• Student and Family News, January 10

    1/10/2022

    Dear IBW Community,

    As I’m sure you are all aware, three PPS high schools are closed for in-person instruction this week.  These closures were caused by the rapid rise in COVID-19 cases driven by the Omicron variant which has contributed to a dramatic rise in absences of students and staff.  Decisions about school closures are made by district leaders in consultation with local health officials.  District leaders are regularly reviewing key metrics for individual schools and the entire district.  The metrics include the number of students and staff who tested positive, number of students and staff in quarantine, number of vacancies, number of unfilled vacancies, and more.  I will let you all know as soon as possible should we be identified as a school that needs to transition to temporary distance learning.  In addition, please see below for some new, temporary protocols we have put in place for attendance reporting. 

    Forecasting - This week marks the beginning of student class forecasting. Over the next couple of weeks, students will have a few different opportunities to learn about our rich offering of classes and programs. This Wednesday January 12th, students will receive their transcripts, learn and re-learn how to make sense of them, and begin planning for next year’s classes. On Thursday, January 13th, we’ll be hosting a forecasting fair so that students can learn more about various classes available to take next year.

    We believe students make the best forecasting decisions when they have multiple opportunities to discuss and vet their options with as many trusted adults, friends, and loved one as possible. So we encourage families to take some time to connect with your child about forecasting. Here are useful questions we like to use when discussing forecasting in school:

    • What kind of activities interest you?

    • What topics or issues are you wanting to learn more about?

    • What is something you want to try but haven’t yet?

    • What is something you’ve started to learn about and want to learn more?

    • What kind of classwork do you find most natural for you?

    • What kind of classwork do you find most challenging?

    Students will have a chance to review their forecasted classes with a counselor by the beginning of February, and will be able to make changes throughout the spring.

    Title IX Parent Meeting - We have been having lots of important conversations with our students and staff about Title IX issues, including issues of sexual harrassment and violence.  These conversations will continue in the weeks and months to come.  We are planning to implement school-wide classroom lessons and hope to have grade-level assemblies when we can do so safely.  We also want to make sure that our families are included in these discussions, too.  Please join us on Monday, January 24 (7-8pm) for a PTA-sponsored event in partnership with PPS Title IX Office.  Your participation and partnership is essential as we continue to create a safe and supportive environment for our students.

    Filip Hristić, Ed. D.
    Principal, Ida B. Wells HS
    COVID UPDATES
    IMPORTANT! - CHANGES TO ABSENCE REPORTING DURING INCREASED COVID CASES
    Parents, please complete either the symptom tracking tool or the non-illness absence tracking tool when reporting a student is absent from school.  
     
    Please complete the symptom tracking tool if your student has any of the following symptoms and this is the first report of absence for this illness event:
    • Tested positive for COVID-19
      Exposure to a positive covid case for more than 15 minutes in close proximity that took place outside of school
    • Fever (100.4 F or above)
    • Cough
    • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
    • New loss of taste or smell
    • Chills
    • Vomiting
    • Diarrhea
    • Rash
    • Nausea or abdominal cramping
    • Congestion or runny noses
    • Sore throat
    • Headache
    • Body Aches
    Please complete the Non-Illness Absence form for the following absences:
    • Appointment
    • College Visit
    • Family Emergency
    • Funeral
    • Illness (for subsequent days after the STT form was completed already) or other non-covid related illnesses such as menstrual cramps or migraine
    • Mental Health Day
    • Religious Holiday
    • Vacation
    • Other 
    TEMPORARY CHANGE TO CALLING OUT STUDENTS FOR APPOINTMENTS, ETC.
    If your student needs to be called out of class to go to an appointment, please do not call our attendance number but rather, please call our main office line at 503-916-5280 between 8:00-4:00pm.  Please do not leave an email or phone message as our inbox is very full right now. If we do not answer, please call back as we may be on the other line.  
     
    Thank you for your understanding and patience.
     
    RETURN FROM WINTER BREAK - MESSAGE FROM PPS, Jan. 2, 2022
    Dear PPS Community, We hope that you had a restful and joyful winter break. As we welcome students and staff back to campus tomorrow, we know that the surge in COVID-19 cases as a result of the Omicron variant is at the top of many minds. We continue to monitor the impact of COVID-19 in our region and on the latest Omicron variant impact on schools. We are working with our local and state public health authorities, as well as the Oregon Department of Education, to modify, as necessary, our health and safety protocols in order to keep students and staff healthy and safe, while keeping students learning in-person all school year.   To continue reading: Community Letter from PPS regarding COVID protocols
    VACCINE CLINICS
    Multnomah County Student Health Centers are holding weekly vaccine clinics for students 5 and older and their families.  Please see this flyer (English and Spanish) for more dates/times and how to make an appointment: Vaccine Clinics
    REGISTERING COVID INFORMATION
    To better assist with COVID cases, please register your student's vaccine information in ParentVue
    Register COVID Vaccine Information in ParentVue
    OHSU FREE WEEKLY TESTING PROGRAM
    To sign up, please complete these two forms and return to the main office.  If your student has already signed up for this weekly free program, please have them come to the main office to collect their COVID tests.
    OHSU Testing Authorization: https://www.ohsu.edu/sites/default/files/2021-09/OHSU-K12-COVID-19-Testing-Authorization-Form-English-091621.pdf
    TEST TO STAY PROGRAM
    As part of our ongoing commitment to increase in-person learning for all students, we are pleased to announce that in partnership with OHA/ODE we startED the Test to Stay program last Wednesday, January 5th.

    Benefits of Test to Stay: Given the lower level of COVID-19 in schools, students exposed at school will have the opportunity to stay in in-person learning and minimize the impact quarantine has had on their education. This is called a modified quarantine and requires students to continue to wear masks during any activity that does not require its use, for example band, athletics, etc., until day eight (8). Students must remain symptom free and will be provided two tests during their quarantine period. You can help expedite the process by signing and returning the consent form for the BinaxNOW rapid nasal swab test, unless you already did it this year. Here is the form.

    For students who were exposed outside of the school day (at home, extracurricular activities, etc), we will have available the Test to Return process. This process will allow students to return on Day 8 after an exposure with any negative antigen or pcr COVID-19 test performed between days 5-7. 

    As always, vaccinated students who do not have symptoms do not have to quarantine or Test to Stay. We will share more specifics about this program in early January. 5-Step Process for Parents and Families

    State Testing for 11th graders
    Our state and district are returning to a statewide testing system known as OSAS (Oregon Statewide Assessment System).  This has effectively replaced SBAC (Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium).  All 11th graders will be taking the tests unless parent/guardian submit the opt out forms. Each test will replace 2-3 class periods of Language Arts, Math and Science instruction. These tests are not a requirement for graduation for the classes of 2022 or 2023 due to the pandemic. If you do not want your child/student to take the test(s) (in early March), please fill out and return opt out forms to the Main Office or to the Vice Principal's Office (#139) across from the gym. NOTE that there are two opt out forms:  one for Language Arts/Math and a separate one for Science.  If you have questions about statewide testing, you can email or call Vice Principal Ayesha Coning aconing@pps.net.  Math and ELA Opt Out Form  Science Opt Out Form

    Class of 2022
    JOSTEN'S ORDERS - PRICES GO UP AFTER JANUARY 15TH

    • Packets are available in the Main Office. 

    • Submit your orders online at Jostens or mail to: Jostens, 11914 NE Sumner, Portland, OR 97220 

    • We recognize some of the dates in the Josten's packet have past. These packets were created when the Senior Meeting was going to be scheduled earlier in the year. While the deadline for the Graduation Prep Week drawing was December 23rd, all order deadlines for the current pricing are January 15.

    • Lots of great packages available online at Jostens. If you are just looking for the minimum cap, gown and tassel (which is needed to walk at the ceremony) it is available here,

    • While we want all of our seniors to wear a cap and gown, we recognize that finances can sometimes be a barrier. We do not want financial concerns to impact your participation in this year’s graduation ceremony, so please reach out to Sharon Dailey (sdailey@pps.net) if this becomes an issue.

    SENIOR NEWSLETTER 
    The 1st edition of the Class of 2022 Newsletter is packed with valuable timelines and information!! Class of 2022 Newsletter, December Edition
    IMPORTANT! - DIPLOMA NAME ORDER FORM - COMPLETE BY JANUARY 14TH
    We need Seniors to complete the  Diploma Name Order Form by January 14, 2022. This will ensure that we have your correct name, spelling and preference on your diploma.   If no google form is received, then your full legal name (first and last) from Synergy will be used.  This will also determine how your name will be read at Commencement as well.  Please remember you must access this form using your PPS student account.
    The IBWHS Magazine - The Headlight, The Winter Edition
    Be sure to check out The Winter Edition of The Headlight!  https://ibwhsmag.com/
    Yearbook Information
    NAME CHANGES
    The deadline for Juniors and Seniors only has been extended to Jan. 31st 
    SENIOR PHOTOS
    The deadline to submit senior photos is January 14th
    SENIOR QUOTES
    Seniors, please check your school email for a link to submit your senior quote

    See Website For More Information

    Attendance
    Chromebooks
    Lost and Found
    For more topics found on our website, see     Our School Directory 
    ACADEMICS
    Tutor.com - Free personal homework help for AP Students
    Tutor.com is providing free, personal tutoring 24/7 in all AP classes with experienced, professional tutors.  Here is a video about this service quick overview of Tutor.Com.  Great opportunity to get the help you need.
    Introducing: The Smart City Learning Cafe
    What: Drop-in homework help in math, science, English, and writing. 

    When: Every Wednesday in January, 2022, 7 - 9 pm. January 12, 19, 26. Future dates and times TBA.

    Where: Fat City Cafe, 7820 SW Capitol Highway, Portland OR 97219.

    Who: You! Amy Minato (English, writing), Joe Minato (science, math), and peer tutors will be available to supervise and provide help. Limited to 10 students at a time while Covid rages. Everyone must be fully vaccinated and boosted. No reservations, just drop in!​

    Cost: Free. Donations are welcome and appreciated.

    Check out https://www.joeminato.com/smart-city-learning-cafe

    PSAT Scores
    PSAT Scores were released in early December electronically from the College Board via email between December 6-8th.
    • If you did not provide an email address on your exam, or don't receive an email from College Board by December 8th, you will need to get your access code.  
    • You can obtain your access code  in the College Center, Counseling office, or room 139.
    • Access your scores online so that you can take advantage of the FREE personalized SAT test preparation when you link your scores to Khan Academy.
    • From Dec 9-13 we distributed your actual test booklets in your English class if you put your name on it.  
    • If your name was not on your book and you want one, come to the College Center to get a copy.

    Resources:

    College Board Student Portal to create an account or log in

    Accessing Your PSAT Scores Video

    Understanding Your PSAT Scores Video

    Sample Score Report Explained

    Important:  Remember, the College Board does not send PSAT scores to colleges and they will not show up on your transcript. These scores are not part of college admission decisions but scores give students insightful information about their strengths and areas for improvement. You will be able to link your PSAT scores to your Khan Academy account for targeted test preparation too. Twenty hours of practice with Khan Academy is associated with an average 115-point score increase from PSAT to  SAT, nearly double the average gain without using the free Khan tutorials.
    COUNSELING
    College and Career Center
    ASPIRE PROGRAM
    This year IBW College and Career center has continued its partnership with ASPIRE. Aspire is the state of Oregon's mentoring program to help students access education and training beyond high school. IBW Aspire Volunteer mentors are trained volunteers in College and Career readiness, and work to support students in developing their plans after high school, editing college essays and
    completing FAFSA applications. In an effort to increase our reach to as many students as possible this year, Ida B. Wells High School is taking an opt-out approach to our mentoring program. This means all students are eligible to receive support from our Aspire Program unless a parent or guardian wishes to have their student opt-out of the program. 
    If you wish to not have your student receive support from an Aspire Volunteer Mentor please contact Winston Rivas or Kelly Milford no later than January 15th:
    *Please note that students can receive support from our College and Career Coordinators even if they wish to not participate in Aspire Program*
    Winston Rivas: Wrivas@pps.net Kelly Milford: kmilford@pps.net

    More information about the Aspire Program can be found here: Link

    Interested in becoming an Aspire Volunteer?
    We are always looking for Aspire Mentors to support our students and other projects in the College and Career Center, please contact Winston Rivas or Kelly Milford for more information! We provide training.

    CAREER LEARNING EVENTS WEEK OF 1/10/22
    Career Learning Opportunities: Attend & Earn Your CRLE for Graduation

    Step 1: Choose an event from below
    Step 2: Attend the event by clicking on link 
    Step 3: Write Your CRLE (please follow instructions carefully) tinyurl.com/IBWCRLE 
    Wednesday, January 12, 2022, 12:00pm-12:45pm: Career Presentation-Norma Vestal, Nurse Practitioner, OHSU-Dept of Surgery- Norma Vestal enjoys handling complex patient situations while working in a fast-paced setting. Her focus is to manage current and ongoing problems and prevent complications for post-colorectal and abdominal wall surgical patients. She also enjoys working as clinical faculty at a teaching hospital and a mentor to residents and nursing staff. Career Connections-Health Careers, Surgery, Nurse Practitioner.
    Wednesday, January 12, 2022, 1:00pm-1:45pm: Post-Secondary Presentation -PCC Vet Tech
    Portland Community College’s Veterinary Technology program is one of only two programs of its kind in Oregon. With access to a fully working farm as well as dogs, cats, and lab animals, right here on campus, you will receive abundant hands-on instruction throughout your time in our program. Additionally, you will complete three 160-hour externships in veterinary hospitals and clinics providing you with even more hands-on experience.Connected Careers: Veterinary
    Stumptown Speaker Series: Renee James, Former President of Intel

    Wednesday, January 12th, 5:00PM Link (join from your personal account): https://meet.google.com/zsa-gvqz-jzn 

    Renee James, American technology executive and former president of Intel!  James is the founder, chairman, & CEO of Ampere Computing, a cloud semiconductor company, as well as the Director of both Oracle and CitiBank. She is listed on Fortune’s 100 Most Powerful Women and Forbes’ Most Powerful Women. Connected Careers: Business, Technology
    JANUARY IBW CAREER HAPPENINGS NEWSLETTER
    For detailed information about these and other opportunities, please see the January IBW Career Happenings Newsletter - https://www.pps.net/Page/16186 
    From our Social Worker
    IBW PANTRY RE-STOCK
    With school in session, our pantry is seeing regular use.  Please help us restock by visiting this link for needed items and delivery instructions.  Thank you for supporting our students and families. VolunteerSignup - Online volunteer signup sheets - IBW Food & Hygiene Pantry Restock 1.2022 signup sheet

    FROM HOME FORWARD REGARDING HOUSING
    N/NE PHB Housing Waitlist     – Applications are now being accepted year-round to be placed on a waitlist for rental housing opportunities. Must meet income qualifications. Find out more here or fill out the online application .  Find more affordable housing options here

    We expect our wait lists to reopen towards the beginning of this year 2022.  To receive notification when the Section 8 or any of our property Wait Lists open, please sign up for the Home Forward e-newsletter.  Go to our website  www.homeforward.org.  Click on eNewsletter Signup.  All we need is your current e-mail address.
    FAMILIES & COMMUNITY

    Booster Club - Meeting Tonight! 
    Our next meeting is TONIGHT Monday, January 10th at 6:30pm via Zoom.  
    Here are the credentials:Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81683180228 
    Meeting ID: 816 8318 0228     
    We will review the Tree Sale, consider some funding requests and talk Winter Concessions.
    Foundation
    SPRING AUCTION EVENT
    We have begun planning for our spring auction event.  While we do not yet know exactly what that will entail, we are looking for parents and community members able to contribute.  We are specifically look for:

    -Graphic Designers—to help coordinate and develop school related content

    -Procurement coordinators/assistants

    We look forward to sharing more information about the spring auction event in the coming weeks.

    Questions? Email Brad Nelson, IBW Foundation Chair, bknelson@cascadeautoglass.com
    PTA - mark your calendars for the next general meeting
    Ida B Wells PTA is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

    Topic: IBW PTA General Meeting
    Time: Jan 19, 2022 06:30 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
     
    Join Zoom Meeting
     
    Meeting ID: 408 626 2115
    Passcode: PTA
    ATHLETICS
    From Athletic Director, Mike Nolan
    ATHLETIC WEEKLY NEWSLETTER Athletics Weekly, Week of January 10
    ATHLETIC SCHEDULE, WEEK OF JANUARY 10 www.ibwathletics/this-week
    Winter Sports Teams- Grad Night Photo Button Fundraiser
    Hello Winter Sports Teams and Clubs! There is still time to order Photo buttons. As a fundraiser for the Grad Night Party, we will be selling buttons – 2 for $10  If you would like a photo buttons of your student-athlete, please email the following:
    · Photo of the student in their uniform.  It works best to take from the waist up and further back. 
    · Number of buttons you would like. (minimum 2)
     
    Photos can be emailed to jillmartini@ymail.com  If you are a parent willing to help take photos for your team and help collect the money, please reach out to me. Please email with any questions.  Thanks, Jill Martini
    Spring Sports - Register Now!
    Winter Sports are now well underway so it is time to start getting ready for Spring Sports (Baseball, Softball, Track and Field, Golf and Tennis; Men's LAX registration is also now open). The Spring season officially begins February 28. Early registration helps coaches communicate practice plans and dates of voluntary pre-season practices as well as assisting the Athletic Department detect expired physicals https://www.familyid.com/programs/2022-spring-sports-registration-6 
    Please note that payment for Spring sports is not open yet in SchoolPay.  Please watch for an announcement in the Student and Family News for when it will open.

    Loprinzi Scholarship Program - Scholarship for Senior Student-Athletes
    The Loprinzi Scholarship Program is through the Multnomah Athletic Foundation. Any high school senior from one of 30 program high schools can apply for the scholarship.  

    • Deadline is March 1st
    • A $1,000 scholarship is awarded to a finalist from each of the program high schools.
    • Then the school finalists are considered for the three $8,000 awards that are given to the overall finalists.
    • All the information and application links can be found here - https://www.multnomahathleticfoundation.com/scholarships/loprinzi-scholarship/
    • Criteria – the candidate is a good student, community minded and involved, a competitive athlete and has financial need
    Interested in Rugby?
    Check out this flyer for an opportunity to play with Westside Rugby
    STUDENT ACTIVITIES
    JOIN – RED CROSS CLUB
    Come to a short interest meeting on Wednesday January 12th during “Flex” time to get more information about the club.

    Why Should I join the Red Cross Club?
    When you volunteer with the American Red Cross, you become a part of one of the largest humanitarian organizations in the world and are able to make a positive impact on your peers and in your community. Working with the Red Cross empowers you to make a meaningful difference in
    other people’s lives, all while maximizing your talents, learning new skills, improving your resume and and meeting new people. 
    The Makerspace Club - Fundraiser 
    The Makerspace Club has organized a fundraising event with City Thai on Saturday, January 15th. The club will receive a portion of all sales made on that day. Enjoy some delicious Thai food and support the Makerspace while doing it, the more people that show up the better! Be sure to say that your order is part of the fundraiser if you go. City Thai is located across the street from our school at 6341 SW Capitol Hwy #1937. Also, if you or a student you know is interested in crafty projects and wants to learn more about the Makerspace, we meet every Monday after school in room 8. If you have any questions email Kaleb Rice at kriceeisenbraun8019@student.pps.net.
    2022 Rose Festival Court
    Applications for the 2022 Rose Festival Court are now open. All applicants must submit their completed application and supporting documents by January 12, 2022 to be considered for the Court Program. To learn more visit:   https://www.rosefestival.org/p/programs/rose-festival-court
     

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