Whitford Newsletter
January 7, 2021
Principal Message
January 2021
Hello Whitford families,
As we bring in the new year, there appears to be some light at the end of the tunnel when it comes to COVID-19 and for us returning to some type of in person instruction prior to the end of the school year. During Winter Break, Governor Kate Brown allowed school districts to decide when to return to school. While this is exciting news, there are still many variables that need to be sorted out prior to our eventual return.
As of today, I have not received any word from Beaverton School District on what our path may look like since Governor Brown’s announcement. Some of the factors that need to be assessed include: COVID-19 county cases, state cases, available hospital beds, distribution speed of vaccination, safety guidance, and training. I await word, just like you, on how we will proceed into 2021.
Whitford is preparing for our annual Career Day. This will be a virtual event and students will still have an opportunity to learn about different occupations and the path in which it takes to succeed. We want our students to hear how reading, writing, math, and science all necessary in all occupations.
We are still looking for speakers. Since this event will be virtual, we could host speakers from anywhere in the world. This is exciting as we might be able to diversify our speakers and hear about different jobs around the country and world. If you are interested or have someone who would want to participate in Career Day, please contact Assistant Principal Robyn Giacchi (robyn_giacchi@beaverton.k12.or.us) for more information on this incredible event.
I want to give a shout out to our counseling team, Irma Laskaris, Steve Sieg, and other members of our Behavior Health and Wellness team who were able to deliver or send support to our most needy families. Our very own PTO purchased gift cards which helped our families over the break and into January. This is just another example of how our Whitford community takes care of each other.
As we return to school, be aware that our semester ends February 4th. It’s critical that students get back on a school schedule, eat well, get some exercise, and hit their studies. We will be looking closely at attendance as we return and will continue to support students who are not completing their work.
Be well,
Brian Peerenboom
Principal
Whitford Career Day
At this time, we are changing our big Career Day event on Jan. 27th and doing a much smaller and more flexible version of a Career Day. Various reasons from zoom complications, security changes, scheduling, student engagement and number of speakers determined this difficult decision.
However, we have come up with a different option that will not only alleviate some of the items above but also be more flexible and accommodating to speakers’ busy schedules.
If you are still interested, below is our updated career day that allows for flexibility, engagement, and ease of this new virtual world that we are working in.
Speaker expectations: Your name and profession go on a list for our teachers to see and share with their students. The teacher will choose a speaker and email me. I will then be in contact with you and the teacher to coordinate a date for you to speak to the class.
Time commitment for you: 30 minutes from 9:00am-9:30am. 15-minute presentation with Q&A after.
Date: To be determined based on your schedule and teacher schedule from now until the end of the year.
Please email robyn_giacchi@beaverton.k12.or.us if you are interested in being on the speaker list.
Picture Retakes
We will have picture retakes on Wednesday January 13th from 3-5:30PM in the main gym.
Click on the link below to schedule an appointment for your student(s).https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D4BAFA828A5FAC61-whitford
Pre-Order Pictures Today!You have the ability to pre-order pictures only by visiting dorianstudio.com and searching your school name.Your online order can be placed now and up to four (4) days after picture day.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our Customer Advocate Team by email at support@dorianstudio.com or by phone at (800) 826-3535. We look forward to seeing you soon
Can't get into your Zoom class?
The district made a recent change to improve the way substitute teachers are able to access Zoom meetings. As such, all teachers were required to create new meeting links. The updated Zoom links can be found by visiting the respective teacher’s Canvas course. If you have previously written down codes or passwords, please refer only to the links now posted in Canvas as they will be the most up to date. Thanks, and please contact your student’s teacher if the Canvas link is not working for you.
We have a help session for students who are experiencing technical difficulties
Zoom meeting: 92957285832
Password: 833241
Available M,T,Th,F 10:20-11:00 and 1:35-2:10
PLEASE SEE THE ATTACHMENT AT THE END OF THE PAGE FOR IMPORTANT CHROMEBOOK REMINDERS
YEARBOOK Pictures Needed!
YEAR BOOK INFO:
Photos for the Year Book are needed. Please send photos of your student(s) during this school year to steve_sieg@beaverton.k12.or.us or through the eShare App (on your phone). It's free! Select Whitford Middle School and the passcode is: WhitfordYB (case sensitive - no spaces).
Too Much Screentime?
Screen time:
Do you have concerns about the amount of screen time your child is accessing each day during comprehensive distance learning? It used to be that doctors recommended strict guidelines on how much screen time was too much for a given age. New guidelines issued this year by the American Academy of Pediatrics recognizes, especially with distance learning, that screen time can be useful and beneficial if balanced with non-screen time. When deciding how to develop your family’s screen time plan outside of distance learning it’s important to keep these tips in mind:
1. Modeling healthy limits and behaviors with screens is important. Create family non-screen times such as during meals, 30-60 minutes before bed, or other family times.
2. Make a point to engage in non-screen activities together such as reading, exercising, talking to each other, or playing games.
3. Engage with your child and their technology by asking questions about what they’re doing, why they enjoy it, what they’re learning, or maybe participate together in the electronic activity or game.
4. Media and content online can be positive and negative, use parental controls and know what your child is watching so that your child has a positive experience.
5. Create reasonable time limits for screen time as a family by encouraging your child to help determine how much daily screen time is enough, then stick to it.
6. Try not to let your children have unlimited screen time over the weekends or school breaks, continue to stick to your screen time plan even during unstructured times.
7. Social media can be an important way for adolescents to engage and interact with peers and our society. Having a conversation with them about healthy boundaries online, unrealistic norms, and how their feelings may be influenced by what they are seeing is a good way to connect and support your adolescent.
For more information about screen time effects, and resources for creating a screen time plan please visit:
American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
American Academy of Pediatrics: Create your family media plan
Greater Good Science Center: Risks of too much screen time for teens
Reference: Morin, A. (2020). How much should you limit kids’ screen time and electronics use: The American Academy of Pediatrics’ screen time guidelines. Verywell Family. https://www.verywellfamily.com/american-academy-pediatrics-screen-time-guidelines-1094883
Immunization Exclusions
Upcoming Events
January 12th AVID Family Night 6-7:30PM
January 13th Picture retakes 3PM-5:30PM
January 18th Martin Luther King Day – No school for students
January 19th Monday schedule*
January 20th FULL DAY of class with a Tuesday Schedule*
February 4th – Last day of the semester
February 4th – FRIDAY Schedule on a Thursday*
February 5th – No School for Students
*SEE CALENDAR AT END OF NEWSLETTER FOR CLARIFICATION