A Message From Ms. Pearson
Dear Parents and Families,
Only three more weeks until Winter Break! Time is flying by. Since September, we have learned so much about technology and ways to connect virtually.
I have been reflecting lately that one of the things I miss most about in-person school is the informal connections. For staff, it is those "hallway conversations" that happen as you go about your day. For students, it is running into a neighbor on the playground, or getting to class early and having a moment with your teacher that has nothing to do with today's lesson. For parents, it is those pick-up and drop-off encounters, where you can visit with the other families who gather outside and check in with your child's teacher out by the bus ramp.
I want to make sure you all know what is in place now, during Distance Learning, to help fill that gap. Teachers hold daily Office Hours, which is a time for kids and families to visit the Zoom classroom for a one-on-one chat. Office Hours are for Seesaw help and so much more. Teachers are available in their Zoom room every single day for these informal visits.
For parent-to-parent connections, our Cheetah PACK is creating a voluntary Student Directory to help families in linking outside of school. PACK Co-Leader Jacy Berg has been hosting informal Coffee Chats, where adults can get together and support each other in these tough times. It is a place to laugh, vent, or cry if you need to! Sometimes it helps just to know you are not alone.
Finally, I would like to invite you all to our Winter Family Fun Night on Thursday, Dec. 10th. Chávez staff members will be hosting a variety of winter-themed activities. We will be raffling off free books, too. And no Family Night would be complete without snacks, so we are offering popcorn and hot chocolate for you to enjoy at home! Just stop by school on Thursday, Dec. 3rd to pick up your treats, and then Zoom in on Dec. 10th to have some fun with other Chávez kids, staff, and families.
Sending you all my best for a connected and fulfilling Winter season,
Ms. Deirdre Pearson, Principal
Ms Terri Kelley
I am extremely fortunate to be the P.E. teacher at Chavez. In my 25 years of teaching, the past six years at Chavez have been the most rewarding. Our community is amazing! My husband and I grew up in Portland and we have also lived in Washington and Montana. We have three grown daughters, a son in law and a grandson. My family is my world and I love spending time with them, especially watching sporting events. As many of the students know, I am a very dedicated Oregon Duck fan and try to never miss a Duck sporting event. Our students are incredible and I am thankful to be their P.E. teacher and connect with them and help them learn how to have fun while being physically active.
Barriers to Attendance?
Families and Caring Adults, we are so grateful for all that you are doing while we are not in the school building. Attendance is crucial for many reasons right now. Besides the academic benefits, attending class allows your student to interact socially with peers, as well as builds their relationship with their teacher.
If you are experiencing any barriers to attendance (housing, internet, child care, etc.), please call the front office at (541)790-5300 OR email/call Kara Whipple (from the Chávez Wraparound Team) at whipple@4j.lane.edu /(541)579-8976. You can also dial 211 to speak with someone who is extremely knowledgeable in all local resources (available in many languages).
December Dates to Remember
Dates to Know:
Dec. 3 Supply Distribution: Library Books and Family Night Popcorn & Hot Chocolate pick-up
Dec. 8 PACK Meeting: 5:30- 6:30
Dec. 10 Winter Family Fun Night 6:30-7:00 Ms. Pearson's zoom link
Dec. 16 All School Winter Sing Along 12:30-12:50 Ms. Nord's zoom link
Dec. 17 Papa’s Pizza PACK Fundraiser
Dec. 21 Winter Break
Jan. 5 Return to Learning
This year at Chavez, we introduce two new AVID leaders to our team - 1st grade teacher, Chelese Schurman, and 4th grade teacher, Rebekah Whittaker!
Chelese started her AVID journey in 2014 as an AVID tutor for the freshman and sophomore classes at Sheldon High School. She was inspired by the students’ dedication to collaboration, inquiry, and organization, and was thrilled to continue her AVID journey at Chavez this year. She attended the AVID Digital XP over the summer, learning how to implement our beloved strategies into the online environment.
Rebekah was first introduced to AVID when she began working at Chavez Elementary last year. She went to one of the summer trainings in 2019 and began incorporating AVID strategies in her fourth grade classroom. Creating a sense of community and peer encouragement is one of the things that she loves most about AVID - especially the cheers!
Chelese and Rebekah will work together to share strategies and support our AVID goals at
Chavez.
PARENT TECHNOLOGY SESSIONS
- Parents and students, go to https://technologysupport.4j.lane.edu/ to view online materials and instructions for iPads, App Troubleshooting/Tutorials, and Internet/Hotspots.
- To get help with a technology issue, click HERE to submit a Help Request ticket to our 4J Tech Team. Someone will read your message and contact you.
- To leave a voicemail at our support line, call 541-790-7770 or 541-790-7531 for Spanish.