Spotlight Newsletter
Chapman Elementary School - 04.10.17
Calendar of Events
- 4/11 - Run For the Arts - Ramona Campus
- 4/12 - Principal's Coffee at The Ramona after Round Up
- 4/12 - PTA Meeting - 6pm, Chapman Library
- 4/21 - ART BALL - 6:00-8:00pm
- 5/5 - Annual Talent Show
Principal's Message
What a glorious Run for the Arts we had on Friday at the main campus! Our students ran with determination and enthusiasm despite the weather. Mr. Studt did a wonderful job of changing the route at the last minute to avoid running through the park where tree branches were falling on the sidewalks. We look forward to continuing the fun with the Ramona run tomorrow morning!
As I have shared with you already, the district is facing an $18 million shortfall for the 2017-18 school year which means the impact will be felt across PPS schools. Across the district, kindergarten classrooms will be up to 28, 1st-3rd grade classrooms will be up to 30, and our 4th & 5th grade classrooms will be up to 34.
In addition to bigger class sizes, Chapman was reduced by 5.28 FTE (which does not translate to a straight-across loss as positions are weighted differently and come from different budget strings).
As you can imagine, these cuts will have great impact on how we support our programs, staff, and students next year. Please keep in mind that staffing decisions are very difficult as they directly affect the people that work tirelessly everyday with our students. I have worked with staff to prioritize our needs where we were able to make some decisions about staffing. That said, I want to communicate the changes that we have had to make for next year.
- Art: 1/2 time position has been cut, we will have one full-time teacher.
- Counselors: one full time position has been cut, we will have one full-time Counselor.
- 2nd Grade Classroom Teacher: one classroom has been cut, we will have four 2nd grade classrooms.
- 4th Grade Classroom Teacher: one classroom has been cut, we will have three 4th grade classrooms.
- 5th Grade Classroom Teacher: one classroom has been cut, we will have three 5th grade classrooms.
- Library Assistant: 1/2 time position has been cut; the library will be staffed by a 1/2 time Media Specialist.
- Secretary: one full-time position has been cut, we will have two full-time Secretaries.
- Educational Assistants: all 1st-5th positions have been cut.
- Special Education: 1/2 time position has been cut, will will have one full-time position.
You may have heard that PE has been cut across the district. At Chapman, we were originally cut to a 1/2 time position, which would translate to 30 minutes of PE every other week for our students. In addition we were set to lose one 1st grade classroom. With some discretionary support and feedback from the staff, we are going to keep PE at full-time, and maintain four sections of 1st grade.
You will be hearing from the Chapman Foundation in the coming weeks about ways that you can help fill in the gaps created by this severe shortfall. In addition, please continue to let your legislators in Salem know your opinions about education funding.
Thank you,
Pamela Van Der Wolf
Principal
Counselor's Corner
While performing my spring cleaning tasks, I was reminded that assigning chores is a great way to help kids learn responsibility. At first, it can be challenging to create the habit of weekly duties. Starting with one or two simple assignments can create a feeling of success and accomplishment. If constant reminders and lack of effort become a theme, the ABC technique shown below can come in handy.
A – stands for: Ask your child to do a chore. Include a deadline for completion.
B – stands for: Be quiet. Resist the urge to nag, remind, or threaten.
C – stands for: Consequences and empathy will do the teaching. If the chore(s) are not completed or attempted you can say, “I had to do your chores for you. Now I don’t have the time or the energy to make the cookies.” (or any other treat that you would typically provide your child).
It is worth avoiding a monetary reward for weekly tasks. Chores are just part of being a contributing family member.
For more tips related to teaching responsibility check out https://www.loveandlogic.com.
More help, more time for fun,
Stephanie Cox
School Counselor
Announcing! The Annual Chapman Talent Show!
Share your talent with your school, family and friends on stage!
If you can PLAY an INSTRUMENT, SING, DANCE, PERFORM gymnastics, martial arts, recite a poem, juggle, or have another talent you would like to share, APPLY NOW!
Applications are available online or can be picked up in the Chapman offices.
Sign-up occurs when the application is turned in.
Contact Sarah Harrington at s_harrington@comcast.net with questions or to submit an application electronically.
News You Can Use from the Multnomah County Library
Gardening inspiration
It’s finally spring! Are you and your kids thinking of starting a garden this year? If so, check out this booklist created by Multnomah County Library’s School Corps team of librarians:
Gardening grade 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. On it you’ll find books about gardening, native Oregon plants, companion gardening, and composting (fiction and nonfiction) for first, second, third, fourth, and fifth graders.
Friendly House
Friendly House Afterschool 2017-18: Registration NOW OPEN!
Join the Chapman-Friendly House partnership that started in 1982! Your child will enjoy caring and educated staff, daily snacks, engaging activities, homework support, and MORE, all within our warm neighborhood center environment. Visit friendlyhouseinc.org/afterschool for more information or to sign up - we offer sliding scale pricing and full and partial scholarships in order to welcome a diverse community of families. Hours are Monday-Friday 2:15-6 with a daily morning program from 7-7:50 and extended care on late opening and school closure days.
Summer Camp at Friendly House - Filling Fast! One- and two-week sessions for 1st to 6th graders with themes, field trips, and swim lessons! Scholarships available for qualifying families. Visit our summer camp website to view themes, field trips, and prices and see a link to sign up online.
Stay Connected
View Chapman flyers through Peachjar:
- Oregon Ag in the Classroom Calendar Art Contest
- BodyVox Kids Dance Camp!
- Willowbrook Arts Camp
- Summer Dance - NW Dance Project
- Namanu in the City Downtown PDX
- Summer Reading Skills
- Rain or Shine Camps
- NWCT Chapman Spring Drama Club
- Lincoln Youth Baseball Spring 2017
- PIL Open Golf Tournament 2017
- RecTennis Summer Fun
- Filmmaking & Animation Camps
- NW Dance Project Youth Dance Program
- Mad Science Afterschool @ Chapman
- Young Rembrandts
- Track is Back!
Chapman Main Campus
Chapman @ The Ramona
Chapman PTA & Foundation
District policy prohibits discrimination on the basis of age, color, creed, disability, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, and sexual orientation. BP 1.801.020. Not all outside groups comply with the District’s non-discrimination policy. Families are strongly encouraged to review all materials closely.