GOPHER PARENT NEWSLETTER
GRESHAM HIGH SCHOOL, JANUARY 2021 EDITION
PRINCIPAL SHELTON'S MESSAGE
Dear Gopher Community,
First, Thanks to all the parents who joined the “Know Your School” parent meeting this month. Please be on the lookout for the link to our next parent meeting on February- 2/9/21 @ 6:30 PM.
Second, I want to also thank you for your support and understanding as we, as a nation and community, responded to the unexpected challenges of COVID-19. I am very proud of the way our GHS students, parents, employees and community leaders have handled the demands we were faced with to protect everyone as we continued to educate and feed our students during the most unusual of circumstances. As you know, there continues to be concerns and questions related to how schools plan to reopen. While we are in the business of educating, our first priority is the safety of our students and our employees. Be assured, we have been working diligently with OHA, ODE and other state supporting agencies as we support students on the possibility of returning to campus. Due to all the factors and information needed to plan as COVID-19 issues unfold, the district will provide necessary updates when they become available.
Last, THANK YOU for partnering with our educators as you support learning from home. The time and sacrifice you have made for your student(s) and support for our educators is unmeasurable. We will continue to engage your student by using best practices and continuing our development of strategies. Please reach out if you have any concerns or questions.
Thank you for your continued support
Drake Shelton
#Forward
In January of 2020 Gresham High School announced #Forward- the transition from International Baccalaureate “IB” academic programming to a new Accelerated academic program. Gresham High School leadership in consultation with our District leadership has made the decision to adopt Advanced Placement “AP”academic programming.
Gresham High will offer “AP” beginning Fall ‘21.
LAST DAY OF QUAD 2
Believe it or not, we are just 1 week away from the end of Quad 2. This is an important time for students to be attending consistently and completing current and incomplete assignments. ParentVue and Google Classroom are useful tools when helping your student set priorities to earn goal grades.
Teachers and staff are communicating with many students and families who are at risk of F grades. We want to help students create a path to success! Students should connect with teachers when making-up work to focus on the most impactful assignments, quizzes or tests. A few hours of work now, can pay off for years to come.
"KNOW YOUR SCHOOL" PARENT/PRINCIPAL MEETINGS
Principal Drake Shelton hosts KNOW YOUR SCHOOL parent Meeting. These parent meetings are intended to help answer questions and concerns from our community. Meetings occur monthly.
Date: February 9, 2021
Time: 6:30 - 7:30 pm
These meetings will take place virtually due to our current circumstances. The link and agenda for the meeting will be sent out to parents emails prior to the meeting. It will also be posted on our website and a link will be sent out through our new communication tool REMIND.
TEXTBOOK & SUPPLY PACK RETURN & DISTRIBUTION
Quad 3 Textbook & Supply Pack Pickup-
If your student is notified by their Quad 3 teachers that they will need to check out a textbook we will be doing that on Tuesday, February 2nd from 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm and Wednesday February 3rd from 8:00am - 4:30 pm. We will also be distributing specific supply packs for Art classes (Drawing, Painting, Sculpture), Graphic Design, Child Development, Introduction to Trades. We also have a general school supply pack that is available to students who haven't picked one up yet.
Quad 2 Textbook & Supply Return-
It is very important that students bring their books back so that we have enough copies for students for Quad 3. Please bring back any textbooks on Wednesday, January 27th or Friday, January 29th from 9:00-Noon or 1:00 - 4:00 pm.
GHS TUTORING SESSIONS
GHS is launching tutoring support sessions on Wednesdays from 12:45-2:15pm and 2:30-4:00pm. Students can join through a Google Meets link https://meet.google.com/lookup/dtlb4hxvfa or they can join via Google Classroom with the code: qg3lmr. We look forward to offering students the academic support needed to meet their goals!
ATTENDANCE DATA
The current GHS attendance rate is 83.84% and our goal is to push this rate above 90%! We want to remind students that Wednesday is an attendance day when students connect with their advisory and work independently (asynchronously) on coursework. There is a direct link between attendance and academic success. Consistent attendance in distance learning will help students stay on-track for graduation.
FLATS & STAMP TESTS
FLATS and STAMP tests are now available for FREE for students. Both of these world language proficiency tests offer students the opportunity to earn high school credit towards graduation. The STAMP test will provide students the opportunity to earn the Oregon Seal of Biliteracy. The deadline to sign up for the STAMP test is January 29th. FLATS has a rolling registration deadline. Students should contact their counselor ASAP if they have questions or are interested in these tests.
BILITERACY SEAL
Is your student bilingual and biliterate? Are they interested in earning a seal of biliteracy on their GHS diploma? On February 12th and 24th GHS will offer the STAMP test to determine their eligibility. Your student should email Ms. Conroy if they want more information. The registration deadline is January 29, 2021.
¿Su estudiante es bilingüe y está alfabetizado en dos idiomas? ¿Les interesa tener un sello de bilingüismo en su diploma de Gresham High School? Gresham High School ofrecerá el examen STAMP para determinar la elegibilidad de estudiantes el 12 y 24 de febrero. Su estudiante debe mandar un correo electrónico a Ms. Conroy (conroy@gresham.k12.or.us) si quiere más información. La fecha limite para registrarse es el 29 de enero 2021.
LATINX PARENT MEETING - NEXT MEETING
INCOMPLETE RECOVERY
We are currently working with students that received an Incomplete on their report card from the Second Semester of 2020 when we went to distance learning. A team of teachers have been reaching out to students and families to help them turn the Incomplete(I) into a Pass(P). If a student fails to earn a P by the end of the summer 2021, the I will turn into an F for a final grade. If you and/or your student are contacted by a staff member to complete this work, please respond back to them as they are here to help you.
THE CENTER FOR ADVANCED LEARNING (CAL)
The Center for Advanced Learning (CAL) is now taking applications for 10th grade students interested in attending next year. CAL is a charter school located in Gresham Station that offers technical programs for 11th and 12th grade students. Students attend CAL part time and GHS part time and they offer many hands on learning experiences as well as an opportunity for college credit through Mount Hood. CAL prepared a presentation for our 10th grade advisories and the video can be found here: CAL Video. Students have until march 1st to submit their application for the first round of acceptance. The link to the application is here: CAL Application. Their website has more information for students and families and will also have a link to a virtual open house which is being held January 17th at 6:00pm: CAL Website. Your student can email their Counselor with questions.
Greetings from the Counseling Center!
If you are in need of resources during these cold months, please reach out to your student's School Counselor or our School Social Worker so that we can help connect you with resources.
Kate Poland, Social Worker: poland2@gresham.k12.or.us
Julie Conroy, Counselor (for students with the last names that start with A-B and active ELL): conroy@gresham.k12.or.us
Andrea Parra, Counselor (for students with the last names that start with C-Ha): parra14@gresham.k12.or.us
Hannah Anderson, Counselor (for students with the last names that start with He-M): anderson185@gresham.k12.or.us
Madison Hartney, Counselor (for students with the last names that start with N-R): hartney@gresham.k12.or.us
Laura Blaser, Counselor (for students with the last names that start with S-Z):
Here is a brief video explaining What is a Quad. Important upcoming Deadlines/dates:
Quad 2
January 28th - Quad 2 ends
January 29th - STAMP test registration deadline
Quad 3
Quad Begins February 1st, 2021
Deadline for Schedule Corrections February 5th, 2021 at 4PM.
The Schedule Correction Form is now available! If you have any corrections that need to happen for quads 3 or 4, please make them on this form. Please be sure to be logged in with your School Google Account
Quad Ends April 13th
Quad 4
Quad Begins April 15th
Deadline for Schedule Corrections April 23rd, 2021
Quad Ends June 17th
COLLEGE INFORMATION
Resources and reminders for our college-bound Seniors:
Submit the FAFSA (or ORSAA) to learn how much financial aid you will receive;
Apply for the Oregon Promise Grant (if going to a community college);
Meet with college admission representatives virtually (sign up here);
Request recommendation letters;
Look for scholarships and start applying;
Take virtual campus tours and attend info sessions at colleges of interest;
Check application deadlines for 4-year colleges/universities and apply;
Look for more info at the College & Career Center Google Classroom and website;
Email Ms. C. with questions.
BIG FUTURE DAY
BigFuture Day on February 6th
You are invited to a college exploration event for all grades.
GHS students and their families will have a chance to explore colleges in a way that's not overwhelming, ask questions about topics they want to learn about, and take action on key college planning steps.
Follow this link for more information and to sign up.
OSU - CELEBRATING WOMEN & GIRLS IN SCIENCE EVENT
In recognition of International Day of Women and Girls in Science, the College of Engineering at Oregon State University invites you to celebrate the achievements of our faculty and alumnae. This completely virtual event is free and open to the public.
Register
Panelist bios and more
Feb. 10
4-5 p.m. PT
- “Rooted in Community” film premiere and panel, featuring live audience Q&A with the engineers featured in the film. In “Rooted in Community,” six women speak about their experiences in engineering: how they broke through barriers, made impacts through research, and are guiding the next generation of engineers.
Feb. 11
9-9:50 a.m. PT
- Career diversity panel with College of Engineering alumnae, featuring live audience Q&A. Learn about some of the amazing career paths women have pursued with Oregon State Engineering degrees.
10:10-11:50 a.m. PT
- Faculty panel: Addressing the Grand Challenges for Engineering, featuring live audience Q&A. See how our faculty are using teaching and research to advance progress with the Grand Challenges for Engineering.
12:10-1 p.m. PT
- Live networking session and virtual display booths. Connect with other event attendees, join discussion groups, and explore virtual booths hosted by Oregon State Engineering student organizations.
For questions or event access assistance, contact engineeringevents@oregonstate.edu.
STUDENT INFORMATION VERIFICATION - ONLINE ONLY!
GOPHER SPORTS UPDATE
It’s been a busy start to the year in athletics as we continue to run socially-distanced, in-person workouts for a majority of our sports on Stapleton Field. We’ve had more than 150 students join us for different sports, from football and dance to girls basketball and wrestling among others.
If your student would like to join a team for workouts, head to the GHS Athletics Website for instructions and copies of necessary forms and paperwork. Any questions can be emailed to athletics secretary Tahana Young at young4@gresham.k12.or.us.
While metrics and governmental regulations may change at any time, we are still using the current OSAA calendar as we look ahead to possible seasons in the winter and spring of 2021. We will keep you up to date if anything changes.
As you look for news and updates, make sure to follow Gresham Athletics on Twitter at @GoGHSGophers.
GHS ACTIVITIES UPDATE
Welcome families to 2021!!! Collectively the Activities Department has been working very hard for our school-community. Our Choir and Drama Departments had highly successful performances over the holiday break. Please visit and subscribe to their YouTube channels for upcoming virtual events.
In addition, KEY Club, National Honor Society and DECA have coordinated community outreach opportunities. These acts of selflessness and mindfulness have been orchestrated to assist students and families via a variety of community supports such as: “Toy Drive”, tutoring, family assistance navigating school-based technology, and elementary academic outreach.
Renaissance Student Leadership and Gresham High School has officially launched our first “Sparrow project”. Our school-community will help support our Sparrow, Lauren (2-years old) who was diagnosed with Acute lymphocytic (ALL) Leukemia. Lauren's mom is an educator in the Gresham-Barlow School District.
All community members are encouraged to support Lauren and her family by participating in the “Community Service Challenge”. This challenge requires each person to give at least one hour of their time, in some way, as “service to others”. Once this service is complete, please fill-out the Service Voucher to support Lauren and her family. Sparrow Club Service Vouchers are available online via Google Forms. Service Voucher for Lauren T
In addition, Sparrow Clubs offers an App for iPhone and iPad so that everyone can stay connected to their Sparrow. The App is free and is available in the App Store. Sparrow IPhone App People who are looking for service ideas can also visit Sparrow Clubs Service and Connections Website on Weebly for Ideas.
SUN
Hello! My name is Laurel and I’m the SUN Site Manager at Gresham High School. Normally during the year we offer clubs and groups for students and community events but since this year is not a normal year, our services have shifted! Currently we are offering resource navigation for families and will be offering some student groups online starting in December. We are also still partnering with Latino Network, Programa Hispano, and College Possible who are offering student groups and family support as well. Below is a snapshot of services within Gresham but if you have a more specific need, please send me an email at laurelh@mfs.email and I can help with finding resources.
Metropolitan Family Service Food Pantries - FREE FOOD! Pantries are drive-up or walk-up only due to COVID restrictions.
Cherry Park Elementary School
1930 SE 104th Ave. Portland 97216
Mondays 3:45pm- 5:30pm
Note: We will be handing out pre-packed bags at this site
.
Glenfair Elementary School
15300 SE Glisan St, Portland 97230
Tuesdays 3:30pm-5pm
.
Alder Elementary School
17200 SE Alder St, Portland 97233
Wednesdays 4pm-6pm
Note: Starting October 14th, the Alder Elementary Food pantry will be open on Wednesdays from 2:30 – 4:00.
Closed Wednesday, November 11th – Veteran’s Day
.
David Douglas High School
1500 SE 130th Ave, Portland 97233
Thursdays 3pm-5pm
Note: This location is different from the main campus on 135th Ave.
Closed Thursday, November 26th – Thanksgiving
.
Parklane Elementary School
15811 SE Main St, Portland 97233
Fridays 12:30pm-2:30pm
Closed Friday, November 27th – Thanksgiving
CULTURALLY SPECIFIC RESOURCES
Latino Network Contact:
-Charli Isidro: Charli@latnet.org
Programa Hispano Contact:
-Berenis Peregrino: bperegrino@elprograma.org
GBSD Online Expectations for Students and Families
GBSD Online Expectations for Students and Families
Students
Always be respectful and courteous to other students and teachers during online class meetings/lessons. Inappropriate language, hate speech or symbols, offensive or threatening comments; misrepresentation of identity, and/or disruptive behavior by any participants during online class meetings/lessons will not be tolerated.
Students must use their GBSD email account to log into online class meetings/lessons.
Login credentials must not be shared. Sharing of login information violates other students’ and teachers’ rights to confidentiality, and could allow class participation by unauthorized persons and/or lead to disruptive behaviors that detract from a productive and positive learning environment.
Students who are disruptive in online class meetings/lessons will receive appropriate consequences in accordance with the Parent/Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook and as outlined in the Restorative Practices statement below.
Consequences may result in temporary or permanent loss of technology access, which could prevent the student from participating in online class meetings/lessons. Students receiving this consequence would have assignments provided to the student’s parent/guardian.
Students will adhere to the provisions identified under the Gresham Barlow School District Policy IIBGA
Parents and Families
To maintain a positive, productive learning environment and assure confidentiality for students and teachers during distance learning, all parents/guardians are asked to follow the following privacy guidelines.
Online class meetings/lessons are designed for students. To prevent disruptions to the learning environment, parents/guardians should not actively participate in online class meetings/lessons, although parents/guardians may assist their child with technology and/or remain nearby.
Help the student choose a setting in the house that minimizes distractions to the child as well as to others participating in the online meetings/lessons. This includes family members that may be appearing in the background or can be heard.
Do not video record, audio record, photograph, live stream, or transmit in any other way any part of an online class meeting/lessons, including not posting on any social media platform.
Any confidential or personally identifiable information related to students participating during online class meetings/lessons should not be collected, discussed or shared.
Parents/guardians should not engage with students during online class meetings/lessons. If parents need to speak with their child during an online class meeting/lessons, first mute the child’s microphone.
For devices that have been checked out from the school district, the device is to be used for Gresham-Barlow School learning class work only. Parent/guardian(s), are responsible for monitoring student’s activities on the district device.
If a parent/guardian has a question, please email the child’s teacher.
All Students Belong
The Oregon Department of Education recognizes that student health and safety are at the cornerstone of education and that all students are entitled to a high-quality educational experience, free from discrimination or harassment based on perceived race, color, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, or national origin, and without fear or hatred, racism or violence. All staff and leaders are also entitled to work in environments that are free from discrimination or harassment, and visitors should be able to participate in school activities without fear for their safety. Please refer to this link for further information from the Oregon Department of Education.
Restorative Practices Progression
If a student is repeatedly disrupting an online class meeting/lesson, teachers will remind the students of the behavioral expectation.
If the disruption continues or escalates, the teacher will restate the expectation and remind the student that they may be muted or excluded from the remainder of that online class meeting/lesson.
If the student is muted or excluded from an online class meeting/lesson, the teacher will follow up with the student and have a restorative conversation. A restorative conversation focuses on:
Talking about the behavior or incident without blaming.
Using relational questions to bring out who was affected and how
Discuss what needs to happen to make things right.
If the disruption is discriminatory, threatening, or harassing, the student will be removed from the online class meeting/lesson immediately. The teacher will follow up with a restorative conversation and other consequences as warranted.
Anytime a student is removed from an online class meeting/lesson it will be documented with a major or minor behavior referral.
Anytime a student is removed from an online class meeting/lesson, the parent will be notified.
Restorative Inquiry
Basic practice that frames how we hold ourselves and each other accountable. Building the community’s understanding and use of language such as - relationship, accountability, harm, impact, and repair. Using language that doesn’t blame; speaking in terms of harm done rather than rules broken. Utilizing active empathic, and compassionate questioning instead of assuming/accusing.
VIRTUAL SCHOOL OFFICE HOURS
The office hours will be from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. If you have questions please call our main number (503-674-5500). Currently our buiilding is closed to the public. If you need to access a staff member in person please call the school first to get directions on how this can occur.
WHO IS MY COUNSELOR/ADMINISTRATOR?
COUNSELORS:
- A - B and Active ELL
Julie Conroy 503-674-5530 conroy@gresham.k12.or.us - C - Ha
Andrea Parra 503-674-5528 parra14@gresham.k12.or.us - He - M
Hannah Anderson 503-674-5527 anderson185@gresham.k12.or.us - N - R
Madison Hartney, 503-674-5526, hartney@gresham.k12.or.us - S - Z, and Department Chair of Counseling
Laura Blaser 503-674-5529 blaser@gresham.k12.or.us
ADMINISTRATOR:
- A - Go Erin Voelker voelker@gresham.k12.or.us
- Gr-O Cheeri Schacht schacht2@gresham.k12.or.us
- P-Z Jason Bhear bhear@gresham.k12.or.us
SCHOOL CALENDAR
To access our school calendar please click on the Gresham High School like below this article. This will take you to our home page on our website. Our calendar is located on the left hand side of the page.