8111 SW West Slope Drive•Portland, OR 97225•Ph 503-916-5690•Fx 503-916-2681
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~ View the FULL District Calendar for 2024-2025 here ~
MARK YOUR CALENDAR:
MAY
JUNE
May 18, 2025
Dear West Sylvan Families,
We had lots of fun hosting three of our four feeder Elementary Schools’ 5th Graders this week for a short visit during a typical school day. Ainsworth has rescheduled due to some unanticipated transportation issues, and we look forward to seeing them in June! This year, we were able to have our Performing Arts groups perform live at WSMS for these 5th Grade visits, which really added to the fun and excitement. Our Packleaders led activities with the 5th Graders during their visits!
Thursday, May 15th (10-11:30AM): Chapman 5th Graders
Friday, May 16th (10-11:30AM): Forest Park and Bridlemile 5th Graders
Tuesday, June 3rd (10-11:30AM): Ainsworth 5th Graders (rescheduled due to transportation issues)
If students are currently in private schools and have registered for WSMS next year, they can contact westsylvanoffice@pps.net to discuss an opportunity to participate in one of these morning visits with their future classmates.
Communications related to the upcoming school year will continue to come from both our West Sylvan and PPS district team with regular updates, weekly or bi-weekly.
Go Wolfpack!
Jill Hunt, Principal
Ben Keller, Assistant Principal
REMIND FOR COMMUNICATIONS
We’ve outlined some important information below, and weekly Family Communication newsletters are sent through the REMIND app, typically every Sunday evening. This year, REMIND will be the main communication tool for all District and school notifications. If you have not signed up for Remind access, please read through the steps here, and update your notification settings so that you receive all communications. Also, be sure to update your contact information through westsylvanoffice@pps.net throughout the year, if your email or cell phone number changes, as all Remind communications are connected to your information in ParentVue. Please note: installation of the mobile apps is not required to receive texts/phone calls.
LOCKER SECURITY
We are reteaching our student body, and please remind your Scholars that they must lock their lockers. They should never leave their locker combination in the “open” position after opening it (many do, as they don’t want to fumble around with the combination throughout the day). Additionally, we have many students who are deciding to share lockers with multiple other students throughout the day, meaning that they are also sharing their combinations with a number of students. This is also not a recommended practice because then many people may have access to various lockers. As a reminder, we do not recommend taking on liability or devoting time to searching for items such as phones or other expensive electronics that we have already advised students not to have on campus. Scholars bring these items at their own risk.
All students are assigned a locker that is shared. Backpacks and large bags must be stored in lockers throughout the day. Our hallways are small, and large backpacks only increase the crowding during travel from class to class. We advise the use of a tote bag or a handle folder in place of any backpacks. All PPS Middle Schools with lockers share the same expectations related to backpacks. The lockers negate the need to carry large backpacks around all day.
ADVISORY
To continue the amount of time dedicated to building connections for our scholars with adults and to increase opportunities for academic and Social-Emotional learning, all Middle Schools in PPS have continued with having an Advisory within the school day. During this time our scholars engage in Social-Emotional work and community building. Advisory content will occur during an extended 6th period for every student. For Social-Emotional learning activities, we use Wayfinder, a curriculum that can be viewed here.
VISITOR POLICY
All visitors have to go through a check-in process when entering our building, which requires scanning your driver’s license/state ID. Please remember your ID if you are entering the school building to visit the office for any reason. You will be asked to show your face/ID at the door camera prior to entering. Appointments must be made in advance to meet with any school staff member.
TRANSPORTATION
~ IF YOUR STUDENT IS RIDING THE BUS TO/FROM SCHOOL, PLEASE MAKE SURE THEY KNOW THEIR BUS ROUTE NUMBER ~
Students may take a school bus to and from school, and you may drop off and pick up. Route information can be found at this link. If you are dropping off and picking up by car, be advised that there is significant traffic in and out of campus due to our limited access points and turnaround style parking lot. Please pull all the way forward to the front school doors to drop off; do not stop halfway through the parking lot to drop off/pick up, as you then slow down all the traffic behind you and risk your student's safety. If you are parking in the neighborhood around campus, please do not block any of our neighbors’ driveways, use their driveways as turnarounds, or leave your engines idling while waiting. Our school works in collaboration with the Beaverton Police Department, and the BPD team regularly patrols to be sure that we are respecting our neighbors and their property.
**BUS NOTES: If your scholar IS NOT riding their assigned bus and needs to take an alternate bus route, we must have the request in writing. Please send an email to our Main Office at westsylvanoffice@pps.net and we will print a bus pass for your student to give their alternate bus drive to notify them of the change.
NUTRITION SERVICES
Students are welcome to bring their own sack lunch and are encouraged to bring a reusable water bottle daily to refill throughout the school day in our water fountains. Scholars do NOT have to pay for school lunch and/or breakfast items, and information about menus and resources are here. We have two separate lunch times, with 6th Graders eating together first, and then a combined 7th/8th Graders’ lunchtime/recess.
VOLUNTEERS
Become an approved PPS volunteer by following the information here. Once your application is approved, please contact the Main Office to see how and when you can be of service.
2/03/23 Family Communication [ Español | Tiếng Việt | 中文 | Українська ]
1/27/23 Family Communication [ Español | Tiếng Việt | 中文 | Українська ]
1/13/23 Family Communication [ Español | Tiếng Việt | 中文 | Українська ]
*12/23/22 + 12/30/22 Winter Break - no Family Communications sent out
12/16/22 Family Communication [ Español | Tiếng Việt | 中文 | Українська ]
12/09/22 Family Communication [ Español | Tiếng Việt | 中文 | Українська ]
12/02/22 Family Communication [ Español | Tiếng Việt | 中文 | Українська ]
*11/25/22 Fall Break - no Family Communication sent out
11/11/22 Family Communication [ Español | Tiếng Việt | 中文 | Українська ]
11/04/22 Family Communication [ Español | Tiếng Việt | 中文 | Українська ]
10/21/22 Family Communication [ Español | Tiếng Việt | 中文 | Українська ]
10/14/22 Family Communication [ Español | Tiếng Việt | 中文 | Українська ]
10/07/22 Family Communication [ Español | Tiếng Việt | 中文 | Українська ]
10/01/22 Family Communication [ Español | Tiếng Việt | 中文 | Українська ]
9/24/22 Family Communication [ Español | Tiếng Việt | 中文 | Українська ]
9/16/22 Family Communication [ Español | Tiếng Việt | 中文 | Українська ]
9/09/22 Family Communication [ Español | Tiếng Việt | 中文 | Українська ]
8/11/22 Welcome Back Letter to Families
2021 - 2022 School Year:
6/3 Family Communication [Español| Tiếng Việt| 中文| Русский]
5/27 Family Communication [Español| Tiếng Việt| 中文| Русский]
5/20 Family Communication [Español| Tiếng Việt| 中文| Русский]
5/13 Family Communication [Español| Tiếng Việt| 中文| Русский]
5/6 Family Communication [Español| Tiếng Việt| 中文| Русский]
4/29 Family Communication [Español| Tiếng Việt| 中文| Русский]
4/22 Family Communication [Español| Tiếng Việt| 中文| Русский]
4/15 Family Communication [Español| Tiếng Việt| 中文| Русский]
4/8 Family Communication [Español| Tiếng Việt| 中文| Русский]
4/1 Family Communication [Español| Tiếng Việt| 中文| Русский]
*3/25 Spring Break - no Family Communication sent out
3/4 Family Communication [Español| Tiếng Việt| 中文| Русский]
2/25 Family Communication [Español| Tiếng Việt| 中文| Русский]
2/18 Family Communication [Español| Tiếng Việt| 中文| Русский
2/11 Family Communication [Español| Tiếng Việt| 中文| Русский]
2/4 Family Communication [Español| Tiếng Việt| 中文| Русский]
1/28 Family Communication [Español| Tiếng Việt| 中文| Русский]
1/21 Family Communication [Español| Tiếng Việt| 中文| Русский]
1/14 Family Communication [Español| Tiếng Việt| 中文| Русский]
1/7 Family Communication [Español| Tiếng Việt| 中文| Русский]
*12/24 + 12/31 Winter Break - no Family Communication sent out
12/17 Family Communication [Español]
12/10 Family Communication [Español]
12/3 Family Communication [Español]
*11/26 Fall Break - no Family Communication sent out
Quick Reference:
Principal |
Dr. Jill Hunt |
|
Assistant Principal |
Ben Keller |
|
Principal’s Secretary |
Jerda Solonche |
|
School Secretary (Enrollment/Attendance) |
Kirsten Crombie |
|
Counselor [6th Grade] |
Kandice Abney |
|
Counselor [7th Grade] |
Rebecca Cohen |
|
Counselor [8th Grade] |
Ricky Almeida |
|
Student Success Advocate - Restorative Justice |
Alonzo Parnell |
|
Instructional Coach |
Jean Jett |
If you are a passionate student or community member that wants to make a difference at PPS, apply to join the Climate Crisis Response Committee! This is a committee that reports to the PPS Board of Education.
On the committee you will learn about how PPS is making progress towards our climate justice and sustainability policies, provide input and recommendations to the PPS Board on how to better support PPS staff as we advance these policy goals, and connect with other passionate members of our PPS community from diverse backgrounds, knowledge areas, and lived experiences.
No previous professional experience in climate change or sustainability required! Students can apply via this form. Community members can apply here.
Deadline to apply: June 6.
Earthstock 2025 was a huge success!
Each year, special education students from across the region gather at Portland's Crystal Ballroom for a truly unique and uniquely joyful high school dance.
Earthstock began in 1992 at the request of a young student who was confined to a wheelchair and was disappointed he couldn’t attend the high school dances because of transportation issues. There were 60 kids at the first event. Earthstock now entertains more than 700 students, staff and volunteers, and is rapidly becoming one the largest events of its kind in the country.
Students at Skyline school were recently treated to a visit from PPS teacher-turned-graphic novelist Aron Nels Steinke.
Steinke is the award-winning author and illustrator behind the popular Mr. Wolf's Class series. He also taught at Skyline during the 2015-16 school year.
During his visit to Skyline, he opened up to a group of third, fourth, and fifth graders about how he got started as an author despite struggling to read and write in school. He also read a short excerpt from his newest book, Speechless.
Speechless tells the story of Mira, a sixth grader who spends her first year of middle school finding herself and her voice. Skyline students were some of the book's first readers. We can't wait to see what Mr. Steinke writes next!
On May 2, Portland Mayor Keith Wilson delivered his first state of the city address at Franklin High School.
Members of the district and Franklin student councils had the chance to hear Wilson speak about his plans and vision for Portland’s future. Student Representative JJ Kunsevi opened the panel with a powerful question about education funding and the impact on students.
It was an evening that put public education front-and-center and a chance for PPS student leaders to shine.
What Every Parent and Caregiver Needs to Know About Fake Pills
Lo que todo padre y cuidador debe saber sobre las PASTILLAS FALSAS
Buying Drugs Online – What You Should Know & How to Protect Your Kids
10 Strategies to Prevent Your Young Person from Using Drugs
Four Common Myths about Fentanyl
NEXT Distro - online and mail-based harm reduction resources
LINCOLN YOUTH SPORTS
Portland Interscholastic League Youth Sports Program
The PPS middle grades (6th - 8th) youth sports program will be directed by the Portland Interscholastic League (PIL). The student/athletes will represent their neighborhood high school cluster. The cluster each athlete participates in is determined by address. For information about this policy and to access the interactive map please go to Boundary Map and FAQ's under the Youth Sport tab.
SPRING SPORTS OFFERED (Begins March): Track & Field
WINTER SPORTS OFFERED (Begins Late October/Early November): Boys Basketball, Girls Basketball, Wrestling
FALL SPORTS OFFERED (Begins Late August): Football, Cross Country, Volleyball
Registration - FamilyID (except Football*)
We are excited to announce that we are now using online registration through FamilyID (www.familyid.com). FamilyID is a secure registration platform that provides you with an easy, user-friendly way to register for PIL Youth Sports Programs, while allowing us to be more administratively efficient and environmentally responsible. If you need assistance registering, please contact your Cluster Coordinator.
https://www.familyid.com/
For additional information, please contact the PIL District Office at 503-916-3223
Lincoln Baseball Winter Baseball Skills Camp
Use this QR code to register!
Registration: https://pps.schoolpay.com/link/2023WinterBaseballCamp
Dates: Saturday, December 16th and Sunday, December 17th
Time(s): Saturday 1-4PM and Sunday 1-4PM
Location: Lincoln High School (Gym and Hitting Facility)
Age Groups: Kindergarten - 8th Grade
● Players will be split up into groups by age/skill level
Cost: $100
Join Head Coach C.J. Watson and Lincoln coaches for two days of learning “The Lincoln Way” at this year's Winter skills Camp. This camp will include development in all phases of the game, including hitting, pitching, fielding, and base running, as well as covering arm care, strength & conditioning, and the mental game.
What they will need to bring:
Tennis shoes (NO CLEATS!), Baseball pants or shorts, Glove, Bat, Batting gloves, and water bottle
Pay/Register Here:
SchoolPay link ~ click here to PAY
Click here to Register: https://forms.gle/VPkc6FDJAzxrkdXR6
Questions? Email lincolnyouthGBB@gmail.com
6th, 7th & 8th Grade
Wednesday, August 23, 2023
6:00PM - 8:00PM
TRYOUTS will be held at Lincoln High School Gym (1750 SW Salmon St)
PRACTICES will be held at West Sylvan Middle School
Registration Link: https://www.familyid.com/programs/lincoln-youth-fall-2023
The PPS middle grades (6th - 8th) youth sports program will be directed by the Portland Interscholastic League (PIL).
The student/athletes will represent their neighborhood high school cluster. The cluster each athlete participates in is determined by address. For information about this policy and to access the interactive map please go to Boundary Map and FAQ's under the Youth Sport tab.
Late arrival? Early dismissal? Appointment? To report any PARTIAL DAY or PAST absences, click the button above to send an email to westsylvanoffice@pps.net.
Families are able to record future FULL DAY absences for their Students directly in ParentVUE without needing to contact the Main Office.
Please remember, if a Student is going to miss multiple days, it is up to the Student and/or Parent/Guardian to communicate absences with each Teacher and make a plan for missing work and assignments.
9:15 AM - 1:45 PM EARLY RELEASE DAY *[revised bell schedule]
6:30 PM - 8:30 PM WSMS Eighth Grade Promotion Ceremony @ LHS
ALL students will receive a yearbook free of charge this year,
thanks in part to generous family donations.
This year’s book will be a soft cover version, in order to ensure that all students receive a book for free.
There is no need to pre-order a yearbook due to the all-access distribution this year.
If you would like to contribute to the cost of printing,
please click this link to go to the
2024-25 Yearbook Donation item in SchoolPay.
Your donation will allow us to continue to offer free or reduced-price yearbooks to all students in future years.
211info.org
facebook.com/211info
twitter.com/211info
Interested in volunteering in the Library?
We can always use the help!
If you are willing to do any shelving, book repair, processing,
or would like to dedicate the time to organize OBOB
for the 2024-25 school year,
please send an email to westsylvanoffice@pps.net