CSS News
August 2019
Principal's Message
Greetings, Creative Science School Parents and Guardians.
Besides being extremely busy with a 2.5-year-old and an infant, 3 months off has given me a lot of time to reflect on what is going well with our school and how we can continue to get better. Our areas of focus will continue to be on instruction and authentic assessments as well as school culture. I want to ensure our school is a fun place to be where everyone is celebrated and appreciated.
As an instructional leader, I will collaborate with you to ensure the success of your child.
I believe that every child has the potential to learn at high levels and to succeed in their future. It is through creating a safe climate, clear goal setting, engaging our students in creative learning experiences, and providing all students with opportunities to think critically that they will reach their fullest potential. Working collaboratively, we will continue to build a strong foundation of learning for all students at Creative Science.
I look forward to seeing you all soon! All the best!
Meisha Plotzke
Portland Public Schools Vision
Over the past school year, stakeholders from across Portland participated in a visioning process. The process included insights and feedback from students, families, educators, district staff, as well as civic, business, community, and philanthropic leaders. The PPS vision is comprised of four main areas: a Graduate Portrait; a set of Educator Essentials; a set of Educational System Shifts; and a set of Core Values.
What is important for us at CSS is our ongoing commitment to provide all students with the knowledge, skills and opportunities to achieve the characteristics of a PPS graduate (outlined in the Graduate Portrait). It is our goal that all of our students will become
Inclusive and Collaborative Problem Solvers
Inquisitive Critical Thinkers with Deep Core Knowledge
Transformative Racial Equity Leaders
Resilient and Adaptable Lifelong Learners
Powerful and Effective Communicators
Positive, confident, and connected sense of self
Influential and Informed Global Stewards
Reflective, Empathetic, and Empowering Graduates
Save the Date: Back to School Night, October 10, 2019
Staffing Updates
New Staff Members:
Welcome back, Lauren (kinder)
Kayte Tompkins- Para Educator
Tyler Young- K-8 Counselor
Lisa Van Loo- Speech Pathologist
Leslie Skybak (hired today!)- Midlevel LA/SS
Student Teachers:
Megan will be hosting our very own Kate Bennett on Thursdays
Heather will be hosting Kyle Greene
Matt will be hosting Katryna Dellsite
Rawls will be hosting Hannah Pilant
Tyler Young: School Counselor K-8
Hello, my name is Tyler Young and I would like to introduce myself as the new School Counselor at Creative Science! I am excited to join the CSS community!
A little bit about myself; I have been a counselor for 4 years and I love it! I am 39 years old. I use He/Him pronouns. I am a father, brother, husband, son, ally, and advocate. I love music, laughter, hiking, and swimming!
A little bit about my education; I stayed back in 2nd grade and was diagnosed with dyslexia and ADD. I come from multiple divorces and struggled in school socially, emotionally and academically. I was in Special Ed and had a 504 plan. The school was not easy for me. I know that life can be hard. I also know that life can change and be amazing.
My greatest teachers in school were my school counselors. They taught me about compassion, empathy, self-respect, self-care, and kindness. They taught me that the road to success is not a straight line but a squiggly line full of mistakes, opportunities, new beginnings, and adventures. I hope to be that person for your students.
I enjoy getting to know every student and family in my school. I am passionate about finding creative and unique ways to connect with kids and believe that every student needs someone who “gets” them. I love music, art, humor, technology, theater, science, games, reading, making movies and gardening, and will use my passions to build relationships with all kids.
I am here to support the school in the best ways I can. I am flexible and will work hard to learn the needs of the community and will do my best to fill those needs. Please reach out and introduce yourself. I am here for you.
I am Tyler Young and I am your School Counselor.
Lisa Van Loo- Speech Pathologist
My name is Lisa Van Loo and I will be your son’s/ daughter’s speech-language pathologist this year at Creative Science. I am excited to begin a new school year and hope that your family is excited too. I’m new to Portland Public Schools this year and am looking forward to working full-time at Creative Science. I am coming to PPS from the Canby School District. I am a graduate of Portland State University and the University of Portland. I have three children and one grandson. I live in downtown Portland and love to be a tourist in my own town.
What I love most about being a speech-language pathologist is working with you and your child! On any given day, you might see me working directly with students in my room, bouncing in and out of classrooms, or as part of the team at meetings supporting students with diverse communication needs.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns. Email is generally the quickest way to contact me during the school day. My email address is lvanloo@pps.net or you can reach me through the main school number at (503)916-6431. My extension is: 73333. You can always send a note with your son/daughter if that is easiest!
I am looking forward to a wonderful year!
Warm Regards,
Lisa Van Loo, M.S.CCC-SLP
Speech-Language Pathologist
Dates to Note
- Stop by, say hi to friends and help beautify our school grounds.
8/28 First Day of School for 1st-8th
- Kinder Orientation 9:15-10:15 in the cafeteria
9/2 No School Labor Day
9/3 Kinder Starts
9/4 Teacher Rosie's Birthday
9/6 PAT- Back to School Picnic
9/8 Ms. Layman's Birthday
Creative Science
Email: mplotzke@pps.net
Website: creativescienceschool.org
Location: 1231 Southeast 92nd Avenue, Portland, OR, USA
Phone: 503-740-4803