The Guardian Gazette
Student News, December 4, 2023
Message from Principal Coning
IBW Students,
Many of you have questions about the week of Dec. 18th. Please know that we are aware that you may have pre-arranged travel plans, appointments, and more. We do not expect students to cancel pre-arranged travel and we, as an IBW staff, are aware that you may not be in school as a result.
If you will not be at IBW the week of Dec.18th, then communicate with your teachers. Teachers are prepared to support you the best they can. Primarily, they will tell you to check Canvas while you are away, and to do what you can to stay caught up using Canvas. And, upon your return to school on Jan. 2nd, there will be time to catch up before the end of the semester. In January, we have Flex Time scheduled for Jan. 4th, 5th, 10th, 11th, 17th, and 18th before semester exams the week of Jan. 22nd. I'll review some of this information at our Winter Assembly this Thursday.
Also, if you are a 9th-11th grader, please join us for the Guardian Showcase tomorrow night 6-8pm to preview course offerings, clubs, sports, and programs at IBW. We will have many 8th grade families joining us but this is also for you, 9th-11th graders, to explore possibilities. Forecasting your classes for 2024-25 will be in February.
Students, there are too many students in the hallways during class time. We are reviewing with our teachers attendance expectations which include:
One student can leave class at a time with a hallway pass.
A student must have permission from their teacher before they leave class and sign out.
Cell phones stay in class when you have permission to go to the bathroom or to get water
Students stay in class until the bell rings
Please be mindful of this during the school day. Our intention is to help you thrive at school and to learn as much as possible. That means we want you in class.
Upcoming Dates📆
December 5 - Guardian Showcase
December 6 - Choir and Orchestra Winter Concert, 7:00PM
December 7 - Winter Assembly, during Flex
December 7 - For Seniors - Jostens here to pick up order packets for Caps, Gowns, etc. (new date)
December 8 - Deadline to donate to Gift Card Drive for IBW Families in Need (new date)
December 8 - Deadline for AP Exam updates, additions and cancellations (new date)
December 8 - 12 - SouthWest StageWorks Teen West Project: Year 12 - The Importance!
December 9 - For Seniors - Jostens prices increase for Caps, Gowns, etc.
December 11 - 15 Spirit Week
December 12 and 14 - For Seniors - Free Senior Yearbook Photos by Visual Impressions (new dates)
December 13 - Ida B. Flea Market (new date)
December 13 - Deadline to order Citrus for Grad Night Fundraiser (new date)
December 13 - Band Concert, 7:00PM
December 15 - For Seniors - Final Day to Vote for Senior Bests (new date)
December 23 - January 1 - Winter Break (new dates)
January 2 - Return from Winter Break
January 2 - Deadline to enroll for Peru Cultural Journey (new date)
January 5 - Rose Court Applications Due
January 5 - Guest passes due for Winter Formal
January 9 - Deadline to purchase Winter Formal tickets
January 13 - Winter Formal
January 15 - Yearbook price increases
January 19 - For Seniors - Senior Photos due for Yearbook
*Please note that both the Trivory calendar and the calendar on the website have been updated to reflect the addition of school days and changes to the A/B/Flex days through the end of the first semester.
Guardian Showcase
Please mark your calendars for the Ida B. Wells High School Guardian Showcase on December 5, 2023 6:00-8:00pm. This is a great opportunity to walk through the halls of Ida B. Wells High School. Step into classrooms and talk to teachers from many of our programs. Tours of the school will be led by our high school student leaders. Clubs and athletic programs will be available to answer any questions you may have.
More information including the program for the evening can be found here: https://www.smore.com/rs91x
Parking for the Event
Since we have multiple basketball games happening on 12/5/24, parking may be limited. Think about carpooling, public transportation or giving yourself plenty of time to park and to get to our event on time.
Winter Basket Gift Card Drive
Dear Ida B. Wells High School Community,
We've raised almost $7,000 in the past 2 weeks! Thank you to everyone who has contributed to our winter basket gift card drive. We're almost halfway to our goal of raising $15,000.
As a reminder, each year myself, our counselors and other support staff have been able to put together winter gift baskets for families in our community. This is done through contributions by our amazing community. Last year, we supported over 50 families with gift cards, as well as other well needed winter items.
If you are able to contribute, donations can be made in a couple of different ways!
One way to contribute is via a money donation through school pay. To contribute in this way, simply click here. Or you can login to school pay, click "non profits" on the left and then select the option that says "Ida B. Wells Winter Gift Card Drive."
Another way to donate is by purchasing a gift card on your own and dropping it off at our main office during regular school hours. Suggested stores include Fred Meyer, Walmart, Target, Adidas and Nike.
The deadline for donating on school pay is this Friday December 8th. If you plan to bring a physical gift card, the deadline is Wednesday, December 13th.
If you are a family in need of support this winter break, please submit your information via this link! Please indicate if you need food support on the form as well and I can connect you with our food pantry.
Warm Regards,
Britni Locke, LCSW, LSSW
IBWHS Social Worker
Winter Choir and Orchestra Concert - Wednesday, December 6, 7:00PM
We hope you can join us!
Spirit Week
Get ready to have some fun next week with Spirit Week!
December 11 - Cozy Day
December 12 - Twin Day
December 13 - Winter Wonderland
December 14 - Color Wars
December 15 - Grinch Green Out
News for Seniors
Cap/gown orders
All seniors participating in the graduation ceremony are required to wear a cap and gown. There are many ways to get them:
- Order online. See the full catalog of items that are available www.jostens.com/ibwcatalog or if you want just the cap, gown, tassel unit? Order here Just $38 for early orders. Order now. Prices for all items will increase after December 8!
- Paper orders - using the packet you received in the mail. Jostens will return on December 7th during lunch near the main office to pick up paper orders
- Call (503) 255-7120 to place an order by phone
- You can borrow cap/gown/tassel from a friend/family member as long as it is IBW green
- If finances are a concern, see Sharon Dailey, Counseling Admin Asst. and she will put you on our list to borrow a cap, gown and tassel.
Senior Best Voting - extended to December 15!
Seniors, it’s time to get your votes in for this year’s Senior Bests for the yearbook. Look back in your PPS email to find the link to the Google Form. If you’re having trouble finding the link, stop by 142 or email Higbee at khigbee@pps.net.
Senior Photos - Due January 19
This year there are two ways to get your Senior photos in:
- Get senior photos yourself and send them to ibwseniorphoto@gmail.com
- Have Visual Impressions take your senior photo for free in the building on 12/12 or 12/14.
Sign up for a time here:
December 12: https://cloudforms.co/?scid=07S1VD1J&fid=88062
December 14: https://www.visualimpressions.org/service-page/ida-b-wells-senior-picture-day-event
Pick and submit your senior photo for free. Additional copies available for purchase.
Other Senior News
As a reminder here are the Senior Meeting slides that gives lots of links and information for seniors and parent(s)/guardian(s) of seniors
Citrus Fundraiser to raise money for 2024 Grad Night Event - New Dates!
Support our 2024 Senior Class and help them have a fun, safe and sober Grad Night! We are raising money for the 2024 Grad Night Party by selling fresh picked, delicious California Navel Oranges and California Grapefruit at $40 per 20lb box.
Two ways to help:
Order fruit boxes for yourself - or to share!
Select the option to donate to a local food pantry, Neighborhood House, and we’ll deliver it. Great option for out-of-town folks who want to contribute!
3 easy steps to order:
- Place your order at: SchoolPay at https://schoolpay.com/parent/mip/MeK0 or use the QR code below
- Deadline for order*: Wednesday, December 13
- Pickup your fruit*: Saturday, January 6 and Sunday, January 7 from 9am - noon at the IBW Track Snack Shack
*New Dates!! We were just notified by the supplier of an updated order deadline and pickup dates.
2023-2024 Yearbook
Purchasing Your Yearbook
You are able to pre-order/purchase the 2023-2024 Yearbook on SchoolPay (found in the Cost/Contributions section) for $65. We highly encourage you to pre-order the yearbook now so you won't forget later. Pre-order numbers are used when ordering the yearbooks and we don't want to sell out! The price will also increase to $75 on January 15th
Yearbook Name Changes/Photo NOT in Yearbook
If you want your name changed in the yearbook or you do NOT want your photo in the yearbook, please email Mr. Higbee at khigbee@pps.net from your PPS account.
News From the District - Risk of Vaping
Some things to consider:
- A study from the University of North Carolina found that the two primary ingredients found in e-cigarettes—propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin—are toxic to cells and that the more ingredients in an e-liquid, the greater the toxicity.
- E-cigarettes produce a number of dangerous chemicals including acetaldehyde, acrolein, and formaldehyde. These aldehydes can cause lung disease, as well as cardiovascular (heart) disease.
- E-cigarettes also contain acrolein, a herbicide primarily used to kill weeds. It can cause acute lung injury and COPD and may cause asthma and lung cancer.
- Both the U.S. Surgeon General and the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine have warned about the risks of inhaling secondhand e-cigarette emissions, which are created when an e-cigarette user exhales the chemical cocktail created by e-cigarettes.
- In 2016, the Surgeon General concluded that secondhand emissions contain, "nicotine; ultrafine particles; flavorings such as diacetyl, a chemical linked to serious lung disease; volatile organic compounds such as benzene, which is found in car exhaust; and heavy metals, such as nickel, tin, and lead."
- The Food and Drug Administration has not found any e-cigarette to be safe and effective in helping smokers quit. If smokers are ready to quit smoking for good, they should call 1-800-QUIT NOW or talk with their doctor about finding the best way to quit using proven methods and FDA-approved treatments and counseling.(American Lung Association)
AP Testing Update!
If you missed the November AP Exam deadline, it has now been extended to December 8th for additions, changes or cancellations. Follow the steps in these slides.
If you still have questions, please contact mailto:advancedplacement@pps.net
Latinx Student Union at the Guardian Showcase
Throughout October, the Latinx Student Union worked with artist Yathzi Turcot from IDEAL PDX to build an ofrenda (altar) for Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead). For the first workshop, they created sacred hearts with repujado traditional (embossed metal). In the second workshop, they created nicho boxes and decorated photo frames of deceased loved ones. In the final workshop, they created sugar skulls. Then, on October 31st, LSU constructed the ofrenda in the Foyer. Unfortunately, the Día de Muertos gallery showcase event got cancelled due to the strike. However, LSU is inviting the community to visit and honor the ofrenda during lunch and the Guardian Showcase on December 5th. Don't be shy! Come and visit the ofrenda! And don't forget to follow the LSU instagram to keep in touch with the fun events they have planned for this year: https://www.instagram.com/ibwhs_latinx/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==
SouthWest StageWorks Teen West Project: Year 12 - The Importance!
SouthWest StageWorks, IBWHS' theatre company, is proud to present its latest collaboration with Playwrights West...Teen West Project: Year 12 - The Importance!
Written by Sara Jean Accuardi, and directed by Matthew B. Zrebski, The Importance is the story of a group of high school drama students rehearsing a production of THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST and coming to realize what’s truly important.
The Importance is has deep roots in the IBWHS Community. Playwright Sara Jean Accuardi, Director Matthew B. Zrebski, (SW)2 Producer Jamie Miller, and even the Theatre Lab venue itself all have had key roles to play in the development of this engaging new theatrical offering.
For a number of reasons, this show has extremely limited seating. Don't wait...get your tickets today!
Teen West Project: Year 12 - The Importance performs Dec. 8th-12th at 7:30pm, and is appropriate for all aged upper-elementary and above. Tickets are available at southweststageworks.com
Ids B Flea Market
Get your holiday gift shopping done and support Ida B. Wells students and clubs at the same time!
The students at Ida B Wells High School will be hosting the Ida B. Flea Market on December 13th. This is a student-organized fundraising event designed for students to sell and showcase their art, crafts, and curated goods (clothing, jewelry, etc.).
When: Wednesday, December 13th from 4- 6:30 pm.
Where: Ida B. Wells High School Cafeteria and lower hallways (indoors); entrance is at the courtyard
Why: The Ida B. Wells Student Leadership wanted to develop an event that engaged the community, provided an opportunity for young entrepreneurs to sell their products, and support their school.
What: Collaborating with student vendors and multiple in-school programs, we've planned an experience that gives back. You will be able to shop students’ goods and work towards positive change as all booth reservations help fund Ida B. Wells Student Leadership, which is working towards increasing community engagement. All sales profits go directly to the students/clubs who have booths at the market.
Visit the Ida B Flea market and show your support for our community and our young entrepreneurs, and leave with a bag full of finds and good vibes for supporting your neighbors at Ida B. Wells High School!
Flyer created by IBWHS student Lyra Roska
Ida B Flea - Parent Assistance STILL Needed
To put on this successful event, we need your support! In order to offer this event to our students we need parents who can chaperone at the Ida B. Flea Market on December 13th. We have two shifts available, 3pm - 5pm and 5pm - 7pm with duties including set up, monitoring, and clean up. Please fill out this form if you are interested.
Additionally, we are sourcing racks vendors can use for the event, if you or anyone you know has clothing racks that could be lent for the day of the market please contact abgriffin@pps.net . We will keep the racks in perfect condition and will provide pick up on December 10th and drop off on the 14th for the use of the rack. There are no requirements on size or height.
Let's work together to bring spirit and engagement back to our student body, please fill out the form above and let us know if you are able to help, we greatly appreciate it.
2024 Peru Cultural Journey - Please ENROLL!
This trip is still being planned as long as enough students sign up! Please get enrolled soon or reach out to Amy Durham with any questions or intent to sign up at amydurhampdx@gmail.com
Please visit the following links to see a recording of the information session, the details of the trip (travel dates, cost, itinerary, etc...) and to enroll.
Peru Informational Meeting Recording
Ida B. Wells 2024 Peru Cultural Journey
Enrollment has now been extended to January 2, 2024
¡Vamos al Perú!
This trip is not sponsored by Portland Public Schools.
Amy Durham
Ida B. Wells-Barnett High School
Spanish Teacher
Room 223
Rose Festival Court 2024 - Applications for Juniors and Seniors, due January 5
For all the details and application link, click here: https://www.smore.com/0gk3c
Winter Formal - January 13
Make some memories and join us on January 13th, 2024 from 7:00-10:00 PM at the LeftBank Annex for a night of dancing, games, photo booth, food and beverages, and so much more at Winter Formal! Come get lost in Wonderland, you will not want to miss this adventure.
We highly encourage you to come and experience what a school dance is like outside of the school. Tickets are available now, when purchasing tickets, please keep in mind the following:
Student tickets must be purchased on SchoolPay and guest tickets must be purchased in person.
Student tickets are $30, Out of school guest tickets are $35
Link to purchase ticket: Winter Formal Ticket
Schoolpay tickets will remain open till January 9th. Our capacity is 800. Tickets are first-come first-served. Last dance, we had over 900 students reserve tickets. Once we hit capacity, ticket sales will fully close. If students have concerns or questions about ticket costs or need assistance, have them contact Ms. Griffin (abgriffin@pps.net) or their counselor.
Guest passes can be picked up in room 143 and must be turned in to room 139 before 1/05. After a guest pass has been approved guest tickets must be purchased in person at the guest pass ticket sale booth that will be set up outside of room 143 at lunch from 1/2- 1/10.
Only one ticket is permitted to be purchased through each Schoolpay account
If a parent has multiple students at IBW, they will need to purchase each ticket separately on their respective accounts
Once a student has bought a ticket on school pay they must pick up their physical ticket
Ticket pick up is outside room 143 during lunch from 1/2- 1/10. Tickets will be labeled with a number that corresponds to the student's name on the spreadsheet. Tickets are nontransferable.
Students must bring physical ticket for dance admission
If you have any questions or need clarification, contact abgriffin@pps.net
News from the Career Center
Deadline Extended - Partnership for Scientific Inquiry Apply by January 7th! The Partnership for Scientific Inquiry is a high school research program with optional summer internship at Oregon Health and Science University. Students learn how to read research articles, work with mentors, and write their own proposals.
The PSI program offers a 16-week comprehensive didactic course, providing students with insights into the scientific process. They will have the unique opportunity to engage with research scientists from OHSU and other Portland research institutes. This is a semester-long program with an opportunity to be paired with a mentor for a summer research internship experience. There is no cost to students. We meet virtually on Wednesday evenings from February to May.
To apply, students must submit their applications and arrange for a teacher recommendation to be submitted to us by January 7th, 2024 - an extended deadline in consideration of the PPS strike. Detailed program information and the application forms can be found at: www.psiprogramohsu.com.
UPCOMING CAREER DAYS
The Oregonian Career Day (Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2023). Get a behind-the-scenes look at the largest media company in Oregon and meet journalism professionals. Explore how the pros use tools such as video, photography and social media to tell stories. Participate in hands-on learning, including a mock press conference. Learn about the skills and education needed for a career in journalism, communications, and media. IN PERSON at The O.
NEW! Elections Career Day at Multnomah County (Thursday, December 7, 2023). Go behind the scenes at the elections office of Oregon’s largest county and see democracy in action! Learn about careers in public service, including protecting citizens’ right to vote. IN PERSON at Multco elections.
PPS Sports Services Career Focus Event, Wednesday, 12/13, 9:00am-11:30am, @Jefferson High School
Attend the Sports Services Career Focus Event and meet several professionals from the sports career field as well as postsecondary representation including:
Hands-on/interactive activities included. Student Application and Parent/Guardian Consent
News from our Social Worker
Exciting things happening at 4D!
4D Teen Recovery Services include a drop-in resource center that youth ages 14-17. Services at 4D include 12-step meetings, activities, parties, gaming systems, pool tables, ping pong, music and lots of youth achieve their personal recovery goals in community with an emphasis on fun.
Please see flier with QR code request a mentor.
Athletics Weekly - Winter Preview
See this week's Athletic Weekly which includes a Winter Preview https://www.smore.com/sz7mq
Athletic Schedule, Week of December 4
Winter Sports are underway! Our first swim meet is Wednesday and Wrestling and Women's Basketball have their first contests on Friday. Here is the link to the full schedule Official Weekly Athletic Schedule
Winter Sports Buttons For Sale
Purchase your button here and then email Erica Caldwell at ecaldwell@pps.net with a photo of your student or let us know if athletics has a photo of your student for us to use. The cost is $5 per button. Once the button has been made, we can either give it to your student to bring home or you can pick this up from the office.
To pay:
Cheer Team Fundraiser - Date Extended!
FROM OUR COMMUNITY
Smart City Learning Cafe Now Free for Everyone
The Smart City Learning Cafe is rapidly approaching its second anniversary. We opened on Wednesday, January 5, 2022, and have been open every Wednesday that local schools have been open since then. I want to tell you that the SCLC is one the best and most important things I have done in my professional life. I truly enjoy it and am proud of what we have accomplished.
For most of those two years the Learning Cafe was free to everyone. At the beginning of the current school year we instituted a policy of a fee, $10/session. We allowed anyone who asked to have the fee waived. For various reasons, we have decided to return to a completely no cost program.
As such, from now on, beginning Wednesday, November 15, 2023, the Smart City Learning Cafe will be free for any and all high school age students who are seeking tutoring or a supportive place to learn.
Here are the basic facts:
Smart City Learning Cafe
Free, Drop-in High School Tutoring
Located at Fat City Cafe in Multnomah Village
7:00 - 9:00 pm
(Click on the link for further details.)
We will have a few closures coming up:
Thanksgiving Break, Wednesday, November 22, 2023
Winter Break, Wednesday, December 20. 2023
Winter Break, Wednesday, December 27, 2023
Spring Break, Wednesday, March 27, 2024
Other than that we expect to be open through Wednesday June 5, 2024. If there are any closures due to extreme weather, illness, or other unforeseen circumstances, I will send an email to this list and post a note on the website.
We would like to thank the owners of the Fat City Cafe, Helen and Mark Johnson, for offering the use of their cafe for free. I would also like to thank the diverse and amazing collection of high school peer tutors, college students, graduate students, and others who have volunteered their time as tutors. The Smart City Learning Cafe is a shining example of the community stepping up to provide educational resources that schools are not able to provide. It takes a village to educated the populace.
Thanks for your support.
Joe Minato