The Owl 8/20/23
New Faculty Introductions!
Below are just some of our new staff who will be joining us this year! We will introduce more this week and next. NOTE: You will be hearing from your child’s homeroom teacher by the end of this week!
Kylie Chen
- Chinese Kindergarten
- Master’s in Education from Northwest Christian University in Eugene, OR
- BA in Japanese from the University of Oregon
- Fluent in Mandarin, Cantonese, Japanese, and English
- Teaching since 2013
I am extremely honored and happy to join the International School of Portland as the Kindergarten Chinese Teacher. It is my goal to create the best possible learning environment for your child. I will be creating a positive and nurturing place for your child to grow and learn. I am looking forward to working with our dynamic staff, dedicated parents, and involved community members. Most of all, I look forward to working with your children and continuing the outstanding work that is taking place at ISP. In my spare time, I love cooking, baking, traveling, hiking, watching movies and spending time with my family and my two doggies.
Welcome 欢迎, Kylie!
Claudia Matamoros Pinel
- Spanish LowK
- From San Pedro Sula, Honduras
- Master’s in English as a Second Language from Framingham State University
- BA in Early Childhood Education from Universidad Catolica de Temuco in Chile
- Almost three decades of teaching experience!
My interest in working at ISP is due to its distinction for offering all their students, families and faculty members the opportunity to grow in a rich multicultural environment. ISP definitely is a unique school that offers diverse cultural experiences where the whole community is committed and enthusiastic about the teaching and learning process where everyone, but especially the young students develop curiosity, creativity and the love for learning new languages and become global citizens that will play an important role in building a better world.
Outside of work, I absolutely love watching movies and TV series. I enjoy spending quality time with my family and friends, often going out to new places where we can create memorable experiences together.
Bienvenidos, Claudia!
Yoshimi Kelly
- Japanese 3rd Grade
- BA in International Communication from Heian Jogakuin (St. Agnes) University in Osaka, Japan
- Teaching since 2007
I’m so excited to join ISP! I worked here as a substitute teacher last semester. I believe ISP is a special place for everyone because I saw a lot of smiles and happiness. I am truly glad to be an ISP family member! I’m eagerly awaiting to see you soon!
My hobby is baking, especially icing cookies! Also I like playing volleyball, too. I am not good at playing now, but I’m looking forward to playing with students!
Welcome ようこそ, Yoshimi!
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 practice began last year to accommodate the need for faculty planning meetings. In order to balance both student contact time and reduce the strain to parent schedules, we removed all half-days as well as one grading day that had historically been part of the school year schedule.
Global Kids, our extended-day provider, starts earlier on that day to accommodate the early release.
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 Maria Abad Courtyard next to Learners Hall (the modern building up the hill next to the natural playground) after drop-off anytime from from 8:15-9:15am.
PreK – Wednesday, August 30
LowK – Thursday, August 31
Kinder – Friday, September 1
This is a great time to chat and mingle with new and current ISP families!
Want to Volunteer at School? Please submit your background check information!
Parents, grandparents, graduates and friends of ISP are all invited to volunteer. Volunteers enrich the ISP experience for children, families and staff in so many ways. They contribute as field trip chaperones, guest speakers, organizers, and cheer leaders, and support school values at home and throughout their children’s lives.
INTERESTED IN VOLUNTEERING? LET US KNOW! We want YOU to volunteer at school! We encourage all families to indicate your interests through our application form.
Instructions:
- Complete a background check form and proof of COVID-19 vaccination. Background checks are valid for TWO years (ie if you submitted last year, you are ok!).
- All field trip chaperones and on campus volunteers must complete an Oregon Department of Education Background Check form. This form requires a signature. You may fill out the form on-line, but then you need to print it and sign or use a verified digital signature). (Note: The Department of Education will only accept applications submitted by the school, you do not need to submit a cover letter or the $5 payment as indicated on the application form, ISP will manage that part).
- If you are driving on a Field trip, you will also need to submit a photo of your Drivers’ license and insurance card information.
- Please bring them both to any front desk, or upload them via our File Upload form.
- If you currently have an Oregon Office of Child Care (OCC) (formerly CCD) background check on file you may use this to meet requirements until it expires. To avoid gaps, please apply for your new Department of Education background check no later than one month prior to your background check expiration date.
School Year Calendar 2023-24
The 2023-24 Calendar is available! You can subscribe and add it to your calendar, or download a printable pdf of the General Calendar.
Pssst. Want a calendar of Breaks and No School Days? Here you go!
The School Calendar can also be found on MySchool App.