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The Owl Post
February 10, 2024
Dear Vernon Community,
We are currently in the midst of Black History Month, a period dedicated to honoring the rich history and invaluable contributions of African Americans. Originally established as a week-long observance in February from 1926 to 1976, it evolved into a month-long celebration. Dr. Carter G. Woodson, a distinguished African American scholar, researcher, professor, author, and college dean, spearheaded this initiative. As the second African American to earn a Ph.D. from Harvard University, Dr. Woodson founded this recognition week to ensure that the profound history and contributions of African Americans are shared widely, highlighting the narratives of Africans past and present.
At Vernon, we view Black History as more than just a month-long focal point. It is essential that all our students gain exposure to and comprehension of the comprehensive African American experience. This commitment permeates across all grade levels in various educational approaches. Ultimately, our aim is to make the educational journey relevant and inclusive for our African American students and families. Furthermore, we aspire that by exposing all our students to the rich traditions and history of African Americans, we can combat harmful stereotypes and prejudices within our community and beyond.
We invite you to join us in commemorating Black History Month on February 22nd at 5:00 PM in the MPR.
As we approach the staffing season, it is imperative that we, as a staff and community, design and implement a program that best serves the needs of Vernon students. To this end, I have included a link to a survey to gather input from families regarding their preferences for the upcoming academic year. While we are constrained by staffing levels in many aspects, understanding the sentiments of our community is crucial as we formulate the staffing plan for the 2024-2025 school year. Thank you in advance for your valuable input.
Warm regards,
Ben Keefer
Principal
Upcoming Events
Vernon Celebration of Black Excellence
First Family Garden Work Party of 2024
Saturday, February 17th from 10-noon
Come out and help get the garden ready for spring to arrive! A crew of us will be out there prepping garden beds, cutting back the grapevines, and other tasks as assigned by Ms. Jane.
Kid Friendly - We'll have some snacks and some kid-friendly activities as well. Bring your gloves! If anyone has a truck and is willing to help us remove some debris from the space, please contact nell.tessman@gmail.com or vernonschoolgarden@gmail.com.
Quarter 2 Specials Newsletter
Local Food Pantry Times & Locations
District News - Vaccine Clinics
To avoid long lines, we are trying to help families get immunizations now rather than wait until closer to Feb 21 (School Exclusion Day).
- If your child is missing vaccines, it's time to catch up!
Vaccines keep your child healthy and protected from serious diseases. They are required by law for all children in schools, preschools and child care facilities. Parents will be sent a letter if their child’s vaccination records are incomplete. To avoid missing school or child care, get your child up to date on their vaccinations as soon as possible. Make a vaccine appointment now, as there may be a long wait.
- Si a su hijo le faltan vacunas, ¡es el momento de ponerse al día!
Las vacunas mantienen a su hijo saludable y protegido de las enfermedades graves. La ley exige que los niños que asistan a la escuela, al preescolar y a la guardería tengan las vacunas al día. Los padres recibirán una carta si los registros de vacunas de sus hijos están incompletos. Para evitar perder días de escuela o guardería, póngase al día con las vacunas de su hijo lo antes posible. Programe una cita para las vacunas ahora, puede haber una espera larga.
Link to more information: https://www.multco.us/school/student-health-centers-locations-and-hours
Give Feedback on PPS 2024-25 School Calendar
At the January 9th school board meeting, the proposed draft 2024-2025 school year calendar was presented. Our new contract with the Portland Association of Teachers led to several shifts between this year's calendar and next year's calendar. We wanted to make you aware of that and share the proposed calendar. If you have questions or comments regarding our proposed calendar, we invite you to share them with PPS Leadership by visiting https://www.pps.net/contact
Link to DRAFT Calendar below.
School Office Hours
7:30am – 4:30pm
(503) 916-6415
attendance email - vernonattendance@pps.net
Bell Schedule for 2023-2024
8:38am – MYP (6th-8th) First Bell
8:45am – MYP (6th-8th) Classes Begin
8:53am – PYP (K-5th) First Bell
9:00am – PYP (K-5th) Classes Begin
*Breakfast is available for all Vernon students in the cafe from 8:25-8:55am.
3:15pm – PYP & MYP (K-8th) Dismissal