February 7, 2020
Happy February Markham Families,
Please join me in welcoming our new School Secretary, Colleen Smith. She comes to us from Roseway Heights Middle School. Her first day at Markham was this past Tuesday. She is quickly becoming acquainted with Markham and adjusting to being back at the elementary level.
The Dragon Parade never fails to leave me energized and emotional all at once. I am excited for our 5th graders as they prepare for their transition into middle school. It also leaves me melancholy to know this is their last year at Markham. I would like to thank Ms. Huber and the 5th grade teachers for their efforts in making this proud tradition carry on.
Global Village was a super success! Our PTA sponsors this event. Many volunteers created booths representing different countries with a treat or two to sample. This year we had a taco truck. Our students shared clothing, songs, dances and languages from around the world. Lilith C. from Ms. Staples’ class and Luke C. from Ms. Letaw’s class both completed their Global Village Passports correctly and were drawn as the winners of the prize for their K-2 and 3-5 grade levels.
Report cards came home today with your child, please be sure to sign and return the envelope letting the teacher know you have received it.
Ms. McNutt, our former 1st grade teacher, was assigned to Markham for the remainder of the school year as our halftime reading coach. Our teachers and Ms. McNutt will be taking full advantage of this opportunity to support our students and the teachers in the recent reading and writing adoptions.
Successful Schools Survey
In 2019-20, Portland Public Schools is again partnering with Panorama Education to gather information from students and families that will help us improve student experiences across the district. We will survey students in grades 4, 5, 7-10 on their experiences in their classrooms and schools, and families about their perception of the school their child attends.
The survey will cover topics on sense of belonging, school safety, school climate, barriers to family engagement, as well as how students are thinking and feeling about diversity, equity, and inclusion in school.
The survey was launched on January 27th. The student window is scheduled to be open until February 14th. The family survey until February 28th. Paper copies will be available in the office. 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.
5th Grade BizTown
Last month 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. Congratulations to Sam S. He won Citizen of the Day!
Pennies for Peace started on Tuesday, January 28th and ended today. The PTA helps to orchestrate this endeavor. Ms. Nelson’s class assisted by making and putting up posters around the school. 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. Thank you PTA and Ms. Nelson’s class.
Reminder: Spread the Word! Our first Connect to Kindergarten event will be Thursday, February 20th from 6:30 to 7:30 PM in our auditorium. The second Connect to Kindergarten event is Thursday, April 30th 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 prospective families will take place on Tuesdays, February 25th, March 3rd, 10th and 17th 9:00 to 10:00 AM. Please call the office to schedule a tour.
Markham's Great Northwest Glamp-Out Auction is February 22, 2020. You do not want to miss this fun and worthwhile event! It will take place at Columbia Edgewater Country Club. The address is 2220 NE Marine Drive Portland, OR. Please follow the link for more information and to purchase tickets: markham.schoolauction.net/markham20/.
February Sharing with Shawn is Friday the 21st from 9:00 to 10:00 in the Neighborhood House Head Start classroom, Rm. 113. This is an informal get together where school information is shared, questions answered, as well as ways to get involved at Markham. Come and get important information about your school while meeting other Markham parents.
Sincerely,
Shawn Garnett
Principal
