PTS Rising Report

News and happenings from across Phoenix-Talent SD

OCTOBER 6, 2023

A message from Superintendent Brent Barry

Dear PTS families,

When I was at parent orientation for my daughter’s first year of college, the staff recommended that we send a care package in early October. There’s a reason why they targeted the time period that we’re in right now: that initial excitement of the new school year had worn off, the weather had turned cold, and the sun was setting early. Well, early October is here and while it may be the most beautiful time of the year in the valley it can also be a challenging month for our students and families, so please take care of yourself and don’t hesitate to reach out to your teacher or your school’s community care specialist if you could use a little help.

As you know, each of our schools held a back-to-school family event recently and our principals raved about those events while addressing the school board during last night’s board meeting. I am happy to report that attendance at the back-to-school family events was excellent – even the rainy get-together at Phoenix Elementary was well attended – and teachers were able to touch base with families and even pass along some tips for helping their students with schoolwork at home.

Speaking of attendance, it was wonderful to hear Orchard Hill Elementary principal Kent Vallier share that OES has seen a 90% attendance rate or better every day but one this school year. Attendance continues to be a focus for us as we strive to help our students reclaim the ground that was lost during our Covid-Almeda fire double whammy, and on that front, you are coming through with flying colors, PTS. Last spring, we set a goal of having a 75% regular attender rate. Currently, we are sitting at 77% district-wide, including 83% at our elementary schools. Great job, families! But I think we can do better and that will be the goal going forward because it is so important. As author Robert Collier once said, “Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day-in and day-out.”

That’s all I have for you today. Please check out our social media pages and our YouTube channel to get an inside look at some of the amazing things happening in our schools. And don’t forget that the Pirate Country Parade (October 25, 5:30 p.m.) is right around the corner and is a great opportunity to reconnect with your school family, have fun and support the Phoenix High homecoming court.

Let’s have a great month, PTS, and try to get out and enjoy this beautiful fall weather while it lasts.

Brent Barry, Superintendent

A float goes by during the Pirate Country Parade.

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Pirate Country Parade coming soon

It is time to start preparing for the 7th-annual Pirate Country Parade, the community event celebrating Phoenix High School's homecoming week. If you are part of a business or organization that calls Phoenix or Talent home, please consider taking part in this spectacular parade.

Please see below for details:

What: A short, sweet parade that gives the PTS community a chance to celebrate Phoenix High School during homecoming week.
History: The Pirate Country Parade was launched in 2015. There was a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19 in 2020 and 2021, which is why this is the 7th-annual PCP instead of the ninth.
Where: The parade loop begins near the corner of N. Rose Street and W. 1st Street, turns left down W. 1st Street, left down N. Main St., left on 6th Street, right on N. Church Street, then left on W. Bolz Road and back to Phoenix High School.
When: October 25, 2023 beginning at 5:30 p.m.
To participate: Those who would like to be a part of this community event must fill out a PCP entry form. Click here to view a printable entry form, which can be emailed to parade organizer Breeze Chapman at breeze.chapman@phoenix.k12.or.us or dropped off to Sarah Spence with Phoenix Public Works at 220 N. Main St., in Phoenix. Sarah Spence can also be contacted by calling 541-535-2226.
Contact: For more information, please contact Breeze Chapman at breeze.chapman@phoenix.k12.or.us.

Students draw chalk lines on the concrete.

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Construction/math collaboration

Worlds collided at Phoenix High school recently as construction science teacher David Ford and geometry teacher Nathan Smith swapped students to offer them a new perspective on their subject.

Click on the picture (or click here) to watch the video that showcases geometry students putting their math skills to the test in a new way.

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Abacus project at TMS

Seventh-grade math students at Talent Middle School were tasked with building an abacus before learning how to put them to work. Did you know that an abacus can handle very complicated math problems?

Click on the picture (or click here) to watch how the students did it. The video includes an interview with students.

Phoenix High School opens new full-service medical clinic with mental health component

A few years ago, the Phoenix-Talent School District asked students and families how they wanted to spend grant money made possible by Oregon's 2019 Student Success Act.

rv-times.com

Back To School Series Part One: Phoenix Talent - KOBI-TV NBC5 / KOTI-TV NBC2

In part one of our back-to-school series, we caught up with the principal of Phoenix Elementary School who's entering her 19th year as an educator in the Rogue Valley.

kobi5.com

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Top 5 #EveryDayMatters tips

These guidelines can help you make sure your student arrives to school on time every day:

1. ROUTINE, ROUTINE, ROUTINE: Establish a consistent daily routine with set wake-up and departure times. If you know that your child is going to be late or can't attend, call your school to let them know. We really appreciate it.

2. NIGHT BEFORE PREP: Prepare for the school day the night before by packing bags and laying out clothes. This may afford your child a precious few extra minutes of sleep and help you avoid those last-minute "where's your backpack" moments.

3. SET THE TONE: Communicate the importance of regular attendance and punctuality to your child. Make sure they understand that showing up on time consistently is a skill that will help them long after they graduate from Phoenix High School.

4. KNOW WHAT'S UP: Monitor your child's attendance and address any patterns of absenteeism with your school. We send out notifications because we want you to know when your child isn't making it to school. Attendance is one of the most important factors that determine student success and if we work together, we can check that box with your child.

5. REWARD SYSTEM: Consider implementing a reward system to celebrate good attendance and incentivize no-tardy streaks.