Rocketeer Newsletter
Rock Creek Elementary - Sep 26, 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
9/26 Book Buddy Training 9-9:30 am (RTI Commons)
9/27 Rocket Run Assembly for Students
10/4 Rocket Run!!!!
10/7 School Picture Day
10/8 CogAt Testing
10/11 No School For Students/Staff Development Day
10/14 District Wide Earthquake Drill
10/16 Rock Creek Corner Dine In PTC Fundraiser
10/16- 10/24 Book Fair
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
Student Arrival Time- Doors open at 8:15 AM
A Message from the Principal
10 Facts About School Attendance
- Absenteeism in the first month of school can predict poor attendance throughout the school year. Half the students who miss 2-4 days in September go on to miss nearly a month of school.
- Over 8 million U.S. students miss nearly a month of school each year.
- Absenteeism and its ill effects start early. One in 10 kindergarten and first grade students are chronically absent.
- Poor attendance can influence whether children read proficiently by the end of third grade or be held back.
- By 6th grade, chronic absence becomes a leading indicator that a student will drop out of high school.
- Research shows that missing 10 percent of the school, or about 18 days in most school districts, negatively affects a student’s academic performance. That’s just two days a month and that’s known as chronic absence.
- Students who live in communities with high levels of poverty are four times more likely to be chronically absent than others often for reasons beyond their control, such as unstable housing, unreliable transportation and a lack of access to health care.
- When students improve their attendance rates, they improve their academic prospects and chances for graduating.
- Attendance improves when schools engage students and parents in positive ways and when schools provide mentors for chronically absent students.
Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities
Rocket Run
Rock Creek's biggest fundraiser of the year is during school hours on October 4th! We have many shifts available such as checking in volunteers, counting laps for individual classes, and set-up/clean-up. Please sign into Better Impact and schedule yourself for a shift or two and help make this year's event a huge success! We can do this Rock Creek! Contact rocketrun@rockcreekptc.org for any questions.
Art Literacy
There are still many classrooms without volunteers to lead this amazing program that unfortunately can't happen without you. 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 sign up!
Attend a training session on Tuesday, September 24th @ 7PM or Wednesday, September 25th @ 9AM in portable #1. For questions contact Amanda Rust rcartlit@gmail.com.
Classroom Parties
Parent volunteers are essential in order to help plan, purchase supplies and participate in the two room parties that our students will enjoy this school year. Please sign up!
We need volunteers to sign up for our upcoming classroom fall harvest parties! We will have the official date and time soon, but parties will be on or around October 31st!
The Room Party Coordinator will work with you regarding the next steps for the Harvest party planning. For questions contact rcroomparties@gmail.com
Recess Runners
Recess Runners is going to start back up again this year soon. Volunteers are needed during lunch recess to help count laps and record them 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! Time commitment is about 1-2 hours per week. This program is in jeopardy of being cancelled without the help of some volunteers! Days won't be determined until we have volunteers so they can choose days that work for them.
Email Sarah Morriss at semorriss@gmail.com if you are interested!
Thank you for volunteering!
Katie & Nancy
Volunteer Coordinators
Health Updates from the School Nurse
Illness: Please remember to keep your child home when ill. Students may not attend school with a fever greater than 100.5 degrees F and must be fever free for 24 hours without fever reducing medicine before returning to school.
Medication: Medication may be administered to students who require it during the school day. Parents must transport medication to school in the original container and complete a Medication Authorization Form. Please provide emergency medication if prescribed for your student.
Immunizations: All students must be up to date with immunizations before the state exclusion day in February 2019. Students who are not up to date will be excluded from school. Please review your student’s immunization record with your health care provider and provide any needed documentation.
Vision/ Hearing: School wide screenings will be conducted with the assistance of volunteers for students who are able to participate on the dates scheduled. Vision screening will include grades K-5. Hearing will include grades K-2. Parents will only be notified of failed results. Please contact the office if you prefer your child does not participate in a screening.
Head Lice: A student with suspected head lice will be referred to school staff for confidential individual screening. If nits or live lice are present, the parent will be contacted and provided with educational information. Students are no longer excluded from school for head lice. I encourage you to check your student regularly for head lice and notify the office if you have a concern or would like additional information.
Please feel free to contact me regarding any health related question or concern. You can reach me by email at sydney_garl@beaverton.k12.or.us
Sydney Garl, RN, BSN
District School Nurse
Calling all 5th Grade Parents
It is time so start planning for 5ht grade send off. We will be having a meeting on Wednesday October 9th at 7pm. Please email Jenny Sawyer at sawyerjenny@gmail.com for the meeting location. If you cannot attend but would like to help just let us know.
Welcome Back to School - Safe Routes to School
The new school year is the perfect time for students and families to start creating healthy, fun and safe habits. Safety is everyone’s responsibility! Here are some reminders as we travel to and from school:
- Keep your eyes and ears open for traffic all around.
- If driving, slow down to 20 mph or less in school zones and neighborhood streets.
- Check for safety at all intersections, in bike lanes and follow the directions from crossing guards.
- Remember to be alert and mindful of all road users (no texting; be aware of school zones) especially when we’re in a rush. We all want to get someplace fast, but safety for our children is our top priority — and takes all of our efforts.
Rocket Run Information
The Rocket Run is next Friday, October 4th! We look forward to a fun and energizing day (rain or shine). The Rocket Run is a great event to volunteer for and we could really use your help, especially with classroom lap counting. All event volunteer opportunities can be found in Better Impact; please sign up today! (All Volunteers must have a current background check with the Beaverton School district)Pledge envelopes have been sent home; please contact us if your student’s envelope has been misplaced or lost. Student t-shirts will be distributed the day of the run and are free of charge thanks to community and business sponsorships. Adults who purchased t-shirts can pick them up at the volunteer tent the day of the run. We are here to answer any question; contact us at rocketrun@rockcreekptc.org!
For the safety of our students, we would like for all adults who are going to be at our school on this very busy day to have their background checks completed. Please sign in on the volunteer computer and wear your name tag.
Picture Day is Coming October 7th
Picture Day is coming to your school!
Rock Creek Elementary
Picture Day is 10/07/2019
Pre-pay online ordering!
Parents have the ability to order pictures using the link above or by visiting ios.dorianstudio.com and using the school's access key, DCS3P7VA, also found on your picture day envelope before and up to four (4) days after picture day.
After the 4-day grace period expires, a personalized access key will be sent home with picture delivery. A $7 shipping and handling fee will be added to all orders made with a personalized access key and orders ship directly home.
For order accuracy, please return your completed envelope on picture day for all payment types.
Here are some tips to make picture day great!
Schedule Haircuts
7-10 days prior to picture day is best!
Simple Clothing
Solid shirts or small patterns, along with sleeves, photograph best. A simple collared shirt is a timeless classic.
Graphics or wording may not photograph completely and become partially cropped out of your picture.
If you have questions please call our Customer Advocate Department at (800) 826-3535
Rock Creek Apparel Information
TAG Testing Information
CogAT -
In October, all 3rd and 5th grade students in Beaverton will be administered the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) Screener. This 30-minute test measures students’ learned reasoning abilities through verbal/picture analogies, number analogies and figure matrices.
Currently the main purpose for administering the CogAT is to identify students for TAG in the area of intellectual ability. Students who score at the 97th percentile or above on the CogAT screener will be invited to test with the full version of the CogAT that is used for potential TAG identification. The full version of the CogAT will be given in November. For more information about testing, your school’s TAG facilitator. When test results are returned, we will be sending you a copy with additional information about our TAG program.
Rock Creek students will be tested on Tuesday, October 8th.
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.
What Connects the Following?
A “swimming unicorn”, “My Big Fat Greek Wedding”, and fresh ice water?
No, not Hollywood, it’s the Rock Creek Elementary Arctic Adventure Book Fair. Starting October 16th running through the 24th, this years Book Fair will have a Whale of a raffle and an Out Fox the Arctic Fox Guessing contest. In addition to the raffles and games, there will be books and other accessories to purchase for your home library.
Everyone is invited, to participate in the Book Fair, even if you choose not to purchase anything, just come and check out the Blizzard of Books about the Arctic and more.
So, what connects the three things above?
- One fascinating species found only in the Arctic is the narwhal, often referred to as the ‘unicorn of the sea’.
- The word ‘Arctic’ comes from the Greek word for bear, Arktos. Just like in the movie.
- The ice of the Arctic contains around ten percent of the world’s fresh water, yes ice water.
All this and more can be discovered at this years book fair.
Nutrition Meal Benefits- Apply for Free & Reduced Meal Benefits Before Oct 15th
Nutrition Services information is easier to access this year, and we have lots of cool information to share!
Click on the link below to go to SchoolCafe, and see all the things that you can do:
https://www.beaverton.k12.or.us/departments/nutrition-services/meals/schoolcafe
All you need is your student’s ID number. If you don’t have that, you can call your school office
or the Meal Benefits line (503-356-3957). Here are some of your options in SchoolCafe:
- Create an account
- Apply for Meal Benefits- Must renew each year before Oct 15th!! Renew now!!
- View and print Meal Benefits letters
- See what items your student is getting in the cafeteria.
- Check your student’s account balance.
- View cafeteria menus
- Set up low balance alerts
- Set up auto-pay (when balance gets to an amount that YOU set, the account is replenished from your credit card)
SchoolCafe can provide amazing amounts of information!
If you do not have access to a computer, you can also apply for Meal Benefits on paper. Applications are available in every school office and cafeteria.
If you have questions or need help, please call Laurie Bishop at Meal Benefits, (503)356-3957 or email us at NS-MealBenefits@beaverton.k12.or.us.
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
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.