MLC Weekly News and Notes 2024-25

Hello, MLC Community. We have had quite a busy and cold week! 4x5 released their classroom salmon, we had a surprise performance of "Don't Worry Be Happy" by our 6x12 choir during lunch, 9x12 attended a production of Twelfth Night at Portland Center Stage and classes began prepping for Solstice.

Tuesday 12/10 from 3:30-5:30 pm is our annual Craft Faire in the auditorium. MLC students have the opportunity to show and sell their creative projects and crafts just in time for the holidays! Check out a special flyer below from our Careers Class advertising their booth to fundraise for the Schnitzer Cares grant Also, Dine Out Night at Blue Moon (McMenamins) starts at 5:00. 50% of sales will come to MLC!

Please take a moment to fill out the Successful Schools Survey!

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 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.

Here is the December edition of our Family Resource Newsletter (from our Social Worker Clement), focused on connecting families to support, community, and care. This month is centered on holiday support and community giving for our kids and families.

Two more weeks until winter break!

Warmly,

Suezann & Darren

Monday December 9

Tuesday December 10

6x12 BSU/Students of Color lunch club in Alberti's room

MLC Craft Faire 3:30-5:30 pm

Blue Moon Dine Out PTSA Fundraiser starts at 5:00 pm

Wednesday December 11

Kx5 Fall Electives End!

PTSA Meeting @ 6:00 pm

Thursday December 12

6x8 SAGA lunch club in Erewyn's room

Tour for prospective families

Q2 Midterm

Friday December 13

Coming Soon:

12/18 Early Release @12:45

12/19 Solstice

12/23-1/3 -Winter Break!!

Our MLC Social Work & Counseling team in partnership with the PTSA is announcing our 4th annual Holiday Meal Fundraiser to support our MLC families in need!

If you have the means, we are asking you to consider contributing to this important cause for our community. Your donation will allow MLC families to purchase food and other necessities during the holiday season. As food prices continue to soar, the need this year continues to be high.

The past three year's drives were a HUGE success thanks to the generous support of our MLC community. The money raised has had a direct positive impact on many families in our school community. Let's make this year even better than the last!

Link to Donate

Link to Request a Holiday Meal Fund Grocery Card

It’s time (again) to sign-up to lead an elementary elective for our students in grades 1x5. Inviting our families into the building to lead small groups – while sharing their interests and expertise – is a vital part of making MLC a true community.

- Dana

Cell Phones are not allowed in MLC classrooms or anywhere else during class time. They will be locked in a safe zone during each class by the classroom teacher. We will be very vigilant in keeping our classrooms phone free at MLC in order to keep learning distraction free. Please make sure you are discussing with your student prior to the first day. We will have students and parent/guardian sign a no cell phone agreement at conferences for grades 6x12.

7x12 Cell Phone Policy

Kx6 Cell Phone Policy

HERE is the December monthly resource newsletter from our social worker Clement. It is a great place to find school and community resources that could benefit you and your family. It includes announcements about relevant events and opportunities, basic needs support, mental health support, and much more.

Social Work Wish list

Staff Wish List

Parent Vue

School Pay - Set up your account today!

Attendance Line 503-916-3656

MLC CRAFT FAIRE: Fun to sell or shop!

Tuesday, December 10, 3:30-5:30pm at MLC

The PTSA’s annual Craft Faire is a treasured MLC tradition and a great opportunity to purchase gifts and goodies just in time for the holidays. Come celebrate the creativity of our MLC community by shopping for interesting creations made by students and artisans alike! There will be over 60 vendors selling everything from jewelry and art to baked goods. Cash is recommended.

Final details will be sent to vendors this weekend. Please contact Coordinator Jeremy with any questions.

RESTAURANT DINE OUT NIGHT: Join us at McMenamins Blue Moon!

Tuesday, December 10, 5:00pm-close

Blue Moon Tavern & Grill, 432 NW 21st Ave

We’re excited to partner with our neighborhood McMenamins Blue Moon! As part of their Friends & Family program, McMenamins will donate 50% of Blue Moon’s evening dine in sales to our PTSA. More than a fundraiser, it’s an opportunity to come together and connect with friends. We hope to see many of you after the Craft Faire, after you pick kids up from KCLC, or whenever you can swing by for dinner!

And SAVE THE DATE for our next Restaurant Night on January 16 at Pastini on NE Broadway!

TEACHER & STAFF HOLIDAY GIFTS OF GRATITUDE: Contributions requested!

‘Tis the season to show our MLC teachers and staff how grateful we are for their hard work and big hearts! Each year we gather donations from MLC families to put into gift bags for staff to thank them for all they do for our children. While individuals may still choose to gift to specific teachers and staff, we want to ensure EVERY staff member receives a small token of appreciation from MLC families.

If you would like to contribute, check out our MLC Teachers & Staff Holiday Gifts of Gratitude spreadsheet for details. Please drop off your donation to Kathleen in the front office by the end of the school day on Friday, December 13, and we will collect, assemble and distribute the bags before winter break. Email Sierra or Chenney with any questions or if you’d like to help!

And a warm thank you from the PTSA Board and from MLC staff to the families who enthusiastically supported our first potluck dinner for staff during fall conferences. We couldn’t have done it without your generosity!

EQUAL EXCHANGE SALE: Solidarity tastes good!

Equal Exchange is a worker-owned democratic workplace that provides an alternative to the corporate supply chain. They offer fairly traded, sustainably grown organic foods by small farmer co-ops that make great gifts for the winter holidays! Find more details and check out our selection of coffee, tea, and chocolate bars at MLCPTSA.org. Purchase early online for best selection, limited quantities also available at Craft Faire and Solstice.

We are hosting this fundraiser in collaboration with the 4x5 class to raise funds for their annual spring overnight field trip to Camp Hancock. Please share with your community to help us broaden our reach. Thank you for supporting experiential learning at MLC!

BOTTLEDROP: Grab a blue bag & keep on collecting!

Thank you to everyone who helped us collect refundables as part of the BottleDrop Holiday Give incentive! Shout out to the wonderful Rose City Book Pub for collecting for us, as well. Be sure to stop in for a drink and browse the shelves or check out one of their events!

We participate in BottleDrop Give year round, but all money earned through the end of December will be dedicated to the 4x5 annual spring overnight field trip fund. It’s an easy way to recycle your refundable glass, aluminum, and plastic beverage containers AND support experiential learning at MLC! Our MLC-labeled BottleDrop blue bags are always available in the front office and in bins around the school, and we’ll also be handing them out at the Craft Faire and Solstice. Please read the flyer inserted in the bag for important details and contact Development@MLCPTSA.org with any questions.

PTSA MEETING: Join us the second Wednesday of each month!
Wednesday, December 11, 6:00-7:30pm
MLC Library and Zoom (see MLCPTSA.org for Zoom link and agenda).
Dinner and childcare are provided for all meetings (email Sierra if you have dietary restrictions).