The Howler Vol. 26
March 22nd, 2024
From the Principal
Greetings Grant Watts Community-
Spring has arrived, and we hope you all enjoyed the recent sunny weather. There are a few housekeeping items worth mentioning this time of year, and we do appreciate you supporting our work here at school.
First, personal communication devices, including cell phones and smart watches may not be used for texting, calling, taking photographs, or playing games during the school day. This is a district policy; unfortunately, we’ve seen an uptick in students misusing these devices. As a parent myself, I understand the peace of mind a watch or phone might provide; just please make sure you speak with your child about the expectations at school. Cell phones should be silenced and placed securely in a backpack (we are not responsible for these items should you choose to send them to school), and watches should be in a setting where students do not receive texts or notifications in class. If your child needs to contact you, they can use the office phone at an appropriate time.
Second, please do not send your child with energy drinks or soda to school. We prefer good old-fashioned water, milk, and the occasional fruit juice. Staff will gladly send the unopened beverages back home to enjoy off campus.
Lastly, students peel their jackets off when the weather warms up, and our lost & found is overflowing again. Please label everything you send to school so we can return it to its owner, and check the bin if you are missing a coat or two, or three…
Have a wonderful spring break with your favorite people, and send us a postcard if you get the chance:
Grant Watts Elementary
52000 SE 3rd Pl.
Scappoose, OR 97056
Warmly,
Principal Small
BUY YOUR AUCTION TICKET TODAY!
The GWPO Spring Auction is right around the corner. Check out our FAQs and visit our auction website to BUY YOUR TICKET TODAY!
⭐The auction is on Saturday, April 20th at the Columbia County Fairgrounds. You’ll need a $30 pre-purchased ticket, or you can reserve a table for $250. Tickets will be available until Sunday, April 14th.
⭐️All are welcome, but it's a 21+ only event. Onsite childcare is available for $10 per kiddo.
⭐Dinner is catered by Beyond the Forest, beer and wine available for purchase. This is a cashless event.
⭐️All funds support Grant Watts Elementary for enhanced classroom experiences, field trips, supplies, and more!
⭐️You can support by purchasing tickets, donating items, or volunteering.
For further questions, reach out to gwposcappoose@gmail.com
Support the Annual Spring Auction!
The GWPO Annual Spring Auction is just around the corner, and we need YOUR help to make it a success! We’re seeking a variety of donations, including:
Gift certificates to local businesses or restaurants
Experiences such as spa days, cooking classes, or outdoor adventures
Professional services such as photography sessions, tutoring, lawn care, or home cleaning
Self-care goodies like spa baskets, wellness products, or fitness memberships
Curated alcohol selections, from fine wines to craft spirits
Sweet desserts such cakes, pies, cookies, or bars
Big-ticket items like electronics, vacation getaways, or sporting event tickets
Our auction takes place on Saturday, April 20th at the Columbia County Fairgrounds. Check out our website to donate and get your ticket! https://gwpo.ejoinme.org/2024auction
All funds raised will be used to provide enhanced classroom experiences, sponsor field trips, and purchase supplies/equipment. Together, let's create amazing opportunities for our students!
Check Us Out on Social Media!
Lunch Bunch
All students are welcomed to join a lunch bunch with me sometime through the school year-this is an opportunity to connect and check in on how things are going for them. I have some structured social activities that we do together and socialize while they eat.
This month, we will be talking all about Cooperation! We all experience situations in which we must work with others to accomplish a goal or task in our lives. Whether we are working with friends or with someone new, we need tools to help us successfully navigate those situations and maintain healthy relationships. Great conversations can be had about how this looks at school and at home.
PLEASE, if your child or your family are experiencing challenges, please reach out to me for support.
Tami McDonald, School Counselor
971-200-8002
Enjoy Your Spring Break!
THIS WEEK IN THE LIBRARY!: This week was Dewey Decimal refresher week–we took another spin through our library to re-familiarize ourselves with where our informational texts are located and how they are organized. Then we sorted books just like a librarian! This was a great exercise to show our students how the Dewey Decimal System works to support people seeking information as well as the people working in the library. We are really getting good at navigating our library independently–it is so much fun to watch!
WHAT TO DO ON YOUR SPRING BREAK:
Read great books!
Write and illustrate a book of your own!
Review a book on Bookopolis!
Find your LOST or OVERDUE Books! 😀
Have a wonderful break ~ Mrs. Nudo
Great Job Second Graders!
Second graders sung their hearts out this week at their music concert. All of that hard work and practice paid off!
Links
Attendance and Transportation Changes
Please communicate all transportation changes by 2pm on M,T,Th,F and 1pm on early release Wednesdays. This gives us time to make sure the change is communicated with the student's teacher.
- Kailee Klobes: kklobes@scappoose.k12.or.us
- Anne Flores: aflores@scappoose.k12.or.us
- Your child's teacher
Oregon's Student Educational Equity Development Survey
Oregon Statewide Assessments
Each year, schools are required to participate in administering the Oregon Statewide Assessments. These tests include Math and English Language Arts (Grades 3-8 and 11), Science (Grade 5, 8 and 11), ELPA (eligible students only) and Extended Assessments (eligible students only).
For Math and English Language Arts, parents may OPT-OUT by preference. For exemptions for Science, ELPA21 or Extended Assessments, they must be based on a disability or religious reason per the Oregon Department of Education and approved by the District Test Coordinator.
Parents can find these forms below:
First Student Transportation
First Student Phone #: 971-290-4020
SSD Student Conduct on School Buses
SSD Discipline Procedures for Bus Transportation
Kindergarten students must be met by a guardian at the bus stop. If you would like to have your kindergarten student get off the bus with an older sibling OR if someone other than a guardian will be meeting them at the stop, please email that permission to kklobes@scappoose.k12.or.us or write a note for the bus driver. First Student is required to have this information in writing. Thank you!
My MealTime Breakfast and Lunch Accounts
*Please make checks out to "Scappoose School District"
MealTime Parent Helpline: 800-755-0904
Upcoming Events
- March 25th-29th- Spring Break NO SCHOOL
- Thursday, April 11th- 3rd Grade Field Trip to Tillamook Forestry Center
- Friday, April 12th-Teacher Grade Day NO SCHOOL
- Thursday, April 18th- 2nd Grade Field Trip to Oregon Children's Theater
- Friday, April 12th- Kindergarten Registration Event (SSD District Office)
- Friday, April 19th- Spring Conferences (by teacher/parent request) NO SCHOOL
- Saturday, April 20th- GWPO Spring Auction (Columbia County Fairgrounds)
- Friday, April 22nd- GWPO Earth Day Activities and Campus Clean Up
- May 6th-10th- Teacher Appreciation Week
- May 20th-24th- Scholastic Book Fair
School Hours: 8:10am-2:45pm M, T, Th, F
Early Release Wednesday 8:10am-1:45pm
971-200-8002 *messages checked frequently throughout the day