August 28, 2021 Odyssey PTA News
Includes a new update from Principal Gassert!
Mark Your Calendars!
- August 30th - 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM- Ask Me Anything with PTA & Mrs. G (Zoom Link TBA)
- August 31st - 12 to 1 PM & 6 to 7 PM - School Tours for New Students (Meet at Front Doors)
- All September - Dine to Give Fundraiser at Thirsty Lion Washington Square (Flyer Attached)
- September 23rd - Back to School Night
- September 28th - 7:00 to 8:00 PM - Odyssey for All (Equity Team) Virtual Meeting
Attachments
- School Supply Lists
- Dine To Give Fundraiser at Thirsty Lion
Message from Angela
Want to get a head start on back-to-school tasks? Verification of your student's registration information (such as your contact info, emergency contacts, etc.) is required at the start of every school year. Please take a moment to verify your student's information, such as parent contact info, emergency contacts, etc. Login to ParentVUE and select "Yearly Verification" .
Lunch Volunteers Needed
As we prepare for a year like none other, we have been discussing ideas for keeping our kids safer by eating outside as much as possible even in the rain. This will likely require a solid commitment of volunteers willing to set up and take down a number of canopies daily, regardless of the weather. If you would like to be part of the committee to figure out if we can make these logistics happen and/or be part of a rotating team committed to the setup and clean up, please contact Kim Matulef at kmatulef@yahoo.com.
Reader Board Volunteer Needed
I am looking for a volunteer for the duration of the school year to change our reader board message on a bi-weekly or monthly basis to reflect upcoming school events, etc. Call or email me if you can help with this. Thank you!
Angela Hoffart
Principal's Secretary
503-916-6310
Aftercare Options With Transportation
There are two afterschool childcare options that provide transportation to their facilities for K-5 students from Odyssey.
- The Portland Jewish Academy, located at 6651 SW Capitol Hwy, Portland, OR 97219. Their website is https://www.pjaproud.org/.
- Barnes-Miller Child Development Center (BMCDC) is located at 7345 SW Barnes Rd. Their website is www.barnesmillercdc.com. BMCDC is new to Odyssey this year and tours are available for interested families.
- Please reach out to PJA or BMCDC directly to learn about their programs.
Last Call - Carpool Coordinator Needed!
Without a volunteer we will have NO organized carpool this year.
It you're able to commit to learning this system and managing it for one year, please email info@odysseyprogram.org.
Odyssey Field Study Trailer Needs a Home...Right Now!
The Odyssey PTA Trailer that carries supplies on each Field Study needs a new place to call home. If you have space on your property and would be willing to store the trailer, that would be a wonderful way to support Odyssey!
The trailer is 12.5 feet long (+3.5 feet for tongue), 6 feet wide, and 7.5 feet tall.
For questions or to volunteer your space, please email danettefoster@yahoo.com or text Danette at 503-984-9643.
A Message from Principal Gassert
Dear Odyssey Families!
I cannot believe it, but we are so close to the first day of school! Your teachers are all back on campus and working hard to get classrooms and plans together. The enthusiasm and attention to detail from our staff is bubbling and I am looking forward to seeing it all come together for our first day of school!
Safety Updates
Microwaves: Students will not have access to a microwave for lunch this year. If this changes, I will let families know.
What happens if my student has a positive Covid19 case: If you test your student and it comes back positive, we ask that you notify the school that day so we can take the appropriate next steps. The information you provide about a Covid 19 result will be kept confidential.
What happens if a student in my child’s class has a positive Covid19 case: When the school is contacted about a positive Covid19 case, we notify our school nurse and MESD (Multnomah Education Service District). MESD is our healthcare partner who guides administrators on next steps and corresponds with Multnomah County Health officials. They will contact anyone who is considered a close contact. A close contact is defined as being within three feet without a mask for more than 15 minutes. All students at Odyssey will be three feet apart (masked) and students will be six feet apart while eating (unmasked, regardless of inside or outside).
On Monday, August 30, I will be hosting a Q&A where I address major opening questions and information. I will not be taking live questions, but asking for questions to be submitted in advance so that I can prepare and cluster them. If you have questions that you think of during the session, please continue to add them to the google form and I will answer them as time allows or send out additional questions the next day in a follow up email.
Drop Off/ Pick Up:
This year, there will be no dropping off or picking up (K-5) at the front of the building. The spots in front of the school will be coned off to help remind people to follow the car line behind the building for arrival and dismissal. It is very important that cars DO NOT stop in front (or on the side) of the cones to drop students off. Neighbors in the area are trying to navigate those roads during those times and we want to create a safe environment for both students, families and the surrounding community. I have linked a map below of where you will drop off and pick up your student(s). The only exception is that MS families will make a plan for where they want to pick up their students. All cones will be removed prior to middle school pickup.
When dropping off and picking up, we ask that cars are as quick as possible. If you need to speak with the teacher or another parent, please park and walk to pick up your child(ren). There will be four drop off locations for K-2 AND four for 3-8 in the morning and four pick up locations for K-2 AND 3-5 in the afternoon.
If you choose to play on the playground afterschool, masks are required regardless of vaccination status.
As we finish planning the final details for the school year, many families (and students) are sharing in a range of emotions from excitement to butterflies in the tummy. Please know that we are here for you and that safety is our top priority. If you ever have questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out.
Best,
Mrs. Gassert
Odyssey K-8 School
Email: info@odysseyprogram.org
Website: https://www.pps.net/odyssey
Location: 1849 SW 58th Ave, Portland, OR
Phone: 503-916-6310
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/117393805699