The Owl 8/21/2024
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!
Paula Berbel
Spanish Kindergarten Homeroom Teacher
“I am excited to join ISP as a Spanish Kindergarten Teacher and contribute to the vibrant, multicultural environment the school is known for. Originally from Mallorca, a small island in the Mediterranean, I made Portland my home just five months ago and am thrilled to be part of this community. With a strong background in language teaching and a passion for creating inclusive learning spaces, I look forward to helping my students develop their language skills and cultural awareness. I speak over four languages and have lived in countries like Chile, Canada, the United Kingdom, the United States and Spain, which has deepened my appreciation for different cultures. Outside of work, I love traveling, discovering new restaurants, spending time outdoors with my family and friends and I’m an avid reader who enjoys discovering new authors.”
Bienvenidos, Paula!
Xiong Chang
Chinese 2nd Grade Homeroom Teacher
“I am thrilled to be working at the International School of Portland because I genuinely love the learning and working environment here. The students, families, and teachers at ISP continually inspire my passion for the world around us. I also really appreciate ISP’s educational philosophy and diverse environment, which make teaching more creative and engaging.
Outside of work, I enjoy cooking and experimenting with new recipes. I also love hiking and spending time in nature, which helps me relax and stay connected with the world around me.”
Welcome 欢迎, Xiong!
Wanchi Peng
Chinese PreK Teaching Assistant
“I’m thrilled to work at ISP! Because I love languages, I love kids and I just can’t wait to share the joy of learning languages with my students while having fun with them!
In my spare time, I like doing hot yoga, reading, watching Korean dramas, learning Spanish and spending time with my two kiddos. My 5-year daughter is starting ISP this year as well and we’re both so excited about starting a new adventure together at this amazing multilingual and multicultural environment!”
Welcome 欢迎, Wanchi!
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 Playdate and 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!
Early Childhood Family Playdate
Join us at the Sellwood Park Playground this Saturday, August 24th from 10-12 am. This is a great opportunity to meet other families – both new and returning – and staff.
For all PreK, LowK and Kindergarten families. No RSVP required!
Early Childhood Coffees
We are having Early Childhood Family Coffees during the first week of school. Come to the Library 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 28
LowK – Thursday, August 29
Kinder – Friday, September 30
This is a great time to chat and mingle with new and current ISP families!
Back-to-School Checklist
We are just a few days away from the big day! Below is a list of back-to-school “To Dos” to make sure you’ve got everything covered.
To Do (all families):
1. Complete all forms in MySchool App. MySchool App is the International School of Portland’s school information system. Despite its name, it is web-based, not an app (though you can use it through your phone’s browser)!
NOTE: Authorized pickups will be added in SchoolPass, our arrival and dismissal app. More information about that – and our arrival and dismissal procedures – coming soon!
2. Purchase school supplies. See lists below:
Chinese Track
Japanese Track
Spanish Track
PLEASE put your child’s name on these and anything that is worn to school, all year long!
3. Sign up for a volunteer opportunities here. The ISP Parent Network offers wonderful, diverse ways to help the school. For more information, go to intlschool.org/volunteer.
4. Submit a background check form for volunteering.
All classroom, campus volunteers & field trip chaperones must submit a new background check every 3 years. Fill our the Oregon Department of Education Background Check form.This form requires a signature. You may fill out the form online, 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 upload your background check and optional drivers’ information via our File Upload form. IMPORTANT:. You can take a CLEAR photo of each document and upload via the File Upload form. You can also a) scan and send a pdf your background check form to yourself to upload via the File Upload form, or b) scan and email the pdf directly to background@intlschool.org
5. Immunizations. New students: complete and submit the Oregon immunization form found in MySchool App. Returning students: send an updated one if there have been changes. Any child with incomplete immunizations must be excluded from school by law. For information about exemptions, visit public.health.oregon.gov/preventionwellness.
2024-25 ISP Family Handbook Now Available!
The 2024-25 ISP Family Handbook is now available. Please refer to it for information about school policies, procedures, parent responsibilities, and more. Click above to download a copy; it is also available throughout the year on in the Resources section.
Sign up to Be a Room Parent!
Room Parents are needed for the 2024-2025 school year! You do not need to know your child’s class placement to sign up. 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 Applegarth (KatA@intlschool.org), current room parents, or our Parent Network Chair, Stephanie K, for more information: parentnetwork@intlschool.org
THANK YOU!
Join Us on Monday for Back to School Visits and Fall Fun Fair
The morning of Monday, August 26th will be action-packed and full of fun! Below is a schedule:
Classroom Visits Come meet your teacher and see your classroom before the big day! Please plan to stay not more than 30 minutes to give everyone a chance at some calm time in the classroom. Adults must stay with their children. Come any time between 9-10:30am.
Fall Fun Fair Grown ups and kids alike are invited to join the Parent Network for a back-to-school celebration. Learn about volunteer opportunities, meet after school class providers, and sample lunches. Games, popsicles, and antics provided! NEW: Enjoy a Performance by Mr. Hoo 10:30, as well as a new and improved Dunk the Principal Game! Kona Ice will also have their truck here to sell their yummy ices; a portion of the proceeds benefit ISP. Lower Playground. 10am – 12pm.
Join Us for our Founders’ Day Celebration!
We are excited to invite you to a very special Founders’ Day celebration!
Friday, September 6, from 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Join us for food, beverages, music, and more in celebration of…
- The long-time legacy of founders, Doug and Frey Stearns, and our Head of Early Childhood, Maria Abad
- The opening of the new Owly Court play area and campus connector
- The unveiling of an exciting future project in honor of Maria’s legacy of learning and play!
Follow this RSVP link for all the details, to leave a special message for Maria Abad, and to let us know if you can join us!
School Year Calendar 2024-25
The 2024-25 Calendar is available! A printable pdf of Calendar “highlights” is also available.
Pssst. Want a calendar of Breaks and No School Days? Here you go!
The School Calendar can also be found in the “Resources” section of MySchool App.
Load up on ISP Gear at the Spirit Shop
The ISP Spirit Shop features high quality items with our adorable owl logo! You can order online and the items will be shipped directly to your home. Check out our super hip student models!
Carpool Requests
Are you interested in setting up a carpool for the upcoming school year? Publish your request in The Owl! Simply send your name, nearest street corner or part of town, number of children, and best way to contact you to owleditor@intlschool.org
No need to know your exact before/after school needs yet – you can discuss this with interested families. Each carpool request will run for two weeks.