Principal's Newsletter
Sam Barlow High School ~ January 19, 2021
Sam Barlow High School
Website: https://www.gresham.k12.or.us/sbhs
Location: 5105 SE 302nd Ave, Gresham, OR, United States
Phone: (503) 258-4850
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sam-Barlow-High-School/106146596083423
Twitter: @BarlowPride
FROM PRINCIPAL BRUCE C. SCHMIDT, JR.
I hope this Newsletter finds you all doing well and having a good start to the new year. I can only imagine that 2021 will look much different than 2020 and as vaccines find their way into arms life will begin to return to normal, whatever "normal" means. Regardless, we are all looking forward to what the new year has in store for us all.
Return to Learn
I am sure you have all received information from the district or by watching the news that there is work being done to bring kids back to school. We know that distance learning is a challenge for everyone and that having kids engage in face to face instruction is best. As a district we have been working through plans for bringing students back into the building regardless of the model (Hybrid or Limited In Person Instruction) to more effectively meet the needs of our learners and families. While we are waiting on some final information from the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) and the Oregon Health Authority (OHA), I wanted you all to know that plans are being made so when we can bring students into the building we are ready to do so.
The next question that I am sure many of you may have is "When do I get to make a choice about schooling options for my student?" As soon as we get final direction from ODE and OHA, decisions on the model of instruction will be made. From there, the district will send information to parents about the model and choices that are available to you. No matter what, your student will have access to the best educational experience we can provide and expect a formal update before the end of this month.
Making the Most of Distance Learning
As stated earlier we know distance learning is not an ideal platform for most of our students. However, it is the way in which we can deliver instruction at this time and therefore need to make the most out of the situation. I wanted to highlight a few key things that you can do to help your students be successful right now.
- Continue to ask them about their school day. Do so by asking probing questions such as: "Tell me about something interesting your teacher shared today", or "Tell me about an interesting comment made in the chat", or "Describe something you are finding challenging in sixth period." or even "What was the best thing about your day in school." In all of these cases more than a one word answer will be required and encourages some two way conversation.
- Encourage your student to turn their camera on for just one period a day. This not only will increase their engagement level but it will also really increase the morale of our teachers. Like your student, they also miss the interaction that is found in the classroom.
- Have your student show you what they are doing in an online classroom. I have taken the time to do this and it has been great. Not only do we have something to talk about, but I am also learning more about teachers and their commitment to the work.
- Take some time away from the screen to enjoy some fresh air, being outside (when you are not going to get drenched), and hang out. Quality time is always good time.
As always I wish you the best at this time and can empathize with the struggle. I have two boys at home, doing the work thing, school tutor thing, and trying to survive the COVID life. Don't hesitate to contact us if needed.
Be safe, be healthy, and Go Bruins!
TEXTBOOK RETURN
Quad 2 will be ending for students on January 28th. We will be collecting textbooks, materials kits, and library books that have been checked out on Wednesday, January 27th from 12pm - 6pm. Please be sure to return these resources as we need to distribute them to other students to start Quad 3.
If you are in the following classes, we need you to return any books or kits that you have checked out:
- Art
- Culinary Arts
- Statistics
THE END OF QUAD 2
The second Quad of the year is coming to an end on Thursday, January 28th and students will be receiving final grades in Periods 5-8. That's right, they will be earning a grade in these classes that will go on their transcript and serve as a final mark.
Please see the itemized list below so you can work with your student over the next week to ensure they have done everything possible to be successful.
- Look at their current grade report in ParentVue to make sure they are not missing any work. If they are, teachers will be accepting all late work from 12/17-1/26. It is important to get work turned in, even if it is only partially done. Some points are better than no points.
- Students will have until 11:59 pm on Tuesday 1/26 to submit work. I would not suggest putting things off until the last minute so be mindful of the time.
- If you have questions about work, assignments, or your student's grade, please don't hesitate to reach out to your student's teacher. They are there to help.
As the parent of a high school student, I know you may hear the "Don't worry, I've got it all taken care of" when you ask your student about their grade. While I support and work towards independent learners, sometimes a bit of oversight and the attitude of "Show Me" never hurts in times like these. Being involved is always a good thing.
THE BEGINNING OF QUAD 3
Quad 3 will begin on Monday, February 1st. During this Quad, students will continue to meet daily in their Advisory Class and be focusing on Periods 1-4.
Your student will be receiving their new Google Classroom Codes or an invitation to their new class by the afternoon of Friday, January 29th. Make sure they are checking their school email for the new codes or Google Classroom for the invite to their new classes. These are the codes that will get them access to their new teachers, new classes, and new lessons and assignments.
Please see the SBHS 20-21 HS Distance Learning Schedule Quad 3 for a printable version of the schedule.
TEXTBOOK AND MATERIALS CHECKOUT
Textbook and Resource checkout has been scheduled to take place on Wednesday, February 3rd between 12pm-6pm. There are a limited number of classes that will require the use of a textbook or additional materials as many resources can be found online and teachers who are requiring students to check out a textbook will let them know in advance so arrangements can be made.
Students who do not own a graphing calculator, or can not purchase one of their own can check out a TI-84 on Feb. 3rd. Your math teacher will let you know if you will need this type of calculator for the class you are enrolled in.
As we get closer to February 3rd, we will send a message to include: a list of classes and teachers that will be distributing materials and textbooks, a school map showing you where to park, and the procedure for picking up books and materials.
YEARBOOK DISTRIBUTION
Even amidst a pandemic, the Barlow Yearbook students produced a yearbook for the 2019-2020 school year. We are very excited to distribute this to our students so they can look back on the year and relive some of the great memories that were made last year. There is so much to be proud of, even though the year was cut short.
We will be distributing Yearbooks on Wednesday, February 3 from 12:00pm-6:00pm at Sam Barlow High School.
In addition to the Barlow yearbook, ninth graders who came from Gordon Russell will also be able to pick up their yearbook at the same time.
SIGNS OF SUICIDE
As we have seen nationwide, working through mental and emotional health crises during a pandemic and distance learning is a challenge. In order to help everyone recognize key signs, especially if young adults are indicating suicidal thoughts or behaviors, we are going to be delivering instruction during our Advisory classes. While this is a very tough topic, we must recognize that suicide ranks as the second leading cause of death for kids in the age range of 15-24 and has risen dramatically in the past five years. Additionally, we want to share support resources with all of our students so they can reach out if they are having suicidal thoughts, or need to report that a friend is exhibiting signs of suicide.
I have included a few links to some great resources and a detailed letter on what we will be discussing in classes.
If you have questions, please feel free to contact Kim Louvin, our Licensed Clinical Social Worker, at 503.258.4869.
SENIOR PARENTS: IT'S FAFSA/ORSAA TIME!
It’s FAFSA/ORSAA TIME!
Seniors should now be completing their Free Application for Federal Student Aide (FAFSA) or Oregon Student Aide Application (ORSAA) for financial aid opportunities with their college education.
To determine which application to do, visit this site:
https://oregonstudentaid.gov/fafsa-orsaa.aspx
If you (the student and the parent) will complete the FAFSA, you must first create a secure FSA ID. Go here to do this:
1. https://fsaid.ed.gov/npas/index.htm
Next, complete the FAFSA here:
2. https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa
If you will complete the ORSAA, go here:
SAM BARLOW BOOSTER CLUB
Each year the Barlow Booster Club is responsible for planning the all-night party celebration for our graduating seniors. This year, while we are hopeful that a party happen, we have had to shift our focus. We are working hard to create new, safe, and meaningful memories for our seniors this year. These new programs will be passed down from year to year and eventually benefit all Sam Barlow Students.
Here is a quick update on all that is going on and how you can help.
Fundraise for FREE!!! Shop with Scrip!
Scrip is simply a gift card that you buy and spend at face value. We receive a rebate on each gift card purchased. And to make things even easier you can do it all from your phone using eGift cards that are available immediately! There are over 200 stores available as eGift cards including Amazon, Starbucks, Home Depot, Walmart, Target, Khols, and just about every national restaurant you can imagine.
No hassle, no waiting - just shopping with one extra little step.
You can also have physical gift cards sent directly to your home to use in person or give as gifts. This even includes VISA gift cards!
Please download the RaiseRight app today and join our program using our group code
EL69B5B173922
It's that simple.
Local retailers like Fred Meyer and WinCo will be available soon on our website www.barlowbooseterclub.com.
The website also gives important information about all the other fundraisers and activities that we have going on. Things like monthly cooking classes with our very own Chef Sam, a Jazzy Bagle bread fundraiser, Rocky Mountain Chocolates Christmas fundraiser, and monthly restaurant fundraisers.
You can follow us on Facebook or Instagram using #SBHS2021.
Thank you for your continued support of our amazing seniors!
KNOW YOUR SCHOOL
In order to connect with our school community, Principal Bruce Schmidt will be hosting a monthly parent meeting on the fourth Monday of each month. During this meeting, Mr. Schmidt will present on a variety of topics to inform participants of what is taking place at Barlow. These meetings are never "one way" as Mr. Schmidt will gather input from parents and guardians to help make the Barlow experience quality for all.
The meeting dates for the 2020-21 school year are: 1/25, 2/22, 3/29, 4/26, and 5/24. The meetings begin at 7:00pm and end at 8:30pm and will be conducted virtually through the use of Google Meets. Each month an invitation will be sent to you with an agenda via email outlining the topics for discussion along with the link to the Google Meet. We look forward to seeing you at the end of this month.
SBHS SITE COUNCIL
CENTER FOR ADVANCED LEARNING
All students and their families are welcome to the Center for Advanced Learning (CAL) Virtual Open House on Wednesday, January 27th, from 6:00 to 6:45 PM.
CAL’s programs are for all students interested in exploring college courses and careers in Health Sciences, Manufacturing, Apparel Design, Digital Media, Webdesign, Cybersecurity, and Entrepreneurship. If this is you, join us online for the open house to learn more!
Open House link and applications are live at calcharter.org
See you on the 27th!
Who can help?
If you have concerns about your child’s schedule or other issues, the following are the staff to contact. Email is a quick way to get answers to the questions you might have.
COUNSELORS
A-E Michelle Kahan kahan3@gresham.k12.or.us
F-J Erin Boelow boelow@gresham.k12.or.us
K-Ra Oscar Rethwill rethwill@gresham.k12.or.us
Re-Z Molly Ninneman ninneman@gresham.k12.or.us
LICENSED SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKER
Kimberly Louvin louvin@gresham.k12.or.us
HS SUCCESS COACH
Paul Quirke quirke@gresham.k12.or.us
ELL LIAISON
Karen Galicia galicia4@gresham.k12.or.us
ATTENDANCE LIAISON
Ryan Alexander alexander9@gresham.k12.or.us
ASSISTANT PRINCIPALS
A-G Celeste Pellicci pellicci@gresham.k12.or.us
H-O Melanie Marrone marrone2@gresham.k12.or.us
P-Z Kelly Hart hart29@gresham.k12.or.us