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Dragon Tales
November 9th, 2023
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Principal's Update
It's been a quiet week in the halls of da Vinci. Our support staff and I cannot wait to hear the hum and feel the energy of our students and staff back in the building. We remain hopeful that a compromise will soon be reached and our students and staff can get back to what they do best.
One of the many pieces of information my team and I are waiting on is whether or not we will return to Quarter 1 classes or jump straight into Quarter 2. This is not up to da Vinci and is something that is being negotiated between the district and PAT. Please make sure you and your student are watching for updates and are ready to check ParentVue or StudentVue for updated class schedules if we do return to Quarter 2 classes. Click here for more information on ParentVue.
We are also awaiting information on what would happen to Quarter 1 grades if we return to Quarter 2 classes. Friday, November 3rd, was supposed to be a Quarter 1 grading day for teachers and we are awaiting information on how and when those grades would be submitted.
Lastly, many of you are aware that the Fall Play was supposed to begin this past week. As of now, I do not have an update on what will happen moving forward. Upon their return, I will work closely with our Drama department and make sure to inform families of how we will proceed.
Again, there are still too many uncertainties for me to share specifics on what our return to school will look like. However, I promise to share with students and families all that I can as we get closer to that day I know we all desire so much.
Sincerely,
Mr. Roosevelt
Weekly Updates
Optional Learning Resources Through PPS
There is no replacement for the work that our teachers do to engage our students. However, I wanted to make sure that families were aware of the resources on this district-provided educational resources page for middle school students. I’d encourage families to explore these resources, which the district has shared through their strike resources page, with the hope that we won’t need them much longer.
Map of School Meal Locations
PPS will provide grab and go meals at more than half of our school locations for free for all kids, ages 1-18 and all current PPS students. Meals will be available for pick up on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, between 11:30 am - 1:00 pm. For more information, please click here.
Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day
Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day will be held this year on Tuesday, November 14. We recognize that many of our da Vinci families do not live within walking distance to school, but we wanted to make sure families knew about the event nonetheless. If this is the case for your student, here are some ways you could still participate and honor this day:
Talk about Ruby Bridges on the way to school
Drop your student/carpool off a few blocks away from school
If your student takes Trimet, have them get off a stop or two early and walk the remaining distance
For those who do not know, Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day gives children the chance to celebrate Ruby’s courage by walking to school and is the perfect opportunity to teach children about the civil rights movement and make connections to today’s collective efforts for change. In 1945 the US Supreme Court’s landmark ruling in Brown v. the Board of Education ended racial segregation in public schools. However, southern states continued to resist. Ruby spent kindergarten in a segregated classroom. In 1960 a federal court ordered Louisiana schools to desegregate. The school district created an entrance exam to see if African American students could attend an all-white school. Ruby and five other students passed the exam. The six students were to be sent to two different all-white schools. The school district delayed their start, and Ruby’s first day of school was November 14, 1960. A few days before, the two African American students who were going to attend with Ruby decided to stay in their home school. Ruby braved Frantz Elementary School on her own.
Parks & Rec: Portland Parks & Recreation Community Centers- Access for Students
The Fund for PPS will cover the drop-in fees at PP&R for students who receive free meals at school through a partnership between the two organizations. The district has asked us to share this announcement and the attached flier with PPS families to promote this opportunity for student enrichment.
Discounts to Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R) programs are available through the Access Pass. Check out portland.gov/parks/discount for more information. Students who receive free meals at school are eligible for additional fee discounts covered by The Fund for PPS.
The TeenForce Pass provides youth, ages 10-20 years old, FREE access to designated activities at Portland Parks & Recreation’s five TeenForce sites: Charles Jordan, East Portland, Matt Dishman, Montavilla, and Mt. Scott Community Centers, as well as a few specially added activities
For questions, or to register for activities, call or visit any PP&R community center.
McDaniel HS Updated 8th Grade Family Information Night is November 29th
On November 29th, McDaniel High School wants to welcoming prospective 8th grade students to come explore the courses they have to offer and the opportunity to explore the newly remodeled campus. For more information, please check out their website.
Cleveland High School - Bridging the Gap - 8th Grade Night is December 6th
On December 6th, Cleveland High School will be hosting their Bridging the Gap to high school evening. There will be a reception hosted by their PTA prior to the event. Throughout the night, students and families will be able to meet representatives from their IB program, various academic departments, clubs, athletics and more.
Jefferson High School - 8th Grade Information Night is November 14th
Jefferson High School is holding their 8th grade information night on November 14th from 5:30-7:30pm. Enter on Kerby St. as the event will be in their cafeteria.