Terra Linda Tiger Tale
September 1, 2020
Principal's Message
Dear Terra Linda Families,
Let's give this school year the opportunity to be awesome! Don't throw a label or judgement on it before it begins. It may just surprise us in big, beautiful ways!
Family Toolkit: https://www.beaverton.k12.or.us/connect/family-toolkit
Return to School Information:
https://www.beaverton.k12.or.us/return-to-school
Currently food service will only be at Sunset High School, not Terra Linda, on Tuesdays and Thursday from 11:00-12:00
Our teachers returned today eager to get this year started! This week, we will be working to create schedules for each class and finalize our class placements, along with learning how to use all of the tools needed for virtual teaching!
We are also spending time this week as a staff to better understand our roles and responsibilities as anti-racist leaders, discussing ways we can prioritize equitable access, opportunity, and expectation for our students and families most impacted by systemic racism and marginalization, and identifying actions to honor the voices of our BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) community of students, families, and staff. I also welcome your input and ideas as we head into this year. You can reach me most easily on email at christina_batsell@beaverton.k12.or.us
I know many of you are awaiting details of the weekly school schedule. Here's what I can share:
- All classes will start with a live launch at 8:30am with your classroom community.
- Students will also have live lessons in reading, writing, and math along with small groups and/ individual sessions with their teacher during each week.
- All students will have a lunch break from 11:00-12:00 each day.
- Wednesdays during 5-day weeks (no holiday or closure during the week) will have a live launch from their teacher at 8:30am followed by asynchronous (recorded lessons) and/or applied learning activities. Some students will also have small groups and/or individual sessions scheduled on Wednesdays.
- Lessons from our Counselor and Student Success Coach will happen on Wednesdays. The specific schedule will be shared soon.
- Each class will have 30 minutes of either Music twice a week and 30 minutes of PE twice a week on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Students will plan join specials at the same time of day Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. Students will participate in two live specials classes and two recorded lessons each week.
- The student day ends at 2:30.
- Students will get the most benefit from their teacher and lessons if they are able to attend live session whenever they are scheduled. All lessons will be recorded and posted to Youtube for students to watch later if they miss the live lesson.
- Teachers will build individual class schedules and share them with families on Friday prior to each week of instruction.
Families will receive welcome letters from teachers by the end of the day on Thursday, September 3. Each student will have the opportunity to meet one of their Terra Linda teachers in person for 10 minutes on either Tuesday, September 8 or Wednesday, September 9. Details of our Meet & Greet can be found below.
I know there are still many unknowns as we kick off the year with Comprehensive Distance Learning. Thank you for your patience, flexibility and grace as we navigate this new normal. Please know that balancing the social emotional needs and safety of students and staff are our highest priorities. We will be educating both the hearts and minds of our students, even from afar.
With appreciation,
Christy Batsell
Principal
Upcoming Events
Wednesday, September 2 at 6:30 pm: New Family Orientation
- For any family new to Terra Linda - we will share details that returning families already know about our school.
- Zoom Meeting Link
- Meeting ID: 959 7926 2449
- Passcode: Tigers
Thursday, September 3 before 4pm
- Welcome letters sent to families notifying them of their teachers before 4pm
- 1st-5th Grade Families: Check your email after 4:00pm to sign up for a 10-minute time on either 9/8 or 9/9 (details below)
- Kindergarten Families: Office staff will contact you to make a Home Visit (outdoor) appointment) or Zoom Appointment
Tuesday, September 8 Meet & Greet: K-2 in the morning; 3-5 in the afternoon
- 9:00-10:00am Kindergarten drive-through without appointment
- 9:00-10:00am Mrs. Hefty's class by appointment
- 9:00-11:00am 1st & 2nd Grade classes by appointment
- 4:00-6:00pm 3rd-5th Grade classes by appointment
- 5:00-6:00pm Mrs. Cyphers's class by appointment
Wednesday, September 9 Meet & Greet: 3-5 in the morning; K-2 in the afternoon
- 9:00-10:00am Mrs. Cyphers's class by appointment
- 9:00-11:00am 3rd-5th Grade classes by appointment
- 4:00-6:00pm 1st-2nd Grade classes by appointment
- 4:00-5:00pm Kindergarten drive-through without appointment
- 5:00-6:00pm Mrs. Hefty's class by appointment
Monday, September 14: First Day of School for 1st-5th Grade - all online
Thursday, September 17: First Day of Kindergarten for students with last names that begin with A-L
- These students do not attend on Friday, 9/18
Friday, September 18: First Day of Kindergarten for students with last names that begin with M-Z
- These students do not attend on Thursday, 9/17
Monday, September 21: All Kindergarteners attend
Reminder: Apply for 6 Months of Free Internet from Comcast (until all 500 spots are taken)
- See details below
Wednesday, September 23: Curriculum Night
- 6:30-7:00 Session 1
- 7:05-7:35 Session 2 (repeat of Session 1)
Friday, October 9: No School
- Staff Development Day
November 16 - First possible day students could be in the building. However, statewide metrics for returning to the building must be met in order for us to open our building to students.
**No fall or spring conferences are scheduled this year in order to preserve instructional days for students.**
Meet & Greet - Save the Dates
- 9:00-10:00am Kindergarten drive-through without appointment
- 9:00-10:00am Mrs. Hefty's class by appointment
- 9:00-11:00am 1st & 2nd Grade classes by appointment
Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd Grade Meet & Greet Wednesday September 9
- 4:00-5:00pm Kindergarten drive-through without appointment
- 4:00-6:00pm 1st & 2nd Grade classes by appointment
- 5:00-6:00pm Mrs. Hefty's class by appointment
3rd, 4th, and 5th Grade Meet & Greet Tuesday September 8
- 5:00-6:00pm Mrs. Cyphers's class by appointment
- 4:00-6:00pm 3rd, 4th, & 5th Grade classes by appointment
3rd, 4th, and 5th Grade Meet & Greet Wednesday September 9
- 9:00-10:00am Mrs. Cyphers's class by appointment
- 9:00-11:00am 3rd, 4th, & 5th Grade classes by appointment
Meet & Greet Plan
- Watch your email and sign up for a 10-minute slot on either Sept. 8 or Sept. 9
- Kindergarten families are invited to drive through and briefly say hello to our two Kindergarten teachers. 20-minute home visits (outdoors) will be scheduled as well.
- All Meet & Greet visits must be made in a vehicle. Families will need to remain in their vehicle for the duration of the drive through event except when they chat with their teacher.
- Bring a piece of paper with your student's name written on it to show our staff when you arrive.
- All students will receive a personalized bag with a white board, pen, and eraser and a back-to-school packet. Please use this bag to return books to school at our next supply pick-up event! Each student will have two bags assigned to them and will be used on a rotation (drop off books in one bag; take home books & supplies in the other bag).
- Families who need school supplies will be able to pick them up.
- K-2 students can pick up an iPad. Please return any Chromebooks & Chargers that you checked out in the spring,
- 3-5 students who informed us that they needed a Chromebook may also pick one up.
- Safety measures will include maintaining six-foot distancing, limited participants, face coverings and sanitizing of materials.
- Anyone who wishes to step out of their vehicle to meet their teacher must be wearing a mask.
- Families not able to attend in person will be offered Zoom calls with their teacher later in the week.
- In addition to meeting their teacher, each student will take a first day photo
- For grades 3-5, if you don't have a Chromebook, please call our office at 503-356-2490 to request one be prepared for you.
Staffing Updates
We have had a few changes this summer, so I wanted to share these details as well as provide current assignments. Saying goodbye is always hard and especially during these times, but I know you join me in wishing everyone well. Please know there could still be additional changes even once the school year begins depending on final enrollment.
Certified Staff
Cathy Kohl has made the decision to retire. She will now be able to spend more time with her daughter and grandson and be able to help take care of her mom. We will miss Mrs. Kohl! I wanted to thank her for her many years of service to the students and families in Beaverton. She made such a difference for so many students, setting them up with a strong foundation in Kindergarten. Thank you for helping to make Terra Linda a special place. We wish you the very best in your retirement!
We had other staff changes over the summer:
- Lauren McAndie has taken a position in our District's Teaching & Learning Department.
- Jennifer Rafanan will be a teacher with FLEX, Beaverton's new online school.
- Marcie Meryl will be teaching ELD at Cedar Mill Elementary.
- Meryl Riddle decided to leave her position as half-time ELD teacher to spend more time with her family.
Classified Staff
Lisa Nelson also left her position as Library Media Assistant to spend time with her husband who recently retired. We are in the process of hiring a new LMA.
Several staff in our Special Education program will be serving students in other buildings this year:
- Linda Wendeborn - Aloha HS
- Sierra Haskin - Five Oaks
- Sarah Ernstrom - Vose
- Melissa Nazal - Chehalem
- Xochilt Martinez - Hiteon & Jacob Wismer (just during CDL)
New Staff
Welcome Shoshanna Krall! She will serve as our full time ELD teacher this coming year. This will be her seventh year as an ELD teacher in the Beaverton School District. Previously she worked at Barnes, Bonny Slope, and Kinnaman. We are looking forward to partnering with Shoshanna this year!
Classroom Teacher Assignments
Kindergarten: Sally Doughty & Debbie Meinhart1st Grade: Jane Clark, Allison Marlia, and Alli Schrader
2nd Grade: Bridget Piper with intern Taylor Dodge, and Bethany Schroeder
3rd Grade: Megan Craft & Zhalih Taefy-Cross
4th Grade: Megan Klemens & Richard Will
5th Grade: Autumn Powers & Amy Wick
SRC: Jen Hefty & Cathy Cyphers
You can view all of our staff on our Terra Linda Website:
https://terralinda.beaverton.k12.or.us/connect/staff-directory
Volunteering at Terra Linda
Yes, there will be opportunities for virtual volunteering, and you can volunteer as much or as little as your schedule permits.
In addition to parents, we also welcome grandparents, family, and friends as volunteers. All volunteers must first complete the District's background check and be approved to volunteer. These steps, like many others, ensure a safe environment for the students. Volunteers check in and out of the Beaverton School District’s Volunteer Management System each time they volunteer. We call it “MyVP”. MyVP keeps record of when and where people volunteer.
To join our Volunteer Team:
Get started early – Get your background check completed and get registered in MyVP! This can take a few weeks.
Complete online at https://www.beaverton.k12.or.us
- ---> Click the Community tab, on the drop down menu. Click Volunteer, then click the yellow box that corresponds to your role: Parent/Guardian or Community Member (grandparents use this one), then use the “I am new” side of the page to start the process
Please feel free to contact your Volunteer Coordinator Team anytime! volunteers@terralindaptc.org
Stand by as we find the best ways for volunteers to join us in our online learning environment this fall!
Setting Up a Home Learning Environment
Even though your child is experiencing school without leaving home, it is important to create some separation between the two.
Some things to consider:
Have a designated space (when possible).
Try to keep others’ things off your child’s space (just like if it were their desk/space at school).
Give them freedom to leave this space for lunch, breaks, creative time, etc.
“After school” give them a change to relocate to another space and relax for a bit.
Consider having them practice taking a backpack and lunchbox to school (their learning space) and bringing it home (the living room, bedroom, etc.)
If you have consistent, dedicated space:
Have the supplies and materials they will need available in that space
Let them make the space their own (name tag, decorate, etc.)
Choose a space away from distractions (toys, tv, etc.)
If you do not have a consistent, dedicated space:
Have a box/bag/container of supplies they will need so they can take it with them to their workspace
If possible, develop some consistency by having choices of locations to work
If you have multiple students, develop a schedule that works for your family for where students will work
Stick to a Routine as Much as Possible
Consistent meal times
Sleep schedule (10-12 hours for kindergartners!)
Have something to look forward to.
Keep start of the year traditions (first day of school picture, etc.)
Allow them to “come home from school”
Damage/Loss Protection Coverage for iPads and Chromebooks
If you plan to use an iPad or Chromebook from Terra Linda, please consider activating the Damage/Loss Protection Coverage available from our District. The Coverage fee is $20. It is possible to waive this fee if your family is eligible for Meal Benefits. See below.
How can you activate Damage/Loss Protection Coverage?
- Option 1: You can opt in or opt out of Damage/Loss Protection Coverage by logging into ParentVue and selecting the Online Verification and Family Updates option.
- Option 2: Stop by Terra Linda and fill out a paper form to request coverage.
If you are eligible for Meal Benefits and plan to use a district-owned iPad or Chromebook and you have opted into Damage/Loss Protection Coverage using one of the above options, you have three choices for this Coverage:
- When you apply for Meal Benefits, click the box on the application that allows District staff to be aware of your eligibility. The $20 Coverage fee will automatically be waived.
- Bring your Meal Benefits Eligibility Letter to Terra Linda so that we can verify eligiblity. We can then waive the $20 Coverage fee.
- Pay thee $20 fee for Damage/Loss Protection Coverage
Students can use district-owned devices at home without insurance coverage, but families are liable for any damages to the devices.
Club K After School Program
Club K is the company that has been providing before and after school care for Terra Linda students for the past several years. At this time, Club K is operating at McKinley Elementary School only. Depending on demand, they may open additional locations. For the first quarter of the school year Club K will be offering three choices to families who need day care and one choice to families who choose to keep their children home. Registration will be by the quarter to allow for school scheduling changes and family needs during the pandemic. For additional information, please contact Amanda Lybarger at fieldmanager02@clubkafterschool.com or 503-643-9059 ext. 206.
Register at: https://www.clubkafterschool.com/registration/
Option A - Full Day Plan
Monday-Friday 8:15 AM -5:15 PM
Includes Comprehensive Distance Learning support during the school day and After School Enrichment activities after school, snacks included throughout the day.
Beaverton location - McKinley Elementary
Additional locations in Tigard, Tualatin, and Wilsonville
Option B - School Day Plan
Monday-Friday 8:30 AM -1:30 PM
Includes Comprehensive Distance Learning support during the school day, a snack is included in the morning.
Beaverton location - McKinley Elementary
Additional locations in Tigard, Tualatin, and Wilsonville
Option C - After School Enrichment Plan
Monday-Friday 2:00 PM- 6:00 PM
Includes After School Enrichment activities and snacks.
Beaverton location - McKinley Elementary
- Additional locations in Tigard, Tualatin, and Wilsonville
Clothes Closet
The Clothes Closet is operated by volunteers from the School District's parent groups and Beaverton community to provide free clothing for students in grades K-12 from families with limited income.
Students can visit the Clothes Closet two times per school year.
The district-run Clothes Closet will open on Monday, August 24. Appointments are required and are currently available in October. To schedule, please use the appointment calendar or call 503-356-4322. Visits are limited to one adult with four children or two adults with 8 children. All visitors must wear masks and gloves. If you don't have your own, we'll provide them.
Clothes Closet is located in the portable on the west side of the District Administration Center, 16550 SW Merlo Road.
2 Options for Internet Access: Comcast Internet Essentials or a Hotspot
Option 1: Apply for Comcast Internet Essentials - available until additional 500 spots are filled
Comcast is available to Beaverton School District families:
- Who are eligible for Meal Benefits (participate in the Free and Reduced Lunch program) and
- Who live where Comcast offers internet service and
- Who have been a Comcast customer in the past or who are new to Comcast
Steps to Apply:
- Fill out this form: Comcast Internet Essentials Request Form
- You will receive a promo code by email.
- Go to Internet Essentials from Comcast and click on "Apply Now (You can apply on a cell phone with wifi access)
- When you start the application, you must enter your address. The form will tell you if Comcast offers internet service where you live.
- You will enter the promo code from BSD and other information.
Items needed to apply for Comcast Internet:
- The promo code sent to you from BSD
- Either a SSN or another form of Identification (there are several options)
- You can start the application, save what you've entered, then return later to complete it.
- NEW: You do not need a letter from Nutrition Services to verify Meal Benefits Eligibility. The promo code will allow you to skip this step.
Option 2: Request an internet hotspot here:
https://www.beaverton.k12.or.us/departments/information-technology/internet-access-for-families
You will need to enter your student's ID number. Please call our office at 503-356-2490 if you don't know the number.
Apply for Meal Benefits
If you think your family might be eligible for Meal Benefits, please apply! We encourage all Terra Linda families to apply for Meal Benefits. Eligibility is based on your household size and total household income. Qualification criteria is different than what you might think. Students in eligible families can eat school-provided breakfast and lunch for free. Any school fees can also be reduced or possibly waived if you check the Permission to Share option.
More information here: https://www.beaverton.k12.or.us/departments/nutrition-services/meal-benefits
If you family was eligible during the 2019-2020 school year, you need to reapply.
Consider Supporting this Fundraisers for BSD Students
Hotspots
The Beaverton Education Foundation has been working with some external partners to purchase some hotspots and connectivity for 475 students who are still without reliable access to the internet. Please consider supporting this effort!
Here are more details: https://fundrazr.com/BEF_Connect/Connect
https://www.beavertonedfoundation.org/help-connect-every-student-this-school-year-hotspots-for-all/
Scholastic Summer Read-a-Palooza Virtual Book Fair- All Summer Long!
The brand new Scholastic Summer Read-a-Palooza Virtual Book Fair is here! Bring the joy of reading home this summer and help students discover favorite characters, series, and collections, with the option to shop for books directly from the booklist flyer. Plus, our school will get 25% in Scholastic Dollars™ that we can use to purchase more books for classrooms and the library.
- Same exclusive titles as our in-school Book Fairs
- Orders ship direct to home
- FREE shipping on book-only orders over $25*
- All purchases benefit our school
- The online fair runs now through 9/4
Please click on this link to start shopping: Scholastic Summer Read-a-Palooza Virtual Book Fair
*Free standard shipping is available on book-only orders of $25 or more, after all discounts are applied. Free standard shipping (books) must be selected during checkout. Orders containing products other than books are not eligible for this shipping promotion. Learn more.
Thank you to the Terra Linda PTC for organizing this opportunity!
Recent Tiger Tale Links
- June 11: https://www.smore.com/6c8x0
- June 30: https://www.smore.com/21fe4
- July 9: https://www.smore.com/r1ak6
- July 16: https://www.smore.com/ky91n
- July 28: https://www.smore.com/xqtmc
- August 7: https://www.smore.com/rcu12
- August 17: https://www.smore.com/bnw6j
Questions? Contact Terra Linda
Options for contacting us at Terra Linda
- Call Terra Linda at 503-356-2490
- Fill out this form to send us an email.
About Us
Website: https://www.beaverton.k12.or.us/schools/terra-linda
Location: 1998 Northwest 143rd Avenue, Portland, OR, USA
Phone: (503) 356-2490
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/terralindatigers/