School News Blast
Gladstone District • Growing Great People • 4.8.21
Gladstone welcomes grades 2 to 5
This week John Wetten Elementary welcomed many students in grades 2 to 5 for classroom learning, joining the kindergarten and first grade students who returned last week. A second group of fourth and fifth graders will begin classroom learning on Monday, April 12.
The afternoon sessions allow time for academics, social-emotional connections, and support from teachers. At the elementary level, about 64% of families opted for hybrid learning, with 36% choosing to remain in distance learning only. The Gladstone District is currently providing three program options for families to meet their individual needs.
“It’s been heartwarming to see students reconnect with friends and teachers,” said district spokeswoman Leslie Robinette. “From math lessons to playground games, children are settling in quickly, and we are proud they are being careful to protect themselves and others.”
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.
Register now for online auction to support Gladstone kids
Did you know the Gladstone Education Foundation [GEF] has provided over $1 million in support to students and classrooms?
Register now for GEF's virtual auction and raffle in May, and you can help the non-profit give even more to Gladstone kids: https://gladstone2021.ggo.bid/
For more than two decades, GEF funds have helped the district build vibrant arts programs, providing band instruments, recording equipment, a kiln for ceramics classes, art supplies, plus drums and ukuleles for elementary music classes.
GEF has also helped Gladstone's youngest learners, supporting literacy programs at John Wetten, field trips for the GCCF kindergarten, technology for classrooms, and after school clubs that keep students engaged in school.
The Foundation has been a long-term supporter of Gladstone’s Culture of Care work to address social/emotional needs of students. It has funded a sensory pathway at John Wetten that helps students refocus their minds on learning. It has supported an anti-bullying program at Kraxberger. And it has also provided funding for the new Study of Happiness and Wellbeing course at Gladstone High School.
GEF accomplished all this and more with help from community members like you. And with your help in May, they can provide even more opportunities for Gladstone students as they return to classrooms this fall. Register now [it's free!] at https://gladstone2021.ggo.bid/.
How will it work?
Bid online 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 to win a trip to your choice of 3 amazing destinations.
Then watch our live online gala May 13 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. for special auction items and the raffle! [Tune in for the Pre-show from 6 to 6:30] You need not be a Facebook user to watch the show on Facebook Live.
Sign up for April 26 Key Club blood drive
The Gladstone High School Key Club plans a blood drive on April 26, from 2 to 7 p.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ Latter-day Saints, 8331 Cason Road in Gladstone.
Blood donors are asked to sign up in advance: https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?zipSponsor=GladHS#.YGZD4KLcZ0E.gmail
Vesta donates technology to Gladstone schools
Thanks to Vesta, a Portland company specializing in security for online transactions, the Gladstone School District received a substantial donation of technology equipment.
The donation included 63 desktop computers, 6 laptop computers, 8 printers, more than 60 keyboards and computer mice, more than 50 battery backup APC power strips, and several monitors.
“We thought this donation would be a good way to welcome students and teachers back into schools,” said Michael Mudd, Workplace and Facilities Manager at Vesta.
Gladstone Food Pantry moves to Glen Echo Avenue
The Gladstone Food Pantry recently reopened at a new location behind Hillside Fellowship at 6460 Glen Echo Avenue. The pantry is now distributing food bags on a first-come, first-served basis each Monday from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and also from 4 to 6 p.m.
Drive-through pickup is available, and visitors are asked to remain in the car, wear a face mask, and open the trunk or hatch before arrival for easy loading.
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 12: Hybrid learning begins, grades 4-5, Cohort A
April 19: No school, all grades [Inservice]
April 20: Hybrid learning begins, grades 6-12