You can view a slideshow of the activities Grout students did for Black History Month here: Black History Month Slideshow 

 

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February 26, 2020

Calendar 

March 1 Start of Limited In-Person Instruction (LIPI)

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HYBRID PLAN & SURVEY

Thank you to those of you who have completed the Hybrid Survey.  We have started to reach out to individual families who have not yet responded or who have questions about the survey.  As we get the last results of the survey, we will start to analyze the information and begin work on our Hybrid plan.  Please rest assured that this initial survey is designed to give us information for planning.  As we design and share our hybrid plan, families will have the opportunity to ask more questions and revise your initial participation responses.  

 

THE 2021 SUCCESSFUL SCHOOLS SURVEY HAS LAUNCHED

Be sure to take the 2021 Successful Schools Survey! It helps PPS understand your experience as a parent or guardian. This important information will guide us as we determine the future of our schools. We would also like to remind you that the survey window is now February 8 to March 19 for families. If you have children at more than one PPS school, please complete one survey for each school your children attend.

 

GROUT PTA – CREATING COMMUNITY CONNECTION

PTA members are organizing a phone bank to connect with Grout families.  The purpose is to connect with families, learn how they envision Grout PTA being of most support, answer questions they may have about Grout PTA’s community role and hopefully how they could get involved. The project is planned to launch in March and continue through April. 

Do you want to connect with other families at Grout but not sure how? Grout PTA can help through its secure online communications platform called Konstella. On the Konstella website or phone App, you can connect with other Grout families and find out the latest PTA news at Grout all you have to do is sign-up! Here’s how:

1. Get Started: Go to https://www.konstella.com/cd/ATE9DM
2. Language Settings: There is an option from the website to select a language (at the bottom of the page), and once that is done the website will always show up in that language.
3. Assign: Assign your child(ren) to their classroom 

Join the growing number of parents already signed-up! If you have any questions or need help signing up, email us at groutpta@gmail.com.

About Grout PTA: The Grout PTA is a group of passionate parents, guardians, and teachers whose primary focus is to advocate for high-quality education and the well-being of all Grout students. We are working towards building relationships and amplifying the voices of BiPOC families and other marginalized groups at Grout. We are striving to create a more inclusive community that works to serve our diverse students and families.

 FEBRUARY GARDEN UPDATE

Hi there! This is Madeline, your Garden Educator! Happy Black History Month! February is a great time to look back and learn about Black history, while also looking forward and celebrating Black futures--especially in the world of growing food! This month, our virtual garden activities focus on how we grow and share food with others. Our 4th & 5th graders will be taking a look at two black farmers and the inspiring ways that they are growing food for and caring for their communities. Check out this 2 minute video clip of Leah Penniman, a farmer, food justice activist, and author of Farming While Black. 

 

Meanwhile in the garden, we are inching towards spring! We need your input on what we should plant in the garden! We want to include diverse crops that represent the many cultures at Grout. Please click on the link below to complete a very brief survey about foods that are important to your family. This will be an important way that we can include you in our gardens this year even if we can’t be together in person right now :) 

 

What Should We Grow in the Garden? Survey (English)

What Should We Grow in the Garden? Survey (Spanish)

 

Much of what we grow in the gardens will be getting harvested and donated to school meal distribution. So thank you so much for your input! We’re excited to see what specific plants you have in mind!

 

You can find all of our lessons from this year on our Grow Portland Youtube Channel. For more resources and to learn how you can get involved with your school garden visit our website GrowPortland.org.

 

Warmly,

Madeline Miller

mmiller@growportland.org

 

LET’S GET READING!

Our next library book pick up will be the week of March 1st for students in any grade. 

• On the sidewalk on 31st Avenue
• Monday, March 1: 2:00-4:00 pm
• Wednesday, March 3, 2:00-4:00 pm

 

Please remember to return any books that were previously checked out to you.

Also, if the above times do not work for you, please email lpreble@pps.net so she can help get you a book delivery or make other arrangements. 

 

 

Repeat from previous newsletters:  

REPORT CARDS & INFORMATION

Last week, we mailed home some important information.  Included in the mailing was:  

• Report Card
• Title 1 School/Family Compact and Information Sheet  (See Below)
• Information and Application for Site Council  (See Below) 
• Information on the Successful School Survey
• Information on Konstella and Joining the PTA
• Immunization Documentation Requests, if needed

 

SITE COUNCIL 

We are excited to announce that Grout Elementary School is recruiting parents or guardians for the relaunch of our Site Council.  

 

The Grout Site Council is a group of parents or guardians, staff, community members, and administrators who focus on overall school improvement and family engagement.  The Site Council will review data, make recommendations for the school improvement plan, and increase family engagement.  

 

The Site Council will meet once a month on the third Monday from 3:30 - 5:00 pm.  

 

Parent/guardian candidates will be selected by Grout families and serve two-year terms.  During this relaunch candidates can choose to serve a one-year term or a two-year term.  

 

We encourage any interested parents or guardians to apply.  Our goal is to have a diverse representation of our school community and we welcome participation from all.  There is no specific experience or background required.  Translation services will be provided for any Site Council member if needed.  

 

If you have any questions, please contact Denise Self, Principal, at (503) 916-6209 or dself@pps.net.  

 

Site Council Applications:  

• ဗမာ (Burmese)
• ជនជាតិខ្មែរ (Cambodian)
• (Chuukese)
• English 
• فارسی (Farsi) 
• Karen
• Kinyarwanda
• Maay Maay
• Oromo
• русский (Russian)
• Soomaali (Somali)
• Español (Spanish)
• Kiswahili (Swahili)
• Tigrinya 
• Tiếng Việt (Vietnamese)

 

 

TITLE 1 SCHOOL/FAMILY COMPACT

One requirement of being a Title 1 school is that we complete a school-home compact. Effective schools are a result of families and school staff working together to ensure that children are successful in school.  A compact is a voluntary agreement between groups.  You are invited to enter into this partnership, the purpose of which is to strengthen the commitment between us to put children first. 

 

We have included the compact in this mailing for you. Please read through the compact with your child and both of you sign it at the bottom. We are aiming to get 200 completed compacts back from our families by March 12. All students who return their compact will receive a Grout Water Bottle! 

 

There are several ways to return it:

 

• Drop it off during library book pickup or when picking up supplies from your teacher
• Mail it to Grout Elementary: 3119 SE Holgate Blvd. Portland, OR 97202
• Bring it to the school and put it through the mail slot in the front door
• Give it to the delivery driver if you receive a delivery from the school
• Scan it and return via email to mcarpenter@pps.net

 

Thank you for your help in completing this requirement and supporting your student(s) in their learning.

 

Title 1 Compacts: 

• ဗမာ (Burmese)
• ជនជាតិខ្មែរ (Cambodian)
• Chuuk (Chuukese)
• English
• فارسی (Farsi) 
• Karen
• Kinyarwanda
• Maay Maay
• Oromo
• русский (Russian)
• Soomaali (Somali)
• Español (Spanish)
• Kiswahili (Swahili)
• Tigrinya 
• Tiếng Việt (Vietnamese)

 

FLYERS

• Portland Parks & Recreation Preschool Registration Flier
• Multnomah County Student Health Center Immunization Flier

February 19, 2020

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Calendar 

March 1 Start of Limited In-Person Instruction (LIPI)

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HYBRID PLAN & SURVEY

Thank you for your patience as we roll-out our Hybrid plan and survey.  As you can imagine, there are many questions and we are working hard to get you accurate and complete information.  I don’t have many details at this point which is frustrating for us all, but we are all doing our best to meet the needs of our Grout community.  Our goal is to create a flexible plan that will allow families to make the choices that are best for them.  I hope to send out answers to some of our questions by Monday, February 22.  

 

Thank you to those of you who have completed the Hybrid Survey.  The deadline has been extended to Thursday, February 25.  We recognize that there may have been some technology glitches and think those have been resolved.  A reminder message will be coming out again soon.  Next week we will be reaching out to families who need individual support in completing the survey.  

LIPI 

We have had to push our LIPI start date back a week, but we are still moving ahead.  We will be reaching out to families of identified students to invite them to participate in our LIPI program.  Our initial cohort will be focused on K-2 students.  

 

THE 2021 SUCCESSFUL SCHOOLS SURVEY HAS LAUNCHED

Be sure to take the 2021 Successful Schools Survey! It helps PPS understand your experience as a parent or guardian. This important information will guide us as we determine the future of our schools. We would also like to remind you that the survey window is now February 8 to March 12 for students, staff, and leaders, and February 8 to March 19 for families. If you have children at more than one PPS school, please complete one survey for each school your children attend.

 

REPORT CARDS & INFORMATION

Yesterday, we mailed home some important information.  Included in the mailing was:  

• Report Card
• Title 1 School/Family Compact and Information Sheet  (See Below)
• Information and Application for Site Council  (See Below) 
• Information on the Successful School Survey
• Information on Konstella and Joining the PTA
• Immunization Documentation Requests, if needed

 

SITE COUNCIL 

We are excited to announce that Grout Elementary School is recruiting parents or guardians for the relaunch of our Site Council.  

 

The Grout Site Council is a group of parents or guardians, staff, community members, and administrators who focus on overall school improvement and family engagement.  The Site Council will review data, make recommendations for the school improvement plan, and increase family engagement.  

 

The Site Council will meet once a month on the third Monday from 3:30 - 5:00 pm.  

 

Parent/guardian candidates will be selected by Grout families and serve two-year terms.  During this relaunch candidates can choose to serve a one-year term or a two-year term.  

 

We encourage any interested parents or guardians to apply.  Our goal is to have a diverse representation of our school community and we welcome participation from all.  There is no specific experience or background required.  Translation services will be provided for any Site Council member if needed.  

 

If you have any questions, please contact Denise Self, Principal, at (503) 916-6209 or dself@pps.net.  

 

Site Council Applications:  

• ဗမာ (Burmese)
• ជនជាតិខ្មែរ (Cambodian)
• (Chuukese)
• English 
• فارسی (Farsi) 
• Karen
• Kinyarwanda
• Maay Maay
• Oromo
• русский (Russian)
• Soomaali (Somali)
• Español (Spanish)
• Kiswahili (Swahili)
• Tigrinya 
• Tiếng Việt (Vietnamese)

 

 

TITLE 1 SCHOOL/FAMILY COMPACT

One requirement of being a Title 1 school is that we complete a school-home compact. Effective schools are a result of families and school staff working together to ensure that children are successful in school.  A compact is a voluntary agreement between groups.  You are invited to enter into this partnership, the purpose of which is to strengthen the commitment between us to put children first. 

 

We have included the compact in this mailing for you. Please read through the compact with your child and both of you sign it at the bottom. We are aiming to get 200 completed compacts back from our families by March 12. All students who return their compact will receive a Grout Water Bottle! 

 

There are several ways to return it:

 

• Drop it off during library book pickup or when picking up supplies from your teacher
• Mail it to Grout Elementary: 3119 SE Holgate Blvd. Portland, OR 97202
• Bring it to the school and put it through the mail slot in the front door
• Give it to the delivery driver if you receive a delivery from the school
• Scan it and return via email to mcarpenter@pps.net

 

Thank you for your help in completing this requirement and supporting your student(s) in their learning.

 

Title 1 Compacts: 

• ဗမာ (Burmese)
• ជនជាតិខ្មែរ (Cambodian)
• Chuuk (Chuukese)
• English
• فارسی (Farsi) 
• Karen
• Kinyarwanda
• Maay Maay
• Oromo
• русский (Russian)
• Soomaali (Somali)
• Español (Spanish)
• Kiswahili (Swahili)
• Tigrinya 
• Tiếng Việt (Vietnamese)

 

 

PARENT TECH TIP

Seesaw users, Are you struggling with the finger tool when you try to move something to a certain spot? Sometimes the number, letter, or dot you're trying to move disappears behind the designated spot. Ugh! How frustrating! Try clicking on the three dots and scrolling up to the 'order' button. If you switch to 'move to front' the thing that disappeared may reveal itself again. 

 

Families, do you have tips you'd like to share? Please email Ms. Lynn: lpreble@pps.net, so we can build our community toolbox.

 

K-5 TRANSFER CYCLE & EXPLORE YOUR OPTIONS EVENT

From February 17-March 16, families can submit transfer requests to K-5 dual language immersion, focus option and alternative programs.

 

ACCESS Academy applications for grades 1-8 are available from February 17-April 16. 

Applications are available at www.pps.net/schoolchoice.

 

Families are invited to a virtual K-5 Explore Your Options night on Thursday, February 18 from 6-8 pm.  This event is happening in lieu of many school-based open houses that would typically happen during the transfer cycle.  Learn more at www.pps.net/k-5options.

PARENT & CAREGIVER TIPS FOR AT-HOME LEARNING

This workshop will take an interactive approach of interviewing PPS staff from the Multi-Tiered System of Support team about resources they have created for parents & caregivers to use at home. In this workshop, parents will have an opportunity to ask questions and explore resources around different strategies to empower young people and the adults they work with to co-create safe and supportive learning environments at home. This will be a live workshop and will be recorded to view at a later time. You are welcome to submit your questions in advance via this padlet board. 

 

At-Home Learning Strategies Website

Parent Workshop: At-Home Learning Strategies

Español | Tiếng Việt | 中文 | Soomaali | Русский

 

When: Friday, February 26, 2021

Time: 4:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.

How: 3 different ways

• Via Comcast Channel 28
• www.youtube.com/user/ppscomms/live
• Zoom (must pre-register here)

 

LET’S GET READING!

Our next library book pick up will be the week of February 22nd for students in any grade. 

• On the sidewalk on 31st Avenue
• Monday, February 22: 2:00-4:00 pm
• Wednesday, February 24, 2:00-4:00 pm

 

Please remember to return any books that were previously checked out to you.

Also, if the above times do not work for you, please email lpreble@pps.net so she can help get you a book delivery or make other arrangements. 

 

FLYERS

• Portland Parks & Recreation Preschool Registration Flier
• Multnomah County Student Health Center Immunization Flier

 

February 5, 2020

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Calendar 

February 7 MAP Test opt-out forms due

February 15 No School - Presidents Day

February 22 Tentative start of Limited In-Person Instruction (LIPI)

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From previous newsletters...

LIPI AND HYBRID

Last week the district sent out an update for continuing Comprehensive Distance Learning (CDL) in quarter 3 with small cohorts of students returning to Limited In-Person Instruction (LIPI).  We are currently creating our plan for LIPI and will be submitting it to the district early next week.  We will also be reaching out to families of identified students to invite them to participate in our LIPI program.  Our initial cohort will be focused on K-2 students, but we will explore the idea of additional cohorts as we proceed with this quarter.  Our tentative start date is February 22, 2021, but it is subject to change.

The district also announced plans to partially reopen to hybrid learning in April.  There are many details and questions still to be answered, but the initial plan calls for alternating learning between in-person and distance learning for our youngest learners.  Shortly, families will be asked to share their interest in participating in hybrid learning.  Please look out for these communications from the district because they will help us in our planning.  We will keep you informed of our progress as we begin to plan and implement hybrid learning.  

 

MAP TESTING - LAST NOTICE

Dear Parents,

This information came out in last week's newsletter, but we’ve revised the deadline.  See the changes in red below.

As announced by the district, we will be conducting MAP testing in Reading and Math this February.  As Dr. Bird explained, these assessments will give teachers, administrators, and the district valuable information about the progress that has been made during Comprehensive Distance Learning.  This is not intended to be a high-stakes test, but will instead give the district information to help guide the curriculum design and learning recovery as we plan for a return to school.  It will also help the district make decisions about resources and how to best support students as we enter the budget process.  

We encourage participation, but support parent choice in this decision.  If you would like to opt-out your child from taking the MAP test, please complete the attached survey by January 31, 2021.   MAP Assessment Opt-Out Form  We have extended the date to complete the opt-out form until Sunday, February 7.  We just need to collect the information prior to the beginning of testing.  If you need help with this process or have any questions, please contact Katy Vawter at kvawter@pps.net or call the school at (503) 916-6209.  

Thank you.

Denise

ဗမာ (Burmese)

ជនជាតិខ្មែរ (Cambodian)

(Chuukese)

فارسی (Farsi) 

Karen

Kinyarwanda

Maay Maay

Oromo

русский (Russian)

Soomaali (Somali)

Español (Spanish)

Kiswahili (Swahili)

Tigrinya 

Tiếng Việt (Vietnamese)

 

BELONGINGS FROM LAST YEAR

At the end of last school year we let you know that we would be gathering your student’s belongings together and hold onto them until we were able to reunite you with them. Starting next week we will be arranging to have these bags of belongings delivered to your homes. This process may take a few weeks since we have so many belongings. If you would like to arrange to pick up your belongings instead, please call Grout Elementary at 503-916-6209 or email mcarpenter@pps.net. 

 

LET’S GET READING!

Our next library book pick up will be the week of February 8th for students in any grade. 

• On the sidewalk on 31st Avenue
• Monday, February 8, 2:00-4:00 pm
• Wednesday, February 10, 2:00-4:00 pm

Please remember to return any books that were previously checked out to you.

Also, if the above times do not work for you, please email lpreble@pps.net so she can help get you a book delivery or make other arrangements. 

 

Happy Earth Day! In recognition of this annual tradition, we would like to take a moment to acknowledge all of the incredible work that students, staff, and partners are doing across the district to further our commitment to Climate Justice.

The PPS Youth Transition Program, in collaboration with Community Services Network, DePaul Industries, Meadowlark and Easter Seals of Oregon, is pleased to host a Virtual Special Education & Transition Resource Fair on April 27 and 28 from 6-8 p.m. Participants will receive information and valuable resources from a variety of local community agencies that provide support and services for students while in high school and beyond. 

Portland Public Schools is thrilled to announce the availability of $10 million to support partners who provide summer safety and enrichment programming for students this summer. 

Dear PPS Community,

As we continue welcoming our students to hybrid in-person learning, today we want to share a new resource that is available to you. For this project, we ReImagine a Digital Experience – an experience that is easy to navigate, multilingual, user-friendly and welcoming for ALL.