Aloha High School
1/21/22
End of the Semester Special Schedule
Student Behavior Concerns - Principal Matt Casteel
Aloha Parents, Guardians and Community,
I would like to be transparent about ongoing behavioral concerns. I have been in direct communication with several parents about these concerns over the past couple days, and I know others share these concerns. I can promise you that I and the staff here at Aloha share your concerns, as well. Yes, these are difficult times, not only for Aloha High School, but for all schools.
We have many students who are struggling, academically and socially. Students are having a hard time reconnecting with community expectations and the structure of a school day. I am asking for your help in talking with and helping your child reconnect with daily routines, eating healthy meals, getting enough sleep and exercising. Encourage them to engage in real life experiences and talk about healthy ways to overcome obstacles or disagreements. Establishing these important routines and developing these social norms is critical to their academic success.
We are seeing a higher number of student conflicts, and some of those are getting physical, despite our significant and ongoing efforts to work with students and families. Please know that appropriate school consequences are occurring and in some cases, law enforcement is involved. As I stated in a previous newsletter, students arriving late and not getting to class on time is a continual struggle and is setting the stage for many of these incidents. Please talk to your student and ensure that they are doing what they need to be successful.
We know that 90% of our students are doing the right thing every day. I know that we are making a difference, not only for these students, but for many of those who are struggling.
Finally, social media is no friend of our students, schools or efforts to build a positive culture. I and every school staff member wish there was some way we could eliminate this extremely negative force in our world. Many of these negative and disruptive incidents get filmed posted by students. This level of attention creates a narrative that these types of events are the norm while the hundreds of good and appropriate events get no attention at all. Though the process of getting social media companies to remove sites is incredibly difficult and slow, we have done it before and will continue. Even when we have been successful, it is frustrating that anonymous users can start a new account the very next day. Please talk to your students about how much time they are spending on social media. Are they following negative sites? How do they feel this is contributing to their relationships? Is time spent on social sites helping or impeding their goals?
I understand that there is nothing I can say or do to guarantee all student conflicts can be avoided, but please know that we are working very hard to make it so. We appreciate your partnership in overcoming these challenges. Please be assured that your student’s safety and success is our highest priority.
Thank you for your assistance and support.
Matt Casteel
Principal
Bus Updates
Dear BSD Community & Staff,
Since the beginning of the school year, school districts across the country have suffered bus driver shortages due to a tight labor market. To this point, we’ve been able to run all our routes by utilizing other transportation employees who are licensed drivers. However, like in our community at large, we’re seeing an increased number of bus driver absences due to COVID-19.
If we have 43 or more drivers absent, we’ll need to place up to 9 routes on a 90-minute delay. The delay would apply to both morning and afternoon routes. If your student’s route is impacted, you’ll receive a ParentSquare notification by 6:00 a.m. that morning. Unfortunately, we’re unable to give you more advance notice because we often don’t have a full count of absent drivers until the morning. Schools with affected routes will operate on a normal schedule. Students who arrive late will not be penalized. We’re hoping that we don’t have to employ this strategy, but we want to make sure that you’re not caught by surprise.
Thank you and be well.
Craig Beaver
Administrator for Transportation
Graduation 2022 - June 10th at Aloha Stadium
Immunization Exclusion Day - February 16
Immunizations are required by state law for children and students in attendance at public and private schools, preschools, child care facilities and Head Start programs in Oregon. Nearly every facility that provides care for a child outside the home requires immunizations or a medical or non-medical exemption to remain enrolled.
Exclusion Day for this school year is Wednesday, February 16, for children who are not up-to-date on their vaccines. Students can see their health care providers, go to a school-based health center or contact the Washington County Health Department to find other vaccination locations.
While recommended, BSD doesn’t require students to be vaccinated for COVID-19. Students won’t be excluded on February 16 if they haven't received a COVID-19 vaccination.
More information, including a full list of required immunizations for the 2022-23 school year, can be found on the School Nursing and Student Health webpage.
Help the PTO/Booster Club just by shopping
Hey did you know you can help out your Booster Club simply by shopping? Yes! You can sign up to use the Fred Meyer Community Rewards Program:
Simply visit https://www.fredmeyer.com. Once logged into your Fred Meyer account, search for Aloha High School Booster Club either by name or EY395 and then click Enroll. New users will need to create an account which requires some basic information, a valid email address and a rewards card.
Career Center
What do I do if I get sick at school?
What do I do if I arrive late or need to leave early?
Medications at School
Aloha High School
Email: ahs-communications@beaverton.k12.or.us
Website: aloha.beaverton.k12.or.us
Location: 18550 Southwest Kinnaman Road, Beaverton, OR, USA
Phone: 5033562760
Facebook: facebook.com/ahsalohahighschool
Twitter: @ahsalohahighschool
Teen Support Resources
Mental Health America has compiled an abundance of resources for teens and parents of teens who are experiencing depression.
HelpGuide, a nonprofit organization, put together tips for parents to help them identify depression in their teens and help them treat it.
According to Mental Health America, anxiety disorders are among the most common mental illnesses in the U.S. This page has resources for dealing with anxiety and in depth information about the causes, symptoms, treatments and more.
The CDC conducts a National Youth Risk Behavior Survey to spotlight the causes and effects of high risk behaviors in youth.
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention said that educating yourself on what put kids at the greatest risk for suicide is one thing that protects them the most. They have given information on the facts and some of the risk factors and warning signs for teen suicide.
Solara Mental Health has created a mental health guide to help college students stay on track with maintaining their mental health and a healthy life balance in college.
- National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
The National Helpline is available in English and Spanish for individuals and family members facing mental health or substance abuse disorders.
Truth Initiative has a free text message program to help youth, young adults or anyone who is looking to quit e-cigarette use.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) put together page of resources of support for teens and young adults facing challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry listed some sources of teen stress and ways that parents can help their them to decrease stress.