News From The Abernethy Office

Welcome to Monday! A sunny and beautiful but very cold Monday!

We are back to a full five days of school this week! We do however, have some very exciting events happening this week! and our newsletter is very full of information!

• Our Scholastic Book Fair has started!
• Wednesday, November 16th, we will be having our monthly fire drill. OK.... I know that is not very exciting...
• Thursday is our PTA meeting - 6:30 - 8:30 in the Auditorium
• Friday is our Dance Party!!

Abernethy Families,

Each year, the community of Abernethy comes together to support families during the extended winter break and holidays. We know that inflation and especially the rising cost of food has greatly impacted families this year - so supporting one another as a community is just as important as ever. We also know that the cold winter season is just beginning. Not having something warm to wear can make things pretty miserable. We are starting to put together winter baskets for some of our families and are asking for and accepting donations of gift cards (Fred Meyer, Target, Walmart) and new winter clothes (pants, jackets, sweatshirts/sweaters, hats, scarves and warm socks).

If you would like to donate and have additional questions about needed items, please fill out this Google Form and Jenny Morgan will follow up with you. If you have any questions please feel free to email Jenny at jmorgan1@pps.net 503-679-4799.

If you need assistance, please complete this google form

Report Cards will be sent home with your student on November 18th, 2022. Check your student's backpack when they get home!

This year, report cards will be used to guide conferences, rather than the conference forms that have been used in the past. We will be sending student report cards home with students on Friday, November 18th. If you have any questions about report cards, teachers are happy to talk about them during your conference.

If your students want to practice getting their groove on, here are some Just Dance videos that you all can do at home.

I got a Feeling - Just Dance (Classroom Version)

Uptown Funk - Just Dance (Tuxedo Version)

Dynamite - Just Dance

Footloose - Just Dance

Just Dance 2 Hey Ya

If you would like to volunteer to help at our event on Friday, please email me at mdunn2@pps.net. Here is our schedule for the day.

5th Grade - 9:00 - 9:30

4th Grade - 9:45 - 10:15

3rd Grade - 10:30 - 11:00

LUNCH

2nd Grade - 12:45 - 1:15

1st Grade - 1:30 - 2:00

Kindergarten - 2:15 - 2:45

You still have time for any donations or pledges! Remember, anything helps!

The money we raise here at Abernethy, combined with corporate donations and donations from other participating schools will be equally divided between all of the participants in our region. So your donation or any pledge will not just be helping support the arts program at Abernethy, but will be helping another school as well.

Want to make an online donation?

Click here and you will see the landing page to Donate and Register

There is a box where you can search for Abernethy's page.

On the school's page you can see all who have already registered, and donate buttons to be able to donate! If you are not yet registered please do so! It really is easy and making a donation is even easier as I just made my donation! Any amount helps!

We know that this fundraiser comes at a time right after the Fund Run and the start of the Annual Appeal. The timing of this event did not work out in our favor. However, we are still hoping that we can bring in a little extra funds to be able to bring in some Artists in Residence projects and assemblies to our school, as well as keep our current supply of fun art materials stocked for your students. Below you will see the description of our fundraiser that we had in last week's newsletter.

FUNDRAISING AT ABERNETHY

There are a variety of fundraisers at Abernethy throughout the year. The Annual Appeal, Fund Run, Tour de Ladd, and the auction. This year, we also have a unique opportunity to participate in a model of fundraiser that reaches our community and region beyond Abernethy. The Fun for the Arts is a dance-a-thon that will take place November 18th. It is unique in that the fundraising model is communal and based on participation.

FAQ:

• Where does this money go? Directly to the school to cover costs such as art supplies and artists in residence or assemblies with a music or art focus. Did you know that many teachers pay for art supplies out of their own pockets? Currently we have no other fundraiser that is earmarked for art supplies or assemblies.

• My child can get overwhelmed with noise and lots of activity, is there a way for them to still participate? Yes, we will have a quiet space for students and they can spend the dance party time there and still be considered a participant.

• Does my child have to dance to be considered a participant? No, participation can mean dancing, cheering on friends, vibing in the corner, or even hanging out in the established quiet space.

More information

The Book Fair is here and will be taking place take from

Monday, November 14 - Tuesday, November 22

Ms. Mishler will be walking students through the book fair Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of this week. Community shopping hours are as follows:

Community Shopping Hours

• Thursday, Nov 17 3:00-3:30pm after school

• Friday, Nov 18 3:00-3:30pm after school

• Monday, Nov 21 9:00am-3:00pm all day on Conference Day

• Tuesday, Nov 22 9:00am-3:00pm all day on Conference Day

Location: Room 2A in the breezeway near the Garden of Wonders & portable building

This year, say goodbye to cash and hello to eWallet—your child’s digital payment account. Before the Fair, set up eWallet for worry-free, cash-free purchases. Anyone can contribute! Share each child’s eWallet so friends and family can add funds and give your kids more books to enjoy.

If you can’t make it to the Fair, then shop at our school’s Online Book Fair. All orders ship directly to your home, and shipping is free for book orders over $25. Your online orders will also benefit our school.

Visit our Book Fair homepage to learn more and get started with eWallet and online shopping:

https://bookfairs.scholastic.com/bf/abernethyelementaryschool1

The countdown to more Book joy is on! Catch you at the Fair!

Happy reading,

Melissa Dunn, Principal, Abernethy Elementary

With the cold weather upon us and the school year in full swing, we are seeing an uptick in our students with colds, runny noses, fevers, stomachaches, and much more. Given the past couple of years of wearing masks and distancing, it is not surprising that we all need to build back our immunities. We are also seeing a few more Covid cases pop up.

The guidance from the district as well as MESD does not have us contact trace or notify of exposure as we did last year. The recommendation is to use the self screening tool and, when not feeling good or showing signs of any symptoms, to stay home or test for Covid if possible.

Here are some helpful tips to how we can all help each other stay healthy!

• Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer often, rubbing for at least 20 seconds.

• Do not share food, drinks, or personal items.

• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or by completely covering your nose and mouth with the inside of your elbow.

Here are some ways to protect your family and community:

• Stay up-to-date on all vaccines, including COVID-19 boosters and influenza.

• Limit close contact with anyone who is sick or has a new rash.

• Disinfect high-touch surfaces daily.

• Wear a well-fitting, multi-layered mask indoors and on public transit if local COVID-19 cases are high or you were around someone with a respiratory illness.

• Check for symptoms of illness before leaving your home each day:
  

• Fever or chills

• Cough

• Shortness of breath

• New loss of taste or smell

• New rash or sores

• Sore throat

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Red eyes with drainage

• Stay home and notify their school or direct supervisor.

• Wear a well-fitting, multi-layered mask around other people.

• If symptoms last longer than 24 hours, consider testing for COVID-19 or visit a healthcare provider. Students may get care at a Student Health Center.

Oregon Battle of the Books season has officially started!

In the Library classes, 3rd-5th graders are learning about the fundamentals of our Abernethy OBOB program and being introduced to the books.

All parent and coach information can be found on the Abernethy Library OBOB website ,including registration, rules, FAQs and this year's titles.

For questions please email abernethybobinfo@gmail.com

November 14th to 22nd - Scholastic Book Fair

November 17th - PTA Community Meeting 6:30 - 8:30pm

November 18th - FUN For the Arts Dance Party!

November 21st and 22nd - Parent -Teacher Conferences

November 23rd - 25th - No School - Thanksgiving Break

November 25th - Native American Heritage Day

December 1st - 2nd Grade Field Trip to OMSI

November 21st and 22nd are this year's Parent-Teacher Conferences. Here are the conference links for each teacher. If you click on the picture of the teacher that you would like to conference with, you will be able to sign up. If you have any questions about conference times please email your students teacher. Our goal is to have 100% of our families attend conferences. This is a great opportunity to have a conversation with your students teacher about what is happening in the classroom and how you can support your student.

TAG REFERRAL WINDOW OPENS OCTOBER 17

The TAG referral process is live and accepting applications.

Family Guidance

Parent Office Hours with the TAG Department

The October focus will be the TAG referral process

Our next meeting will be Wednesday, October 26 6:00-7:00 PM

Zoom link for Parent Office Hours with the TAG Department

A list of questions and answers from past meetings are in this FAQ document.

We look forward to seeing you!

Dana Nerenberg, Senior Director, Academic Programs dnerenberg@pps.net

Lisa Draper, Data Clerk ldraper@pps.net

Kim Bertelsen, TOSA: Cleveland, Lincoln, Wells-Barnett clusters kbertelsen@pps.net

Kasey Bond, TOSA: Grant, Jefferson, Roosevelt clusters kbond@pps.net

Michelle York, TOSA: Franklin & McDaniel clusters, and Special Programs myork@pps.net

Thursday, November 17, 6:30 - 8PM in the Auditorium or via view-only virtual option (a link will be posted on Konstella the day before). All are welcome—and childcare is provided!

The purpose of the meeting is to vote on important topics, update the community on what is happening at the school and within the PTA, provide presentations on important topics affecting our community from time-to-time, and provide an opportunity for anyone in the Abernethy community to participate and be heard. The agenda will be posted in Konstella next week.

In order to vote at a General Meeting, an individual must register as a PTA member at least 48 hours prior to the meeting. To cast a vote on either of the topics listed above, you must join the PTA no later than Tuesday, November 15 at 6:30 p.m. Sign up here.

2022 Annual Appeal - Make Your Donation Today!

The Annual Appeal launched last week and is off to a good start. Thank you to those who have already gotten your donations in! The Annual Appeal is a direct giving campaign, and one of Abernethy’s most critical fundraisers. It is running through Friday, December 2nd.

Why donate?

PTA fundraising is critical for many of the school resources our students and teachers depend on, including literacy and instructional support, classroom resources including books for every classroom, field trips and assemblies, opportunities for families in need, and so much more. Every donation - small and large - is important.

This week, before you get distracted with kids at home and holiday activities, make your donation via Konstella, or by cash or a check made out to “Abernethy PTA.” Please consider monthly, recurring donations, which you can set up via Konstella, to give more over the course of the year. At the end of this week, we’ll be drawing for two lucky recipients to receive a $33 gift card to 3 Doors Down Cafe.

Also, this week come by the playground gazebo during morning drop (8:15-9:15 am) off on Friday (11/18) to enjoy a breakfast treat, meet some friendly PTA volunteers, learn more about the 3 Doors Down (3doorsdowncafe.com)PTA and fundraising, and drop off your Appeal donation if paying by cash or check.

Thank you for your participation and showing your support for the Abernethy community!

Sincerely, 2022 Annual Appeal Co-chairs

Julie Humsi (Ramzi - 5th, Hutchison; Augustus - 2nd, Lannigan)

Emily Moore (Davis - 5th, Hartmann; Lila - Abernethy alum)

Beth Schuenemann (Owen - 3rd, Gerlach)

Still looking for that great volunteer opportunity? We have plenty! Here are some positions we are still looking to fill:

• Auction Chair

• Annual Appeal coffee hours (Nov. 10, 15, 18 & 30)

• Scholastic Book Fair volunteers (Nov. 10-18)

• Holiday Shoppe

• 5th Grade Classroom Leads

• Carnival Co-Chair (Spring)

• Organizer: Holiday Gift for Classified Staff

• All year: Small Business Fundraisers

Interested in learning more about these roles? Feel free to email our Volunteer Coordinator at cynthia.campos@supportabernethy.org.