West Sylvan Middle School

I hope that you are all looking forward to some quality time with our Wolves this summer! We will miss them! This will be our last Family Communication for the 2023-24 school year.

We have some very exciting news to share with our family community! After many years of hard work and dedication from our school Educators, we received notification that WSMS will be authorized as an official IB MYP school! This is such an elite honor for our school, and it makes WSMS the only comprehensive Middle School in PPS with IB MYP authorization! Once our items are signed by our PPS leaders, we will be added to this map, and you can see how few MYP IB Middle Schools actually exist. Thank you to all of the family members who supported this work through joining interviews, giving feedback and through your belief in our school team to accomplish this goal, in spite of many interruptions throughout the last several school years! We did it, in spite of so many educational disruptions over the past several years, and this is something to be very proud of for our entire school community!

• Below is a short quote from the notice of authorization from our IB MYP Authorization Manager, Niledy Casiano:
  I want to extend my warmest wishes to the educators, students, parents, and staff who have contributed to this incredible achievement. Your collaborative effort and dedication have paved the way for a bright future for your students. As an authorized IB World School, you are now part of a global community of educational excellence.
  May this achievement be a source of pride and inspiration for your school, and may it continue to foster a spirit of inquiry, innovation, and international-mindedness. I have no doubt that your school will continue to thrive and empower generations of students to make a positive impact on the world.
  Once again, congratulations on this significant accomplishment! Your school's success is a testament to your commitment to educational excellence.

On Monday, many students ran hard for the Run for the Homeless fundraiser. Thank you to all of our family members who joined to help count laps! It was wonderful to have extra eyes on the event! This was our first attempt at such an event, and we learned many lessons on how to improve this process for the future! The leaders for each grade are below, and we thank all who donated or supported the effort as a larger multi-grade MYP service activity.

6th Grade: Alex Usher, Xavier Olivares

7th Grade: Chester Essink, Oliver Dimoff, Tate Segal, Barkot Tiruneh

7th Grade: Greta DeKoker, Nidhi Shastry, Raegan

8th Grade: Henry Tachouet, Julia Olivares

Next week is the final week of school, and there are a number of activities built in to add some fun to our students’ final week together. Important dates are listed below. There is no Advisory class all week to allow each period to be a little longer for final items, and the revised bell schedule can be viewed below. If your family is leaving early for vacation, and your student may not finish out next week, please have them communicate with their teachers so that they may turn in any items early, clean out their locker, turn in their books and Chromebook and excuse their absences prior to leaving. To report any missing days, please email westsylvanoffice@pps.net.

We hope you have a wonderful last weekend of the school year!

Jill Hunt, Principal
Ben Keller, Assistant Principal

Our Band and Choir students held their final performances at Lincoln High School this week! Congratulations to both programs that continue to grow and gain momentum! We are dedicated to supporting access to the arts at WSMS, and both Mr. Arce and Mr. Hellman are doing a fantastic job working with our young talented musicians to prepare them for High School and beyond!

JUNE

LGBTQ+ Pride Month

• Fri, JUN 7th: *Chromebook/charger collection from all 6th Graders
  
• Mon, JUN 10th ~ Fri, JUN 14th: NO Advisory all week (each class period has added minutes instead of Advisory) *alternate bell schedule
• Mon, JUN 10th: *Chromebook/charger collection from all 8th Graders
• Tue, JUN 11th: Eighth Grade FIELD TRIP to Oaks Park (9:30AM-1:30PM)
  
• Wed, JUN 12th: Eighth Grade FIELD TRIP to University of Oregon (9:30AM-5:00PM)
• Thu, JUN 13th: Eighth Grade Promotion practice (9:30AM-11:30AM at WSMS)
• Thu, JUN 13th: *Chromebook/charger collection from all 7th Graders
• Thu, JUN 13th: Eighth Grade Promotion CEREMONY (evening at Lincoln HS)

All items still remaining in the Lost and Found by Wednesday, June 12th, will be donated during our Day of Service with the 6th Grade. We will do some announcements and reminders for students to check the area for missing belongings.

While our Eighth Graders are off campus on Wednesday, June 12th, for their college visit to University of Oregon, the Sixth Graders will engage in a day of service, community building, and reflection. Thank you to the sixth grade family members who have volunteered to be part of the fun that day! Dr. Graham has created a comprehensive day of activities for all Sixth Graders so that all may join in the activities and service together for our school community.

For any students who pre-ordered a yearbook, we will be distributing them during each grade's lunch period on Thursday, June 13th. If your student will be leaving town and needs to pick up their yearbook prior to this date, please email westsylvanoffice@pps.net. Students who qualify for Free & Reduced lunch will receive a free yearbook, and should connect with their School Counselor for that item. We will also have “signature books” available, so that anyone who did not order a yearbook will still be able to collect goodbye notes from classmates during the final days of school as a memory.

Our building will, once again, be a closed construction site all summer for the second half of a needed roof replacement. The building will be closed to all community members and students from June 17th until we are cleared to let people in again.

Next year, we are shifting to having Chromebooks kept in the school building due to so many lost, damaged, and broken Chromebooks over the last several years. We will have a system for checking out a Chromebook if one is needed to take home for certain items, and they will remain in our school classrooms. For this reason, all students, regardless of grade, will be expected to return their Chromebooks and chargers prior to summer break. Because none of our WSMS students are being offered summer school through PPS, there is no need for Chromebooks at home over summer. There may be an assessed fee for any missing Chromebooks or chargers. The dates for return are below:

6th grade: Friday, June 7th

7th grade: Thursday, June 13th

8th grade: Monday, June 10th

The Multnomah County Health Centers serve all K-12 Multnomah County youth ages 5 to 18, with or without insurance. There are no out-of-pocket costs for our services. We welcome all colors, all genders, all sizes, and all cultures regardless of immigration status. All other Multnomah County student health centers will be closed. Call for an appointment.

Summer can lead to unstructured time for young people, and if you find them needing supports, we wanted to leave these mental health resources in our communication again this week. As staff will not be working after June 14th, we want you to have additional resources for support, should a crisis arise.

As we observe Mental Health Awareness Month, it's essential to recognize the significance of prioritizing our children's emotional well-being, particularly during the pivotal Middle School years. Adolescence can be a challenging time, but with the right support and resources, we can empower our children to navigate their mental health journey with resilience and strength.

In Oregon, numerous resources are available to assist families in promoting mental wellness for their Middle School-aged children. Here are some valuable resources to consider:

1. School Counseling Services:
   Middle schools in Oregon typically offer counseling services staffed by trained professionals who can provide individualized support to students dealing with academic stress, social challenges, and mental health concerns. Encourage your child to utilize these resources if they need someone to talk to or if they're facing difficulties at school. At WSMS we have continued to prioritize funding for three full-time School Counselors for our students. Our Counselors do not work during summer, so please refer to other resources below for support during non-school periods.
   
   
2. The YouthLine (https://www.theyouthline.org/):
   The YouthLine is a peer-to-peer crisis line that provides support and assistance to youth facing various challenges, including mental health issues, bullying, family problems, and more. Staffed by trained teen volunteers who undergo extensive training, The YouthLine offers a safe and confidential space for adolescents to seek guidance and support from their peers.
   The YouthLine is a peer-to-peer crisis line that provides support and assistance to youth facing various challenges, including mental health issues, bullying, family problems, and more. Staffed by trained teen volunteers who undergo extensive training, The YouthLine offers a safe and confidential space for adolescents to seek guidance and support from their peers.
   
   
3. 988 Crisis Hotline:
   By dialing 988, individuals in crisis or in need of support can connect with trained professionals who can offer immediate assistance and guidance. This vital resource will make accessing mental health support more accessible and efficient for Oregon families.
   
   
4. Online Resources:
   Websites such as TeenMentalHealth.org and ReachOut.com offer valuable information, tips, and support for adolescents navigating mental health challenges. These online platforms provide a safe space for youth to access resources, connect with peers, and find encouragement and guidance from trained professionals.

Prioritizing mental health awareness and access to support services is crucial for the well-being of our children. By utilizing the resources available in our community and fostering open conversations about mental health, we can create a supportive environment where our middle school-aged children feel empowered to prioritize their emotional wellness.

Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Let's work together to ensure that our children have the support they need to thrive emotionally and academically.

** Prioritizing Self-Care: Finding Balance in Middle School **

Dear West Sylvan Middle School Parents,

Navigating the complexities of Middle School can be both exhilarating and challenging for our children. As they juggle academic responsibilities, extracurricular activities, and social engagements, it's crucial to emphasize the importance of student self-care and life balance.

Middle School is not just about excelling academically; it's also about developing healthy habits and learning to prioritize one's well-being. Encouraging our children to practice self-care and find balance in their lives sets the foundation for long-term success and happiness.

Here are a few tips to help your middle school-aged child prioritize self-care and achieve life balance:

1. Establish Routines:
   Encourage your child to establish daily routines that include time for homework, physical activity, relaxation, and socializing. Consistent routines provide structure and stability, reducing stress and promoting overall well-being.
   
   
2. Encourage Hobbies and Interests:
   Encourage your child to pursue hobbies and interests outside of academics. Whether it's playing a musical instrument, participating in sports, or engaging in creative activities, hobbies provide opportunities for relaxation and personal fulfillment.
   
   
3. Promote Healthy Habits:
   Emphasize the importance of healthy habits, including regular exercise, nutritious eating, and adequate sleep. Physical health is closely linked to mental well-being, and establishing healthy habits early in life sets the stage for a lifetime of wellness.
   
   
4. Limit Screen Time:
   Set limits on screen time and encourage your child to engage in activities that promote mental stimulation and social interaction. Encourage reading, outdoor play, and spending quality time with family and friends. WSMS has a “cell phones away and out of sight throughout the school day” policy to help with this work.
   
   
5. Foster Open Communication:
   Maintain open lines of communication with your child and encourage them to express their thoughts, feelings, and concerns. Create a supportive environment where your child feels comfortable discussing any challenges they may be facing.

By prioritizing self-care and life balance, we empower our children to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Let's work together to support our middle school-aged children in finding harmony in their lives and prioritizing their well-being.

In Community,

WSMS School Counselors

For the start of next school year, the first calendar day of the year, August 27th, will be just for 6th Graders to have a "Jump Start" and get a day on campus without the entire student body. All 7th and 8th grade students will begin their school year on August 28th. Students who serve as Packleaders will be invited to help welcome the 6th grade students on August 27th.

We are still finalizing some bell schedule items. We know this may take some adjustment and planning, and the District calendar is linked here for pre-planning. Advisory time will be linked to an existing teacher’s class, adding some time to that period mid-day. We will be reducing to two lunch periods, rather than three periods. 7th and 8th graders will be in a combined lunch period, eating and playing at the same time for their recess. As our school population shrinks, we believe that combining two grades’ lunches makes the most sense for our 8th graders to eat earlier in the day (currently they don’t eat until 1:25PM), and for added staff supervision to the lunch periods. We welcome any questions or feedback specific to these changes at westsylvanoffice@pps.net. The start and end times of each day, along with all calendared planning days for teachers (staff meetings and early release days) are dictated by the PAT contract, and are not within our school site purview to change.

Our 8th Graders have some final activities next week for those who have exhibited that they can follow school rules and can enjoy these opportunities safely without impacting the experience of others. Mr. Keller has informed anyone who is unable to take part in the events below.

• Friday, June 7th:
  8th Grade Pack Party
  Final dance for the 8th Graders together at WSMS *hosted by The Friends of West Sylvan
  
  

• Tuesday, June 11th:
  8th Grade Field Trip to Oaks Amusement Park
  Buses take students for a day at Oaks Park, lunch is served there, and we return to the school in the afternoon.
  
  

• Wednesday, June 12th:
  Class field trip to University of Oregon
  Day trip returning by 6:00PM
  *This trip is sponsored by the Middle School Redesign team, which has created a culminating University visit for all 8th Graders in PPS this school year to support the District vision of connecting students to college and career opportunities. You can find out more about the Middle School Redesign efforts here.

  
  

• Thursday, June 13th:
  8th Grade Promotion Ceremonies
  At Lincoln High School starting at 6:00PM in their Gym. Families have an unlimited number of guests, as we will pull out both sides of the bleachers for the event.
  
  

• Friday, June 14th:
  Last day of Middle School!
  If 8th Graders choose to take this day off to rest after their Promotion, please excuse their absence as a mental health day by emailing westsylvanoffice@pps.net or log the absence in ParentVue.

As the temperatures warm up, the link to the PPS dress code is here. Please help your students make choices that meet these PPS requirements.

With the goal of improving the mental health of West Sylvan students, two brilliant minds from our West Sylvan 8th grade are on a mission to create a tranquil haven, a Calming Room, as part of their MYP project. But they can't do it alone! We need your generous support to bring their vision to life. Click on the Amazon Wish List link to contribute, and don't hesitate to reach out to Mr. Almeida (ralmeida@pps.net) if you have any questions or ideas. Let's make this project a reality together!

We work independently and cooperatively to explore new ideas and innovative strategies. We develop innovative strategies. We are resourceful and resilient in the face of challenges, change, and uncertainty. We take risks by TRYING new things, FAILING again and again, and LEARNING new tools for success through our failures.

Throughout the year, we have still had patterns of late buses to/from WSMS. If you need to contact Transportation in the afternoon because a route is taking longer than expected, please call this hotline to get real-time status on your child’s bus route:

FRIENDS OF WEST SYLVAN is parent/family organization that supports Scholars and Staff and fosters community connection through fundraising and volunteer opportunities. Join the mailing list and stay connected with other families!

Click on the image above to register for the Lincoln Culinary Summer Teen Camp

We have a really exciting camp coming up at Providence Park lead by Diego Chara and Eryk Williamson of the Portland Timbers. All participants will receive a custom t-shirt, trading card, and a ticket to a Timbers or Thorns match.

Use this code for a $15 off coupon that you can use for the camp: 914463

Counselors are best reached and contacted via email. Next year, School Counselors move with their grade level, and Ms. Kandice Abney receives the new 6th Graders!

Interested in Volunteering and Being More Involved?

Become an approved PPS volunteer by following the information here. Once your application is approved, please contact the Main Office to see how and when you can be of service. Our Friends of West Sylvan organization also regularly shares ways to get involved on campus, specifically to volunteer in the Library, monitor hallways, help in the Main Office, help in classrooms, and do recess duty.

WSMS is a NO cell phone zone from 9:00 AM - 3:45 PM daily. We request and advise all families to keep scholars’ cell phones at home during the school day. If a scholar brings a cell phone to school, they will be expected to store their turned-off phone in their locker throughout the entire school day (including lunch periods). Important messages can be sent to our main office via email (westsylvanoffice@pps.net) or phone, and will be forwarded to your scholars. Please do not call or text your student. If your scholar chooses to use their cell phone, smart watch, air pods, tablet, et al, the device will be confiscated. If your scholar uses their device to check a text from and/or answer the phone from you, their phone will be confiscated.

MAIN OFFICE

westsylvanoffice@pps.net

(503) 916-5690

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT/ PRINCIPAL'S SECRETARY

[Staff / Substitutes / Financial]

Jerda Solonche

jsolonche@pps.net

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT/ SCHOOL SECRETARY

[Students / Attendance / Enrollment]

Kirsten Crombie

kcrombie@pps.net

Website: www.pps.net/westsylvan
Location: 8111 Southwest West Slope Drive, Portland, OR, USA