Dragon News
Findley Elementary School
December 17, 2021
Message from the Principal
Greetings Findley Community,
Thank you so much for your generosity this month. We were able to provide several families in our community with gifts this holiday. In addition, we donated several items to local charities (see specifics below). What a gift it is to work in community that is so giving.
When we return from break (Jan. 3) there will be several updates to our district quarantine protocols. Please familiarize with these, so you know which program your child might qualify for, and any associated documentation you might need to provide. New protocols are embedded in this newsletter below.
I wish you all a restful, safe and rejuvenating two weeks! We will see back here on 2022!
Happy Holidays~
Sherry Marsh, Ed.D
Principal
Giving Tree Information
Thank you to everyone that helped provide a good holiday for our adopted families. We were able to provide over 12 large bags of gifts and cards to our families needing assistance!
Findley is Amazing
The results are in and here are the totals for the Annual Sock, Underwear and Food Drive:
**336 new underwear and 374 pairs of new socks** were donated to Clothes for Kids! (This was formerly Beaverton Clothes Closet.)
**Over 500 canned and boxed foods** were donated to local Oregon Food Bank affiliated food pantries!
Your donations are very appreciated by the organizations and families that received them.
From your PTO Board, thank you and have a wonderful holiday season! See you next year!
Winter Reading Challenge
Findley - Winter Reading Challenge
STUDENT FACT SHEET
THE CHALLENGE: The “Reading” challenge directly links the learning we do in classrooms about being empowered to make a difference in our world! Findley students and the PTO will partner with Oregon Food Bank and the Cedar Mill Library to help people in Oregon
Findley PTO pledged to donate $1500.00 if Findley students read a total of 5,000 hours. A donation will be made to the Oregon Food Bank..
When: December 13, 2021 to January 16, 2022. The challenge is broken into 3 parts. Records are due December 17, January 3 and January 14. All records due on January 14th.
Parents what can you do to support this reading challenge:
Students should record their time in the google form on the dates listed above. All Grades - https://forms.gle/62b81g7RRopGbt3V7
The class with the highest minutes will get an extra recess and cupcakes.
Parents and siblings can also participate by recording hours spent reading here: https://library.cedarmill.org/services/reading-challenges/
School wide Goal 5,000 hours!
Quarantine Updates for 2022
For vaccinated students
Your student DOES NOT need to quarantine if exposed to someone with a positive COVID-19 case IF:
- Your student is two weeks past receiving the second dose of either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine,
- AND the vaccination record has been uploaded as part of the online verification process,
- AND the student is not experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms.
To upload your student’s vaccination information, follow these instructions.
TEST-TO-STAY PROGRAM
For unvaccinated students who are exposed to a positive COVID-19 case DURING SCHOOL DAY/ON SCHOOL BUS
If you receive notification from your school that your unvaccinated student has been exposed to someone with a positive COVID-19 case either DURING THE SCHOOL DAY or ON THE SCHOOL BUS, your student can continue to come to school, IF the student adheres to the rules of the new Test-to-Stay Program:
- Your student must have a testing consent form on file to be able to participate in the Test-to-Stay Program. If you haven’t already, complete this form and turn it into your school.
- The program requires two tests: one test as soon as the exposure is identified and one test between days 5-7 of the exposure. Both tests must be done at school.
- Initial Diagnostic Test
- If the exposure is identified while the student is on campus, the exposed student will immediately receive a free BinaxNOW diagnostic test at school.
- If the exposure is identified while the student is at home, the school will arrange a time for a parent/guardian to bring the student to school to receive a free BinaxNOW diagnostic test.
- If the initial diagnostic test is negative for COVID-19, the student can continue to attend school in person. If the initial diagnostic test is positive for COVID-19, the student will need to isolate at home.
- Second Diagnostic Test
- The student will receive a free follow-up diagnostic test at school between days 5-7 of the exposure.
- If the second diagnostic test is negative for COVID-19, the student can continue to attend school in person. If the second diagnostic test is positive for COVID-19, the student will need to isolate at home.
- Students in the Test-to-Stay Program may participate in school-related extracurricular activities during the modified quarantine period but must wear masks at all times during these activities —whether inside or outside.
- Students in the Test-to-Stay Program are expected to maintain a quarantine outside of school and extracurricular settings. In other words, students should not be participating in non-school sports activities, attending birthday parties, etc.
- Students who refuse to consistently wear masks or are unable to wear masks because of a mask accommodation are not eligible for the Test-to-Stay Program. (Students who take off their masks to eat during lunch are still eligible.)
- Students whose COVID-19 exposure occurred at school but outside of the school day (e.g. school sports practices, after-school extracurricular activities) are not eligible for the Test-to-Stay Program; however, they are eligible for the Test-to-Shorten-Quarantine Program (see below).
If an unvaccinated student with an exposure that occurred during the school day or on the school bus chooses NOT to participate in the Test-to-Stay Program, the normal guidelines for a quarantine apply. Alternatively, the student may participate in the Test-to-Shorten-Quarantine Program (see below).
TEST-TO-SHORTEN-QUARANTINE PROGRAM
For unvaccinated students who are exposed to a positive COVID-19 case OUTSIDE OF SCHOOL DAY or do not participate in the Test-to-Stay Program
If your unvaccinated student has been exposed to someone with a positive COVID-19 case OUTSIDE OF THE SCHOOL DAY (e.g. school sports practice, after-school extracurricular activity, community event, own household), your student can receive a shorter quarantine by participating in our Test-to-Shorten-Quarantine Program. IF they adhere to the following rules, the quarantine period can be shortened from 10 days to 7 days:
- The student remains asymptomatic during days 1 through 7,
- AND the student tests negative for COVID-19 on either day 5, 6 or 7 of the quarantine.
- Students may obtain free COVID-19 tests at the Beaverton School District Central Office, 16550 SW Merlo Rd., Beaverton. Families need to call (503) 356-4519 to schedule an appointment Monday-Friday from 8:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m. on days when the district is open. Consent is required. A parent/guardian will be responsible for transporting the student to the testing site, remaining with the student in the car and taking the student home following the test. The test requires a shallow nasal swab, which must be independently self-administered by the student under observation. A school nurse will notify you of the results.
- A student participating in the weekly OHSU COVID-19 screening test (salvia collection) can provide a negative test result to the school prior to returning on day 8.
- A student can take a COVID-19 test outside of the district and provide proof of a negative result to the school prior to returning on day 8.
- If the student remains asymptomatic and has a negative COVID-19 test on day 5, 6 or 7 of the quarantine, the student may return to school on day 8 after exposure and not before.
If a negative test is not provided, students will continue to quarantine for 10 days and return on day 11.
TEST-TO-RETURN PROGRAM
For vaccinated or unvaccinated students who are experiencing primary COVID-19 symptoms
If your student has tested positive for COVID-19, the student must isolate at home for the required 10 days.
If your student — regardless of vaccination status — is experiencing primary COVID-19 symptoms, your student may return to school sooner than 10 days IF:
- A parent/guardian provides the school with documentation of a negative COVID-19 test as long as your student has not had close contact with someone with a confirmed or presumptive case of COVID-19. The student may return to school after 24 hours fever-free (without the use of medication) and all symptoms are improving.
- Students may obtain free COVID-19 tests at the Beaverton School District Central Office, 16550 SW Merlo Rd., Beaverton. Families need to call (503) 356-4519 to schedule an appointment Monday-Friday from 8:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m. on days when the district is open. Consent is required. A parent/guardian will be responsible for transporting the student to the testing site, remaining with the student in the car and taking the student home following the test. The test requires a shallow nasal swab, which must be independently self-administered by the student under observation. A school nurse will notify you of the results.
OR
- A parent/guardian provides the school with documentation from a licensed, diagnosing health care provider who determined that your student had another clear non-respiratory source of symptoms. The student may return to school after 24 hours fever-free (without the use of medication) and all symptoms are improving.
We understand that this is a lot of information to digest. If you have questions, feel free to reach out to your school principal or school nurse. Thank you for your cooperation and flexibility as we continue to navigate this pandemic.
OSAS 30-Day Opt-Out Notice
Families of students in grades 3-8 and 11 were notified yesterday via ParentSquare of the Oregon State Assessment Opt-Out Process and Form.
Here is the message to families:
30-Day Notice and Opt-Out Information for the Oregon Statewide Assessment System (OSAS)
In 2010, Oregon adopted enhanced K-12 standards in English Language Arts and Math to ensure all students move from grade to grade with the academic knowledge and skills necessary for success beyond high school. The state tests challenge students to think critically, going beyond multiple choice and asking them to explain their answers. These tests provide a snapshot of your student’s progress and help us identify schools that need additional supports to ensure more students meet the higher standards.
If you do NOT want your student to take the English Language Arts or Math assessment test, please complete the opt-out form at the bottom of this page. Please submit this form to your student’s school by January 3 (for students in Grades 9-12) or February 4 (for students in Grades 3-8). This form is only valid for the 2021-22 school year.
Here is the link to the 2021-22 OSAS Quick Facts included in this week’s T&L Tuesday for Administrators.
The term “opt-out” refers to the legislatively created process that applies specifically to the ELA and Math state assessments. Parents may opt out of state Math and ELA testing by submitting the state-created opt-out form. For all other state assessments, OAR 581-021-0009: Exemptions allows parents to request that their student be exempted from testing based on disability or religion. Unlike the opt-out process for Math and ELA, parent requests for exemption for all other state tests must:
· Be submitted in writing (there is no standardized form)
· Include the reason for request (disability or religion)
· Propose an alternative learning activity for the student
A school administrator reviews and approves the exemption request.
OBOB Update
The Practice Questions are available…go to Findley’s webpage > Academics > OBOB > Practice Questions, you must then click on the link. The questions have been divided into 3 categories; the “In Which Book”, are randomly selected from all `16 books. The “Content” questions which are also randomly selected from all 16 books. The last category has all 16 titles listed, your student can go into each book and study the content questions for that book; these will be good study guides for the individual books.
I will be hosting a parent meeting to explain the OBOB program and answer any questions you may have. I plan to conduct two meetings on Friday, January 7th one @ drop off time, 8:30am and one before pick up time @ 2pm. The meeting will be held in the Meeting room across from the office. I will have you enter and exit that outside door. There will be a sign up sheet inside, you must be masked at all times, and you will not be allowed into the body of the school.
Volunteer opportunities are available; if you are interested please complete the background check and all the District/Covid requirements. Early in January, approximately 4-5 parents are needed to pass out the OBOB T-shirts and take team photos. This will happen during the grade level lunches 11:30 -12:50. Battle Moderators will be needed beginning Monday January 24th. We need approximately 6 volunteers a day, the battles will run through the grade level lunch recesses 11:30am - 1:10pm. You may sign up for all three grade levels or singular battle whatever fits your schedule. I will have a meeting for moderators prior to the start of battles. Or if you prefer you may come observe a battle first and then moderate the next battle. The training is pretty simple and we are all learning during the preliminary rounds.
Unfortunately, due to covid, we will not allow spectators this year during the battles.
Encourage your student to keep reading the books over the break!! I hope to see you at one of the parent meetings on Friday, January 7th. I look forward to another fun-filled energized year of friendly competition!!! Remember OBOB’s three rules are:
READ
HAVE FUN
GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP
Please contact me with any questions or concerns you may have regarding the OBOB program. Mrs. Vennes
OBOB UPDATE
Parents, it is with great disappointment that I share the following announcement with you. I will explain this to the students after the break. There will be no State Competition this year and Regionals will be conducted virtually. I will share the information as I receive it. Please contact me if you have any questions regarding this announcement or the OBOB program. rita_vennes@beaverton.k12.or.us
Volunteering
You must be cleared and have a valid COVID Vaccine card on file in order to be in the classroom with students.
Here is the link in order to complete the background check.
Updating student vaccine records
To input your vaccination dates and upload your student’s card with both doses recorded, login to ParentVUE. Select “Family Updates and New Student Enrollment” in the upper right hand corner. You’ll then select “2021-2022 Vaccination Card Upload” from the dropdown menu in the blue box at the bottom of the screen.
Thank you for doing your part to keep your child and our community safe.
Findley PTO
Findley PTO: Supporting our students by connecting parents, staff, and the community!
Visit our website at www.findleypto.com or email president@findleypto.com.
Calling Findley Dads!
Exciting Art Literacy News
Starting in January, we have permission to bring traditional Art Lit presentations and projects back into the classroom!
In order to get back to bringing creative-thinking and fun art-making projects to every Findley classroom, we need to first gather volunteers.
Please consider signing up to join us in this rewarding and rare volunteer opportunity! Link to sign up: https://sites.google.com/site/artlitfindley/sign-up-to-volunteer
NEW THIS YEAR:
● All volunteers will need to have a vaccination card on file BSD before coming to volunteer. No exceptions.
● Masks will be worn at all times.
● Each classroom will have 2-3 volunteers maximum to follow social distancing guidelines.
● Monthly Art Lit Volunteer trainings (for Classroom Lead Volunteers only) will be divided into 2 seperate times to allow for social distancing.
Art Lit training Schedule:
● Thursday Jan. 13th
● Thursday Feb. 17
● Thursday April 7
● Thursday May 12
ABOUT ART LITERACY:
No art background is required and all materials are provided.
Volunteers for each classroom are needed in both LEAD and SUPPORT roles.
More information about Findley's Art Literacy program can be found on our website: https://sites.google.com/site/artlitfindley/home
Please email Christa Brask (Art Lit Coordinator) if you have any questions: artlitfindley@gmail.com
We are all very excited about getting Art Literacy back into the classroom and hope you can support us by joining our team of volunteers! :-)
Passport Club
Dear Findley Passport Club members,
We are so happy that students are joining the virtual Passport Club at Findley!
We are now moving our way into the November countries!
Here is a summary of the steps to get in on the fun with more detailed instructions below:
1. Download this month's maps (We are moving to November this month)
2. Visit this month's virtual classroom
3. Learn this month's maps
4. Take the quiz when you are ready
This is a whole new experience and we understand that there will be a lot of questions, learnings and changes as we navigate this new virtual Passport Club.
Please rest assured that we are dedicated to making this the best that we can under the circumstances and ask for your patience and understanding as we all go through this process together.
With that being said, let's have some fun and travel the world together!
In addition, here is a reminder in regards to Passport Club:
Passport Club is a volunteer-run geography enrichment program offered at Findley to 2nd – 5th grades. This is an optional program and is not mandatory.
· Please practice with your child for several minutes a day to help them get ready!
Grade Level Clarification: · 2nd-4th grade students have the option of 5 levels of study to choose from. However, students are encouraged to learn all the items in each level up to grade level.
Grades. Grade level.
2nd Grade. Level 1 and Level 2
3rd Grade. Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3
4th Grade. Level 1, Level 2, Level 3 and Level 4
5th Grade. Special Itineraries (SI) study maps
For example, a 2nd grade student would be asked to learn the following for the month of November:
- Level 1: Algeria, Mongolia, Canada, Panama, Turkey
- Level 2: Mali, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sweden, Uruguay
Sincerely,
Vothy Heang and Xiao Shi
Passport Club Leads
Step #1 Download this month's maps
Maps (password = findleypassport)
Step #2 Welcome to the virtual classroom
Step #3 Learn the Map for this month
There are lots of fun ways to learn each month's maps!
- Use Quizlet - Quizlet - November Passport Club Flashcards
- Color the maps - On the virtual classroom there is a password protected map that has suggestions on how to color each level's countries (password = HelloWorldDL)
- As always, the best way is to study with your parents
Step #4 Take the quiz
When you are ready, decide what level you want to test for this month. Here are the links:
Level 2 (Includes Level 1)
Level 3 (Includes Level 1 and Level 2)
Level 4 (Includes Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3)
Level 5 (Includes Level 1, Level 2, Level 3 and Level 4)
Special itineraries
Dear Findley Passport Club members,"
We are happy to present the next installment of the Virtual Passport Club Special Itineraries for Findley 5th graders!
We are continuing to create new virtual content from scratch and will release new material as it becomes available with time between releases.
Here is a summary of the steps to get in on the fun with more detailed instructions below:
1. Download this month's maps
2. Learn this month's maps
3. Take the quiz when you are ready
This is a whole new experience and we understand that there will be a lot of questions, learnings and changes as we navigate this new virtual Passport Club.
Please rest assured that we are dedicated to making this the best that we can under the circumstances and ask for your patience and understanding as we all go through this process together.
With that being said, let's have some fun and learn about the United States and their capitals!
In addition, here is a reminder in regards to Passport Club:
Passport Club is a volunteer-run geography enrichment program offered at Findley to 2nd – 5th grades. This is an optional program and is not mandatory.
- Please practice with your child for several minutes a day to help them get ready!
Grade Level Clarification:
- 5th grade students have the Special Itineraries program.
Grade - Grade level
5th Grade - Special Itineraries (SI) study maps
Sincerely,
Vothy Heang and Xiao Shi
Passport Club Leads
Step #1 Download this month's maps
Maps (password = findleypassport)
Step #2 Learn the Map for this month
There are lots of fun ways to learn each month's maps!
- As always, the best way is to study with your parents
Step #3 Take the quiz
When you are ready, take the quiz. Here is the link:
Community Resources
Bethany & Cedar Mill Library. -October Newsletter
Talking to Children about Scary Events
Coronavirus and Covid: A book for Children about the Pandemic
FREE E-Book "I Love you" A story about not being able to visit relatives during the pandemic
Extensive list of Children's Books related to the Pandemic
COVID-19 Free Washington County Counseling (+accepts undocumented folks)To request an appointment, email COVIDCounseling@co.washington.or.us or call Washington County Behavioral Health at 503-846-4528.
Student Health Center - Catherine Kately Williams is the new mental health provider. KateleyWilliamsC@nhcoregon.org It is easiest to reach her via email as she does not have a specific phone routed to her. Cat is available M-F 8-5 and will conduct sessions via zoom. She will serve a bridge gap, providing up to about 10 sessions before she moves students on to a long-term counselor if necessary. They are set up to take every major insurance plan including Kaiser for OHP kids. They will also have an intake person who can help families get the kids on OHP.
Upcoming Events
December
December 20 - 31 NO SCHOOL - Winter Break
January
3rd - RETURN TO SCHOOL FOR ALL STUDENTS
17th - MLK Day NO SCHOOL
25th - Vision Screening
February
4th - No School Grading Day
21st - No School - Presidents Day
22nd - No School Staff Development
24 - 3/4 Book Fair