Hallinan Elementary
Hawk Squawk Newsletter 2/23/23
Principal's Message
Dear Hallinan Families,
As I look out my window at the blanket of snow, all I can think is, this was a bit unexpected!
We had a lot planned for today at Hallinan - Kindergarten was going to celebrate their 100th day of school with 100 day projects and we were all looking forward to STEAM night tonight. Kindergarten will celebrate upon return to school, and we are working on rescheduling STEAM night - stay tuned!
I have a couple of celebratory announcements I'd like to share. Our 2nd grade class hosted the monthly Assembly last Friday and the following students were recognized for demonstrating our character trait, HONESTY, this month: Lucas Buzawa, Kenley Mauck, Sachi Monsef, Oscar Dupuis, Jenson Haggerty, and Eden Hoffman. Well done! We've included a photo below.
And, on Tuesday, 3rd, 4th and 5th graders were able to cheer on and watch the final Oregon Battle of the Books. The Best Book Riders, a team of amazing 4th graders, Meera Isaac, Ewan Cramer, Cam Lesner and Liam dela Cruz, won the Hallinan OBOB competition! We are so proud of you - Congratulations! They'll be representing Hallinan in Regionals next month! We also want to applaud our runners up, the VelociReaders, 3rd graders Dante Mantoan, Victor Mantoan, Milo Saylor and Henry Slicho, who were extremely strong contenders! Great job!! You can see the battle from a spectator viewpoint below. OBOB is such an amazing program and I hope you all encourage your 3rd-5th grade children to participate next year. This means our current 2nd graders could start preparing for next year, even now. A partial 2023-24 booklist is posted the OBOB. Thank you again Elise Klein, Stephanie Hengstler, Team Coaches and the amazing PTO for running this outstanding program!
Today is definitely a good day for a good book! Stay safe, stay warm!
Melissa Griffiths
OBOB Final Battle!
Our Finalists:
And the Champions are:
Save These Dates
3/11 - Foundation Gala
3/14 - Vision Screening Make-up
3/16 - PTO Meeting at 6:30 pm in the Library
3/24 - No School - Teacher Work Day
3/27-3/31 - No School - Spring Break
The district calendars for the 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 school years are now available on the district and Hallinan websites. You can find them here quickly.
PTO Information
Hello Hallinan Families!
OBOB Update
Hallinan OBOB Teams battled it out on February 12th. After 2 hours and 4 rounds, the 16 teams were narrowed down to the final 2 teams. The Best Book Riders and VelociReaders. The Final Battle was held this week at a 3rd - 5th Assembly on Tuesday, February 21st. The crowd was excited and cheering the teams on with enthusiasm. The families were beaming with pride. The teams were focused and the battle ended with an incredibly high score 78 to 75 out of a possible of 80 points per team. Congratulations to The Best Book Riders who will be representing Hallinan at Regionals on March 18! We are so proud of all of these kiddos.
Free Coffee!
Keep an eye out during morning drop off! We will hosting some Thursday morning coffee stations out front. Simply come say hi or talk PTO volunteer positions and upcoming events!
Open board positions:
Treasurer: If you have a background or love for record-keeping and finance, this is the position for you. Our treasurer Sylvia Navarro rocked this year and she would LOVE to speak to you about what her role details. Please reach out to her at hallinantreasurer@gmail.com and inquire today. Sylvia would also be willing to share this role next year. We are also looking for a "shadow treasurer". Someone to watch and learn next year and then fill that role in 2024-2025 school year.
Volunteer Coordinator: Without our Volunteer Coordinator not a single PTO event would be possible. This vital role has been filled by Rachel Beeson for the last few years and we are so grateful for her. Here is a breakdown of duties:
- The coordinator will have the highest volume of workload in the fall (August – November) as school is getting back in session and holiday activities are being planned. Expect to spend a few hours per week creating and managing Sign Up Genius sites, communicating with the PTO board members and committee chairs, and following up with volunteers from the sign-up sheets.
- The volunteer coordinator will also be the main point of contact for the Classroom Parents throughout the year and may be responsible for drafting communication to them or sending out pre-drafted emails provided by the PTO.
- The coordinator is also actively involved in the recruiting effort. Speaking with teachers and other parents, sourcing volunteers across our Hallinan community.
Please reach out to Rachel at rachbeeson@gmail.com and inquire today.
Rachel is also open to sharing this role next year!
Co-President Role: This has been an incredibly rewarding position for the two of us. We have enjoyed assisting the more senior Hallinan parent volunteers in continuing their incredible work, and we have put forward our own passions and point of view. You are welcome to inquire about running this role as an individual or sharing the position. Either way, we would be here to advise you and help you create a successful 2023-2024 school year. Please reach out to us at hallinanpresident@gmail.com and inquire today.
Declutter for a Cause
Have old or extra sports gear? Bikes, scooters, or wagons that are cluttering your garage? Donate to Hallinan’s Spring Gear Swap! This fundraiser has been organized by our amazing Fifth Graders.
How it works:
1.) Drop off your old or extra sports gear.
- Small items Drop off: will be collected in the "Gear Bin" at the entrance of the school.
- Large Item Drop off: (bikes, scooters, etc.) will be collected March 7-9.
- Large Item Pick Up: If you need items picked up from the front of your home, please schedule a pickup by contacting brittmarra@gmail.com.
2.) On March 10-11, we will be hosting Hallinan’s Spring Gear Swap in the gym, where low-cost spring sports gear will be recycled and sold. We want to get kids active, promote sustainable practices, and raise money!
All new and used gear will be accepted (including):
Bikes, Scooters, Jump ropes, Wagons, Tricycles Baseball/Softball: Uniforms, Bats, Gloves, Balls, Cleats Soccer: LOSC Uniforms, Cleats, Shin Guards Tennis: Rackets, Balls Lacrosse: LOYL uniforms, Helmets, Pads, Balls, Cleats, Sticks Dance: jazz/tap/ballet shoes, Bodysuits Football: Pads, Balls, Helmet Golf: Drivers, Woods, Hybrids, Iron sets, Wedges, Bags, Balls, Footwear Outdoor Rec: Lightly used rain boots, jackets, and hiking boots. Local Team Uniforms & Lakeridge Spirit Wear.
Tara Clasen and Shelby Setter
Hallinan PTO Co-Presidents 2022-23
District Information
LOSD Cares - Substance Use and Prevention
YouthTruth Survey
It’s that time of year… Lake Oswego schools administer the YouthTruth every spring to help improve students’ experiences in our learning community. Responses from students, staff, and parents/guardians are incredibly valuable. We will be sending the survey link at the end of February, and we ask that you please take 15 minutes to complete it before March 24.
Importance of YouthTruth
- YouthTruth (YT) is a national nonprofit that harnesses perceptions to help educators accelerate improvements. Student perceptions are empirically linked to academic outcomes, and student perceptions are leading indicators.
- YT survey questions are grounded in research about what matters for student outcomes. The findings are used to inform our long-term strategic plan progress, curriculum and instruction, and professional development to improve practices.
- The survey design has been rigorously tested for validity and reliability. Through developmentally appropriate questions, students in all grade levels provide feedback on engagement, academic challenges, relationships, belonging, culture, emotional and mental health, diversity, and inclusion. Elementary students will also provide feedback on instructional methods and middle and high school students will provide feedback on obstacles to learning and career and college readiness. Staff and parents/guardians will be asked to provide feedback on similar topics. All responses are anonymous.
Timing of YouthTruth
Lake Oswego YT surveys will open on February 27 and close at midnight on March 24. Students will complete their survey in school, and staff and parents/guardians will be emailed the survey to complete in their own time. The link we send to you will be specific to Hallinan. Please make sure to take a survey for each school your students attend.
Please contact Melissa Griffiths with any questions about the survey. Thank you in advance for taking the time to provide your feedback.
Seeking Volunteers for Our Advisory Committees
We need you! Please consider applying for our school or district advisory committee for terms starting next school year. There is one application for all committees -- please mark the committee that is of interest to you. Only committees with vacancies -- School Advisory Committees and Long Range Facility Planning -- are listed in the application for this period. See the charters posted on the School Board Advisory Committees web page for more information about each committee.
Applications are due Monday, March 13 at 5 p.m. Recommendations and selections will be made in April. All applicants will be notified by May 1. Thank you!
Career Day at Lakeridge Middle School
Would you like to be a guest speaker at Career Day at Lakeridge Middle School??
What: Lakeridge Middle School Career Day
When: Friday, April 7, 2023
Time: 8:30 am - 12:30 pm
Where: Lakeridge Middle School
Read all about it in the letter below.
2023-24 School Year Registration Now Open
Registration for the 2023-24 school year is now open for new students who have never enrolled in Lake Oswego before and returning students who are not currently enrolled but will re-enroll for next year. LOSD is pleased to offer online registration through its parent portal, ParentVUE. See the Registration & Verification page of the LOSD website for guidance. Parents/guardians do not need to register students for 2023-24 who are currently attending during the 2022-23 school year.
February Nurse News
Heart Health Month
February is National Heart Health Month. Click this link to see 10 ways you can help keep your students heart healthy.
Sleep Matters!
Studies suggest most students do not get enough sleep. This puts them at a higher risk of health problems and injuries. Click this link to learn more about sleep and your student including how many hours are recommended.
If you would like to speak to your school nurse, click the link below for contact information.
Foundation Accepting Board Applications
Are you interested in contributing to a dynamic volunteer organization dedicated to advancing our community's commitment to educational excellence?
Please consider applying for the Lake Oswego Schools Foundation Board of Directors. The Foundation is seeking parents/guardians, students, and community residents to serve on its Board of Directors. Board members must demonstrate a commitment to the Foundation, the school district, and the Lake Oswego community.
The term for new board members will begin July 2023. Board members commit to a two-year term and may serve up to three terms. Please click HERE to access the online application form. The application provides more information about becoming a board member.
Interested people should submit applications by Friday, Feb. 24. The Nominating committee will review applications and conduct interviews in the March timeframe. If you are unable to access the online application, please contact woolfw@loswego.k12.or.us to receive a pdf version of the application.
Champions After Care
Champions After Care Registration Opens Soon!
Information for registration:
- Begins on March 14th at 9 am
- Families will need to go to: https://connect.klcschoolpartnerships.com/ to sign up for an account, pay the registration fee and choose a schedule for attendance
- Families will automatically be placed on the waitlist when they sign up and as staffing and space is confirmed we will release families each Friday throughout the summer
- As we release the wait list weekly, we will be prioritizing incoming Kindergartners that are siblings of current Champions families
- For any questions they can reach out to Family Support: 1.800.246.2154
Hallinan Information
Annual Application for School Volunteers
For the safety of children, volunteers are required to have an approved background check when volunteering in schools. Please click here: Volunteer Application for LOSD to start the online application and background check process.
Office Phone: 503-534-2353
Principal Melissa Griffiths - griffitm@loswego.k12.or.us
Administrative Assistant Lee Gates - gatesl@loswego.k12.or.us
Administrative Assistant Linda Stevens - stevensl@loswego.k12.or.us
Resources:
LOSD Student and Family Handbook