School-Age Learning Program (child care for ages 5-12)
Still waiting on our final approval, but we have pre-approval for a Recorded Child Care Program at our school. This learning program is separate from school, so students will be participating in their distance learning in the same manner as students who are at home. It is one way we can take care of our families and support our students so that parents/guardians can work.
ODE’s Ready Schools Safe Learners Page
Update: Uniforms are optional during distance learning
When we return to a hybrid or in-person model, uniforms will be required. During limited in-person learning, students are not required to attend in uniform.
An updated parent handbook will be included in next Wednesday's newsletter, and it will include an updated student code of dress.
School Office Hours
Beginning Monday, August 31st please call ahead if:
* You need to meet with a staff member (Rosemarie, Penny, teachers, etc.)
* You need to pick something up, or drop something off (materials, payment, etc.)
If you are in the parking lot, please just call us from your cell phone, if you can. We will do our very best to meet your needs and appreciate your cooperation as we work to keep our students and staff safe.
St. T's Summer Challenge!
Let's stay connected - will you accept the challenge?
Each St. Therese student to complete all of the weekly challenges will receive a St. T's Summer Challenge T-shirt when they return to school this fall! It's not too late to start and catch up on all the challenges.
Email photos to elyoussefr@stthereseschool.org or post on Facebook, instagram, or twitter with the hashtag #stTsummerChallenge and tag @sttherese_pdx so we can see what everyone is up to.
OUR 7th CHALLENGE: Blazers are down 3-1 and tonight is a BIG GAME! How do you show your Blazer Pride? Take a photo and share it on social media! Go Blazers!
Remember it's not too late to catch up on the other 6 challenges to earn your t-shirt! Only 1 challenge left!
Parent's Club Meeting TONIGHT - August 26th.
The first meeting begins at 6 p.m. and we will stop admitting people into the meeting at 6:20 so that we can stay on agenda and finish in enough time to start the next meeting at 7 p.m.
The final part of each hour will be spent answering question about school reopening.
Can't make it to the meeting? Please send any comments, concerns, or questions to Melanie Reyna (Melanie.reyna@usbank.com) Anne Herold (anneherold68@yahoo.com) or Rosemarie - we will bring your concerns to the meeting. Minutes from the meetings will be shared with all members within 2 days of the PC meeting.
Remember that we are all in this together!
Jonathan, from Schommer & Sons, came by and put up our sign - we appreciate the generosity and support of the Schommer family. Thank you Jonathan and Schommer & Sons!
Have Fun - Learn Spanish
SCRIP Update
Barnes & Noble $25 gift cards x 7
Hong Phat $25 gift cards x 12
Regal Cinemas $10 gift cards x 25
Land's End $25 gift card x 1
Call the school or email elyoussefr@stthereseschool.org if you'd like to come by and purchase some!
School Supplies
Each grade has their own list and it is COMPLETE. You only have to download or print the list for your child's grade.
St. Therese Catholic School
Email: elyoussefr@stthereseschool.org
Website: stthereseschool.org
Location: 1260 Northeast 132nd Avenue, Portland, OR, USA
Phone: (503) 253-9400
Facebook: Facebook.com/StThereseSchoolPortlandOrFamilyPage
Twitter: @sttherese_pdx