Scappoose School District News
November 15, 2024
Happy Fall!
Remember to Click Below!
Below, you will find links/hot buttons to each school. In this format, click on your chosen school logo, and you will find the same familiar updates and newsletters from your schools.
For more SSD news- be sure to follow us on:
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Instagram @Scappoose_Schools
Otto Petersen Elementary Does Not Have a Newsletter This Week
Veterans and Community Gather for Scappoose High School’s Annual Veterans’ Breakfast
Scappoose High School hosted yet another fantastic Veterans’ Breakfast in honor of Veterans Day on Monday! This well-attended event brought together community members and veterans for a morning of gratitude and camaraderie. It was a true celebration of our heroes and an incredible example of our community spirit. A big thank you to the high school for organizing such a special event and to everyone who came out to show their support! We’re proud to honor those who have served our country.
Music and Laughter Fill the Air at Grant Watts and Warren Elementary
Recently, students at both Grant Watts and Warren Elementary got to experience a fun-filled, toe-tapping event with lively sing-a-long performances! The schools were treated to talented artists who led students in joyous songs, creating an atmosphere filled with laughter, clapping, and smiles all around. It was a wonderful celebration of music and community, with everyone joining in on the fun! What a fantastic way to spread positivity and create lasting memories for our students.
Students at Scappoose Middle School Reflect on Values and Growth in Character Strong Lesson
This week, Scappoose Middle School students dove into their Character Strong lessons, focusing on the values that shape who they are. During homeroom, students took time to reflect on the traits they value in themselves and others. They shared these insights with their classmates and discussed how to stay aware of their values every day. As part of the lesson, each student created a "Value Tree," identifying where their values come from and how to nurture them so they continue to grow. It was a great opportunity for students to explore and strengthen the values that guide them.
The ELKS November Student of the Month is Emily Zieres
The Scappoose High School November ELKS Student of the Month is Emily Zieres. Emily is a very dedicated Student who likes to try her best in everything she does, whether it’s school, NHS volunteering, her job, learning to crochet, or honing her art skills at home. A perfect example of this would be when she signed up for the trick-or-treat tables at the high school. This event was hosted by NHS, which was trying to spread awareness and fundraise for an organization that tries to help kids get the help they need. She dressed up as Strawberry Shortcake and handed candy to all the kids who came through. She always enjoys doing it, which only shows how much of an empathetic person Emily truly is. She always tries her best to be kind and considerate to others. She works hard on what she is doing and knows that even though school can be very tiring, she likes to get things done when they need to be done and takes them very seriously. On top of that, since the start of Senior year, she has been holding down a demanding part-time job.
Since she was a child, Emily has had a special place for art. She likes to draw for herself and her friends. Emily spends her free time trying to elevate her art skills while also jamming out to her music. The inspiration for her art comes from taking walks to admire nature, which can help her collect her thoughts.
Emily plans to continue her education at a community college to earn an associate's degree in art. In the future, she wants to become an Art or Language Arts teacher. If she becomes a teacher, she would like to teach younger kids, although she would also like to teach high schoolers.
Strategic Plan Message from Superintendent Porter
Dear SSD Community,
On behalf of the Scappoose School District, I am excited to share our Strategic Plan along with an opportunity to participate in a community survey whose results will help guide our strategic initiatives for the next six years. I invite each of you to be part of this journey and encourage you to participate in our Community Survey to help shape the district’s future. Your feedback is invaluable.
Please look for the survey link below, on our website, in the District newsletter, and on our social media pages. The survey will be open until December 20th. In addition, you can find the Strategic Plan Foundational Pillars, as well as a four-page informational document on our District website or here in our SSD District Newsletter. This plan represents our commitment to excellence across every part of our education system.
This strategic vision and survey opportunity are truly community endeavors as we continue to bring together voices from our students, families, staff, and community members to build a future where every student is prepared to thrive in an ever-evolving world.
Our mission is clear. With the support of families and our community, we are dedicated to developing students who are leaders, effective communicators, critical thinkers, and principled, caring individuals. This focus guides all we do, ensuring a safe, healthy, and supportive environment for our students’ emotional, social, and academic well-being.
Our strategic plan stands on three foundational pillars:
Promoting Excellence in Student Learning – through expanded opportunities in academics, the arts, athletics, extracurriculars, and a commitment to nurturing each student’s unique potential.
Supporting Our Staff – By recruiting, developing, and retaining outstanding educators and staff, we’re focused on continuous professional growth and well-being within our teams.
Engaging Our Community – with a focus on strengthening our partnerships with families and the community through open communication and collaboration, therefore creating a thriving educational experience.
Together, we will continue to foster passionate, lifelong learners who are ready to lead and succeed.
Thank you for being part of our mission and for supporting the success of all Scappoose students!
We invite you to take part in our Community Survey. Simply click the link or scan the QR code below to share your feedback.
Scappoose Community Survey Fall 2024
Thank you for your continued support,
Sincerely,
Tim Porter
Superintendent
Scappoose School District
Check Out SSD's New School Menu System
We’re excited to share that our Food Service Menu system has recently been upgraded! In this video, I'll guide you through the new features, making it easier than ever to stay informed about menu items and their nutritional details.
You can access menus on each school’s website or on the District page—conveniently located in the Quick Links section both at the top and bottom of the page, as well as under the Food Service Department tab.
Once you click the menu link, you’ll be directed to the EZSchoolLunch landing page where an Allergen Disclaimer will appear. From there, you can simply select your school and the menu you would like to view to see what is being served.
Each item includes detailed nutritional information and you can easily browse by day, week, or month
If you like to keep a printed menu, just hit the "print" button to get the full month's menu in a handy calendar format.
We hope this upgrade makes it easier to plan meals and ensures you have all the information you need to feel confident about the nutritious options we offer. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to our Food Service Director, Barbara Foti.
Thanks for helping us keep mealtime healthy and informed!
Prevent the Spread: Guidelines for Keeping Sick Students Home
Keeping our students healthy is a top priority, and we need your help! Please keep your student home if they are experiencing a fever, vomiting, diarrhea, or any symptoms of contagious illness. Staying home when sick helps prevent the spread of illness.
Click the links below for some important guidelines about recommendations on when to keep students with symptoms out of school.
Important Driver/Walker/Biker Safety Reminder
As the school year begins, we must prioritize safety around our school grounds.
Drivers: Please exercise caution and be aware of the increased pedestrian and cyclist traffic during drop-off and pick-up times. Adhere to posted speed limits and remain vigilant for crossing guards and children crossing the streets. Your attentiveness can prevent accidents and ensure the safety of our students.
Walkers and Bike Riders: Please remain alert and follow all safety guidelines while traveling to and from school. Use crosswalks and obey traffic signals. If biking, wear a helmet and ensure your bike is equipped with lights for visibility.
Together, we can make sure that our children have a safe and positive experience as they travel to and from school. Thank you for your attention to this important matter and for your continued support in keeping our school community safe.
Free and Reduced Meals
If you have SNAP benefits, your student(s) are directly certified and no application is necessary.
If you applied and were approved for Free or Reduced meals during the previous school year, you must reapply for the current year. The grace period ends on Oct 14th. Please apply before that date as you will be responsible for any balance on your child’s account until you are approved.
If you are denied with the Federal income guidelines, Oregon has expanded the income to qualify more families for free meals. Please fill out an application to see if you qualify.
For applications, visit:
Scappoosek12.org/departments/food-service
Click on “Free and Reduced Meals”
You will also find a link for the Income Guidelines
How SSD Communicates
As we begin the school year, we would like you to be aware of how Scappoose School District communicates. We strive to develop and deliver clear, timely, and accurate information about the district and all that is happening in and around our schools. We seek to provide resources and materials to ensure families, students, staff, partners, and community members are informed about our key priorities, community events, our successes, and obstacles.
We look forward to communicating with you and your family!
Information is conveyed primarily via:
BlackBoard Messaging: Directly from the District or Individual Schools via a variety of mediums; email, text message, app notification, automated phone calls.
The SSD App: To get the App, simply go to the App Store on your device and search for “Scappoose School District.” From there, you can choose which schools you want to get new/alerts from.
Scappoose School District Website:
School-specific websites: (These can be navigated to from the SSD main webpage)
School Newsletters:
These will be sent out every Friday to your email inbox
District social media sites: Please follow us!
Facebook: Scappoose School District
Instagram: @Scappoose_Schools
FlashAlert notifications:
Scappoose Flash Alert Page This is mostly for inclement weather
Letters/emails to parents/guardians
To streamline our social media communication and ensure that accurate information reaches our community, we are transitioning to an information only/no commenting approach for our social media posts. This change is designed to minimize negative or irrelevant comments and to encourage direct communication with our District Office or individual schools. By doing so, we aim to prevent the spread of misinformation and ensure that the community receives official responses through the appropriate channels. We believe this approach will enhance the clarity, positivity, and effectiveness of our communications. If you have any questions regarding information in our posts, please connect the relevant school or District office directly. You can still look forward to all of our usual content and information throughout the year.
Thank you for being a vital part of our SSD family! We wish you the very best start to the school year!
Thanks,
Scappoose School District
Back to School Also Means- Back to School Sports!
Come out and Watch Scappoose School's Student Athletes Play!
For more information, you can find Scappoose Middle School and High School sports schedules on the schools’ web pages under “Athletics.”
See the links below for more information.
Do you have the Scappoose School District App?
It’s one of the best ways to stay informed on both District and School specific information in real time, right on your smartphone!
If you don't yet have the app here is how to get it:
1. Search; “Scappoose School District” in your device's App store
2. Download the App to your phone/tablet and click “Open”
3. There will be a pop-up and click “Choose from list”
4. Choose the schools you would like to receive news/alerts from
5. CONGRATS! Your App should now be set up!
Are you interested in becoming a substitute for the Little Lilu Preschool?
Here is the Link to CBR
The CBR is an online application and will require free fingerprinting that individuals often coordinate with a local business (there are several options for fingerprinting in Hillsboro or up Highway 30).
Individuals with questions on the CBR application process can contact Jen Stearns, jstearns@scappoose.k12.or.us.
OEA Choice Trust (OEA CHOICE WELFARE BENEFIT PLAN) supports the well-being of Oregon’s public education employees. Scappoose School District has received a grant to support our employee’s well-being. OEA Choice Trust files an annual report with the Employee Benefits Security Administration, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). You can visit the OEA Choice Trust website to see how to request and receive copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof.
Scappoose School District
Website: https://www.scappoosek12.org
Location: 33589 SE High School Way Scappoose, OR 97056
Phone: 971-200-8000