Maplewood Memo
November 9, 2022
What's in the memo
1. Message from Principal Galloway
2. Save the Date
3. School News
Thanksgiving Food Boxes // TAG // Speed Limit
4. News from Staff
Cafeteria // Library & Technology // PE // Counselinlg // Art
5. Volunteer
Volunteer information
6. Foundation
Foundation info
7. PTA
PTA Meetings & Info // Fundraisers // Book Fair // Dine Outs
8. Reading Friends
9. Health
10. Nutrition Services
information // November menu
11. Flyers
Great Recess Framework // Chewbacca // Scramble // Yalla // Book Fair
Principal's Message
Hi Maplewood Families,
We sure are loving this sunny weather at Maplewood and we are so lucky it happened to be sunny for the week Playworks is with us! Students and staff are enjoying the new games they are learning this week. So far, we have learned the following games as a whole school: Rock it out Rockstar, Watch your Back Tag, Switch, Chewbacca and Run Rabbit Run. I have attached a couple of the game rules if you would like to play them outside of school.
When PLayworks first arrived, they completed the Great Recess Framework which is a tool designed to assess the quality of our recess. I have attached a copy of how we scored on this tool and I look forward to seeing how we grow this year with support from Playworks.
Speaking of growing, our classroom teachers are looking forward to meeting with parents and guardians to share all the academic growth your child has made this term. You will receive report cards on Monday, November 14th. Conferences provide a great opportunity to ask your child’s teachers any questions you may have about their report card, or any other matters that may be coming up.
This week, we have been enjoying some sun and it is wonderful to see the students out at recess enjoying the field. It is cold, however, so please be sure to send your child with a coat and shoes appropriate for the weather.
Lastly, I am looking for ideas about how to connect with Maplewood families more. Last year I ran Principal Chats, but they were not well attended. I will do fewer of these this year and have a topic of focus for each chat. Additionally, I am starting a Maplewood podcast, called Between Two Maples, for families to learn a little bit more about the school. Robin Roemer will be the host and we will also have a topic of focus for each podcast. The first topic… homework! Stay tuned for the release of the first episode of Between Two Maples coming soon!
As always, thank you for your support.
Warmly,
Kit
Save the Date
Every Tuesday
OHSU Covid Test Returned - Optional
November 04,
No School - Teacher Planning Day
November 09-22
Book Fair - online
November 11
No School Holiday Veteran's Day
November 14-18
Book Fair
November 15
PTA Meeting 6:30pm
-Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84322901573?pwd=RmdkaVRzaDIxR0JudkNURTI5OEk2Zz09
November 21 & 22
Conferences
November 23, 24, 25
No School - Holiday Thanksgiving
December 5-12
Read-a-thon (Maplewood fundraiser)
December 12
Yalla Dineout (Maplewood fundraiser)
School News
Thanksgiving Food Boxes:
Maplewood Elementary is working together with Neighborhood House again this year to deliver boxes of food during the Thanksgiving Holiday break for our families. If you would like to participate, you can have a box delivered (on Tuesday the 22nd), pick up a box, and/or help donate or volunteer!
There will also be donation bins at Maplewood to accept items. The bins will be located just inside the front door, and outside at the side door (please see pics below). If you would like to donate, you do not need to sign up. You can simply bring any of the requested items at any time! Requested items are; Dry & Canned Beans, Canned Fruits & Vegetables, Canned Soup, Chili, & Stew, Canned Tuna & Chicken, Brown Rice & Whole Grain Pasta, Nuts & Nut Butters, Whole-Grain Cereal/Breakfast Items, Snack items.
Click the LINK to sign up for a box or let us know if you would like to volunteer! https://forms.gle/cbtYsHWEHuuqz3i9A
Responses will go directly to the school social worker, Jeremy Schlott (jschlott@pps.net), and the school counselor, Kendall Cunningham-Parmeter (kcunninghamparm@pps.net),
only.
TAG
Parent Office Hours with the TAG (Talented and Gifted) Department
Ask questions and receive information related to TAG identification, services, processes, etc.
We will meet on Zoom, 6:00-7:00 PM on 11/30/22, 1/25/23, 2/22/23, 3/22/23, 4/26/23, and 5/31/23.
OFFICE HOURS
NEW! Parent Office Hours with the TAG Department
The October focus will be the TAG referral process
Our next meeting will be Wednesday, November 30, 6:00-7:00 PM
Zoom link for Parent Office Hours with the TAG Department
A list of questions and answers from past meetings are in this FAQ document.
We look forward to seeing you!
Speed Limit 15!
Please be respectful of the speed limit and our neighborhood community. For the safety of your children, please do not drive more the 15 miles per hour when driving your children to and from school.
Food Collection Front Doors
Food Collection Recess Doors
Food Collection Barrel
News From Staff
Cafeteria:
If you don't want to pay the service fee for School Cafe, you can send in cash or check for your student's meal account. If you send in money, please make sure your child's name is on the envelope or check. If you know their ID number, please include it. If you don't know it, please don't worry. I can easily look it up. If you have more than one child you can write one check, just make a note of how you want the payment split up. Please write all checks to Nutrition Services.
Library & Technology:
Due to enthusiastic readers and hard-working volunteers, 7,691 books have been checked out this school year. The Book Fair will be in the library Nov. 14-18, and students will not have access to our amazing collection, so look for an extra book to come home this week. Thank you for encouraging reading in your homes!
Non-fiction2109
Biography101
Fiction/ECB/ER/E3726
Graphic Novels1648
Magazines107
Total thru 11/47691
Elin Kordahl
Teacher-Librarian & Computer Teacher
Maplewood Elementary School kordahl@pps.net, 503 916 6308
she/her pronouns
Hours: I do not work on Mondays. 7:45am-4:45pm T, 7:45am-3:30pm WThF
PE News:
CONFERENCES: I am available for conferences. If you'd like to meet, please email me to set up a time. Mweatherill@pps.net
BASKETBALL! We're working on basketball skills! For the kinders a goal is to dribble a ball at least 2 times in a row and to catch a bounce pass. As the grades increase, we work to dribble with a more mature form and add in different paces and tasks. In PE, we have developing goals for each grade level. I have a variety of different sizes and types of balls we use along with varying height of targets. My goal is for every child to be successful, make new goals and work towards meeting them. If you want to practice at home, the K-1s are using size 3 balls predominantly in the gym. If you want activities to support your child at home, feel free to reach out to me anytime.
Ms. Weatherill
Volunteer
Volunteer info
We are excited to welcome volunteers into the building and classrooms this year. All volunteers must show proof of vaccination, clear a background check (https://www.pps.net/volunteer), and sign-into the Raptor system located at the main office on arrival and sign-out when leaving campus.
We can’t wait to have you in school with us!
Lunch Volunteers
We need 2-3 parents to volunteer for lunch duty, to help keep kiddos on task eating and give our teachers a break. Here are the time slots - message Lauren at 541-968-9140 or Maplewoodvolcoord@gmail.com to sign up!
K-1st: 11:20-11:45
2nd & 4th 11:50-12:15
3rd & 5th: 12:20-12:45
Foundation
Maplewood Foundation is a volunteer, parent-led, non-profit that raises funds for staff at Maplewood Elementary. This year we have a goal to raise $60,000 to fund two Educational Assistant positions for next school year. Check out this link to learn more about what EAs do for our school.
Seeking Volunteers for the Spring 2023 Auction
The auction is our largest fundraiser of the year and is a fun and meaningful way to get involved and support critical staffing needs for our school. Some ways you can get involved include:
- Event team. For the in-person part of the event, the event team handles theming, decorations, hosting guests, and the check-in and check-out processes.
- Social Media and Communications. This is the auction’s voice and main promotion strategist. Seeking volunteers who have marketing or PR experience and/or are active on social media.
- Donate to the auction or help gather donations. Do you have a vacation home? We are looking for vacation rentals for the virtual live auction. Do you have a service or an item to donate? Can you help us connect with local businesses and vendors to gather donations for the auction?
Please consider volunteering. Our current team is small but mighty and cannot do this without your help. If you are interested or have questions please email us at maplewoodfoundation@gmail.com or call Jeannette Taylor at 503.901.9813.
Maplewood in Motion raised over $6,000. Thank you!!
This was the first year foundation held this event and we are so grateful to this community for its support and for encouraging kiddos to be active despite the poor air quality. Next year we hope to make this event even bigger and better.
Other Ways to Donate
- 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 the school or mailed to the school at 7452 SW 52nd Ave, Portland, OR 97219.
- 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.
- 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.
Slides: Why do we need Educational Assistants
PTA
PTA Meetings
Join us at the PTA meeting every month to learn about upcoming projects, events, priorities, and to share your thoughts! PTA Meetings occur the third Tuesday of every month from 6:30 - 7:30 pm. Become an Oregon PTA Member; this supports our school and allows you to vote during meetings. (You don't have to be a member to attend meetings, just to vote.) https://www.oregonpta.org/membership
November PTA Meeting
Please join us at the next PTA meeting on Tuesday November 15 from 6:30 – 7:30 pm.
- Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84322901573?pwd=RmdkaVRzaDIxR0JudkNURTI5OEk2Zz09
- Passcode: PTA
- Full details and recaps of past meetings at maplewoodpta.com/meetings/
Maplewood PTA
The Maplewood PTA strives to serve our school’s community of teachers, staff, parents, and students. We have lots of amazing things planned this year to support our school!
Stay up to date on events and more
Sign up for the Maplewood PTA email list
Follow Maplewood PTA on Instagram
Fundraising to Support Maplewood
Take this brief survey to let us know your preferences about which fundraisers you love (or don't) to help us plan out the 2022-2023 school year!
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/5XKDL66
Amazon Smile
Make sure you've selected "Maplewood Elem PTA" as your Amazon Smile donation recipient. Link: https://smile.amazon.com/charity/select/search?orig=&category=all&query=maplewood+elem+pta
Once selected, Amazon will donate 0.5% of your eligible purchases to Maplewood at no cost to you! Make sure you shop using smile.amazon.com. More information here: http://maplewoodpta.com/donate
Dine Outs
Yalla - Dine Out December 12th
Reflections Contest
Participate in our friendly Arts Contest at Maplewood! The team is "Show Your Voice!"
The PTA Reflections submission deadline is December 1st.
Unleash your children's creative talent in drawing, creating, writing, photography, dance, music or videography! More information on the flyer and in the student packet.
Contact Clémence at MaplewoodPTAreflections@gmail.com for any questions.
Book Fair
Maplewood's Scholastic book fair is starting this week! Our fair will run online November 9th - 22nd and students and families can attend the fair the week of November 14th. We are offering after school hours every day and evening hours on Wednesday and Thursday for all to come. Bring your friends, family and neighbors to shop! Proceeds from our fair support the Maplewood PTA, library resources, student scholarships and classroom libraries.
Maplewood Book Fair LInks:
Maplewood Book Fair Information
Set up your child's e-Wallet for in school purchasing
Shop Maplewood's Book Fair online
Maplewood Teacher/Staff Wishlist (will be filled in around 11/14/2022)
Reading Friends
The PTA Reading Friends program is still looking for volunteers!
This is a once a week, 30 minute time commitment - starting the week of November 28th until the end of the school year.
You get to pick the time that works best for you out of many time slots. Help foster the love of reading by being a Reading Friend!
We welcome grandparents, aunts, uncles, neighbors...they just need to have filled out the PPS volunteer information: https://www.pps.net/volunteer.
If you are interested, please fill out this survey and the coordinators will be in touch with you: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/3FR52BM
Any questions? Reach out to Kari Martin and Clémence Tiradon, our Reading Friends Coordinators, at maplewoodrf@gmail.com.
Health Room
Medications
A reminder from the health room. Please bring any medications that your child must take during school hours and consent forms to Health Office. This is for prescribed medications that must be taken during the school day. If your child is in grade three, four or five, you may fill out a form for them to self subscribe enhalers or cough drops. Please fill out appropriate form for permissions. You can contact Julie Ries our Student Health Aid (SHA) for more information. If you have any questions please contact the school, or email our nurse, Cheryl Bell at cbell@mesd.k12.or.us or Healthy Aid Julie Ries at jries@mesd.k12.or.us for further information.
Nutrition Services
PK - 12 SCHOOL MEAL PAYMENTS AND ACCOUNT BALANCES
The Nutrition Services team has been so excited to see so many students enjoying school meals this year. To help communicate meal account balances to families, the Nutrition Services department will start sending notifications and friendly reminders to families whose student’s meal account no longer has funds on it to purchase school meals. Remember, families may apply for free or reduced price meals at any time throughout the school year and must apply every year to maintain eligibility. All families can check their account balances online with SchoolCafe at any time (and there is no charge to view your accounts).
Families have the following options to pay for school meals:
Pay as you go: Bring cash or check (payable to Portland Public Schools) directly to the cafeteria*
Prepay for meals with cash or check (payable to Portland Public Schools) in the cafeteria*. Funds will be deposited into the student meal account. Purchases will be deducted from the account balance.
Pay with a debit/credit card using SchoolCafe, a secure online meal payment system. NOTE: There is a minimum payment of $15 and a 5% fee per online transaction.
*Payments can be dropped off at the school office. Please put the payment in an envelope labeled 'cafeteria'. Checks can also be mailed to PPS Nutrition Services, 501 N Dixon St, Portland, OR 97227.