The Owl 12/11/2023
Read in Your PJs Day is this Friday!
It’s an ISP tradition! On the last day before Winter Break, students at International School of Portland roll out of bed and straight to their classroom – pajamas and all! Our Annual Read In Your Pajamas Day is a student favorite. It’s a celebration of reading for the joy of reading.
All students can come to school in their PJs on December 15th to participate. Packing a set of regular clothes is recommended.
UPDATE: Read in Your PJs Day for all grades is now being hosted in the Homerooms! You should have already heard from your child’s homeroom teacher about times and locations for the class.
Bring a favorite book (in either English or the track language!), wear your pajamas too, and spend some time reading to kids or being read to! Super simple, super wonderful. **Background checks are not required to participate in class celebrations with your child.**
Japanese Track Capstone Presentation – this Thursday!
Our Japanese Track students recently returned from their Capstone Study Abroad trip!
Join them to hear about their experience preparing for and exploring Japan. This is the primary chance for this year’s third grade families to hear from Capstone students before it is their turn to go in Fall 2025!
Date: Thursday, December 14, 2023
Time: 8:00-8:45
Location: Second Floor Learner’s Hall (Taka’s Classroom)
RSVP: https://forms.gle/B9spjt5nnUuG4hpw7
Take advantage of this opportunity to learn about the experience from the students themselves so that you can prepare for this once in a lifetime experience for your child! RSVP is required.
Have You Answered our Quick Parent Survey yet?
You should have gotten an email last week from Maria or Jason that asks for your participation in a very short survey. It is a simple two-minute survey per student in your family. It’s a simple way for you to let us know what we are doing well and where we can improve. The feedback from this survey helps us to shape our activities and priorities, both school-wide and in specific areas.
It will take no more than a few moments of your time. The more people that participate, the more actionable and valuable the feedback will be to the school.
**We would like EVERY parent in a household to complete it.**
Please click below to complete the survey.
Engaging ways to build Literacy over Winter break!
Literacy is rooted in reading, but so much more! Literacy is all these ways of communicating and building ideas: reading, writing, speaking, listening, viewing, thinking, calculating – and I would add drawing!
The winter break is an ideal time to incorporate these into your family time (all OFF screens!):
- Of course, cuddle up with books and share your collective love for books! Share with your kids what you are reading, what types/genres you like to read, and why- help them to expand their horizons. Read to them, read with them, and if they are struggling to read aloud to you, help them by reading a page first, then they read it back- or take turns every other page. Ask them to tell you about the story- what they like, don’t like, would change…
- Wonderful ways to write: ask your child to make lists of groceries (then check them off as you shop), write out the plans/schedule for the holidays (practicing writing dates/times), keep a journal of their break, and of course, write Thank You notes! If your child is struggling with spelling, write the word on a sticky note for them- focus on the process of making these engaging and fun!
- Challenge your child to listen well at a meal to others speaking, and then ask a question of that person. Or use one of those sets of question cards for them to ask, listen & learn!
- Think about new words- research shows that building vocabulary is one of the best ways to build Literacy! Instead of just asking your child, what does (word) mean, ask them to draw their idea of that word. If they don’t know the word, draw your idea of it. For younger kids, they can draw a picture, and you label the drawing with words that match their drawing. Our brains remember new words way more long-term by attaching visual meaning to the text than listening alone.
- Yes, calculating is a form of Literacy! Not just getting to an answer, but being able to estimate, explain thinking about a number, building number sense and connecting ideas! Have your child read recipes, use the measuring tools, punch in the oven temp, watch the timer, check the thermometer. Have them rate the recipes!
Enjoy time with your family and friends, and most importantly with your precious children whom we so appreciate you sharing with us at ISP!!
– The ISP Student Support Team
ISP / SOLVE Campus Cleanup in January!
As part of MLK Day of service, the Green Team at International School of Portland will be hosting a parent and student lead campus clean up that is open to ISP families and community residents. This is an opportunity to beautify the campus and the surrounding community. MLK Day of service is a national day of service to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Lurther King.
Gloves, Vests, pickers, trash buckets and trash bags will be provided!
ISP / SOLVE Campus Clean Up
Saturday, January 15th, 8-10am
Check in at ISP Lower Playground
What to Bring: Please wear comfortable shoes and clothing appropriate for the weather. Coffee will be provided, however please try to bring your own reusable mug.
Youth Volunteers: Volunteers 17 and under must be accompanied by an authorized adult.