April 10, 2024

The Owl 4/10/24

THIS FRIDAY: Celebrating ISP’s Investment in Downtown!

We have rescheduled our International School of Portland party to celebrate our recent expansion of our footprint in downtown Portland with the acquisition of a half-acre parcel on S. Water Avenue. The ice storm created some challenges, but we would love to welcome you to celebrate with us! The weather certainly will be a bit nicer!

Playground Property Celebration:
When: Friday, April 12 @ 3:45 pm
Where: Lower Playground, ISP

As a reminder, school is IN SESSION this Friday as a snow makeup day!

 

Harmony School is Here!

We are thrilled to welcome students from Harmony School from Saltillo, Mexico. This is the same exact school – and same students – that our Spanish track 5th graders just visited on their Capstone Study Abroad trip! The Harmony school staff and students have hosted us for the past two years, and we now have our first opportunity to host them!

This exchange aligns with the IB mission of developing inquiring, knowledgeable, and caring young people who are motivated to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect. not only an educational opportunity but also a chance for both sets of students to form friendships, learn from one another, and celebrate the rich diversity of their respective cultures.

Harmony Students are on the ISP campus and in class until this Friday, and are doing homestays with our 5th grade Spanish track families in the evenings. We are so excited to have them!

 

Moving for Music and Art logo contest

Our Moving for Music and Art logo contest is underway!

Welcome to Moving for Music and Art! Our annual fun run will take place this year on May 29 and 30. All proceeds from this popular event benefit our music and art classes at the International School of Portland.

Join our MMA logo contest! We are asking our students to get their creative juices flowing and design the 2024 Moving for Music and Arts logo that will be featured on posters and other event elements.

Logo contest entry requirements:
Logos must be no more than 2 colors (in addition to black and white)
Logos must highlight elements from both art and music
Logos must be submitted on paper no larger than 8 ½” by 11”
Submissions are due THIS FRIDAY Friday, April 12 and can be turned in by dropping them off with the student’s homeroom teacher. The logo contest winner will be announced on April 28.

NPS One Question Survey

Please look for an email this week from Maria or Jason that asks for your participation in a very short survey. It is a simple one-question 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. Thank you!

 

Earth Day at ISP! Earth Day Week Celebrations

April is a special month to celebrate our planet. This year our Green Team Committee has been working behind the scenes to create some fun activities for our students and community to assist us all in becoming more aware of our impact on this Earth.

EARTH DAY SPIRIT WEEK

As a lead up to the big day on Saturday, April 20, we are having Earth Day Spirit Week!
Monday, April 15- Watershed Day! Wear blue or celebrate your favorite ocean animal/activity!
Tuesday, April 16 – Energy Day! Wear yellow like the sun, or your brightest neon!
Wednesday, April 17 – Animal Day! Dress as your favorite animal!
Thursday, April 18 – Recycling Day! wear all your green!
Friday, April 19 – Pollinator Day! Dress as your favorite pollinator or bring your floral print!
Saturday, April 20 – EARTH DAY! Dress to work outside and come plant a garden!

EARTH DAY AT ISP!

You’re invited: Earth Day on ISP Campus! On Saturday, April 20 from 9-12, we’d love to have you join us on campus for a variety of activities including fun activities like:

bioswale planting * cargo bike demos * native plant sale * butterfly garden planting * pollinator and mason bee info * SOLVE clean up * bike bus! * take a book leave a book * and MORE!

If you have questions, don’t hesitate to contact the ISP Green Team at green [@] intlschool.org

 

NEW! 5th Grade Supply Drive for Local Shelters

One of our 5th grade Exhibition groups is holding a supply drive for the houseless. All supplies will be split between our neighboring QA Village, Blanchet House, and Rose Haven family shelter. The 5th graders will begin their collection on Earth Day and collect through Exhibition in May.

Here is a list of items that participants currently need. Please bring items to the Earth Day event or to collection boxes in Stearns or Learners Hall.

Towels (lightly used)
Adult-sized Summer Clothes (lightly used)
Socks (new)
Art Supplies
Rolling Luggage, Backpacks
Hats
Sleeping Bags (lightly used)
Pillows
Twin size sheets
Umbrellas
Adult-sized Shoes (lightly used)
Small fans
Gift Cards

What is Exhibition? It is a special Unit of Inquiry designed and executed by the students themselves. 5th grades write lines of inquiry, gather data, conduct investigations, take action, and present this experience in a public forum. Exhibition this year will be on May 1 and 2; more details to follow!

 

April Learner Profile Trait: Risk Taker

The ten International Baccalaureate Learner Profile traits are school values, and are means by which to support healthy social and emotional development. Our faculty focuses upon one of them each month as means.

For January, our faculty are focusing on “Risk-Taker”

Profile Overview: We approach uncertainty with forethought and determination; we work independently and cooperatively to explore new ideas and innovative strategies. We are resourceful and resilient in the face of challenges and change.

In other words:

I am brave
I am determined
I learn from challenges
I try new things

 

After School Playground Reminder

Due to the size of our after-school program, the Natural Playground and the Lower Playground are open only to the Global Kids from the hours of 3:30-4:15. The Upper Playground next to the Hilltop building, and the courtyards around Learner’s Hall are open for free play during and after dismissal!

 

Teacher Appreciation Week is Coming Up!

Teacher Appreciation Week is from May 1 – 5. Teacher Appreciation Week is a wonderful way to break up a work day with a delightful treat and make our beloved teachers feel special. All classes and students can participate!

Please check with your room parent if you have not received an email with more details about how you and your student(s) can participate!