The Guardian Gazette
Student News, March 4, 2024
Message from Principal Coning
HI Students,
Juniors and Seniors: a quick update on our prom attendance pilot
I met with student leaders last Friday and really appreciate their questions. They asked me to send out a clarifying email about the process and who and when we will be meeting with students.
We will begin meeting with students this week who have under 85% attendance because of unexcused absences. These are students we have identified as missing enough school that it is negatively impacting their ability to thrive and experience academic success. We will not be meeting with students who have excused absences at this point.
When we meet with a student, I (in charge of 12th graders) and Vice Principal Mr. Burns (in charge of 11th graders) will send a pass to your teacher for you to come check in with one of us. We will have your attendance and grades ready to review. Together, we will write a plan which states where you think you can improve in school. These check-ins should last no more than 15 minutes. You will not be required to share any personal information you do not want to share with us. The goal is to help you improve your attendance and your grades, and that is the focus.
In early April, after spring break, we will continue to meet with students and also loop back around to students to see if they have made improvements. Our goal is to increase student attendance, increase academic performance, and sell out prom. We want everyone who wants to go to prom to go and to go knowing they have set reasonable expectations for themselves about what they can accomplish at school during the day.
Additionally, and on a different note:
Many staff were asking that we change the first bell in the morning from 8:15 to 8:25am. The problem, as it was described to me, is that students who come into school after 8:15 did not hear the first bell and when they hear the 8:30 bell, that feels like the first bell resulting in many students being late to 1st/5th periods. So, we are ringing the first bell at 8:25am, which means you have 5 minutes to reach your class by 8:30am when it starts.
Also, I want to remind you that you can confidentially report any incident that causes harm here:
https://www.safeoregon.com/report-a-tip/ Today, it was reported that a lovely mural made by our students in the hallway on the way to the Woods and Metals classroom was vandalized. If you have any information, please let us know. If we can identify who did this, then, we can help them to learn about how they caused harm to both students and staff, and give them an opportunity to repair the hurt they caused.
Finally,
Don’t forget to follow me on my principalconing instagram. Let me know if you or your team, group, or class is doing something super fun as I love to capture those joyful moments when I can.
Have a great week,
Principal Coning
Upcoming Important Dates
March 4 - ASB Elections Underway
March 5 -8 - (SW)2 Tryouts for the Spring Musical
March 5 - 8 - Club Photos (A - KE)
March 6 - For Juniors (students A-L) Digital Readiness Check for SAT
March 6 - Choir Fundraiser at Chipotle
March 7 - For Juniors (students M-Z) Digital Readiness Check for SAT
March 7 - Rose Court Announcement
March 7 - Outdoor Club - REI Wilderness Survival Workshop
March 11 - 15 - Club Photos (KN - T)
March 20 - SAT Testing Day, Full-Day schedule
March 25 - March 29 - Spring Break
April 15 -- 19 - Multicultural Fair
*Please note that the Trivory calendar has NOW been updated to reflect changes for 2nd semester
Save the Date for 2024-25 Back to School Business Days
Our Back to School Business Days have been scheduled for the 2024-25 School Year. This is when students come to the school to take their school photo, pick up their schedule, etc.
Freshmen - Monday, August 19
Sophomore and Juniors - Tuesday, August 20th
Seniors and Make Up - Wednesday, August 21st
IBWHS to support SW Hope Food Drive for Neighborhood House
IBWHS is once again a Partner in Hope for the Neighborhood House annual SW Hope Community Food Drive. See their website for more information regarding the entire event that runs through April 6: https://nhpdx.org/sw-hope/
Our IBW PositiveCharge Club is taking the lead this year but will be partnering with other school clubs to help make the 2024 drive very successful. We have set our 2024 goal at 10,000 lbs of food (or the equivalent in dollars; $1 = 4 cans of food). We think 10,000lbs is very attainable with the help from the IBWHS Community!
Edit from Leanne Van Horn: I heard a presentation yesterday from a Neighborhood House Representative about SW Hope. Prior to the pandemic, Neighborhood House served around 3000 people per year. Last year they served 16,000! The need in our own neighborhood has grown immensely!
Our collection will run from February 23 - March 22 with:
- General collection of canned food and non perishable goods at IBWHS. Collection bins are located
at the front entrance of the school and in front of the gym
- Collection at our Home Track and Field Meet on 3/20.
- Collection of $ through a special account in SchoolPay https://pps.schoolpay.com/pay/for/SW-Hope-Food-Drive-for-Neighborhood-Hous/Sc6nTaD or use the QR code above.
Plus stay tuned for more...
FOR SENIORS - Personalized Learning Requirements
We still have a few seniors who have not completed all of their Personalized Learning Requirements that are needed to to graduate and the deadline to complete has passed. Please check in StudentVue to see if you have completed all of your Personalized Learning Requirements.
These are all required to be completed in order to graduate this spring.
My Plan Essay (Turned into your Senior English Teacher)
Follow the above links to complete these requirements, if you need help completing them please visit the College and Career Center ASAP!!
Multnomah County Student Health Center Telehealth Service at IBWHS
Telehealth Services are now available at IBWHS through the Multnomah County Student Health Center Program. Ask our school nurse, Cheryl Bell, for more information.
Multnomah County Student Health Center's Telehealth Service is a convenient way for IBW students to receive virtual medical, reproductive and behavioral health care at school. Telehealth visits can treat:
• Certain less serious illnesses (colds, sore throats, earaches, headaches, dental pain, and vision
problems)
• Abdominal pain (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea)
• Upper respiratory tract disease
• COVID symptoms
• Counseling or anxiety, stress, mild depression and panic attacks
By providing care at school, Student Health Center Telehealth visits save time away from school, work or family. Families also save money on gas, public transportation fares, and parking costs.
This new telehealth service is part of Multnomah County's existing Student Health Center program, which has clinics in 9 high schools throughout the county. We serve all Multnomah County youth ages 5-18 regardless of where they go to school. There is never an out-of-pocket costs for our services, and we will see you with or without insurance.
Upcoming Opportunities to Help Inform About IBWHS Modernization
After Bruce is working on gathering input from underserved communities to inform the design of an updated Ida B. Wells High School. We are hosting interactive listening sessions and events and we need your input! These will be facilitated conversations with delicious food, extra take-home boxes, and other goodies. We need participants for the following sessions:
If you’re interested in attending, please sign up HERE or email rhonda@afterbruce.com with any questions.
ASB 2024-2025 Elections
Timeline of Events
Application packets are now available outside of Room 143
Friday, March 8 - Packets Due to Ms. Griffin’s Box on or before this date
Candidate Bio due on or before this date
March 9-14 - Campaigning
Friday, March 15 - Student Government Speeches & Voting Opens
Friday, March 22 - Election results announced
ASB Positions
Here are all the positions that are available
Campaign Rules
The following rules and guidelines must be followed to assure fair elections. If there are any violations to the campaign rules, candidates will be asked to fix the error or be removed from campaigning for office.
Applications must be turned in by or before Fri, March 8
Candidates must submit a Candidate Bio by or before Fri, March 8 to abgriffin@pps.net
Campaigning may only take place during the designated campaigning days of March 9-March 14. This includes any online campaigning.
Candidates’ campaigns should be positive promotions of their qualifications only.
Campaign materials that may be considered derogatory, vulgar, or degrading may not be used. If posters are deemed inappropriate, we will remove your poster and contact you immediately.
Campaigns may not exceed $25.00 in total costs/value.
School paper, paint, tape, copy machines, etc. should not be used.
Each candidate may have 4 posters. Posters may be up to 3ft by 3ft. Posters may only be hung on brick walls at school.
Posters must be approved and STAMPED by Ms. Griffin before they are hung. Posters and fliers must be hung with masking tape and may NOT be hung near fire extinguishers, exit signs, in bathrooms, in classrooms or locker rooms, or on top of any other displays of any kind.
Candy, food, and drink may NOT be distributed as campaign materials.
ACADEMICS
Congratulations Choir and Orchestra
Under the guidance of IBW Choir and Orchestra Teacher, Margaret Murer, our choir and orchestra competed in Districts this past weekend at Cleveland with the following results:
The Ida B Wells Chamber Orchestra -1st place and going to State
WAVE - 1st place and going to State
The Ida B Wells Violin Quartet - 2nd place - 1st alternate for State
Shinyu Nakamura - 2nd place for violin - 1st alternate for State
Ruby Parr - 3rd place violin - 2nd alternate for State
Hodaka Nakamura - 4rd place violin - 3rd alternate to State
Corinna Murdock - 3rd place for Soprano Voice - 2nd alternate to State
Marissa Margolin - 4th place for Soprano Voice - 3rd alternate to State
Addison Feld-Gore - 2nd place for Baritone Voice
Orie Zadok - 4th place for Baritone Voice
You can view WAVE's performance on their Instagram page ibw_choirs Congratulations to all of our musicians!
Choir Fundraiser
Calling all Burrito Lovers,
Foil your dinner plans and stop by the Chipotle at 9375 SW Beaverton Hillsdale Hwy in Beaverton for our fundraiser on Wednesday, March 06 from 4:00pm - 8:00pm. We're raising money to support Ida B. Wells High School Choir Program, so just mention the fundraiser at checkout and they'll donate 33% of the proceeds to the cause! You can also order online. See the attached flyer below for the directions and Reminder — your online ordering code is: R4QD2TQ.
AVID Guardian Scholars for 24-25 School Year
Hello IBW Community! There are still spots left in all grade levels for the 24/25 AVID: Guardian Scholars program elective classes. For more information, please see the AVID page on our website https://www.pps.net/Page/10535
If this sounds like a commitment you want to make, fill out the digital application which is linked on the website under AVID Application Process
Interviews will be conducted in March. If you have questions, please reach out to Jamie Suehiro, AVID Coordinator at mailto:jsuehiro@pps.net
March 20 Schedule
On March 20, we will have a special schedule due to the SAT Exam for Juniors. It will be a All-8 schedule for grades 9, 10 and 12. Juniors will take the SAT in the AM and then join in the All-8 schedule in the PM. There will be no bells on this day.
Grade 11/Juniors
SAT Test Times are approximate as they are timed by computer for each student
Check-in: 8:30am – 8:45am
Reading & Writing: 8:45am – 9:49am
Break: 9:50am - 10:00am
Math: 10:00am ~11:10am (stay in testing rooms until lunch)
Grades 9, 10, 12 (ALL 8)
Period 1: 8:30am – 9:14am
Period 2: 9:19am – 10:03am
Period 3: 10:08am – 10:52am
Period 4: 10:57am – 11:41am
FOR ALL GRADES 9-12
Lunch: 11:41am – 12:14pm
Period 5: 12:19pm – 1:03pm
Period 6: 1:08pm – 1:52pm
Period 7: 1:57pm – 2:41pm
Period 8: 2:46pm – 3:30pm
Important Information for Juniors - Upcoming Testing this Spring
This years' SAT exam is an all digital exam on your PPS Chromebook. All Juniors must complete a Digital Readiness Check on March 6 (students A-L) or March 7 (students M-Z) during flex in the cafeteria. Students must bring their PPS Chromebook to the Digital Readiness Check. This will give you access to the Bluebook app used for the exam and allow you access to SAT practice tests.
For more information on the SAT exam day schedule see the March 20 Special Schedule above.
SAT Testing Day - March 20, 2024
On Wednesday March 20th Juniors will be given the SAT exam, free of charge, during the school day. The students should be at their exam room by 8:30am.
PPS Chromebook Needed
This is the first time that the exam is entirely digital and must be done using the student’s PPS issued Chromebook. If you do not have a working PPS Chromebook, please go to the Library to check one out before March 5th.
Testing Rooms and ID
We will post students testing rooms in the main hall by Monday 3/18 at the latest. All students need to be in their testing room, with their student ID or Studentvue by 8:30am on 3/20.
Details for the day
Students must test with their PPS Chromebook and need to bring it fully charged. While a fully charged Chromebook should have enough battery, please bring your charger as well.
The digital format does have a calculator in the computer program available however you can bring your own if you prefer. It must be an SAT approved calculator.
Cell phones must be turned off and placed in the teacher designated area until the exam is over and students dismissed.
Students can bring sealed beverage and snack but it can only be consumed during designated breaks and in area designated by the room proctor. The school will not be providing snacks.
The exam will be completed before the all-student lunch. After lunch students will go to periods 5-8 with school ending at 3:30pm.
If you know they you/your student will not be at school on 3/20 then please report the absence in ParentVUE for a full-day absence or the Absence Reporting Form for a partial-day absence as soon as possible so we can plan for classrooms.
Students arriving late may not be able to take the exam. There will not be a makeup day for those missIng the exam.
Questions? Email sburns@pps.net or amenashe@pps.net or bsmall@pps.net
OSAS (Oregon Statewide Assessment System):
OSAS (Oregon Statewide Assessment System):
During testing window of 4/8-4/26 in ELA, Math, and Science classrooms
PPS CHROMEBOOK NEEDED
In the 2014-15 school year, Oregon joined twelve other states to use the Smarter Balanced Assessment tests for their mandatory state assessments. These standardized tests assess how well students are mastering content in key subject areas (ELA, Math, & Science) aligned to the Common Core State Standards. Beginning 2019, these assessments are referred to as OSAS (Oregon Statewide Assessment System) tests.
Why should students test?
Learning Progress: The OSAS act as a snapshot of your child’s progress that may be considered along with other pieces of information to determine your child’s academic success
Student and System Assessment: A balanced assessment system offers all students, especially historically underserved students, opportunities to demonstrate their progress. Ultimately, a balanced assessment system creates a shared understanding among educators and a more transparent process for parents to access and understand their student’s progress throughout their educational career. If OSAS results demonstrate that students are not meeting standards, PPS will explore why and explore potential solutions to make the necessary adjustments for improvements at a district-wide level.
State and Federal Accountability: Oregon Department of Education (ODE) rates all schools throughout the state. ODE will produce report cards of all schools based, in part, on OSAS participation rates. Lower participation can negatively affect school ratings and can present an inaccurate view of our student’s achievement at Ida B. Wells.
Classroom teachers will continue to test their student’s mastery of subjects throughout the school year in order to adjust their lessons and provide additional support to students where needed. These types of assessments are most useful for short-term instructional adjustments in the classroom.
To learn more OSAS please visit PPS’ Assessment Main Page including opt-out information. We are requesting all OSAS opt out forms by February 29 to room 139.
Spring Play Auditions for Cast and Crew
Welcome to the world of Gods and Monsters...and the Demigods stuck between them: The Lightning Thief - The Percy Jackson Musical!
The week of March 4 will be a big one for us, as we prepare for this exciting project:
March 5 and March 6
General Auditions: Vocals...Please sign up for an audition slot on the Callboard outside room 108 and prepare up to 3 minutes of a song with recorded accompaniment (karaoke tracks are fine!). You'll audition with a group by performing your prepared piece, and then by performing a piece I'll give you from the show, after a 90 minute prep period. Further details are in the audition packet...make sure to download and read the packet, and bring your paperwork to your audition (linked HERE). **Note: No one will be barred from auditioning if they don't have recorded music, or barely have a song, even Happy Birthday...read the packet for details!
March 7
Callbacks...Those called back will be invited on Thursday to work through some additional voice work as well as scene readings to help focus on particular characters.
March 8
General Auditions: Movement...Yes, this is correct - You have a second General audition after the acting Callbacks. All actors, whether called back or no, will be expected to be here. Not all roles might sing, nor maybe speak, but they will all be a part of the visual tapestry of The Lightning Thief.
March 8
All Crew Applications are due on 3/8. Please click this LINK in order to apply...and yes, you can (and should!) fill out an application even if you're auditioning, if you want to work on the show one way or the other.
March 9
Cast/Crew list goes up here on the blog by 9:00pm.
So it's time to read the play, listen to the music (available on youtube and the music streaming services), prepare your song, and get ready to have fun!!!
Any other questions, y'all know where to find me. Jamie Miller (mjamie@pps.net).
Club Photo Schedule
Club photos will be taken over the course of the next 2 weeks. Photos will be in the courtyard just outside the cafeteria at lunch.
Tuesday, 3/05
Athletic Leadership Council
Bird Watching Club
Black Student Union*
Book Club
Chess Club
Christian Fellowship*
Wednesday, 3/06
Climate Justice Club
Color Guard (flag team)
CommuniCare
Creative Writing Club
DECA
Thursday, 3/07
Dragon Guardians
Fish Club
French Culture Club
Garden Club
GSA (Gender & Sexuality Alliance)*
Friday, 3/08
History Bowl
Ida B Bowls
Jackson-Wells Robotics
Jewish Student Union*
Key Club
Monday, 3/11
Knit and Crochet Club
Kpop Club
Latinx Student Union*
Makerspace Club
Mock Trial Club
Tuesday, 3/12
Model United Nations
Movie Magic Misfits
Muslim Student Association*
Mural Club
No Place For Hate*
Wednesday, 3/13
Natives of North and South America*
Oregon Battle of the Books
Outdoors Club
Pickleball Club
Positive Charge! IBW
Thursday, 3/14
Red Cross Club
Reel Anglers Club
Sailing Club
Science Olympiad Team
SouthWest StageWorks
Friday, 3/15
Spanish Conversation Club
Speech and Debate
Students Active for Ending Rape (SAFER)
Tabletop Role-Playing Games Club
Tea Club
Wells Sound Collective
Outdoor Club - REI Wilderness Survival Workshop
"If you're a hiker, trail runner, mountain biker, or you enjoy spending time in Oregon's beautiful wilderness, then this is for you! Join the Ida B. Wells Outdoors Club and REI for a Wilderness Survival Workshop during FLEX on March 7th in Room 18B (Mr. Olsen's classroom). Learn important survival skills, emergency preparedness, and the Ten Wilderness Essentials. Please contact Milly Henson (mhenson9059@student.pps.net) to sign up, limited spots are available."
Rose Court Announcement
Guardian Community, please join us next Thursday, March 7th at 3:40 PM in the Auditorium as we welcome the Portland Rose Festival Court Committee to honor our nominees for Ida B Wells-Barnett High School Rose Princess. Our finalists will find out who has been selected to represent our school for the 2024 Portland Rose Festival. Our nominees are Mackenzie Devereaux, Avery Dorfman, Ella Higgins, and Jade Marotta.
Multicultural Week, April 15-19
From the College and Career Center
Summer and Scholarship Opportunity for 9th Grade Students
Portland Parks & Recreation is seeking 9th grade students for the EAGLE program. It includes summer employment as a caddie and scholarship opportunities. Students do not need to be golfers! The deadline for EAGLE program applications is May 3. For more information about the program and to apply, visit portland.gov/parks/sports/eagle. You can also contact PP&R Golf Program Manager Vincent Johnson at Vincent.Johnson@PortlandOregon.gov or 503-318-1432.
Firefighting Opportunity for Young Women
Are you a young woman between the ages of 16 and 22? Want to learn about a career in firefighting? Apply for the Portland Metro Fire Camp for women. https://www.portland.gov/fire/join/portland-metro-fire-camp
For full list of other Career and Job Opportunities: Click on this link
IBW Athletics Weekly, Winter Season Wrap-Up + More!
See this week's Athletic Weekly (Winter Season Re-Cap) here: https://www.smore.com/n/x5b4t