Pacific Ridge Principal's Update
Week of Monday, June 7th - Friday, June 11th
Chromebook Return
Thursday, June 17th & Friday, June 18th
- Students in Onsite/Hybrid Instruction: Due Thursday, June 17th
- Students in Online Thrive/CDL: Due Friday, June 18th
An Introduction to Mindfulness
By: Rachel Whisler, TOSA and Kaile Jones, School Counselor
We all live busy and often stressful lives. Much to our surprise, 2020 brought about a whole new level of changes many of us were unprepared to tackle. It was difficult for us to predict or control what was in store for us this year. one thing that we could try was to learn new ways to manage challenges that were impacting us mentally and physically. How you may ask? Well, throughout the 2020-2021 school year, your students have been introduced to the topic of mindfulness. What is Mindfulness? Mindfulness is the act of “Paying attention on purpose, without judgement to our experience as it unfolds moment by moment” Jon Kabat-Zinn, 1990.
Mindfulness involves paying attention to your conscious thoughts without judgement. When we practice mindfulness, we can naturally quiet our minds and become more aware of our true selves. Our minds wander through all kinds of thoughts, mostly about past or future events. In actuality, these moments, the past and the future, no longer exist or have yet to exist. The one moment we can actually experience, is right now, the present. This state is the one we often seem to avoid most. Mindfulness allows us to focus our attention on what we notice right now, in this moment. It allows us to be fully present and awake in our own lives, instead of living in the past or future. It’s all about the “little things.” When practicing mindfulness we can experience our true selves and we are able to better manage anxiety or worry.
Tips to Practice Mindfulness:
Meditate. Taking even just 5 minutes to sit quietly and follow your breath can help you feel more conscious and connected for the rest of your day.
Focus On One Thing At A Time.
Slow Down.
BREATHE
Eat Mindfully.
Keep Phone and Computer Time In Check.
Move your body
Spend Time In Nature.
Download a Mindfulness App. (https://www.mindful.org/free-mindfulness-apps-worthy-of-your-attention/)
Virtual Field Trip
Haystack Rock Tidepools
Due to some technical difficulties streaming the last virtual field trip, we've rescheduled and made some adjustments to technology!
Please join Miss Sophie and Lisa Habecker to learn about the marine life in and around the tidepools. We will be learning an abundance of information from Lisa Habecker, the education director at the Haystack Rock Awareness Program. She's sure to point out many new things you did not know are in the marine garden!
WHO: Kindergarten through 5th grade students and their teachers and/or adults at home.
WHAT: a virtual field trip
WHERE: Haystack Rock tide pools
WHEN: June 11 at 8:45 am for 45 minutes
WHY: to learn about the tide pools on the Oregon coast
HOW: Zoom — Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87653218808?pwd=R21sZ2RIWHhSbjBIT242ejhSNzQrQT09
5th Grade Families
A Message from Mrs. Dyroff, Seaside Middle School Counselor
During the week of June 7th, 5th graders will visit Seaside Middle School! Students will tour the middle school, meet the staff, learn about their classes, and receive a FREE Seaside Middle School t-shirt.
After this visit, you will receive an email, which requests that you and your child TOGETHER forecast for their upcoming school year, online. Students will choose one year-long elective (Band, Choir, or Technology).
You may preview the Seaside Middle School 2021-2022 Course Description Guide for a sneak peek of course details!
The online forecasting form will be sent to you AFTER your child’s visit to Seaside Middle School (week of June 7th).
Go Sharks!
Social Studies, Instructor: Mrs. Jenn Gooch
Course Description:
In 6th Grade Social Studies we focus on the study of Geography in the Western Hemisphere which is the earth in all its variety. Geography describes the earth’s land, water, and plant and animal life. We will study places and the complex relationships between people and the environment. When applying our knowledge of Geography to the ancient civilizations listed below we will focus on answering the following question: How do the ideals, values, and contributions of indigenous and other marginalized peoples affect our lives today?
Scope & Sequence By Term:
T1 -Geography of the Western Hemisphere
T2- Early Central and South American Indigenous Cultures and Impacts of Colonization- Aztec, Inca, Maya
T3- Early North American Indigenous Cultures and Impacts of Colonization
Major Projects:
T1 ABC Book of the Geography in Western Hemisphere
T2 Point of View Narrative Speech- Aztec, Inca, Maya
T3 Compare/Contrast Indigenous groups of North America
Math, Instructor: Ms. Erin Leary
Course Description:
In Grade 6, instructional time should focus on five critical areas: (1) connecting ratio and rate to whole number multiplication and division and using concepts of ratio and rate to solve problems; (2) completing understanding of division of fractions and extending the notion of number to the system of rational numbers, which includes negative numbers; (3) writing, interpreting, and using expressions and equations; (4) solve real-world and mathematical problems involving area, surface area, and volume; and (5) developing understanding of statistical thinking.
Scope & Sequence By Term:
T1 - Ratios & Proportional Relationships (fractions, decimals, percents)
T2 - Number System (integers, rational numbers) & Algebraic Expressions
T3 - Solving Equations, Geometry, Statistics & Probability
Language Arts, Instructor: Mrs. Jane Crater
Course Description:
The 6th Grade Language Arts class is a balanced literacy program aligned with the National Common Core Standards. Students are challenged to improve in the areas of reading, writing, grammar, vocabulary, speaking, and listening. Students will read a variety of fiction and non-fiction sources including novels, short stories, essays, and poems. They will create written responses which cite evidence to support claims.
Scope & Sequence By Term:
T1- Argumentative writing, novel study: Hoot, conventions, and informal speeches.
T2- Latin and Greek Roots, poems, Informative writing, and small group novel study.
T3- Narrative writing, novel study: The Giver; and a utopia project/presentation.
Key Concepts:
Using text evidence when providing answers to text-based questions.
Increased vocabulary and context clues
Writing conventions, styles, modes, and formats.
Reading fluency, stamina, and comprehension.
Science, Instructor: Miss Carly Baltazar
Course Description:
In 6th grade, students attend a general science class. This means that we do not focus on one specific branch of science. Rather, students will be exposed to physics, earth science, and biology concepts.
Scope & Sequence By Term:
T1-Energy & Energy Transfer, Weather
T2-Climate & Climate Change, Cell Structure & Function
T3-Genetics & Heredity
Health/PE, Instructor: Ms. Nicole Aydt
Length of Course: Full Year (1 term Health, 2 terms PE)
Course Description:
6th grade Health and PE will consist of a combination of both subject areas. Students will have the opportunity to learn a variety of different skills as well as their application within different sports and activities. Students will also spend time learning about proper goal setting, positive feedback and teamwork. Some activities that may occur include Cooperation-based games, Basketball, Soccer, Tennis/Racquetball, Golf and more.
Within the Health section, students will spend time studying each section of the Health triangle which includes Mental/Emotional, Social, and Physical Health. Each portion of the triangle will dive deeper into the respected area and include topics such as communication, eating well, and how influences can change our behavior.
Elective Courses
Beginning Band
Instructor: Mr. Kyle Rieger
Length of Course: Full Year
Course Description:
The Beginning Band is made up of students who wish to learn to play a band instrument. Students are tested at the beginning of the year to determine which instrument best suits them. Once everyone has an instrument, students attend one section lesson a week and one period of full band every day. Regular concert appearances by the band include winter, spring, and “Pops” concerts. Students learn to play all styles of music from classical to movie and television hits.
Choir
Instructor: Ms. Kimber Parker
Length of Course: Full Year
Course Description:
Beginning Choir is open to all 6th graders regardless of musical experience! We sing a variety of music: from American folk songs and Spanish lullabies to Ed Sheeran and Bruno Mars! Choir is a year-long commitment and includes evening concerts. In this class, we learn how to read music, sing with good vocal technique, and we have a lot of fun! Join choir to make music, make memories, and make friendships that last forever!
Technology
Instructor: TBD
Length of Course: Full Year
Course Description:
Seaside Middle School is excited for the opportunity to add a new elective for next year. The Technology elective course will provide students with opportunities to increase their tech skills and learn about basic coding, digital art design, and basic web design through project based learning and real-world applications.
Summer School Sign-Up!
Summer School & Camps
Summer School Information
1st-5th Grades
Pacific Ridge Families,
In response to the pandemic and a year of online learning, the Oregon Department of Education has allocated funding for Summer Programs for students who will be entering grades 1-12 in Fall of 2021. As a result, Seaside School District will be able to offer a variety of Summer School opportunities and Summer Camps in August, with transportation and sack lunches included.
Pre-registration for programs will be prioritized for students most needing to make up graduation credits (Grades 10, 11, & 12) and unfinished learning (Grades 1 through 9); remaining slots will then be made available to all students. High School students who need to make up credits towards graduation will be eligible for programs focusing on Credit Recovery, tutoring, or Summer School credit opportunities. For elementary students, fifty of the slots for summer camp will also qualify for wraparound childcare services through the Sunset Empire Parks and Recreation District during summer sessions.
Parents whose students are prioritized for these programs based on data gathered this spring will be contacted for registration first. Our aim is to serve as many students as possible. After May 17, 2021, any remaining registration slots will be opened to all other students.
You may also see a Bookmobile cruising through your neighborhood once a week this summer. The Bookmobile, curated by our Seaside District Library staff, will deliver free books once a week to predetermined drop off spots in Cannon Beach, Seaside, Gearhart, and Cullaby Lake. More information on days, times, and locations will be announced in June.
For more information or questions, please contact Cate Blakesley at Pacific Ridge Elementary School 503-738-5161 or via email at cblakesley@seasidek12.org.
Affectionately,
Cate Blakesley
Summer Program Coordinator
When do I keep my child home sick?
How do I contact my child's teacher?
Teacher Contact Information
Also, all contact information for teachers (including phone numbers) can be found on our school website. Due to distance learning, all teachers have their own individual phone numbers. Here is the link https://pre.seaside.k12.or.us/ourstaff
Pacific Ridge Elementary School
Email: jwozniak@seasidek12.org
Website: https://pre.seaside.k12.or.us/
Location: 2000 Spruce Drive, Seaside, OR, USA
Phone: 503-738-5161
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Pacific-Ridge-Elementary-School-104961557933403