1405 SW Vermont St.•Portland, OR 97219•Ph (503) 916-5768•Fx (503) 916-2666
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Dear Rieke Rocket community,
I hope this note finds everyone healthy. The days are getting longer, and the forecast looks mostly dry and cold. Please continue sending kids in layers. We are entering a long run of learning from now until Spring Break. One day off to note is next Friday, January 27th. This is a dedicated teacher grading and planning day. Report cards will be sent home in student backpacks by Monday, January 30th.
By following the Rieke Way, being safe and responsible, respectful and kind, our amazing students have earned a Rainbow Day celebration by collecting over 1000 Rocket Fuel. This Friday, tomorrow, January 20th we encourage students (staff and volunteers too) to wear as many colors as possible. These kinds of celebrations really help bring our community together.
The newest episode of the Rieke Video News is already up on our YouTube channel, https://www.youtube.com/@RiekeStudentNews
We have some exciting upcoming events in February. Our participating grade 3-5 students are working hard, preparing for the Oregon Battle of the Books (OBOB) tournament that will be held here on the evening of 2/8. Last year the Rieke champion team also were the regional champions. We root for all to do their best and hope perhaps a Rieke team can repeat! On 2/15 in the evening we are hosting a STEM Night to feature technology and scientific learning for people of all ages. Fliers will be released soon. All are invited!
PPS will soon be releasing its annual Successful Schools Survey. This survey is taken by all grade 3-12 students, staff, and we encourage parents to take it as well. I will soon be sending out those details as the survey opens for participation.
We are noticing an increase in students wearing smart watches. While these are excellent and fun tools for people, we do not want students using them during the school day. An easy solution is to have kids leave them at home, or at least in backpacks while at school. Another solution is to use the feature of SchoolTime that exists. This setting turns off notifications adn internet access during the school day hours. A google search will offer you tips on how to use these settings. This is a YouTube link to one resource. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m3tZd2T80no
From the Rieke Foundation:
Help make this Spring’s Rieke Auction a success!
As we’re gearing up for our annual Rieke Auction on March 11, we are looking to you – our Rieke community – to help make it a huge success as we raise the critical funds for our school’s staffing needs. There are several ways to get involved. Here’s how:
Donate a Silent Auction Item
Do you have something big or small you or your employer would like to donate? A gift certificate, an employee store pass, or a weekend at a second home? We’re open to all items, big or small. Donations are tax deductible, so whether it comes from your business or you individually, this is a great way to get involved and support Rieke. Please email Shannon Daly (Shannon.Daly@acfwest.com) if you have something to offer or know someone who might!
Volunteer for a Classroom Art Project
Every year, we raffle off art projects created by each of Rieke’s classrooms to raise money. The projects are a longstanding school tradition, and the raffle is a cornerstone of the auction. Volunteers will be responsible for coming up with a project idea, purchasing necessary supplies, and executing the project in partnership with the teacher. If you’re interested but don’t want to take this on yourself, feel free to team up with another parent! Look for a separate email with details about this soon, or reach out to Mollie Maughn (maughnkids@yahoo.com) if you’d like to volunteer.
Cheers!
Jon Jeans-Principal
Dear PPS Community,
Saturday night, gunshots were fired outside of a district-wide basketball tournament held at Franklin High School. Fortunately, no one was seriously injured and the suspect is now in custody, but if you have any information about the incident please call 503-823-3333 or utilize the SafeOregon tipline.
Dear PPS Families,
As we prepare for the winter sports season, we want to share a few reminders for our spectators.
Dear families, students, and colleagues,
It has been a joy to visit learning spaces over the past four months and see our students reengaged in their classroom learning and school activities. I am pleased to observe our students interacting with peers and diving into new curriculum materials.
This has been a very productive time for Portland Public Schools. My appreciation to all the dedicated Team PPS members who work everyday to make our school system better and stronger.
Dear PPS Community,
Every single person in Portland Public Schools believes that our learning spaces must be safe, stable, and secure, and that we have a shared responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of the students under our care. We recognize that recent events, both locally and nationally, have rattled our community.
Superintendent Guerrero issued a broader statement about gun violence and its impacts on our schools, but we also want to explain how we both keep schools safe, and keep you informed.
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM School Board- Charter Schools & Alternative Programs Committee
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM School Board- Regular Meeting
5:00 PM - 8:00 PM Rieke OBOB Competition
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM School Board- Charter Schools & Alternative Programs Committee
6:00 PM - 7:30 PM Rieke Family STEM Night
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM School Board- Policy Committee Meeting
Teacher Professional Development Day - No school for students
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM School Board- Work Session
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM School Board- Regular Meeting
4:00 PM - 5:30 PM School Board- Facilities and Operations Committee Meeting