Maplewood Memo
March 13, 2024
PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE
Maplewoood Families,
Well, I got my frosted pink lipstick and Aqua Net hairspray and am getting psyched for the 80’s themed auction on April 6th. If you haven’t gotten your tickets yet, be sure to do so. It is a great way to support the school and enjoy some time together as a community. And, the teachers may just have a lil’ surprise up their sleeves for you that you don’t want to miss!
I wish I had some concrete information on Markham, but I don’t as of right now. I was at a meeting today about it all and there are lots of ideas being looked into, but none are solid at the moment. Things have settled in nicely here though since Markham has arrived. Best of all, we are making new friends! I spent time in the lunchroom again today and all the students had plenty of time to eat, especially now that we are getting our systems down and things are moving more smoothly and quickly. We have been given an additional staff member from the district to help where needed. This has been nice in the front office when we only have one secretary (Mondays and Fridays) and also a great help in the lunchroom and on recess duty when needed.
Last week was staff appreciation week and our teachers all celebrated the non-teaching staff with daily treats and lunches for them. It was really special. Thanks to Rebecca Wagner for organizing and for teachers for coming together to make our staff feel appreciated. Thank you also to our Maplewood PTA who made creative gold bars full of treats and gift cards for Maplewood and Markham staff. They also picked up the tab at the end of the week celebration at Casa Colima. Looking ahead, the first week of May is Teacher Appreciation Week.
Recently we have had some incredible assemblies at Maplewood. Norman Sylvester and his band came to sing the blues for us to culminate Black History month. It was a hoppin’ scene! It was so fun to dance and sing with the band. We also had a great Chinese New Year assembly where there was a drum performance and then students got to take a turn on the drums and carry the big dragon around the gym. We also had our monthly school assembly which is always nice to come together as a school community. We didn’t have a school assembly in January so we didn’t have a chance to fill the school bucket with Maple Tickets. So, at the February assembly, we not only filled the bucket, but it almost overflowed!! We earned pajama day AND an entire spirit week from all those Maple tickets. Spirit week will happen the week before Spring break. More information to follow. Lastly, yesterday we had the OBOB finals and it was amazing. Congratulations to the winners and thank you to all the students and volunteers who helped pull off yet another successful OBOB at Maplewood.
I am excited to share that the Maplewood Carnival has been saved! A call for volunteers was answered and it looks like we will have a carnival this year afterall. Thank you to all the volunteers for stepping up to pull this incredible event off this year. I can’t wait! If there’s a dunk tank, I am definitely wearing my wet suit this year - brrrr!!!
As always, please reach out if you have any questions or concerns. I always say, if I don’t know about it, I can’t fix it.
Thank you all.
Warmly,
Kit
SAVE THE DATE
March 12
Champions enrollment for the 2024-2025 school year opens
March 18-22nd
Spirit Week - See School News for info.
March 19
PTA Mtg. 6:30pm
March 21
Class Pictures
March 25 - March 29
Spring Break
April 2
Coffee and Pastries with Principal Galloway - in the Gym
April 5
No School Students
April 6th
Auction
April 16
PTA Mtg. 6:30pm
April 19th
Arab American Dinner
MAPLEWOOD AUCTION
Ok we're T-minus 24 days out from the auction and have a few important things to share:
DEADLINE: You have until March 23 (Sat) to get your ticket before sales close. Remember you can also sponsor tickets for teachers and staff at checkout!
SEATING: There will be assigned seating. If you purchased a table and haven't emailed us yet please do so ASAP. Otherwise please fill out this form by March 22nd and we will do our best to get you seated by your friends: https://forms.gle/xTSoho8vkwZ1YyFH6.
CHILDCARE: Please see the below flyer for one very affordable childcare option. We are working on another so stay tuned!
We have some incredible PRIZES and prize packages coming your way. Here's a sneak peek at some of those prizes.
Get your Tickets Today: https://maplewoodfoundation.schoolauction.net/.../show
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to email us as at maplewoodfoundation@gmail.com.
ART
Congratulations Sophie Rajska-Yost!
It’s time for Portland Public Schools Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA) Program annual HeART of Portland: A Portland Public Schools K-12 Arts Showcase. Each school submitted one piece of student artwork again. This year Sophie Rajska-Yost, in Mr. Manian’s 3rd grade class was the piece of art selected to represent Maplewood. The opening reception will be on April 16 at 6:00pm at the Portland Art Museum. Artworks will be on display until April 28. Artworks then move from Portland Art Museum, to be exhibited at the Prophet Center, and returned to me the week of May 30. Here is Sophie’s piece, inspired from love potions and Valentine’s Day:
In case you haven’t had the chance to be in the building, here are our latest bulletin boards:
Hope you have a great Spring Break!
Ms. Smith
COUNSELING
Dear Maplewood Families,
Attendance truly matters. Did you know that students with good attendance are 4 times more likely to graduate from high school than those who are chronically absent?
Last year at Maplewood, 81% of our students had good or acceptable attendance and 19% of our students were chronically absent. Chronically absent means missing an average of 2 days a month. Our goal is to reduce the Chronic and severe attendance to 15% and increase the good and acceptable attendance to 85%.
This year, please help us provide the best possible education for your student by sending them to school everyday ON TIME. Tardiness also has a huge effect on student learning as they miss out on valuable morning instruction. If you have any questions or concerns about your child's attendance, please let us know we are here to support you.
Some tips and ideas to get your student to school every day, on time:
Set a regular bedtime and morning routine.
Lay out clothes and pack backpacks the night before.
Don’t let your child stay home unless they are truly sick. Keep in mind headaches and stomachaches can be signs of stress or anxiety and not a reason to stay home.
If your child seems anxious about going to school, talk to their teacher, a school counselor or other parents about how to make them feel comfortable and excited to learn.
Develop a back-up plan for getting to school if something comes up. Call on family members, a neighbor or other parents.
Avoid medical appointments and extended vacations when school is in session.
Contact school staff or community partners to find resources around transportation, housing, employment, or health care.
As always, we are here to help and support your student/s and family, so please let us know if you have any questions or concerns.
Be well,
Ms. Cunningham and Ms. Knochel
Maplewood Counselors
PE
Last week we had a couple Ultimate Frisbee players visit to talk about Ultimate and teach some skills with our 3rd-5th graders. If your kids are interested in playing, there is a league in SW and some weekend clinics and summer camps as well. Please see the attached flyer at the bottom of this newsletter.
All Kids Bike Program
We are so excited to introduce our ALL KIDS BIKE program in which all kindergarteners will learn to ride bikes in PE class! It's an exciting opportunity to support our children in becoming safe and active bicyclists! Click HERE for a short video showing the program. Click HERE for our donation page! If you work for a company that matches donation contributions, please check it out. We'll need to raise $9000 for the program and remember, even a $10 donation makes a BIG IMPACT. Please feel free to pass this along to fellow biking enthusiasts to help build our future Portland cycling community. Our QR code is below for quick donations.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MdZ51mjBJ-U&authuser=0
Ms. Weatherill
NUTRITION
Notes from the Kitchen
I'm sure by now you know that breakfast and lunch is free for all Maplewood students. ODE expanded the qualifying situations which made us reach the free for all status. This has nothing to do with Markham joining our school. I wanted to clarify a few things. As in Covid times, a student will still have to pay for milk if they are only getting milk. It is fifty cents for a carton of milk. The student can get it for free if they get two other components- a fruit and a veggie for example. I have to offer five components (fruit, veggie, dairy, whole grain and protein (meat/meat alternative) and the students have to choose at least three of those five. They can choose more, but have to pick at least three to qualify as a free meal. They are also allowed as much fruits and vegetables as they want and will eat.
The other thing I wanted to clarify is that if your child's balance was negative it will still be negative. It will continue to be negative until it is paid off. The current negative balance for Maplewood students is -$6300. You do not have to pay off your entire balance in one go. You can make payments. Every bit counts. The whole Nutrition Services Program for PPS has a negative balance of over -$350,000. These are meals that were eaten and not paid for. Like I said, any bit you can pay makes a difference in our program. Please feel free to reach out with any comments, questions or concerns. You may reach me at nsmaplewood@pps.net or call the main line 503-916-6308 and ask for the kitchen.
Lunch Lady Amy
OFFICE SCHEDULE
Maria Belgrave (mbelgrav@pps.net) works Monday through Thursday.
Shannon Riley (sriley@pps.net) works Tuesday through Friday.
Julie Ries (jries@mesd.k12.or.us) Health Aid- Monday through Friday 8:00am - 3:30pm
Chris Khodadadian (ckhodadad@mesd.k12.or.us) School Nurse - Thursday 8:00a-12:00p
Please be sure to include both Maria and Shannon in communications regarding your children.
SCHOOL NEWS
Summer Acceleration Academy
Summer Acceleration Academy
This summer, PPS is offering the Summer Acceleration Academy again. I know many of you are signing your kids up for camps now, so I wanted to give you the dates for your planning purposes. The SAA will run from July 1- August 1.
Students will be invited based on the following:
K-2 - Students who are below or approaching grade level on the MAP testing for Phonics and Word Recognition.
3-5 - Students who are between 1-40th percentile on MAP Growth Reading
Initial invites will be sent on March 18th and the second round of invites will be sent on April 1st.
Volunteer Needs:
- One-on-one/small group academic support
- Social/emotional breaks for kids
*More information and sign-up spots are here: https://www.maplewoodpta.com/volunteer/. Or contact Lauren at Maplewoodvolcoord@gmail.com.
Thank you!
Lauren
ParentVue race update:
As we look at our school assessment data, we noticed that there are many students whose race is not correctly recorded in our system. Please be sure to update this information asap so our data reflects our true demographics.
Click on “Yearly Verification”
Click “Verify Online”
Follow the prompts to update your information.
Champion Enrollment for next school year (24-25) is OPEN!
Join our students before and after school as they grab a snack, socialize with friends and explore the world in a fun and safe environment lead by our amazing teachers. Students learn while engaging in playing games in the gym, creating crafts and use their imagination to create amazing creations. Champions is here to help families get the care they need while ensuring their students continue their learning journey in a fun way.
Champions also offers care on most in-service days and breaks! Enrollment for our summer program is also open and includes fun activities and field trips!
Visit www.discoverchampions.com to get started. Enroll for Champions NOW before spots fill up!
I also attached a flier if that is preferred too.
Megan Swader
Spirit Week
Spirit Week -
Please see Flyer for each day events for spirit week March 18 - March 22, 2024
PTA
PTA Current & Upcoming Events:
Coffee and Pastries with Kit — April 2 - in the Gym, First Tuesday of each Month
Carnival Chairperson:
Do you love event planning? Are you incredibly organized? Then we have the volunteer opportunity for YOU!
The PTA is looking for 1-2 Carnival Chairs and 3-6 committee members to plan this years spring, school wide Carnival! This is a super fun event and one of our biggest fundraisers of the year, raising over $5K!!
If this sounds overwhelming, don't worry! A few of last years committee members have already agreed to participate again this year! And additionally, a few past committee members with exiting 5th graders have agreed to be involved, in more of a smaller, mentorship role so you won't be alone!
We also have really fantastic documentation from multiple years past with a really strong blue print of how to plan a successful event.
This event CANNOT happen without parent volunteers and someone taking the lead. Please reach out to me, Amy Ng Bamford or email us at maplewoodptavicepresident@gmail.com if you're interested in helping out! THANK YOU!!!
Janina
Maplewood has a number of exciting after school activities on site this Spring including basketball, watercolor, yoga, tennis, chess, coding, engineering with LEGO, and ukulele. You can find more details including information about registration at maplewoodpta.com/afterschool or Maplewood Facebook Page.
OBOB
Oregon Battle of the Books at Maplewood!!
We completed our 23-24 OBOB season with an amazing round of battles on Tuesday! Our final teams did incredible and made every matchup a true battle! It was one of the most exciting final rounds I have been to, these kids read their books and they know their stuff!!
Congratulations to our winning teams:
3rd Grade : Book Warriors
Sam, Theo, Olin, Coralie and Noa
4th Grade: DA Granmaz!!
Mikey, Emmett, Wally, Grant and Ari
5th Grade: Cookie Worms
LouLou, Sammy, Chessa, Eden and Dorothy
Special congrats to our 5th grade winners, this is their 3rd year in a row winning finals which has not happened at Maplewood! They will be representing our school at the regional competition this Saturday March 16th. Please cheer them on if you see them at school!
Thank you to all the parent volunteers that helped moderate battles, thank you to our teachers for always supporting this program, thank you to Ms. Kordahl for all her amazing work and guidance! This program is not possible without our volunteer parent team, thank you all for joining me! If you are interested in being a part of the OBOB team please reach out, we would love to have you!!
Thank you!
Heather, Darcie, Manda, Katie, Christy, Lauren and Megan
FOUNDATION
Ways to Support Foundation
Monthly recurring donation
A monthly donation is the most convenient and effective way to give to Maplewood. Even small monthly donations make a big impact over time. Set up your monthly recurring donation here.
One-time contribution
This is a great option for grandparents, extended family, and loving neighbors to support your Maplewood student. Make a one-time contribution here.
By check
We are happy to receive donations by check made out to Maplewood Foundation and dropped off at or mailed to the school:
Maplewood Foundation
7452 SW 52nd Ave, Portland, OR 97219
Matching employer contribution
Ask your employer if they have a matching program for donations to non-profits. Click here for a list of already participating employers.
Fred Meyer Rewards Program Contribution
If you shop at Fred Meyer and are part of their rewards program, you may designate those reward savings to the Maplewood Foundation. It’s super easy and you can learn more here (sign in and search for Maplewood Foundation or IF500): https://www.fredmeyer.com/i/community/community-rewards.
BottleDrop Donations
Individuals can donate funds from their BottleDrop account balance to your Give account by logging into their account and using this link or connecting with the Foundation for bag tags.
STUDENT HEALTH
WHEN TO KEEP YOUR CHILD HOME FROM SCHOOL
Please follow these guidelines to help all students stay healthy and ready to learn.
Please DO NOT SEND AN ILL STUDENT TO SCHOOL. The other page of this letter gives examples of when your student should not be in school.
If your student is ill, please CONTACT THE SCHOOL.
Please contact your health care provider about any SERIOUS ILLNESS or if you are worried about your student’s health. If you need help in finding a health care provider, you may contact the local public health authority.
Please notify the school if your child is diagnosed with a CONTAGIOUS DISEASE, including these: chickenpox, diarrhea caused by E. coli or Salmonella or Shigella, hepatitis, measles, mumps, pertussis, rubella, scabies, tuberculosis, or another disease as requested. The school will protect your private information as required by law. [OAR 333-019-0010; ORS 433.008.]
Please notify the school if your student requires MEDICATIONS during school hours. Follow school protocols for medication at school. If your student’s illness requires antibiotics, the student must have been on antibiotics for at least 24 hours before returning to school, and longer in some cases. Antibiotics are not effective for viral illnesses.
Please notify the school if your student has an UNDERLYING OR CHRONIC HEALTH CONDITION. We will work with you to address the health condition so that the student can learn. With consent, the school nurse may consult with the student’s health care provider about the health condition and necessary treatments. To contact the school nurse or health office please call or email.
We want to support your student. Please contact us if you have questions or concerns.
FLYERS AND OTHER INFORMATION
After school coding
LITTLE CODERS: INTRO TO ROBOTICS
Grades K-2
Wed, 2:15 PM-3:15 PM
Apr 10 - May 29
$209 / 8-week session
In this course, students use visual programming to learn computational thinking and core coding concepts, such as code structure, variables, and loops. Engaging activities boost problem-solving and creativity. They code robots for tasks like navigating mazes, detecting obstacles, playing music, and more.
REGISTRATIONS: www.codingwithkids.com/session/61952
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ROBOTICS: INTRO TO CODING
Grades 3-5
Wed, 2:15 PM-3:15 PM
Apr 10 - May 29
$209 / 8-week session
In this course, students use visual programming to learn computational thinking and core coding concepts, such as code structure, variables, and loops. They apply these concepts to tackle mission challenges like obstacle avoidance, path following, and maze navigation.
REGISTRATIONS: www.codingwithkids.com/session/61953
QUESTIONS? Email Coding with Kids at info@codingwithkids.com
Spring Session: 4/4-6/6 (10 Weeks)
Directly after school in Classroom #101
Sign up through our website https://www.theukuleleproject.com
LOST & FOUND
Maplewood Lost & Found is filling up fast! Help your student get their found items back by labeling all sweatshirts, jackets, hoodies, and top layers. As the weather fluctuates, layers get shed and forgotten! We will do our best to get labeled items back to your student! Sharpie with first and last name is most helpful. Email maplewoodswag@gmail.com with any questions. Thank you!
Garden Committee
Garden Club grounds clean-up Sunday, Sunday, Apr. 21, 10am - 2pm. Here is a direct link to volunteer to help: https://forms.gle/5VrhHSN7JdCFTJgu5
Camp Invention:
Camp Invention® is coming back to Maplewood Elementary July 22-26, 2024. After earning rave reviews from campers, parents and educators, this action-packed program is returning with a brandnew program, Illuminate! Children in grades K-6 will collaborate with friends to take on fun, hands-on STEM challenges, from designing a light-up ball game to tackling global water challenges to starring in a prototyping game show! Each experience inspires creativity and boosts confidence. Secure your spot at invent.org/ mylocalcamp and use promo code SUM25 by 3/27 to save $25.