The Guardian Gazette
IBWHS Student News, September 23, 2024
December 2, 2024
Upcoming Important Dates for Students
Please see below for more details about each of these calendar items.
December 2 - Deadline to let Yearbook Class know no picture or different name
December 3 - Seniors - Opportunity for Free Senior Photo
December 3 - 6 Winter Play Auditions
December 4 -5 - Music Department Greenery Fundraiser Pick-Up
December 4 - Winter Sports Contests Begin
December 4 - Guardian Showcase, Discover Ida B Wells High School
December 5 - Choir/Orchestra Concert
December 5 - Greece Trip Information Meeting
December 9 - 13 - December Spirit Week
December 11 - Ida B Flea Market
December 11 - Band Concert
December 13 - School Assembly
December 14 - Communicare Club Fundraiser
December 23 - January 3 - Winter Break
January 1 - Grad Night Ticket Price Increases
See more dates on the:
The Trivory Calendar: https://trivory.com/ibw/calendar
2024-2025 PPS School Year Calendar
2024 Guardian Showcase
Attention Freshmen, Sophomores, and Juniors:
You're invited to our Guardian Showcase on Wednesday, December 4th, from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM! This open house event is your chance to explore next year's elective and class offerings.
Why attend?
- Discover the variety of courses, clubs, and programs available.
- Meet teachers and tour open classrooms and studios.
- Get your questions answered about classes for the next school year.
We'll also welcome 8th-grade families, so come learn about everything our school offers.
Details:
- Event Time: 6:30 - 8:00 PM
- Location: Ida B. Wells High School
- Brochure: Attached is your guide to open classrooms and event highlights.
We look forward to seeing you there!
December Spirit Week
Get ready for Spirit Week, December 9 - 13! There will be a lot going on that week with Theme Days, the Ida B Flea Market, a Band Concert, an assembly and the first Friday Night basketball game.
Start getting ready for the themes!
Monday: Monochrome Monday
Tuesday: White Lies
Wednesday: Best of the Bins
Thursday: Hooray for the Holidays! (holiday pj's, ugly sweaters, hats, socks, etc)
Friday: Class Colors
Please take the Successful Schools Survey by December 6th.
Our ILT, Site Council, and Culture and Climate teams look at this data to determine school wide goals and initiatives of where we need to improve and maintain. It's the one survey that I believe actually helps us steer the direction of our school and school systems.
Every year, Portland Public Schools gathers feedback about school climate and culture from students, families, and staff through the Successful Schools Survey. The results help us understand the needs of our community in each school (Ida B Wells) and as a district overall. We use the data to provide targeted feedback and training to leaders and staff on how to create healthy school environments that are welcoming for all. Please use the QR codes below to take the survey.
Rieke Elementary Parking Lot
Student drivers, please do not use the Rieke parking lot entrance between 7:45 - 8:15am. This is a very heavy traffic time at Rieke and with little kids running around, it is better to stay away from that area as Rieke gets settled in. Please only use the Ida B. Wells parking lot entrances during the Rieke start time. Thank you!
ACADEMICS
Music Department News
Please join us for our upcoming December concerts! Choirs and Orchestra will perform on December 5th and the Band Concert is on December 11th. Both begin at 7:00pm in the Auditorium.
Greenery Fundraiser
Greenery pickup is this week! If you ordered any greenery, you can pick up at the IBW Track Shack either Wednesday or Thursday between 3:30 - 6:30pm. Thank you for supporting our IBW music programs!
AMC Math Contest Results
41 students participated in the American Mathematics Competition (AMC) this year while enjoying donuts and juice in the library. Congrats to the AMC 10 Top Finishers: Robert Kaiser, Connor Kale, Karol Iwanow and Soleo Hess, and the AMC 12 Top Finishers: Ansel Stanik, Sam Hartoch and Owen Warren!
PreACT for Sophomores and SAT for Juniors
On March 5th all sophomores will take the PreACT and all Juniors will take the SAT during the school day at no cost to you! This is all the information we have at this time but please watch the Gazette for more information as it becomes available
News from the Yearbook Room
Pre-Order Yearbook
We currently have less than 600 pre-orders for the 2024-2025 yearbook. Pre-order numbers are used to determine how many books we will order for the year. If this number stays low, it's possible that people hoping to buy a yearbook (once they arrive in May) will find that the books are already sold out.
If you want to guarantee a yearbook for this year, please pre-order yours on SchoolPay which can be found on the multi-item page in SchoolPay titled Back to School Costs and Contributions 2024-25. On this page, you’ll find all the programs we are collecting for, along with donation items. The 2024-25 yearbook is listed at the very bottom of the page."
The cost of the book will be going up to $75 after winter break, so save yourself the $10 price hike and order yours now!
Don't want your Picture in Yearbook or a Different Name?
If you don't want your school picture in the yearbook this year or you would like a different name than shown in StudentVue, please contact Mr. Higbee at khigbee@pps.net or let him know in room 142 before school or at lunch! Make sure to let us know by December 2nd.
Winter Play Auditions
All who wish to audition will have to fill out an audition form available at ibwhsdramarepshows.blogspot.com . Understand that GPA and regular attendance is strongly considered when looking at potential actors for the production. It’s important that academics not suffer as a result of extra-curricular activities. A GPA under 2.75 will require an explanation. In addition, all students must provide a printed screen shot from StudentVue at the general audition. For Freshman in their first show, this requirement is waived.
INCLUSION
Everyone is encouraged to come out and audition regardless of grade, age, cultural background, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability, or body type. We embrace the spirit of diversity and welcome everyone to the process.
THE AUDITION PROCESS
The first day of auditions is General Auditions. The second day will be Callbacks for The Wolves, with the third day being Callbacks for Complete Works...
DATES / TIMES
12/3: GENERAL AUDITIONS
400p-530p: Large Group Combined Audition
Format to be determined. To include physical, collaborative, and spontaneity exercises.
600p-700p: Wolves Only
Soccer Tryout. Actors will be asked to go through a tryout similar to what actual soccer players go through. While soccer experience is not necessary to audition, the ability to work with a ball competently will be assessed, as it is an occasional component of the show. Bring water, dress warmly and in workout wear, as it will likely occur on the stadium turf…outdoors.
12/4: WOLVES CALLBACKS
400p-600p: Warm Reads
12/5: COMPLETE WORKS CALLBACKS
400p-600p: Format TBD, but likely to include warm readings and comic game play
12/6: COMPLETE WORKS/WOLVES FINAL CALLBACKS
400p-?: Format to be determined
AUDITION CONFLICTS
It may seriously affect casting potential if you have to miss any of the audition process. That said, we also wish to be as inclusive as possible during this time. If you absolutely cannot clear your schedule for the full time (and no – a piano lesson is not a good excuse ) – email Jamie Miller (mjamie@pps.net) or Tim Petrocchi (tpetrocchi@pps.net) and request an exception.
CALLBACK ANNOUNCEMENT
The actors needed for Callbacks will be announced via the blog by 1000p on 12/3. A physical posting will also go up on the callboard by 900a on 12/4. Final Callbacks, if necessary, will be posted by 1000p on 12/5 via the blog, with a physical posting on the Callboard by 900a on 12/6.
CASTING ANNOUNCEMENT
The cast will be announced via the blog by 1000p on 12/7. A physical posting will also go up on the callboard by 900a on 12/9. Please note that the first Call (Mandatory for actors, crew, leads, and management) is on 12/9.
ROLE ACCEPTANCE
By simply showing up, any actor auditioning for the show is saying, “I am excited to accept any role offered.” The only requests that will be entertained regarding role preference are around mental well-being. Should you feel the circumstances of a role put you at risk in some way, please contact Jamie Miller via email. Otherwise, if you get cast and then refuse a role, it can greatly affect future casting at SouthWest StageWorks, so please make your decision to audition and commit to this ensemble wisely.
Ida B Flea Market
Get your holiday gift shopping done!
The students at Ida B Wells High School will be hosting the Ida B. Flea Market on December 11th. This is a student-organized fundraising event designed for students to sell and showcase their art, crafts, and curated goods (clothing, jewelry, etc.).
When: Wednesday, December 11th from 4- 6:30 pm.
Where: Ida B. Wells Highschool Cafeteria; entrance is at the courtyard
Why: The Ida B. Wells Student Leadership wanted to develop an event that engaged the community, provided an opportunity for young entrepreneurs to sell their products, and support their school.
What: With collaboration from over 50 student vendors and multiple in-school programs, we've planned an experience that gives back to our supportive community. You will be able to shop students’ goods and work towards positive change as all booth payments fundraised will help fund Ida B. Wells Student Leadership, which is working towards increasing community engagement.
Our mission within this market is to promote inclusivity and welcome ALL people to enjoy the creativity and passions of our students. Collaboration has been our primary focus as we work towards a more inclusive future in our school systems and the communities around us.
Visit the Ida B Flea market and show your support for our community and our young entrepreneurs, and leave with a bag full of finds and good vibes for supporting your neighbors at Ida B. Wells High School.
Flyer created by IBWHS student Abby Powell
Positive Charge! IBW Club - Winter Clothing Drive
Our Positive Charge! IBW club has officially begun its Winter Clothing Drive! Positive Charge is accepting new and used children's and teen clothing, baby items, and hygiene products! Please bring all donations to the blue bins located by the front office and the gym. All of the donations will go to NW Children's Outreach in order to help our neighbors in need throughout SW Portland. This is a great opportunity to clean out your closets for a good cause and make a difference this holiday season!
IBWHS Toy Drive for Doernbecher Children's Hospital
Beginning today, you can drop off new toys in Room 143 or in the Main Office that will be delivered to children at Doernbecher Hospital for the holidays.
Communicare Club Fundraiser at Butterfly Effect Pottery Studio
Ida B. Wells Communicare Club is a student grantmaking organization where we raise money for a nonprofit organization of our choice! This year we will be donating to a nonprofit focused on supporting access to healthcare in the Portland Metro area. Our first fundraising event this year will be held on Saturday December 14th from 10 AM to 7 PM. We will be fundraising with Butterfly Effect Pottery Studio in Multnomah Village, where 10% of all proceeds that day will go to IBW Communicare. Grab your friends and family to paint pottery for a cause!
For Seniors - Grad Night, Senior Slideshow, Senior Photo Opportunity!
Grad Night Tickets
Prices for the Class of 2025's Grad Night Party will go up on Jan. 1, earlier than planned. This is because of an increase in the cost of the event. Tickets are currently $100 per senior. They will go up to $125 on Jan. 1.
Buy tickets on SchoolPay: https://www.schoolpay.com/pay/for/Senior-Grad-Night-Party-Tickets-20242025/Sb1Z3vp
Families interested in full or partial Grad Night scholarships can contact school counselors. Find your student's counselor.
Grad Night is an overnight event that will take place after the graduation ceremony. Students will load up on buses about 10 p.m. to go to a surprise location for fun, entertainment and food. A quiet space will be available if students need to take a break. Adult chaperones will be onsite. Sign up to volunteer as a chaperone.
Watch for upcoming fundraisers to support Grad Night: a See's Candy sale in time for the holidays, an electronics recycling drive in winter and early spring, and a wine and purse sale in April. You can donate anytime toward Grad Night scholarships and expenses via SchoolPay. https://www.schoolpay.com/pay/for/Senior-Grad-Night-Party-Donation/SbtnOCF
Send in Your Photos for The Senior Slideshow
Send in your photos for senior slideshows!
Work is underway on two slideshows featuring the Class of '25:
Senior Assembly/Grad Night slideshow: This will show candid photos of seniors through the years. Please include the full names of all students shown.
Graduation slideshow: This will show slides about graduating seniors. Each slide will have the student's preferred name, their senior photo (does not have to be their yearbook photo), a baby/childhood photo and their post-graduation plan.
Submit your photos as soon as possible to: ibwslideshow@gmail.com
Please note: Submitting a photo does not guarantee it will be used.
Free Senior Photo Opportunity - TOMORROW 12/3
Seniors,
There is an opportunity to get your senior photo taken free of charge tomorrow (12/3) here at IBWHS. Don’t miss out! Here is the link to sign up: https://www.visualimpressions.org/booking-calendar/ida-b-wells-senior-picture-day-event?utm_medium=page_links
Greece Trip!
Dear Guardians
There's still time to reserve a spot for our incredible Spring 2025 trip to Greece—and a limited-time $300 discount is available! This journey, hosted in partnership with EF Tours, is more than just travel; it's a chance for students to expand their horizons, grow in confidence, and bring learning to life. We would love for students to experience the history, culture, and adventure of Greece with us!
Join us at our virtual info session on December 5th at 6 pm to learn more about this opportunity, the special discount, and how to secure your student's spot.
At the meeting we'll cover:
· How this experience will benefit your student
· The amazing sites and activities planned for our trip
· What's included in this all-encompassing package
· Opportunities for your child to earn academic credit
· Our commitment to safety and affordability
· Steps to enroll during EF's risk-free enrollment period
Use this link to RSVP for the meeting: https://rsvp.eftours.com/mxkrybg
Best,
Marrla Wilkinson
Please note: This is a non-school sponsored trip.
Rose Festival Court Application Now Open
Dear Junior and Senior Female Identifying Students-
Are you a driven, community-minded student ready to make a difference? The 2025 Rose Festival Court is seeking talented junior and senior female-identifying students to join this exceptional program. Here's your chance to gain valuable skills, build lifelong friendships, and earn a scholarship!
Eligibility Requirements
To apply for the Rose Festival Court, you must:
- Identify as female.
- Attend an eligible 4A, 5A, or 6A high school in Multnomah, Washington, or Clackamas Counties.
- Be a senior graduating this school year or a junior on track to graduate next year.
- Have a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA (Students with a GPA between 2.75 and 3.0 may still apply if they submit a variance form explaining any special circumstances, subject to approval).
- Complete at least 20 hours of community service during high school.
Why Apply?
Court Members receive:
- A $3,500 scholarship for any accredited college, university, or trade program.
- A custom travel wardrobe (including shoes and accessories).
- Exclusive training in media, public speaking, and networking.
- Opportunities to travel, connect with community leaders, and participate in the Rose Festival’s events and parades.
Applications are now open!
Take the first step toward an unforgettable experience. Apply today to become part of a tradition that celebrates leadership, service, and community pride.
For more details and to apply, visit https://www.rosefestival.org/f/188
From the College and Career Center
Career Center News
Internship applications are open including popular OHSU internships. Please see all of the opportunities in the IBWHS Career Happenings Newsletter
College Center
Here are the latest newsletters from the College Center!
Greetings Sports Fans!
The Winter Sports Season is Underway
The winter sports season is underway! Our first contests are this week! See our website for the schedule. https://www.ibwathletics.com/page/show/3803298-this-week
Watch for our Winter Preview Edition of the IBW Athletics Weekly coming out soon!
PIL Winter Season Pay-to-Play Fee
Also, the item Winter PIL Pay-to-Play is open in SchoolPay. The fee for all Winter sports should be paid by the first contest. Coaches have the right to hold out players who have not paid the fee.
Stay in touch with Athletics
Website:www.ibwathletics.com
Phone: 503-916-5280, ext 75318
Athletic Director, Mike Nolan,mnolan@pps.net
Athletic Assistant, Leanne Van Horn,lvanhorn@pps.net
Instagram: ibw_athletics
Facebook: Ida B Wells HS Athletics
Trivory App: Agreat way to see the daily Athletic Schedule
Mike's Weekly Athletic Newsletter. Be sure to watch for it here in the Student News each week! It includes a recap of the prior week, what's on tap and includes Student-Athletes of the week and more!
Staff Member of the Month
The Wellness Committee in Leadership Class has started a new tradition of having a Staff Member of the Month, recognizing the efforts of our wonderful staff. The first recipient is Katie Parnell, our Lead Campus Security Associate. Congratulations, Katie!
FAMILIES AND COMMUNITY
The Guardian Gazette, Family News
Did you miss the last edition of the Family Newsletter? Here is the link to the November 21st Edition: https://secure.smore.com/n/qmxth
Former Student Promotes Oregon Special Olympics
Former student, Lucy Balthazaar, (class of 2015) was on Koin 6 News last week promoting the Oregon Special Olympics. She talks about IBW’s (then WHS) unified basketball team. Here’s the link: https://youtu.be/8kS__sSiFe0
Amigos de las Americas - Latin America Summer Opportunities
Ready for an adventure? Amigos de las Americas is again running homestay and service projects in Latin America this summer. In anticipation of the Dec 10 Priority Application Deadline, the Portland Chapter of AMIGOS will host an Online Information Session on Thursday Dec 5, 7:00pm. CLICK HERE to register and receive a Zoom link. Parents are encouraged to attend with their students. Please visit the Portland Chapter website for information about AMIGOS and the Portland chapter. Hope to see you
For questions about this program or the Costa Rica program below, please contact Spanish teacher, Amy Durham at adurham@pps.net
Partners of the Americas Oregon and Costa Rica Exchange Program
Every year, Partners of America does an exchange program between Oregon and Costa Rica. Costa Rican students come to Oregon and live with host families, shadowing their high school student for four weeks. Over the summer, Oregon students can apply for an 8-week program exchange program in Costa Rica.
Partners of America is short a few families for hosting January 5th - February 1st. We are hoping to find 1-2 IBW families who are interested in hosting. Please visit https://www.partnersorcr.com/hosting-information/ or email hostatico@gmail.com for more information.
DISTRICT NEWS
Read the latest news from the district https://secure.smore.com/n/u3mcxb-nov-22-2024-district-news-events
The 2024-2025 Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook is live on the PPS and MTSS (Student Conduct & Discipline) website. We are shifting from printing hard copies to electronic versions of the SRRH beginning this 24-25 school year. Every school office will receive one hard copy in the six supported languages. Upon request, we will be able to make additional copies if needed. The Copies for the building should arrive this week.
We have created a Slide Deck with all parts of the Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook to share with students and families; please use the QR code below to access the slides.