August 31, 2021

The Owl 8/24/21

TOMORROW: Back-to- School Town Hall!

ALL FAMILIES are invited to attend a Town Hall on Wednesday, August 25th! The meeting will go over new information for the school year, including the latest regulations and other pertinent back-to-school information. Please join us!
When: Wednesday, August 25 from 6-7pm
Where: Bodo’s Zoom room: https://zoom.us/my/bodotis 

Meet Satoko Petty!

Please welcome Satoko Petty, our new Japanese 1st Grade Teacher!
– From Shiga, Japan
– Bachelor of Policy Studies from Kwansei Gakuin University
– Master of TESOL from Eastern Michigan University
Teaching has always been my passion, and for that reason I am delighted to be a part of ISP! Every day I am able to help my students learn new concepts and gain knowledge reinforces my commitment to the teaching profession. I often find inspiration in both the effort and achievement of my students, which in turn gives me motivation to work hard to help my students grow and develop each and every day.
My professional experience includes four years of teaching first grade, two years teaching high school, as well as nine years as a Japanese language lecturer at two different universities in Michigan. My teaching philosophy is that learning should be enjoyable, engaging, and effective for both students and teachers. I work hard to develop fun and interactive activities for my class, and love engaging with my students!
When I am not at work, you might find me hiking trails, reading books, drinking coffee, or playing with my children at playground.
Welcome, Satoko-sensei!

Meet Oseas Gonzalez!

Please say hello to Oseas Gonzalez, our new Spanish 1st Grade teacher.
-From Guatemala
-Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education from California State University, Bakersfield
-Certified in Multiple Subject teaching credentials by the State of California
What I like most about the International School of Portland (ISP) is that it’s a diverse school offering the opportunity to succeed beyond a rich education. I have always enjoyed being around people with multicultural backgrounds and I look forward to bringing diverse teaching in the classroom, allowing everyone to learn in their own unique way. I have a passion for teaching and teaching Spanish will give me the opportunity to share my personal experiences within the Latin culture and bring connections to the learning environment.
Outside my workplace I enjoy playing tennis, soccer, running, golf and surfing. I also enjoy making my own coffee and sharing my coffee experience with my friends and family. I love music and enjoy going to concerts such as the symphony, Opera, or any fun festivals that brings joy. Reading books in English and Spanish help me challenge myself and bring opportunities to grow as a multicultural teacher.
Welcome, Maestro Oseas!

Teacher Assignments & Classroom Visits

You should be getting an email with your child’s teacher assignment tomorrow (Wednesday). Included in that email is a link to sign up for classroom visits on Monday, August 30.
CLASSROOM VISITS
August 30, 20201
8:30-10:30 am
**Masks Required**
Come meet your teacher and see your classroom before the big day! Due to social distancing and cohorting recommendations, visit times will be available in 20-minute slots. Please limit your family attendees to the smallest number possible.

Reminder: Wednesday Early Release Days

As a reminder, Wednesdays are Early Release Days. This will mean that dismissal begins at 2:00pm on Wednesdays instead of 3:00pm. This was announced in the Spring in order to accommodate the need for faculty planning meetings amidst the ongoing Covid-related constraints.  In order to balance both student contact time and reduce the strain to parent schedules, we have removed all half-days as well as one grading day that had all historically been part of the school year schedule.
Global Kids, our extended-day provider, will start earlier on that day to accommodate that early release.

Global Kids Extended-day Program 2021-22 – Enrollment open NOW!

Global Kids Extended-day Program offers children plenty of outdoor time, free play, fun enrichment activities, and healthy snacks after school until 5:30pm on regular school days. Global Kids also offers full day programming on some no school days and school breaks, from 8:00am- 3:30pm, which we call Alternative Days.
Regular School Day Program Hours:
  • Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 3:30-5:30pm
  • Wednesday 2:30-5:30pm
Alternative Day Program Hours (No School Days):
  • 8:00am- 3:30p
Visit INTLSCHOOL.ORG/GLOBALKIDS/ for full program details, fees, & policies!

Please contact us at globalkids@intlschool.org with any questions.

Sign up to be a Room Parent!

Room Parents are needed for the 2021-2022 school year! Please see intlschool.org/room-parents for the “job” description, and intlschool.org/rp-signup to volunteer.
Questions about room parenting? Feel free to reach out to Kat Simons (Kats@intlschool.org), current room parents, or one of our Parent Network Co-Chairs, Meryl Villarreal or Erica Dillon, for more information: parentnetwork@intlschool.org
IMPORTANT: Background checks and proof of vaccination status will be required for ALL volunteers. We mistakenly included a link to an old sign up form in last week’s The Owl; more information coming this week!

Early Childhood Parent Meetups

PreK, LowK, and K families –  Come ring in the new school year by connecting with other families in your child’s grade! We are having Early Childhood Family Gatherings during the first week of school outside in the Learners’ Hall Lower Courtyard after drop-off anytime from 7:45am-8:45am. **MASKS REQUIRED**
  • PreK – Wednesday, September 2
  • LowK – Thursday, September 3
  • Kinder – Friday, September 4
This is a great time to connect with new and current ISP families!
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