Principal's Update

Website: http://stweb.gresham.k12.or.us
Location: 1440 SE Fleming Ave, Gresham, OR, United States
Phone: 503-261-4600
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SpringwaterTrail/
Twitter: @STHS_Titans

Hello Springwater Students and Families,

It has been said that the true measure of a person's character shines not when things are going well, but when things get tough. I am humbled and inspired by the students, staff, and families of STHS this past week as we navigated the death of one of our students. We have all persevered with patience, empathy, and an unwavering care for one another. This week has been a resounding reminder of why I love Springwater: the power of our community is phenomenal. Please keep Alex's family and friends in your hearts and minds this weekend.

We had a very successful Back to School/Family Night on Tuesday. Thank you to those who attended and we plan to make this an annual event. So if you missed it, we hope to see you next year. Regardless of whether you attended, we would appreciate your feedback so we can make next year even better. If you have time, please complete the following survey.

This Friday was our first Access Day. For our new students and families: Access days occur during the 5th week of the grading period. They are a day when all teachers agree to NOT assign new class work. Students spend the day catching up on assignments, getting additional help and support, and making up tests and quizzes. Our student leadership also sprinkles in some fun, stress-relieving, community-building fun throughout the day as well. A few examples of today's activities included karaoke, Big Ball Volleyball, Minecraft, Dungeons and Dragons, basketball, and board games.

As we look to next week, we only have school Monday - Wednesday. Thursday is the end of the grading period. Teachers will spend the day in professional development and posting progress grades in ParentVue. Friday is a statewide in-service day and schools are closed. We will send out a notification when grades have been finalized and are available online.

Enjoy the weekend, continue to support one another, and reach out with questions or concerns.

Ryan Blaszak

Springwater Main Office: 503.261.4600

blaszak@gresham.k12.or.us

October 12th: Grading Day

October 13th: Statewide Inservice Day

6 week grades will be available in ParentVue on Tuesday, October 17th.

On October 17, 2023, we will be hosting a college / career testing day for all high school students. There will be no school for 11th and 12th graders unless they choose to come into the building to take the ACT.

We will run a half-day schedule where students will need to arrive at school at the regular time (7:35 am) and will then be dismissed around noon once testing is complete. Grab and go sack lunches will be available for students at dismissal.

If you have a 11th or 12th grade student who wishes to take the ACT, please sign up HERE

All of these exams will be offered free of charge to our students.

The ACT and pre-ACT provide a unique opportunity for students to connect with colleges that they may wish to attend while also giving students individual feedback on potential careers that match their unique skills and interest. Both the ACT and the pre-ACT are aligned to high school level content so that students can get a sense of their readiness to pursue college or career options once they graduate from high school.

Here are some links that you may find helpful.

• Why take the ACT?

• Why take the PreACT?

The yearbook staff is beginning to collect senior photos and baby photos! Please use this form below to submit your photos.

Baby photos form: https://forms.gle/8VnLajVjT2SAYYmZ8

Cell phones are an important part of students' lives and can be used for various purposes such as communication, education, entertainment, and safety. However, we also believe that cell phone use in the classroom can be a source of distraction, disruption, and disrespect; and cell phones can sometimes interfere with students’ learning and our school climate. Therefore, we have established the following cell phone policy to balance the benefits and drawbacks of cell phone use at school.

• Students are not allowed to use cell phones during class time without teacher permission. This includes texting, calling, browsing, gaming, social media, or any other activity that involves the use of a cell phone.

• There are classes that require students to turn in phones at the beginning of each class period.

• If students are allowed to keep their phone during class, cell phones must be stored away in a backpack or bag.

• Cell phones must be turned off or silenced and must not be visible to students and staff.

• Students may use their cell phones before school, at lunchtime, and during passing time. However, students must follow the school rules and expectations regarding appropriate interactions and respectful behavior when using their cell phones.

• We ask that parents call the school office at (503) 261-4600 if there is an emergency and they need to reach their child. The office staff will relay the message to the student or the teacher. Please do not call or text your child directly during class time as this may disrupt the learning environment.

If a student violates the above cell phone policy:

First offense: Students will be directed to stop using the cell phone/electronic device, turn it off/silence it and put it away/place it in the classroom cell phone storage center.

Second Offense: Students will be directed to stop using the cell phone/electronic device and the phone will be confiscated by the teacher for the remainder of the period. A disciplinary referral may be written and turned in to the administration. Students can retrieve their phone at the end of the class period. Parent/guardian will be notified.

Third and Subsequent Offenses: Students will be directed to stop using the cell phone/electronic device and it will be turned into the office. A disciplinary referral will be written and turned in to the administration. Parent/guardian will be notified. Progressive disciplinary action will occur which could include, but not limited to, loss of the cell phone throughout the school day.

Extenuating Circumstances: If a student has a medical reason for needing their phone (or another emergency situation arises), students/guardians should reach out to the office and/or talk with their teachers.

Unless requested by a staff member, students are encouraged to keep their cell phones with them at all times. Springwater Trail High School is not responsible for lost or stolen cell phones or electronic devices.

Springwater Trail High School is enrolled in the Fred Meyer Community Rewards program! Please link your Fred Meyer rewards card with our nonprofit number MU443. Fred Meyers will donate a percentage of your purchases every quarter to our program. This will NOT affect your reward points or fuel points. Last quarter we received $96.49, every little bit helps. This program helps pay for transportation to allow our students to attend events in the community. Below is the link to sign up.

https://www.fredmeyer.com/account/communityrewards/enroll