June 5, 2019

Happy June Markham Families,

5^th Grade Promotion! Our 5^th graders are promoting to middle school.  The promotion will take place on Wednesday, June 12^th at 1:30 PM in the auditorium with a reception to follow in the cafeteria.  We will then have a Clap-out at 2:45 where everyone lines the halls and celebrates our 5^th graders as they parade by for the last time as Markham 5^th graders.  It is always with happy and heavy hearts that we celebrate them transitioning to middle school. They will certainly be missed, and we wish them much success in their middle school years.

For the past seven years 5^th graders have daily rotated through all 5^th grade teachers as the core content subjects were divided amongst the teachers.  This will change for the next school year.  All 5^th grade classrooms will remain constant and each teacher will go back to teaching all subjects.  This was a hard decision considering the success our students have had with the current format.  Although successful, each year has proven to be more and more difficult to schedule with state and district mandated time frames for subjects.   We have a great team of 5^th grade teachers, and I know they are going to continue to work hard and collaborate together to give our students their best. 

Keeping Skills Sharp in the Summer-

Tumble Book Library: Free On-line Books and Videos!
Did you know that your family can access hundreds of books on Tumble Book Library? There are animated talking picture books, chapter books, graphic novels, and non-fiction titles on this website. There are also books in Spanish and French, and videos. This is a super way to get kids reading over the summer!

1. Go to the “Markham Elementary School” homepage
2. Go to “Library”
3. Click on “Tumble Book Library” – you’re in!

You’ll never be without a book this summer if you use Tumble Book Library.

Also, don’t forget about Mr. Kertay’s protopage.  Students can access a variety of safe academic links that they use in technology.  The direct link:  http://www.protopage.com/markhamcomplab.  You can google Markham Protopage as well or go to the Markham homepage: http://www.pps.net/Domain/140 and click on “Technology Webpage” under Quick Links.

Dreambox will be available through the summer for current 3^rd, 4^th, 5^th and K-2 TAG students. 

2019-20 SCHOOL MEAL PRICES

Breakfast and lunch prices will remain the same for the next school year. Breakfast prices will remain the same at $1.50 for paid students and $2.25 for adults.

2019-20 Lunch prices will be:

Elementary         $2.90                       High School $3.40                                  
6^th-8^th Grade       $3.15                        Adult             $4.40 

Student lunch accounts with positive or negative balances will carry over into next school year.  Families can pay off negative account balances by cash or check in the cafeteria, or online at www.myschoolbucks.com. Families with positive account balances have the following options:

• Do nothing -- leave the funds in the account to pay for future school meals
• Request the balance be transferred to a sibling meal account
• Request a refund via the Cafeteria Lead (check will be sent within 4-6 weeks)
• Request the funds be donated to help cover money owed on other students’ meal accounts

For more information, go to www.pps.net/nutrition, or call 503-916-3399. 

Our Spring Concert, Used Book Sale Event was a success.  I want to thank our PTA and parent volunteers who helped to make this a fun-filled evening.  I was so pleased with the students’ performances. Thank you Mr. Erickson for a great spring concert.  Thank you PTA for a huge selection of books and organized genres to choose from.

Our Volunteer Thank You Breakfast was on the 3^rd of last month. I want to thank the staff and students for pulling it all together with a wonderful breakfast and beautiful decorations and thank you notes.  I cannot say how deeply grateful Markham is to have such a team of caring and dedicated volunteers who support our students.  Your commitment, energy and talents do not go unnoticed and our students benefit greatly from your hard work and efforts. 

Thank you Mr. Johnson for an outstanding Field Day!  It was a great day for field activities.  The weather cooperated for us once more.  Thank you parent volunteers for your help and Mr. Kern for supplying the invigorating music to help keep everyone moving.

Please do not forget to check the Lost and Found for missing items.  Any items left, once school is out, will be packed and sent to our district clothing closet. 

The first day back to school for 1^st – 5^th graders is Wednesday, August 28^th.  Kindergarteners’ first day back is Tuesday, September 3^rd.  On August 28^th, 29^th and 30^th kindergarten teachers will be conducting their individual student and parent interviews and assessments.  These appointments will be scheduled during Kindergarten Welcome on Monday, August 26^th.  Information on this event will be sent to parents of kindergarteners in mid-August. 

Please see attached flyer explaining PBOT’s updates on the SW Capitol Highway Complete Streets Project - SW Huber to Kerr Parkway.

Have a safe, happy and healthy summer vacation everyone!  I look forward to seeing you all in the fall.

Grateful for the Markham Community,

Shawn Garnett

Principal