Hello Whitford Family,

This is a year of new beginnings for many of us. My name is Zan Hess and I have the privilege of serving as Whitford’s new principal. I’m honored and pleased to serve such an awesome community of humans. To those of you I have already visited with, thank you for your kind words and welcoming comments. To those that I have not yet met, I look forward to connecting with each of you very soon.

A little about myself. I am a Beaverton boy. I went to school at Cooper Mountain, Errol Hassell, Mt View, and Aloha High school. After spending some time in South America, I returned and went to school at Western Oregon to fulfill a dream of mine – to be an educator and teach kids. My first professional teaching job was actually at Raleigh Park Elementary where many of Whitford’s students have attended. After working at Raleigh Park, I have served as an administrator at Fir Grove Elementary and Conestoga Middle School where I have been for the last 15+ years. Coming to a new school like Whitford has been a gift.

On a personal note, I have been married for just over 30 years to my best friend, Julie. Together we have 7 kids…. two of whom are still at home and attend schools in the Tigard area now as a 8th and 10th graders. I have three of the best grandkids around – one little girl and two little boys. I believe that family is and should be #1 in everybody’s book!! That is one reason why Whitford feels so good. We are a family and for those of you who are new to Whitford, like me, we are excited to have you join this hidden jewel in Beaverton.

This summer has been one of amazing change. We have had the opportunity to bring to our school community over 25 new staff, both Classified and Certified, who will be serving our kids in many different ways! We have found the best of the best to join our familiy! We look forward to learning and growing together. All of us here at Whitford are excited to begin a new year together with renewed energy and drive to strive for excellence in all that we do.

The year ahead of us is full of opportunities to learn, grow, and expand our horizons. We look forward to you contributing to our journey together. We invite you to engage fully, ask questions of our teachers and staff, AND join us this year in every way possible.

Please say “hi” when you see me and introduce yourself. Thank you for entrusting some of the most important learning in a child’s life to us. We do not take this responsibility lightly and embrace this work with both arms completely and entirely.

Respectfully,

Zan Hess, Principal

See the attached Calendar below for one page easy to read advisory calendar including Whitford Conference dates. Advisory class will be held the first two weeks of school and then every Monday and Tuesday throughout the year.

Meals will not be free this year. Lunch will be $3.25, and breakfast $1.70. Please take time to fill out the meal benefit application to qualify for meal benefits.

https://www.beaverton.k12.or.us/departments/nutrition-services/meal-benefits

Whitford Volunteer Interest Survey

Whitford Middle School has a range of areas where volunteer help is needed. This form is to sign up for to receive more information about areas that you are interested in. We do this at the beginning of each school year. You will be contacted through the district wide volunteer system, (myimpactpage.com), to sign up to help with specific events at a later date.

Volunteering is an excellent way to be involved in your child's school and become better acquainted with staff, students, and other parents. There are many opportunities in diverse areas to match your interests, skills, and availability.

BEGINNING THE VOLUNTEER PROCESS: In the District-wide Volunteer Management System, all volunteers need to first complete an application and background check to create a profile in the system. Once a profile is created, volunteers will be able to update personal information, view and sign-up for open volunteer needs, and communicate directly with the school Volunteer Coordinator. Please follow this link to start the application: BSD volunteer application

INCOMING DISTRICT VOLUNTEERS: your volunteer profile is not linked to student information and will not follow your student to a new school. Please send an email to add Whitford to your locations: update_volunteer_locations@beaverton.k12.or.us

Art Literacy - Present an art lesson in your child’s classroom (3 times a year). All training and materials provided. This is an opportunity for those who enjoy working with students in a teacher-like role. The classroom teacher remains with the class, but you are presenting or assisting with the lesson. We are looking for an Art LIt Coordinator! Beaverton Art Literacy Program

Box Tops for Education – Promote awareness of this program that allows users to earn cash for Whitford by buying qualified products and scanning receipts with theirApp. Box Tops 4 Education website

Clothes for Kids – Previously the Clothes Closet – is a district non-profit, free clothing store. Organize volunteers for Whitford’s assigned day Clothes for Kids website

Dance & Party Coordinators and Chaperones – 2-3 dances per year hosted at the school. Various tasks from ticket sales to concessions, photo booth, door monitors, etc.

8th grade Year-end Party – Help to plan the party to give the 8th graders a great send off.

Library/Media Center – help as needed in library / media center

Lost and Found – Help get items back into student’s possession. Clear out and sort the lost and found bins at the end of each month.

New Idea – have an idea for an event, fundraiser, or way to support our students and school? Check this box and the PTO Board will be in touch. We love new ideas and welcome your input, skills, and excitement!

Outdoor School – An opportunity for students to move from their school classrooms into the outdoors to learn, immersed in nature. Volunteers help with various planning and coordination. Overnight chaperones may be needed

Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) Board – join the group of fun and functional parents that help plan dances, fundraise, and help out where needed at Whitford.

Picture day – Assist the photographers with students as needed Picture day and or retake picture day

Staff Appreciation – Coordinate donations and treats for staff during Staff Appreciation Week (generally the first week of May)

Science Fair – Help with concessions, set up science fair projects, judging, and other activities as needed

Dental Clinics – help get students from classrooms and checking them in for the program

Various/All – not sure what you are interested in? Or want to know more about everything so you can choose what works best fits? Check this box and you’ll be notified with more information on opportunities as they arise.

Virginia Garcia Dental Clinic will be at Whitford October 11th to offer free dental sealants for students in 6th and 7th grade. Please fill out the online form below to sign your student up for this service.

Dental Sealant Form - English

Dental Sealant From -- Spanish

September 14th. Students will take pictures in the main gym. To order pictures online https://www.mydorian.com/prepayment/

Students will get their ID card on Picture Day.

THPRD runs a cross country club at Whitford Middle School. To get more information and sign up go to www.thprd.org. Practices are after-school rain or shine on Tuesday and Thursdays. The first practice is Thursday September 8th.

The new school year is the perfect time for students and families to start creating healthy
(and safe!) habits.

Safety is everyone’s responsibility! Here are some reminders when you are traveling in your

neighborhood:
● Keep your eyes and ears open for traffic all around.
● Wear a helmet whenever you travel by bike, skateboard, scooter, or roller skates.
● If driving, slow down to 20 mph or less in school zones and neighborhood streets.
● Check for safety at all intersections and in bike lanes.
Remember to be alert and mindful of all road users (no texting!).

September 6th -- First day for 6th Grade Students (report to the main gym)

September 7th -- All grades attend School (students report to Advisory Class)

September 14th -- Picture Day

September 22 -- Back to School Night 6-8pm (Health information starts at 5:30)

September 29 -- 6th Grade Outdoor School Meeting

October 11th -- Free Dental Sealants at Whitford

October 14th -- School Closed Staff Development day

October 19th -- Parent Teacher Conferences 5-8pm

October 20th -- Parent Teacher Conferences 8AM-8PM

October 20th -- No school for Whitford Students

October 21st -- No School for Whitford Students

October 25-28 -- Outdoor School for 6th Grade Students