The Sitton Standard: December 2024
News and Updates from Sitton Elementary School
Dear Sitton Families,
As we wrap up this month at Sitton Elementary, we are thrilled to share some highlights from our vibrant school community. Our students have been deeply engaged in their learning across all grade levels. In math, our second graders are diving into problem-solving strategies, while our fifth graders are exploring fractions with hands-on activities that bring the concepts to life. Across the school, Wit & Wisdom lessons have sparked curiosity and critical thinking, with students analyzing texts and sharing their insights in lively discussions. It has been inspiring to see their hard work and enthusiasm in the classroom.
This week, our buddies program brought joy to students across grade levels as older and younger buddies connected for reading, crafts, and games. This heartwarming program fosters friendships and builds a sense of community throughout the school. Yesterday, we came together for a whole-school assembly to celebrate our perfect attendance award winners and see a skit from student council about composting in the cafeteria. The energy in the room was a powerful reminder of what makes Sitton such a special place.
We wish all of our families a safe and warm winter break. Happy holidays to those who celebrate, and we look forward to seeing everyone in the new year!
Hello, Sitton Families!
This is Merri, your Sitton Garden Educator. It’s been a beautiful fall in the garden, with freezing temps arriving late. Hopefully you’ve heard something about the garden from your child, as every class has had three or four garden lessons so far. Along with harvesting and tasting, we have planted cover crops of fava beans, field peas, and crimson clover to help enrich and protect the soil during the winter. Even our preschoolers enjoyed poking the large seeds down into the garden beds!
During this season, we have focused on what makes healthy soil, and the amazing creatures (earthworms and other decomposers) that live there. All ages of children love to look for roly-polies, centipedes, and beetles that live in the nooks and crannies throughout the garden. Some were able to hold a ticklish earthworm for the first time, or make a “bug hotel” for a roaming garden bug.The 5th graders learned ways to assess the health of the garden soil with their senses.
As we move into these cold, winter months, we will be learning about water (the key to life!) and the observation of birds in and around the garden. We continue to have perennial herbs, brussels sprouts, chard, and salad greens for the children to taste.
Along with our edible garden, there are a couple fun garden projects going on other places on campus! Please take a look along the back fence of the garden, and you’ll see a large patch that is covered in cardboard and wood chips. With the help of the Columbia Slough Watershed Council and our art teacher, Kym Condron, the 4th graders learned about area and perimeter measurements and are preparing that space for native plants to go there in the spring. Also, some parent volunteers have been helping to transform the Courtyard (in the middle of the school) by weeding, planting native wildflowers, establishing pathways, and protecting the bird feeders from the ever clever squirrels. If you would like to help with either of these projects, please send me an email.
Finally, this year, Grow Portland is participating in Willamette Week's Give!Guide. Your gifts are matched with great prizes to help ensure sustainable programming at our 17 partner schools. (We added 3 new schools this year!) Please consider donating if you are able, and thanks for spreading the word. Scan the QR code below or click here to donate by 12/31! Kind Regards,
Merri, merri@growportland.org
In every classroom, we have been diving into the Caring School Community curriculum, a program designed to foster strong relationships, empathy, and social skills among our students. Each day begins with a morning meeting where every student is greeted by name, creating a warm and inclusive start to the school day. During these meetings, we also share news and announcements and practice essential communication skills. Weekly, students engage in class community chats, where they explore important topics like friendship, sharing, and taking turns. These intentional conversations help students develop empathy, cooperation, and a greater sense of belonging within their classroom communities.
A highlight of the Caring School Community initiative is our Buddy Program, which pairs students from different grade levels for monthly activities on early dismissal days. These multi-age buddies share recess and lunch, and they collaborate on fun crafts or engaging activities. This program has quickly become a beloved tradition, offering benefits far beyond just a fun break in routine. Older students develop leadership and mentorship skills while younger students gain confidence and build relationships with positive role models. Families can support this effort by ensuring their children are present on early dismissal Wednesdays to participate in buddy activities and assemblies. At home, ask your child about their morning meeting, the spotlight student of the day, or the buddy activities they’ve enjoyed. These conversations can reinforce the importance of these connections and help your child feel more engaged in our caring school community.
We're Hiring!
Looking for a new position? Consider joining our team as a substitute paraeducator, Educational Assistant for Reading Support, or Friday PE teacher! Details below!
Position: Limited Term Educational Assistant Reading Support
We're looking for one part Educational Assistant to provide reading support to students in grades K-3 who need additional support!
Hourly Rate: TBD by HR
Hours: 3 days per week, 4-7 hours per day, 30 weeks
Start Date: Oct 1, 2024, to Jun 21, 2024
(Excludes the weeks of 12/23-1/03 & 3/24-3/28)
Position: Substitute Paraeducator: Support students at Sitton and at other schools of your choice on days that work for you!
Hourly Rate: 23.30/hour plus incentive pay.
Hours: 7:45-2:30 on days of your choosing.
Applications accepted on a rolling basis. Apply today!
Position: Friday PE Teacher at Sitton: We are looking for a licenced teacher to teach PE on Fridays at Sitton! More information on this position can be found here.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Ms. Berry, Mr. Martinez or Heidi in the main office!