January Newsletter
Milwaukie High School & Milwaukie Academy of the Arts
Greetings Mustang Families,
Happy New Year! I hope you all had a restful and joyful winter break. As we welcome 2025, I am excited to continue partnering with you to ensure our students have a successful second half of the school year.
Celebrating School Board Recognition Month
This month, we take time to celebrate and thank our school board members for their unwavering commitment to the success of our students, staff, and community. Their leadership ensures that our schools are places where every student has the opportunity to thrive.
Key Events for January
Padres/Madres Meeting
Monday, January 13, 2025 | 6:30 – 8:00 PM | Community Room
Join us for this meeting focused on fostering community connections and supporting student success.
Financial Aid Night
Thursday, January 16, 2025 | 6:00 – 7:30 PM | Library
This event is essential for families of seniors planning for college. Experts will provide guidance on FAFSA, scholarships, and financial planning.
Vision Screening
Thursday, January 16 – Friday, January 17, 2025
Our annual vision screening ensures students are equipped for success in the classroom. If your student wears glasses or contacts, please remind them to bring them to school.
Winter Formal
Saturday, January 18, 2025 | 7:30 – 10:30 PM | Gymnasium
Students won’t want to miss this memorable evening of music, dancing, and fun. Tickets are on sale now—remind your student to purchase theirs early!
End of Grading Period
Thursday, January 30, 2025
The end of the grading period is an important time for students to submit any remaining assignments and ensure their grades reflect their efforts.
Grade Report Preparation Day – No School for Students
Friday, January 31, 2025
Teachers will finalize grades and prepare for the start of the new semester.
Western Oregon University/Oregon State University Field Trip
Friday, January 31, 2025
Selected students will have the opportunity to visit these campuses to explore post-secondary options. Please ensure your student has returned all necessary forms to participate.
Looking Ahead
As we transition from first semester to second semester, our focus remains the same, academic excellence, student engagement, and community involvement.
Attendance and Engagement: Consistent attendance is vital for student success. Let’s work together to ensure students are present and ready to learn every day.
Student Support: Our tutoring program and resources like Tutor.com continue to be available. Encourage your student to take advantage of these opportunities.
Final Exam Information & Schedule
Each year North Clackamas High School students participate in Finals Week. This week is intended to provide time for students to fully prepare for end of course assessments and to spread out the assessments over the course of 4 days. To that end, school days will be shortened. Lunch will be provided. The school day schedule from January 27th - January 30th is as follows:
January 27.......... Periods 1 & 2
January 28.......... Periods 5 & 6
January 29............Periods 3 & 4
January 30............Periods 7 & 8
JANUARY 2025 FINALS TIMES AND BELL SCHEDULE*:
First exam preparation: 8:35 - 8:58 (23 minutes)
First exam: 8:58 - 10:23 (85 minutes)
Break: 10:23 - 10:30 (7 minutes)
Second exam preparation: 10:30 -10:53 (23 minutes)
2nd Exam: 10:53 -12:18 (85 minutes)
Lunch pick up: 12:18 - 12:28 Lunch pick up
Buses Depart: 12:28
*For SSC exam times, please see the SSC website.
We will include a brief check-in time for each class in order for students and teachers to address any last-minute questions or review concepts before the exam begins.
Students will be released from their last class at 12:18 p.m. There will be a grab-and-go sack lunch option for those who want it in order for students to catch the bus in time for departure at 12:28 p.m. We ask that students do not eat their lunch on buses and instead bring their lunches home. These times are specific in order to maximize the amount of time that bus drivers will have to transport high school students while allowing time to pick up elementary students at the end of their typical school day. There is no school on January 31st.
As we kick off 2025, I want to thank you for being such an important part of our Mustang family. Your support, encouragement, and involvement mean the world to us and make all the difference in our students’ success.
Here’s to a fantastic year ahead, full of growth, celebration, and new opportunities for your students. Wishing you and your family a very Happy New Year!
Take care,
Kim Kellogg
Principal - MHS/MAA
MAA
Happy New Year, MAA Families and Students!
Welcome to 2025! We’re thrilled to start another year of creativity, collaboration, and achievement with our incredible MAA community. As we dive into the second semester, we’re excited to continue celebrating the arts and fostering student success. Thank you for your ongoing support in making MAA such a special place to learn and grow!
Our MAA Open House in December was very well attended and I would like to thank all of our wonderful teachers and students for sharing their experience. The students led tours and staff, students and alumni hosted two sessions of panel Q&A, this gave our families an opportunity to learn more about what MAA has to offer and how to go about applying for enrollment. Thank you again for all that participated and for all of our families that attended the event.
Save the Date
We have a second MAA Open House in February
When: Wednesday, February 19, 2025 | 6:00 – 7:30 PM
Where: Starting in the Arts Building
This is a great opportunity to learn more about the unique programs, classes, and opportunities MAA offers. Whether you’re a prospective student or a current family, we look forward to welcoming you and sharing what makes MAA special.
Milwaukie Academy of the Arts (MAA) Applications for enrollment are now accessible online or by stopping by the office for a paper copy. Deadline to apply is March 15. Preference is given to NCSD students and siblings of current MAA students. Remaining available seats will be determined by lottery weighted for historically-underserved students. You can find more details at the MAA website (available in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Chinese, and Russian). If you are or know of an educator, counselor or administrator who would like a presentation, have questions or would like more information about MAA, please contact C.Lo Erickson Alston at ericksonalstonc@nclack.k12.or.us or 503-353-5830 ext. 38309.
Counseling
Happy New Year's Mustang community!
I hope everyone had a fantastic winter break and are ready to come back for the last few weeks of our first semester. It is important to remember that the last few weeks of our semester are going to be incredibly busy and now is the time to make sure that you are finishing out the first half of the school year on a strong note. Please remember that final grades will be transcripted at the end of January and it is incredibly important that all of our Mustangs are taken care of their business. Please make certain that you are checking your StudentVue and are in close communication with your teachers with regard to the expectations as we close things out. The schedule for the week is listed above however the time to kick things into high gear is right now!
Starting this month counselors will begin to communicate with all of our returning students with regard to forecasting for the 25-26 school year. the dates for forecasting are as follows:
8th -9th Grade Class of 2029
Week of Feb 24th
9th-10th Grade Class of 2028
Week of February 10th
10th -11th Grade Class of 2027
Week of Feb 24th
11-12th Grade Class of 2026
Week of February 10th
During this time counselors will be visiting students' Language Arts classes and walking them through the forecasting process and students will enter their forecasting choices directly into their StudentVue accounts. Forecasting is the most important process with regard to making sure that students get the classes that they need and they want. Please make sure you are speaking to your Mustang with regard to their forecasting process and helping them make good choices with regard to electives that they would like to participate in.
Please keep in mind that due to numbers, not all students will get the electives that they are choosing, and it's important that they also choose good alternatives in order to make sure they are getting what they need. The vast majority of all of our electives do take place at the Sabin-Schellenberg CTE Campus and these classes are often in demand. It is crucial that these choices are made early and you are specific with regard to the choices that you are making.
If you have any specific questions with regard to your students forecasting process, please reach out to their individual class counselors
2025-26 Counselor Assignments
Freeland Church Class of 2029 churchf@nclack.k12.or.us
Roberto Aguilar Class of 2028 aguilarr@nclack.k12.or.us
Jody Iverson Class of 2027 iversonj@nclack.k12.or.us
Staci Postema Class of 2026 postemas@nclack.k12.or.us
Second Semester Schedules
As we begin to prepare for our second semester of the school year, counselors will be busy making sure that all students' schedules are updated and are ready to go when we begin the second semester on February 3rd. We will make second semester schedules visible for students beginning on Monday January 13th. Over the course of the next few weeks, counselors will be making necessary changes for second semester schedules. Please remember that the same expectations for first semester schedule changes also apply to second semester schedule changes:
During the first week of semester 2, counselors will only be supporting schedule changes that have:
A missing class or are doubled up class in their schedule
Are in the wrong level of a class
Are missing a graduation requirement
Have a "see counselor" on their schedule
(Example: A student is missing a 2nd period class, they will come to the community room during the second period.)
Students should go to the community room during the period that there is a problem in their schedule. We will not be changing schedules for any other reason during the first week, and students will need to address other issues only after all these issues have been corrected. Any other changes will need to have been specifically approved after the second week of the semester, with admin approval only.
In addition, always feel free to reach out to me should you have any questions with regard to the forecasting process, schedule changes or anything else that revolves around the curriculum or counseling world. neumang@nclack.k12.or.us
I wish you all a very Happy New Year and let's have a great month Mustangs!
Greg Neuman
Assistant Principal
MHS/MAA
College & Career
Welcome to 2025 Mustangs!
Now that the New Year is upon us, make your New Year’s Resolution to come down to the College & Career Center to make plans for your Journey to June!
Seniors:
Applications for financial aid are now open! FAFSA/ORSAA, Oregon Promise Grant, OSAC Scholarship, and more are now available to complete. For more information regarding any of these applications, please come see Valentina or Mr. C to get started.
Scholarship Priority dates are coming soon! Make sure you finish your FAFSA/ORSAA applications by February 1st to receive your financial awards letters on time. This will help your chosen colleges or universities get you a financial aid package earlier than later.
Juniors:
Winter is a great time to begin researching programs or pathways that fit your interests! Come to the College & Career Center today or schedule an appointment to take a look through our college search resources. Our ASPIRE Program can help you find a school that fits your needs
Sign up for our college visits through Naviance. You can speak with admissions counselors from around the area and ask questions to help you find the college you’ve been looking for.
If you are looking to serve your country after you graduate, our College & Career Center partners with local Military Recruiters to help you determine what military path is right for you. Contact Valentina for more info.
Sophomores & Freshmen:
It is never too early to start exploring your post-high school options! We can help you discover your skills and career interests. Schedule an appointment to take our Self-Discovery assessments and get started on your path today.
Athletics
Hello Mustang Family,
We wrapped up December with an exciting win for our boys’ basketball team against Willamette High School! They’ll also be competing in the Abby’s Pizza Tournament in Medford before the new year, and we’re wishing them the best of luck.
January is shaping up to be a busy and action-packed month for Mustang athletics. Boys’ and girls’ basketball, wrestling, swimming, and unified basketball will all be in full swing. You can find the complete schedule on our athletic website. While you’re there, be sure to check out our new merchandise store to show your Mustang pride!
Wishing everyone a Happy Holidays, and I look forward to seeing you soon.
Go Mustangs!
Tom Moore
SSO
Happy New Year Mustang families!
As we return from a two-week break and begin 2025, we wanted to send a couple quick refreshers:
Yondr pouches- All students received Yondr pouches at the start of the year, and the expectation is that they arrive at school and have their pouch out as they enter the building. Phones and Airpods should be placed in the pouches as they enter, and remain there for the entirety of the day. If a pouch is damaged or lost, please see SSO in order to replace it.
Student parking is allowed in the following lots: Washington St. Lot, the smaller lot on the south side of Willard St., and the main lot within the center spaces. All other parking is reserved for staff and visitors.
Attendance- Here are the Synergy attendance codes for any questions you might have when looking at ParentVue:
ABV- Verified Absences (guardian has excused the absence)
AB- Unverified Absence (student did not attend class: skipping, no guardian excusal)
ABS- Absent Sick
T- Tardy (student was less than 20 minutes late to class)
TXL- Tardy Extra Late (student was over 20 minutes late to class, missing a large chunk of instructional time).
LE- Student left class early, without permission.
If you would like support in helping your student improve their attendance at school, please reach out to us at any time: 503-353-5839
Health Center
Hi Mustangs!
Is your student missing any vaccinations required for school? Vaccinations are due by February 19th and now is the time to schedule at the Milwaukie Health and Wellness Center. Sports Physicals for Spring are also due in February. Make sure to reach out soon to secure your spot on our schedule.
We will be open on January 31st during our regular hours.
All North Clackamas School District students can access the health center’s services regardless of insurance status. The Health and Wellness Center is open Monday-Thursday from 8:30am-4pm and Friday from 8:30am-12pm. Call 503.353.5847 or email mhsfrontdesk@outsidein.org to make an appointment. Virtual or phone language interpretation services are available.
We are located on Milwaukie High School’s campus directly to the left of the main entrance and across from Milwaukie Academy of the Arts.
Need help getting to your appointment? Call 503.353.5847 for assistance!
_____
¡Hola, Mustangs!
¿Ud. es padre o guardián/tutor de un estudiante quien tiene alguna vacuna pendiente requerida para la escuela? Las vacunas deben completarse antes del 19 de febrero y ahora es el momento de programarlas en el Centro de Salud y Bienestar de Milwaukie. Los exámenes físicos para deportes de primavera también deben completarse en febrero. Asegúrese de comunicarse pronto para reservar su lugar en nuestro horario.
El centro de salud estará abierto el 31 de enero en su horario habitual.
Si tienen preguntas o si quieren ayuda haciendo citas, por favor contacten a la trabajadora bilingüe del centro de salud en Milwaukie, Kyra. Detalles para contactar a Kyra:
Correo electronico: ortegaschwartzk@nclack.k12.or.us o kyrao@outsidein.org
Telefono (clinica): 503-353-5847
Telefono (liña directa): 503-353-8419
Todos los estudiantes del Distrito Escolar de North Clackamas tienen acceso a los servicios del centro de salud aun si no tienen seguro. El Centro de Salud y Bienestar está abierto de lunes a jueves de 8:30 am a 4 pm y los viernes de 8:30 am a 12 pm.
El Centro de Salud y Bienestar está en el campus de Milwaukie High School directamente a la izquierda de la entrada principal y enfrente de la Milwaukie Academy of the Arts.
¿Necesita ayuda para llegar a su cita? ¡Llame al 503.353.5847 para obtener ayuda!
PTSA
Parent Teacher Student Association Meeting
Our next meeting is January 13th at 6pm in the community room.
We hope to see you there!
Winter Formal
The Winter Formal dance will be held on Saturday, January 18th, from 7:30 to 10:30 pm in the Milwaukie High School Gym. This is the only formal dance open to 9th through 12th graders.
Tickets are $20 each and can be purchased from the bookkeeper between January 6th and 17th. No tickets will be sold at the door. The ticket price includes music and lighting by Stumptown DJs, food, drinks, unlimited photo booth pictures, and memories that will last a lifetime.
Students may bring guests from other schools, but a guest pass is required. Guest passes will be available in SSO starting January 6th and are due by January 15th. Guest passes must be approved before you can purchase a ticket for your guest.
Milwaukie High School/Milwaukie Academy of the Arts
We are located one block east of the orange max line. Please consider using public transportation or carpooling as often as possible.
Website: www.nclack.k12.or.us/mhs
Location: 2301 Southeast Willard Street, Milwaukie, OR, USA
Phone: 503-353-5842