February 1, 2019
Happy February Markham Families,
We are already in the second month of 2019. Wow! I don’t need time to stand still, but I would like it to slow down. Even so, we are off to a great start in the new year.
Last week our 5th graders enjoyed their visit to JA BizTown. Junior Achievement BizTown blends in-class learning with a one day economic simulation within an 8,500 square foot replica of an American city. After four weeks of curriculum and preparation in the classroom, where students learn how to be a citizen, how an economy works, how to apply for a job and run a successful business, students visit JA BizTown facility in SE Portland for a 4 ½ hour work day experience. This year awards were given for Citizens of the Day and Business of the Day. The Business of the Day went to the Café. Students running the Café were: Stephanie W., CEO; Ahmad B., CFO, Andrew A., Food Manager; and Asha O., Beverage Manager. Citizens of the Day were: Ely W., Executive Director of the Oregon Humane Society, and Beautiful S., Adoption Assistant of the Oregon Humane Society. Way to go 5th Grade Eagles!
Our Right Brain Residency is under way. Artist Rick Huddle specializes in storytelling and music to engage students in writing. The residencies will be completed in mid-February. Mr. Huddle held two kick-off assemblies, a K-2 and grades 3-5. He captivated students with his charisma as he brought literature to life.
Those of you who may not know, our PTA has purchased a Chromebook Cart each year. Last year they funded two carts. Our cart for this year has arrived and will be used for the primary classrooms. Many, many thanks to our PTA for their efforts and for everyone who helps to support those efforts.
Speaking of the Markham PTA, their biggest fundraiser is just around the corner.
Markham's Beach Ball Auction is March 2, 2019! You do not want to miss this fun and worthwhile event! It will take place at the West End Ballroom. The address is 1220 SW Taylor St., Portland, OR. Please follow the link for more information and to purchase tickets:
https://markham.tofinoauctions.com/auction2019/register/ticket_sales
Reminder: Let’s get ready to honor and celebrate our 5th graders with our Chinese New Year Dragon Parade. This signifies a rites of passage for our 5th graders as they are preparing to enter middle school next year. This is a time honored tradition at Markham. It is Friday, February 8th. All Markham families are encouraged to come as we line the halls starting at 2:30 to cheer them on. We are very proud of each one of them!
Pennies for Peace started on Monday, January 28th. It run through Friday, February 15th. The PTA helps to orchestrate this endeavor. All proceeds go to Green Village Schools, a Portland based non-profit that builds and supports schools for boys and girls in Helmand Province, Afghanistan in order to promote peace and prosperity. Start digging for those pennies. Other coins and bills are also welcome. Pennies are turned in at the classrooms.
Reminder: Spread the Word! Our first Connect to Kindergarten event will be Thursday, February 7th from 6:30 to 7:30 PM in our auditorium. The second Connect to Kindergarten event is Thursday, April 25th from 6:30 to 7:30 PM in our library. These are both parent only events. During our time together parents gain insight into our kindergarten program and other offerings as to how we support and nurture students’ learning. There will be light refreshments sponsored by our PTA and PTA representatives will be available to answer questions. School Tours for pro will take place on Fridays, February 15th, 22nd and March 1st and 8th from 9:00 to 10:00. Please call the office to schedule a tour.
Reminder: PPS will provide an important opportunity for all families, students in grades 5th, 7th and 10th, and school-based staff to share their thoughts on their schools’ climate and culture through the Successful Schools Survey. Superintendent Guerrero has set a goal of 100 percent participation by students and staff, and 50 percent for families. This is a high bar, and we are going to need your full support to reach it. A higher participation rate produces more useful survey data.
What and when:
PPS will conduct the Successful Schools Survey for at least three weeks from Feb. 4- Feb. 22 for students, Feb. 4-March 1 for families, and Feb. 19-March 8 for school-based staff. The survey is anonymous. Topics include school climate, school safety and barriers to engagement.
Posters are located at our main entrances and office door with a QR Code Reader for easy access to the survey in 5 additional languages - Spanish, Vietnamese, Chinese, Russian and Somali.
Children’s Health Fair 2019 at Reynolds Middle School located at 1200 NE 201st Ave. Fairview, OR from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. The event is free! Sampling of offerings: Immunizations, Dental treatment for children, Fluoride treatments, Vision, Hearing and Dental screenings to name a few. Prizes and Entertainment as well.
Have a beautiful February in a month that emphasizes LOVE. Thank you Markham Community for sharing your LOVE all year round.
Sincerely,
Shawn Garnett
Principal
