Forest Park News

From Principal Lisa Newlyn

Fall in Technology is always a time of revisiting and revamping routines and this year we are mixing things up with the introduction of a new program, Freckle. For several years we have used the online program IXL for math and language arts supports. IXL had its strengths, but there were problems with it, too.  After some research and staff discussions, we opted to drop IXL and move to Freckle, an online program that offers a much more differentiated platform. 

For now our focus in Freckle is math, where students take pre-assessments aligned to Common Core Standards, and in turn Freckle has them working on the topic at their precise level, whether that is at their grade level, below it, or above it. Using Freckle students will get practice tailored to their needs, complete with video tutorials as they progress toward end of year standards and beyond. Classroom teachers get great feedback from student time on Freckle and can use it to influence lesson planning. 

Some classrooms will use Freckle as a part of their weekly math lessons, as a part of an intervention or extension plan, and even as homework. When they are ready, your student’s teacher will pass on a document with your student’s accound credentials and step-by-step directions. Please remember to bookmark our Forest Park Technology and TechSmart website at bit.ly/fpetech and visit bit.ly/fpefreckle for video tours of Freckle and troubleshooting tips. 

Cheers,

Beth Gardner

FPE Technology Teacher and TechSmart Coach
egardner@pps.net

Greetings Forest Park families!

Here are some updates from Ms. Lizzie. This and older counselor newsletters can also be found on the Forest Park Elementary Counseling Website.

Spirit Days

• Every Friday is Fox Friday! Wear your Forest Park gear, anything with foxes on it, or our school colors!

• Pajama Day on October 31, 2019

Classroom Guidance

Classroom guidance lessons have started in all grade levels. I am in the Kindergarten classrooms once a week for 30 minutes, and in all other classrooms every other week for 30 minutes. Below is the scope and sequence of lessons for this month: 

• Kindergarten - Mindful Moment, Introduction to School Counselor,  Introduction to the Zones of Regulation and Introduction to Kelso’s Choices

• 1st Grade - Mindful Moment, Reintroduction of School Counselor, and Refresh on Zones of Regulation

• 2nd Grade- Mindful Moment, Reintroduction of School Counselor, Lesson on Self-Control (includes use of the Zones of Regulation)

• 3rd Grade- Mindful Moment, Reintroduction of School Counselor, Lesson on Responsibility

• 4th Grade- Mindful Moment, Reintroduction of School Counselor, Lesson on Self- Management and community

• 5th Grade- Mindful Moment, Reintroduction of School Counselor, Lesson on Integrity

Small Groups

Small group counseling is a Tier 2 intervention available at Forest Park Elementary. Small groups are focused on providing students the opportunity to practice a lagging skill (problem solving, emotional regulation, social skills, etc.) in a small group setting. Lessons are designed around what it already being taught at the Tier 1 (whole class) level, but with more dedicated time from me and other students. Groups are typically made up of 3-4 students that meet once a week for 6-8 weeks. I am in the process of conferring with teachers about who they think could benefit from this kind of intervention.

 If you feel that your student could benefit and you would like them to be part of a small group, please complete this survey.I am happy to meet with students individually if a small group is not available.

National Bullying Awareness Month

October is National Bullying Awareness month so I thought I would share the link to the PPS Bullying/Harassment page for your reference. As stated on that page, “Sometimes people don’t get along. This is not always bullying. Bullying and harassment are behaviors that make someone feel intimidated or offended. Bullying and harassment are unfair, one-sided, repeated and one person may be using their power over another person”. My hope is that we can interrupt rude and mean behavior before it becomes a bullying situation. Student and family reporting is essential in that process and allows us to use restorative practices to help address the impact and required healing. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns in this area.

Upcoming Parent Training and Classes

• Collaborative Problem Solving Fall Parent Classes

  • OHSU   

    • For more information, visit:  www.ohsu.edu/cps or call: (503) 346-1490 or email: cps@ohsu.edu

  • Willamette Health & Wellness, Portland, OR

    • For more information, visit: www.willamettehealthandwellness.com

  • Restore Therapy, Portland, OR

    • Check on upcoming classes at www.restoretherapypdx.com

  • Oregon Family Support Network (OFSN)

    • To register for classes or get more information please contact OFSN at www.ofsn.org

• Swindells Resource Center of Providence Child Center supports parents and caregivers of children who have special needs, developmental delays or disabilities. They provide resources and many parenting class series. Click here for their Event Website.