8111 SW West Slope Drive•Portland, OR 97225•Ph 503-916-5690•Fx 503-916-2681
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~ View full 2023-24 District Calendar here ~
September 16, 2023
Greetings, West Sylvan Families!
Thank you to Friends of West Sylvan for organizing our first coffee of the year! We hope to make these sorts of opportunities more frequent, and we welcome any feedback on how to offer ways to meet together throughout the year! Also, we appreciate all of the families who joined the virtual Outdoor School meeting to hear more about the week in October when all sixth graders have the opportunity to go to various camps for a weeklong overnight outdoor education experience.
Drama club is starting on September 19th! Mr. Louis Kruse is returning to lead our Drama program again this school year! If your student is interested in joining, please see Mr. Kruse’s announcement here. Enjoy the weekend!
Please click here to read our full weekly Family Communication, which was sent out via email.
Go Wolfpack!
Jill Hunt, Principal
Ben Keller, Assistant Principal
Greetings West Sylvan 6th grade families,
We are excited to be able to begin providing you with some information regarding this year’s 6th Grade week at Outdoor School. This well established tradition is often the highlight of a student’s year and really helps our classroom communities to come together in unity. All of the 6th grade Block and Science teachers will be attending camp with various students and are excited for this opportunity. Here are some important dates and things to be aware of.
This week, Block students were given ODS (Outdoor School) forms. Block teachers went over the forms with their students and highlighted important information and places where their grown ups will need to. Please complete these forms and return them to your student’s Block teacher by September 15.
In Math classes, current 7th grade students who attended ODS last year will come to briefly answer questions students might have about the ODS experience.
On Wednesday, September 13, representatives from each of the camp sites that we will be attending were here to talk to students and answer any questions about what students can expect at Outdoor School.
Thursday, September 14, there is an optional, virtual family information meeting at 6:30 PM. Interested adults wishing to attending can use this information:
To join the video meeting, click this link: https://meet.google.com/pxu-
Otherwise, to join by phone, dial +1 470-273-8883 and enter this PIN: 707 924 989#
To view more phone numbers, click this link: https://tel.meet/pxu-ztxa-gpj?
Friday, September 15, forms are due back to WSMS. These forms help make sure our campsites are prepared to receive our students and meet their various needs. Additionally, no student can attend camp unless these forms are completed.
Sunday, September 17, there will be in-person and virtual Open Houses that are specific to your student’s site. Please refer to the materials sent home to find directions on how to attend.
I feel confident that your questions and concerns will be addressed through the handouts that come home or through one of the many ways that have been provided for you to get information. You can always find even more information on the ODS website, https://www.mesdoutdoorschool.
~ Student schedules are now available for viewing
in ParentVUE and/or StudentVUE ~
Please keep the following things in mind when reviewing your schedule:
All schedule conflicts or changes need to be communicated using the linked Google form below. Your responses will be reviewed by the Administration team and Counselors.
DO NOT EMAIL OR PHONE FOR COURSE CHANGES. You will be directed to the Google form.
COURSE CONFLICT COMMUNICATION FORM
In the form you will be able to inquire or request:
We now offer Choir. Please review the following link to meet our new Choir teacher, Kaya Hellman. Choir Introduction Video
Due to staffing changes, we were not able to offer some electives that were forecast for, notably 'Yearbook', 'Speech and Debate,' and availability to some Tech classes.
You may have been placed in an elective that you did not choose based on CORE CLASS requirements and class sizes. We CANNOT change these electives at this time, but you may complete the form request and Counselors may reach out to you AFTER school has started, if a class becomes available.
6th Graders are required to take two quarters of a PE course - 1 standard PE and 1 Exercise Class. Complete the form if you would like to take more PE this year.
Advanced Math, Arabic, and Mandarin classes will be held at Lincoln High School. If you forecast for these classes, they should already be in your schedule. Administration will reach out to you to communicate about how the daily schedule works.
If you are not able to log in to the ParentVUE and/or StudentVUE applications, please refer to the information on the PPS website at this link and then contact the West Sylvan Main Office at westsylvanoffice@pps.net.
Thank you and welcome to the 2023-2024 school year!
Dr. Jill Hunt and Mr. Ben Keller
As our WSMS families prepare for the new school year,
please review our list of suggested supplies from our Educator team.
Some items are grade or subject specific.
Families who need assistance with supplies can contact
their Scholar's School Counselor, by grade level:
6th Grade: Rebecca Cohen rcohen@pps.net
7th Grade: Ricky Almeida ralmeida@pps.net
8th Grade: Kandice Abney kaabney@pps.net
Help your Scholar prepare for the start of school by practicing using a padlock so that opening their locker will be easier and more familiar.
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] |
Rebecca Cohen |
|
Counselor [7th Grade] |
Ricky Almeida |
|
Counselor [8th Grade] |
Kandice Abney |
|
School Climate Specialist |
Shawn McVicar |
|
Student Success Advocate - Restorative Justice |
Alonzo Parnell |
|
Instructional Coach |
Jean Jett |
Today was disappointing – for us but, most importantly, for our students and families. The Portland Association of Teachers offered no counter proposals – and yet declared impasse.
Today, we offered compromises that would both reward our educators and further our students’ success. We were able to raise our compensation offer substantially. We are not there yet, but we are committed to the hard work of finding common ground.
Today, we started the state-led mediation process with one priority: our children’s success. We offered compromises that would keep that vision at the heart of our work – and maintained our position on proposals that would negatively impact students.
On behalf of the Board of Education and district leaders at PPS, our best wishes for a positive and joyful start to your school year!
Forecasting for next year 2023-24 has been extended through to MAY 12th. Please carefully review all resources below before forecasting in StudentVue. Thank you!
Forecasting Process for Electives:
STEP 1. Resources and elective descriptions to review before completing forecasting:
Uprising 5th Graders review the following information:
Current 6th Graders review the following information:
Current 7th Graders review the following information:
WATCH - "How to Forecast" Video
6th Grade Elective Video Descriptions - (Please be aware that we do not have a current video, and this video may not represent all of our updated course options. Please refer to the electives list for the most current elective choices.)
STEP 2. Understand how many electives to choose:
6th graders will choose:
1 PE experience
2 Priority Electives
2 Alternative Electives
7th graders will choose:
1 PE experience
1 World Language experience
2 Priority Electives
2 Alternative Electives
8th graders will choose:
Watch Forecasting Video to see HOW to enter electives in StudentVue
Log into Student Vue.
Use the Course Request Tab on the left menu of choices to open elective options.
Make primary elective selections.
Make alternate elective choices.
Lock your selections.
Non-Feeder School 6th Grade Survey
Non-Feeder School 7th Grade Survey
Non-Feeder School 8th Grade Survey
West Sylvan Main Office westsylvanoffice@pps.net
503-916-5690
Ben Keller bkeller@pps.net
Kandice Abney-8th Grade Counselor: kaabney@pps.net
Rebecca Cohen-6th Grade Counselor: rcohen@pps.net
Ricky Almeida-7th Grade Counselor: ralmeida@pps.net
LINCOLN YOUTH SPORTS
Portland Interscholastic League Youth Sports Program
https://www.pilathletics.com/
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/
FALL SPORTS
Football:
Head Coach: Cody Schnaufer cody.schnaufer@gmail.com
Cluster Coordinator: Trevor Livingston registrar@
Registration: https://www.
Grades: K - 8th
Practice begins August 7th
Location: West Sylvan Middle School
Monday - Friday, 5:30-7:30pm
Cross Country:
High School Head Coach: Eric Dettman edettman88@yahoo.com
Cluster Coordinator: Julie Abrams lincolnyouthcrosscountry@
Grades: 6th - 8th
Practice begins Wednesday, August 30th
Location: West Sylvan MS Track
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday
Volleyball:
Head Coach: Shailah Ricketts sricketts@pps.net
Cluster Coordinator: Rainey Shriver rshriver@pps.net
Grades: 6th - 8th
Tryouts at Lincoln High School TBD
For additional information, please contact the PIL District Office at 503-916-3223
Pay/Register Here:
Pay: https://pps.schoolpay.com/link/GBXEarlyBird ($79 early bird until 9/13)
Register: https://forms.gle/VPkc6FDJAzxrkdXR6
Questions? Email lincolnyouthGBB@gmail.com
Questions?
Contact: Christina Fera-Thomas / ferathomas@yahoo.com
or call/text (503) 269-3200
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.
Families are able to record future 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.
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM School Board - Study Session
11:15 AM - 3:45 PM Late Opening for Middle Schools *doors open at 11:00AM
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM Back To School Night
LINCOLN YOUTH SPORTS
Portland Interscholastic League Youth Sports Program
https://www.pilathletics.com/
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/
FALL SPORTS
Football:
Head Coach: Cody Schnaufer cody.schnaufer@gmail.com
Cluster Coordinator: Trevor Livingston registrar@
Registration: https://www.
Grades: K - 8th
Practice begins August 7th
Location: West Sylvan Middle School
Monday - Friday, 5:30-7:30pm
Cross Country:
High School Head Coach: Eric Dettman edettman88@yahoo.com
Cluster Coordinator: Julie Abrams lincolnyouthcrosscountry@
Grades: 6th - 8th
Practice begins Wednesday, August 30th
Location: West Sylvan MS Track
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday
Volleyball:
Head Coach: Shailah Ricketts sricketts@pps.net
Cluster Coordinator: Rainey Shriver rshriver@pps.net
Grades: 6th - 8th
Tryouts at Lincoln High School TBD
For additional information, please contact the PIL District Office at 503-916-3223