Update for October 31st, 2008

 Upcoming Events / Dates (2 week calendar)

Link here to the Forest Park Activity Calendar

11/03 Morning Meeting
11/05 Audubon Classroom Visit – 5th Grade
11/05 Picture Re-Take Day
11/10 Teacher Planning Day - No School for Students
11/11 Veteran's Day - School Closed
11/12 Steffens' classroom trip to Franz Bakery
11/13 4th Grade trip to Chief Lelooska
11/14 Morning Coffee with Mr. C (8am - in cafeteria)
11/15 Family Dance 4pm to 7pm
11/20, 11/24, 11/25 Parent Student Conferences

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School News

Innisbrook Fundraiser Pick-up
Monday, November 3rd at 1:30-4pm in the gym

If you cannot retrieve your order at the scheduled time please make arrangements for a friend or neighbor to pick up your order as we do not have a place to store it.

Volunteers are needed to help with this activity; if you are available to do so please email tammywilhoite@comcast.net.

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2009 Foundation Auction
 Check your child's backpacks! Artists wanted for the 2009 Auction Catalog and advertising of the event
Please remember an auction is only as successful  as the items there are to bid on.
Bookmark the School Auction website for information and updates at http://forestpark.typepad.com/auction/

Auction items WANTED: Services and Unique Experiences Wish List
·      Pet Sitting Package
·      Shadow a Doctor/Nurse for a day
·      Shadow a Dentist for a day
·      Honorary Ball Kid at a local sporting event

Thank you for supporting Forest Park Foundation.
Anne Brandenburger 2009 Chair (ambpdb@comcast.net)

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Cyber Safety Seminar
Last week a handful of parents were able to attend a Site Council sponsored seminar on Cyber Safety - what parents need to know that our teens already do!  Below you will find the handouts that were distributed during this seminar.

Download cyber_safety_handouts.pdf

Download cyber_safety_trifold.pdf

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Community Care Day this Sunday from 9am to 1pm.
Please join the School Beautification volunteers and help get the school grounds ready for winter.  Bring your weeding tools and gardening gloves and your kids.  Yard debris bags, bottled water and snacks will be provided. Don't forget daylight savings time ends Saturday night and we'll get an hour more sleep!

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Thank you to many, Re-CYCLE your Bicycle was a great success!
We received a grand total of 50 donated bikes:

* 22 bikes for the Holiday Bike Drive
* 8 bikes for the after-school youth earn-a-bike programs
* 4 bikes for the adult earn-a-bike programs
* 8 bikes to be sold in the bike shop
* 8 bikes that will be harvested for parts and responsibly recycled

Thank you Forest Park families and 5th graders:
Joseph & Kevin
Tom & Julie
Tess
Bailey & Jeni
Morgan
Hadley
Ian
Emily, George & Connie
Ally & Lynette
Anna
Rachel
Claire
Henry
Sophie
Bryna & Michelle

You helped make our collection drive a smashing success, as we collected over 50 bikes!!!

Together we MADE A DIFFERENCE in the lives of others.

Update for October 24th, 2008

Upcoming Events / Dates (2 week calendar)

Link here to the Forest Park Activity Calendar

10/28 Parent Night: Cyber Safety 6:30pm
10/29 Picture Retake Day
11/03 Morning Meeting
11/03 Talk About Trees – Paper Making 4th Grade
11/05 Audubon Classroom Visit – 5th Grade

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School News

Re-CYCLE your Bicycle: Sunday, October 26th 1-5pm
 Donate your bike and make it a vehicle for change!

Join the Kids Can Make a Difference Community Service Project benefiting the 5th Grade Legacy Program Sunday, October 26th at Forest Park Elementary School. Bring a bike in good condition, particularly adult road bikes and kids’ bikes of all kinds, and help the Community Cycling Center broaden access to bicycling and its benefits. When you donate a bike, the Community Cycling Center’s mechanics refurbish it and direct it to bike safety programs for low-income youth and adults or to the bike shop.

Don’t have a bike to give? Cash donations will also be accepted.

Calling all 5th Graders to volunteer to help at this event and earn money for your Legacy Fund by doing
so. Email tammywilhoite@comcast.net with the re: line “Count me in for Community Service” to let her
know you can help.

Have a bike to re-cycle but can’t make it to the collection Sunday?  Contact Tammy Wilhoite at 503.203.8469 to arrange for pick-up.

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October 31st Celebrations
There is a change in the way we celebrate the 31st of October at Forest Park. Many of our families will recall that we shared this information with the community last year to help prepare for this change. Classrooms will continue to host end of the day celebrations on October 31st. However the parade of costumes will not be scheduled and we ask children to not wear their Halloween costumes to school. It will be a normal dress day saving our costumes for evening events celebrated with family and friends.

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20-20-20 Read-a-Thon reaches the half way mark!
Are you on track to complete the 20-20-20 Read-A-Thon?  We’re at the half way point… Students have 2 more weeks to meet the 20 day reading goal. For those who are on track, Great Job! For those that have not started – it’s not too late!  Start reading, find sponsors, and help the school replace aging computers in the computer lab!

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Missing Page in Student Directory
There was an accidental page left out of the student directory this year.  The missing page is attached here and will be of most interest to our 5th grade families.

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Thank you parents! Foundation Survey
The Forest Park Foundation and Forest Park would like to thank 98 families for completely the matching grant / employer survey sent out with the September first day packets.  With this accumulated information, the Forest Park Foundation can better help track and gather matching funds, making ever dollar count, improving our children's K-5 program.

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TAG Parent Information Night
All Lincoln cluster school hosted a TAG Parent Night last Wednesday.  Forest Park had a very nice sized group who listened to a presentation from district leaders in the TAG department and had a chance to talk in our small group break out session.  The handouts from that evening are below.

TAG Handouts
Forest Park TAG Plan 2008

Update for October 18, 2008

Upcoming Events / Dates (2 week calendar) Link here to the Forest Park Activity Calendar 10/20 Kinder and K/1 Field Trip to Kruger Farms 10/21 General PTA Meeting and State of the School presentation 6:15 10/22 TAG Parent Information Night, West Sylvan at 6:30 10/23 3/4/5 Assembly: What do you know about H2O? 10/24 Professional Development Day - No School for Students 10/28 Parent Night: Cyber Safety 6:30pm 10/29 Picture Retake Day

School News

General PTA Meeting and State of the School presentation The General PTA Meeting and State of the School Address has been rescheduled to Tuesday October 21st at 6:15. We hope to see you there.

October 31st Celebrations There is a change in the way we celebrate the 31st of October at Forest Park this year. Many of our families will recall that we shared this information with the community last year to help prepare for this change. Classrooms will continue to host end of the day celebrations on October 31st. However the parade of costumes will not be scheduled and we ask children to not wear their Halloween costumes to school. It will be a normal dress day saving our costumes for evening events celebrated with family and friends.

CyberSafety! The Forest Park Site Council is happy to bring the Forest Park parent community "Cybersafety," a presentation focusing on the safe use of technology for parents of 4th-8th graders. This presentation, presented by PPS Student Services and PPS Information Technology, helps adults learn strategies to help their children be safe using technology as well as dealing with bullying on and off the computer. When: October 28th, 6:30 to 8:00 pm Where: Forest Park Elementary Who: Parents of current or future 4th to 8th graders

TAG Information Night We would like to invite all parents to the Lincoln Cluster Talented and Gifted Parent Information Night at West Sylvan on October 22nd at 6:30pm. This evening will provide parents with information on the Talented and Gifted program in all of the Lincoln Cluster schools including Forest Park. The agenda will include a welcoming introduction by our Lincoln Cluster Principals and Teri Geist, Interim District TAG Program Administrator. During the evening we will discus the TAG nomination process, meeting the TAG child’s needs, communication between the TAG office, the school, home, and parent resources. Whether you have a TAG student now, are interested in nominating your child for TAG, or simply want to know more about the program, this evening is for you.

Update for October 9, 2008

Upcoming Events / Dates (2 week calendar) Link here to the Forest Park Activity Calendar 10/10 State In-service - No School 10/13 PTA Fall Book Fair begins 10/13 Talk About Trees talk – 4th grade 10/14 Talk About Trees talk - Kindergarten 10/14 Audubon Society Field trip – Morris 10/15 Audubon Society Field trip – Robbins 10/16 Audubon Society Field trip – Wade 10/17 Audubon Society Field trip – Gardner 10/17 Wacky Hat Day - School Spirit Day 10/20 Kinder and K/1 Field Trip to Kruger Farms 10/21 General PTA Meeting and State of the School presentation 10/22 TAG Parent Information Night, West Sylvan at 6:30 10/23 3/4/5 Assembly: What do you know about H2O? 10/24 Professional Development Day - No School for Students

School News

Forest Park Press for October Remember the PTA published Forest Park Press is now electronic with paper copies available in the main office. A copy of the press in Adobe PDF format is attached to this blog by email or available here online.

PTA Scholastic Fall Book Fair starts MONDAY! Don't forget to check out the wild selection of books in our gym right now during the Scholastic Book Fair. Every two books purchased enters you to win a Mac laptop!!! Profits from this fair will go toward purchasing new computers for our school.

Introducing the 2008-2009 Reflections Program Theme: “Wow!” The Forest Park PTA and National PTA invite your child to express themselves creatively through literature, story, poetry, musical composition, photography, visual arts, dance, film, sculpture, ceramics, or theater. Look for more information in backpacks on 10/31. DATES TO REMEMBER: Information in Backpacks: Friday, October 31st Due Date for Entries: Monday, December 1st Evening Gallery Show: Wednesday, December 10th, 6:00 pm

General PTA Meeting and State of the School presentation The General PTA Meeting and State of the School Address has been rescheduled to Tuesday October 21st at 6:15. We hope to see you there.

TAG Information Night We would like to invite all parents to the Lincoln Cluster Talented and Gifted Parent Information Night at West Sylvan on October 22nd at 6:30pm. This evening will provide parents with information on the Talented and Gifted program in all of the Lincoln Cluster schools including Forest Park. The agenda will include a welcoming introduction by our Lincoln Cluster Principals and Teri Geist, Interim District TAG Program Administrator. During the evening we will discus the TAG nomination process, meeting the TAG child’s needs, communication between the TAG office, the school, home, and parent resources. Whether you have a TAG student now, are interested in nominating your child for TAG, or simply want to know more about the program, this evening is for you.

School Report Cards released by the State The Oregon Department of Education has released the School Report Card for 2007-08. Forest Park, for the 11th year has received a rating of Exceptional. This could not be achieved without the dedication and hard work of our children, teachers, parents, and the community. See below for links to various press releases and school report card information. Forest Park Elementary School State Report Card 2007-08 Portland Public Schools Report Card 2007-08 Portland Public Schools Press Release (10/07/08)

Community News

From Our Neighbors at Mill Creek Condominium Association Parents who drive their children to school are reminded to use Miller Road and Durrett Street for access to the front of the school when dropping off and picking up students. Justus Lane and Fern Ridge Terrace through the Mill Creek neighborhood are private driveways and not public streets. These driveways are not suitable, sustainable, or safe for high volume two-way traffic. No public money has been used or is available to build or to maintain these driveways. When attending school events, remember there is no on-street parking in Mill Creek. These private streets are not wide enough to allow for parking and emergency-vehicle access such as fire trucks and ambulances. If you park in Mill Creek, your vehicle will be subject to towing/impounding without notice. Many children of Mill Creek resident families attend this school. Our Association is supportive of the school and “kid friendly.” School traffic through Mill Creek and parking on Mill Creek streets is a maintenance and safety issue, however, and we need school/parent cooperation. Our neighborhood asks that you respect private property by using public roads. Thank you Mill Creek Condominium Association Board

Update for October 3rd, 2008

   

Upcoming Events / Dates (2 week calendar) Link here to the Forest Park Activity Calendar 10/06 Morning Meeting: Word of the Month is Compassion 10/07 Mad Science Classroom Visit to the 3rd Grade 10/07 New Parent Social 7pm 10/08 Young Audiences Assembly: Aaron Meyer "Classic Crossover" (k-2 8:45, 3-5 9:45) 10/10 State In-service - No School 10/13 PTA Fall Book Fair begins 10/13 Talk About Trees talk – 4th grade 10/14 Audubon Society Field trip – Morris 10/15 Audubon Society Field trip – Robbins 10/16 Audubon Society Field trip – Wade 10/17 Audubon Society Field trip – Gardner

School News

General PTA Meeting Rescheduled The General PTA Meeting and State of the School Address has been rescheduled to Tuesday October 21st at 6:15. We hope to see you there.

October 10th - State In-Service Day - No School Please don't forget that Friday October 10th is Oregon State In-Service. There is no school for students.

Save the Date: Forest Park Foundation Auction 2/21/09 Save the Date bags filled with information on this year's Forest Park Foundation Auction will be sent home Friday (10/03/08) in you child's backpack. Don't miss the bag and don't miss the auction!

PPS Forms a Citizens Committee for Enrollment and Transfer A citizens committee is being formed to advise Superintendent Carole Smith on enrollment and transfer issues. Applications for the committee will be reviewed beginning Oct. 6. The applications can be found on the PPS website or directly at http://cms9.pps.k12.or.us/.docs/pg/12679.

WALK TO SCHOOL DAY: Wednesday, October 8th Question: What winds down Miller Road from both ends, has hundreds of feet and meets at Forest Park School? Answer: The sixth annual Walking School Bus! Join thousands of schools from around the globe as we participate in Walk to School Day on Wednesday October 8th. This is a fun event and Forest Park has had close to 90% participation. Just as in the past, the Walking School Bus will form along Miller Road and proceed to school, with “pick-up times” scheduled at a dozen points. Students, parents, younger siblings and teachers can “hop on the bus” at any convenient spot. For instance, walkers coming down Bartholomew could join the “bus” at the intersection of Bartholomew and Miller around 7:43 a.m. If the walk from your home is too far or too hilly, consider driving to one of the “bus” stops on Miller and starting from there. Please use extreme caution driving and parking. Each participant will receive a gift, courtesy of Roseanne Veccio, neighborhood realtor and City of Portland’s Safer Routes to School Program. To learn more, visit the official web site at www.walktoschool-usa.org.

Turn in your Innisbrook Wraps Fundraiser Forms Now is the time. It's not to late to see Mr. C in a monkey suit!! Innisbrook fundraiser forms were due October 1st but it is not too late to turn them in. Please get you forms to the main office or your child's teacher.

The Forest Park Elementary School library continues to grow! The library is an amazing place in our school for students to read, learn, research, investigate and borrow. One of the most important programs in place at our library is the Birthday Book Program. We invite you to help our library grow as your student celebrates their birthday. The Forest Park Birthday Book Program is an opportunity for your child to give the gift of a book to the school library in his or her name. Each Birthday Book is affixed with a bookplate that acknowledges the wonderful gift with your child's name and birthday. At library time we will recognize your child's generosity and share the book with the class. Your child will have the first opportunity to borrow the new book. September birthday letters have been delivered with all of the details. Happy Birthday! A huge thank you to Jessica Daughetee for her ongoing work with this program. Please feel free to contact me with any questions. Thank you for supporting our library. Mirka Jablonski mjablons@pps.k12.or.us

                                                  

Upcoming Events / Dates (2 week calendar)           Link here to the Forest Park Activity Calendar              10/06 Morning Meeting: Word of the Month is Compassion       10/07 Mad Science  Classroom Visit to the 3rd Grade       10/07 New Parent Social 7pm       10/08 Young Audiences Assembly: Aaron Meyer "Classic Crossover" (k-2 8:45, 3-5 9:45)       10/10 State In-service - No School       10/13 PTA Fall Book Fair begins       10/13 Talk About Trees talk – 4th grade       10/14 Audubon Society Field trip – Morris       10/15 Audubon Society Field trip – Robbins       10/16 Audubon Society Field trip – Wade       10/17 Audubon Society Field trip – Gardner

School News

General PTA Meeting Rescheduled     The General PTA Meeting and State of the School Address has been rescheduled to Tuesday October 21st at 6:15.  We hope to see you  there.

October 10th - State In-Service Day - No School     Please don't forget that Friday October 10th is Oregon State In-Service. There is no school for students.

Save the Date: Forest Park Foundation Auction 2/21/09     Save the Date bags filled with information on this year's Forest Park Foundation Auction will be sent home Friday (10/03/08) in you child's backpack. Don't miss the bag and don't miss the auction!

PPS Forms a Citizens Committee for Enrollment and Transfer       A citizens committee is being formed to advise Superintendent Carole Smith on enrollment and transfer issues. Applications for the committee will be reviewed beginning Oct. 6.     The applications can be found on the PPS website or directly at       http://cms9.pps.k12.or.us/.docs/pg/12679.

WALK TO SCHOOL DAY:  Wednesday, October 8th   Question:  What winds down Miller Road from both ends, has hundreds of feet and meets at Forest Park School?   Answer:         The sixth annual Walking School Bus!     Join thousands of schools from around the globe as we participate in Walk to School Day on Wednesday October 8th.  This is a fun event and Forest Park has had close to 90% participation.     Just as in the past, the Walking School Bus will form along Miller Road and proceed to school, with “pick-up times” scheduled at a dozen points. Students, parents, younger siblings and teachers can “hop on the bus” at any convenient spot.  For instance, walkers coming down Bartholomew could join the “bus” at the intersection of Bartholomew and Miller around 7:43 a.m.  If the walk from your home is too far or too hilly, consider driving to one of the “bus” stops on Miller and starting from there.  Please use extreme caution driving and parking.     Each participant will receive a gift, courtesy of Roseanne Veccio, neighborhood realtor and City of Portland’s Safer Routes to School Program.     To learn more, visit the official web site at www.walktoschool-usa.org.

Turn in your Innisbrook Wraps Fundraiser Forms     Now is the time. It's not to late to see Mr. C in a monkey suit!! Innisbrook fundraiser forms were due  October 1st but it is not too late to turn them in. Please get you forms to the main office or your child's teacher.

The Forest Park Elementary School library continues to grow!       The library is an amazing place in our school for students to read, learn, research, investigate and borrow.  One of the most important programs in place at our library is the Birthday Book Program.       We invite you to help our library grow as your student celebrates their birthday.  The Forest Park Birthday Book Program is an opportunity for your child to give the gift of a book to the school library in his or her name.  Each Birthday Book is affixed with a bookplate that acknowledges the wonderful gift with your child's name and birthday.  At library time we will recognize your child's generosity and share the book with the class.  Your child will have the first opportunity to borrow the new book.       September birthday letters have been delivered with all of the details.  Happy Birthday!       A huge thank you to Jessica Daughetee for her ongoing work with this program.       Please feel free to contact me with any questions.  Thank you for supporting our library.     Mirka Jablonski       mjablons@pps.k12.or.us