At the last school Board meeting, administrators announced plans to extend Comprehensive Distance Learning (CDL) through the end of first semester (February 8) for grades 4-12.

We’ve been watching the county and state COVID-19 metrics closely. While the Beaverton School District is located in Washington County, we’re linked with Multnomah County because more than 10% of our employees live in that neighboring county. To be able to start hybrid learning (part in-school/part CDL) for grades 4-12, the following metrics would have to be met:

• 10 or fewer cases of COVID-19 per 100,000 people in Washington (and Multnomah) County over 7 days for 3 weeks in a row
• Test positivity of 5% or less in Washington (and Multnomah) County over 7 days for 3 weeks in a row
• Test positivity of 5% or less statewide over 7 days for 3 weeks in a row

Given the trajectory of the health metrics, we don’t believe that we’ll realistically meet those numbers by November 16, the end of the first quarter. We have previously communicated that we’d be making the decision to continue in CDL on a quarter-by-quarter basis.

Beaverton School District will be promoting its first Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Awareness Week (October 12-16) to spread awareness of actions that we can all take to prevent suicide and reduce the stigma related to mental health concerns. As part of this important campaign, students at ACMA will receive a lesson to promote positive mental health, recognize the warning signs for suicide risk and encourage help-seeking behaviors. Parents and guardians play a critical role in preventing youth suicide. Please see the resource below to learn more information about suicide prevention and steps that you can take to protect yourself, your community, and your children.

Timberland Middle School (Click flyer below for more locations near you)

We're back in business! Thanks to a grant through the USDA, we're now able to offer more free food boxes on Wednesdays at three BSD locations beginning Wednesday, October 7:

Aloha High School: 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. (or until boxes are all distributed)

Beaverton High School: 12 p.m. - 1 p.m.

Southridge High School: 12 p.m. - 1 p.m.

We anticipate that each 44-lb. box will contain fresh produce, dairy and meat. There are no requirements to pick up a box. The distribution is open to all.

Anticipating that all students will get a district-owned device (either Chromebook or iPad), the District adds a fee of $20 to students’ Online Payment accounts (maximum fee of $60 per family per school year) to enroll them in the Damage-Loss Protection Program. This fee is waived for families who qualify for the free or reduced-price meal benefits program and have completed the Permission to Share form. Students need to pay the assigned fee prior to any damage or loss claims to be eligible for the Protection Program coverage and no later than 30 days after they begin school.

Students may choose to decline coverage. However, doing so isn't recommended, because a family would then assume full responsibility for any costs due to damage, loss or theft. These costs could be as much as $300 per incident, regardless of how the damage occurs.

Visit the Student Device Resources webpage for more information.

Parents, guardians, community members, teachers, students and administrators are encouraged to apply to serve on the Beaverton School District Social Studies Project Team. The Social Studies Project Team will review existing Social Studies curriculum and practices to make curriculum adoption recommendations to the School Board. The Project Team is an important part of the BSD Quality Curriculum Cycle (QCC), which provides a systematic means for making decisions about the BSD curriculum review, revision, development, and adoption of practices and instructional resources.

The Project Team’s work will begin on October 20 and will conclude by June 2021. The team will meet on the following weekday evenings from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. via Zoom (unless otherwise communicated): October 20, November 17, January 5, February 16, March 30, April 27 and May 25.

The Project Team and supporting BSD Teacher Cadre will be charged with the following goals:

● Researching best practices and instructional materials to be considered for possible adoption in Social Studies

● Articulating and supporting long-term academic learning targets and assessments in Social Studies

● Recommending professional development and structures for ongoing professional learning

● Participating in learning opportunities in the form of readings, discussion and trainings related to culturally relevant teaching practices

These goals are aligned with Oregon Social Sciences Standards as well as Multicultural Studies and Ethnic Studies Standards (draft)

The District reviews and updates its curriculum, instructional practices and classroom materials according to Board policy and Oregon State Statute and Administrative Regulations.

Membership for the Social Studies Project Team will include:

● Elementary classroom teachers (4)

● Middle school classroom teachers (2)

● High school classroom teachers (2)

● Students (4)

● Parent/Community members (4)

● School administrators (2 elementary, 1 middle school, 1 high school) (4)

● Social Studies specialists (1 elementary, 1 secondary) (2)

● Teaching Specialists, including but not limited to special education, multilingual, dual-language, advanced program and additional content area specialists (6)

● School Board representative (1)

Please note that membership roles/numbers are subject to change based on applications received.

Google Form and/or email submissions are due on Monday, October 5 by 4 p.m.

Applications should include the following information:

1. Students: Name, address, school and grade level, plus any special training or experience in Social Studies.

2. Parents/Community members: Name, address, ages of children and schools where enrolled (if applicable), plus any special training or experience in Social Studies.

3. Teachers & Administrators: Name, address, teaching experience and current assignment.

All: Respond to the following questions/prompts: (please limit your response to no more than one typed page)

1. Why do you want to serve on the Social Studies Project Team and what contributions will you make towards its goals?

2. Please describe your personal/professional experiences with educational equity work, and your commitment to educational equity in the realm of Social Studies education. (Educational Equity Policy, BSD Equity Lens)

3. What unique skills, perspective and voice will you contribute to ensure an inclusive and socially just Social Studies education for all of our students?

Please complete the appropriate online application form here:

1. Students

2. Parent/Community members

3. Teachers & Administrators

Or mail your application including all information listed above to:

Beaverton School District

Teaching and Learning

Attn: Susan Ouellette

16550 SW Merlo Rd.

Beaverton, OR 97003

For questions or additional information, please contact susan_ouellette@beaverton.k12.or.us

District Goal: WE empower all students to achieve post-high school success.