Dragon Tales
February 1 - 4, 2022
Spoiler Alert: Second Semester Starts, Climate work, Lunar New Year, Black History Month...
Hello da Vinci Families,
I hope the extra long weekend was lovely to you. Although a bit chilly, it was nice to get to have a little sunshine. Come Tuesday, we get to celebrate two important events: Chinese/Lunar New Year and Black History Month.
This Chinese/Lunar New Year, we celebrate the year of the Tiger. Lunar New Year celebrates prosperity, good luck and hope. Each year, the day in which the Lunar New Year falls on changes. We observe the Chinese Lunar calendar to determine the official day. What are the intentions that you will set this Lunar New Year?
To learn more about Lunar New Year, check out the link below and read on.
Our teachers will be weaving Black history in their lessons. Further, I have been told that our BSU has the tradition of leading an assembly that highlights our Black students at da Vinci. Much like last year, we will have a virtual event. Additionally, all students are encouraged to participate in a school wide Flipgrid BHM Challenge! Click here for more information and to read through the criteria.
Moreover, on Monday teachers are engaging in a day of climate work and instructional planning. This day provides our practitioners an opportunity to engage in planning that in turn, shall strengthen our school's systems and community.
Be great!
Principal Davis
New Quarter and Semester Classes!
Calendar Highlights
February 1st, Quarter 3 & Semester 2 begin
February 2nd, BSU
February 9 & 10, special schedule for MAP testing
February 16th, Exclusion Day for those missing required immunizations
February 21st, No school for President's Day Holiday
March 4th, Fun for the Arts! Details coming soon
March 9th, All day pullout for Musical cast and crew
March 10, 11 and 12, Spring Musical Revue
PTSA Corner
There is no shortage of needs or ideas in support of da Vinci’s continued excellence but it will take this community to bring them to life. I urge you to take a look at the numerous volunteer and engagement opportunities listed on the volunteer/community sign up list. Thank you!
Current Needs
Dine For da Vinci
Fun for the Arts - Dance a thon!
Auction Planning and Procurement
Teacher/Staff Appreciation
Passive Fundraising through Fred Meyer Community Rewards
If you have a Fred Meyer Rewards Card, you may link it to da Vinci PTSA and help raise funds for our school at no additional cost to you. In addition to still keeping your personal Fred Meyer Rewards, Fred Meyer will also donate to the charity of your choice. Learn how HERE.
BottleDrop
Did you know you can help raise money for da Vinci by recycling your bottles and cans without any extra cost to you? Learn how HERE. If you are in need of a blue bag, send your student to the office to pick one up!
Shop on Amazon & Support da Vinci Arts Middle School with Amazon Smile
Every time you purchase something off Amazon using the “smile” page, da Vinci Arts Middle School PTSA gets a 0.5% contribution, at no additional cost to you. Please take a few minutes to sign up using the instructions below and be a proud supporter of the da Vinci Arts Middle School PTSA today. Learn how HERE.
Updates
Out Sick? What's the protocol.
Students are encouraged to first look at Canvas to know what is happening in class. If they are feeling well enough to do school work, they are encouraged to do what they can from home and submit assignments online when possible. They can communicate directly with teachers via Canvas.
If your student is out sick (or for any reason) please notify the office by email to the attendance secretary, sbryan@pps.net, or the main office line, 503-916-5356.
Safe Oregon
SafeOregon is a program created for Oregon students, parents, school staff, community members and law enforcement officers to report and respond to student safety threats. Please see this brochure for information about how to share information.
Covid Testing at School
The OHSU screening program is available for weekly testing for asymptomatic students. Samples are collected each Tuesday morning. If your student has tested positive in the last 90 days, they should not be participating in this screening. If you do not need more kits or you have any questions, please let Sheli Bryan in the office know. To opt-in, we need the OHSU form and the general consent form with the third box on the back page checked. The consent form with the other boxes checked is for on-site testing for students who become ill at school or are exposed while at school as part of the test-to-stay program.
Sample collection instructions
Candy Donation
Attendance Reminder
Family Resources
Oregon State University STEM Academy AWSEM Club (includes Spanish flyer)
Portland Parks & Recreation Winter Break Camps
From Nurse Cam about Immunizations
The immunization exclusion date this school year is February 16th, 2022. You should have gotten a letter notifying you if your student's immunization status is not complete. If your Student's immunization status is not up to date by February 16th, 2022, your child will be excluded from school.
The Multnomah County Health Department is holding immunization clinics on Wednesdays and Saturdays. See the fliers for more information.
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to call or email.
Thank you!
-Nurse Cam
971-801-4415 (text friendly)