Rocketeer Newsletter
Rock Creek Elementary - Oct. 17, 2019
Rock Creek is a candidate school for
the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme
Rock Creek School Hours- Monday thru Friday 8:30-3:00
Please Note: There is no early release this year.
Upcoming Events
10/18 Rocket Run Pledges Due
10/28 Hearing Screening K-2
10/29 Art Lit Training 7 pm (Art Literacy Portable)
10/30 Art Lit Training 9:00 am (Art Literacy Portable)
10/31 Class Parties
11/1 No School for Students- Grading Day
11/7 No School for Rock Creek Students- Parent/Teacher Conferences
11/8 No School for Rock Creek Students
Student Arrival Time- Doors open at 8:15 AM
Students should not arrive before 8:15 am. The doors are locked and there is no supervision for students. Please remind your students not to block the doorway. We ask that students sit on the benches outside the front doors until the door is unlocked. After 8:15 am, students can go to the cafeteria OR proceed to other supervised areas.
Background Checks
Please be aware: For the safety of our students, we encourage all adults that are on school property during school hours have an approved background check with the Beaverton School District. Please fill one out today, it may take 3 weeks to be approved:
https://www.beaverton.k12.or.us/departments/communications-community-involvement/volunteer
Rocket Run Pledges-Due Tomorrow to Qualify for Prizes
Please return the Rocket Run pledge sheet and envelope with your pledge donations as soon as possible.
For Online Donations: Setup Pledge Star for collecting pledges online
- Go to http://pledgestar.com/rockcreek
- Follow the instructions on-screen
Pledge money is due tomorrow, Friday, October 18th to qualify for prizes.
Fall Class Parties- Thursday, October 31st
Room party volunteers will be hosting the parties in classrooms on Thursday, October 31st. Our goal is for students to enjoy their classroom parties and socialize while demonstrating good citizenship and making good choices.
During the fall party, children have an option of wearing Halloween costumes. Please remember costumes should not be worn to school. Costumes should be brought in a bag and be easy for students to put on over their clothes. Costumes are taken off before leaving for the day. Please help your child use good judgment if they are bringing a costume to school. No gruesome or scary costumes, no masks and no pretend weapons of any kind, are allowed. Hair color or face paint may not be applied at school. Volunteers that choose to dress up for the parties are expected to follow the same guidelines for costumes.
Please be aware, only background cleared volunteers will be able to assist with the classroom parties. Visitors and younger siblings will not be able to attend the classroom parties. All volunteers must sign in on the volunteer computer and wear their badges.
Please let your child's teacher know if you do not want your child to participate in the party. You can pick them up early or they can go to an alternative setting during this time.
Parent/Teacher Conferences Information- Sign up now!
Parent/Teacher Conferences are fast approaching and we use the Instant scheduling online program.
As a reminder, there will be no school for students on November 7th and 8th due to Parent/Teacher Conferences. Please see the individual teacher conference schedules after you click on their name at the link shown below.
To schedule a conference please follow these steps:
1. Click the following link:
https://instant-scheduling.com/sch.php?kn=1919022
2. Click on Next Step.
3. Then select the teacher you want to schedule your conferences with.
4. Choose your preference date for conference (see available dates on calendar).
5. Choose your conference in the available time slots. Only available times will populate this screen.
6. Submit your request and complete the required fields (on the right-hand side of the screen). If you submit an email address, the system will send you a reminder email.
7. To schedule a conference for a second teacher for a sibling conference go back to #2 and repeat.
Thank you for participating in fall conferences. We look forward to seeing you.
Note: Unfortunately, our schedule does not allow us to hold separate conferences for separated families. Please inform the main office if there is a court order that mandates an exception to this policy. If two conferences for the same student are booked, the later of the two conferences will be canceled.
If this process is not working for you, please contact Jessica Vogel at 503-356-2452 or your child's teacher
The Book Blizzard is Here!!- Read for Book Fair Hours!!
The Rock Creek Arctic Adventure Book Fair started on the 16th of October and is running through the 24th. A book fair flier was sent home. Look for a new way to buy using eWallet, Scholastic's new digital payment option. You can also choose to shop online starting the 11th of October through the 24th.
Shopping Hours: 10: 50 -1:20 students may come down during lunch recess if they have money with them to purchase items.
3:10 - 4:00 after school except the 24th
Thursday the 17th and Monday the 21st open until 4:30
So come down and chill out with some great books that you can add to your own library.
Connie Hilger
Rock Creek LMA
Recess Runners Information
Due to the lack of volunteers this year for Recess Runners, we will only be offering Recess Runners once a week during recess time on Wednesdays. In order to give students the best chance of achieving their goal of running a marathon, we are allowing students to run laps once a week (or 4 times per month) and have parents/guardians count and record them. Please fill out the form attached and submit it at least every two months so we can update our master tracking sheet. Students should also be participating in Recess Runners on Wednesdays during their lunch recess. This is to be supplemental, not a replacement to participating during recess. Students will earn a shoe token for every 50 laps completed and a marathon t-shirt once 262 laps have been completed. Only one t-shirt per school year will be awarded.
If you are interested in volunteering for Recess Runners on Wednesdays, please email Sarah Morriss at semorriss@gmail.com or show up for the first session on Wednesday, October 23rd between 11:05 and 1:20.
Speak Up 4 Student Success: HB 3427 - Student Success Act Community Survey
Speak Up 4 Student Success: HB 3427 - Student Success Act Community Conversations
The Oregon Legislature passed and the Governor signed the $2 billion Student Success Act (HB 3427) in Spring 2019. This is an historic and much needed investment in K-12 schools. The Beaverton School District could be able to access an estimated $34 million per year through a state application process.
School districts are required to apply for funds, and must engage their community in a needs assessment process prior to the application for funds. All Beaverton schools will be engaging their communities in these conversations during September and October.
Please do the survey: Online Survey
Your voice matters! We welcome your perspective and opinion.
Connect with your Parent Teacher Club!
Volunteer opportunities, events and fundraising, oh my! Get the latest news on all your favorite PTC activities by connecting with us.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RockCreekElementarySchool/
Website: www.rockcreekptc.org
Text: text @rcptc to 81019
Calling all 5th grade parents
Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities
Art Literacy
There are still many classrooms without volunteers to lead this amazing program. Our kiddos need your help so please sign into Better Impact, click on your child's class, and let's make this happen! We promise that you will love helping all our Rock Creek budding artists create their masterpieces!
Art Literacy is a wonderful program that brings art education into the classroom while enhancing overall literacy. Volunteers will lead a project with a featured artist every other month. Time commitment is typically 1-2 hours per project. Please CLICK HERE to sign up!
For questions contact Amanda Rust rcartlit@gmail.com.
Recess Runners
We need volunteers for our Recess Runners program! Sadly, this awesome program is in jeopardy of not happening this year if we don't have volunteers to help!
Join our students during their lunch recess to help count and record their laps. This is a super fun activity that happens twice a week rain or shine! Our little runners love earning a t-shirt once they run 26.2 miles (262 laps of the track)! This program can't run without the help of our awesome volunteers!
Email semorriss@gmail.com for questions. Time commitment is about 1-2 hours per week.
Thank you for volunteering!
Katie & Nancy
Volunteer Coordinators
Inclement Weather Information
When the weather outside gets inclement, school schedules could be affected. The District generally
makes inclement weather decisions by 5:15 a.m., posting them by 5:30 a.m. on the District website
and on social media. All Portland Metro area media outlets are also notified and announce the
information on TV newscasts and online. Parents and guardians that have opted in for
SchoolMessenger will receive timely notifications.
The District makes decisions based on the ability to operate school buses safely; the ability of parents
and students to drive safely; and the ability of students to walk safely. The decision that is made will be
for the entire District. (As always, parents may choose to make different decisions based on their
particular location.)
For the latest inclement weather information:
• Log onto the District's website: http://www.beaverton.k12.or.us and a page pop will be posted
on the main page if there is a change in school operations.
• Beaverton School District Public Safety webpage has information about inclement weather
procedures and snow routes.
http://www.beaverton.k12.or.us/departments/public-safety/ then click on Inclement Weather
Information.
• Follow us on
.Twitter @BeavertonSD
.Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/BeavertonSchoolDistrict/
• Follow media outlets. The Districts posts information via Flash Alert. Parents can also sign up
to receive weather alerts: www.flashalert.net
Parent & Guardian Information
School closure or delayed start decisions will typically be communicated to media outlets and posted on the District website, Facebook and Twitter by 5:30 a.m. and SchoolMessenger text, email or phone (depending on selected preferences).
We encourage families to make transportation and attendance decisions for their child(ren) based on their own assessment of travel conditions at their location.
When all district schools and facilities are closed
. All daytime and evening activities/events on closure days are canceled.
When there is a 2-hour delay in opening school and buses are on snow routes
. All schools will open two hours later than regularly scheduled.
.The following classes/programs are cancelled:
.AM early intervention
. AM Preschool Classes
.AM Health Careers & Auto Program
. Terra Nova Program is canceled all day.
.There will be no bus service for Bonny Slope, Nancy Ryles and Sato elementary schools.
. Bus services will not be provided to McKinney-Vento students living outside of the district.
When school is on time and buses are on snow routes
. All schools operate on regular daily schedules.
. There will be no bus service for Bonny Slope, Nancy Ryles and Sato elementary schools
. Terra Nova Program is canceled all day.
. If the weather forecast calls for declining weather conditions throughout the day, the district will implement snow routes for PM dismissal.
When weather conditions necessitate an early dismissal/closure of schools
.We encourage you to refer to the BSD website, SchoolMessenger and local media for more detailed
information.
. All daytime and evening activities/events are cancelled.
3rd-5th graders- Try a new sport- A game for readers!
Keep working on forming your OBOB team and getting contracts turned in to the library! All teams need to have forms filled out by Halloween! Email KatieEMurry@hotmail.com with any questions.
Rock Creek Apparel Information
TAG Testing Information
TAG Testing -
Every year students are considered for Talented and Gifted services in Beaverton School District. These services are provided by your child's classroom teacher(s). If you think your child might qualify, you may wish to complete the Parent Information Form that is attached. Completing this form gives our school TAG committee more information about your child, but it is not required. All qualified students will be considered regardless of its completion.
Oregon law and District policy define gifted students as those who score at or above the 97th percentile on a standardized, nationally normed test of mental ability and/or academic achievement. Behavioral, learning, and/or performance information is also considered before a student is identified for TAG services.
The Parent Information Form must be completed and returned to our school’s TAG facilitator, classroom teacher or the school’s office by Friday, October 18th.
PYP Corner
What is the status of IB PYP schools in Beaverton School District?
Great news! We are excited to be kicking off our 2019 - 2020 year as a PYP Candidate School. The PYP schools are all continuing their work with IB and we plan to have our verification visit at Rock Creek in the fall of 2020.
What does that mean for my child?
Your child will experience the full Programme of Inquiry (POI) this year. Our Programme of Inquiry are units designed by teachers through collaboration that include all of the elements of the PYP. In grades 1 through 5 students will experience six units, and Kindergarten will experience four play based units. During each 4 - 6 week unit students will be immersed in learning engagements that encourage them to take on both local and global perspectives.
What unit is your child focused on?
Kindergarten- Who we are: Rules and responsibilities help us work together
First Grade- Who we are: Actions affect relationship
Second Grade- Who we are: People may agree to work together in order to create a peaceful and productive community
Third Grade- How we organize ourselves: Citizens collaborate to organize themselves
Fourth Grade- Who we are: Individual identity and well being impact the community
Fifth Grade- Who we are: Our need to share our feelings and ideas drives us to find effective ways to communicate
November Dine in Fundraiser- It’s Pizza Time Rock Creek!
RSVP here - https://www.groupraise.com/events/113791.
Learning Options Application Process 2020-2021
The Beaverton School District is nationally recognized for high student achievement and innovative programs. Beaverton students in grades 6-12 have the opportunity to investigate learning options that best fit their academic needs. Students can choose their neighborhood school, or apply for one of a number of Learning Option Programs. Transportation is provided.
Applications for the 2020-2021 school year will be available starting Monday, October 14, 2019. Please do some early investigation of the Learning Options Programs online and plan to attend one or more of the open houses that are available. Students may only select one option on their application.
All applicants must reside within the Beaverton School District boundaries. Beginning October 14, current Beaverton School District students are able to apply online using their BSD student ID. Resident students not currently attending a Beaverton school will need to complete a paper application available online, or at any school office beginning October 14, 2019. Applicants who do not have Internet access may also complete a paper application available at any school office. Please give careful consideration to your choice of school. Once an application has been submitted, no changes will be allowed.
Applications must be received no later than Friday, December 6, 2019 at 4:00 p.m. (PST).
OFFICE OF LEARNING OPTIONS
Information Line: 503.356.4440 • FAX: 503.356.4415
Mon., October 14, 2019 ------- Applications for the 2019-2020 school year will be available.
Fri., December 6, 2019 ------- Applications due no later than 4:00 p.m. PST.
Wed., December 11, 2019 ------- Electronic Lottery conducted for the 2020-21 School Year.
Acceptance or wait pool notifications will be sent via email.
Students who are not selected via the lottery will be emailed a Second Consideration application for the school for which they applied where applicable.
Thurs., January 9, 2020 ------- Second Consideration applications due to schools.
Wed., January 29, 2020 ------- Deadline to accept/decline enrollment – by 4:00 p.m. PST
For online links to academic and extra-curricular activities offered in the community, please use this link: https://www.beaverton.k12.or.us/departments/communications-community-involvement/after-school-activitiesflyers
Rock Creek School Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30 am to 3:00 pm
No Early Release this year
4125 NW 185th Ave
Portland OR 97229
Main Office-503-356-2450
Attendance-503-356-2451
Fax- 503-356-2455
Principal: Tiffany Wiencken
SAFEOREGON TIP LINE
Keep Rock Creek safe: report any student safety threats to SafeOregon. Tips can be reported by phone or text (844-427-3367), email (tip@safeoregon.com), or online (safeoregon.com). For more information, visit safeoregon.com.