The Owl 9/5/2023
Our Annual Founders’ Day is this Friday!
Founders’ Day is a beautiful ISP tradition that we hold every September. Part of Founders’ Day is the Handshaking Ceremony, where all teachers/staff members line up like a receiving line in the playground and shake hands with every student. ISP founders Doug and Frey Stearns will be joining us for the Handshaking Ceremony as we begin our 34th year of operation.
Parent participation is NOT required, though it is a sweet event if you can come by to watch. Please have your child wear their ISP t shirt!
WHAT: Founders’ Day
WHEN: Friday, September 8 from 8:30-9:00
WHERE: Lower Playground
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: We do need a few parent volunteers for each class – please let your teacher know if you can help.
More New Staff Introductions!
Please learn a little more about some of the wonderful new staff members who have joined us this year!
Please welcome Amily Huang, our new Chinese Track 1st Grade Teacher!
- Master’s in Foreign Linguistics and Applied Linguistics from Southwest University in Chongqing, China
- BA in English Education, also from Southwest University
- Most recently taught elementary Chinese Immersion in Utah
- 15 years’ worth of teaching experience
I am excited to dive into this incredible opportunity at the International School of Portland! The thought of working with young learners, connecting with families, and collaborating with the faculty all while embracing the international-mindedness and core values of the IB PYP mission fills me with pure excitement. The chance to engage with first-grade Chinese immersion students adds an extra layer of thrill to this adventure. I’m eager to create a classroom brimming with curiosity, exploration, and cultural diversity. On a personal note, my love for exploring diverse cultures through travel and savoring culinary adventures aligns with the enriching environment I’m eager to cultivate. Let’s embark on this journey together, nurturing young minds and fostering a community that celebrates the richness of global perspectives!
欢迎你！
Huān Yíng, Amily laoshi!
Lauren Reggero-Toledano
Please say buenos dias to Lauren Reggero-Toledana, our new Instructional Coach!
- Master of Science of Spanish Language And Cultures from Universidad De Salamanca in Salamanca, Spain
- BS.Ed: Elementary Education And Spanish from University of Miami in Miami, FL
- Most recently at Catlin Gabel, where she was a Spanish Teacher and Language Department Head
- Taught 2nd Grade Spanish Immersion at ISP in early 2000’s!
Since joining the ELT in early August as ISP’s new Instructional Coach, I have been reminded of what a uniquely diverse, vibrant, inclusive, and welcoming community this is. I am excited to have the opportunity to collaborate with and further support this stellar and dedicated group of educators with the ultimate goal of helping students flourish.
Outside of the school environment, I most enjoy spending time with family and friends. Visits with our family and friends in Spain and on the east coast is particularly special. When not traveling I enjoy gardening, cooking (especially Greek food), sewing, and relaxing near water.
Welcome Back to ISP, Lauren!
Kimberlee King
Please say hello to Kimberlee King, our School Counseling Intern! She joined the ISP community TODAY! Kimberlee has lived in Portland for 10 years, which she has returned to after spending a year abroad in Berlin, Germany, where she interned as a counselor at the Berlin Metropolitan School. She loves to read, and you might catch her dancing in shows around PDX.
Kimberlee will be working alongside our school counselor, Grace, in promoting social and emotional skill-building and wellbeing across all grade levels. She will earn her Masters of Arts in International School Counseling from the College of New Jersey.
Welcome, Kimberlee!
Curriculum Night is Coming Up!
All parents are encouraged to attend ISP Curriculum Night, when teachers meet with parents as a group to share information about our academic program, homework and expectations for the year. Meet and speak with your student(s)’ Homeroom and English teachers! Art, Music, and PE Specialists will also be sending out more information.
WHAT: ISP Curriculum Night
WHEN: Wednesday, September 20, 5-7pm (precise session schedule will be sent next week)
This year will be virtual. Homeroom and English teachers will host their session in their individual “Zoom Rooms.” Zoom links to be sent soon!
Elementary Family Coffees Next Week!
It was so nice to see so many Preschool and Kindergarten last week at our first Grade-Level Coffees of the year! Come ring in the new school year by grabbing a cup and connecting with other families in your child’s grade. Elementary Family Coffees are coming next week! l
Come to the Lower Courtyard of Learners Hall (outside the library) after drop-off anytime from from 8-9am.
1st & 2nd Grades – Monday, September 11
3rd, 4th, & 5th Grades – Tuesday, September 12
This is a great time to chat and mingle with new and current ISP families!
Plastic Bag & Film Recycling at ISP!
Welcome back to school- It is so nice to see everyone getting excited for the new school year!
I just wanted to let you all know that we have a plastic bag and film (including bubble wrap) recycling program at our school. If you have any plastic bags and film that you like to recycle, please drop them off in the blue bin by the fridge next to the Library (bottom floor of Learners’ Hall.
As you know, plastic film and bags are some of the most common forms of plastic waste that often end up in landfills and contribute to pollution. By recycling them, we have an opportunity to make a positive impact on our environment while also teaching our students about responsible waste management!
Happy recycling🌱🌱🌱
– Tomoyo Wells, ISP Library Assistant and Green Team Member!