School News Blast
Gladstone Schools • Growing Great People • 12.1.21
Kindergarten sets fundraising record
Gladstone kindergarten students had their best-ever jog-a-thon at the Gladstone Center for Children & Families. They raised a record-setting $10,230, far exceeding their original goal of $5,000.
Each student got pledges from parents, grandparents, and friends. Then they ran laps in their physical education class to earn money for their school. The funds raised will be used for field trips, classroom supplies, equipment, and incentives for safe, respectful, responsible behavior.
"We are beyond grateful for the contributions from our families in support of our Kindergarten students," said GCCF Director Sarah Dunkin. "As a result of the money raised, teachers will be able to provide experiences and enrichments inside and outside of the classroom."
Rotary club provides dictionaries to third grade students
This week John Wetten third graders each received a personal dictionary from the Gladstone/Oak Lodge Rotary Club.
"My class received their dictionaries yesterday and they were thrilled," said teacher Patti Banka. "They immediately began looking up words, learning about the 50 states, and practicing sign language letters from the information in the back."
Rotarian Baldwin van der Bijl organized the project, which is special to him because he learned English at age six as an immigrant from Holland.
"Whenever I found a word I did not know, my mother would tell me to look it up in the dictionary," he said. "Now these kids can do the same."
Kraxberger offers social/emotional supports
School counselors report that students at Kraxberger Middle School are experiencing a great deal of anxiety, stress, and depression this year. The school is addressing this through a wide range of approaches to meet the unique needs of each student.
This fall, Kraxberger's counselors Kelly Goforth and Juanita Mejia had one-on-one meetings with each student to begin establishing rapport and to address any immediate concerns that students had. They hope to meet with each student every trimester.
The non-profit Northwest Family Services also provides support to Kraxberger students through drug and alcohol counseling and mentoring. Trillium, another partner, provides the school with an on-site mental health therapist available to students on the Oregon Health Plan and a referral from their school counselor.
This year, school counselors will offer small group counseling in a variety of areas. Students are self-referred and parent consent is required for them to participate. Group conversations will be kept confidential, just as individual counselor meetings with students are.
Kraxberger Middle School's Wellness Center is a student-centered place where students can make appointments or drop in for self-care when they are dealing with stress or emotional overwhelm.
Students can choose from several therapeutic rooms. The dark space includes a weighted blanket, soft lights, and meditation CDs. The sand tray room includes a large sand tray for art therapy, a yoga mat, books, and a rocking chair. The art space is where students can make a fidget spinner, paint, or draw. The movement space is another area where students can refocus by using a punching bag, jump ropes, or Jenga blocks.
"So far, the Wellness Center and Movement Space have had more than 280 appointments this school year," said Wellness Center Coordinator Lisa Lee. "When surveyed, 57% of those using the facilities said they felt more calm and relaxed after their appointment."
Character Strong is the social/emotional curriculum Kraxberger is using to help students focus on well-being, belonging, and engagement. Students receive instruction once a week during their home room class. The school's WEB leaders are helping sixth graders with their Character Strong lessons once a month, providing each with a connection to an older student.
Gladstone Education Foundation awards $20,000 to schools
The Gladstone Education Foundation awarded $20,000 in grants this fall to classrooms across the Gladstone School District.
"We were pleased to have so many applicants, and learning more about each project during the interviews was nothing short of inspiring," said GEF Executive Director Tammy Tracy.
Projects funded:
• $2,925 -- band instruments -- Gladstone High
• $362 -- 7th grade virtual tour of historic sites in Egypt -- Kraxberger Middle School
• $2,484 -- art supplies -- Kraxberger Middle School
• $2,799 -- biotechnology materials -- Gladstone High
• $8,000 -- launch of a new e-sports team -- Gladstone High
• $1,150 -- 7th grade salmon field study -- Kraxberger Middle School
• $1,780 -- kindergarten story workshop -- Gladstone Center for Children & Families
• $500 -- student desks and stools -- Kraxberger Middle School
Education Foundation seeks applicants for board of directors
The Gladstone Education Foundation is currently accepting applications from people in the Gladstone community who are interested in the opportunity to serve on the Board of Directors.
The Foundation was formed in 2000 is run by a 20-member board that meets monthly to consider issues involving school and community needs. Our primary focus is on fundraising to meet those needs.
Through fundraising efforts and private donations, the Foundation has awarded nearly a million dollars to programs and activities in the schools and the community.
If you would like more information about becoming a board member, or about the Foundation in general please contact Tammy Tracy at 503-650-2577, or tracyt@gladstone.k12.or.us.
Donate food or toys for holiday giving
Blue barrels have been placed at several local businesses so community members can drop off donations. They are located at:
• Gladstone Public Library
• Happy's Bar & Grill
• Crossroads Cafe
• Bound to Happen
• Shari’s [at Oregon City shopping center]
• Latus Motors
• Gladstone Senior Center
• Gladstone City Hall
• Gladstone Card Room
• Mr. Rooter.
• Somerset Lodge [8330 Cason Rd. & 8360 Cason Rd.].
• Hamilton’s Appliance
• Vogies
• Gladstone Fire Dept.
Recommended food donations include peanut butter & jam, canned tuna or chicken, chili & chunky soups, breakfast cereals, pancake mix, beans, rice, or canned fruits and vegetables. Toy and game donations are also needed for girls and boys from birth to age 12.
Apply now for jobs in Gladstone schools
There are many advantages of working for Gladstone Schools:
• Weekends off
• Summers off [most roles]
• Consistent , family-friendly work schedules
• 10 paid holidays
• Paid sick leave
• Health insurance
• Short commute
Gladstone Schools is hiring!.Apply now!
https://gladstone.tedk12.com/hire/index.aspx
• Driver Education in-car Instructor
• Payroll and Benefits Specialist
• Long-term Substitute Teacher [kindergarten]
• Long-term Substitute Teacher [kindergarten]
• Instructional Assistant [Special Services]
• Technology Assistant II
• Teacher Learning Specialist, Temporarry [GHS]
• Instructional Assistant Substitute [GCCF]
• Cooks Helper
• Extended Day Childcare Helper [2]
• Instructional Assistant [Kraxberger]
Recreation classes make great holiday gifts
Looking for a unique holiday gift? How about a Community Schools class? Your friend or family member can learn Spanish, build investing skills, try wood working, express their artistic side, or get more exercise, Gladstone's Community Schools program has a class for every interest.
Sign up online at www.gladstone.k12.or.us
Or register by phone at 503-650-2570.
While all spots in Winter Driver Education are filled, you can phone to get on the waiting list for spring and summer.