Brockett Bulletin

The McMinnville School Board got a primer on MSD’s longstanding Survival Swim program presented by Willamette third graders at Monday’s board meeting. Students showed how they learned to float, move through the water with clothes on and use a buoy to rescue someone. To demonstrate a rescue (pictured above), students reeled in board members with an imaginary rope tied to a buoy.

All third graders in the district have an opportunity to go through the program.

Due to changes in the eligibility requirements set out by the USDA, all MSD schools will now qualify for free meals under the federal Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) beginning Friday, Dec. 1, 2023. Note: This change only affects Memorial Elementary and McMinnville High School because all other schools are currently eligible for CEP.

Memorial and MHS families that have balances in their My School Bucks accounts can do one of three things:

1. Pay it Forward. Donate your remaining funds to families who have outstanding balances and a low ability to repay.

2. Use the funds for other payments, e.g., school fees.

3. Have the funds refunded.

If you would like a refund or would like to pay it forward, please email Jamie Wright.

MSD’s suicide prevention policy, from Oregon Senate Bill 52 known as “Adi’s Act,” is posted on the district website on the Safety page.

The plan includes prevention, intervention and postvention strategies. The spring Safety Summit will also include information about suicide prevention.

Join us for the first of a series of upcoming meetings intended to increase communication and strengthen relationships between schools and families to benefit students.

The first meeting will be Thursday, Nov. 30 from 5 - 6 p.m. at the Family Resource Center. The topic will be family engagement and attendance. Upcoming topics include behavior, social and emotional learning, use of technology, and reading strategies

Childcare and light refreshments provided.

Mac High students interested in welding had a chance to spend a day working and learning with a team of passionate trade educators who visited the MHS welding lab to share their knowledge of science and new technology with students interested in welding.

Grandhaven’s PTA worked with the school to mount a breakfast and hallway parade in honor of veterans connected to students.

Thank you, PTA! Check out the video below and a reel on the MSD Instagram feed!

Earlier this month, a link to a new online portal designed to help families talk about substance abuse, particularly fentanyl, was sent out to middle and high school families via Peachjar.

The flyer links to a site that reflects the changing drug landscape, especially the danger of fentanyl. Packed with videos, talking points and supportive tips, TheNewDrugTalk.org can help families get more comfortable discussing this challenging topic.

Bus drivers are often the first people to see that kids are coming to school with coats not suited to the weather, or coats that are dirty and torn, or no coats at all. Our bus company, First Student, sponsored a “Stuff the Bus” event to collect winter outerwear for students.

If you need (or know of a student who needs) warm coats, hats or gloves, contact the Family Resource Center at 503.565.4225. Thank you, First Student!

Today is the last day to weigh in with your input on how to improve our schools. The survey takes five minutes or less. Your feedback helps shape the future of our educational practices, ensuring a better learning environment for each student. Thank you!

Next week, there is no school for students, Wednesday-Friday, Nov. 22-24. Here's to a joyous, restful time with family and friends! The Brockett Bulletin will return Friday, Dec. 1.

Get into the holiday spirit at the McMinnville Library’s gingerbread house construction activity. Dates are Saturday, Dec. 2 and 9 from 11 a.m. to noon. Cost $2 per child.

Find details under your school’s Peachjar button.