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Conversations About Race Meeting - TONIGHT!
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Join our next Abernethy Conversations about Race meeting on Monday, 12/14 from 6:00-7:30, where we will discuss racial equity in PPS’s foundation fundraising system.
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In January, the PPS Board Policy Committee is scheduled to review the policies relating to foundation fundraising. We will be sharing and discussing the work of a group of PPS parent and teacher advocates who have analyzed the data on the distribution of PPS foundation funds through a racial equity lens. This data shows that even with nearly one-third of all contributions going to need-based grants, foundation fundraising in PPS has actually been perpetuating racial inequities in our district.
You can learn more prior to the meeting by visiting https://sites.google.com/view/reform-pps-funding for an informational video, data analysis, background, and frequently asked questions on this topic.
Parents/guardians have the opportunity to take responsibility for how they show up for public schools, and a first step is consider how our own contributions to school fundraising help preserve unjust systems. Together we can build a system that fully funds our schools in an equitable manner, so all PPS schools are allocated the staff they desperately need.
Reach out to aberaceinfo@gmail.com with questions!
Zoom meeting info:
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84393686721
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Covid-19 PPS Virtual Panel Discussion on December 14
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Dear PPS Families and Staff,
You are invited to visit the PPS YouTube channel Monday evening for Schools, COVID and Shared Understandings, a two-hour virtual panel discussion where the Board of Education and our larger community will hear from public health experts and district leadership on the district's planning and decision-making for school re-entry. The discussion will address questions including why we are in Comprehensive Distance Learning now and what it will take to get students back into classrooms. Our public health experts will also have the latest information about COVID vaccines.
Schools, COVID and Shared Understanding
Virtual Panel Discussion
Monday, December 14
6:00-8:00 p.m.
PPS YouTube channel
We hope you can tune in.
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Reminder that PPS buildings will be closed from 12/21 through 12/31 for winter break. Abernethy Classes will resume Monday 01/04/21.
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Immunization news from Nurse LeAnn!
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Please continue to send or bring in immunization records to your child’s school. Though many schools and districts are still providing distance learning, Oregon school law still mandates immunization compliance by February 17, 2021. Getting your child’s immunizations completed as soon as possible will help to ready them for in school instruction when we return to school buildings.
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If you need assistance in locating a health care provider or clinic site, please contact Nurse LeAnn. We know that many routine appointments were delayed during COVID restrictions; so, that is why exclusion letters were sent earlier this year to give parents time to schedule appointments.
"The American Academy of Pediatrics, and its 67,000 members, urges parents to make the decision to immunize... Vaccines are simply the best way to protect our children from these viruses and bacteria that can cause real and devastating harm." AAP message on immunizations
In addition, the flu vaccination is recommended, "to reduce the burden of respiratory illnesses and hospitalizations of children and youth and to prevent overwhelming the capacity of the US Healthcare system during the COVID-19 pandemic. "CDC on Flu & children
Check with your PCP if having symptoms of COVID-19 but here are some places you can get testing for COVID-19 in Multnomah County:
Multnomah County COVID-19 testing
Walgreens Testing
Zoom Care Testing
OSHU Testing info
AFC Urgent Care
Sincerely,
LeAnn Teixeira RN
Multnomah Education Service District(MESD) School Health Services
Serving: Abernethy, Sellwood MS, Llewellyn, Lewis, Winterhaven in PPS
lteixeir@mesd.k12.or.us
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Help Needed During the Holidays
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If you need assistance or want to donate please contact
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We are still accepting donations for our annual Abernethy tradition of giving. This effort supports families during the extended winter break and holidays. We know this has been a difficult year for many, and any amount you are able to give is appreciated.
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If you are interested in donating to this effort, please contact Jenny Morgan at jmorgan1@pps.net or 503-679-4799. She will provide you with a few different easy options to donate a gift card to Fred Meyer or Target. Thank you so much!
If you are a family who is needing help this winter, please email Jenny Morgan or text/call her at the above number.
--
Jenny Morgan
School Counselor
Abernethy Elementary
503-916-6190
Pronouns: she/her/hers
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Religious Expression and Holiday Activities in Schools
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Dear Parents and Guardians,
Please be advised that our teaching team has taken the time to read through this Religious Issues memo from Portland Public Schools legal team as they prepare to teach during this holiday season. It is important to all our Faculty and Staff to follow district guidance.
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This is being brought to your attention as this is the time of the year that questions arise about the extent to which religious expression and holiday activities are permitted in our schools. Jollee Patterson has provided guidance to assist schools in reaching a balance in planning activities that not only protect an individual’s right to freedom of religious expression but also avoid the endorsement of religious activity or doctrine. Her questions and answers memo format above and that can be found here again have been provided to assist each principal and educator in reaching this balance as we plan lessons.
Please let me know if you have any questions or if I can be of assistance in any way.
Warmly,
Dr. Christie M. Petersen
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“Stamped: Racism, Antiracism and You” Parents/Guardians Book Club
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Join SE (Cleveland Cluster) parents/guardians for community, connection, and learning as we discuss the book “Stamped: Racism, Antiracism and You” by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi. Organized by Hosford’s parent/guardian equity group, the book club will meet online on Thursdays 1/14, 1/28 and 2/11 from 7-8:30 pm using Zoom.
Depending on who signs up, there is the possibility of break-out affinity groups for parents/guardians who are Spanish-speaking, Mandarin-speaking, BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and other People of Color), or white parents/guardians of BIPOC kids.
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A FREE digital copy of the book is available to all parents/guardians (with PPS student login, instructions on the registration page). There are also a limited number of copies of the physical book available for parents/guardians to borrow free of charge. To help us plan, please complete this form by December 18th.
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Helioterra Wines & Alter Ego Cider Opportunity
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Get into the spirits while raising money for Abernethy!
Through the generosity of Columbia Bank's Pay it Forward program, Helioterra Wines and Alter Ego Cider will donate 100% of proceeds (after processing fees) for wine and cider sales to Abernethy; up to $1,500. Once the $1,500 is met, Helioterra Wines and Alter Ego Cider will donate 20% of sales to Abernethy through December 30, 2020.
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Visit https://alteregocider.square.site/ to purchase wine or cider. At check out, you must enter the code ABERNETHY to be eligible for the school donation. You can pick up your beverages on Saturday December 12th, 19th or Wednesday 23rd or 30th.
If Helioterra Wines and Alter Ego Cider sounds familiar to you, there’s a good change you’ve had them. Anne Hubatch is a former Abernethy mom and owner of Helioterra and Whoa Nelly Wines along with business partner and current Abernethy dad Kevin Bates of Alter Ego Cider. Anne has generously donated the wine to the Abernethy Auction fourteen years. This is a great opportunity to support local business and our little school under the elms.
Alter Ego Cider and Helioterra Wines are located in the neighborhood at 2025 SE 7th Avenue.
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Southeast Guiding Coalition Update
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A quick update regarding Southeast Guiding Coalition to share with our families:
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On Dec. 10, the Southeast Guiding Coalition met to continue to narrow and refine Kellogg options using the Racial Equity and Social Justice lens. Next week will be the final meeting for phase one of this process where the Coalition will work to finalize a recommendation to the School Board.
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If you would like to watch next week’s meeting, you can view it live on Dec 17 at 6 pm here. You can also always watch later at the same link.
The decision for phase one of this process focuses on the enrollment structure for the opening of Kellogg Middle School and takes place in January so that Kellogg Middle School can open by Fall of 2021.
Next steps:
On January 12, the Board will review, discuss the proposal, and have an opportunity to request more info from Southeast Guiding Coalition. The Board will vote on January 26.
Phase two of this process begins in the spring.
Stay involved:
Families can still offer feedback and find out more information about the SE Guiding Coalition on the enrollment and balancing page.
Dr. Christie M. Petersen
Principal
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The Nutrition Services department will be providing extra meals each service day to help keep our students with access to food as we head into the winter break.
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Each service day through December 16, we will be providing 3 days worth of meals for each child. On Friday, December 18, we will provide each child with a food box that will contain enough food for 7 days. We will not be serving or delivering meals on Monday, Dec 21 through Friday, January 1. Meal services will resume Monday, January 4.
Please feel free to visit our website where you can find resources such as our menu and enrichment activities, or contact us at nutritionservices@pps.net with any questions and requests for home meal delivery.
Whitney Ellersick, Senior Director, Nutrition Services
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Grounding Moment - Break Option
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A grounding moment is a strategy you can use when you notice your worries and anxieties are trying to take over your thoughts. The example of 5-4-3-2-1 strategy linked here is one simple way to ground yourself and your child when worry and anxiety start to take over your thoughts. Strategies take practice, take some time over the break to practice this strategy with your child and they can have it as a tool when they need it!
Jenny Morgan Jessica Blei
K-2 Counselor 3-5 Counselor
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The district has extended the deadline for nomination forms to December 18th. Here is a link to the form if you haven't turned yours in yet.
https://www.pps.net/Page/16599
Any questions please email TAG facilitator, Julie Miller at jmiller9@pps.net
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Hello Abernethy families! I wanted to write a note to promote and explain our music curriculum we are using this year. It's called Quaver music and it is packed with a ton of learning material, games, videos, concerts to watch and more! Students are encouraged to create their own avatars and explore the site as much as they want. Getting signed in the first time is a bit complicated but once they are in it is very user friendly, and fun!
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Students can enter two different ways.
1. Through Quavered.com-
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Go to Quavered.come and select "Sign in"
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Select "Sign in with Google"
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Use the student's google accounts (pps.net) to sign in
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Select "no" they haven't entered before
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Enter their grade code and then they will be in!
2. Through Clever
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Go to the students' clever account
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scroll to the bottom of the page and find the Quaver app
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After clicking on it, select "no" they haven't entered before
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They will enter the site but they still need to go to the bottom of the page and click a blue tab that says "Enter a Code"
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Enter their grade code there. (If they don't enter the code they won't show up on our Abernethy rositor or be able to see assignments)
After they enter for the first time the code part won't be required.
Grade level codes:
K- 7U8GU
1st- WK4J3
2nd- 8YHTJ
3rd- 6J74T
4th- 79U7T
5th- P2KBS
A lot of students are already in and enjoying Quaver. I hope everyone else is able to join soon and please reach out if you have any questions. Links and videos on how to enter have also been added to the music classes on Seesaw.
Thanks and take care,
Devon Devicq
ddevicq@pps.net
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Helping Students with ADHD Cope with Remote Instruction
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In this article in Edutopia, journalist Katy Reckdahl says that parents of children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (there are about 6.1 million children with ADHD in theU.S.) are finding that remote learning often produces tears and tantrums.
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“Without the usual support from teachers or the familiarity of classroom rules and structure,” says Reckdahl, “the struggle to stay organized and keep up with lessons and homework has suddenly become overwhelming… In the physical classroom, teachers can generally see when students with ADHD are confused, fidgety, and in need of a quick refocus prompt – but many of these signals are lost in translation during Zoom instruction. And because learning from home is generally more independent, it requires more focus and organization, two qualities that are often in short supply for students with ADHD.”
Reckdahl interviewed a number of teachers and gathered the following pointers for supporting these students during Covid-time:
• Accommodate kids’ learning preferences. Extended teacher talk that requires sustained mental effort by students is particularly unfriendly for those with ADHD. Chunking instruction and introducing choice is helpful, as well as introducing physical movement (standing up every few minutes), using white noise in the background, regularly doing individual check-ins, and having students keep their hands busy with objects that don’t make noise (pipe cleaners, rubber bands, a small handball). One student found it helpful to tune in to his classes on a smartphone as he walked around his house and yard.
• Support ways to keep track of time and schedules. This might include timers that signal the start and end of classes and times when assignments are due (using a kitchen timer or prompts on the student’s computer or smartphone). The Pomodoro technique is also helpful –working for 25 minutes and then taking a five-minute break. It’s important to post the schedule in the same place every day, and have log-in ID and password information at students’ fingertips. “If any child starts off class in a panic,” says New Orleans educator Sari Levy, “they won’t do well in class. Nobody should feel that way.”
• Start with the big picture. This helps develop executive function (which one professor describes as “goal-directed problem-solving, and goal-directed persistence”), using a mental map to guide behavior. During remote instruction, it’s especially important for students with ADHD to have the big idea, a clear picture of where they’re going, and then a step-by-step progression for getting there – with plenty of scaffolding.
• Use effective online strategies. Students with ADHD tend to skim when they read on a screen, which taxes their working memory. The trick is to slow them down, get them reading closely, and then summarize each paragraph. It also helps to number paragraphs and have students jot the main idea – or perhaps create a hashtag – for each one.
• Build in brain and body breaks. All students benefit from these, but they’re especially helpful for students with ADHD. One teacher makes a point of a get-up-and-do-something-different break every half hour – gathering materials, getting a drink, visiting the bathroom, goofing around, chatting with peers or family members. After a break, doing a breathing exercise helps students refocus on learning.
“5 Ways to Support Kids with ADHD During Remote Instruction” by Katy Reckdahl in Edutopia, November 12, 2020
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Community Ask for OBOB Incentives from Ms. Quinn
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Like all things this year, OBOB (Oregon Battle of the Books) is being reimagined. While I'm still working hard for a "live" battle solution (fingers crossed!), I'm also working on a way students can participate individually, from their own homes. My current plan is to mail certificates to students reflecting how many of the OBOB books they were able to read this year. I'd like to include a small incentive for each book (for example, a student who reads one book gets a certificate plus a giant sticker, a student who reads three books gets a certificate plus a giant sticker, a coupon for a free ice cream cone, and a fancy bookmark!). I'd also like to open this part of the program to 2nd graders.
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However, I realize that creates the potential for ~300 participants who would all need prizes (not everyone will read all 16 books, so some prizes could be smaller quantities). I'm wondering if any of you happen to have flat, light items that could be added to the envelopes? Maybe that time the office ordered 1,000 rather than 100 logo stickers? Maybe a coupon for a give away item that would bring community members into your business? Sorry, I can't use anything that promotes violence or drug/alcohol use. Please email ideas to qsanford@pps.net and thank you for considering!
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Balancing Risks and Benefits of School Closures and Reopenings During Covid-19
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Follow this link to register and submit questions ahead of time.
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PCC Teen Community Ed Program - Winter 2021
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Oregon Health Plan Free Insurance Coverage
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Amazon Smile will give the PTA 0.5% of each purchase. Sign up here.
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GET YOUR PASS! All 4th graders and their families get a year long pass to National Parks for FREE!
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