1/15/25

• 1/15-16/25 - MAPS Testing
• 1/15/25 - PTA Meeting, 6:30pm
• 1/20/25 - NO SCHOOL
• 1/21/25 - SUN Classes Begin
• 1/22/25 - Art Show, Library, 6pm
• 1/22/25 - Choir Concert, Gym, 6:30pm
• 1/24/25 - End of 2nd Q
• 1/27-28/25 - NO SCHOOL
• 1/29/25 - 3rd Q/2 Sem. Begins
• 1/31/25 - News With Newlyn @ 8:30am

• Click here for the full RGMS calendar

Hey Hey Robert Gray -

Each week, we try to give you a small window into the world of Robert Gray. There is so much good teaching and learning happening. Right now, one initiative we are very excited about is DIGITAL PORTFOLIOS! Students at all grades are building digital portfolios using Google Sites, and over the next few week will be ready to upload artifacts that demonstrate their learning. We are excited at all the possibilities and to see how this becomes a part of the educational experience at Robert Gray.

Our Successful Schools Survey results were released this week, showing growth once again in our Climate goals. Students and families feel positive about their relationships with staff, and see our campus as safe. We continue to show gains in key areas, which is something for us to collectively celebrate. We'll share details from the survey at our next PTA meeting next Wednesday 1/15 and again at the next News with Newlyn on Friday 1/31.

Shout out to Ms. Miller and All State Middle School Travel Choir! She's heading to Eugene with Natalie Bloom and Finley Hillig this Friday to celebrate their vocal talents with other students from all around the State. Congrats to Natalie and Finley for being chosen to participate!

In Community,

Lisa and Robin

Dear Students and Families,

We are wrapping up a fun semester in art. Students are wrapping up cardboard and reuse collaborative sculptures. Then we will be preparing for our end of semester art show on Wednesday January 22nd in the Library from 6-7pm. If your child is performing in the concert that night come by beforehand to check out all of the wonderful work students have been creating. Next week we will be cleaning out cubbies and all art work will be sent home. It has been a pleasure to work with your child this semester and I hope to see you on the 22nd!

On Friday, 1-24, we will be having the 2nd Quarter Grade Level celebrations between 2:05-4pm. If you need to pick your student up early on 1-24, please come before 2pm or allow extra time for us to find your student.

Some of you may remember last year, we had visitors come speak to parents about technology use in middle school, and they shared very valuable information. We have an update! Robert Gray has been selected to participate in a University of Oregon research study. The study will start wtih focus groups with staff, parents and students. The focus of the study is a series of classes families participate in to see if it reduces cell phone use and improves sleep quality. They will be asking for volunteers to participate.

Right now, we are looking for parents and students who would like to do the focus group. Once we have all the participants, we will determine the day/time. If you are interested, please let Lisa know: lnewlyn@pps.net.

RGMS is excited to release student schedules for the second semester of the 2024-2025 school year. Since 2019, we have worked to build a school schedule that maximizes academic opportunities for students. We've reviewed each student schedule in order to ensure that it meets core programming requirements and have made every effort to ensure that students are able to take at least one of their top elective choices.

If you feel that we have made an essential scheduling error, please let us know by completing the SCHEDULE CHANGE REQUEST FORM for Semester 2. All requests will be reviewed by our scheduling team. Change recommendations will be sent to Principal Newlyn for approval and next steps.

Student scheduling is complex and space in some sections is limited, and not every request can be accommodated. We will review each request, and make schedule changes when able. Whether your request can or can not be accommodated, we will email you directly and let you know when your request is reviewed.

Requests are due by 01/17/2024, and all requests will be processed and schedules finalized by 01/28/2024.

Students will be taking their Reading and Math MAP tests in their Math and ELA classes January 14-16. The results provide important data that teachers use to monitor student learning progress. The schoolwide team also reviews these results to help determine the best placements to support student learning. This includes consideration for Reading or Math Intervention for semester 2 as well as placement into Compacted Math next year for current 6th graders. Please note that there is not an opt out process for MAP testing as there is for the State OSAS tests in the Spring. Thank you for encouraging your students to try their best and show us what they know!

Donate a used guitar to the RGMS Guitar Club!

Mr. Camp is looking for steel string acoustic and electric guitars (small amps, effects and cords as well) for his lunchtime guitar club. Guitars must be in working condition, but broken or missing strings are okay. Contact Mr. Camp at icamp@pps.net

Donate a used DSLR camera to the RGMS Leadership Class

Mr Camp is looking for a few entry-level DSLRs for the ever-growing photography needs of his Leadership Class. The ideal camera will include a lens, charging cord and memory card. Contact Mr. Camp at icamp@pps.net

January is great time to restock your student's school supplies. Students are running low on pencils, paper and other supplies. Check with your child to see if they need anything to start 2025 off right!

PPS is moving to a new Standards-Based Grading System for all 28 middle schools. The purpose is to provide clearer and more meaningful feedback to students. Some of our middle schools are already using this approach, and research supports its benefits. Our K-5 schools have also made progress in this direction with their report cards.

We invite you to visit our middle grades Standards-Based Grading website at pps.net/sbg. There, you can find updates, resources, timelines, materials, and FAQs.

There will be three family and community engagement events in person and virtually at the Prophet Education Center (501 N. Dixon St.) in the PPS boardroom. We invite all who have current middle grades students or students entering into the middle grades to these presentations where we will provide updates as well as listen to feedback and answer questions.

Family and Community engagement (Virtual and in person)

March 13, 2025 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM

May 8, 2025 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM

We believe grades are an important way to communicate with students and families. This new system will make it clearer what students need to do to meet academic expectations.

If you have any questions, please contact Richard Smith at rsmith5@pps.net. Check the website often for updates. We look forward to working with you during this exciting transition.

All RGMS students will be required to wear an ID badge while they are at school. It is PPS policy for all high schools and middle schools to have them at all times when they are on PPS campuses. This is a large part of our school safety plan. Every person who is on our campus has an ID, even contractors and volunteers have to wear an ID.

Students received their ID Badges (with lanyard) on Monday, 1/6. It will take time to build this important habit for our students. But, we are hoping, by the end of January, that every student is wearing their ID, all day, every day.

Parents, we could use your help by talking to your students about why this important and reminding them before the leave for school in the morning to have it on.

2024-2025 RGMS Family Handbook.

2024 RGMS Student Handbook

Parent Guide to Canvas

Parent Guide to the Remind App

Parent Guide to ParentVue

Remember to give plenty of time when picking up your student early. It takes them time to get from their classroom to their locker and then to the office. It takes even longer if you come during lunchtimes. You can call the office, 503 916 5676, when you are on the way to give your student time to get all their things.

Only use ParentVue to report absences that are for the full day. That is all ParentVue will let you do. If your student will be absent part of the day or just tardy, please email grayattend@pps.net. Be sure to include your student's full name, date of absence and the reason for the absence.

Welcome Back and New Year’s Message from the School Nurse

Happy 2025, Robert Gray Community!

If we haven’t had a chance to connect yet, I’m Jennifer Novack, the School Nurse serving Robert Gray, Hayhurst, Capitol Hill, and Rieke. This is my fourth school year supporting these wonderful communities, and I’m grateful to be part of your child’s school experience.

As the school nurse, I help students stay healthy, safe, and ready to learn by addressing health needs and managing chronic conditions during the school day. I work with families, teachers and staff, and healthcare providers to provide health education and support, monitor illness, and offer direct care in the health room. I also promote emotional well-being, assist with vaccinations, and connect families with community health resources.

I am typically at Robert Gray on Tuesdays, but you can always reach me by phone or email during work hours. If your child has any health needs, requires medication during the school day, or if your family needs assistance with health-related resources, please contact me so we can work together to provide support and connect you with helpful services.

• Email: jnovack@mesd.k12.or.us

• Phone: 971-291-3075

• Work Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Our School Health Assistant (SHA), Sarah Hansen, is in the health room daily to help students with their health needs. Sarah provides care for ill and injured students, administers medications, and performs delegated nursing procedures under my direction. You may be contacted if your student becomes ill or injured during the school day.

• School Health Assistant: Sarah Hansen

• Email: shansen@mesd.k12.or.us

• Phone: 503-916-5676

School Nurse Resources on the Robert Gray Website

Our website’s "School Nurse" tab has helpful information to support your child’s health throughout the school year. Please visit the website regularly to stay updated on important health announcements, including:

• Symptoms of illness (when to stay home) and return-to-school guidance

• Multnomah County Health Centers and vaccination clinic information

• PPS School Health Services information

• Dental health information and clinic resources

• Forms for health conditions and medication authorization

• Vaccine information

• Mental health resources

• And more!

Tips for a Healthy Winter

As we navigate cold and flu season and spend more time indoors, here are important steps to help keep our community healthy:

• Stay home if your child is sick. Monitor daily for symptoms, including:

• Fever or chills

• Cough

• Sore throat

• Vomiting or diarrhea

• Red eyes with colored discharge

Return-to-School Guidance:

• Fever-free for 24 hours without fever-reducing medication

• Vomiting and diarrhea symptoms should be improving for at least 24 hours

Other Tips:

• Consider wearing a face covering indoors during respiratory illness season

• Stay up to date on flu and COVID-19 vaccinations

• Wash hands frequently and thoroughly

• Stay hydrated and eat balanced meals to support immune health

• Ensure your contact information in Synergy is current so we can reach you promptly if needed

Gratitude as We Return from Winter Break

The new year is a great time to pause and appreciate life’s simple joys. Being thankful can help improve both our mind and body by:

• Lowering stress

• Bringing more happiness

• Building stronger relationships

• Helping us sleep better
  

Take a moment with your family to talk about what you’re thankful for as you start this new year. Simple acts—like writing down what you’re grateful for, saying kind words, or helping others—can bring more positivity and stronger connections all year long. You can also try a family gratitude jar, where everyone adds notes of appreciation throughout the year to share together later.

I look forward to supporting your family in 2025. Please reach out anytime!

Happy New Year, and here’s to a wonderful 2025 filled with gratitude and wellness!

Warmly,
Jennifer Novack, RN, BSN, NCSN

Use this link to the School Nurse and Health Room Services Webpage for lot's of good information for parents.

Interested in having your student tested for COVID at school? Use this link to access the form. Fill out and return:

• Drop it off in the office
• Email a digital copy to Nurse Jennifer Novack at jnovack@mesd.k12.or.us

Buy your yearbook online by using https://ybpay.lifetouch.com/

Using the Yearbook ID code: 14931525

Yearbooks are just $20

Gray's counselors are Lisa Hyde, A-K & Laureen Held, L-Z.

Lisa Hyde - lhyde@pps.net

503-454-6829

Laureen Held - lheld@pps.net

971-231-4621

You can also contact them through this link: https://bit.ly/2024-25RGMSCounselorHelp

• Please join us this evening (Wednesday, January 15 at 6:30pm) for our first PTA meeting of the new year. Join us in the library at RGMS or via Zoom. We hope to see you there! The standing zoom meeting info follows:

• Link to Zoom Meeting

• Meeting ID: 847 8223 9102

• Passcode: 368760

• Save the Date! RGMS Spring School Dance will take place on Thursday, April 3rd from 6-8pm. Stay tuned for volunteer opportunities.

• We are always looking for parents interested in advocating for better funding for public schools to interface with PAT, Oregon PTA and Parents for public schools. Please reach out directly to Kirsten Carr if interested.

• If you’re able, please donate $25 to support our PTA here.

Get text alerts about school closures, delays, emergencies and school events:

Text YES to 68453

Email: lnewlyn@pps.net
Website: https://www.pps.net/gray
Location: 5505 Southwest 23rd Avenue, Portland, OR, USA
Phone: (503) 916-5676
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robertgraymiddleschool
Attendance Reporting: grayattend@pps.net