Gladstone School News Blast
Gladstone Schools • Growing Great People • 10.20.22
Move-a-thon raises over $41,000 for Wetten Elementary
This month John Wetten students set an all-time record, raising $41,401 for school programs through the annual Move-a-Thon. Donations came from 1,056 contributors in 40 different states, surpassing last year's record, $38, 321.
"Our Move-A-Thon was a blast! We're so thankful for all the community members who supported our school with donations, as well as chips and water bottles for the event," said Vice Principal Kassy Babeckos. "We loved having so many parents and friends there to cheer on our students."
The funds raised will provide yearbooks for all students, incentives for positive behavior and improved attendance, classroom technology, field trips, enrichment programs, and end-of-year celebrations.
For their outstanding effort, the entire school will be rewarded with a school-wide ice cream party. In addition, the class raising the most money will have the opportunity to turn the principal and Vice Principal into human ice cream sundaes.
Gladstone football champs celebrate 50 years since victories
Head coach Tommy Vaught and Head Defensive Coach Gery Weber, attended, along with Peggy Baker, widow of Assistant Coach Dick Baker.
Also honored were players Rick Hargitt, John Schoenwald, Larry Tietz, and Scott Wilson from the Class of 1972. Class of 1973 players attending included Mark Brending, Dave Hiersche, Dean Menken, Duane Monroe, Mike Potts, and Bill Preble. Those attending from the class of 1974 included players Jim Dean and Mike Kearns, as well as team managers Jack Glubrecht, Jerry King, and Jim Nicodemus.They were accompanied by Bee Holliman, widow of Richard "Beef" Holliman.
Volunteers return to John Wetten Elementary
This fall, school volunteers are back in Gladstone schools, helping with field trips, classroom learning, special events, and fundraisers.
"Since the start of the school year, more than 200 volunteers have stepped up to help," said Volunteer Coordinator Theresa Schmidt. "We're hoping to more than double that number so we can return to to the same level of support students had before the pandemic."
Volunteers need COVID vaccination, or they can request an exception by contacting Jeremiah Patterson at pattersonj@gladstone.k12.or.us. Many exceptions have been granted since last spring. The annual volunteer application can be completed online.
Audri Wolf is a first-time volunteer at John Wetten. She helps out once a week in the school library, and will soon shift to helping in her daughter's second-grade classroom. She also volunteered at the Move-a-Thon and runs the school's Box Tops for Education program.
"Parents haven't been able to volunteer during the pandemic. Now that we can, I really want to help," said Wolf. "This gives me a window into my daughter's life at school."
Patrick McMahon, a retiree, has been volunteering at John Wetten Elementary since 2000. This year he helps Mr. Hill's second grade class.
"In the morning I roam the room to help groups with math problems. Then, after my Meals on Wheels shift, I come back and help students one-on-one with reading," said McMahon. "I love volunteering because it's giving back to our community. It's just ingrained in me."
Volunteer James Younglove started volunteering at John Wetten eight years ago, and his niece is a student at the school. He helps fourth and fifth graders with math, serving both students who are working ahead, and those who need extra support to catch up.
"I love seeing the look on their faces when they understand a new concept," said Younglove. "That's my favorite part."
Volunteer Opportunities!
- Lunch buddy mentors: A lunch buddy mentor is an adult volunteer who during the school year, spends lunch & recess playing and engaging one on one with a student. This is a minimal commitment with a BIG impact.
- SMART reading volunteers: SMART reading volunteers support early literacy by providing read-aloud opportunities and helping students gain confidence in their reading skills.
- Sewing Club volunteers: Sewing volunteers help teach students basic hand sewing techniques and assist with sewing projects.
If you can help, please contact Theresa Schmidt.
503-656-6564 ext. 265
Veterans invited to November 10 celebration at GHS
Veterans or enlisted personnel from any branch of military service are invited to attend a special event in their honor. Gladstone High School is hosting their annual Veterans Assembly on November 10. The school is located at 18800 Portland Avenue in Gladstone.
Veterans, active duty members, and their guests are invited to a reception at 9:45 a.m., followed by a guest speaker and musical performances starting at 10:15 a.m.
This year's speaker is former GHS campus monitor Jesse Moore, who served tours of duty in Afghanistan.
Veterans or other guests who plan to attend can RSVP to Stefani Bell at 503-655-2544.
Boxtops for education benefit Gladstone schools
Here's how to get started:
- Download the Box Tops for Education app on your phone.
- Be sure to enter a referral code when setting up your account to earn extra points for our schools. Referral code: JE3T4GU0
- Scan your grocery receipts after you shop. (In store, online and grocery pickup all count) This takes less than 30 seconds.
"We are rebuilding participation in this program," said John Wetten Box Top coordinator Audri Wolf, parent of a second grader. "This fall we've already moved from $33 to $234 in funds raised for John Wetten."
"I'm 100% not asking anyone to buy anything special or contribute any dollars," Wolfe added. "Just scan your grocery receipts throughout the year to help our local schools. It's easy!"
If you have questions, parents can contact Audri Wolfe at audri.wolf@yahoo.com.
Volunteer needed to demonstrate healthy recipes
Gladstone's Head Start program is looking for a volunteer to demonstrate recipes for their Cooking Matters class for parents.
Classes will be held on Thursdays from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. for 6 sessions starting October 20
and ending December 8. [No classes on 11/10 or 11/24]
All recipes are basic and focused on the Cooking Matters principle of encouraging families to eat nutritious foods such as whole grains and fresh produce. All ingredients will be provided.
"The structure of the course is that our volunteer models cooking the meal in the Head Start kitchen on River Road, then we all eat the meal together while I present cooking and nutrition info," said Olive Bircha. "Then families are sent home with ingredients and supplies to make the dish themselves."
To volunteer, contact Olive Bicha at oliveb@clackcokids.org or call 503-451-1468.