Principal's Newsletter May 2, 2010

This is, outside of the first weeks of school, unquestionably the most exciting time of year. It is a time when cross-curricular studies come to a head, when field studies trips embark, and when the principal runs all over Western Oregon trying desperately to be a part of the activity. To boot, this year, we are engaged in a superintendent search and finalizing plans for the opening of the new school.

I've written before that, in my opinion, field studies are the best thing we do do here. And I will repeat it once more now. Seeing children learning outside of the classroom is so enjoyable, perhaps because we know just how much of our own learning has happened outside of the four walls. I am going to try to document the filed study experience this Spring by asking students to use digital cameras -- live and still -- to illustrate the power of the experience.

Elsewhere, so as not to bore those of you not interested in reading a treatise on mathematical instruction and placement options, I've posted a lengthy update on our practice in this regard. Our whole focus these last two years has been to make math placement options more transparent and intentional. We're getting there. A condensed version will land on our website shortly.

We have another incredible student to honor. Isabel Klein is one of five middle school students in the Portland area to receive a prestigious youth award from the Multnomah Athletic Club. The honor is called the Al Tauscher Award. It recognizes Junior MAC members who are good students, leaders, and participate in a wide range of activities at the club, their schools and the community.

On Wednesday we are renaming a popular pseudo-holiday for this year's Principal for the Day. Please help me in celebrating CINCO DE ISABEL (Pereira) on 5/5/2010!

Upcoming events:

Monday

6:00 PM Budget Committee Meeting, HS Library

Tuesday
All day event Progress Reports Mailed Today

Wednesday
9:00 AM GS PTC Executive Mtg, GS Principal's Office
10:20 AM - 12:40 PM GS - 3rd & 4th FT - Newmark Theatre

Thursday
All day event Regular Day for K-8
9:30 AM GS - 4th Gr. FT - Nate Creek Camp

Friday

All day event GS - 4th Gr. FT - Nate Creek Camp
All day event Regular Day for K-8
All day event Superintendent Finalists in-district today
9:30 AM - 2:00 PM GS - 8th Gr FT - Multnomah County Courthouse
8:50 AM - 9:50 AM GS - Evans 2nd Gr.- Amazing Whales Presentation - Gym
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM GS - Sternberg 2nd Gr - Amazing Whales Presentation - Gym
4:00 PM - 7:00 PM Executive Board Meetings, Superintendent's Conference Rm
6:00 PM - 8:30 PM GS Zimbabwean Art Opening at Olympic Mills, 107 SE Washington St