School News Blast
Gladstone District • Growing Great People • 4.1.21
Elementary students return to classrooms!
This week, Gladstone students began returning to classrooms as part of a new hybrid learning option that provides teacher-led distance learning in the mornings, and on-site learning in small cohorts in the afternoon.
Preschool, Kindergarten and first grade students were the first to return, starting April 1 and 2. Next week students in grades 2 and 3 will return April 5 and 8, followed by grades 4 and 5 on April 8 and 12. [Grades 6-12 will begin hybrid learning starting April 20.]
“We are excited to have teachers and students together in their classrooms,” said Principal Michael Clutter of John Wetten Elementary. “This will give children more opportunities for academic learning and social-emotional skill building as well as more time for teachers to make personal connections with each child.”
About 64% of elementary families opted for the hybrid option, with 36% choosing to remain in distance learning only.
Register now for fall Kindergarten
If your child will turn 5 on or before September 1, it’s time to register for kindergarten. Gladstone’s kindergarten classes are located at the Gladstone Center for Children & Families [GCCF]. This state-of-the-art facility was specially designed for our youngest learners, providing an array of learning, playgrounds, and family services on site.
Our classrooms are spacious, calm, and joyful with an incredible staff that builds upon the strengths and abilities of each child.
Please complete online registration: (http://gladstone.k12.or.us/enrollment-for-new-families-admitted-interdistrict-transfers/) Then join us for an incredible Kindergarten year starting in the Fall of 2021! If you have any questions please contact Heidi Smith at 503-496-3939.
Gladstone students shine in countywide art show
Seventeen student artists from Kraxberger Middle School and Gladstone High School have their work featured in a county-wide online art show organized by the Clackamas Education Service District. The show can be viewed online: https://bit.ly/3cCpxM5
“It’s not surprising that many of the pieces reflect the emotions and experiences of pandemic life,” said art teacher Chris Rich. “The isolation and frustration students have experienced have had an impact, and art is a natural way for kids to express that.”
During online learning, teachers have provided students with paint, brushes, paper, and other art supplies to create pieces at home.
Gladstone students perform online concert
Musicians from Kraxberger Middle School and Gladstone High School recorded an Almost Spring concert to showcase their work from winter term. The performance can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/cN6Hg9_31hw
The seventh and eighth grade bands performed Pumped by Bruce Broughton. The combined high school bands performed Black Forest Overture by Brian Balmages.
“Students each recorded their part using a backing track,” explained Band Director Seth Arnold. “The individual parts were then edited using a sound mixer to create a group performance. It’s been challenging to do this when we can’t be together, but I’ve really enjoyed seeing the progress they’ve made.”
Gladstone District hires new leader for special education
The Gladstone School District selected Michael Shelton as the new Director of Special Services. Shelton served as Special Education Director for the Anderson 4 School District in South Carolina for five years, and prior to that served six years in the same role in Michigan’s Dearborn School District. On July 1, he will replace Kelly Welch, who retires in June.
“Michael brings eleven years of highly successful work as a special education director to Gladstone, and we appreciate his work as an advocate for students with disabilities,” said Superintendent Bob Stewart. “He is skilled and knowledgeable in autism, co-teaching, inclusion, and multi-tiered systems of support.”
Shelton’s early career includes experience as assistant principal at the middle school and high school level, principal of a 9th grade academy, Special Education Supervisor/Coordinator, and learning specialist. He holds a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from Wayne State University and a bachelor’s degree from Western Michigan University.
“I’m excited to be part of the Gladstone team. Improving outcomes for all students, especially students with disabilities, has been my ambition,” said Shelton. “I strive to be a servant leader who puts the needs of others first and supports people to develop and perform as highly as possible:”
Students use wood-fired oven to study history of food
“When Mr. Misley told us we would possibly be going to the school to use the pizza oven it gave me some hope. I was finally going to see my teacher in person and see some of my classmates even if we’re just passing by," said student Marissa Gould. "I ended up seeing lots of my teachers. It was nice to interact with them without a screen in the way. And I also learned how to make a pizza from scratch and cook it myself, which was delicious by the way! When I left the school I couldn’t stop smiling.”
Gladstone High Key Club helps distribute food boxes
Students from the Gladstone High School Key Club helped Gladstone Mutual Aid distribute 300 free food boxes in Max Patterson Park on March 30. The food was provided by the Peacekeeper Society and was given to Gladstone families.
May 13 online event to help Gladstone students
The Gladstone Education Foundation [GEF] proudly presents their online auction to raise funds for kids across Gladstone. Click here to register: https://gladstone2021.ggo.bid/
GEF’s mission is Growing Great People, and they want every child in Gladstone to have the advantage of an engaging education and a diversity of learning experiences. After all, these students are our community's future neighbors, workers, and leaders.
Bid all week — May 9 to 16 — on the amazing trips, services, and gift baskets in our online silent auction. And be sure to buy a raffle ticket!
Then watch our FACEBOOK LIVE gala May 13 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. for special auction items and the raffle! [Tune in for the Pre-show any time from 6 to 6:30 p.m.]
Join the fun as our community pulls together to support academic supports, athletics, the arts, career-technical programs, family needs, advanced courses, and technology.
Donate auction items by contacting Tammy Tracy at 503.655.2777 or email tracyt@gladstone.k12.or.us. Click here to register: https://gladstone2021.ggo.bid/
Important Dates
EVERY SATURDAY: Kids Clothes Closet open off Nelson Lane @ GHS, 10 a.m. to noon
EVERY MONDAY: Free Meals for kids @ Kraxberger, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. & 4-6 p.m.
EVERY MONDAY: Free Food Boxes at Gladstone Food Pantry. NEW LOCATION: 6460 Glen Echo Ave. behind Hillside Fellowship Church — 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. & 4-6 p.m.
April 1 & 2: Hybrid learning begins, grades K-1
April 5 & 8: Hybrid learning begins, grades 2-3
April 8 & 12: Hybrid learning begins, grades 4-5
April 19: No school, all grades [Inservice]
April 20: Hybrid learning begins, grades 6-12