Hello Vestal community-
Tomorrow is Field Day! Yeah...remind your kiddos to wear blue and yellow and good shoes!It promises to be a super fun day!
Our 6th-8th grade will also have an opportunity to work with some PSU students tomorrow afternoon around Social Justice and the Arts; we are hoping this will be engaging and meaningful for them.
Next week...hard to believe but it really is the last week of the school year! Last day is June 8th:)
You have likely all received communication from PPS by now about the vote to house ACCESS at Vestal for grades 1-5. Some of our staff and students had questions about this news, so I will share some questions and answers that came up and ask you to share what you feel is appropriate with your own child/ren.
Will ACCESS have the same rules as we do? Yes, we are welcoming them into our school and community, just like when you welcome someone to your house, they will follow our guidelines (and we will teach our guidelines to them). They are PPS students, too!
Can we go into their part of the building? YES, just like this year you will be expected to be where your classroom and learning is taking place, but if you need to walk through the ACCESS hallways on your way some where, it is no problem!
I heard they will have music and we won't, is this true? Actually no. As of right now, neither Vestal have Music BUT we are asking the district to pay for a drama OR music teacher for both schools to enjoy.
I heard ACCESS kids are smarter than we are, are they? Oh my goodness. Everyone is smart in different ways; all people, no matter their age have strengths and weaknesses. For example, I (Ms. Flamoe) struggle with math, being organized, and making schedules, BUT I am pretty good with reading and writing and making friends. Everyone has strengths and everyone has weaknesses. This is true for all Vestal students and all ACCESS students...again, we are PPS students!
Will Vestal be more crowded? No. We will gain about as many ACCESS students as we will lose middle school students.
OK- so no student asked this next one, but adults did- What about Headstart?
I have been told that PPS communications, in conjunction with the Headstart offices, will be sending out information about plans for Headstart. I have been told that facilities would not have been able to have our classrooms and bathrooms prepared for Headstart in the Fall regardless of thi sdecsion. I have asked for assurances from PPS district folks that ALL families that have registered for Headstart at Vestal will be taken care of and communicated with soon.
Ok, as I get more information I will share!
With hope, Sabrina Flamoe
sflamoe@pps.net
PTA Newss
Melia Garden Coordinator needs your help
Summer Watering and Maintenance in the Vestal School Garden
Interested in helping in the garden this summer? Volunteers are needed to take on a week of watering over the break. Volunteers are welcome to harvest whatever is ready during their week! Please contact Garden Educator Melia Chase at melia@earthartag.org Thank you!"
"Free Garden Produce Stand!
Wednesdays, 7/11, 7/18, 7/25, and 8/1, from 11:45 am - 12:45 pm. Veggies and herbs from the Vestal school garden will be available for families to take home. Stop by the stand outside the school garden after EKT or SUN Summer Camp to pick up fresh produce and check out the summertime garden!"
SUN Program
SUN Summer registrations went out this week to all K-5 students. If you didn’t receive one, you can pick one up by the SUN bulletin board outside the main office, or contact Ryan, SUN Site Manager at ryanm@irco.org. Included is information on an awesome overnight camping trip sponsored and lead by Oregon Zoo. The trip is open to current 2nd-4th graders and will be July 31st at Oxbow Park. Oregon Zoo provides all necessary equipment and a few chaperones are needed. Contact Ryan for more information.
Ryan will be visiting middle school classrooms next week to talk about opportunities for summer volunteers for the SUN Summer program.
Early Kindergarten Transition
EKT (Early Kindergarten Transition) is accepting applications through the end of the school year. The EKT program is for incoming kindergartners and includes a twice-weekly meeting for parents/caregivers.
PTA News
PTA Meeting Tuesday, June 5 at 8:15am
Please join us for our final meeting of the school year on Tuesday in the Teacher's Lounge. A primary topic of discussion will be the upcoming co-location of ACCESS Academy at Vestal. We want to hear your thoughts and concerns as we work with the District and ACCESS to prepare for a successful transition and school year. We anticipate that Representative Alissa Keny-Guyer will be in attendance.
PTA Summer Kickball
Join us for family kickball every Wednesday throughout the summer from 6:30 to 7:30 at the Vestal playground. This is a great way to meet other Vestal families and make our community stronger!
