The Guardian Gazette
Family Edition, March 7, 2024
IMPORTANT UPCOMING DATES
Mark your calendar for these upcoming dates:
March 10 - Daylight Savings Time begins
March 11 - Boosters Monthly Meeting
March 13 - Final Listening Session (Virtual) - School Modernization
March 14 - Foundation/Auction Planning Meeting
March 20 - Special Schedule for ALL Students
March 20 - Dine out for PTA Scholarships at Burgerville
Please see this week's Guardian Gazette, Student Newsletter for more important dates: https://www.smore.com/n/7w5bc
The Trivory Calendar has been updated with new 2nd semester dates and the A/B/Flex schedule.
NEWS FROM OUR PARENT GROUPS
PTA
The mission of the Ida B. Wells PTA is to keep parents informed, support teachers, advocate for the Ida B. Wells community, and fund teacher grants and academic programs.
Mark Your Calendar For A Night Off From Making Dinner!
On the evening of Wednesday, March 20th, the PTA is having a fundraiser at the Burgerville in L.O. for the PTA Scholarship Fund. From 5-8PM, they will be donating a percentage of sales to us if you mention that you are there for the IBW PTA. (Carmen Drive location only.) It’ll be a great night to celebrate being done with SATs, or get dinner after the track meet, or just take a night off from cooking for a good cause. The PTA will use the money raised for the $1,000 scholarships we give to the Senior Class. Mark your calendar now!
Seeking wine donations for the IBW Auction to support the IBW PTA!
We are asking for wine bottles valued at $15 or more to benefit the IBW PTA. We will have a wine wall where folks can purchase bottles at the auction. Bottles will be blinded so you may get lucky and “win” a bottle valued at $50 or more!! To make donations please contact Marci Forbes a 503-887-6331 or marcianddan@yahoo.com or you can drop off wine donations at Marci's house (3845 SW Arnold [access is on SW 39th off of Pomona]. There will be a blue bin on the porch labeled IBW donations). Thank you for supporting Ida B. Wells High School!
Booster Club
Spring Concessions:
We need lots of volunteers for spring concessions! Grab a shift here. You get a great view of the field from the baseball shack! Click here to volunteer.
Volunteer to lead Senior BBQ needed
We need a volunteer to lead the spring BBQ this year. The BBQ will be May 31. We will tell you what to do and lots of people already want to help on the day of the BBQ, we just need a leader to coordinate. You do not need to be a senior parent to coordinate. Please contact social@ibwboosterclub.org if you can assist in leading this fun event.
Meeting:
Join us Monday, March 11 at 630 in the Library for our monthly meeting.
Follow Us!
Foundation
The Glow Up Auction is April 19. It’s the IBW Foundation’s biggest fundraiser of the year and we hope to see you there. Get your tickets here: https://bit.ly/Ibwauction
Volunteers needed:
We currently have the following needs for these key roles:
- Volunteer coordinator: This role will recruit and manage volunteers and manage the sign up spot. We will give guidance on what is needed and aside from the day of the event itself, this is 100% online.
- Procurement coordinator: This role will organize incoming donations using our auction software including managing the auction catalog. You will manage the collection of the donations from the organization. Additional volunteers will help but we need someone organized to lead the effort.
- Committee Member: Help with ad hoc tasks for the auction
Please email angcorman@outlook.com if you can assist.
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to get real time auctions updates!
See all the details here: https://www.smore.com/pe6mc
Please join us for our next Foundation/Auction Planning Meeting
March 14, 2024, 6:30 PM
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/4022248883?omn=87665758817
Meeting ID: 402 224 8883
NEWS FROM AROUND THE SCHOOL
IBWHS to support SW Hope Food Drive for Neighborhood House
IBWHS is once again a Partner in Hope for the Neighborhood House annual SW Hope Community Food Drive. See their website for more information regarding the entire event that runs through April 6: https://nhpdx.org/sw-hope/
Our IBW PositiveCharge Club is taking the lead this year but will be partnering with other school clubs to help make the 2024 drive very successful. We have set our 2024 goal at 10,000 lbs of food (or the equivalent in dollars; $1 = 4 cans of food). We think 10,000lbs is very attainable with the help from the IBWHS Community!
Our collection will run from February 23 - March 22 with:
- General collection of canned food and non perishable goods at IBWHS. Collection bins are located
at the front entrance of the school and in front of the gym
- Collection at our Home Track and Field Meet on 3/20.
- Collection of $ through a special account in SchoolPay https://pps.schoolpay.com/pay/for/SW-Hope-Food-Drive-for-Neighborhood-Hous/Sc6nTaD or use the QR code above.
Plus stay tuned for more...
From PPS - 2024-2025 School Year Calendar
The 24-25 School Calendar was approved by the School Board at their meeting on Tuesday, February 22nd. Please stay tuned for some specific IBW dates for the Summer and Fall.
PPS 2024-2025 School Year Calendar
ISO Cameras for Photojournalism Course
Dear IBW and Hillsdale families,
Next year, we're starting a photojournalism course at our school and are in desperate need of any available cameras that you may have! We unfortunately do not have any cameras in the building that we can dedicate to the course, so our hope is that some members of our community may have used (but working) DSLR cameras that they no longer have use for and are willing to part with.
Our students are going to be learning how to capture and tell a news story through their camera and have a strong emphasis on sports, while there may be assignments where they will use their phones, they will absolutely need access to professional-level cameras.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to me (hkaplanminer@pps.net).
Thank you so much for your time and consideration and I look forward to working with many of you to make this course as meaningful and relevant as possible for our wonderful students!
Best wishes,
Haven Kaplan-Miner
Journalism Advisor at IBW
Absence Reporting Through ParentVUE
For current or future all-day absences, we encourage you to use ParentVUE. It is a little more streamlined than our Absence Reporting Form. In case you're having trouble finding the information, here are some instructions. How to Record an Absence on ParentVue
For past absences (within 3 school days) or partial days, please continue to use the Absence Reporting Form: Absence Reporting Form
March 20 - Special Schedule for All Students
Upcoming on March 20 is a special schedule day for all students. According to the District:
All 11th graders will take the SAT exam starting at 8:30am. SAT specific information was sent to 11th grade students and parents on 2/29. Testing rooms will be posted by 3/18. Following lunch 11th graders will proceed to their regular periods 5-8.
All 9th, 10th and 12th graders will follow their regular 8 period day schedule. Students class will be displaced If:
- a student’s teacher is proctoring (and therefore not available) they will go to the cafeteria to complete a Career Related Learning Experience (CRLE).
- a student’s regular classroom is being used for testing but their teacher is not an exam proctor then students will go to an alternate classroom.
There will be signs telling displaced students where to go. There will be no bells on this day so it is up to you to regulate the time.
Important Information for Juniors - Upcoming Testing this Spring
SAT Testing Day - March 20, 2024
SAT Day: March 20 (a full day for everyone)
On Wednesday March 20th Juniors will be given the SAT exam, free of charge, during the school day. The students should be at their exam room by 8:30am.
The full details of the SAT day was emailed to Juniors and Parent(s)/Guardian(s) last week.
Questions? Email sburns@pps.net or amenashe@pps.net or bsmall@pps.net
OSAS (Oregon Statewide Assessment System):
During testing window of 4/8-4/26 in ELA, Math, and Science classrooms
PPS CHROMEBOOK NEEDED
In the 2014-15 school year, Oregon joined twelve other states to use the Smarter Balanced Assessment tests for their mandatory state assessments. These standardized tests assess how well students are mastering content in key subject areas (ELA, Math, & Science) aligned to the Common Core State Standards. Beginning 2019, these assessments are referred to as OSAS (Oregon Statewide Assessment System) tests.
Why should students test?
Learning Progress: The OSAS act as a snapshot of your child’s progress that may be considered along with other pieces of information to determine your child’s academic success
Student and System Assessment: A balanced assessment system offers all students, especially historically underserved students, opportunities to demonstrate their progress. Ultimately, a balanced assessment system creates a shared understanding among educators and a more transparent process for parents to access and understand their student’s progress throughout their educational career. If OSAS results demonstrate that students are not meeting standards, PPS will explore why and explore potential solutions to make the necessary adjustments for improvements at a district-wide level.
State and Federal Accountability: Oregon Department of Education (ODE) rates all schools throughout the state. ODE will produce report cards of all schools based, in part, on OSAS participation rates. Lower participation can negatively affect school ratings and can present an inaccurate view of our student’s achievement at Ida B. Wells.
Classroom teachers will continue to test their student’s mastery of subjects throughout the school year in order to adjust their lessons and provide additional support to students where needed. These types of assessments are most useful for short-term instructional adjustments in the classroom. To learn more OSAS please visit PPS’ Assessment Main Page including opt-out information. We are requesting all OSAS opt out forms by February 29 to room 139.
IBWHS Modernization - Final Listening Session
Join interactive Listening Sessions about the modernization of Ida B. Wells! If you would like to participate, please fill out this form https://forms.gle/ZY4Z4sytXk5LcbpRA and see more information in the attached document. You can also keep informed with the modernization progress on the PPS website https://www.pps.net/Page/21121
Become a Host Family
COUNSELING CORNER
Is Social Media Addiction A Real Thing?
Do you or your kids spend too much time on their phones? Here is some great information about understanding how our brains react to phone use, particularly social media. We are learning more and more about how the digital world is affecting young people both the good and the bad, and Screenagers is one of the best sources of information for families on this very complex topic.
“As soon as you know what it feels like to get affirmations, a brand deal, 100,000 followers, you want to be in that space. And I think my brain, just quite literally if it wasn't high, it was low. And I was constantly chasing the highs of the likes,” says Lars May, a young adult who overcame what she calls an addiction to social media in her late teens.
When does the social media spider web become more than just excessive time spent on devices? When is it an addiction? I just released a podcast episode that is all about this question. In it, I spoke with Anna Lembke, head of addiction medicine at Stanford and author of Dopamine Nation, and she says,
“We may start out using social media to connect with others, and that's a real positive thing, but because of the way that social media has been engineered, which is expressly to keep us, we can stay on the platform far beyond what our initial reason for engagement was. And then we can get to a point ultimately where we're trapped there. And we're trapped there because it is manipulating the dopamine in our reward system to the point where now we have to keep engaging to prevent the comedown that occurs when we stop, which is exactly why people keep smoking cigarettes or keep drinking alcohol or keep taking a hit of cannabis.”
Read the whole transcript in today’s blog. OR, go to our Podcast page and listen to the episode. You can also catch it here: Apple Podcasts // Spotify // YouTube
Grant HS Hosts Showing of Screenagers and Panel Discussion
Grant High School is hosting a FREE screening of the movie Screenagers Under the Influence
that is open to the community. The event will include dinner, a resource fair and a panel discussion after the movie. Flier linked here.
Screenagers Under The Influence: Addressing Vaping, Drugs, and Alcohol in the Digital Age, the third feature documentary in the Screenagers trilogy, delves into how the tech revolution has reshaped adolescence and its effects on substance use. The film debunks myths and shares strategies parents and schools can use to encourage healthy decision-making, support teen mental health, set limits, and create healthy home environments. The film also includes many ways young people are using their wisdom, strength and voice to help each other and themselves through this complicated terrain around substance use.
Increasing Awareness about Cannabis Use Disorder in Youth
While scientists are still learning about the extent of the risks associated with using marijuana, we know that marijuana use can harm a teen’s health and wellbeing.
Fast Facts:
- In 2022, 30.7% of 12th graders reported using marijuana in the past year, and 6.3% reported using marijuana daily in the past 30 days.
- Compared to teens who do not use, teens who use marijuana are less likely to graduate from high school or college.
- Research shows that marijuana use during teen years can harm brain development.
How Does Marijuana Use Affect Teen Health? The teen brain is actively developing until around age 25. Marijuana use is associated with increased risk for the following issues:
- Harm to brain health. Marijuana use beginning in teen years or younger may affect brain development, which may impair thinking, memory, and learning.
- Mental health issues. Marijuana use has been linked to depression and social anxiety in adults. People that use marijuana are more likely to develop temporary psychosis, hallucinations, not knowing what is real and paranoia. As well as, long-lasting mental health disorders, including schizophrenia. The association between marijuana and schizophrenia is stronger in people who start using marijuana frequently at an early age.
- Impaired driving. Driving while impaired by marijuana is dangerous and illegal. Marijuana affects reaction time, coordination, and concentration—skills required for safe driving.
- Increased potential for marijuana use disorder. People who begin using marijuana before the age of 18 are at increased risk of developing marijuana use disorder.
Marijuana is also the single most common substance use violation In Portland Public Schools. This month we are focusing on resources and information to support staff and families in supporting our students with this complex issue.
Resources for Teens and Marijuana Use
Videos: Articles: Cannabis (Marijuana) Drug Facts (website) (NIDA) Marijuana - The Risks Are Real (SAMHSA)
COMMUNITY NEWS/RESOURCES
Stephen's Creek Homework Club
Stephen's Creek Homework Club
Located in the classroom below the Main Community Room
Mondays: 4:30 - 6:00 PM
Thursdays: 5:00 - 6:30 PM
Note: We will stay until 8:00PM if students are here and need more time
Please note:
- 3rd - 12th grade students only please
- Students must have homework to enter the room
- Chromebooks, printer and supplies available
- Volunteers are available to help with homework if needed
Want more info? Please contact Austin (scchomeworkclub@gmail.com) or Fran (fbarth212@gmail.com
Who Qualifies for the Oregon Health Plan (OHP)
As of July 1, 2023, people of all ages who meet income and other criteria qualify for full OHP benefits and other services and supports, no matter their immigration status. This is possible thanks to a law called Healthier Oregon. Once students and families have OHP, they can generally access mental health and substance use services free of charge - no deductibles or co-pays.
If you have families who would benefit from having OHP all help is free and available in multiple languages. People can apply:
Online at ONE.Oregon.gov.
Through a local certified community partner.
At an ODHS office near them.
Or call 1-800-699-9075 (TTY 711) Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Pacific Time.
General resources for families who have OHP and need help:
- Find a certified community partner.
- The OHP Handbook.
- Talk to their CCO.
- Or call 1-800-699-9075 (TTY 711) Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Pacific Time.
Multnomah County Services
Start with 311 as your single point of access to help with any questions or local government service needs within Multnomah County.
7 days a week - 7 a.m. - 8 p.m. (excluding federal holidays)
Call: 311 / 503-823-4000
Email: 311@portlandoregon.gov
Translation services available