Scappoose School District News
December 13, 2024
Winter is Here, SSD Has LOTS of Cheer!
Remember to Click Below!
Below, you will find links/hot buttons to each school. In this format, click on your chosen school logo, and you will find the same familiar updates and newsletters from your schools.
For more SSD news- be sure to follow us on:
Facebook Scappoose School District
Instagram @Scappoose_Schools
**As a reminder: Next Friday, December 20th is a Half Day.**
Dismissal Times for next Friday, December 20th are:
Warren Elementary 11:40am
Grant Watts Elementary 11:40am
Otto Petersen Elementary 11:40am
Scappoose Middle School 12:00pm
Scappoose High School 12:20pm
December 23rd-January 3rd- Winter Break *NO SCHOOL*
Showcasing Excellence: CTE Night Highlights Student Achievements at SHS!
This week’s CTE Night at Scappoose High School was a resounding success! The event celebrated the diverse Career and Technical Education courses offered at SHS and the remarkable achievements of students in these programs. Attendees explored impressive displays from a wide variety of Art and Photography courses, Digital Fabrication, Manufacturing, Woodworking, Metals, Business, Marketing, Broadcasting and Video Production, all showcasing student creativity and skill. The evening buzzed with energy as students, parents, and community members engaged with hands-on projects and marveled at the high-quality work created by SHS students. Thank you to everyone who attended and supported our talented learners!
Reading Buddies at Warren Elementary—Helping Students Build a Love for Reading!
Warren Elementary is excited to announce the launch of their Reading Buddies program, bringing together students and special guests—Grandparents, Grand Aunties/Uncles, and other cherished elders! These wonderful volunteers will be paired with different students throughout the school year to share the joy of reading. Together, they’ll explore books, practice the alphabet, and support early literacy skills in fun and meaningful ways. This heartwarming program strengthens connections across generations while helping our students build confidence and love for reading. We can’t wait to see the impact these special guests will have!
Scappoose Band Rocks Nike Cross Nationals and Earns 3rd Place at Skyview Jazz Festival!
The Scappoose Drumline brought the beat to the Nike Cross Nationals (NXN) this last weekend, energizing runners and spectators alike at this annual cross-country race series. Even in the pouring rain, these talented students delivered an electrifying performance, playing with incredible enthusiasm at both morning events. Their dedication and school spirit were on full display, making Scappoose proud!
What a day for the Scappoose Band! After rocking the Nike Cross Nationals with their high-energy performance, they kept the momentum going at the Skyview High School Jazz Festival. The talented group earned an impressive 3rd place in sight reading, showing off their hard work and musical skill.
SHS December Rotary Student of the Month
Quinton Olson is the December Rotary Student of the Month. Quinton exemplifies academic excellence, athletic leadership, and community service, earning him recognition as our December Rotary Student of the Month. With a weighted GPA of 4.20, Quinton has excelled in numerous college-level courses at SHS, including Physics 101, Math 111/112 and 251A/B, Chemistry 104, Economics 202, Communications, and Writing 121/122.
Beyond academics, Quinton is a standout leader and athlete, excelling in football, basketball, and baseball. His leadership qualities are reflected in his peers voting him captain of the football team as a junior and captain of the basketball team. Quinton also dedicates his time to the "Backpack for Kids" program every Wednesday, sorting and packing food for those in need.
Quinton is known for his compassion, ambition, resilience, and humility. He has applied to prestigious universities, including Embry-Riddle, OSU, and Dartmouth, and is exploring a future in aeronautical engineering and business.
His coaches speak highly of his character and contributions. Coach Nowlin describes him as "one of the most mentally and physically tough kids we have coached" and praises his team-first mentality. Coach Cam highlights Quinton’s "unwavering work ethic, personal drive, selflessness, and humility," noting how these qualities elevate the culture of the entire baseball program. Coach Robby recalls Quinton’s reliability and willingness to show up for impromptu practices or volunteer opportunities, saying, "I wish more players had his attitude."
Quinton Olson is a remarkable student-athlete whose dedication, character, and leadership inspire those around him.
Otto Petersen Students Spread Holiday Cheer with Handmade Cards for Meals on Wheels
Otto Petersen's 5th graders are spreading holiday cheer through creativity and kindness! Students are busy decorating and writing heartfelt holiday cards for Meals on Wheels recipients. Each card features a warm greeting, a special holiday hope, and a fun joke to bring a smile. These thoughtful cards are sure to brighten the day of everyone who receives them, reminding our community that a little cheer goes a long way during the holiday season. Great job, 5th graders, for sharing the spirit of giving!
SHS Dance Team Shines with Big Wins Last Weekend!
What an incredible weekend for the SHS Dance Team at the Rex Putnam competition last weekend! Scappoose Vision rocked the stage, taking 1st place in 4A/5A Hip Hop and 2nd place in 4A/5A Pom! Three of our talented soloists earned medals—9th, 4th, and 3rd! But that’s not all—on Sunday, four of our amazing seniors auditioned for the All-State Elite Team. Out of 25 4A division dancers, one of our very own earned a spot on the team, joining just six other dancers! Huge congratulations to everyone for these incredible accomplishments!
SHS November Rotary Student of the Month- Aimie Beutler
Aimie Beutler is the November Rotary Student of the Month. Throughout her time at SHS, Aimie has been a standout member of our student community. She currently maintains an impressive 4.09 GPA while taking four college-level courses, and she leads her senior class as class president. Aimie's dedication to leadership has been evident since her freshman year; she is hardworking, inclusive, and committed to positive communication with everyone.
Beyond her role as class president, Aimie also serves as president of the National Honor Society and as a publicist for FBLA. Last year, she held a state-level FBLA position as Vice President of Social Media. Her influence extends to athletics, where she leads the cross country, swim, track, and bowling teams. While her dedication to school activities doesn't leave her much time for community service, her contributions have greatly benefited our school community. She also volunteers in the summer at Vacation Bible School and referees youth soccer.
Aimie's thoughtful, organized approach and her commitment to self-improvement inspire those around her. Volunteering is a core part of who she is, and she takes pride in supporting her peers and community. Looking ahead, Aimie is considering a six-year program in science with a minor in communication and is exploring a future in the medical field. Though she hasn't yet selected a college, we are confident she will be a remarkable addition to any institution she joins.
Teamwork in Action: Sauvie Island School’s Habitat Gets a Boost!
Sauvie Island School would like to send a huge shoutout to staff, partners, and families who joined in for the SIS habitat work party! Special thanks to SIS’s amazing garden educator Susan from Sauvie Island Center and volunteer landscapers Claudia and Brian for their incredible planning and support.The project saw that compost was added throughout, mycelium added to new plants, and grit was distributed for better drainage where needed. All the hard work is helping this SIS habitat thrive!
Grant Watts 3rd Graders Hit All the Right Notes in Their Musical Showcase!
Grant Watts 3rd graders took the stage this week for a fantastic musical performance, showcasing their hard work and talent. From heartfelt songs to impressive instrumental accompaniment and spoken word, their dedication and practice truly shone through. It was a joy to see the energy and excitement they brought to every note and rhythm. Bravo to our 3rd-grade musicians for an unforgettable show!
The winter months bring with them the possibility of busses being on snow routes, school closures, or delayed openings due to severe weather conditions, power outages, or other unexpected events.
With student safety leading these decisions and an understanding of the disruption these closures and delays cause our families and staff, SSD is committed to announcing changes to the school schedule as early as possible. If conditions are severe enough to threaten the safety of students traveling to and from school, a decision will be made the night before. Otherwise, decisions will be made by 6 a.m.
How we will notify you:
- FlashAlert.net
- Phone call
- District email
- SSD App notification
2024-2025 SSD Snow Routes can be found on our website HERE. Additionally, snow routes are listed on the District and individual school websites at the top of each page. If you have questions about bus pick-up or drop-off locations, please contact First Student at 971-290-4020.
We hope that providing this information will make inclement weather days easier to navigate.
Strategic Plan Message from Superintendent Porter
Dear SSD Community,
On behalf of the Scappoose School District, I am excited to share our Strategic Plan along with an opportunity to participate in a community survey whose results will help guide our strategic initiatives for the next six years. I invite each of you to be part of this journey and encourage you to participate in our Community Survey to help shape the district’s future. Your feedback is invaluable.
Please look for the survey link below, on our website, in the District newsletter, and on our social media pages. The survey will be open until December 20th. In addition, you can find the Strategic Plan Foundational Pillars, as well as a four-page informational document on our District website or here in our SSD District Newsletter. This plan represents our commitment to excellence across every part of our education system.
This strategic vision and survey opportunity are truly community endeavors as we continue to bring together voices from our students, families, staff, and community members to build a future where every student is prepared to thrive in an ever-evolving world.
Our mission is clear. With the support of families and our community, we are dedicated to developing students who are leaders, effective communicators, critical thinkers, and principled, caring individuals. This focus guides all we do, ensuring a safe, healthy, and supportive environment for our students’ emotional, social, and academic well-being.
Our strategic plan stands on three foundational pillars:
Promoting Excellence in Student Learning – through expanded opportunities in academics, the arts, athletics, extracurriculars, and a commitment to nurturing each student’s unique potential.
Supporting Our Staff – By recruiting, developing, and retaining outstanding educators and staff, we’re focused on continuous professional growth and well-being within our teams.
Engaging Our Community – with a focus on strengthening our partnerships with families and the community through open communication and collaboration, therefore creating a thriving educational experience.
Together, we will continue to foster passionate, lifelong learners who are ready to lead and succeed.
Thank you for being part of our mission and for supporting the success of all Scappoose students!
We invite you to take part in our Community Survey. Simply click the link or scan the QR code below to share your feedback.
Scappoose Community Survey Fall 2024
Thank you for your continued support,
Sincerely,
Tim Porter
Superintendent
Scappoose School District
Check Out SSD's New School Menu System
We’re excited to share that our Food Service Menu system has recently been upgraded! In this video, I'll guide you through the new features, making it easier than ever to stay informed about menu items and their nutritional details.
You can access menus on each school’s website or on the District page—conveniently located in the Quick Links section both at the top and bottom of the page, as well as under the Food Service Department tab.
Once you click the menu link, you’ll be directed to the EZSchoolLunch landing page where an Allergen Disclaimer will appear. From there, you can simply select your school and the menu you would like to view to see what is being served.
Each item includes detailed nutritional information and you can easily browse by day, week, or month
If you like to keep a printed menu, just hit the "print" button to get the full month's menu in a handy calendar format.
We hope this upgrade makes it easier to plan meals and ensures you have all the information you need to feel confident about the nutritious options we offer. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to our Food Service Director, Barbara Foti.
Thanks for helping us keep mealtime healthy and informed!
Prevent the Spread: Guidelines for Keeping Sick Students Home
Keeping our students healthy is a top priority, and we need your help! Please keep your student home if they are experiencing a fever, vomiting, diarrhea, or any symptoms of contagious illness. Staying home when sick helps prevent the spread of illness.
Click the links below for some important guidelines about recommendations on when to keep students with symptoms out of school.
Important Driver/Walker/Biker Safety Reminder
As the school year begins, we must prioritize safety around our school grounds.
Drivers: Please exercise caution and be aware of the increased pedestrian and cyclist traffic during drop-off and pick-up times. Adhere to posted speed limits and remain vigilant for crossing guards and children crossing the streets. Your attentiveness can prevent accidents and ensure the safety of our students.
Walkers and Bike Riders: Please remain alert and follow all safety guidelines while traveling to and from school. Use crosswalks and obey traffic signals. If biking, wear a helmet and ensure your bike is equipped with lights for visibility.
Together, we can make sure that our children have a safe and positive experience as they travel to and from school. Thank you for your attention to this important matter and for your continued support in keeping our school community safe.
Free and Reduced Meals
If you have SNAP benefits, your student(s) are directly certified and no application is necessary.
If you applied and were approved for Free or Reduced meals during the previous school year, you must reapply for the current year. The grace period ends on Oct 14th. Please apply before that date as you will be responsible for any balance on your child’s account until you are approved.
If you are denied with the Federal income guidelines, Oregon has expanded the income to qualify more families for free meals. Please fill out an application to see if you qualify.
For applications, visit:
Scappoosek12.org/departments/food-service
Click on “Free and Reduced Meals”
You will also find a link for the Income Guidelines
How SSD Communicates
As we begin the school year, we would like you to be aware of how Scappoose School District communicates. We strive to develop and deliver clear, timely, and accurate information about the district and all that is happening in and around our schools. We seek to provide resources and materials to ensure families, students, staff, partners, and community members are informed about our key priorities, community events, our successes, and obstacles.
We look forward to communicating with you and your family!
Information is conveyed primarily via:
BlackBoard Messaging: Directly from the District or Individual Schools via a variety of mediums; email, text message, app notification, automated phone calls.
The SSD App: To get the App, simply go to the App Store on your device and search for “Scappoose School District.” From there, you can choose which schools you want to get new/alerts from.
Scappoose School District Website:
School-specific websites: (These can be navigated to from the SSD main webpage)
School Newsletters:
These will be sent out every Friday to your email inbox
District social media sites: Please follow us!
Facebook: Scappoose School District
Instagram: @Scappoose_Schools
FlashAlert notifications:
Scappoose Flash Alert Page This is mostly for inclement weather
Letters/emails to parents/guardians
To streamline our social media communication and ensure that accurate information reaches our community, we are transitioning to an information only/no commenting approach for our social media posts. This change is designed to minimize negative or irrelevant comments and to encourage direct communication with our District Office or individual schools. By doing so, we aim to prevent the spread of misinformation and ensure that the community receives official responses through the appropriate channels. We believe this approach will enhance the clarity, positivity, and effectiveness of our communications. If you have any questions regarding information in our posts, please connect the relevant school or District office directly. You can still look forward to all of our usual content and information throughout the year.
Thank you for being a vital part of our SSD family! We wish you the very best start to the school year!
Thanks,
Scappoose School District
Back to School Also Means- Back to School Sports!
Come out and Watch Scappoose School's Student Athletes Play!
For more information, you can find Scappoose Middle School and High School sports schedules on the schools’ web pages under “Athletics.”
See the links below for more information.
Do you have the Scappoose School District App?
It’s one of the best ways to stay informed on both District and School specific information in real time, right on your smartphone!
If you don't yet have the app here is how to get it:
1. Search; “Scappoose School District” in your device's App store
2. Download the App to your phone/tablet and click “Open”
3. There will be a pop-up and click “Choose from list”
4. Choose the schools you would like to receive news/alerts from
5. CONGRATS! Your App should now be set up!
Are you interested in becoming a substitute for the Little Lilu Preschool?
Here is the Link to CBR
The CBR is an online application and will require free fingerprinting that individuals often coordinate with a local business (there are several options for fingerprinting in Hillsboro or up Highway 30).
Individuals with questions on the CBR application process can contact Jen Stearns, jstearns@scappoose.k12.or.us.
OEA Choice Trust (OEA CHOICE WELFARE BENEFIT PLAN) supports the well-being of Oregon’s public education employees. Scappoose School District has received a grant to support our employee’s well-being. OEA Choice Trust files an annual report with the Employee Benefits Security Administration, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). You can visit the OEA Choice Trust website to see how to request and receive copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof.
Scappoose School District
Website: https://www.scappoosek12.org
Location: 33589 SE High School Way Scappoose, OR 97056
Phone: 971-200-8000