Raleigh Hills Newsletter
October 18, 2019
Weekly Message
Dear Raleigh Hills Families,
We know that the announcement of the phasing out of the middle school at Raleigh Hills has been an emotional one for staff, students, families and community members. Here at school, we have asked all 4th-8th grade teachers to talk to their students about the changes and to process that with them. They have done this through a variety of forums including classroom circles. I know that families are also working hard to support their students at home and we appreciate that. As the announcement letter stated, my door is always open if you’d like to come to speak to me about what this announcement will mean for your student and family.
Please know that this decision is part of the district’s larger picture regarding a common middle school experience for all district 6th-8th graders. As we have been listening to the community about this change, a few things have come to light that we’d like to address.
Many have been wondering about why there wasn’t more communication from Mrs. DeMartino at the time of the announcement. Because ours wasn’t the only school affected, I was asked to follow a communication plan that had been coordinated among all the parties to be sure that all staff and community members at each school received the information at the same time. I followed that plan. In hindsight, I wish I had put something in last week’s newsletter acknowledging the emotion of the announcement because I care deeply about the Raleigh Hills community.
We know that there are questions about what a common middle school experience means. I have reached out to the executive administrator of middle schools to see if there is a guiding document that could be shared with the community. I will get that to you as soon as any information becomes available to me.
It came to our attention that there was a misunderstanding about the funds that were budgeted for the previously scheduled renovation project at Raleigh Hills. These funds have not been reallocated to other projects. They are on hold pending the passage of a new bond that will provide the additional funds needed to completely rebuild the school.
Lastly, I have included a table laying out how the timelines of the middle school phase out, the middle school boundary readjustment process, and the RH construction project align. I hope you will find this document helpful.
As I stated when I had the unenviable task of delivering this news to our dedicated staff, I am completely invested in making these next four years a wonderful, full and rich experience for all of our students from kindergarten to 8th grade. I accepted the principalship at Raleigh Hills with that goal in mind and I plan to fulfill it even though this change has come to our community.
Please reach out to me with other questions or concerns.
Warm regards,
Jennifer
Celebrations
Building Stamina with Read to Self
Books at the Cedar Mill Library are now leveled which will help families find "just right" books for their children at home. Parents can place holds on these books to be sent to any WCCLS library. It's on the Cedar Mill Library individual page, and there are new and old favorites.
Assembly: Middle School Led with Theme Respect
Mrs. Holte's Class with the Heart Award for Kindness
Mrs. Towell's Class for Respectful Playground Behavior
Mrs. Gooding's Class for Extraordinary Hallway Behavior
Mrs. Donner's Class for Responsible Cafeteria Behavior
Mr. Battison's Class for Being on Time to School and Classes Throughout the Day
Ask Your Student about their Assembly Class Cheer!
Thank You for Prepping Phonics Materials
Announcement
Options Program
The application window for the District’s full day options programs & schools is now open. The application window closes Friday, December 6, 2019. To learn more about full day, partial day and revolving options programs in the District, visit the Learning Options webpage. We also have a calendar of open houses on the full day options program webpage.
Application are available here.
Lost and Found
Parent Pick Up at Dismissal
Inclement Weather
Inclement weather decisions will be decided by 5:15 a.m and posting by 5:30 a.m.
You can also follow us on Twitter @BeavertonSD o Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/BeavertonSchoolDistrict/
Media outlets will also have the information.
The District posts information via Flash Alert as well. Parents can also sign up to receive weather alerts: www.flashalert.net
PTO Opportunities
OUR LIBRARIAN NEEDS OUR HELP!!!! If you are available during the school day for just an hour, Ms. Moore would love your help in the library. Duties include: shelving, book covering, checking in books, and production. Please sign-up at myimpactpage.com and Ms. Moore will email you with more details. Here is the link:
I just want to THANK all RHS volunteers for your willingness to share your time and help. We could not do all that we do without your help!!! We currently have 471 volunteers signed up at RHS. That's incredible!!!! And a special thank you to the parents who showed up to help ALL DAY with the K-2 teacher production project. You are awesome!
I'm working on a Volunteer of the Month program. More details to come! Have a great weekend.
Lisa Marquoit, Volunteer Coordinator
Garden Work Party
"Did you know RHS has a garden filled with flowers, fruit trees, vegetable beds and mason bee houses? Our students use the garden to learn and connect with nature. It is located at the right side of the building and is absolutely beautiful!
This Saturday, resident garden ladies Carol Howell and Leslie Taylor will lead a Fall Cleanup at our garden. We need folks to help from 9am-11am this Saturday 10/19. If you can make it, please sign up now so we know how much help to expect. All welcome, donuts and coffee for everyone! Garden Cleanup