Gladstone School News Blast
Gladstone Schools • Growing Great People • 2.1.23
Gladstone High Cheer takes first in national competition
Gladstone High School's 32-member cheer team won first place in the varsity sideline division at the JAMZ national competition this week thanks to their outstanding school spirit, showmanship, crowd involvement and cheer skills. In addition, the team was runner up in the show division, showcasing stunts, tumbling, jumps, dance and cheer.
"Dedication, commitment, mental toughness & the desire to 'do it for the person next to you' is what has made Gladstone Cheerleading a winning team," said Coach Shelby Christal. "This group practiced three to four times a week for eight months straight and never lost sight of what they wanted to accomplish!"
Gladstone competed against teams from Hawaii, Nevada, California, Arizona, Utah and elsewhere.
"Every school we competed against in both divisions had well over 2,000 students enrolled in their school, but we only have 600," said Crystal. "We think it's pretty special for our small school to have success competing against some of the best large schools in the country."
Last year, the Gladstone team took first in a different competition, USA Spirit Nationals. In two weeks, they will head to Oregon's state competition, hoping to bring home their fourth consecutive 4A State Title.
Kraxberger Gearheads take first at regional competition, qualify for State
Team 8132 also won the Connect Award, given to the team that most connects with their local science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) community.
Team 8132 will advance to the State competition. Team 8188 will find out later this week if they will win a spot to compete in the last chance qualifier for State.
Pen pals bridge generation gap
Each student or pair of students was matched with a senior, and they write letters back and forth in a shared notebook. Retired Wetten Principal Wendy Wilson helps coordinate the project.
"In our first letter, we wrote about ourselves and asked the seniors three questions," explained student Aiden Cule. "I asked whether she played sports when she was young, what foods she likes, and what she likes to do."
"We got our first letter back last Tuesday, and I found out my pen pal goes ocean kayaking at night," said Will Anderson. "I was surprised to find out older people like kayaking."
Anderson had previous pen-pal experience as a fourth grader, writing to a student in Mississippi. "It was fun, but I think it will be even more interesting writing to the seniors because they have done more in life," he said.
Both boys hope they'll get the chance to meet their pen pals in person at some point.
"The last time we visited the Senior Center was fun," Cule said. "We shared recipes with them and we got to play BINGO."
Student mural showcases groundbreaking Oregonians
Gladstone High art students are designing and creating a mural down the central hallway at their school. The art project features Oregon historic figures, of the past and present while also highlighting the natural beauty and uniqueness of Oregon.
Some of the many Oregon figures in the mural include Nez Perce leader Chief Joseph, World War II pilot Hazel Ying Lee, author Ursula K. Le Guin, voice actor Mel Blanc, musician Esperanza Spalding, Olympic runner Steve Prefontaine, and animator Matt Groening.
The project is supported by a grant from the Gladstone Education Foundation and led by art teacher Chris Rich.
Nonprofit donates free bikes to three more Gladstone schools
Gladstone schools have new allies in their effort to improve school attendance. In January, the nonprofits WashCo Bikes and Free Bikes for Kids donated 30 refurbished bicycles to John Wetten Elementary, Kraxberger Middle School, and Gladstone's kindergarten program. And the Gladstone Police Department donated 30 bike helmets to go with them.
Gladstone students who demonstrate good school attendance will be eligible for monthly drawings to win a bike, snack packs, a water bottle, or a gift card.
Joe Kurmaskie leads two bike giveaway non-profits -- WashCo Bikes and Free Bikes for Kids Portland. His operation pays 19 bike mechanics at three sites to refurbish used bikes donated across the Portland area. Together, his two companies are the largest free bike distributors on the west coast, donating 5000 bicycles this year to 55 schools, including four in Gladstone.
"Our goal is to get unused bikes out of garages so teens and kids can ride them," said Kurmaskie. "We're hoping folks in the Gladstone will help us continue this effort by donating a bike or writing a check."
To donate a used bike, call 503-844-9740 or email info@washcobikes.org. The non-profit also takes cash donations.
News story about the Gladstone Food Pantry:
Visit the Gladstone Food Pantry
The Gladstone Food Pantry is a tremendous resource for families, providing free groceries to folks in the Gladstone, Jennings Lodge, and Oak Grove area.
The facility, located at 6460 Glen Echo [behind Hillside Fellowship] is open each Thursday from 3 to 5:30 p.m. Shoppers can choose fresh produce, meat, frozen foods, canned goods, and also food for pets.
Volunteers are needed to keep the Food Pantry running smoothly. To find out more, contact Alex Van Pelt at 503.737.5283 or email avanpelt@nwfs.org. Tax-deductible donations can be made via the Gladstone Education Foundation. [select "Gladstone Food Pantry" on the drop down menu.]