Dear Sellwood Community,

 

Just a quick reminder that all 8th-graders will be visiting Cleveland High School for an orientation next Wednesday, in the afternoon. They will be travelling by bus and will be back before dismissal. Please make sure to return your permission slip. If you have not seen the permission slip, please ask your child, or you can get one from the main office.

 

Also, I recommend an upcoming parent event coming up on the evening of May 8th at Cleveland High School entitled Stronger Together: Practicing a Community of Consent and Connection. Please see their flyer below this message.

 

Sincerely,

 

Jeandre Carbone

Sellwood Principal

Sellwood Garden Tour - June 8 - Calling All Volunteers!

This year’s Garden Tour Fundraiser will be held on Sunday, June 8! The gardens are secured, and now we need your help to make the event a blooming success.

There are many ways to get involved—whether you have time, connections, or creative ideas, we’d love your support. You can find more details and sign-ups on Konstella, but here are a few key areas where we need help:

Sponsorships: Do you own a business—or know someone who does—that would like to sponsor the event? Want to help us reach out to local businesses?

Procurement: We’re collecting items for our raffle baskets. Do you have something to donate, or can you help us gather donations?

Marketing: Help spread the word! We’re looking for support in promoting the event to local media and Portland-area event calendars.

Ticket Sales: Assist with organizing and selling tickets.

Volunteer Coordinator: Help recruit and communicate with our day-of-event volunteers.

This is going to be a fun and meaningful event for the whole community—and with your help, a big success!

 

8th Grade Graduation Yard Signs

Do you have a graduating 8th grader? Let your graduate shine with pride with a Sellwood Middle School yard sign this Spring!

You can place orders here before April 27!

• Go to spirithero.com ➢ Search “Sellwood” ➢ Select your items

• Signs are just $25 each, including design and shipping, with an additional $5 for personalization

• Sellwood PTA will coordinate delivery at the school or porch pick-ups in early May

 

BottleDrop Blue Bags

Recycle your cans and bottles and support the PTA!

 

Collect and return your empty cans and bottles through the Bottle Drop Blue Bag program. Visit the office at any time to pick up Blue Bags for BottleDrop.

 

Or pick up Blue Bags from SMS community members who have blue bags on their porch. Keep this newsletter bookmarked to easily locate blue bag access points near you:

 

• 7125 SE 21st Ave. (between SE Bybee & Knapp)

• 7645 SE 17th Ave. (between SE Rex & Lambert)

• 3704 SE Ogden (at SE 37th Ave)

• 4922 SE Knapp (between SE 48th & 50th)

• NEW LOCATION ADDED! Wallace Books (7241 SE Milwaukie Ave)

Return your bags to the nearest BottleDrop location and support the PTA! If you have older Blue Bags, you can still return them!

 

Join the PTA

Please join the PTA and contribute your voice to the conversation on making this a great school year for our kids and SMS community. Here is the link to join!

www.schoolpay.com/link/sellwoodpta

 

Join Konstella

The PTA uses the Konstella app to keep the parent community up to date with scheduled events, the school calendar, volunteer sign ups and PTA announcements. Here is the link to join!

 

https://www.konstella.com/cd/AXC2Z9

This week in Advisory classes have been talking about different forms of prejudice and how it is related to stereotypes. Many classes reported having some great conversations due to the engagement of the students and their insights from their experiences. One of the most thought provoking activities was from watching this locally made video which provides a thought experiment around the question “What would you do if you witnessed a possible bike theft?” Here’s a link to the video if you would like to check it out for yourself and perhaps continue the conversation at home.

Our Leadership Class is organizing a Plastic Film Collection through Ridwell, and students can earn points for their 1st period class by bringing in clean, dry plastic film (the stretchy kind). Our goal is to save FIVE big bags of plastic from the landfill!

Follow the link for details. https://drive.google.com/file/d/11To_Ste8FX08KXPip6ZQPYAxvVqwJbrK/view?usp=sharing

State testing is just around the corner! Please mark your calendars for the following testing dates:

• Math OSAS - Mon. May 19th & Tues. May 20th

Students will test in their 1st period Advisory classes from 9:15 - 11:20am and then continue through the rest of their day with 30 minute classes. These tests help assess your student’s progress and provide valuable information about their learning. While the results are important, it's essential to remember that these tests are just one part of your child’s educational journey. If you would like to learn more about the Oregon State Assessment System (OSAS) check out the PPS district assessment page here.

We encourage you to help your student prepare by ensuring they get plenty of rest, eat a healthy breakfast, and arrive at school on time. Since phones and smart watches are not allowed in the testing environment these may be good days for students to either leave them at home, or be sure that these devices stay off and away in their locker. Additionally, you can support their confidence by reminding them to do their best, stay calm, and take their time on each test. Together, we can help them succeed!

 

Thank you for your continued support!

Please donate so we can provide a no-cost yearbook to all students on distribution day in June. We will not be selling yearbooks, so rather than purchasing a yearbook, we are asking you to donate. Yearbooks usually cost $20, so your donation would cover the cost of your child's yearbook, and maybe something extra to make sure that everyone can have one. So far we've raised about $5000 of the $10,000 we will need. Look for "Sellwood Yearbook Donation" in SchoolPay. Any amount helps. Sellwood's PTA will be matching donations.

Dear PPS Middle Grades families,

PPS is moving to a new Standards-Based Grading System for all 28 middle schools. The purpose is to provide clearer and more meaningful feedback to students. Some of our middle schools are already using this approach, and research supports its benefits. Our K-5 schools have also made progress in this direction with their report cards.

We invite you to visit our middle grades Standards-Based Grading website at pps.net/sbg. There, you can find updates, resources, timelines, materials, and FAQs.

There will be three family and community engagement events in person and virtually at the Prophet Education Center (501 N. Dixon St.) in the PPS Boardroom. We invite all who have current middle grades students or students entering into the middle grades to these presentations where we will provide updates as well as listen to feedback and answer questions.

 

 

 

Family and Community engagement (Virtual and in person)

 

 

February 13, 2025 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM

 

 

March 13, 2025 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM

 

 

May 8, 2025 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM

 

 

 

We believe grades are an important way to communicate with students and families. This new system will make it clearer what students need to do to meet academic expectations.

 

If you have any questions, please contact Richard Smith at rsmith5@pps.net. Check the website often for updates. We look forward to working with you during this exciting transition.

Information and Family Supports

 

• This FAQ answers many questions about the steps Portland Public Schools will be taking to safeguard staff and students going forward.

• The Immigrant Legal Resource Center Little Red Card This card is meant to help people assert their rights and defend themselves in many situations. These can be printed out and carried on your person.

• Know Your Rights for Families/Students (Oregon ACLU)

• Immigrant Rights Resources One Pager

The best way to reach us is by email.

Willa Grund is our new school secretary. wgrund@pps.net

Claire Howard (choward1@pps.net) is our principal’s secretary.

Our Sellwood website (pps.net/sellwood) has many “Quick Links” to help you immediately.

The Office Phone Number

The office phone number is 503-916-5656.

When prompted

press 4 for Willa Grund (“Records/Registration”).

press 3 for Claire (Principal’s Secretary).

press 2 for any “Attendance” matter. It’s a designated line just for attendance.

press 5 for Records, Registration.

press 0 for the front counter – answered by students; not a confidential line.

Secured Building

Sellwood is a locked and secure building.

Please ring the doorbell to the right of the main doors to reach the office. We will guide you accordingly.

Picking up your student during the day:

While we understand it is sometimes necessary to pick up your child from school, please try to limit your student’s daytime appointments. If necessary, please ring the bell at the main door and expect to wait while your child is located.

Guides to Help you:

To correct your student’s attendance: Log into ParentVue.

For changes to your student's registration profile in Synergy: ParentVue/StudentVue

Quick Links found on Sellwood’s website (pps.net/sellwood)

Please email wgrund@pps.net for:

Passwords: If you have forgotten your password, have been locked out of your account, or do not have login credentials.

Registration, Enrollment.

ParentVue (if your account has been disabled).

Please email Claire (choward1@pps.net) for:

School Pay.

Bookkeeping/accounting issues.

Administrative Support: Messages or matters of support to the principal or assistant principal.

April 30: All 8th Grade Field Trip to Cleveland High School

May 8: All 7th Grade Field Trip to the Holocaust Museum/History Museum

May 21: Early Release 1:45 PM

May 26: Memorial Day: No School

May 28: Spring Band & Choir Concert @ Cleveland HS 7-9 PM

June 3: 15 Minute Late Start - Staff Meeting Day

June 5: Sellwood Showcase Night - 5:30 to 7:30 PM

June 9: 8th Grade Oaks Park Field Trip

June 10: 6th/7th Grade Oaks Park Field Trip

June 12: 8th Grade Promotion - 10:30-11:30 AM

June 12: Last Day of School - Half-day - School Ends 12:30 PM

Link to PPS Calendar for 2024 - 2025

Dear Sellwood Community,

 

This morning we had an exciting assembly featuring an energetic performance from the Rex Putnam High School Drumline. Congratulations to Sellwood 7th grader Conrad Hyde who performed with the drumline. The show was a mix of percussion and dance, and students really seemed to enjoy it. It was a thrilling way to end the week.

 

If your child is interested in drumline, there are a few upcoming workshops they can join on May 10th. See the flyers below.

 

Don't forget that next Wednesday is an early release at 1:45. If you are able, stick around for our wood chip party putting the finishing touches on our new native plant garden.

 

Enjoy the sunshine while it lasts :-)

 

Sincerely,

 

Jeandre Carbone

Sellwood Principal

You are invited to a Sellwood Middle School beautification event. Our new native plant garden is beautiful, but still a little bare. It needs wood chips! See the pics below. Come help spread the wood chips on Wednesday, April 23rd. We will start at 1:45 PM when students are released for early dismissal. There will be snacks! We are looking for volunteers who can bring wheelbarrows and/or shovels, so let us know if you are able to help in that way. Look for more information on the PTA Konstella and Instagram.

Sellwood Garden Tour - June 8 - Calling All Volunteers!

This year’s Garden Tour Fundraiser will be held on Sunday, June 8! The gardens are secured, and now we need your help to make the event a blooming success.

There are many ways to get involved—whether you have time, connections, or creative ideas, we’d love your support. You can find more details and sign-ups on Konstella, but here are a few key areas where we need help:

Sponsorships: Do you own a business—or know someone who does—that would like to sponsor the event? Want to help us reach out to local businesses?

Procurement: We’re collecting items for our raffle baskets. Do you have something to donate, or can you help us gather donations?

Marketing: Help spread the word! We’re looking for support in promoting the event to local media and Portland-area event calendars.

Ticket Sales: Assist with organizing and selling tickets.

Volunteer Coordinator: Help recruit and communicate with our day-of-event volunteers.

This is going to be a fun and meaningful event for the whole community—and with your help, a big success!

 

8th Grade Graduation Yard Signs

Do you have a graduating 8th grader? Let your graduate shine with pride with a Sellwood Middle School yard sign this Spring!

You can place orders here before April 27!

• Go to spirithero.com ➢ Search “Sellwood” ➢ Select your items

• Signs are just $25 each, including design and shipping, with an additional $5 for personalization

• Sellwood PTA will coordinate delivery at the school or porch pick-ups in early May

 

BottleDrop Blue Bags

Recycle your cans and bottles and support the PTA!

 

Collect and return your empty cans and bottles through the Bottle Drop Blue Bag program. Visit the office at any time to pick up Blue Bags for BottleDrop.

 

Or pick up Blue Bags from SMS community members who have blue bags on their porch. Keep this newsletter bookmarked to easily locate blue bag access points near you:

 

• 7125 SE 21st Ave. (between SE Bybee & Knapp)

• 7645 SE 17th Ave. (between SE Rex & Lambert)

• 3704 SE Ogden (at SE 37th Ave)

• 4922 SE Knapp (between SE 48th & 50th)

• NEW LOCATION ADDED! Wallace Books (7241 SE Milwaukie Ave)

Return your bags to the nearest BottleDrop location and support the PTA! If you have older Blue Bags, you can still return them!

 

Join the PTA

Please join the PTA and contribute your voice to the conversation on making this a great school year for our kids and SMS community. Here is the link to join!

www.schoolpay.com/link/sellwoodpta

Join Konstella

The PTA uses the Konstella app to keep the parent community up to date with scheduled events, the school calendar, volunteer sign ups and PTA announcements. Here is the link to join!

 

https://www.konstella.com/cd/AXC2Z9

State testing is just around the corner! Please mark your calendars for the following testing dates:

• Math OSAS - Mon. May 19th & Tues. May 20th

Students will test in their 1st period Advisory classes from 9:15 - 11:20am and then continue through the rest of their day with 30 minute classes. These tests help assess your student’s progress and provide valuable information about their learning. While the results are important, it's essential to remember that these tests are just one part of your child’s educational journey. If you would like to learn more about the Oregon State Assessment System (OSAS) check out the PPS district assessment page here.

We encourage you to help your student prepare by ensuring they get plenty of rest, eat a healthy breakfast, and arrive at school on time. Since phones and smart watches are not allowed in the testing environment these may be good days for students to either leave them at home, or be sure that these devices stay off and away in their locker. Additionally, you can support their confidence by reminding them to do their best, stay calm, and take their time on each test. Together, we can help them succeed!

 

Thank you for your continued support!

Please help us congratulate our Sellwood Stars dancers. The Sellwood Stars took 2nd place at the middle school open division. Plus we had

Drill Down Winners- Cory and Sylvie

Super Star Winners- Martine and Oona

Please donate so we can provide a no-cost yearbook to all students on distribution day in June. We will not be selling yearbooks, so rather than purchasing a yearbook, we are asking you to donate. Yearbooks usually cost $20, so your donation would cover the cost of your child's yearbook, and maybe something extra to make sure that everyone can have one. So far we've raised about $5000 of the $10,000 we will need. Look for "Sellwood Yearbook Donation" in SchoolPay. Any amount helps. Sellwood's PTA will be matching donations.

ALSO, Ms. Souther is looking for photos of our Sellwood students in their extracurricular activities. Sports, band, OBOB, debate, chess, dance team, and more are such a big part of student life, and we want to make sure we include those activities if we can. Email photos (higher resolution is better) to Lsouther@pps.net. I'll need them before spring break, please!

Dear PPS Middle Grades families,

PPS is moving to a new Standards-Based Grading System for all 28 middle schools. The purpose is to provide clearer and more meaningful feedback to students. Some of our middle schools are already using this approach, and research supports its benefits. Our K-5 schools have also made progress in this direction with their report cards.

We invite you to visit our middle grades Standards-Based Grading website at pps.net/sbg. There, you can find updates, resources, timelines, materials, and FAQs.

There will be three family and community engagement events in person and virtually at the Prophet Education Center (501 N. Dixon St.) in the PPS Boardroom. We invite all who have current middle grades students or students entering into the middle grades to these presentations where we will provide updates as well as listen to feedback and answer questions.

 

 

 

Family and Community engagement (Virtual and in person)

 

 

February 13, 2025 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM

 

 

March 13, 2025 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM

 

 

May 8, 2025 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM

 

 

 

We believe grades are an important way to communicate with students and families. This new system will make it clearer what students need to do to meet academic expectations.

 

If you have any questions, please contact Richard Smith at rsmith5@pps.net. Check the website often for updates. We look forward to working with you during this exciting transition.

Information and Family Supports

 

• This FAQ answers many questions about the steps Portland Public Schools will be taking to safeguard staff and students going forward.

• The Immigrant Legal Resource Center Little Red Card This card is meant to help people assert their rights and defend themselves in many situations. These can be printed out and carried on your person.

• Know Your Rights for Families/Students (Oregon ACLU)

• Immigrant Rights Resources One Pager

The best way to reach us is by email.

Willa Grund is our new school secretary. wgrund@pps.net

Claire Howard (choward1@pps.net) is our principal’s secretary.

Our Sellwood website (pps.net/sellwood) has many “Quick Links” to help you immediately.

The Office Phone Number

The office phone number is 503-916-5656.

When prompted

press 4 for Willa Grund (“Records/Registration”).

press 3 for Claire (Principal’s Secretary).

press 2 for any “Attendance” matter. It’s a designated line just for attendance.

press 5 for Records, Registration.

press 0 for the front counter – answered by students; not a confidential line.

Secured Building

Sellwood is a locked and secure building.

Please ring the doorbell to the right of the main doors to reach the office. We will guide you accordingly.

Picking up your student during the day:

While we understand it is sometimes necessary to pick up your child from school, please try to limit your student’s daytime appointments. If necessary, please ring the bell at the main door and expect to wait while your child is located.

Guides to Help you:

To correct your student’s attendance: Log into ParentVue.

For changes to your student's registration profile in Synergy: ParentVue/StudentVue

Quick Links found on Sellwood’s website (pps.net/sellwood)

Please email wgrund@pps.net for:

Passwords: If you have forgotten your password, have been locked out of your account, or do not have login credentials.

Registration, Enrollment.

ParentVue (if your account has been disabled).

Please email Claire (choward1@pps.net) for:

School Pay.

Bookkeeping/accounting issues.

Administrative Support: Messages or matters of support to the principal or assistant principal.

April 23: Early Release 1:45 PM

April 30: All 8th Grade Field Trip to Cleveland High School

May 8: All 7th Grade Field Trip to the Holocausts Museum/History Museum

May 21: Early Release 1:45 PM

May 26: Memorial Day: No School

May 28: Spring Band & Choir Concert @ Cleveland HS 7-9 PM

June 3: 15 Minute Late Start - Staff Meeting Day

June 5: Sellwood Showcase Night - 5:30 to 7:30 PM

June 9: 8th Grade Oaks Park Field Trip

June 10: 6th/7th Grade Oaks Park Field Trip

June 12: 8th Grade Promotion - 10:30-11:30 AM

June 12: Last Day of School - Half-day - School Ends 12:30 PM

Link to PPS Calendar for 2024 - 2025

Dear Sellwood Community,

 

Today the 8th-graders are enjoying their annual visit to a local(ish) university, with half of the group touring OSU and half touring the U of O. It's a long day, but worth the journey. Even though they are still middle schoolers, it is not too soon to begin imagining post-secondary options. We would like to thank our wonderful PTA for funding the comfortable coaches for the long trip. Also, we are grateful to the parent volunteers who chaperoned the trip, and our teachers who provided supervision. Finally, thank you to Ms. Hall, who coordinated the details of the college visit. It was a big undertaking!

 

8th graders will also be taking a field trip to Cleveland High School on April 30th, from 2-3:15 PM.

7th graders have their own trip coming up. On May 8th, they will visit either the Center for Holocaust Education or the Oregon Historical Society. Be on the lookout for field trip permission forms, which will be sent home with students. Staff will be recruiting parent chaperones, so if you would like to come along, let us know!

 

We also invite you to a wood chip spreading party on Wednesday, April 23rd, at 1:45 PM. See the blurb just below this message for more details.

 

Finally, a shout out to Sellwood student Hazel Nhem, who will be showing her artwork at the Cognizart Young Artists Debut! at the Reser on May 21st, opening 6PM. Congratulations, Hazel!

 

Enjoy the weekend :-)

 

Sincerely,

 

Jeandre Carbone

Sellwood Principal

You are invited to a Sellwood Middle School beautification event. Our new native plant garden is beautiful, but still a little bare. It needs wood chips! See the pics below. Come help spread the wood chips on Wednesday, April 23rd. We will start at 1:45 PM when students are released for early dismissal. There will be snacks! We are looking for volunteers who can bring wheelbarrows and/or shovels, so let us know if you are able to help in that way. Look for more information on the PTA Konstella and Instagram.

Sellwood Garden Tour - June 8 - Calling All Volunteers!

We’re excited to announce that this year’s Garden Tour Fundraiser will be held on Sunday, June 8! The gardens are secured, and now we need your help to make the event a blooming success.

There are many ways to get involved—whether you have time, connections, or creative ideas, we’d love your support. You can find more details and sign-ups on Konstella, but here are a few key areas where we need help:

Join Us: Come to our planning meeting on Thursday, April 17 at 6:15 PM in the SMS Library.

Sponsorships: Do you own a business—or know someone who does—that would like to sponsor the event? Want to help us reach out to local businesses?

Procurement: We’re collecting items for our raffle baskets. Do you have something to donate, or can you help us gather donations?

Marketing: Help spread the word! We’re looking for support in promoting the event to local media and Portland-area event calendars.

Ticket Sales: Assist with organizing and selling tickets.

Volunteer Coordinator: Help recruit and communicate with our day-of-event volunteers.

This is going to be a fun and meaningful event for the whole community—and with your help, a big success!

8th Grade Graduation Yard Signs

Do you have a graduating 8th grader? Let your graduate shine with pride with a Sellwood Middle School yard sign this Spring!

You can place orders here before April 27!

• Go to spirithero.com ➢ Search “Sellwood” ➢ Select your items

• Signs are just $25 each, including design and shipping, with an additional $5 for personalization

• Sellwood PTA will coordinate delivery at the school or porch pick-ups in early May

PTA meeting - Thursday, April 17

Please join us for our April PTA General meeting, at 7:00pm on Thursday, April 17 in the SMS Library. We have two guest speakers for this meeting:

• Jamie Incorvia, Cleveland High School IB Coordinator, will be joining us to share information about the IB program at CHS.

• Eddie Wang, PPS Board Member/Chair, will speak on behalf of the PPS Board about the upcoming Bond proposal.

We will also discuss upcoming events and volunteer/board updates for the remainder of the year and as we look ahead to the 2025-25 school year. See you there!

Join the PTA

Please join the PTA and contribute your voice to the conversation on making this a great school year for our kids and SMS community. Here is the link to join!

www.schoolpay.com/link/sellwoodpta

 

Join Konstella

The PTA uses the Konstella app to keep the parent community up to date with scheduled events, the school calendar, volunteer sign ups and PTA announcements. Here is the link to join!

https://www.konstella.com/cd/AXC2Z9

Come celebrate the extraordinary work of our student artists and over a decade of funding for public school arts, with arts performances and an exhibition featuring student honorees from our school!

Portland Public Schools is proud to partner with the Portland Art Museum, our host of the 2025 HeART of Portland: A PPS K-12 Arts Showcase. This premier district-wide annual event kicks off with an evening of student dance, music, and theatre performances, plus the opening of a stunning student visual art exhibition featuring over 100+ works.

 

Sellwood Middle School has two student artists displaying their work, Sailor Singh and Scout Ladd-Zizzo. Help us congratulate Scout & Sailor!

 

🎨 Breaking the Grid: This year's student visual arts exhibition also features a citywide collaborative student art project inspired by the Portland Art Museum exhibition Psychedelic Rock Posters and Fashion of the 1960s. Guided by visual arts educators, students designed posters in the bold, expressive style of the exhibition, reflecting their hopes and dreams for their communities.

Event Details:
📍 Portland Art Museum – Free & open to everyone! 1119 SW Park Avenue
📆 Wednesday, April 16, 2025, Opening Reception
🕔 5 – 7 PM – Free admission to all museum exhibitions (Main Museum)
🖼 6 – 8:30 PM – Student Visual Art Exhibition (Miller Gallery, 1st Floor, Mark Building)
👩🏽 6:30 PM – Superintendent’s Welcome (Kridel Ballroom, 3rd Floor, Mark Building)
🎭 6:30 – 8 PM – Student Performances (Kridel Ballroom, 3rd Floor, Mark Building)

 

 

 

Student Honorees by School Listed Here

State testing is just around the corner! Please mark your calendars for the following testing dates:

• ELA OSAS - Weds. April 16th & Thurs. April 17th

• Math OSAS - Mon. May 19th & Tues. May 20th

Students will test in their 1st period Advisory classes from 9:15 - 11:20am and then continue through the rest of their day with 30 minute classes. These tests help assess your student’s progress and provide valuable information about their learning. While the results are important, it's essential to remember that these tests are just one part of your child’s educational journey. If you would like to learn more about the Oregon State Assessment System (OSAS) check out the PPS district assessment page here.

We encourage you to help your student prepare by ensuring they get plenty of rest, eat a healthy breakfast, and arrive at school on time. Since phones and smart watches are not allowed in the testing environment these may be good days for students to either leave them at home, or be sure that these devices stay off and away in their locker. Additionally, you can support their confidence by reminding them to do their best, stay calm, and take their time on each test. Together, we can help them succeed!

 

Thank you for your continued support!

 

Sign up now for spring PEAK! Registration is through 6 Crickets: https://www.6crickets.com/

The PEAK Program is a series of in-person after school classes open to all Sellwood students. The PEAK program is totally independent of Sellwood Middle School and is under the jurisdiction of PTA. Scholarships are available as the PEAK goal is to include every SMS student. Scholarship request form is here: https://tinyurl.com/PEAKScholarship

Please email sellwoodpeakprogram@gmail.com with any questions. We are always looking for parent volunteers to help us run this program. Please email if you are interested!

Classes this Spring:

• AI: Intro to Machine Learning with Coding with Kids $209 Mondays 4:15-5:15 Spring Session: 4/14-5/9/25 (no class 5/26), (8 sessions) Explore the exciting world of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)! Join us in this course to discover how AI works by learning key AI and ML concepts such as neural networks, computer vision, and image recognition. You'll also learn how to use modern AI tools effectively, like DALL-E, for tasks like generating artistic images. Additionally, you'll apply coding concepts, such as variables and conditionals, to create your own simple AI models. These models will be used to build interactive Scratch projects, including video filters and touchless games. By the end of the course, you'll understand how AI and ML work, know how to use AI tools for image and story generation, and have the skills to code your own AI-driven Scratch projects.

   

• Acting Class with Ms. Tori! $103 Tuesdays 4:15pm-5:15pm Spring Session: 4/15-5/27 (7 sessions) The class will start with acting games/exercises and community building then focus on scene study and monologue including actor relaxation, breathing, and preparation for rehearsals or performances. Students will have the opportunity to prepare a monologue or short scene to perform at the culminating session. Instructor: Tori Padellford attended the University of Nevada, Las Vegas as a DeVos acting scholarship student and earned a B.A. in Theatre Arts. She also studied at Circle-in-the-Square in New York City. “Ms. Tori” was the library assistant at Lewis Elementary for 20 years. While at Lewis she enhanced the “Drama Club” started by teachers in 2000 and directed/ produced 15 productions involving hundreds of students over the years. Tori continues to act occasionally in local theatre, commercials, film, and television.

   

 

 

 

• Speech and Debate $50 Tuesdays 4:15-5:15 Spring Term: 4/1/25-5/20/25 (Reg still open). The Cleveland High Speech and Debate team is one the largest and most successful programs at the school. Find out why these students love it so much, and build your own debate skills. You will practice speaking and debating skills in preparation for local middle school competitions The Sellwood team will be coached by team captains from Cleveland. Appropriate for both new and returning students.

   

• Marimba $100 Thursdays 4:15-5:15 Spring Term: 4/10-6/5/25.Taught by Ben Kinkley. Curious about African music? Want to share your own ideas with a new music ensemble? Sellwood Marimba is the place for you. Come to learn the basics or build your skills - and definitely come to jam! No experience is necessary. Instruments are provided.

 

In addition to celebrating Arab American Heritage this April we are also celebrating Autism Acceptance Month! We’re proud to celebrate the incredible contributions of our neurodivergent students and staff. At Sellwood, we believe that diversity of thought, experience, and perspective makes our community stronger. Neurodivergent individuals—those whose brains process information in unique ways, including people with autism—enrich our classrooms, conversations, and creativity. You might have noticed our language of acceptance rather than just awareness—a powerful reminder that true inclusion goes beyond recognizing differences. Acceptance creates a deeper sense of belonging, where every student and staff member feels seen, valued, and supported for who they are. If you would like to learn more we encourage you to check out Autism Society of Oregon and the many events they host including the 23rd Anniversary Autism Walk in Portland at Oaks Park on Sunday April 27th!

Please donate so we can provide a no-cost yearbook to all students on distribution day in June. We will not be selling yearbooks, so rather than purchasing a yearbook, we are asking you to donate. So far we've raised about $1500 of the $10,000 we will need. Look for "Sellwood Yearbook Donation" in SchoolPay. Any amount helps. Sellwood's PTA will be matching donations.

ALSO, Ms. Souther is looking for photos of our Sellwood students in their extracurricular activities. Sports, band, OBOB, debate, chess, dance team, and more are such a big part of student life, and we want to make sure we include those activities if we can. Email photos (higher resolution is better) to Lsouther@pps.net. I'll need them before spring break, please!

Dear PPS Middle Grades families,

PPS is moving to a new Standards-Based Grading System for all 28 middle schools. The purpose is to provide clearer and more meaningful feedback to students. Some of our middle schools are already using this approach, and research supports its benefits. Our K-5 schools have also made progress in this direction with their report cards.

We invite you to visit our middle grades Standards-Based Grading website at pps.net/sbg. There, you can find updates, resources, timelines, materials, and FAQs.

There will be three family and community engagement events in person and virtually at the Prophet Education Center (501 N. Dixon St.) in the PPS Boardroom. We invite all who have current middle grades students or students entering into the middle grades to these presentations where we will provide updates as well as listen to feedback and answer questions.

 

 

 

Family and Community engagement (Virtual and in person)

 

 

February 13, 2025 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM

 

 

March 13, 2025 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM

 

 

May 8, 2025 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM

 

 

 

We believe grades are an important way to communicate with students and families. This new system will make it clearer what students need to do to meet academic expectations.

 

If you have any questions, please contact Richard Smith at rsmith5@pps.net. Check the website often for updates. We look forward to working with you during this exciting transition.

Information and Family Supports

 

• This FAQ answers many questions about the steps Portland Public Schools will be taking to safeguard staff and students going forward.

• The Immigrant Legal Resource Center Little Red Card This card is meant to help people assert their rights and defend themselves in many situations. These can be printed out and carried on your person.

• Know Your Rights for Families/Students (Oregon ACLU)

• Immigrant Rights Resources One Pager

The best way to reach us is by email.

Willa Grund is our new school secretary. wgrund@pps.net

Claire Howard (choward1@pps.net) is our principal’s secretary.

Our Sellwood website (pps.net/sellwood) has many “Quick Links” to help you immediately.

The Office Phone Number

The office phone number is 503-916-5656.

When prompted

press 4 for Willa Grund (“Records/Registration”).

press 3 for Claire (Principal’s Secretary).

press 2 for any “Attendance” matter. It’s a designated line just for attendance.

press 5 for Records, Registration.

press 0 for the front counter – answered by students; not a confidential line.

Secured Building

Sellwood is a locked and secure building.

Please ring the doorbell to the right of the main doors to reach the office. We will guide you accordingly.

Picking up your student during the day:

While we understand it is sometimes necessary to pick up your child from school, please try to limit your student’s daytime appointments. If necessary, please ring the bell at the main door and expect to wait while your child is located.

Guides to Help you:

To correct your student’s attendance: Log into ParentVue.

For changes to your student's registration profile in Synergy: ParentVue/StudentVue

Quick Links found on Sellwood’s website (pps.net/sellwood)

Please email wgrund@pps.net for:

Passwords: If you have forgotten your password, have been locked out of your account, or do not have login credentials.

Registration, Enrollment.

ParentVue (if your account has been disabled).

Please email Claire (choward1@pps.net) for:

School Pay.

Bookkeeping/accounting issues.

Administrative Support: Messages or matters of support to the principal or assistant principal.

April 17: PTA Meeting 7-8 PM

April 23: Early Release 1:45 PM

April 30: All 8th Grade Field Trip to Cleveland High School

May 8: All 7th Grade Field Trip to the Holocausts Museum/History Museum

May 21: Early Release 1:45 PM

May 26: Memorial Day: No School

May 28: Spring Band & Choir Concert @ Cleveland HS 7-9 PM

June 3: 15 Minute Late Start - Staff Meeting Day

June 5: Sellwood Showcase Night - 5:30 to 7:30 PM

June 9: 8th Grade Oaks Park Field Trip

June 10: 6th/7th Grade Oaks Park Field Trip

June 12: 8th Grade Promotion - 10:30-11:30 AM

June 12: Last Day of School - Half-day - School Ends 12:30 PM

Link to PPS Calendar for 2024 - 2025

Dear Sellwood Community,

 

My apologies for the late newsletter. I was out sick on Friday and over the weekend.

 

Please read on about current events such as our beautiful newly installed native plant garden, and the two Sellwood artists who will be displaying their artwork at the HeArt of Portland event (opening Reception on April 16th from 5 - 7 PM).

 

Have a great week :-)

 

Sincerely,

 

Jeandre Carbone

Sellwood Principal

Over spring break, our lovely new native plant garden was installed near the school entrance on SE Umatilla. We are so thrilled with this beautification of our campus and are looking forward to watching it grow and fill in over the next months and years. Thank you Mr. Adkisson and Project Green students!

 

Community members are invited to participate in an event in April to assist with spreading wood chips in the garden. The date of the wood chip spreading event has yet to be determined, but we will get the word out as soon as we know.

 

Enjoy the pictures below, or stop by to see it in person!

Come celebrate the extraordinary work of our student artists and over a decade of funding for public school arts, with arts performances and an exhibition featuring student honorees from our school!

Portland Public Schools is proud to partner with the Portland Art Museum, our host of the 2025 HeART of Portland: A PPS K-12 Arts Showcase. This premier district-wide annual event kicks off with an evening of student dance, music, and theatre performances, plus the opening of a stunning student visual art exhibition featuring over 100+ works.

 

Sellwood Middle School has two student artists displaying their work, Sailor Singh and Scout Ladd-Zizzo. Help us congratulate Scout & Sailor!

 

🎨 Breaking the Grid: This year's student visual arts exhibition also features a citywide collaborative student art project inspired by the Portland Art Museum exhibition Psychedelic Rock Posters and Fashion of the 1960s. Guided by visual arts educators, students designed posters in the bold, expressive style of the exhibition, reflecting their hopes and dreams for their communities.

Event Details:
📍 Portland Art Museum – Free & open to everyone! 1119 SW Park Avenue
📆 Wednesday, April 16, 2025, Opening Reception
🕔 5 – 7 PM – Free admission to all museum exhibitions (Main Museum)
🖼 6 – 8:30 PM – Student Visual Art Exhibition (Miller Gallery, 1st Floor, Mark Building)
👩🏽 6:30 PM – Superintendent’s Welcome (Kridel Ballroom, 3rd Floor, Mark Building)
🎭 6:30 – 8 PM – Student Performances (Kridel Ballroom, 3rd Floor, Mark Building)

 

 

 

Student Honorees by School Listed Here

Sellwood Garden Tour - June 8 - Gardens and Volunteers Needed!

The SMS PTA is bringing back our beloved Garden Tour fundraiser on June 8th! This event has been a cherished tradition, and we're excited to showcase some of the beautiful gardens in our community once again.

To make this year's tour a success, we are looking for garden owners in the Woodstock, Westmoreland, Sellwood, Eastmoreland, and Garthwick areas willing to open their gardens to visitors. We plan to feature 5-6 gardens for the event.

All funds raised from ticket sales will directly benefit SMS for classroom supplies and to help fulfill the needs of our students and teachers.

We will need volunteers to make this event a success! We will continue to post volunteer opportunities on Konstella.

If you have a garden you'd like to share, or if you know someone who might be interested, we would love to hear from you! Please email us at sellwoodpta@gmail.com.

Thank you in advance for your help in making this event a success. We can’t wait to showcase the beauty of our community while supporting a great cause!

See’s Candy Spring Sale - Open Now!
We have launched our See’s Candy Spring sale- perfect timing to get all your spring holiday treats and support SMS! Here is the link to purchase.

Join the PTA

Please join the PTA and contribute your voice to the conversation on making this a great school year for our kids and SMS community. Here is the link to join!

www.schoolpay.com/link/sellwoodpta

 

Join Konstella

The PTA uses the Konstella app to keep the parent community up to date with scheduled events, the school calendar, volunteer sign ups and PTA announcements. Here is the link to join!

https://www.konstella.com/cd/AXC2Z9

State testing is just around the corner! Please mark your calendars for the following testing dates:

• ELA OSAS - Weds. April 16th & Thurs. April 17th

• Math OSAS - Mon. May 19th & Tues. May 20th

Students will test in their 1st period Advisory classes from 9:15 - 11:20am and then continue through the rest of their day with 30 minute classes. These tests help assess your student’s progress and provide valuable information about their learning. While the results are important, it's essential to remember that these tests are just one part of your child’s educational journey. If you would like to learn more about the Oregon State Assessment System (OSAS) check out the PPS district assessment page here.

We encourage you to help your student prepare by ensuring they get plenty of rest, eat a healthy breakfast, and arrive at school on time. Since phones and smart watches are not allowed in the testing environment these may be good days for students to either leave them at home, or be sure that these devices stay off and away in their locker. Additionally, you can support their confidence by reminding them to do their best, stay calm, and take their time on each test. Together, we can help them succeed!

 

Thank you for your continued support!

 

Sign up now for spring PEAK! Registration is through 6 Crickets: https://www.6crickets.com/

The PEAK Program is a series of in-person after school classes open to all Sellwood students. The PEAK program is totally independent of Sellwood Middle School and is under the jurisdiction of PTA. Scholarships are available as the PEAK goal is to include every SMS student. Scholarship request form is here: https://tinyurl.com/PEAKScholarship

Please email sellwoodpeakprogram@gmail.com with any questions. We are always looking for parent volunteers to help us run this program. Please email if you are interested!

Classes this Spring:

• AI: Intro to Machine Learning with Coding with Kids $209 Mondays 4:15-5:15 Spring Session: 4/14-5/9/25 (no class 5/26), (8 sessions) Explore the exciting world of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)! Join us in this course to discover how AI works by learning key AI and ML concepts such as neural networks, computer vision, and image recognition. You'll also learn how to use modern AI tools effectively, like DALL-E, for tasks like generating artistic images. Additionally, you'll apply coding concepts, such as variables and conditionals, to create your own simple AI models. These models will be used to build interactive Scratch projects, including video filters and touchless games. By the end of the course, you'll understand how AI and ML work, know how to use AI tools for image and story generation, and have the skills to code your own AI-driven Scratch projects.

   

• Acting Class with Ms. Tori! $103 Tuesdays 4:15pm-5:15pm Spring Session: 4/15-5/27 (7 sessions) The class will start with acting games/exercises and community building then focus on scene study and monologue including actor relaxation, breathing, and preparation for rehearsals or performances. Students will have the opportunity to prepare a monologue or short scene to perform at the culminating session. Instructor: Tori Padellford attended the University of Nevada, Las Vegas as a DeVos acting scholarship student and earned a B.A. in Theatre Arts. She also studied at Circle-in-the-Square in New York City. “Ms. Tori” was the library assistant at Lewis Elementary for 20 years. While at Lewis she enhanced the “Drama Club” started by teachers in 2000 and directed/ produced 15 productions involving hundreds of students over the years. Tori continues to act occasionally in local theatre, commercials, film, and television.

   

 

 

 

• Speech and Debate $50 Tuesdays 4:15-5:15 Spring Term: 4/1/25-5/20/25 (Reg still open). The Cleveland High Speech and Debate team is one the largest and most successful programs at the school. Find out why these students love it so much, and build your own debate skills. You will practice speaking and debating skills in preparation for local middle school competitions The Sellwood team will be coached by team captains from Cleveland. Appropriate for both new and returning students.

   

• Marimba $100 Thursdays 4:15-5:15 Spring Term: 4/10-6/5/25.Taught by Ben Kinkley. Curious about African music? Want to share your own ideas with a new music ensemble? Sellwood Marimba is the place for you. Come to learn the basics or build your skills - and definitely come to jam! No experience is necessary. Instruments are provided.

 

Happy Arab American Heritage Month! Did you know that in 1978, Oregon became the first state to elect an Arab American governor, Gov. Victor George Atiyeh? In fact, with more than 31,000 Arab Americans living in Oregon our Arab American community is one of the fastest growing in the U.S according to the latest survey published by the Arab American Institute, the Washington, DC-based, nonprofit organization. To learn more and connect with Portland's vibrant Arab American community check out this Travel Oregon post.

We have seen a rise in students bringing Monster Drinks and other highly caffeinated beverages to school. As a whole staff we are working on re-teaching our rule that water is the only allowed beverage in our hallways and our classrooms.If a student has caffeinated beverages in class or the hallways, they will be asked to throw them away. Here is an informative read written by a doctor about the impacts of caffeine on teens.

Please donate so we can provide a no-cost yearbook to all students on distribution day in June. We will not be selling yearbooks, so rather than purchasing a yearbook, we are asking you to donate. So far we've raised about $1500 of the $10,000 we will need. Look for "Sellwood Yearbook Donation" in SchoolPay. Any amount helps. Sellwood's PTA will be matching donations.

ALSO, Ms. Souther is looking for photos of our Sellwood students in their extracurricular activities. Sports, band, OBOB, debate, chess, dance team, and more are such a big part of student life, and we want to make sure we include those activities if we can. Email photos (higher resolution is better) to Lsouther@pps.net. I'll need them before spring break, please!

Dear PPS Middle Grades families,

PPS is moving to a new Standards-Based Grading System for all 28 middle schools. The purpose is to provide clearer and more meaningful feedback to students. Some of our middle schools are already using this approach, and research supports its benefits. Our K-5 schools have also made progress in this direction with their report cards.

We invite you to visit our middle grades Standards-Based Grading website at pps.net/sbg. There, you can find updates, resources, timelines, materials, and FAQs.

There will be three family and community engagement events in person and virtually at the Prophet Education Center (501 N. Dixon St.) in the PPS Boardroom. We invite all who have current middle grades students or students entering into the middle grades to these presentations where we will provide updates as well as listen to feedback and answer questions.

 

 

 

Family and Community engagement (Virtual and in person)

 

 

February 13, 2025 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM

 

 

March 13, 2025 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM

 

 

May 8, 2025 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM

 

 

 

We believe grades are an important way to communicate with students and families. This new system will make it clearer what students need to do to meet academic expectations.

 

If you have any questions, please contact Richard Smith at rsmith5@pps.net. Check the website often for updates. We look forward to working with you during this exciting transition.

Information and Family Supports

 

• This FAQ answers many questions about the steps Portland Public Schools will be taking to safeguard staff and students going forward.

• The Immigrant Legal Resource Center Little Red Card This card is meant to help people assert their rights and defend themselves in many situations. These can be printed out and carried on your person.

• Know Your Rights for Families/Students (Oregon ACLU)

• Immigrant Rights Resources One Pager

The best way to reach us is by email.

Willa Grund is our new school secretary. wgrund@pps.net

Claire Howard (choward1@pps.net) is our principal’s secretary.

Our Sellwood website (pps.net/sellwood) has many “Quick Links” to help you immediately.

The Office Phone Number

The office phone number is 503-916-5656.

When prompted

press 4 for Willa Grund (“Records/Registration”).

press 3 for Claire (Principal’s Secretary).

press 2 for any “Attendance” matter. It’s a designated line just for attendance.

press 5 for Records, Registration.

press 0 for the front counter – answered by students; not a confidential line.

Secured Building

Sellwood is a locked and secure building.

Please ring the doorbell to the right of the main doors to reach the office. We will guide you accordingly.

Picking up your student during the day:

While we understand it is sometimes necessary to pick up your child from school, please try to limit your student’s daytime appointments. If necessary, please ring the bell at the main door and expect to wait while your child is located.

Guides to Help you:

To correct your student’s attendance: Log into ParentVue.

For changes to your student's registration profile in Synergy: ParentVue/StudentVue

Quick Links found on Sellwood’s website (pps.net/sellwood)

Please email wgrund@pps.net for:

Passwords: If you have forgotten your password, have been locked out of your account, or do not have login credentials.

Registration, Enrollment.

ParentVue (if your account has been disabled).

Please email Claire (choward1@pps.net) for:

School Pay.

Bookkeeping/accounting issues.

Administrative Support: Messages or matters of support to the principal or assistant principal.

March 24-28: Spring Break

April 3: End of Quarter 3

April 4: Grading Day - No School for Students

April 7: Planning Day - No School for Students

April 8: First Day of Quarter 4

April 8: 15 Minute Late Start - Staff Meeting Day

April 11: 8th-grade Trip to U of O and OSU

April 17: PTA Meeting 7-8 PM

April 23: Early Release 1:45 PM

April 30: All 8th Grade Field Trip to Cleveland High School

May 8: All 7th Grade Field Trip to the Holocausts Museum/History Museum

May 21: Early Release 1:45 PM

May 26: Memorial Day: No School

May 28: Spring Band & Choir Concert @ Cleveland HS 7-9 PM

June 3: 15 Minute Late Start - Staff Meeting Day

June 5: Sellwood Showcase Night - 5:30 to 7:30 PM

June 9: 8th Grade Oaks Park Field Trip

June 10: 6th/7th Grade Oaks Park Field Trip

June 12: 8th Grade Promotion - 10:30-11:30 AM

June 12: Last Day of School - Half-day - School Ends 12:30 PM

Link to PPS Calendar for 2024 - 2025

Dear Sellwood Community,

 

This afternoon, the 6th-graders returned from a rainy, yet wondrous week of Outdoor School. It warms my heart to see them return so happy and with such youthful enthusiasm. Like every year, we have several items not picked up; the items are currently in the main office. Please check the photo below to see if any of the item are yours. If so, please pick them up as soon as possible (after spring break, as the school will be closed).

 

I wanted to make sure Sellwood families know that we will NOT be selling yearbooks this year. To find out why yearbooks will not be available for purchase, please read the blurb about yearbooks below (look for a picture of Oprah).

 

Please read on to find out about Sellwood's new "Rosemary Price Native Garden" outside the entrance on SE Umatilla. It was designed and planned by students in Mr. Adkisson's Project Green class.

 

I wish you a wonderful spring break, full of fun and relaxation.

 

Sincerely,

 

Jeandre Carbone

Sellwood Principal

Students enrolled in Selwood Middle School’s “Project Green” elective class have undertaken the creation and design of a new native plant garden. This garden will be situated on the north side of the school, next to the gym entrance (Umatilla). The students spearhead this initiative, conceptualized a garden that will enhance the school grounds, and conducted research to identify the most suitable native plants. The Rosemary Price Native Garden will provide students with an educational opportunity to understand the significance of native plants within an urban environment.

The construction of the garden is scheduled to take place from March 24 to March 28. Community members are invited to participate in an event in April to assist with spreading bark chips in the garden.

Sellwood Garden Tour - June 8 - Gardens and Volunteers Needed!

The SMS PTA is bringing back our beloved Garden Tour fundraiser on June 8th! This event has been a cherished tradition, and we're excited to showcase some of the beautiful gardens in our community once again.

To make this year's tour a success, we are looking for garden owners in the Woodstock, Westmoreland, Sellwood, Eastmoreland, and Garthwick areas willing to open their gardens to visitors. We plan to feature 5-6 gardens for the event.

All funds raised from ticket sales will directly benefit SMS for classroom supplies and to help fulfill the needs of our students and teachers.

We will need volunteers to make this event a success! We will continue to post volunteer opportunities on Konstella.

If you have a garden you'd like to share, or if you know someone who might be interested, we would love to hear from you! Please email us at sellwoodpta@gmail.com.

Thank you in advance for your help in making this event a success. We can’t wait to showcase the beauty of our community while supporting a great cause!

See’s Candy Spring Sale - Open Now!
We have launched our See’s Candy Spring sale- perfect timing to get all your spring holiday treats and support SMS! Here is the link to purchase.

Join the PTA

Please join the PTA and contribute your voice to the conversation on making this a great school year for our kids and SMS community. Here is the link to join!

www.schoolpay.com/link/sellwoodpta

 

Join Konstella

The PTA uses the Konstella app to keep the parent community up to date with scheduled events, the school calendar, volunteer sign ups and PTA announcements. Here is the link to join!

https://www.konstella.com/cd/AXC2Z9

Sign up now for spring PEAK! Classes start soon. Registration is through 6 Crickets: https://www.6crickets.com/

The PEAK Program is a series of in-person after school classes open to all Sellwood students. The PEAK program is totally independent of Sellwood Middle School and is under the jurisdiction of PTA. Scholarships are available as the PEAK goal is to include every SMS student. Scholarship request form is here: https://tinyurl.com/PEAKScholarship

Please email sellwoodpeakprogram@gmail.com with any questions. We are always looking for parent volunteers to help us run this program. Please email if you are interested!

Classes this Spring:

• AI: Intro to Machine Learning with Coding with Kids $209 Mondays 4:15-5:15 Spring Session: 3/31-6/2/25 (no class 4/7&5/26, 8 sessions) Explore the exciting world of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)! Join us in this course to discover how AI works by learning key AI and ML concepts such as neural networks, computer vision, and image recognition. You'll also learn how to use modern AI tools effectively, like DALL-E, for tasks like generating artistic images. Additionally, you'll apply coding concepts, such as variables and conditionals, to create your own simple AI models. These models will be used to build interactive Scratch projects, including video filters and touchless games. By the end of the course, you'll understand how AI and ML work, know how to use AI tools for image and story generation, and have the skills to code your own AI-driven Scratch projects.

   

• Acting Class with Ms. Tori! $103 Tuesdays 4:15pm-5:15pm Spring Session: 4/15-5/27 (7 sessions) The class will start with acting games/exercises and community building then focus on scene study and monologue including actor relaxation, breathing, and preparation for rehearsals or performances. Students will have the opportunity to prepare a monologue or short scene to perform at the culminating session. Instructor: Tori Padellford attended the University of Nevada, Las Vegas as a DeVos acting scholarship student and earned a B.A. in Theatre Arts. She also studied at Circle-in-the-Square in New York City. “Ms. Tori” was the library assistant at Lewis Elementary for 20 years. While at Lewis she enhanced the “Drama Club” started by teachers in 2000 and directed/ produced 15 productions involving hundreds of students over the years. Tori continues to act occasionally in local theatre, commercials, film, and television.

 

• Speech and Debate $50 Tuesday 4:15-5:15 Spring Term: 4/1/25-5/20/25 The Cleveland High Speech and Debate team is one the largest and most successful programs at the school. Find out why these students love it so much, and build your own debate skills. You will practice speaking and debating skills in preparation for local middle school competitions The Sellwood team will be coached by team captains from Cleveland. Appropriate for both new and returning students.

   

• Marimba $100 Thursdays 4:15-5:15 Spring Term: 4/1-6/5/25.Taught by Ben Kinkley. Curious about African music? Want to share your own ideas with a new music ensemble? Sellwood Marimba is the place for you. Come to learn the basics or build your skills - and definitely come to jam! No experience is necessary. Instruments are provided.

As this is the last week of school in the month of March we thought we would share a few more resources that families might find useful to continue the celebration of Women’s History Month. Recently this TEDTalk given by Michele L. Sullivan was shared in some of our Advisory classes. In a talk about perspective, Sullivan shares stories full of wit and wisdom and reminds us that we're all part of each other's support systems. "The only shoes you can walk in are your own," she says. "With compassion, courage and understanding, we can walk together, side by side." If you’re looking for more ways you might take action to celebrate Women’s History Month, check out these 32 ideas from the blog, Good Good Good.

We have seen a rise in students bringing Monster Drinks and other highly caffeinated beverages to school. As a whole staff we are working on re-teaching our rule that water is the only allowed beverage in our hallways and our classrooms.If a student has caffeinated beverages in class or the hallways, they will be asked to throw them away. Here is an informative read written by a doctor about the impacts of caffeine on teens.

Please donate so we can provide a no-cost yearbook to all students on distribution day in June. We will not be selling yearbooks, so rather than purchasing a yearbook, we are asking you to donate. So far we've raised about $1500 of the $10,000 we will need. Look for "Sellwood Yearbook Donation" in SchoolPay. Any amount helps. Sellwood's PTA will be matching donations.

ALSO, Ms. Souther is looking for photos of our Sellwood students in their extracurricular activities. Sports, band, OBOB, debate, chess, dance team, and more are such a big part of student life, and we want to make sure we include those activities if we can. Email photos (higher resolution is better) to Lsouther@pps.net. I'll need them before spring break, please!

Hello Cleveland Families!

 

This Spring we are excited to offer our Cleveland Flag Football League for the 3rd season in a row. This league will allow our youth to maintain their fitness, as well as learn and develop football skills and fundamentals. They will get in-depth coaching from experienced Cleveland Football staff and meet other athletes throughout the Cleveland cluster. Registration has begun and spots are limited.

 

The season begins April 1st and is open to all 4th-8th graders of all genders. There will be 3 Divisions (4th/5th, 6th/7th & 8th). Practices will be held every Tues & Thurs 5:30PM - 7PM at Westmoreland Sports Field, with games every Saturday morning at the Cleveland Sports Stadium. This year the season will end on May 20th, just before Memorial Day weekend.

The fee is $50 or $25 Free/Reduced Lunch. This is due on or before the first official day of practice.

 

Register Here: https://tinyurl.com/4aktmjxh

 

Remember spots are limited so sign up as soon as possible,

 

Go Warriors!

Dear PPS Middle Grades families,

PPS is moving to a new Standards-Based Grading System for all 28 middle schools. The purpose is to provide clearer and more meaningful feedback to students. Some of our middle schools are already using this approach, and research supports its benefits. Our K-5 schools have also made progress in this direction with their report cards.

We invite you to visit our middle grades Standards-Based Grading website at pps.net/sbg. There, you can find updates, resources, timelines, materials, and FAQs.

There will be three family and community engagement events in person and virtually at the Prophet Education Center (501 N. Dixon St.) in the PPS Boardroom. We invite all who have current middle grades students or students entering into the middle grades to these presentations where we will provide updates as well as listen to feedback and answer questions.

 

 

 

Family and Community engagement (Virtual and in person)

 

 

February 13, 2025 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM

 

 

March 13, 2025 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM

 

 

May 8, 2025 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM

 

 

 

We believe grades are an important way to communicate with students and families. This new system will make it clearer what students need to do to meet academic expectations.

 

If you have any questions, please contact Richard Smith at rsmith5@pps.net. Check the website often for updates. We look forward to working with you during this exciting transition.

Information and Family Supports

 

• This FAQ answers many questions about the steps Portland Public Schools will be taking to safeguard staff and students going forward.

• The Immigrant Legal Resource Center Little Red Card This card is meant to help people assert their rights and defend themselves in many situations. These can be printed out and carried on your person.

• Know Your Rights for Families/Students (Oregon ACLU)

• Immigrant Rights Resources One Pager

The best way to reach us is by email.

Willa Grund is our new school secretary. wgrund@pps.net

Claire Howard (choward1@pps.net) is our principal’s secretary.

Our Sellwood website (pps.net/sellwood) has many “Quick Links” to help you immediately.

The Office Phone Number

The office phone number is 503-916-5656.

When prompted

press 4 for Willa Grund (“Records/Registration”).

press 3 for Claire (Principal’s Secretary).

press 2 for any “Attendance” matter. It’s a designated line just for attendance.

press 5 for Records, Registration.

press 0 for the front counter – answered by students; not a confidential line.

Secured Building

Sellwood is a locked and secure building.

Please ring the doorbell to the right of the main doors to reach the office. We will guide you accordingly.

Picking up your student during the day:

While we understand it is sometimes necessary to pick up your child from school, please try to limit your student’s daytime appointments. If necessary, please ring the bell at the main door and expect to wait while your child is located.

Guides to Help you:

To correct your student’s attendance: Log into ParentVue.

For changes to your student's registration profile in Synergy: ParentVue/StudentVue

Quick Links found on Sellwood’s website (pps.net/sellwood)

Please email wgrund@pps.net for:

Passwords: If you have forgotten your password, have been locked out of your account, or do not have login credentials.

Registration, Enrollment.

ParentVue (if your account has been disabled).

Please email Claire (choward1@pps.net) for:

School Pay.

Bookkeeping/accounting issues.

Administrative Support: Messages or matters of support to the principal or assistant principal.

March 24-28: Spring Break

April 3: End of Quarter 3

April 4: Grading Day - No School for Students

April 7: Planning Day - No School for Students

April 8: First Day of Quarter 4

April 8: 15 Minute Late Start - Staff Meeting Day

April 11: 8th-grade Trip to U of O and OSU

April 17: PTA Meeting 7-8 PM

April 23: Early Release 1:45 PM

April 30: All 8th Grade Field Trip to Cleveland High School

May 8: All 7th Grade Field Trip to the Holocausts Museum/History Museum

May 21: Early Release 1:45 PM

May 26: Memorial Day: No School

May 28: Spring Band & Choir Concert @ Cleveland HS 7-9 PM

June 3: 15 Minute Late Start - Staff Meeting Day

June 5: Sellwood Showcase Night - 5:30 to 7:30 PM

June 9: 8th Grade Oaks Park Field Trip

June 10: 6th/7th Grade Oaks Park Field Trip

June 12: 8th Grade Promotion - 10:30-11:30 AM

June 12: Last Day of School - Half-day - School Ends 12:30 PM

Link to PPS Calendar for 2024 - 2025

Dear Sellwood Community,

 

Today, 6th graders went on a "gallery walk" to view our Black History Month door decoration efforts. I have shared one example, from Mr. Shelley's 7th grade ELA class.

 

6th-grade families, Outdoor School starts this Sunday. Please read the drop off and pick up details in the Outdoor School section.

 

Also, don't forget that next Wednesday, March 19th, will be an early release date, at 1:45 PM

 

Finally, please help me give a shout out to the Sellwood Stars, who took home four of ten drill down awards last weekend at a competition in Philomath.

 

Sincerely,

 

Jeandre Carbone

Sellwood Principal

Sellwood Garden Tour - June 8 - Gardens and Volunteers Needed!

The SMS PTA is bringing back our beloved Garden Tour fundraiser on June 8th! This event has been a cherished tradition, and we're excited to showcase some of the beautiful gardens in our community once again.

To make this year's tour a success, we are looking for garden owners in the Woodstock, Westmoreland, Sellwood, Eastmoreland, and Garthwick areas willing to open their gardens to visitors. We plan to feature 5-6 gardens for the event.

All funds raised from ticket sales will directly benefit SMS for classroom supplies and to help fulfill the needs of our students and teachers.

We will need volunteers to make this event a success! We will continue to post volunteer opportunities on Konstella.

If you have a garden you'd like to share, or if you know someone who might be interested, we would love to hear from you! Please email us at sellwoodpta@gmail.com.

Thank you in advance for your help in making this event a success. We can’t wait to showcase the beauty of our community while supporting a great cause!

See’s Candy Spring Sale - Open Now!
We have launched our See’s Candy Spring sale- perfect timing to get all your spring holiday treats and support SMS! Here is the link to purchase.

Join the PTA

Please join the PTA and contribute your voice to the conversation on making this a great school year for our kids and SMS community. Here is the link to join!

www.schoolpay.com/link/sellwoodpta

 

Join Konstella

The PTA uses the Konstella app to keep the parent community up to date with scheduled events, the school calendar, volunteer sign ups and PTA announcements. Here is the link to join!

 

https://www.konstella.com/cd/AXC2Z9

Spring PEAK scholarship requests open! Registration coming soon! See class list below.

 

The PEAK Program is a series of in-person after school classes open to all Sellwood students. The PEAK program is totally independent of Sellwood Middle School and is under the jurisdiction of the PTA. Scholarship request form is here: https://tinyurl.com/PEAKScholarship

Please email sellwoodpeakprogram@gmail.com with any questions. We are always looking for parent volunteers to help us run this program. Please email if you are interested!

 

Classes this Spring:

 

• AI: Intro to Machine Learning with Coding with Kids $209 Mondays 4:15-5:15 Spring Session: 3/31-6/2/25 (no class 4/7&5/26, 8 sessions) Explore the exciting world of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)! Join us in this course to discover how AI works by learning key AI and ML concepts such as neural networks, computer vision, and image recognition. You'll also learn how to use modern AI tools effectively, like DALL-E, for tasks like generating artistic images. Additionally, you'll apply coding concepts, such as variables and conditionals, to create your own simple AI models. These models will be used to build interactive Scratch projects, including video filters and touchless games. By the end of the course, you'll understand how AI and ML work, know how to use AI tools for image and story generation, and have the skills to code your own AI-driven Scratch projects.

 

• Acting Class with Ms. Tori! $100 Tuesdays 4:15pm-5:15pm Spring Session: 4/15-5/27 (7 sessions) The class will start with acting games/exercises and community building then focus on scene study and monologue including actor relaxation, breathing, and preparation for rehearsals or performances. Students will have the opportunity to prepare a monologue or short scene to perform at the culminating session. Instructor: Tori Padellford attended the University of Nevada, Las Vegas as a DeVos acting scholarship student and earned a B.A. in Theatre Arts. She also studied at Circle-in-the-Square in New York City. “Ms. Tori” was the library assistant at Lewis Elementary for 20 years. While at Lewis she enhanced the “Drama Club” started by teachers in 2000 and directed/produced 15 productions involving hundreds of students over the years. Tori continues to act occasionally in local theatre, commercials, film, and television.

 

• Speech and Debate Tuesdays 4:15-5:15 $50 Spring Term: 4/1/25-6/3/25 (these start and end dates are currently tentative) The Cleveland High Speech and Debate team is one the largest and most successful programs at the school. Find out why these students love it so much, and build your own debate skills. You will practice speaking and debating skills in preparation for local middle school competitions The Sellwood team will be coached by team captains from Cleveland. Appropriate for both new and returning students.

• Marimba $104.50 Thursdays 4:15-5:15 Spring Term: 4/1-6/5 Taught by Ben Kinkley. Curious about African music? Want to share your own ideas with a new music ensemble? Sellwood Marimba is the place for you. Come to learn the basics or build your skills - and definitely come to jam! No experience is necessary. Instruments are provided.

6th Grade Families

Students leave for Outdoor School THIS Sunday! See below for times.

 

Still need gear? The Gear Library is open Sunday, 12-2 pm.

Questions? Reach out to your student's 1st period teacher.

 

Below are the Departure and Arrival Times for the buses to and from Sellwood MS.
Mr. Adam's class ONLY - For Camp Westwind
Sunday, March 16 - Mr. Adam's 6th Graders arrive at Sellwood Parking Lot by 1:00 PM for attendance - Buses will depart at 1:30 sharp
Friday, March 21 - all 6th Graders arrive back at Sellwood at approximately 1:30 PM

All other 6th grade classes (White, Fuhrmann, Olsen, Fisher, Lossner/Jaeger, Casper/Anderson) going to camps: Collins, Angelos, Kuratli, and Namanu
Sunday, March 16 - 6th Graders arrive at Sellwood Parking Lot by 2:30 PM for attendance - Buses will depart at 3:00 sharp

Return Info

Friday, March 21 - all 6th Graders arrive back at Sellwood at approximately 1:30 PM. Please park in the parking lot or on the neighboring streets. Please do not park in front of the school on SE 15th, as it needs to be kept open for buses. Students will be tired and eager to go home to share stories of their Outdoor School adventures.

In honor of Women’s History Month we wanted to spotlight the many great events that our local YWCA offers! Just this month alone they have a number of virtual workshops that cover such topics as: Training for being a Victim-Advocate discussing Privilege & Confidentiality, Savorism in Domestic Violence Work, Anti-Racism Practices,Interrupting & Recasting Harmful Conversations about Race, and understanding the Cycle of Socialization. For all of their workshops they offer a sliding scale and work-trade opportunities. If interested you can get more details on their website.

We have seen a rise in students bringing Monster Drinks and other highly caffeinated beverages to school. As a whole staff we are working on re-teaching our rule that water is the only allowed beverage in our hallways and our classrooms.If a student has caffeinated beverages in class or the hallways, they will be asked to throw them away. Here is an informative read written by a doctor about the impacts of caffeine on teens.

Please donate so we can provide a no-cost yearbook to all students on distribution day in June. We will not be selling yearbooks, so rather than purchasing a yearbook, we are asking you to donate. So far we've raised about $1000 of the $10,000 we will need. Look for "Sellwood Yearbook Donation" in SchoolPay. Any amount helps.

ALSO, Ms. Souther is looking for photos of our Sellwood students in their extracurricular activities. Sports, band, OBOB, debate, chess, dance team, and more are such a big part of student life, and we want to make sure we include those activities if we can. Email photos (higher resolution is better) to Lsouther@pps.net. I'll need them before spring break, please!

Hello Cleveland Families!

 

This Spring we are excited to offer our Cleveland Flag Football League for the 3rd season in a row. This league will allow our youth to maintain their fitness, as well as learn and develop football skills and fundamentals. They will get in-depth coaching from experienced Cleveland Football staff and meet other athletes throughout the Cleveland cluster. Registration has begun and spots are limited.

 

The season begins April 1st and is open to all 4th-8th graders of all genders. There will be 3 Divisions (4th/5th, 6th/7th & 8th). Practices will be held every Tues & Thurs 5:30PM - 7PM at Westmoreland Sports Field, with games every Saturday morning at the Cleveland Sports Stadium. This year the season will end on May 20th, just before Memorial Day weekend.

The fee is $50 or $25 Free/Reduced Lunch. This is due on or before the first official day of practice.

 

Register Here: https://tinyurl.com/4aktmjxh

 

Remember spots are limited so sign up as soon as possible,

 

Go Warriors!

Dear PPS Middle Grades families,

PPS is moving to a new Standards-Based Grading System for all 28 middle schools. The purpose is to provide clearer and more meaningful feedback to students. Some of our middle schools are already using this approach, and research supports its benefits. Our K-5 schools have also made progress in this direction with their report cards.

We invite you to visit our middle grades Standards-Based Grading website at pps.net/sbg. There, you can find updates, resources, timelines, materials, and FAQs.

There will be three family and community engagement events in person and virtually at the Prophet Education Center (501 N. Dixon St.) in the PPS Boardroom. We invite all who have current middle grades students or students entering into the middle grades to these presentations where we will provide updates as well as listen to feedback and answer questions.

 

 

 

Family and Community engagement (Virtual and in person)

 

 

February 13, 2025 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM

 

 

March 13, 2025 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM

 

 

May 8, 2025 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM

 

 

 

We believe grades are an important way to communicate with students and families. This new system will make it clearer what students need to do to meet academic expectations.

 

If you have any questions, please contact Richard Smith at rsmith5@pps.net. Check the website often for updates. We look forward to working with you during this exciting transition.

Information and Family Supports

 

• This FAQ answers many questions about the steps Portland Public Schools will be taking to safeguard staff and students going forward.

• The Immigrant Legal Resource Center Little Red Card This card is meant to help people assert their rights and defend themselves in many situations. These can be printed out and carried on your person.

• Know Your Rights for Families/Students (Oregon ACLU)

• Immigrant Rights Resources One Pager

The best way to reach us is by email.

Willa Grund is our new school secretary. wgrund@pps.net

Claire Howard (choward1@pps.net) is our principal’s secretary.

Our Sellwood website (pps.net/sellwood) has many “Quick Links” to help you immediately.

The Office Phone Number

The office phone number is 503-916-5656.

When prompted

press 4 for Willa Grund (“Records/Registration”).

press 3 for Claire (Principal’s Secretary).

press 2 for any “Attendance” matter. It’s a designated line just for attendance.

press 5 for Records, Registration.

press 0 for the front counter – answered by students; not a confidential line.

Secured Building

Sellwood is a locked and secure building.

Please ring the doorbell to the right of the main doors to reach the office. We will guide you accordingly.

Picking up your student during the day:

While we understand it is sometimes necessary to pick up your child from school, please try to limit your student’s daytime appointments. If necessary, please ring the bell at the main door and expect to wait while your child is located.

Guides to Help you:

To correct your student’s attendance: Log into ParentVue.

For changes to your student's registration profile in Synergy: ParentVue/StudentVue

Quick Links found on Sellwood’s website (pps.net/sellwood)

Please email wgrund@pps.net for:

Passwords: If you have forgotten your password, have been locked out of your account, or do not have login credentials.

Registration, Enrollment.

ParentVue (if your account has been disabled).

Please email Claire (choward1@pps.net) for:

School Pay.

Bookkeeping/accounting issues.

Administrative Support: Messages or matters of support to the principal or assistant principal.

March 16-21: Outdoor School for All 6th-Graders

March 19: Early Release 1:45 PM

March 24-28: Spring Break

April 3: End of Quarter 3

April 4: Grading Day - No School for Students

April 7: Planning Day - No School for Students

April 8: First Day of Quarter 4

April 8: 15 Minute Late Start - Staff Meeting Day

April 17: PTA Meeting 7-8 PM

April 23: Early Release 1:45 PM

April 28: All 8th Grade Field Trip to Bonneville Dam

May 8: All 7th Grade Field Trip to the Holocausts Museum/History Museum

May 21: Early Release 1:45 PM

May 26: Memorial Day: No School

May 28: Spring Band & Choir Concert @ Cleveland HS 7-9 PM

June 3: 15 Minute Late Start - Staff Meeting Day

June 5: Sellwood Showcase Night - 5:30 to 7:30 PM

June 9: 8th Grade Oaks Park Field Trip

June 10: 6th/7th Grade Oaks Park Field Trip

June 12: 8th Grade Promotion - 10:30-11:30 AM

June 12: Last Day of School - Half-day - School Ends 12:30 PM

Link to PPS Calendar for 2024 - 2025

Dear Sellwood Community,

 

Over the past three weeks, a team of contractors have been busy installing security cameras at Sellwood, covering almost every area of the Sellwood campus. Eight exterior security cameras cover the front, sides, back, and courtyard areas. Seventeen interior security cameras cover each hallway on three floors, both sides of the cafeteria, and the stairwells. We anticipate the cameras will be activated soon. We look forward to having this important safety feature at our school, and we are very grateful to the supportive Portland residents and the 2020 Security Bond funds that made the security camera system possible.

 

Enjoy the weekend, and don't forget to "spring forward"!

 

Jeandre Carbone

Sellwood Principal

Sellwood Garden Tour - June 8 - Gardens and Volunteers Needed!

We are thrilled to announce that the SMS PTA is bringing back our beloved Garden Tour fundraiser on June 8th! This event has been a cherished tradition, and we're excited to showcase some of the beautiful gardens in our community once again.

To make this year's tour a success, we are looking for garden owners in the Woodstock, Westmoreland, Sellwood, Eastmoreland, and Garthwick areas willing to open their gardens to visitors. We plan to feature 5-6 gardens for the event.

All funds raised from ticket sales will directly benefit SMS for classroom supplies and to help fulfill the needs of our students and teachers.

We are holding a volunteer kickoff meeting on Wednesday, March 12 at 6:00 pm at the Portland Bottle Shop. Please join us to learn more about this event and our volunteer needs. We will continue to post volunteer opportunities on Konstella as well.

If you have a garden you'd like to share, or if you know someone who might be interested, we would love to hear from you! Please email us at sellwoodpta@gmail.com.

Thank you in advance for your help in making this event a success. We can’t wait to showcase the beauty of our community while supporting a great cause!

Join the PTA

Please join the PTA and contribute your voice to the conversation on making this a great school year for our kids and SMS community. Here is the link to join!

www.schoolpay.com/link/sellwoodpta

 

Join Konstella

The PTA uses the Konstella app to keep the parent community up to date with scheduled events, the school calendar, volunteer sign ups and PTA announcements. Here is the link to join!

https://www.konstella.com/cd/AXC2Z9

Hello again from AVID! We are still seeking volunteers to share their career path with students on Fridays during the third period. We're currently booking guest speakers after Spring Break! If you are interested in participating, please feel free to reach out to our AVID teacher, Mx. Veida Lekakh, or fill out an AVID Guest Speaker Interest Form"-

6th Grade Families

If your child is NOT attending Outdoor School, please let their 1st Period teacher know ASAP.

 

Below are the Departure and Arrival Times for the buses.

For Camp Westwind

 

• Sunday, March 16 - 6th Graders arrive at Sellwood Parking Lot by 1:00 PM - Busses will depart at 1:30 sharp
• Friday, March 21 - 6th Graders arrive back at Sellwood at approximately 1:30 PM

 

For Camps: Collins, Angelos, Kuratli, and Namanu

 

• Sunday, March 16 - 6th Graders arrive at Sellwood Parking Lot by 2:30 PM - Busses will depart at 3:00 sharp
• Friday, March 21 - 6th Graders arrive back at Sellwood at approximately 1:30 PM

We have seen a rise in students bringing Monster Drinks and other highly caffeinated beverages to school. As a whole staff we are working on re-teaching our rule that water is the only allowed beverage in our hallways and our classrooms.If a student has caffeinated beverages in class or the hallways, they will be asked to throw them away. Here is an informative read written by a doctor about the impacts of caffeine on teens.

Please donate so we can provide a no-cost yearbook to all students on distribution day in June. We will not be selling yearbooks, so rather than purchasing a yearbook, we are asking you to donate. So far we've raised about $1000 of the $10,000 we will need. Look for "Sellwood Yearbook Donation" in SchoolPay. Any amount helps.

ALSO, Ms. Souther is looking for photos of our Sellwood students in their extracurricular activities. Sports, band, OBOB, debate, chess, dance team, and more are such a big part of student life, and we want to make sure we include those activities if we can. Email photos (higher resolution is better) to Lsouther@pps.net. I'll need them before spring break, please!

Hello Cleveland Families!

 

This Spring we are excited to offer our Cleveland Flag Football League for the 3rd season in a row. This league will allow our youth to maintain their fitness, as well as learn and develop football skills and fundamentals. They will get in-depth coaching from experienced Cleveland Football staff and meet other athletes throughout the Cleveland cluster. Registration has begun and spots are limited.

 

The season begins April 1st and is open to all 4th-8th graders of all genders. There will be 3 Divisions (4th/5th, 6th/7th & 8th). Practices will be held every Tues & Thurs 5:30PM - 7PM at Westmoreland Sports Field, with games every Saturday morning at the Cleveland Sports Stadium. This year the season will end on May 20th, just before Memorial Day weekend.

The fee is $50 or $25 Free/Reduced Lunch. This is due on or before the first official day of practice.

 

Register Here: https://tinyurl.com/4aktmjxh

 

Remember spots are limited so sign up as soon as possible,

 

Go Warriors!

Is your child interested in participating in Track and Field?

If so, we’ve got you covered! Below is a link to our PIL website’s Youth tab, where you can find all the information you need about spring sports for middle school students in your cluster. On this page, you’ll find flyers with details on how to register, documents needed to participate, how to pay and important dates about when/where practice is.

Season is from March 10th to May 10th

Registration closes on March 21st

If you have any questions, feel free to contact the District Athletic Office by email at dbookout@pps.net or by phone at 503-916-3223.

We look forward to seeing your child on the field this spring!

PIL ATHLETICS WEBSITE - YOUTH TAB

 

Thank you, GO PIL!

Our Leadership Class is excited to share this month's "Toilet Talk" flyer, which focuses on Mental Health Awareness. This flyer has been created to help raise awareness about mental health and provide helpful tips for students to take care of their well-being. We aim to spark meaningful conversations and encourage students to prioritize their mental health, not just in school, but in all aspects of their lives.

The flyer will be posted in student restrooms throughout the school in hopes that it sparks reflection and action. We encourage all students to take a moment to read it and consider how they can support themselves and others.

 

A new flyer will be posted every month targeting a different topic relevant to middle school students!

Dear PPS Middle Grades families,

PPS is moving to a new Standards-Based Grading System for all 28 middle schools. The purpose is to provide clearer and more meaningful feedback to students. Some of our middle schools are already using this approach, and research supports its benefits. Our K-5 schools have also made progress in this direction with their report cards.

We invite you to visit our middle grades Standards-Based Grading website at pps.net/sbg. There, you can find updates, resources, timelines, materials, and FAQs.

There will be three family and community engagement events in person and virtually at the Prophet Education Center (501 N. Dixon St.) in the PPS Boardroom. We invite all who have current middle grades students or students entering into the middle grades to these presentations where we will provide updates as well as listen to feedback and answer questions.

 

 

 

Family and Community engagement (Virtual and in person)

 

 

February 13, 2025 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM

 

 

March 13, 2025 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM

 

 

May 8, 2025 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM

 

 

 

We believe grades are an important way to communicate with students and families. This new system will make it clearer what students need to do to meet academic expectations.

 

If you have any questions, please contact Richard Smith at rsmith5@pps.net. Check the website often for updates. We look forward to working with you during this exciting transition.

Information and Family Supports

 

• This FAQ answers many questions about the steps Portland Public Schools will be taking to safeguard staff and students going forward.

• The Immigrant Legal Resource Center Little Red Card This card is meant to help people assert their rights and defend themselves in many situations. These can be printed out and carried on your person.

• Know Your Rights for Families/Students (Oregon ACLU)

• Immigrant Rights Resources One Pager

The best way to reach us is by email.

Willa Grund is our new school secretary. wgrund@pps.net

Claire Howard (choward1@pps.net) is our principal’s secretary.

Our Sellwood website (pps.net/sellwood) has many “Quick Links” to help you immediately.

The Office Phone Number

The office phone number is 503-916-5656.

When prompted

press 4 for Willa Grund (“Records/Registration”).

press 3 for Claire (Principal’s Secretary).

press 2 for any “Attendance” matter. It’s a designated line just for attendance.

press 5 for Records, Registration.

press 0 for the front counter – answered by students; not a confidential line.

Secured Building

Sellwood is a locked and secure building.

Please ring the doorbell to the right of the main doors to reach the office. We will guide you accordingly.

Picking up your student during the day:

While we understand it is sometimes necessary to pick up your child from school, please try to limit your student’s daytime appointments. If necessary, please ring the bell at the main door and expect to wait while your child is located.

Guides to Help you:

To correct your student’s attendance: Log into ParentVue.

For changes to your student's registration profile in Synergy: ParentVue/StudentVue

Quick Links found on Sellwood’s website (pps.net/sellwood)

Please email wgrund@pps.net for:

Passwords: If you have forgotten your password, have been locked out of your account, or do not have login credentials.

Registration, Enrollment.

ParentVue (if your account has been disabled).

Please email Claire (choward1@pps.net) for:

School Pay.

Bookkeeping/accounting issues.

Administrative Support: Messages or matters of support to the principal or assistant principal.

March 11: 5th-grade Parent Info Night 6-7 PM

March 16-21: Outdoor School for All 6th-Graders

March 19: Early Release 1:45 PM

March 24-28: Spring Break

April 3: End of Quarter 3

April 4: Grading Day - No School for Students

April 7: Planning Day - No School for Students

April 8: First Day of Quarter 4

April 8: 15 Minute Late Start - Staff Meeting Day

April 17: PTA Meeting 7-8 PM

April 23: Early Release 1:45 PM

April 28: All 8th Grade Field Trip to Bonneville Dam

May 8: All 7th Grade Field Trip to the Holocausts Museum/History Museum

May 21: Early Release 1:45 PM

May 26: Memorial Day: No School

May 28: Spring Band & Choir Concert @ Cleveland HS 7-9 PM

June 3: 15 Minute Late Start - Staff Meeting Day

June 5: Sellwood Showcase Night - 5:30 to 7:30 PM

June 9: 8th Grade Oaks Park Field Trip

June 10: 6th/7th Grade Oaks Park Field Trip

June 12: 8th Grade Promotion - 10:30-11:30 AM

June 12: Last Day of School - Half-day - School Ends 12:30 PM

Link to PPS Calendar for 2024 - 2025

Dear Sellwood Community,

 

As you have probably heard, the school year has been extended by two days, due to the two snow days we recently experience. So, the last day of school will be June 12th. The 8th-grade Promotion Ceremony has been rescheduled to June 12, from 10:30 to 11:30, as well. Also, keep in mind that the last day of school is a half-day at Sellwood, with school ending at 12:30. Afternoon buses will run at 12:30 on June 12th.

 

February is Black History Month, and we have been celebrating in a variety of ways. On Monday, our Multi-Cultural Student Group led our annual Black History Month Assembly. Thank you Mr. KB for advising students and helping them coordinate this event. Also, thank you to Ms. McKenna Nowak and our choir students for their moving performance of "Lift Every Voice" Please have a look and listen by clicking on the link below.

 

Lift Every Voice Video

 

Also, students in digital arts researched Black artists and produced the impressive Celebrating Black Artists wall, photos below.

 

Enjoy the long weekend,

 

Jeandre Carbone

Sellwood Principal

Volunteer Opportunities

Our next fundraiser is the Garden Tour in late spring. This event has a long history and attracts attendees from all over the city. The funds raised from this event go directly to supporting teacher and classroom supplies, field trips, and so much more for our kids.

We need your help! Whether it’s securing sponsors, offering your garden for the tour, assisting with procurement, or volunteering the day of the event—there are plenty of ways to get involved. Please check out the sign-up on Konstella and lend a hand where you can.

Thank you once again for all your support—let’s keep the momentum going! We’re so grateful for this wonderful community and look forward to more great things ahead!

Join the PTA

Please join the PTA and contribute your voice to the conversation on making this a great school year for our kids and SMS community. Here is the link to join!

www.schoolpay.com/link/sellwoodpta

 

Join Konstella

The PTA uses the Konstella app to keep the parent community up to date with scheduled events, the school calendar, volunteer sign ups and PTA announcements. Here is the link to join!

https://www.konstella.com/cd/AXC2Z9

 

6th Grade Families

The Outdoorschool paperwork was due this week. If you have not yet turned it in, please do so Monday. If your child is NOT attending Outdoor School, please let their 1st Period teacher know ASAP.

 

Below are the Departure and Arrival Times for the buses.

For Camp Westwind

 

• Sunday, March 16 - 6th Graders arrive at Sellwood Parking Lot by 1:00 PM - Busses will depart at 1:30 sharp
• Friday, March 21 - 6th Graders arrive back at Sellwood at approximately 1:30 PM

 

For Camps: Collins, Angelos, Kuratli, and Namanu

 

• Sunday, March 16 - 6th Graders arrive at Sellwood Parking Lot by 2:30 PM - Busses will depart at 3:00 sharp
• Friday, March 21 - 6th Graders arrive back at Sellwood at approximately 1:30 PM

 

 

We have seen a rise in students bringing Monster Drinks and other highly caffeinated beverages to school. As a whole staff we are working on re-teaching our rule that water is the only allowed beverage in our hallways and our classrooms.If a student has caffeinated beverages in class or the hallways, they will be asked to throw them away. Here is an informative read written by a doctor about the impacts of caffeine on teens.

Looking for a fun Saturday night? Come rock out with us at the LEWIS ROCKS!5th Grade Science Camp Benefit Concert, featuring The Dead Famous, the Waxwings, and other special guests. All ages show!

Where? The Heist / 4727 SE Woodstock Blvd

When? Saturday March 1st. Doors open at 4:30, music from 5-8 pm.

Why? Lewis Elementary 5th graders need your help to go to OMSI Science Camp at Hancock Station in Fossil, OR this spring. Your support will help cover the cost of transportation, chaperones, scholarships and subsidize the cost to families.

How much? $15/ticket. Children 4 and under FREE Buy Your Tickets Here

 

What else? Lewis Rocks branded t-shirts and other merchandise are available for purchase online. Limited stock for purchase at the show. 50% of merchandise sales will be donated, select food carts will be donating a % of sales, $5 of every Steeplejack beer will be donated. Follow our Instagram and Campsite link for more information! Science camp has been a Lewis tradition since the 1960's

Yearbooks for All FAQ

 

Why “Yearbooks for All”?

June 2024 was the first time we provided a yearbook to every student, regardless of ability to

purchase one. It is hard to put into words the joyful atmosphere on distribution day as

students chatted, signed each other’s books, and laughed and bonded over memories. In

the past, around two-thirds of students ordered a yearbook, making it feel much less

inclusive.

 

How did you pull this off last year?

We had an account in SchoolPay for donations, but didn’t advertise it as well as we should

have. We ended up with a $3500 shortfall, but luckily we had some discretionary funds left

over from a prior year. This year, we don’t have a cushion, so we are trying a more

concentrated campaign.

 

How much does each yearbook cost?

With shipping, each book costs around $16. We do not sell yearbooks to make a profit, just to

cover our costs.

 

What is the yearbook like?

It is a 48-page, full color yearbook that contains portraits of all students and candid photos of

many, with potential memories on every page.

 

Who makes the yearbook?

Ms. Souther is the yearbook adviser, but we don’t have a class this year. Leadership students

take photos, gather information, and even help with some of the graphic design, making it

as much a student publication as possible. Student volunteers are welcome to help on their

own time!

Dear PPS Middle Grades families,

PPS is moving to a new Standards-Based Grading System for all 28 middle schools. The purpose is to provide clearer and more meaningful feedback to students. Some of our middle schools are already using this approach, and research supports its benefits. Our K-5 schools have also made progress in this direction with their report cards.

We invite you to visit our middle grades Standards-Based Grading website at pps.net/sbg. There, you can find updates, resources, timelines, materials, and FAQs.

There will be three family and community engagement events in person and virtually at the Prophet Education Center (501 N. Dixon St.) in the PPS Boardroom. We invite all who have current middle grades students or students entering into the middle grades to these presentations where we will provide updates as well as listen to feedback and answer questions.

 

 

 

Family and Community engagement (Virtual and in person)

 

 

February 13, 2025 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM

 

 

March 13, 2025 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM

 

 

May 8, 2025 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM

 

 

 

We believe grades are an important way to communicate with students and families. This new system will make it clearer what students need to do to meet academic expectations.

 

If you have any questions, please contact Richard Smith at rsmith5@pps.net. Check the website often for updates. We look forward to working with you during this exciting transition.

Information and Family Supports

 

• This FAQ answers many questions about the steps Portland Public Schools will be taking to safeguard staff and students going forward.

• The Immigrant Legal Resource Center Little Red Card This card is meant to help people assert their rights and defend themselves in many situations. These can be printed out and carried on your person.

• Know Your Rights for Families/Students (Oregon ACLU)

• Immigrant Rights Resources One Pager

The best way to reach us is by email.

Willa Grund is our new school secretary. wgrund@pps.net

Claire Howard (choward1@pps.net) is our principal’s secretary.

Our Sellwood website (pps.net/sellwood) has many “Quick Links” to help you immediately.

The Office Phone Number

The office phone number is 503-916-5656.

When prompted

press 4 for Willa Grund (“Records/Registration”).

press 3 for Claire (Principal’s Secretary).

press 2 for any “Attendance” matter. It’s a designated line just for attendance.

press 5 for Records, Registration.

press 0 for the front counter – answered by students; not a confidential line.

Secured Building

Sellwood is a locked and secure building.

Please ring the doorbell to the right of the main doors to reach the office. We will guide you accordingly.

Picking up your student during the day:

While we understand it is sometimes necessary to pick up your child from school, please try to limit your student’s daytime appointments. If necessary, please ring the bell at the main door and expect to wait while your child is located.

Guides to Help you:

To correct your student’s attendance: Log into ParentVue.

For changes to your student's registration profile in Synergy: ParentVue/StudentVue

Quick Links found on Sellwood’s website (pps.net/sellwood)

Please email wgrund@pps.net for:

Passwords: If you have forgotten your password, have been locked out of your account, or do not have login credentials.

Registration, Enrollment.

ParentVue (if your account has been disabled).

Please email Claire (choward1@pps.net) for:

School Pay.

Bookkeeping/accounting issues.

Administrative Support: Messages or matters of support to the principal or assistant principal.

February 25: 15 Minute Late Start - Staff Meeting Day (new date-was March 11)

February 26: Early Release 1:45 PM

March 11: 5th-grade Parent Info Night 6-7 PM

March 16-21: Outdoor School for All 6th-Graders

March 19: Early Release 1:45 PM

March 24-28: Spring Break

April 3: End of Quarter 3

April 4: Grading Day - No School for Students

April 7: Planning Day - No School for Students

April 8: First Day of Quarter 4

April 8: 15 Minute Late Start - Staff Meeting Day

April 17: PTA Meeting 7-8 PM

April 23: Early Release 1:45 PM

April 28: All 8th Grade Field Trip to Bonneville Dam

May 8: All 7th Grade Field Trip to the Holocausts Museum/History Museum

May 21: Early Release 1:45 PM

May 26: Memorial Day: No School

May 28: Spring Band & Choir Concert @ Cleveland HS 7-9 PM

June 3: 15 Minute Late Start - Staff Meeting Day

June 5: Sellwood Showcase Night - 5:30 to 7:30 PM

June 9: 8th Grade Oaks Park Field Trip

June 10: 6th/7th Grade Oaks Park Field Trip

June 12: 8th Grade Promotion - 10:30-11:30 AM

June 12: Last Day of School - Half-day - School Ends 12:30 PM

Link to PPS Calendar for 2024 - 2025

Dear Sellwood Community,

 

Tonight is our annual BINGO fundraiser at Union Manor; this year organized by the Sellwood PTA. It is such a fun event. I hope to see you there!

 

Enjoy the weekend,

 

Jeandre Carbone

Sellwood Principal

 

 

Volunteer Opportunities

 

We will be looking for volunteers for spring PTA events, including Staff Appreciation and the annual Garden Tour! Please keep your eyes on Konstella for opportunities to volunteer. Thank you for your support!

 

 

 

 

Join the PTA

Please join the PTA and contribute your voice to the conversation on making this a great school year for our kids and SMS community. Here is the link to join!

www.schoolpay.com/link/sellwoodpta

Join Konstella

The PTA uses the Konstella app to keep the parent community up to date with scheduled events, the school calendar, volunteer sign ups and PTA announcements. Here is the link to join!

https://www.konstella.com/cd/AXC2Z9

 

Get your school required vaccines @ the Cleveland Health Center. Exclusion Day is February 19th.

https://www.pps.net/Page/6698

 

Avoid clinic wait times!

Schedule a school-required vaccine appointment at your Cleveland Student Health Center now and turn in updated records to your school early

Deadline to turn in vaccine records and to not get turned away from school: Feb. 19

Students don't need to attend Cleveland High School to get services

No out of pocket costs, and we will see students with or without medical insurance

More info: multco.us/news/catch-school-vaccines

 

¡Evitar tiempos de espera en la clínica!

 

Programar una cita de vacunación a su Cleveland Student Health Center más cercano ahora y entregue los registros de vacunación escolares al día temprano

Fecha límite para entregar registros de vacunas y no ser rechazado en la escuela: 19 de febrero

 

 

Los estudiantes no necesitan asistir a Cleveland High School para recibir servicios
Sin ningún costo para usted y lo veremos con o sin seguro médico

Más información: multco.us/news/catch-school-vaccines

Yearbooks for All FAQ

 

Why “Yearbooks for All”?

June 2024 was the first time we provided a yearbook to every student, regardless of ability to

purchase one. It is hard to put into words the joyful atmosphere on distribution day as

students chatted, signed each other’s books, and laughed and bonded over memories. In

the past, around two-thirds of students ordered a yearbook, making it feel much less

inclusive.

 

How did you pull this off last year?

We had an account in SchoolPay for donations, but didn’t advertise it as well as we should

have. We ended up with a $3500 shortfall, but luckily we had some discretionary funds left

over from a prior year. This year, we don’t have a cushion, so we are trying a more

concentrated campaign.

 

How much does each yearbook cost?

With shipping, each book costs around $16. We do not sell yearbooks to make a profit, just to

cover our costs.

 

What is the yearbook like?

It is a 48-page, full color yearbook that contains portraits of all students and candid photos of

many, with potential memories on every page.

 

Who makes the yearbook?

Ms. Souther is the yearbook adviser, but we don’t have a class this year. Leadership students

take photos, gather information, and even help with some of the graphic design, making it

as much a student publication as possible. Student volunteers are welcome to help on their

own time!

Black-serving organizations across the city are celebrating a “Black, Black History Month” this year by hosting a pop-up museum at The Horizon Enterprise Building in Old Town (433 NW 4th Ave.).

Old Town is one of the first neighborhoods where Black folks settled in Portland—the railroad brought families from out east in the late 1800s. It’ll be a pleasure to hold space in that same neighborhood as we celebrate Black life today. This is an everyday practice in our community, but we double-down in February.

 

We’ve curated a host of galleries, events and film screenings—free and open to the public every Wednesday through Sunday this February, from 10am to 4pm.

“Soul Conversation” is a panel discussion with members of Albina’s historic music community: Ken Berry, Mel Brown, JW Friday, Paul Knauls, Norman Sylvester, and Calvin Walker; it’ll be a fitting snapshot of the spirit of Black Portland–the same spirit we’re honoring, all month long.

Visit “News and Events” at 1803fund.com for more information (including how to volunteer in the space yourself!).

This event is sponsored by 1803 Fund, in partnership with:

• Albina Music Trust

• Alisa Wilbon

• Black Bald Films

• Center for Black Excellence

• Creative Homies

• The BLACK Gallery, curated by Don’t Shoot PDX

• Micro Enterprise Services of Oregon - MESO

• Oregon Black Pioneers

• Word is Bond

• North East Production

• Vancouver Avenue First Baptist Church

 

After-School Check-in Ideas

Starting this week, the Sellwood Climate Team will be sharing weekly ideas for checking in with students that are tied directly to either what we are learning about in the weekly Advisory classes or patterns of behavior we are noticing across the building.

In Advisory the students are learning about empathy and sympathy and the importance of respecting multiple perspectives.

Brene Brown has a great short video for adults link here.

6th Grade Families

Sellwood 6th Graders will participate in the residential Outdoor School program this March 16th -21st.

Outdoor School has been serving schools in the Portland metro area for over 50 years. Your child’s class and advisory teacher will attend one of the Outdoor School sites. The Outdoor School Experience is an educational program where students attend school 24 hours a day in a beautiful outdoor setting. Outdoor School is an extension of the classroom, offering a hands-on, engaging approach to learning.

More information will be coming soon. Mark your calendars:

 

 

• Information night at Sellwood MS- Wednesday, February 12th 5:30-6:30
• Family Open House at the camps (virtual option too) Sunday, March 2nd from 4 to 6 pm
• Sellwood MS Outdoor School week is Sunday, March 16th - Friday, March 21st

Cleveland Youth Track is seeking more adult helpers - paid and volunteer coach positions available! Cleveland's team hovers around 250 athletes each year. Because of this, we always need more hands on deck. Practices are Monday and Wednesday from 5-6:30 at the Cleveland track and meets are Thursdays from 5-7:30 at various locations around the city. You don't need to be a specialist - just someone who is willing to show up, support lead coaches, and help manage athlete behavior. If you do happen to have any previous knowledge of specific track and field events, areas of support that we are particularly looking to fill are: javelin, long jump, high jump, and discus. Becoming a coach in any capacity will require some hours of online training. If you are only able to come one of the two days, you would probably fit best in a volunteer rule. If you can come to both practices and most meets, a paid position is probably for you! Please contact Meghan Eigo at meigo@pps.net if you have any questions or are interested to any degree!

Dear PPS Middle Grades families,

PPS is moving to a new Standards-Based Grading System for all 28 middle schools. The purpose is to provide clearer and more meaningful feedback to students. Some of our middle schools are already using this approach, and research supports its benefits. Our K-5 schools have also made progress in this direction with their report cards.

We invite you to visit our middle grades Standards-Based Grading website at pps.net/sbg. There, you can find updates, resources, timelines, materials, and FAQs.

There will be three family and community engagement events in person and virtually at the Prophet Education Center (501 N. Dixon St.) in the PPS Boardroom. We invite all who have current middle grades students or students entering into the middle grades to these presentations where we will provide updates as well as listen to feedback and answer questions.

 

 

 

Family and Community engagement (Virtual and in person)

 

 

February 13, 2025 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM

 

 

March 13, 2025 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM

 

 

May 8, 2025 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM

 

 

 

We believe grades are an important way to communicate with students and families. This new system will make it clearer what students need to do to meet academic expectations.

 

If you have any questions, please contact Richard Smith at rsmith5@pps.net. Check the website often for updates. We look forward to working with you during this exciting transition.

Information and Family Supports

 

• This FAQ answers many questions about the steps Portland Public Schools will be taking to safeguard staff and students going forward.

• The Immigrant Legal Resource Center Little Red Card This card is meant to help people assert their rights and defend themselves in many situations. These can be printed out and carried on your person.

• Know Your Rights for Families/Students (Oregon ACLU)

• Immigrant Rights Resources One Pager

The best way to reach us is by email.

Willa Grund is our new school secretary. wgrund@pps.net

Claire Howard (choward1@pps.net) is our principal’s secretary.

Our Sellwood website (pps.net/sellwood) has many “Quick Links” to help you immediately.

The Office Phone Number

The office phone number is 503-916-5656.

When prompted

press 4 for Willa Grund (“Records/Registration”).

press 3 for Claire (Principal’s Secretary).

press 2 for any “Attendance” matter. It’s a designated line just for attendance.

press 5 for Records, Registration.

press 0 for the front counter – answered by students; not a confidential line.

Secured Building

Sellwood is a locked and secure building.

Please ring the doorbell to the right of the main doors to reach the office. We will guide you accordingly.

Picking up your student during the day:

While we understand it is sometimes necessary to pick up your child from school, please try to limit your student’s daytime appointments. If necessary, please ring the bell at the main door and expect to wait while your child is located.

Guides to Help you:

To correct your student’s attendance: Log into ParentVue.

For changes to your student's registration profile in Synergy: ParentVue/StudentVue

Quick Links found on Sellwood’s website (pps.net/sellwood)

Please email wgrund@pps.net for:

Passwords: If you have forgotten your password, have been locked out of your account, or do not have login credentials.

Registration, Enrollment.

ParentVue (if your account has been disabled).

Please email Claire (choward1@pps.net) for:

School Pay.

Bookkeeping/accounting issues.

Administrative Support: Messages or matters of support to the principal or assistant principal.

February 7: Annual PTA Bingo Night Fundraiser - 7-9 PM

February 12: Outdoor School 6th grade Parent Info Night - 5:30 to 6:30 PM.

February 17: Presidents Day - No School or Make-up Snow Day

February 19: School Required Vaccine Exclusion Day

February 25: 15 Minute Late Start - Staff Meeting Day (new date-was March 11)

February 26: Early Release 1:45 PM

March 11: 5th-grade Parent Info Night 6-7 PM

March 16-21: Outdoor School for All 6th-Graders

March 19: Early Release 1:45 PM

March 24-28: Spring Break

April 3: End of Quarter 3

April 4: Grading Day - No School for Students

April 7: Planning Day - No School for Students

April 8: First Day of Quarter 4

April 8: 15 Minute Late Start - Staff Meeting Day

April 17: PTA Meeting 7-8 PM

April 23: Early Release 1:45 PM

April 28: All 8th Grade Field Trip to Bonneville Dam

May 8: All 7th Grade Field Trip to the Holocausts Museum/History Museum

May 21: Early Release 1:45 PM

May 26: Memorial Day: No School

May 28: Spring Band & Choir Concert @ Cleveland HS 7-9 PM

June 3: 15 Minute Late Start - Staff Meeting Day

June 5: Sellwood Showcase Night - 5:30 to 7:30 PM

June 9: 8th Grade Oaks Park Field Trip

June 10: 6th/7th Grade Oaks Park Field Trip

June 10: 8th Grade Promotion - 10:30-11:30 AM

June 10: Last Day of School - Half-day - School Ends 12:30 PM

Link to PPS Calendar for 2024 - 2025

Dear Sellwood Community,

 

Our two week winter break is here! The first four months of the school year have flown by, and it has been my joy to serve as the Sellwood Middle School principal.

 

I am so grateful for the positivity and involvement of Sellwood students, staff, and families.

 

I appreciate you all!

 

Have a wonderful break, and I hope you enjoy some rest and relaxation.

 

Sincerely,

 

Jeandre Carbone

Sellwood MS Principal

Bingo - Save the Date, February 7

 

Please mark your calendars for our Drag Queen Bingo event - Friday, February 7 at Union Manor, from 7-9pm. Money raised will go towards the Beautification Plan for SMS! More information on ticket sales coming soon. Don’t miss this popular event!

 

 

Volunteer Opportunities

 

CLOTHING CLOSET

Monday, January 27, is Sellwood’s day to send 5-6 volunteers to help at the PPS Clothing Closet from 9:30-1:30 pm. Each PPS school is responsible for sending volunteers twice during the school year to assist students in receiving clothing and shoes. The Closet is located at the Marshall campus, 3905 SE 91st. Please sign up on Konstella!

 

They are also looking for donations of teen-adult sized gently worn/new sweatshirts, hoodies, and warm coats, as they are very low in these items, as well as boys’ pants, joggers, and jeans size 4-14.

 

Thank you for your support!

 

Join the PTA

Please join the PTA and contribute your voice to the conversation on making this a great school year for our kids and SMS community. Here is the link to join!

www.schoolpay.com/link/sellwoodpta

 

Join Konstella

The PTA uses the Konstella app to keep the parent community up to date with scheduled events, the school calendar, volunteer sign ups and PTA announcements. Here is the link to join!

 

https://www.konstella.com/cd/AXC2Z9

PEAK registration is open! Registration is through 6 Crickets: https://www.6crickets.com/

 

The PEAK Program is a series of in-person after school classes open to all Sellwood students. The PEAK program is totally independent of Sellwood Middle School and is under the jurisdiction of PTA. Most classes run on a 8-10 week session schedule in the fall and winter and require a fee. Scholarships are available as the PEAK goal is to include every SMS student.

Scholarship request form is here: https://tinyurl.com/PEAKScholarship

Please email sellwoodpeakprogram@gmail.com with any questions. We are always looking for parent volunteers to help us run this program. Please email if you are interested!

 

Classes this Winter:

 

• Python Coding with Coding with Kids $259 Tuesdays from 4:15-5:15

• • Winter Session: 1/7/25 - 3/18/25 (10 lessons, no school on 1/28/25)

  • Join us to explore Python, a widely used programming language. Beginners get a user-friendly introduction, covering essentials like variables and functions. Returning students delve into advanced topics like Arrays, while all students create various fun games, including a custom space invaders game. Flyer.

 

• Monologue and Scene Study with Rogue Pack Theatre $250 Wednesdays 4:15-5:45

• • Winter Session: 1/22/25-3/12/25

  • Aspiring actors! Come learn the craft of acting through games, exploring your imagination and learning how to apply it to script and character analysis, scene study and or monologue development according to each person’s interests. We’ll build confidence in our ability to embody characters and bring stories to life in a supportive, playful and collaborative class.

• Chess Club approx $125 Mondays 4-5 pm - all year course!!

• • Runs from October to March 31, 2025, a few spots left!

  • Taught by Alaric True

  • We play chess after school on Mondays! We improve our chess skills by playing as much as possible, solving puzzles, and learning basic strategies. Our after-school program focuses on basics but we hope to develop a more competitive program. We meet on Mondays that school is in session. Note that this is a year-long club.

• Speech and Debate Tuesdays 4:15-5:15 $50

• • Winter Term: 1/7/25-3/18/25 (no class 1/28)

  • The Cleveland High Speech and Debate team is one the largest and most successful programs at the school. Find out why these students love it so much, and build your own debate skills. You will practice speaking and debating skills in preparation for local middle school competitions The Sellwood team will be coached by team captains from Cleveland. Appropriate for both new and returning students.

• Marimba $104.50 Thursdays 4:15-5:15

• • Winter Term: 1/9-3/20/25

  • Taught by Ben Kinkley

  • Curious about African music? Want to share your own ideas with a new music ensemble? Sellwood Marimba is the place for you. Come to learn the basics or build your skills - and definitely come to jam! We'll meet ten sessions this winter, on Thursdays beginning January 9. No experience is necessary. Instruments are provided.

• Red Cross Babysitter Training - $140 All Day Course 1/28 or 3/3

• • One-day training offered on no school days or Saturdays

  • Designed for young people to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to safely and responsibly give care to infants and children in a residential setting. Participants receive a certificate of completion for Babysitter’s Training.

  • We are seeking a parent chaperone for the 3/3 course in exchange for free tuition. Email sellwoodpeakprogram@gmail.com.

The best way to reach us is by email.

Willa Grund is our new school secretary. wgrund@pps.net

Claire Howard (choward1@pps.net) is our principal’s secretary.

Our Sellwood website (pps.net/sellwood) has many “Quick Links” to help you immediately.

The Office Phone Number

The office phone number is 503-916-5656.

When prompted

press 4 for Willa Grund (“Records/Registration”).

press 3 for Claire (Principal’s Secretary).

press 2 for any “Attendance” matter. It’s a designated line just for attendance.

press 5 for Records, Registration.

press 0 for the front counter – answered by students; not a confidential line.

Secured Building

Sellwood is a locked and secure building.

Please ring the doorbell to the right of the main doors to reach the office. We will guide you accordingly.

Picking up your student during the day:

While we understand it is sometimes necessary to pick up your child from school, please try to limit your student’s daytime appointments. If necessary, please ring the bell at the main door and expect to wait while your child is located.

Guides to Help you:

To correct your student’s attendance: Log into ParentVue.

For changes to your student's registration profile in Synergy: ParentVue/StudentVue

Quick Links found on Sellwood’s website (pps.net/sellwood)

Please email wgrund@pps.net for:

Passwords: If you have forgotten your password, have been locked out of your account, or do not have login credentials.

Registration, Enrollment.

ParentVue (if your account has been disabled).

Please email Claire (choward1@pps.net) for:

School Pay.

Bookkeeping/accounting issues.

Administrative Support: Messages or matters of support to the principal or assistant principal.

December 23-January 3: Winter Break

January 16: PTA Meeting

January 16: STEAM Show, 5:30-8:00 PM

Link to PPS Calendar for 2024 - 2025

Dear Sellwood Community,

Last night, Sellwood held our first joint Choir & Band Winter Concert, which was kicked off with an all school morning assembly for staff and students to enjoy. We hope the assembly sparked musical interest in some students who will in turn sign up for band or choir electives when we forecast for next year's electives. The band performances highlighted their practice and passion, and the music delighted the audience. The beginning, intermediate, advanced, and jazz bands all had their turn to shine. The choir ensemble performance was amazing, especially since choir is Sellwood's newest program and the class has only been in existence for just over three months! I can't wait to see their growth and development over the course of the school year. We hope enough students will be inspired to join so that we can offer at least two sections next year. Our aim is to eventually have the best middle school choir ensemble in the region. We thank Mr. Patterson (band) and Ms. Kowak (choir) for their hard work and skill as they prepared students for these wonderful performances.

Next week is the last week before winter break, and we can already feel the student excitement and corresponding increase in energy. As the weather turns colder, please remind your children to wear their jackets and warm clothing. If it is not raining or snowing we hold recess outdoors.

Finally, keep in mind that Wednesday, December 18th will be an early release at 1:45.

 

Enjoy the weekend,

 

Jeandre Carbone

Sellwood MS Principal

Volunteer Opportunities

 

BINGO

The Sellwood PTA is hosting a Bingo event in early 2025! Our goal is to raise $5,000 , and thanks to a generous donor, it will be MATCHED! We need YOUR help to make this event a success! Proceeds will go towards beautifying the Sellwood grounds and providing much-needed recess equipment and . Our first meeting is Monday, December 16 at 7:15pm at Smitty's Taphouse . Please join us and be part of the fun!

 

WINTER CELEBRATION

The SMS counseling team is planning the school Winter Celebration on 12/20 for the last hour of the school day. We are looking for 4-5 parent volunteers to hand out treats to the students, and some volunteers to help organize and procure treats. Sign up information is on Konstella, so please see details there!

 

CLOTHING CLOSET

Monday, January 27, is Sellwood’s day to send 5-6 volunteers to help at the PPS Clothing Closet from 9:30-1:30 pm. Each PPS school is responsible for sending volunteers twice during the school year to assist students in receiving clothing and shoes. The Closet is located at the Marshall campus, 3905 SE 91st. Please sign up on Konstella!

 

They are also looking for donations of teen-adult sized gently worn/new sweatshirts, hoodies, and warm coats, as they are very low in these items, as well as boys’ pants, joggers, and jeans size 4-14.

 

Thank you for your support!

 

Join the PTA

Please join the PTA and contribute your voice to the conversation on making this a great school year for our kids and SMS community. Here is the link to join!

www.schoolpay.com/link/sellwoodpta

 

Join Konstella

The PTA uses the Konstella app to keep the parent community up to date with scheduled events, the school calendar, volunteer sign ups and PTA announcements. Here is the link to join!

https://www.konstella.com/cd/AXC2Z9

Registration will open on 12/10! The PEAK Program is a series of in-person after school classes open to all Sellwood students. The PEAK program is totally independent of Sellwood Middle School and is under the jurisdiction of PTA. Most classes run on a 8-10 week session schedule in the fall and winter and require a fee. Scholarships are available as the PEAK goal is to include every SMS student. Please email sellwoodpeakprogram@gmail.com with any questions. We are always looking for parent volunteers to help us run this program. Please email if you are interested!

Scholarship request form is here: https://tinyurl.com/PEAKScholarship

Deadline for scholarship requests is Monday December 9th at noon.

Classes this Winter:

Python Coding with Coding with Kids $259 Tuesdays from 4:15-5:15, 1/7/25 - 3/18/25 (10 lessons, no school on 1/28/25)
Join us to explore Python, a widely used programming language. Beginners get a user-friendly introduction, covering essentials like variables and functions. Returning students delve into advanced topics like Arrays, while all students create various fun games, including a custom space invaders game. Flyer.

Monologue and Scene Study with Rogue Pack Theatre $250 Wednesdays 4:15-5:45, 1/22/25-3/12/25
Aspiring actors! Come learn the craft of acting through games, exploring your imagination and learning how to apply it to script and character analysis, scene study and or monologue development according to each person’s interests. We’ll build confidence in our ability to embody characters and bring stories to life in a supportive, playful and collaborative class.

Chess Club approx $125 Mondays 4-5 pm - all year course!! Runs from October to March 31, 2025, a few spots left!
Taught by Alaric True. We play chess after school on Mondays! We improve our chess skills by playing as much as possible, solving puzzles, and learning basic strategies. Our after-school program focuses on basics but we hope to develop a more competitive program. We meet on Mondays that school is in session. Note that this is a year-long club.

Speech and Debate Tuesdays 4:15-5:15 $50, 1/7/25-3/18/25 (no class 1/28)
The Cleveland High Speech and Debate team is one the largest and most successful programs at the school. Find out why these students love it so much, and build your own debate skills. You will practice speaking and debating skills in preparation for local middle school competitions The Sellwood team will be coached by team captains from Cleveland. Appropriate for both new and returning students.

 

Marimba $104.50 Thursdays 4:15-5:15 1/9-3/20/25, Taught by Ben Kinkley
Curious about African music? Want to share your own ideas with a new music ensemble? Sellwood Marimba is the place for you. Come to learn the basics or build your skills - and definitely come to jam! We'll meet ten sessions this winter, on Thursdays beginning January 9. No experience is necessary. Instruments are provided.

Red Cross Babysitter Training - $140 All Day Course 1/28 or 3/3
One-day training offered on no school days or Saturdays. Designed for young people to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to safely and responsibly give care to infants and children in a residential setting. Participants receive a certificate of completion for Babysitter’s Training. We are seeking a parent chaperone for the 3/3 course in exchange for free tuition. Email sellwoodpeakprogram@gmail.com

November 13, 2024 - December 16, 2024

Students from across Portland Public Schools can apply to lottery slots at our three focus options high schools:

• Benson Polytechnic High School
• Jefferson High School-Middle College for Advanced Studies
• Metropolitan Learning Center

 

Learn more: Application and other information

Dear families,

Today Portland Public Schools begins the annual Successful Schools Survey. The Successful Schools Survey is an opportunity for students, staff, and families to provide important feedback on their school environments, learning experiences, and sense of well-being and safety at school.

The survey is conducted once every school year to provide timely information to schools, district leadership, and the community, allowing us to make informed decisions about school climate and culture. This year, the survey window is open November 1 to December 16.

Portland Public Schools highly values the input and opinions of its families, and we welcome all PPS parents and guardians to complete this year’s survey. We use the data to help improve our schools, providing targeted feedback and training on how to create healthy school environments that are welcoming for all.

You can complete the Successful Schools Survey online using the link provided below. Please complete one survey per household. If you have more than one student at PPS, we ask that you complete the survey considering the experiences of your eldest child.

The survey will take approximately 15-30 minutes to complete and is available in English, Spanish, Russian, Somali, Vietnamese and Chinese.

https://surveys.panoramaed.com/portlandor/fall24family

 

For more information about the Successful Schools Survey, please go to pps.net/sss2024.

The best way to reach us is by email.

Willa Grund is our new school secretary. wgrund@pps.net

Claire Howard (choward1@pps.net) is our principal’s secretary.

Our Sellwood website (pps.net/sellwood) has many “Quick Links” to help you immediately.

The Office Phone Number

The office phone number is 503-916-5656.

When prompted

press 4 for Willa Grund (“Records/Registration”).

press 3 for Claire (Principal’s Secretary).

press 2 for any “Attendance” matter. It’s a designated line just for attendance.

press 5 for Records, Registration.

press 0 for the front counter – answered by students; not a confidential line.

Secured Building

Sellwood is a locked and secure building.

Please ring the doorbell to the right of the main doors to reach the office. We will guide you accordingly.

Picking up your student during the day:

While we understand it is sometimes necessary to pick up your child from school, please try to limit your student’s daytime appointments. If necessary, please ring the bell at the main door and expect to wait while your child is located.

Guides to Help you:

To correct your student’s attendance: Log into ParentVue.

For changes to your student's registration profile in Synergy: ParentVue/StudentVue

Quick Links found on Sellwood’s website (pps.net/sellwood)

Please email wgrund@pps.net for:

Passwords: If you have forgotten your password, have been locked out of your account, or do not have login credentials.

Registration, Enrollment.

ParentVue (if your account has been disabled).

Please email Claire (choward1@pps.net) for:

School Pay.

Bookkeeping/accounting issues.

Administrative Support: Messages or matters of support to the principal or assistant principal.

December 18: Early Release at 1:45

December 23-January 3: Winter Break

January 16: PTA Meeting

January 16: STEAM Show, 5:30-8:00 PM

Link to PPS Calendar for 2024 - 2025

Dear Sellwood Community,

 

I hope you all had a wonderful fall break and enjoyed some quality rest & relaxation.

 

Next week, we are excited to host our Winter Choir & Band Concert at the Cleveland High School Auditorium, from 7:00 to 9:00 PM, on Thursday, December 12th. That morning, we will also hold a Choir and Band Assembly, so that Sellwood students get to experience a performance by our band and choir programs, and hopefully get inspired to get involved themselves.

 

8th grade families, if your child is interested in attending Benson Polytechnic High School or another focus option high school next year, please be aware that the application window closes Monday, December 16th -- Learn more: Application and other information

 

I hope you have a lovely weekend,

 

Sincerely,

 

Jeandre Carbone

Sellwood MS Principal

Join the PTA

Please join the PTA and contribute your voice to the conversation on making this a great school year for our kids and SMS community. Here is the link to join!

www.schoolpay.com/link/sellwoodpta

 

Join Konstella

The PTA uses the Konstella app to keep the parent community up to date with scheduled events, the school calendar, volunteer sign ups and PTA announcements. Here is the link to join!

https://www.konstella.com/cd/AXC2Z9

 

PTA Annual Campaign

THANK YOU Sellwood Community for supporting the PTA Annual Campaign! Thanks to our amazing community, we raised over $15,900 to support our school! We are grateful to every individual donor and our generous matching donor who made this happen.

 

If this is not the right time for you or your family, you can donate to the PTA anytime this year by clicking this link. https://pps.schoolpay.com/pay/for/Donate-to-the-20242025-Sellwood-Middle-S/SNMAwb

 

Thank you again for your support!

 

Spirit Wear Sale

The PTA is pleased to present Sellwood Middle School Gear! On sale now through December 2nd, at midnight at the following website:

STORE LINK: https://stores.inksoft.com/sellwood_middle_school_spirit

Get your Beanies! T-shirts! Hoodies! Zip Hoodies! Sweatpants!

This is a spirit raiser, not a fundraiser, with prices set close to production costs. We look forward to seeing this gear out in the community!

Items will be available for pick-up at Sellwood on Thursday, December 19th and Friday, December 20th. Details to come closer to that time.

Questions? Send a message to SMSGearShop@gmail.com and we will get back to you ASAP.

STORE LINK

https://stores.inksoft.com/sellwood_middle_school_spirit

 

Sellwood Dines Out

Thank you to the Portland Bottle Shop for hosting SDO in November! Stay tuned for new locations starting in January and thanks for your attendance and support.

 

OBOB

Oregon Battle of the Books is coming back to Sellwood Middle School and will be organized by parent volunteers for the 2024/25 school year. Now is the time to start organizing a team; the deadline to register will be Friday, December 6th. Once you have a team, you can register them here. If your student would like help finding a team, fill out this form. If you have questions, email sellwoodobob@gmail.com

 

OBOB is a program where teams of students read an amazing selection of books and then compete with other teams in Battles to recall details from the stories. Battles will be organized at the school level in February 2025. Teams are usually made up of two to four members, with one optional alternate, for a total of no more than five members.

 

November Volunteer Opportunities
All current volunteer opportunities will be posted on Konstella. Please sign up there or email us at sellwoodpta@gmail.com. We are looking for committee chairs for some of our winter/spring events, including PEAK, Drag Queen Bingo, and the Garden Tour. If you have experience with event planning, fundraising, and/or leading teams please take a look and sign up! Feel free to reach out with any questions.

 

We are kicking off plans for Drag Queen Bingo in February and looking for volunteers to support this fun event! Please join us at Smitty's Taphouse on Monday 12/16 at 7:15pm for more information, and reach out directly if you are interested but cannot attend. We need as many people to help as we can to continue the success of this event. Thank you!

Oregon Battle of the Books is coming back to Sellwood Middle School and will be organized by parent volunteers for the 2024/25 school year. Now is the time to start organizing a team; the deadline to register will be Friday, December 6th. Once you have a team, you can register them here. If your student would like help finding a team, fill out this form. If you have questions, email sellwoodobob@gmail.com

 

OBOB is a program where teams of students read an amazing selection of books and then compete with other teams in Battles to recall details from the stories. Battles will be organized at the school level in February 2025. Teams are usually made up of two to four members, with one optional alternate, for a total of no more than five members.

November 13, 2024 - December 16, 2024

Students from across Portland Public Schools can apply to lottery slots at our three focus options high schools:

• Benson Polytechnic High School
• Jefferson High School-Middle College for Advanced Studies
• Metropolitan Learning Center

 

Learn more: Application and other information

Dear families,

Today Portland Public Schools begins the annual Successful Schools Survey. The Successful Schools Survey is an opportunity for students, staff, and families to provide important feedback on their school environments, learning experiences, and sense of well-being and safety at school.

The survey is conducted once every school year to provide timely information to schools, district leadership, and the community, allowing us to make informed decisions about school climate and culture. This year, the survey window is open November 1 to December 16.

Portland Public Schools highly values the input and opinions of its families, and we welcome all PPS parents and guardians to complete this year’s survey. We use the data to help improve our schools, providing targeted feedback and training on how to create healthy school environments that are welcoming for all.

You can complete the Successful Schools Survey online using the link provided below. Please complete one survey per household. If you have more than one student at PPS, we ask that you complete the survey considering the experiences of your eldest child.

The survey will take approximately 15-30 minutes to complete and is available in English, Spanish, Russian, Somali, Vietnamese and Chinese.

https://surveys.panoramaed.com/portlandor/fall24family

 

For more information about the Successful Schools Survey, please go to pps.net/sss2024.

 

PEAK is a parent-run program that organizes afterschool programs at Sellwood Middle school. We are in search of new volunteers to help us keep this program going, and (hopefully) expand it!

 

See here for additional details: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1knsFI__iI4sZz6aoX0pY2NWQ3NxiOQtHa4i3wE3offM/edit?tab=t.0

 

If you are interested in volunteering, please email sellwoodpeakprogram@gmail.com

 

More information - https://www.cleveland-warriors.com/camps

The best way to reach us is by email.

Willa Grund is our new school secretary. wgrund@pps.net

Claire Howard (choward1@pps.net) is our principal’s secretary.

Our Sellwood website (pps.net/sellwood) has many “Quick Links” to help you immediately.

The Office Phone Number

The office phone number is 503-916-5656.

When prompted

press 4 for Willa Grund (“Records/Registration”).

press 3 for Claire (Principal’s Secretary).

press 2 for any “Attendance” matter. It’s a designated line just for attendance.

press 5 for Records, Registration.

press 0 for the front counter – answered by students; not a confidential line.

Secured Building

Sellwood is a locked and secure building.

Please ring the doorbell to the right of the main doors to reach the office. We will guide you accordingly.

Picking up your student during the day:

While we understand it is sometimes necessary to pick up your child from school, please try to limit your student’s daytime appointments. If necessary, please ring the bell at the main door and expect to wait while your child is located.

Guides to Help you:

To correct your student’s attendance: Log into ParentVue.

For changes to your student's registration profile in Synergy: ParentVue/StudentVue

Quick Links found on Sellwood’s website (pps.net/sellwood)

Please email wgrund@pps.net for:

Passwords: If you have forgotten your password, have been locked out of your account, or do not have login credentials.

Registration, Enrollment.

ParentVue (if your account has been disabled).

Please email Claire (choward1@pps.net) for:

School Pay.

Bookkeeping/accounting issues.

Administrative Support: Messages or matters of support to the principal or assistant principal.

December 12: Winter Band & Choir Concert @ Cleveland Auditorium

December 18: Early Release at 1:45

December 23-January 3: Winter Break

January 16: PTA Meeting

January 16: STEAM Show

Link to PPS Calendar for 2024 - 2025