Skyline K-8 News
March 13, 2020
PPS Message
Dear PPS Families and Staff,
Our city, our state, and much of the world are now dealing with an unprecedented public health crisis.
Since the COVID-19 coronavirus first emerged in Oregon, we have followed the guidance of our public health agency partners, including Multnomah County and the Oregon Health Authority, in making preventative changes in our schools and programs.
As this situation continues to evolve, public health experts now believe the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Portland and Oregon will grow. In addition, we are now experiencing a large number of staff absences, which makes it difficult to effectively operate the school system and causes us concern for our employees and their health. For all these reasons and to best protect our students, employees, and community, we believe it is time for us to act more urgently and more aggressively.
After careful consideration as a district leadership team, consultation with external partners and state agencies, and in addition to tonight’s latest guidance from Gov. Brown, Portland Public Schools will extend spring break, beginning Monday, March 16 with a plan for students to return to schools on Wednesday, April 1 (staff will be expected to return on Monday, March 30, two days earlier). During this time, all school activities, including athletic events and practices, are cancelled. We will assess and confirm or adjust return dates for students and staff, respectively, on Wednesday, March 25.
Starting Monday, March 16, and until we reopen schools on April 1, schools will be closed to students. Education staff and school administrators are also expected to be out of PPS buildings until March 30. Custodial staff will continue to clean schools during the extended break, prioritizing high-touch surfaces in classrooms and common areas.
Schools are essential to communities. We know that extending spring break will cause difficulties for many families who rely on their schools for meals, health care, and a safe place to be during the day. Because of this, we do not take this decision lightly.
But we have to be responsible not only as educators and caretakers, but as members of the larger community in which we live and work. Extending spring break is a preventative measure to help slow the rate of spread of coronavirus and, as public health agencies explain, flatten the curve of the virus’s impact on our citizens and health care systems. We are also sensitive to the fact that many of our staff are older individuals with whom we share concern for their health and therefore want to limit exposure.
We are working on identifying ways to provide meals to students next week and will likely identify specific school sites to serve as hubs where meals may be distributed and picked-up. This information will be provided to parents within a few days.
I know this is a major announcement that in many ways is without local precedent. Given the seriousness of the current situation, we firmly believe that this decision is the best one we can make given all available information and keeping the best interests of our students, staff, and community at the center.
Again, we appreciate our fellow school district leaders and colleagues from around the state for their collaboration and thought-partnership during this critical situation.
During the break, we encourage everyone in our community to follow recommended practices by avoiding large gatherings, washing hands frequently, and covering mouths when coughing or sneezing. Those experiencing symptoms of the cold or flu should stay at home until symptom-free for 72 hours. If you are concerned about symptoms, please consult with a doctor.
We will continue to monitor this very dynamic public health situation and will plan to provide an update during the course of this extended break. Thank you for your support and cooperation during this time.
Guadalupe Guerrero
Superintendent
Portland Public Schools recognizes the diversity and worth of all individuals and groups and their roles in society. It is the policy of the Portland Public Schools Board of Education that there will be no discrimination or harassment of individuals or groups on the grounds of age, color, creed, disability, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex or sexual orientation in any educational programs, activities or employment.
If you are not following us on Twitter @BGAGUIRRE1 and @skyline_ib, you are missing out! It has been so much fun watching all of our students engaged in learning while also being safe, respectful, responsible and IB ready. You can also follow Portland Public School at @PPSConnect!
PPS Extended Break Support
Dear PPS Families,
As we shared Thursday night, Portland Public Schools will extend spring break, beginning Monday, March 16 with a plan for students to return to schools on Wednesday, April 1 (staff will be expected to return on Monday, March 30, two days earlier). During this time, all school activities, including athletic events and practices, are canceled.
We know that many families depend on schools not only for their students’ education, but also for meals, child care, access to health services and other supports. We are working quickly to identify ways to provide services to students and families during the extended break:
Meals
Breakfast and lunch will be provided to children in the community ages 1-18. Tuesday, March 17 through Friday, March 20, and Monday, March 30 and Tuesday, March 31. Meals will be available for pickup outside the school from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at the following locations:
Boise-Eliot/Humboldt Elementary - 620 N Fremont Ave
César Chávez Elementary - 5103 N Willis Blvd
George Middle School - 10000 N Burr Ave
Harrison Park School - 2225 SE 87th Ave
Lent School - 5105 SE 97th Ave
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary - 4906 NE 6th Ave
Rigler Elementary - 5401 NE Prescott St
Rosa Parks Elementary - 8960 N Woolsey Ave
Scott Elementary - 6700 NE Prescott St
Sitton Elementary - 9930 N Smith St
Woodmere Elementary - 7900 SE Duke St
Markham Elementary - 10531 SW Capitol Hwy
Madison at Marshall - 3905 SE 91st Ave
Franklin High School - 5405 SE Woodward St
For more information about access to food for families, please call 211 or visit oregonfoodfinder.org.
Curriculum and Enrichments
We encourage students and their families to stay engaged academically during this time off. Schools have opened their libraries for students to check out books before leaving school today. We encourage parents to read with their pre-K and elementary school children. Many teachers are also sending workbooks, printed materials, and grade-appropriate readers for their students to use during the break.
Printed instructional resources for language arts and mathematics will be available to students and families at the schools sites where we will be providing meals to children. These printed resources will be distributed on Tuesday, March 17 and Thursday, March 19 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. We encourage students and families to take advantage of these resources.
Digital learning applications and websites are valuable resources to use during this time. We are creating a “Virtual Learning Opportunities” portal that will be made available at pps.net/coronavirus. PPS staff will continue to update the portal throughout our closure.
Child Care
Our licensed child care providers (YMCA, Champions, Camp Fire, etc.) will not be able to offer child care during canceled school days or during spring vacation in our buildings. If your children are registered for a spring break child care program, your provider will be contacting you with further information.
SUN Service System
Our SUN Service System Partners will not be able to offer programming during canceled school days or during spring break in our buildings. We are in communication with our partners and will provide additional information as we have it.
Health Centers
Multnomah County will keep some Student Health Center locations open during the break. You can find more information by visiting this website.
Health services are available for all K-12 students in Multnomah County over spring break (March 23-27) at:
Parkrose Student Health Center
12003 NE Shaver St
503-988-3392
Spring Break Flyer (English/ Spanish)
This is an unprecedented time in our community, and we hope that some of the services and supports described above will be helpful to families over the unexpectedly long break. During the break, we encourage everyone to follow recommended practices by avoiding large gatherings, washing hands frequently and covering mouths when coughing or sneezing. Those experiencing symptoms of a cold or flu should stay at home until symptom-free for 72 hours. If you are concerned about symptoms, please consult with a doctor. You can find much more information and additional resources by clicking pps.net/coronavirus.
We wish everyone a safe and healthy extended break.
Portland Public Schools recognizes the diversity and worth of all individuals and groups and their roles in society. It is the policy of the Portland Public Schools Board of Education that there will be no discrimination or harassment of individuals or groups on the grounds of age, color, creed, disability, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex or sexual orientation in any educational programs, activities or employment.
Year at a Glance
Library/ Technology
We would like to send a big shout-out to our amazing OBOB teams! Unfortunately, due to recent precautions, the regional and state competitions have been canceled. But that's not going to stop us from celebrating their hard work!
Congratulations to the 4/5th team, The Fruities!
Elodie Alifanz, Djuna Martin, Elise Dyer, Maddie Halt
Congratulations to the Middle School team, MASC, Millie Mead, Caitlin Morrissey, Sage Nolan, and Alissa Kim.
Skyline Auction
Tough week for your auction committee but in order to keep everyone healthy and safe from COVID-19, we are re-scheduling the Auction to MAY 9th.
Same time, same awesome place, same amazing community!
Silver lining, if you couldn't attend this weekend, we are re-opening ticket sales!! You can still join us!
Even better, a handful of items and Community Parties will be available to purchase online for a short window from Saturday, March 14th at 9 am to Monday, March 16th at 9 pm. You do NOT have to have auction tickets in order to buy these!
Thank you for your patience and understanding!
Morgan Bors
Skyline Auction Chair
Ph# 503-888-5133
March 14th, 2020
Buy Tickets & Donate: SkylineAuction.com
Volunteers Needed for the Auction!
PTA Connection
Skyline PTA + AmazonSmile
Remember to shop at smile.amazon.com and AmazonSmile donates to Skyline Elementary School PTA at no cost to you!
Skyline PTA + Fred Meyer
Fred Meyer donates over $2 million each year to local schools, community organizations and nonprofits. All you have to do is link your Rewards Card to Skyline School PTA (SK145) and scan it every time you shop at Fred Meyer. Link your Rewards Card to, here: https://www.fredmeyer.com/topic/communityrewards-4
Join the Cast of Skyline PTA'S Executive Board
What Part Would You Like to Play?
Skyline PTA is currently seeking parents and guardians to fill the following executive offices for the 2020- 2022 term:
President: Serves as principal executive officer of the organization. Supervises and controls the activities of the organization. Presides and participates in all executive and membership meetings. Meets with Treasurer once per week.
Nominations to date: 1. Morgan Bors has been nominated for the position of PTA Prez for the 2020-2022 term! Woohoo! Rules dictate that we continue to accept nominations until a vote is cast at the May 28 general membership meeting. Please send additional nominations to Abbey Poizer, Volunteer Coordinator, at: abbeypoizer@comcast.net.
Secretary: Keeps the minutes of the proceedings of the membership and executive committee. Conduct delegated correspondence and perform other assigned duties.
Nominations to date: 1 . Samantha Freeman has been nominated for the position of PTA Secretary for the 2020-2022 term! Yay! Rules dictate that we continue to accept nominations until a vote is cast at the May 28 general membership meeting. Please send additional nominations to Abbey Poizer, Volunteer Coordinator, at: abbeypoizer@comcast.net.
Treasurer: Has charge and is responsible for all funds of the organization. Reports account balance at membership meetings. Performs delegated duties as assigned. Meets with President once per week.
Nominations to date: 0 . Nominations accepted until May 28. Officer elections will be held at the May 28 meeting. Please send nominations to Abbey Poizer, Volunteer Coordinator, at: abbeypoizer@comcast.net.
Join us on Thursday, May 28 at 6:00 p.m. for our last meeting of the school year AND officer elections!
Any questions on the positions?
Please contact current PTA Executive Board members:
Clarissa Kearns, president (2018-2020), skylineschoolpta@gmail.com;
Laura Watts, vice-president (2019-2021), lauramaybaggett@yahoo.com;
Amber Anderson, treasurer (2018-2020), ajwestlund@msn.com;
Carly Mersereau, secretary (2018-2020), carlybeth03@gmail.com;
Abbey Poizer, volunteer coordinator (2019-2021), abbeypoizer@comcast.net.
We're a fun bunch! JOIN OUR CAST!
SAVE THE DATE
Skyline Reunification Drill
May 22, 2020
WHAT: A Reunification Drill practices reconnecting families and students in the event of an emergency such as an earthquake. Every month during school hours, Skyline practices emergency response drills, i.e. fire drill, lockdown, lockout, earthquake. A Reunification Drill builds on in-school drills by involving families.
WHEN: Friday, May 22, 2020, 2-4 p.m. (with a pause at 3 p.m. for normal dismissal)
HOW: For the Reunification Drill, parents, guardians, and/or individuals designated by you to pick up your child/ren will go to the Parent Check-In Station. Those picking up students MUST present a photo ID and be on the "Skyline Reunification Drill Form" pick-up list (to be distributed via email and in backpacks at a later date - keep an eye out!) to pick up a student.
OPTING OUT: This is an important drill that will inform us all on how best to reunite families and students in case of an emergency. We hope that everyone will participate so we can all learn and improve. That said, we understand that taking time off work is not an option for many people. If this is the case, please consider designating someone to pick up your child/ren so that they can participate. On the "Skyline Reunification Drill Form," you'll select "OPT-OUT" and indicate how your student will get home at the 3:00 p.m. or 3:20 p.m. dismissal (bus, Kids Place, normal parent pickup).