Beverly Cleary Connection

This week seemed to fly by- it’s hard to believe we just wrapped up our 4th week of school!

On Tuesday, students participated in the STOPPS drill to practice a swift bus evacuation in case there's ever a need. Later that afternoon, our Site Council met for the first time this year. We are looking to switch up the design (and potentially the time) a bit, so it’s meaningful and accessible for more parents and staff to join in and listen should they want.

Last night was back to school night! Thanks to all who could make it! It was great to see the building buzzing with parents. I had the joy of supporting students in the library, so their families could attend the sessions, and it was so fun! In reflection and preparation for next year, please feel free to complete this survey.

Next week is our first early release day for staff professional development. Students release at 12:45 PM (different from the 12:30 PM release time due to heat). As a reminder, this schedule will be used approximately 8 times this year. We appreciate the flexibility families have granted us to be able to continue to grow as a staff.

As we head into the weekend, I hope you can enjoy the cooler weather. My plan is to attend some student sporting events on Saturday- a Ducks bye week means the world is my oyster!

Have a great weekend!

• September 25
• October 23
• November 20
• December 18
• February 26
• March 19
• April 23
• May 21

Portland Public Schools (PPS) is invested in fostering safe, trauma-informed emergency drills that are taught and carried out in developmentally appropriate ways. Oregon schools are required to instruct and drill students on emergency procedures and it’s important that students are empowered to keep themselves safe in case of an emergency.

Next week, Kindergarten through 2nd Grade students at our school will learn about Sammy the Sasquatch, Crittertopia, and the many ways Sammy practices safety. Crittertopia is kept safe by the Critter Elder’s magic. While it’s very unlikely a curious human will accidentally wander into Crittertopia, Sammy & Friends practice keeping Crittertopia safe by doing a Lockdown, “Locks, Lights, Out of Sight.” For more information on Sammy & Friends and resources to help empower your kids at home, please see that attached document.

School Counselors will read the illustrated children’s book, “Sammy the Sasquatch: Welcome to Crittertopia,” while students color an image of Sammy. About one week later the School Counselor will revisit the classroom with a Campus Safety Associates (CSAs) for a classroom coaching session. The team will focus on empowering students and providing choice throughout the Lockdown Classroom Coaching session, modeling how to do a Lockdown and allowing students to choose to practice together.

Classroom Coaching for Lockdown will not focus on any specific threat. Students will be able to ask questions which will be answered in trauma-informed and developmentally appropriate ways. Responses will always bring the focus back to:

• Kids, and adults, practice safety in many different ways every day.

• Doing a Lockdown does not mean school is unsafe. It means one of the caring adults did a great job of noticing.

• School safety partners, like Campus Safety Associates (CSAs) and local first responders, are very good at their jobs and will respond quickly if students need help.

This week includes:

• Steeplejack Dine-Out Fundraiser
• After-school enrichments still have spots available!
• Bike Bus Info
• Volunteer Opportunities
• and more!