Principal's Newsletter
Sam Barlow High School ~ February 2019
Sam Barlow High School
Website: https://www.gresham.k12.or.us/sbhs
Location: 5105 SE 302nd Ave, Gresham, OR, United States
Phone: (503) 258-4850
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sam-Barlow-High-School/106146596083423
FROM PRINCIPAL BRUCE C. SCHMIDT, JR.
It is hard to believe that we are now halfway through the school year. Students have completed their first semester of classes, our winter sports programs are at the tail end of their season, and we are beginning to plan for things like graduation and forecasting for the 2019-20 school year. I am always amazed at how fast time flies.
By the time you receive this newsletter, your student will have completed their final exams and grades will have been recorded. Take some time to talk to your student about the grades they have earned. This is a nice time to celebrate successes as well as planning for improvement where needed. This process of reflection is great for your student and will help you to gauge where they are both academically and emotionally. If you have questions or concerns about their grades, please don’t hesitate to contact their teacher or counselor to get more information. This is especially important if you have a senior and are wondering about your student completing all of those graduation requirements.
We have just finished our first week of the second semester. I am pretty certain that your student has had a few changes to their schedules. They may have a new elective class or a new teacher for one of their core classes. With those changes come new classroom procedures, new personalities, and changes in expectations. Asking them to describe these things is key to starting the new semester on the right foot. These are also great conversation starters that require more than a one-word response or the proverbial “everything is fine” that you may get between naps or the mid-evening refrigerator run.
Another Successful Year With Our Graduation Rate:
For the past four years we have been working very hard to make some key changes in order to increase the success of our students. Fortunately, that work is beginning to really pay off. The Class of 2018 posted a graduation rate of 85%. This is especially impressive when you consider that there was a significant number of students behind in credits after their freshman year. In addition to making up ground, we posted a rate 8% points higher than the state average, and outperformed all other large high schools in east county. Moving forward, we are targeting a graduation rate of 90% within the next three years.
We Need Your Support:
One of our main focal points at Barlow is the safety of our students and staff. A key component of ensuring that students and staff are safe is being able to identify and see the faces of all those who enter our building. In order to do this, we have implemented a No Hat, Beanie, and Hoody policy. Specifically, we prohibit students from wearing a hat, or the hood of their sweatshirt, as it can be used to hide their face, or make them indistinguishable from behind. Also, if someone enters the building we are able to immediately identify “strangers” if they are wearing a hat or hood in the building.
As in many cases, some students push the policy and will wear a hood during the school day. In the past, we have asked them to remove their hood only to see them later wearing the hood again. This jeopardizes our safety and creates a “battle” for us. As a result, we have made the decision to change how we work with students who wear a hat, beanie, or hood in the building. Please see the process we will be following below:
- First Offense: If a student is wearing a hat, beanie, or hood in the building, we will take that item and hold it in student management until the end of the day.
- Second Offense: If a student is wearing a hat, beanie, or hood in the building, we will take that item and hold it in student management until the end of the day and a phone call home will be made to let you know that they have continued to disregard the policy.
- Third Offense: If a student is wearing a hat, beanie, or hood in the building, we will take that item and hold it in student management until the end of the day. We will then keep that article until a parent or guardian comes to the school to pick it up.
We fully understand that it is cold outside and students will want to wear something on their head when coming from the parking lot or going to our portable classrooms. Students can still do that. However, once they enter the school building, they must remove their hat, beanie, or hood. Please understand that this does not apply to lunch in the courtyard. Students will not be permitted to wear these items at any time during the school day unless they are going to their car to leave, waiting for the bus, or going to the portable classrooms.
Thanks for your understanding and helping us take steps to make our school as safe as possible for our students and staff.
We truly appreciate your support. Thanks for all you do as parents, guardian, and supporters. Go Bruins!
PARENTVUE APP (Check your students' progress)
You can download the ParentVue App directly to your phone for free. It’s very simple to do and we have included the step-by-step instructions for you below.
Go to your App store or Android Market and search for ParentVue.
Click ‘install’ and then ‘open’ when installation is complete.
You will have a screen prompting you to swipe left to find your district. If location is activated on your phone, our district should pop to the top. If not, type in Gresham-Barlow School District in the search bar.
Once you choose Gresham-Barlow School District, you will be asked to log in.
Once you have logged in, you will have access to your student's information, such as;
Class Schedule
Current Grades in all classes
Progress Reports
Attendance
Teacher communications
Access to update your contact information
Many more…
You can also select which language you prefer to use by clicking on ‘change’ at the bottom of the screen.
This is a great resource to have at the tip of your fingers. If you need assistance logging in or resetting your password, please contact Teresa Juden at juden@gresham.k12.or.us
Sam Barlow School Safety Forum
On Thursday, February 21st from 6:30-8:30 Sam Barlow will host a School Safety Forum to discuss the steps we are taking to protect students and staff. This event will begin with a performance of the play, Bang Bang You’re Dead by our advanced Drama students. The topic of this performance, is based on the Thurston High School shooting in Springfield Oregon. While quite intense, it presents the impact of bullying, school violence, and its causes. Following the performance, we will host two breakout sessions to discuss specific aspects of school safety and conclude with a large group debrief to address additional questions, concerns, and solutions to teen social and emotional development. This is an outstanding opportunity to be a part of our school safety measures and see our acclaimed drama department perform a production that earned them first place in a national competition.
After the performance, attendees will have the chance to attend two of the three breakout sessions followed by a large group discussion and debrief. The schedule for the event is as follows:
SBHS Safety Forum Schedule
6:30-7:00 Performance in Cafeteria
7:05-7:25 Breakout Session One
7:30-7:50 Breakout Session Two
7:55-8:30 Large Group Discussion/Debrief in Cafeteria
Breakout Session Topics
- Teen Mental Health and School Supports (Kim Louvin-SBHS Social Worker)
- Law Enforcement Protocols (Officer Gavin Sasser- School Resource Officer)
- New School Safety Features (Bruce Schmidt- Principal)
We hope you are able to attend this event and learn more about Sam Barlow High School and what we are doing to provide a safe school environment.
Attendance
In order for students to reach their full potential in the classroom, they must attend school. We want all students to attend at least 90% of all school days. Students should only miss school if they have a fever, have been vomiting, have a medical appointment, or a family emergency. We fully understand that students will sometimes miss school, but limiting the number of missed days is important. Students can’t learn unless they are in class. If we have more students attending at a higher rate, we can also increase the success of our students and our graduation rate.
Please enjoy the start of the second semester. We hope to see you at a school sponsored event or activity. It is always a great experience to see our students competing and performing as it really fosters a sense of community.
Student Pick-Up and Drop-Off Guidelines
PLEASE!! We still need parents to cooperate during student drop-off and pick-up times. We have worked to create a safer and more streamlined pick-up and drop-off experience, but this experience can only be successful if parents adhere to the guidelines. We have attached those guidelines to this newsletter for your review.
STUDENTS OF THE MONTH
Sam Barlow recognizes students who have shown their Bruin PRIDE by awarding a Student of the Month for each grade level. Students can be nominated for Student of the Month by receiving a PRIDE Note from a staff member throughout the month. The staff then votes for one male and one female student from each grade to receive this recognition. Our outstanding Students of the Month for November are:
DECEMBER Student of the Month 18-19
FRESHMAN
Sophie Bier
Geovanni De Los Santos
SOPHOMORE
Evan Delacruz
Amanda Myrhow
JUNIOR
Konnar Fuller
Morgan Stratton
SENIOR
Sarah Graham
Drew Turner
REPORT CARDS ONLINE
Beginning this school year, paper report cards will be available by request only.
You can access your student's progress reports and report cards online through ParentVue. To access the report card from your ParentVue account, just click on the 'report card' button from the menu on the left side of the screen. If you have trouble logging into your ParentVue account or need to get it set up, please contact Teresa Juden in our Student Management Office. juden@gresham.k12.or.us
LIBRARY INFORMATION
Our library is available to students during the school year from 7:00am - 4:00pm. There will be days throughout the year the library will be closed for various events. Please be sure your student checks the library schedule before staying after school to ensure it is open.
WINTER SPORTS SCHEDULES
Visit the Bruin Athletic page to see the latest information on sports schedules.
Career Day
Marketing 5-6
This years’ Marketing 5-6 class is thrilled to announce their membership in DECA! DECA is a Career Technical Student Organization that contributes to enhancing and incorporating vital aspects of the classroom with the business world. Expecting to go to their first official competition on February 24th, this years’ newly elected DECA officers are eager to test their skills in leadership alongside their Oregon peers. Being given the opportunity to go to observe DECA competitions last year, these officers are perfectly fit for their positions.
As the President of the DECA at Sam Barlow, Ethan Wallis says he is “Ecstatic to have been given this opportunity to enhance my business skills and incorporate them into real life situations.” As Vice President, Coleman Kane says that he is “Thrilled to end his senior year being involved in such an awesome program.”
From researching and creating new product and promotional ideas, to continuously practicing role play situations in preparation for the DECA competitions, this years’ Marketing students are always on the go! Not only that, but they also manage Barlow’s student store known as The Den. Marketing 5-6 has a lot on their plate, but they are excited to test and nourish their skills in not only just their high school elective, but potentially their future career paths…
-Tara Shafiei
Men's & Women's Basketball Senior Night
Friday, Feb 15, 2019, 06:00 PM
Sam Barlow High School, Southeast 302nd Avenue, Gresham, OR, USA
Barlow Music Events
A Bruin Concert, Chanticleer and Canada...Oh My!
Our large advanced ensemble, Concert Choir has received two special invitations this year. On Saturday, February 23, the Bruins of Concert Choir will perform alongside the Bruins of George Fox University in a special concert in Newberg, Oregon. Additionally, the choir has been invited to a special workshop and performance with the Pacific Youth Choir and leading American Choral Ensemble, Chanticleer on April 13. Aside from these and other festivals, Concert Choir will be touring to Victoria, BC March 21-24 to work with clinicians, sing at Parliament, visit colleges/universities and take in the the sights and culture.
ACTIVITY BUS
After-school activity buses are available for students who stay after to meet with a teacher, or work in the library. Students must know their address to ensure they get on the correct bus. The activity buses leaves the school at 4:00pm.
Routes can be found in the document attached to this newsletter. Questions can be directed to First Student Transportation, 503-665-8193
SCHOOL MEAL PROGRAM
Meal Prices:
Breakfast is FREE
Lunch $2.80
Reduced prices - Free
To pay online, click here and sign on or register.
ACTIVITIES
Test preparation books available at the Barlow Library
Need help with studying for the SAT, ACT or AP tests? Our Barlow Library has many up-to-date test preparation books available for student use. We cover every major college entry test and we have test guidebooks for every AP course offered at Barlow. Why buy a guidebook when you can borrow one for free? Check out these test prep books from our Library today!
If you want to look for similar announcements and events, check out the Barlow Library Events page.
Forecasting for the 2019-2020 School Year
Forecasting is approaching quickly. The following dates are listed by grade level. Please refer any questions to the counseling department:
Junior Forecasting: Gov. Econ (Honors/AP)
Presentation Day-Tuesday, February 19th
Pick Up Day-Tuesday, February 26th
Sophomore Forecasting: English 3-4 (Honors)
Presentation Day-Monday, February 25th
Pick Up Day-Tuesday, March 5th
Freshman Forecasting: Physical Science (Honors)
Presentation Day-Monday, March 4th
Pick Up Day-Monday, March 11th
8th Grade Parent Night-Tuesday, March 19th
8th Grade Forecasting
Presentation Dates
WOMS-Thursday, March 14th
GRMS-Friday, March 15th
DMS-Monday, March 18th
Pick Up Dates
DMS-Tuesday, April 2nd
WOMS-Thursday, April 4th
GRMS-Monday & Tuesday, April 8th & 9th"
Host Families Needed!
We are currently looking for host families for foreign exchange students for the 2019-2020 school year. Hosting a foreign exchange student can be a rewarding experience. For information please contact Oscar Rethwill, counselor at 503 258-4874."
SENIOR PARENTS!
Last Day for Seniors is June 4th
Graduation is June 11th, 5:00 PM - Veteran's Memorial Coliseum
You can access a lot of information regarding your student's senior year by visiting the Senior Information page on our website.
The next meeting is Monday, February 25th @ 6:30pm in the Staff Cafeteria
Senior Baby Ads can still be purchased for the yearbook. Please use the form attached to place your ad.
Class of 2019, Get College or Career Ready!
This year will be busy and filled with challenges and excitement for your future. Your College & Career Center is here to assist you on your journey. We will work hard to answer your questions and make your senior year a fun and productive one.
Click on the attached College & Career Center News to see all of the opportunities you have to receive free money for college or get career ready.
Career Exploration Opporunities
FEBRUARY
Feb 8th -on tour to PCC Deisel WS 7:30 -2:30
Feb 11th on tour to Benchmade 8-11
Feb 19th- at MHCC visit 7:30-12
Feb 21- all day Army Corps Engineering
Feb 26th tour of MetroEast 7:30-1:30 & Trades Night 5-9 (GHS)
MARCH
March 4th- Military Night at GHS (5-9)
March 6th, 7th, 8th (not scheduled to work on 8th) Gone all day(s) to Army Educators trip
March 15th- tour of Cook Security 8-12
March 19th gone to Career Expo 7:30 to 12
Measles Information
Please note that they are encouraging families to make sure everyone in the household has updated vaccines. If you are unsure of the vaccinations your family has received, please contact your family doctor or the county health department for guidance.
CAL - Center for Advanced Learning
MAIN OFFICE FAQ's
What are the office hours?
7:00am - 3:30pm daily
Closed on holidays and some inservice days
What is the main office number?
503-258-4850
Can I leave a message for my student?
Yes. If necessary, we can take messages from a parent or guardian only. Messages will not be delivered to class except in an emergency, but will be held in the office. Students are paged during designated paging times, and it is the student’s responsibility to pick up the note.
Can I bring a present or send flowers/balloons to a student?
We are unable to accept gifts, flowers/balloons for students. We will refuse all attempted deliveries.
Can I deliver coffee/specialty drinks to my student?
No. We will not accept any Dutch, Black Rock, Country Coffee, etc.
Additional questions?
Please call us! 503-258-4850
Who Can Help?
If you have concerns about your child’s schedule or other issues, the following are the staff to contact. Email is a quick way to get answers to the questions you might have.
COUNSELORS
A-E Michelle Kahan kahan@gresham.k12.or.us
F-J Erin Boelow boelow@gresham.k12.or.us
K-Ra Oscar Rethwill rethwill@gresham.k12.or.us
Re-Z Molly Ninneman ninneman@gresham.k12.or.us
LICENSED SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKER
Kimberly Louvin louvin@gresham.k12.or.us
HS SUCCESS COACH
Paul Quirke quirke@gresham.k12.or.us
ELL LIAISON
Karen Galicia galicia4@gresham.k12.or.us
ATTENDANCE LIAISON
Ryan Alexander alexander9@gresham.k12.or.us
ASSISTANT PRINCIPALS
A-G Cheeri Schacht schacht2@gresham.k12.or.us
H-O Tim Collins collins19@gresham.k12.or.us
P-Z Kelly Hart hart29@gresham.k12.or.us
SBHS Calendars
If you would like to subscribe to Sam Barlow calendars on your phone or other devices, use the links below:
Activities - SBHS Calendar: https://calendar.google.com/calendar/ical/gresham.k12.or.us_73jhabthgqh7h2910qn0c6baq8%40group.calendar.google.com/public/basic.ics
Athletics -SBHS calendar: https://calendar.google.com/calendar/ical/gresham.k12.or.us_kv7l5hldmkp5s4cgp4dmg8fnls%40group.calendar.google.com/public/basic.ics
Sam Barlow Main Public Calendar: https://calendar.google.com/calendar/ical/gresham.k12.or.us_4jj9ve163iticdogb11b6ggp1s%40group.calendar.google.com/public/basic.ics