The Cheetah Coalition #17

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Dear Parents,

We are starting to plan for next year's incoming kindergarteners! If your family or someone you know has a student who will be five years old on or by September 1, please join us at these upcoming events to learn more about Kindergarten at Atkinson:

• Thursday, February 8 — In-Person DLI Kinder Information Session, 6:30–7:30 p.m.
• Monday, February 12 — Virtual Neighborhood Kinder Information Session, 6–6:30 p.m.
• Thursday, February 15 — Virtual DLI Kinder Information Session, 6:30–7:30 p.m.
  

Other dates to be aware of:

• Lottery open for Spanish Immersion (DLI) applications — February 15–March 15
• Neighborhood kindergarten registration opens — March 1

Special message to current DLI families:

I am trying to make projections for next year’s Kinder DLI class in hopes of admitting all incoming siblings AND keeping the class size smaller than it has been. I need your collaboration. If you have an incoming Kindergartener who will be applying to the lottery for Atkinson’s DLI program, complete THIS FORM.

The kindergarten lottery opens on February 15 and closes on March 15. You must apply through the Enrollment and Transfer Center in order to participate in Atkinson’s Kindergarten Lottery.

Debbie Armendariz

Principal

Atkinson Elementary School

darmenda@pps.net

As we reflect on Martin Luther King Jr.'s life and legacy, it is inspiring to acknowledge the profound impact he had on the civil rights movement and the enduring principles of equality and justice.

Martin Luther King Jr. dedicated his life to the pursuit of racial equality, advocating for civil rights through nonviolent means. His famous "I Have a Dream" speech, delivered in 1963, remains a powerful testament to his vision of a nation where individuals are judged by their character rather than the color of their skin.

Dr. King's commitment to service extended beyond his role as a civil rights leader. He emphasized the importance of community and service to others, fostering a spirit of unity and compassion. His teachings continue to inspire generations to actively participate in creating positive social change.

As we honor Martin Luther King Jr. today, let us reflect on the values of equality, justice, and service that he championed, and consider how we can contribute to a better and more inclusive society.

Please see the list of resources below:

• The King Center
• Learning for Justice
• PBS
• Americorps
• National Museum of African American History and Culture
• Oregon State University
• University of Oregon

Please be aware that our district calendar was updated after the teacher strike to include instructional make-up school days that were previously not on the calendar. The next instructional make-up day will be Friday, January 26. You can download a copy of the updated district calendar HERE.

TriMet Reduced Fares

Learn about Reduced Fare with TriMet. You may qualify based on your income and/or your participation in assistance programs like TANF, OHP, SNAP, etc. More information is available at https://trimet.org/income/save.htm.

Parent Support Group Opportunity by NAMI Multnomah

A peer-led space for parents and caregivers of youth ages 0–21 who are experiencing mental health or behavioral challenges.

• Schedule: First & third Wednesday of each month
• Time: 4–5:15 p.m.
• Format: Online via Zoom
• Register online HERE

We are still in need of some new parent volunteers to help serve during both lunches on Thursdays (11:35 a.m.–12 p.m. and 12:05–12:30 p.m.). Please let Katie (kcarriker@pps.net) or Debbie (darmenda@pps.net) know if you're able to help!

Check out the latest PTA newsletter HERE.

Our next Dine Out for Atkinson is coming up! Visit Henry Higgins Boiled Bagels at 6420 SE Foster Road anytime on Wednesday, January 24, and 15% of the proceeds from your purchases will be donated to our school!

A new stop is being added to the Atkinson Big Bus route, so some of the pick-up and drop-off times will be changing effective Wednesday, January 17. If your child rides the bus in the morning and/or afternoon, please be sure to check for the updated pick-up and drop-off time for your student's stop

• Morning Schedule
• Afternoon Schedule

As winter weather sets in, please be aware of Atkinson's snow route bus schedule:

• Morning Snow Route
• Afternoon Snow Route

Children who are not up-to-date on their immunizations or children for whom we don't have immunization records will not be permitted on campus starting on Wednesday, February 21.

Multnomah County has a free community vaccination clinic if you need to catch up on vaccines for your children. Information is available HERE.

Juntos Aprendemos is a free program run completely in Spanish for families with children between 3–5 years old. Children learn numbers, letters, colors, songs, and interactive games. Parents learn to prepare their children and read books in fun, creative ways, as well as prepare education materials to take home! Click HERE to learn more.

• Monday, January 15 — NO SCHOOL, MLK Jr Day
  
• Monday–Friday, January 22–26 — Spirit Week!
  
• Wednesday, January 24 — Dine Out at Henry's Higgins Bagels
• Friday, January 26 — Make-Up Instructional Day, students in school
• Tuesday, February 6 — K–2 Talent Show, Franklin HS Auditorium, 6 p.m.
• Wednesday, February 7 — Winter Walk + Roll to School Day
• Tuesday, February 13 — 3-5 Talent Show, Franklin HS Auditorium, 6 p.m.