Gladstone School News Blast
Gladstone Schools • Growing Great People • 4.13.22
Gladstone elementary students learn block coding
In Technology class, Gladstone's kindergarten, first and second grade students are learning block coding to program Sphero Indi robots. The project was funded by a grant from the Gladstone Education Foundation.
By placing different colored tiles in the right sequence, the children can control the robot's motions and drive it along a desired course.
"This teaches students the basics of programming from an early age, and lets them learn through trial and error," said Technology teacher Greg Wendling. "Along the way, they are also reinforcing their computational thinking skills through hands-on interactive play."
Gladstone schools offer robotics opportunities for students at all levels, with competitive teams at Kraxberger Middle School and Gladstone High.
John Wetten kids take on Battle of the Books
Fifty fourth and fifth graders from John Wetten Elementary faced off this week, competing in the Oregon Battle of the Books. The statewide contest is an opportunity for students to read and answer questions about 16 different titles, including fiction, biography, non-fiction, and a graphic novel.
Eight teams competed, with imaginative names like the Fire Readers, the War Bees, and Unstoppable Frogs. All received an orange OBOB t-shirt for the event. The children also received many of the OBOB titles free, thanks to a grant from First Book of Oregon.
"My favorite book was Astrid the Unstoppable," said student Leonie Marlia. "It really inspired me." Fourth grader Saul Villarr added, "I liked Guts, because it was funny and I liked the characters."
"The best thing about this event is the camaraderie of reading and sharing books," said library assistant Kim Burke, who organized the event. "The kids read anywhere from 4 titles to all 16. The diverse options on this year's list encouraged them to branch out and explore different genres than they usually read."
Key Club plans blood drive April 27
"Each pint of blood donated can save the lives of up to three people," said club advisor Lynnda Prom. "We hope community members will step up to help."
To make an appointment, visit www.gladstonekids.com/BloodDrive
Attention parents of athletes in grades 8-11
Register now for fall kindergarten!
If your child will be five years old by September 1, it's time to register for kindergarten!
Families can register online here: https://gladstonekids.com/kinder
Then, join us April 25, May 10, or May 25 for Connect to Kindergarten. Families can tour classrooms and hear a program overview led by our Kindergarten staff. To sign up, contact Heidi Smith at smithh@gladstone.k12.or.us or 503-496-3939.
Gladstone’s kindergarten is at the Gladstone Center for Children & Families [GCCF]. Our classrooms are spacious, calm, and joyful with a skilled and caring staff that builds upon the strengths and abilities of each child.
Apply now for jobs in Gladstone schools
Gladstone Schools is hiring!.Apply now!
https://gladstone.tedk12.com/hire/index.aspx
If you have any questions, please contact the District Office at 503-655-2777.
• Assistant Principal -- John Wetten Elementary
• Assistant Principal -- Kraxberger Middle School
• Teacher -- John Wetten Elementary
• Teacher -- John Wetten Elementary
• Teacher -- Science -- Gladstone High School
• Teacher -- Science -- Kraxberger Middle School
• Teacher -- Technology electives -- Kraxberger Middle School
• Teacher -- High School Math/Advanced Math
• Teacher Learning Specialist [2]
• Head Secretary -- Gladstone High School
• Speech & Language Specialist
• Occupational Therapist
• Extended Day Helper
• Custodian
• Driver Education in-car Instructor
• Technology Assistant II