Patterson Elementary
Parent Blast - February 1, 2022
Semester 2
Wow! I can't believe we're already half way through the school year. This week you can expect your child/children to bring home their semester 1 report cards on Thursday. Please look through their grades and any comments and/or inserts and reach out directly to your child's teacher if you have any questions. As a reminder, ParentVue is the place to go for ongoing check-ins on your child's progress throughout the school year.
Valentine's Day at School:
Your child's teacher may invite them to participate in a Valentine's Day celebration at the end of the school day on February 14th. If your family does not celebrate, please reach out to your child's teacher so we can work on an inclusive plan for that day. We ask that you follow these general guidelines for valentines and treats this year:
- If you choose to send Valentines, please send enough for all students in the class
- If the purchase of Valentines creates a hardship, please reach out to your child's teacher, our counselor Mrs. Orion or myself so we can provide these.
- We are not accepting food or treats this school year. You can send stickers, pencils, non-food items if you would like.
- Send valentines the Friday before so they can sit at school prior to passing out
Booster Club News:
- Auction Help Needed! We will be having an offsite auction this school year! We could use your help. If you’re interested in helping with our offsite auction or would like more information on what that would entail please email us at pattersonboosterclub@gmail.com
Here to serve,
Jamie Lentz
Principal, Patterson Elementary
Important Dates
- February 1 - First day of the second semester
- February 1-4 - School Counselor Week (send Mrs. Orion a note of appreciation: orionr@hsd.k12.or.us)
- February 2 - Two Day: 2-2-22
- February 6 - Report cards coming home
- February 18 - Panda Express Family Restaurant Night (purchase all day!)
- February 22 - Twosday: 2-22-22 on a Tuesday! Spirit Day at School (see above)
February is Black History Month
February is Black History Month, and while we do study and celebrate the diversity and contributions of Black/African/African Americans during this time, these conversations and lessons are not limited to the month of February - they take place throughout the entire year. “African American history is American history, and when kids understand the fuller picture of history, it will also help them understand the fuller picture of today.” Parents.com When our students’ diversity is appreciated and visible, they all thrive from learning about one another.
Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by Black/African/African Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history. Also known as African American History Month, the event grew out of “Negro History Week,” the brainchild of noted historian Carter G. Woodson and other prominent African Americans. Since 1976, every U.S. president has officially designated the month of February as Black History Month. Other countries around the world, including Canada and the United Kingdom, also devote a month to celebrating Black history. History.com
It’s never too early to begin celebrating and teaching your child about Black leaders. Start by watching videos and reading books. Encourage your child to be curious about the contributions and accomplishments of Black people. Together you can explore, discuss, and make connections. Celebrate Black history and cultural diversity all year long!
Lunar New Year
Lunar New Year is a festival celebrated in China and other Asian countries that begins with the first new moon of the lunar calendar and ends on the first full moon of the lunar calendar, fifteen days later. It is a time for family gatherings, religious ceremonies honoring ancestors, dances, fireworks, red lanterns, traditional foods and gifts representing good luck and prosperity. Lunar New Year provides a great opportunity for students to learn about multicultural traditions and customs, geography, and history - all of which are part of Oregon’s Social Studies Standards.
Love Our Library Wish List - Amazon Link Below
Children's Dental Month
Free COVID-19 Tests
Did you know that every U.S. household is eligible to receive four free COVID-19 tests that will be shipped to you at no cost? Visit covidtests.gov to place your order today.
February is Love the Bus Month
Love the Bus Month is a time to thank each of our school bus drivers and transportation staff for their tireless efforts to get our students to and from school safely each day!
Help your student thank their school bus driver during Love the Bus Month by doing the following:
- Download & print a coloring sheet or card from LoveTheBus.Org
- Color and personalize
- Give it to their driver next time they ride the bus!
Remember to say thank you in person and share shoutouts on social media using #LoveTheBus & @Hillsboro_SD @CityOfHillsboro
Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) Dates
Here is our schedule for CSE lesson this school year:
- Kinder: May 16-27
- 1st Grade: March 28-April 11
- 2nd Grade: May 16-27
- 3rd Grade: March 7-18
- 4th Grade: May 31-June 13
- 5th Grade: May 31-June 13
- 6th Grade: March 7-18
As a parent/guardian, we encourage you to learn more about our K-12 Comprehensive Sexuality Plan and teaching materials. To make this as easy as possible, we have posted documents on our Comprehensive Sexuality Education Plan website that outline the standards, curricula, and instructional materials used at each grade-level. (Note: If/when materials cannot be posted online due to copyright restrictions, you may call the school and make an appointment to view them in person.) Remember, parents/guardians have the right to utilize our opt-out process if they wish to have their student(s) participate in alternate activities during sexual health instruction (Opt-Out Form).
If you have any questions/concerns about the health curriculum, please don’t hesitate to reach out!
Additional Information
HSD’s Health Education Overview
ODE’s Health Education Website
ODE’s Sexuality Education: Frequently Asked Questions
HSD’s Resources for Families
Champions Afterschool Program Updates
Food Pantry
Attendance Line
Thank you to our families for calling students in sick on our attendance line and sharing symptoms. This has helped us to communicate with families regarding timelines for return and kept our building safe and healthy. If you have not done so already, we encourage you to save our attendance line number in your phone: 503.844.1385
Paul L. Patterson Elementary School
Email: lentzj@hsd.k12.or.us
Website: https://www.hsd.k12.or.us/patterson
Location: 261 NE Lenox St, Hillsboro, OR, United States
Phone: 503-844-1380
Facebook: facebook.com/PattersonHSD
Twitter: @PattersonHSD