Whitford Newsletter
January 6, 2022
Principal's Message
January 2022
Hello Whitford Families,
I want to wish everyone a Happy New Year as we say goodbye to a most unusual 2021. My hope is that the beginning of 2022 and beyond we can turn the page on COVID-19 and allow us to return to a more normal educational experience. Unfortunately, it appears that the Omicron variant might have something to say about our hopeful timeline, but like always, we will overcome and persevere whatever awaits us.
In the weeks prior to break, we saw a sharp decline in aggressive behaviors. I want to thank our teachers who are working hard to develop positive relationship with our students, our support staff, counselors, social worker, academic coaches and all other staff who have devoted their time in making Whitford a safe and secure place. I also want to thank our parent community for speaking to your students about aggressive behaviors and what to do if you see or hear something unsafe.
Speaking of additional supervision, all middle schools were given additional support to keep their schools safe. We are preparing to hire an instructional assistant to support our bilingual translation services, front office support, and hallway monitoring.
In additional to this position, we were also given money to begin the WEB program next year. This is like LINK crews at the high school level but tailored to middle school students. This program is focused by having our 8th grade student leaders connect with incoming 6th graders to help them get acquainted to middle school. I’ve had experience with this program in the past and it made a huge difference in the beginning of the school year especially for our 6th graders.
As I mentioned in my last message, we are excited to welcome any parents or guardians who want to assist us with lunch time or hallway supervision. Be on the lookout for an email from Karen Wolff in the next few days. She’ll be sending out instructions on how to volunteer for these opportunities.
It’s hard to believe that the end of the semester is only a month away. This is a good time to look up your student’s grades, contact teachers, and not be caught off guard the last week of the semester. The final day of the semester is Thursday, February 3rd.
Finally, I want all 8th grade students and parents to be on the lookout for a Parent Square message that I will be sending out soon. Both Beaverton High School and Southridge High School will have open enrollment next year. Since I’ve been at Whitford, we always have students who want to attend either BHS or SRHS but are not in the attendance area. This year there is room at both schools. In my email, I will give step by step directions on how to apply for open enrollment. If you have questions, please contact Nikki Thrower, our 8th grade counselor.
Take care,
Brian Peerenboom, Principal
Whitford Middle School
Student Store
Students Can Turn Cool Coachman tickets into Supplies/Prizes
We are nearing the midway mark of our school year. Students are running out of supplies! But don't fret, students can pick up what they need for their classes at Whitford's own Coachmen Corner.
Whitford's student store (Coachmen Corner) is now up and running. Students can buy supplies, toys, treats, and other fun merchandise. Cash is not accepted; students use Cool Coachmen they have earned throughout the year to purchase the items they desire. Coachmen Corner is located at the intersection of B-Hall and Corridor 2, next to the library. The store is open from 9:05-9:15 every morning. Whitford's amazing AVID and UPGRADE programs have teamed up to setup and operate the store. Any information, feel free to contact Jody Reeg.
Whitford Student Newspaper
Whitford has Incredible Artists
BSD ART GALLERY
Check out the amazing artwork of some Whitford artists on the BSD Art Gallery website from Fall 2021. The showcased artwork are examples of Neurographic Art created by 6th, 7th and 8th graders and Surreal Collages designed by 7th and 8th graders.
https://sites.google.com/beaverton.k12.or.us/bsd-art-gallery/home
Thank you Whitford Community!
Whitford Yearbook
Immunization Exclusion Day -- February 16th
Immunization Exclusion Day - February 16
Immunizations are required by state law for children and students in attendance at public and private schools, preschools, child care facilities and Head Start programs in Oregon. Nearly every facility that provides care for a child outside the home requires immunizations or a medical or non-medical exemption to remain enrolled.
Exclusion Day for this school year is Wednesday, February 16, for children who are not up-to-date on their vaccines. Students can see their health care providers, go to a school-based health center or contact the Washington County Health Department to find other vaccination locations.
While recommended, BSD doesn’t require students to be vaccinated for COVID-19. Students won’t be excluded on February 16 if they haven't received a COVID-19 vaccination.
More information, including a full list of required immunizations for the 2022-23 school year, can be found on the School Nursing and Student Health webpage.
UPCOMING EVENTS
At this time there are new guidelines coming out concerning attending events and the scheduling of events. We will notify you via parent square when we are firm that events are scheduled and what guidelines are in place for that specific event.
Thank you for our patience and understanding.