Whitford Newsletter
February 8, 2021
Principal Message
Hello Whitford Families,
February is a month to celebrate. This month at Whitford, we will be celebrating Black Lives Matter Week, Black History Month, and National School Counselors Week. This is in addition to other celebrations such as the portables finally being removed from our parking lot, our new air conditioning which is up and working, finalizing the common middle school experience, boundary changes, legacy guidance, option school enrollment, and most exciting, a possible return to school.
As part of our anti-racist commitment, we have given our students an opportunity to learn more about what the Black Lives Matter movement is and the 13 principles they support. We also will discuss with students the historical importance of Black History Month, how it began, and students could be given daily facts and/or information to gain a true understanding of some of the incredible Black leaders throughout our history.
We are encouraging students to create a poem, song, picture, drawing, podcast, video, or any other expression of their appreciation of Black History Month and upload it to a google doc so our technology team can create a You Tube video of all the submissions at the end of the month. This is completely optional, but this is one way for our students to be creative and support Black History Month.
February is also National Counselors Week. We are lucky to have three of the best counselors in the district. Nikki Thrower, Alicia Tadema, and Fanya Stein have always been committed to students, but have gone above and beyond during CDL. They have worked incredibly hard to support all our families and student’s needs.
Middle school boundaries have now been uploaded into our system. It looks like we will be saying goodbye to a small portion of Greenway as they are now a 100% feeder to Conestoga and welcoming about 50 students from Raleigh Park Elementary. They are coming to us from Cedar Park Middle School. If anyone is affected by this boundary shift or has questions or are looking for information, you can contact your neighborhood middle school.
Legacy update- Any current 7th grade student who is affected by the boundary shift has an opportunity to remain in their current middle school, with transportation. Schools will be sending out more information soon.
Finally, I just want to say thank you. Thank you for your patience, understanding, and care you have given your children and also teachers for their hard work this year. My hope is that we will be able, at some point this year, be able to see students again, in person, and celebrate this most unusual school year.
Be well- Brian Peerenboom
Whitford Science Bowl
On Saturday, January 23, five students competed in the Northwest Regional Science Bowl competition, sponsored by the Bonneville Power Administration.
Congratulations on a great competition to: Whitley Liang (8th grade), Jacob Holland (8th), Arnav Arora (7th), Ethan Raloff (7th), and Abner Campbell (6th). A huge thank you to the US Department of Energy staff for organizing this online event. Judges and moderators joined us from all over the country! Our team competed with perseverance and determination. Well done, Team Whitford!
Whitford Student Newspaper -- take a look
https://sites.google.com/bsd48.org/twt-issue-whitford/home?authuser=0
High School Forecasting
High School Forecasting Feb 10th!
Beaverton, Southridge, and Mountainside will be "virtually" visiting 8th grade students to share important forecasting information. Please make sure your student attends their Advisory class on February 10th at 9:15am. High Schools will also be having their curriculum nights later this month and will share that information with you.
Career Day Visitors are WELCOME
Whitford Career Day Experience
At this time, we are changing our big Career Day event and doing a much smaller and more flexible version of a Career Day. Various reasons from zoom complications, security changes, scheduling, student engagement and number of speakers determined this difficult decision.
We have come up with a different option that will not only alleviate some of the items above but also be more flexible and accommodating to speakers’ busy schedules.
If you are still interested, below is our updated career experience that allows for flexibility, engagement, and ease of this new virtual world that we are working in.
Speaker expectations: Your name and profession go on a list for our teachers to see and share with their students. The teacher will choose a speaker and email me. I will then be in contact with you and the teacher to coordinate a date for you to speak to the class.
Time commitment for you: 30 minutes from 9:00am-9:30am. 15-minute presentation with Q&A after.
Date: To be determined based on your schedule and teacher schedule from now until the end of the year.
Please email robyn_giacchi@beaverton.k12.or.us if you are interested in being on the speaker list.
Student Groups led by our Social Worker
Upcoming Zoom Groups for Students
My name is Kyra Steinhauer, and I am the school social worker here at Whitford! My job entails many different things, but one of my favorites is groups. I find that groups can be incredibly helpful for students to connect, share, and learn. Especially during these times, social interaction and a sense of connection is so important for our students.
The next group will be focused on Anxiety. It will start on February 10th and will meet weekly on Wednesday’s at 10 am. The group will focus on managing anxious thoughts and developing coping skills. If your student would like more information about an upcoming group, or would like to sign up, feel free to email or call me. Call (503) 356-5060 or email kyra_steinhauer@beaverton.k12.or.us
Yearbook Sales
Our historic 2021 Yearbook is on sale now!
We know that a lot of the usual school events may not be happening, BUT we will be loading every inch of this book with a reflection of what IS happening this school year. Especially, because it is going to be so unique. It is more important than ever that we capture this history on our pages. It is our history book; a time capsule of this unprecedented year.
One thing we know for sure is your student is NOT going to want to miss out on this book. Books can be purchased online through ParentVue. If you have any questions, please contact Steve Sieg at: steve_sieg@beaverton.k12.or.us
Attention Parents of 8th grade students
ATTENTION ALL 8th Graders: The last day to submit your "Baby Picture" for the yearbook is Friday, February 19th. Send all photos to: steve_sieg@beaverton.k12.or.us. Thank you - Mr. Sieg
Upcoming Events
2/10 8th Grade High School Forecasting (during advisory)
2/15 No School – Presidents Day
2/16 Monday Schedule
2/17 Tuesday Schedule
2/17 Immunization Exclusion Day
2/24 NO school – Staff Development Day
Immunization Exclusion Day -- February 17
Immunizations are required by state law for children and students in attendance at public and private schools, preschools, child care facilities and Head Start programs in Oregon. Nearly every facility that provides care for a child outside the home requires immunizations or a medical or non-medical exemption to remain enrolled.
Children who are not up-to-date on their immunizations by February 17, 2021 will be excluded from school until their immunizations are updated. During Comprehensive Distance Learning, that means students will be put on a list and will not be allowed on campus for any reason until they’re up-to-date (i.e. no Limited In-Person Instruction, no Hybrid, no athletics or no school events).
Keeping children up-to-date on immunizations will help schools transition safely and quickly to in-person learning when they’re able.
Students and families in the Beaverton School District may access immunizations at both the Beaverton School-Based Health Center and the Merlo School-Based Health Center in addition to their own health care providers
Virtual Strengthening Families Class for Parents and their Children in Grades 5-8
A program for strengthening families designed specifically for parents and caregivers with their 10 -14 year old adolescents.
Parents and youth will join in a Zoom meeting once a week with youth meeting first and parents meeting second. In between weekly meetings, families will be assigned activities and worksheets to complete.
This is a free class and meets every Thursday from February 11th to March 18th
Join via Zoom -6:30-8:30pm
This is a joint session with Fowler Middle School. For more information, please see PDF flyers at the end of the newsletter.
School Meals
COVID Testing Offered for BSD Students aged 12-18
Every Tuesday, the Merlo Station High School-Based Health Center provides COVID-19 testing free of charge. Students do not need to have health insurance.
Students must make an appointment for testing and this needs to be done before they arrive. This is only available for students who are experiencing symptoms and are between the ages of 12 to 18.
Testing will be a drive-up format with a self-swab test in their car. They can wait at the school for 15 minutes for the results or drive home and wait for a call for the results.
The health center says that an appointment needs to be made before students arrive, and this testing is only available for students who are experiencing symptoms and are between the ages of 12 to 18.
If you want to make an appointment to get tested, call 503-941-3210.
Winter Walk and Roll Day 02.24.2021
Wet Weather Doesn’t Mean You Need to Stay Inside!
Join K-12 students and families for a wintery walk or roll in your neighborhood on February 24th!
The following tips can help keep you safe and comfortable while walking and rolling in Winter:
- Be Safe – Stay 6 feet away from those not in your household and wear a mask.
- Be Seen – Wear bright, reflective clothing, use a bike light, and stay alert on dark, winter days.
- Be Prepared – Dress for the weather. Rain gear and warm layers keep you dry and comfortable all season long.
After your trip, visit the link below and fill out the form to earn a raffle prize. 25 raffle prizes will include: reflective umbrella, clip-on safety light, bicycle seat cover and bicycle light! Tag #BSDtogether #BSDsaferoutes to be featured on BSD’s social media accounts.
https://forms.gle/kkWkVeo1WwUnHcSv7
¡El clima lluvioso no significa que deba permanecer adentro!
¡Únase a los estudiantes y familias de K-12 para una caminata de invierno en su vecindario el 24 de febrero!
Los siguientes consejos pueden ayudarle a mantenerse seguro y cómodo al caminar y/o andar sobre ruedas durante el invierno:
- Cuídese - Manténgase a 6 pies de distancia de las personas que no formen parte de su familia inmediata y use una mascarilla.
- Sea visible - Use ropa brillante y reflectante, utilice una luz para bicicleta y manténgase alerta en los días oscuros de invierno.
- Esté preparado – Vístase apropiadamente para el invierno. Vestirse con varias capas y con ropa apropiada para la lluvia nos mantienen secos y cómodos durante toda la temporada.
Después de su paseo, haga clic en el enlace y complete el formulario. Ingrese su nombre si desea ganar uno de los premios de la rifa. Los 25 premios de la rifa incluirán: paraguas reflectantes, luces de seguridad con clip, fundas para el asiento de la bicicleta y luces para bicicleta. Etiquete #BSDtogether #BSDsaferoutes para aparecer en las cuentas de redes sociales de BSD.
Walk & Roll -- It's Good for Your Heart
Whether you walk or bike a few blocks or over a mile, physical activity is good for your heart, your whole body, and it’s fun! With cold winter weather, children spend less time playing outside, but a nice brisk walk or bike ride will help achieve their recommended 60 minutes daily exercise and help prevent childhood obesity and support healthy bones.