Sherwood Schools: District Updates
April 9, 2021
Planning for Next Fall
We are so excited to see students returning to our schools in-person! It is one of the many things happening that gives us hope for a return to some sense of normalcy as we approach summer and fall. As we plan for the 2021-22 school year, we are doing so with that in mind and are preparing for students to be attending school in-person, every day, full-time in all of our schools. As has been the case for the past year, we will be responsive to guidance from the Oregon Department of Education, etc. as we enter into next school year.
One positive way in which school may look different next year, for those who choose this option, comes from what we have learned in the pandemic - how to teach students in a virtual environment. Many students and families have stated that a distance learning model works better for them. With that in mind, the District is currently exploring ways to offer a Cloud Campus option, with families continuing to have discretion in selecting the instructional model that is the best fit for their student(s). As we further develop these plans, we will share more information in future updates.
State Assessments -- 2020-21 School Year
Earlier this spring, the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) applied for a waiver with the United States Department of Education (ED) that would have allowed Oregon to not participate in annual state assessments as required by federal law. That waiver was denied and the District is required to administer limited state assessments this school year. While we don’t yet know all of the details of what will be required, the District is beginning to plan for how best to offer required state assessments.
Students in grades 3-8 and 11 will be participating in at least one assessment this school year (English language arts, mathematics, or science). The Assessment Team at ODE has shortened the tests to the fullest extent possible while still allowing for a reasonably accurate measure of student learning. The assessment test window opens on April 13, 2021, and will remain open until June 11, 2021.
We are in the process of planning our strategy to meet testing requirements with our building-level teams and will communicate updated state testing dates and timelines in the weeks to come.
House Bill 2655 permits parents and adult students to annually opt-out of Oregon’s statewide summative tests in English language arts and mathematics by submitting this form (English/Spanish). The form is a simple survey that can be completed electronically. Should you choose to opt-out, please help us plan by completing this form by April 16, 2021. If you would prefer a paper version, you may print out this form (English), form (Spanish), complete it, and turn it in at your school’s front office. Please fill out one form for each student in your family.
Pre-Kindergarten in 2021-22
We are excited to announce that we will be offering half-day Pre-Kindergarten beginning in the 2021-22 school year at Hawks View and Ridges! In order to support all of Sherwood School District’s students to enter kindergarten with the social-emotional and academic skills they need to succeed in school and beyond, we are working to increase access to high-quality preschool programs. Our new programs in the coming year will be inclusive, providing rich early learning opportunities for typically developing children, as well as children with developmental delays and disabilities. This will be a tuition-based program, with financial assistance available for families who qualify.
We will be accepting applications starting April 16, 2021. There will be 20 slots available at each site. More information and application forms coming soon!
Dual Language Immersion Parent Information Night
On Wednesday, April 7, our district held a virtual Parent Information Night for our Dual Language Immersion Program at Hawks View Elementary. A recording of that presentation can be viewed here.
Online Registration Information
The Sherwood School District now offers online registration as a new, convenient way to enroll in school. Families may use the online registration system to enroll new students and withdrawn returning students in the 2021-22 school year.
Please note that registration is not necessary for current Sherwood students, as they are automatically enrolled in the 2021-22 school year.
Online registration is accessible at https://bit.ly/SSD-OLR
New families may sign up for a ParentVUE account at this site by clicking “Create New Account” and completing the registration. Parents of current and former Sherwood students must log in with their existing ParentVUE account or obtain a ParentVUE activation key to complete registration. Please contact your current student’s school with any questions about ParentVUE activation.
Election Signs on District Property
As the next election cycle nears, you may begin to see candidate signs appear in front of schools and other District buildings. We often receive questions related to the placement or removal of these signs. The District must comply with City of Sherwood Municipal Code related to sign regulations, which allows for political signs in the City right-of-way from Friday morning at 6:00 a.m. until Sunday evening at 6:00 p.m. The City right-of-way is either between the street and the sidewalk, or within 5 feet of the sidewalk when the sidewalk is adjacent to the street. As per City of Sherwood Code, all signs remaining posted outside of these hours will be removed. For more details about the City of Sherwood sign regulations, please visit https://www.sherwoodoregon.gov/sites/default/files/fileattachments/Code%20Compliance/page/3172/sign_brochure.pdf
In addition, the District allows signs from community partners in the right-of-way. These groups include local youth sports groups (SJBO, SYSO, etc.) and Champions on-site child care. These signs may be on District property throughout the week.
April Board of Directors Meeting - April 14, 2021
Sherwood School District
Website: http://www.sherwood.k12.or.us/
Location: 21920 SW Sherwood Blvd, Sherwood, OR, USA
Phone: 503-825-5000
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sherwoodschooldistrict88J/
Twitter: @SherwoodSD