The Sabin Star

As we continue to support our children’s growth and development, I want to take a moment to discuss a topic that has become increasingly relevant: the use of TikTok and other social media platforms and their potential impact on our children.

TikTok, a very popular social media platform, offers an array of entertaining and creative content. While it can provide opportunities for self-expression and connection, it’s important to consider how its use might affect our children’s development, especially at this impressionable age.

Social Interaction:
TikTok encourages social interaction, but it often does so in a virtual space. This can limit face-to-face communication, which is crucial for developing strong interpersonal skills. Engaging with peers in person helps children learn empathy, body language, and effective communication.

Content Exposure:
The platform exposes children to a wide variety of content, some of which may not be age-appropriate. It’s vital for us as parents to monitor what our children are watching and engage in discussions about the content they encounter. Understanding and processing what they see can help them develop critical thinking skills.

Mental Health:
Studies suggest that excessive use of social media, including TikTok, can contribute to anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem in children. The pressure to gain likes and followers can create unrealistic expectations. Encouraging a healthy balance of online and offline activities is essential for their well-being.

Creativity vs. Consumption:
While TikTok and other social media platforms allow for creative expression, it's important to encourage our children to engage in diverse activities beyond screen time—such as sports, arts, and reading. These experiences foster creativity and holistic development.

As we navigate these conversations, I encourage you to engage with your child about their online experiences. Setting clear guidelines for social media use, if allowing it at all, such as time limits and content discussions, can help foster a healthier relationship with social media.

We are all in this together, and I appreciate your continued support in helping our children thrive in a balanced and healthy environment.

Safety Reminder: The days are getting shorter and it's staying dark longer. Please drive carefully in school zones, especially when students are present. Make sure traveling students are visible and walking on the sidewalk wherever possible.

Safety patrol will temporarily be taking a pause. We are looking for adult volunteers to help supervise morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up. We will focus on 17th and Shaver & 18th & Shaver for patrol until further notice. Please reach out to Mr. Gardiner or the PTA if you would like to volunteer! It's a great way to meet members of the community!

PBOT Safe Routes to School

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PPS 2020 Bond Classroom Modernization: Sabin ES
Work is scheduled in our building over the next three weeks. Workers are installing the main electrical and telecommunication pathways.

If you have any questions or would like more information on this or any PPS Modernization please visit:

School Building Improvement Bond Program

It's a new year, and security services has sent out some safety reminders for staff and families

- You must ring the bell to enter any PPS school if you do not have a badge. Be prepared to state your name and reason for visit, and to show your ID to the camera before being buzzed in.

- Everyone must sign in at the main office once they enter the building. Sign in electronically at the Raptor kiosk to receive a sticker badge if you are a visitor or volunteer. Contractors sign in on the clipboard & keep your badge visible. No one is allowed to walk on or around campus during school hours without a PPS or district badge on their person.

- Volunteers with PPS must have a background check before volunteering. The PPS volunteer site is located here. Allow 5-10 days for processing; don't wait! Make sure you have your driver's license or state ID when you come to check in at the school; it will be scanned to create your profile.

October 31 marks the end of the 1st Quarter. Friday, November 1 is a teacher grading day, and Monday, November 4 is a teacher planning day. There will be no school for students so teachers can complete report cards.

PPS Report Cards Are Going Paperless!

The district is continuing to look at options to reduce waste and costs to align with PPS’s Climate Justice policy. One of these efforts is to move to paperless report cards for all grades and schools using ParentVue, the parent portal for the Student Information System (SIS). This school year, 2024-25, the Office of Technology and Information Systems (OTIS) has set the default to paperless report cards for all parents and guardians

Quarter 1 report cards are set to be visible to families in ParentVue on Friday, November 8. If you would like to receive a paper copy of your student’s report card, please log into your ParentVue account and update your preference under “My Account”. Uncheck the box that asks if you want to go paperless.

Please note that mailed paper report cards should arrive home some time in the week of November 11. For more information on how to interpret the standards-based report cards implemented last year, please visit the family guide website.

Parents of 3rd Grade Boys-

We are seeking to start a Sabin Stars basketball team for 3rd grade boys through Portland Parks and Recreation Golden Ball league and wanted to send out a notice for anyone interested. All the information on Golden Ball can be found here: https://www.portland.gov/parks/sports/goldenball

Basics of the league/season:

Seven games played on Saturdays, January 18 through March 1, 2025. The league is divided into two halves, the first 3 weeks, followed by a realignment if necessary, and no break between halves. Games are played at various Portland Public Schools and Parks Community Centers. Game sites may vary from the first half to the second half.

I have submitted the paperwork to register the team with Portland Parks and Recreation but there is no guarantee of us getting a team in Goldenball if there are too many teams. We should be notified by the PP&R around the end of November. If we are lucky we will be able to practice at Sabin.

Next steps and Cost:

We already have 5 students interested in playing and at least two other parents interested in helping coach. We are seeking a total of 10 players on a first-come, first serve basis. If we have more than 10 total we may want to start a second team so that kids can all get playing time.

I was a coach of my daughter’s team at Sabin for a few years and found the league and overall experience to be great for the kids and enjoyable as a parent.

There is a cost of $450/team for the season along with cost of basic jerseys but don’t want cost to be an impediment to joining the team for any kid. Please reach out if you have any questions about the fees or waiving the cost.

Sabin Stars Basketball is committed to equal opportunity and nondiscrimination in all its educational and employment activities. The District prohibits discrimination based on perceived or actual race; national or ethnic origin; color; sex; religion; age; sexual orientation; gender expression or identity; pregnancy; marital status; veteran’s status; familial status; economic status or source of income; mental or physical disability or perceived disability; or military service.

Please text, call or email me if you are interested or have any questions at (503) 307-1137 or dmoryc@americanrivers.org.

David Moryc

Father of Felix Moryc,

Mrs. Ward’s 3rd Grade Class

We just completed 2 units-- one on invasion strategies and skills and the other on throwing and catching. The lower grades focused on underhand tossing and the upper grades focused on overhand throwing and catching. Next up we will focus on jumping which will include jump rope skills. Then we will spend a week on rhythm and dance.

Our 3rd-5th grade students will spend the week before November break working with rowing machines!

Ask your student to show you one of our exercises of the week. This year we have practiced jumping jacks, squats, push ups, and sit ups.

Here are picture highlights from the year so far:

The PTA will be selling Sabin yard signs this coming Wednesday 10/30 and Wednesday 11/13 at both pick up and drop off. They’re $10 suggested donation (though more is great!) and they’re a fun way to support the school!

Want to show your child’s teacher or a staff member some love? We have a list of staff’s “Favorite Things” Reach out to Ms. Vawter if you’re interested! kvawter@pps.net

Oct 29 - Kindergarden to Pumpkin Patch, Bella Organic Farms: 8:30 - 11:30

Oct 31 - End of Quarter

Nov 1 - Teacher grading day: NO SCHOOL

Nov 4 - Teacher Planning day: NO SCHOOL

Nov 5 - Election Day

Nov 6 - Secure the Perimeter Drill

Nov 7 - Dine out for Sabin @ Pastini

Nov 8 - Report cards available on ParentVue

Please send any content you would like included to jvillanuevavillarrea@pps.net