June 4, 2018
Happy Month of June Markham Families,
It is hard for me to believe I am welcoming in June. It feels like yesterday I was welcoming the students back to school. I have had other school years seemingly fly by, but I think this year tops them all. As the saying goes, “Time flies when you are having fun.” We have had lots of fun learning and growing. I am proud of each of our students and their accomplishments. Last Friday was our last set of Awards Assemblies for the year and it gave me great pleasure to tell each grade level how they were moving up to the next grade. This was especially endearing to me for our 5th graders who are transitioning to another school.
Join Us! Our 5th graders are promoting to middle school. The promotion will take place on Friday, June 8th at 1:00 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 5th graders as they parade by for the last time as Markham’s oldest students. It is always with happy and heavy hearts that we celebrate them transitioning to middle school. We will truly miss them and wish them much success in their middle school years. Go Eagles!
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!
- Go to the “Markham Elementary School” homepage
- Go to “Library”
- 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.
ST Math (K-3) and Dreambox (4th and 5th) will be available through June 30th. Currently, I am working with the district and our PTA to see if this is a resource we can maintain for next year. I have heard lots of positive feedback from students and parents regarding these online math resources.
2018-19 SCHOOL MEAL PRICES
On May 22nd, the school board voted and approved a 10 cent increase in lunch prices for the 2018-19 school year. Breakfast prices will remain the same at $1.50 for paid students and $2.25 for adults.
2018-19 Lunch prices will be:
Elementary $2.90 High School $3.40
6th-8th Grade $3.15 Adult $4.40
The copay for reduced price eligible meals will continue to be covered by the state of Oregon in 2018-19 and these meals will remain at no charge to the students. Breakfast will also remain free for all Markham students next year.
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 by June 15, 2018. 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.
Once again, our Spring Concert, Used Book Sale and Global Village 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 in band, choir and recorders. Thank you Mr. Erickson for a great spring concert.
Congratulations to our two Global Village Passport awardees: Ms. Franklin’s 1st grader Alejandro B. and Ms. Lee’s 3rd grader Yuki A. Their completed passports were drawn and they received prizes.
Our Volunteer Thank You Breakfast was on the 22nd of last month. I want to thank Ms. Savage for the wonderful breakfast idea and helping to decorate, including the beautiful paper flowers her students created. Thank you Ms. Truman for assisting in organizing and all the staff who contributed the delicious food. Thank you Ms. Johnson and Ms. Jolinda Miller for the priceless entertainment, along with the written heartfelt thoughts of our 5th graders. 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 PTA for supporting us in our spring Connect to Kindergarten. It was well attended and informative. I received lots of positive feedback.
Thank you Mr. Johnson for an outstanding Field Day! Many students shared with me about how wet they got and not from the rain. It was a perfect day for water challenges. Thank you parent volunteers for your help!
A big thank you to all the families (Szenasy, Plazek, Voglar, Gribling-Kelleher, Keller, Dolph, Nelson, Barbour-Hillesland, Lascink, Suja, Wold, Loomis, Krueger, Pacha-Murawski, Wilcoxson, Boleyn, Englander, Kandel and Vanderzanden) who contributed to the staff lunch of fabulous pizzas, salads and drinks on Field Day. Your acts of generosity and support are much appreciated!
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 1st – 5th graders is Monday, August 27th. Kindergarteners’ first day back is Thursday, August 30th. On August 27th, 28th and 29th kindergarten teachers will be conducting their individual student and parent interviews and assessments. These appointments will be scheduled during Kindergarten Welcome on Wednesday, August 22nd. Information on this event will be sent to parents of kindergarteners in mid-August.
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
