September 9, 2019

The Owl Weekly Parent Newsletter 8/13/19

Back to School Checklist

Dear families,

You should have received a postcard in the mail that provided a back-to-school checklist, which provides a number of items to help you prepare for the new school year at ISP

Please complete all the steps by this Monday, August 19!

The checklist can also be found here: https://intlschool.org/back-to-school-checklist/

FIRST STEP: To Do (all families)

1. Go to intlschool.org/portal. On the “Verification” Tab, go through EVERY page to update:

  • Medical permissions, insurance and doctors

  • All contact info and do-not-publish boxes (DNP) for the school directory

  • Emergency contacts & authorized pick-ups. We request that you name at least one emergency contact who is on the West side during the school day.

  • Please read the amended Enrollment Agreement

  • Press the “Click to confirm….” button to verify your information

Thank you!


Welcome, Liza! 

We would like to welcome Liza Ramos to ISP!  Liza will be teaching 1st Grade in the Spanish track, as Mariana is moving to 4th Grade this year.

  • From Puerto Rico
  • Master’s in Education: Elementary, Portland State University
  • Master’s in Education: Special Education, Portland State University
  • BA in Business Administration, University of Puerto Rico

Here is a message from Liza:

During my Dual Language teaching career, the value of college/career readiness with multiculturalism, learning Spanish with its culture, and students’ collaboration for academic and social earning have been part of my teaching practices. My students have learned about famous Hispanics, read authentic literature, and participated in traditional games, dances, and songs. I look forward in contributing my Hispanic heritage and experience to students, staff and parents so we can develop successful bi-cultural and bi-literate leaders at ISP.

When I am not teaching you can find me watching Biology, History or Traveling documentaries, cooking Puerto Rican food or playing Scrabble with my husband.

Bienvenido, Liza!


Welcome, Christopher!

We are pleased to introduce Christopher Varley, our new music specialist, to our community. Christopher comes to us from the Opal School, where he has taught for the past few years.

  • Master’s in Education: Early Childhood and Elementary, Antioch University
  • BA Political Economy, Georgetown University
  • Orff Schulwerk Music and Movement, Level 1 Certification
  • Teaching since 2012; Teaching at ISP since 2019

Welcome, Christopher!

Profile coming soon!


Lunch Sign-Ups Are Now Available

2019-2020 lunch information is now available! ISP students may bring their lunches or participate in any or all of the lunch programs offered for purchase.

Sign up by clicking the links below. Please be sure you fill out all information on the vendor’s order forms. If you do not know the teacher’s name, please write in grade and track (Chinese, Japanese or Spanish). We will confirm with the vendors before school begins.

————

Questions? Please contact the vendor, or for general lunch questions, contact CandyT@intlschool.org


2019-20 Calendar is Now Available

The 2019-20 Calendar is available. You can subscribe and add it to your on calendar, or download a printable pdf of the General Calendar.

Need a list of No School and Early Dismissal Days? Check out the Global Kids Extended-Day Program Schedule here!

Here’s a ISP Parent Network Calendar of Events!


New to ISP? Please Come to Parent Orientation!    

Dear new families,

Welcome to ISP! As a reminder, please attend a 90-minute New Family Orientation session on Thursday, August 22. This orientation is important for learning more about our school and approach to learning.  Information about drop-off, pickup, after-school programs, and many other ISP routines will also be provided to you.

  • Orientation sessions start at 9am, noon, and 3pm—please RSVP here for the most convenient session.
  • Please come without your child if possible.  If you will need childcare (ISP students and siblings age 3+), please reserve a space when you RSVP.
  • Orientation will be at Learners’ Hall – it’s the building on the top of Caruthers Street. We will direct you when we get here.

If you cannot attend on August 22, please contact Jan Williams for information about a make-up session once school starts at admissions@intlschool.org


EC Family Playdate this Saturday!

Hello, Early Childhood families! Just a reminder about our playdate this Saturday, August 17th. All PreK, LowK, and Kinder families are invited. This is a great opportunity to meet other families, both new and returning, and staff.

Saturday, August 17th
Sellwood Park
10:00am to noon
No RSVP required

We hope to see you there!


Global Kids Extended-Day Program – Enrollment Coming Soon!

Global Kids, the Extended-Day Program of International School of Portland, offers a variety of fun enrichment classes, homework center, healthy snacks, and outdoor free play, available on a flexible schedule that meets the needs of busy parents.

Global Kids is testing a NEW and improved enrollment system! Extended-day Program enrollment will open SOON and will be announced via email asap.  We appreciate your patience as we get this new system all ready to go!

  • Extended-day programming will start on the first day of school

  • It’s available after school on Mondays through Fridays until 6pm, and offers partial or full days on most no-school, non-holiday days.

  • It also coordinates with many independent 3rd party after school classes held on campus. Customize your child’s Global Kids experience based upon their interests – and your schedule!

NEW! Time Blocks:

Due to survey feedback, we have slightly changed the hours of time blocks. 

  • Block 1: 3:10-5:15pm – All 3rd-Party Classes end at 5pm; pick up by 5:15
  • Block 2: 5:15-6:00pm

 For more information about Global Kids, please visit: intlschool.org/globalkids


Early Childhood Family Coffees

PreK, LowK, and K families –  Come ring in the new school year by grabbing a cup and connecting with other families in your child’s grade! We are having Early Childhood Family Coffees during the first week of school.

Come to the Stearns Hall waiting room after drop-off anytime from from 7:30am-9am.

  • PreK – Wednesday, August 28
  • LowK – Thursday, August 29
  • Kinder – Friday, August 30

This is a great time to chat and mingle with new and current ISP families!


Save Time and Gas – Set up a Carpool!

Are you interested in setting up a carpool for the upcoming school year? Publish your request in The Owl! Simply send your name, nearest street corner or part of town, number of children, and best way to contact you to owleditor@intlschool.org. 

No need to know your exact before/after school needs yet – you can discuss this with interested families. Each carpool request will run for two weeks.


Upcoming Events

EARLY CHILDHOOD FAMILY PLAYDATE (PreK through Kinder) – this weekend!

This is a great opportunity to meet other families – both new and returning – and staff. For all PreK, LowK and Kindergarten families. No RSVP required

Saturday, August 17
10:00am to noon

Sellwood Park

——————

ISP NEW FAMILY ORIENTATION

This orientation is a great opportunity to learn more about our school and approach to learning. Information about drop-off, pick-up, after-school programs, and many other ISP routines will also be provided.

PLEASE RSVP here 

Thursday, August 22nd
Learners’ Hall
9am, 12pm, or 3pm

————————

CLASSROOM VISITS / FALL FUN FAIR 

The morning of Monday, August 26th will be action-packed and full of fun! Below is a schedule:

Classroom Visits Come meet your teacher and see your classroom before the big day! Please plan to stay not more than 30 minutes to give everyone a chance at some calm time in the classroom. Adults must stay with their children. Come any time between 9-10:30am.

Fall Fun Fair Grown ups and kids alike are invited to join the Parent Network for a back-to-school celebration. Learn about volunteer opportunities, meet after school class providers, and sample lunches. Come enjoy games, popsicles, and a performance from Dingo & Olive!

Lower Playground. 10:00am – 12:00pm

————————

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL

It’s finally here! Welcome back! Please allow yourself extra time for drop off this morning, as everyone will be finding classrooms and getting settled for the new year. Drop off / dismissal instructions will be provided soon!

Tuesday, August 27th – 8:00am