Happy Sunday, everyone!
I hope you were all able to get the most out of your Thanksgiving break. We will be jumping back into work tomorrow, and there is a lot to be aware of and prepared for!
Super Important Dates
3rd of December, Thursday- 6:00 PM Tale of Troy Presentation (all students attendance required- see more below)
10th of December, Tuesday- Morning Field Trip to Bamboo Garden (see more below)
17th of December, Thursday- 6:30 PM Winter Showcase (all students attendance required- see more below)
17th of December, Thursday- FACTS Class Sex Education (see more below)
6th Grade Updates
Tale of Troy Play-
This Thursday evening, Dec. 3rd, at 6:00 our 6th grade class will be performing their self-written play, the Tale of Troy. The performance lasts about 45 minutes.
s
Thursday is going to be another very hectic day for 6th grade. I would like to offer the opportunity to save you all a trip to school and back!
I will be staying at school all afternoon on Thursday, and am inviting students to do the same. We will order food in (though you may feel free to send an extra lunchbox if you prefer), relax for a bit, and then get ready for our evening performance. Please let me know (through e-mail or a note in your child's planner) if you anticipate your child staying after school.
Again, if you would like your student to stay at school from 3:30 to 6:00 (the start of our show), you are welcome to abandon them to their fate! :)
Bamboo Garden Field Trip
This will be a half-day trip to visit Bamboo garden and collect the bamboo which will be used to make a Greek-style instrument in upcoming months (the bamboo needs to dry before we use it to build). It is tentatively scheduled for the morning of December 10th, weather permitting. Bamboo Garden is located west of Portland, in a somewhat remote location that isn't always accessible by school bus.
I am in need of 4 chaperones for this trip. Please contact me if you are available. We will be gone from 8 am to 12:00 pm.
Current Units of Studies
Ancient Rome
Judaism and Christianity
Energy
Science Fair- Experiment Phase
Your student should now be working on their science fair experiments. Their finished experiments are due before we leave for winter break. If your child has not yet talked to you about their experiment, please touch base with them. They have only 3 weeks left to turn in their data and results. For more about science fair, please see the blog here: http://chpcs6thgrade.weebly.com/science-fair.html
Novel Writing
Our Novel Writing program comes to an end tomorrow. This week we will begin working on editing our novels, a process that will engulf most of December's writing time. We will then submit a finalized copy for publication after the start of the new year.
Poetry Practice
In 6th Grade we learn about and memorize various poems throughout the year. We are moving on to our fifth poem in January. For a list of poems we have memorized, please visit the blog here: http://chpcs6thgrade.weebly.com/poetry.html
Sex Education!- Get the FACTS
Okay, so I'm exaggerating because I want to make sure you read this. It is the time of year when we offer our FACTS class for our middle school students.
FACTS is a highly successful relationship education program developed under a federally funded demonstration project. Throughout the year, we have been teaching about character foundation skills, consequences of actions, using good judgement, and being respectful and responsible. On Thursday, December 17th, we will be teaching the final unit of this curriculum, which deals with puberty. For this particular lesson, the boys and girls will be separated. The girls will be taught by Ms. O'Malley and the boys will be taught by Mr. Vieira.
This lesson will cover physical changes that are experience during puberty, including hygiene. The reproductive anatomy of both sexes will be taught to both classes in a professional and respectful manner. The session will conclude with an anonymous question and answer session.
The emphasis of the entire curriculum is to encourage frequent communication between the child and parents. Cascade Heights believes that parents are the primary educators of their children and the best source of information in these issues. Parents should frame this information in the social and moral context of your own family.
We will be sending home a discussion packet on the entire unit that we would like you to take the time to discuss with your child over winter break. It includes a few questions that can be discussed at the dinner table, etc. to allow for communication of what has been taught in class.
One purpose of this notification is to offer you an opportunity to opt out of this lesson. We will be sending home a form. Please check the box whether or not you would like your child to attend and then sign. Any student not turning in a form will be assumed to be opting out.
If you have any questions, please contact Ms. O'Malley or Mr. Vieira. We are happy to show you the lesson plans and the video.
School-wide Announcements
Reminder 101
Wondering whether school is open? The easiest way to hear is to sign up for remind (formerly Remind 101). This service will send you a text to let you know about any school wide closure or emergency. Instructions for signing up are below. You can also watch your local news channel. If North Clackamas is closed, so are we.
Winter Core Knowledge Showcase
You are invited to join the staff and students of Cascade Heights on December 17th at 6:30 PM for an evening performance highlighting current units by all 9 classes. Each class will perform just once this year since we will be at a much larger facility. Our wonderful PTA has rented the auditorium at Camp Withycombe so that everyone will be comfortable and in the same place.
Our evening performance begins at 6:30 PM. Family and friends may take their seats beginning at 6:10 while students make their way to the back of the auditorium where teachers will seat them. We are expecting a full house, so be there early for the best seats. Because Camp Withycombe is a military base, all drivers will need picture ID to get on base. Once there, proceed to the large building just inside the gate. There is plenty of parking and the building is handicap accessible!
Reminders:
~ Students will be told by their individual teacher what to wear. If in doubt, wear your school uniform.
~There will be concessions available for purchase. All proceeds will go towards the 8th grade end of the year trip to the Shakespeare Festival.
~ You are more than welcome to take pictures or film the show, but please do so from your seat or standing in the back of the room.
~ Please silence your cell phone and all other noise making devices.
~ At the end of the performance, students will need to be picked up from their teacher. In order to minimize interruptions to the performance, students will not be released until the end of the show.
Camp Withycombe Address: 15300 Minuteman Way, Clackamas, OR 97015
School Picture Address
Cascade Heights now has a specific email address: [email protected] to send pictures of Cascade Heights school related events. Teachers, staff, parents, grandparents, etc. can send pictures of events they attend. We may choose to use the photos on the website, yearbook and other places.
Uniforms
We are grateful for every family's commitment to sending children in uniform each day. At our last staff meeting, teachers and staff discussed our school-wide uniform policy. We decided that we will continue to do our best to ensure that children are as close to the uniform as possible. Children who come to school in the morning out of uniform will be able to change into uniform during the day. We have heard concerns about discrepancies between classrooms on following the policy (such as socks, shoelaces, skirt length, etc). Each classroom will be following the written dress code that is currently in our handbook. If you have additional questions about the uniform, please ask a teacher or staff member. Thank you!
Teacher Tea
The staff of Cascade Heights cordially invites you to join us for the first of many Teacher Teas. Teach Teas will be held on the second Tuesday of each month at 8:00. This is your chance to share ideas, questions, or concerns. The first teacher tea will be held on December 8th, 2015. Mrs. Adams will be the hosting teacher and looks forward to working with you.
Winter Weather Policy- WINTER OUTDOOR RECESS POLICY FOR CASCADE HEIGHTS PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL
IT DOES GET CHILLY IN OUR PART OF THE COUNTRY, AND STUDENTS AND FAMILIES NEED TO BE PREPARED FOR IT. TEACHERS WILL USE THE FOLLOWING GUIDELINES AND THEIR OWN BEST JUDGMENT IN ENSURING YOUR CHILD IS SAFE AND RELATIVELY COMFORTABLE DURING THE COLD MONTHS OF THE YEAR. YOU CAN DO YOUR PART BY SENDING YOUR CHIDREN TO SCHOOL WITH THE FOLLOWING: COAT, WARM HAT, GLOVES OR MITTENS,SCARF (IDEAL), WARM BOOTS (IDEAL). IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO ACQUIRE THE BASICS, PLEASE CONTACT YOUR CHILD'S TEACHER OR MRS. DENMAN, AND WE WILL HAPPILY HELP YOU.
STUDENTS NEED FRESH AIR DAILY, AND IT HELPS REDUCE ILLNESS (BEING COOPED UP IN A ROOM WITH RECYCLED AIR IS THE BEST WAY TO SPREAD GERMS), A BAD CASE OF THE WIGGLES, AND SLEEPY BRAINS. AS SUCH, WE WILL DO OUR BEST TO ENSURE DAILY FRESH AIR FOR STUDENTS, FOLLOWING THE POLICY OUTLINED BELOW.
PLEASE NOTE:
· FROSTBITE CANNOT HAPPEN UNLESS THE AMBIENT TEMPERATURE (ACTUAL TEMPERATURE+ WINDCHILL) FALLS BELOW 32°F. FINGERS MAY HURT, BE COLD AND NUMB, BUT THEY ARE NOT FROSTBITTEN.
· HYPOTHERMIA CAN HAPPEN UNDER A VARIETY OF TEMPERATURES AND SITUATIONS. SOMEONE SUBMERGED IN WATER THAT IS 70°F FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME WILL SUCCUMB TO HYPOTHERMIA. SOMEONE ILL-EQUIPPED FOR THE WEATHER AND LEFT OUTSIDE WITHOUT MOVEMENT AT 20°F WILL EVENTUALLY SUCCUMB TO HYPOTHERMIA. STUDENTS WHO WEAR COATS (AND POSSIBLY HATS OR HOODS) AT 35°F OR SO FOR 15-20 MINUTES, AND WHO ARE (HOPEFULLY) MOVING, HAVE NO DANGER OF HYPOTHERMIA.
THIS POLICY WAS DRAFTED TAKING INTO ACCOUNT AVERAGE ACTIVITY LEVEL, AVERAGE RECESS TIME, AND AVERAGE REGIONAL TEMPERATURES FOR PORTLAND, OR (THE FACT THAT OUR CHILDREN ARE NOT USED TO THE AVERAGE TEMPERATURES OF FAIRBANKS, AK WAS TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT!).
NOT ACCOUNTING FOR WINDCHILL FACTOR:
CHILDREN WILL EAT OUTDOORS AND MAY MAKE THE CHOICE ABOUT COATS, ETC.: 41°F AND ABOVE
TEACHERS WILL REQUIRE THE WEARING OF COATS (FOR ACTIVITY TIME OF RECESS): 40°F AND BELOW
TEACHERS WILL REQUIRE THE WEARING OF A HAT AND GLOVES/MITTENS (STUDENTS WITHOUT WILL NOT PARTICIPATE IN THE ACTIVITY): 35°F
EATING (SNACK AND LUNCH) WILL OCCUR INDOORS WITH OUTDOOR RECESS FOLLOWING ONE OF THE BELOW GUIDELINES: 40°F AND BELOW
NORMAL OUTDOOR RECESS: 26°F AND ABOVE
SHORTENED OUTDOOR RECESS (5 TO 10 MINUTES): 18°F-25°F
INDOOR RECESS: 18°F AND BELOW
WHAT YOU CAN DO TO ENSURE YOUR CHILD'S COMFORT AND HEALTH WITH THE ABOVE POLICY:
· SEND THEM TO SCHOOL WITH A COAT, HAT, MITTENS/GLOVES, AND SCARF
· TELL THEM THEY MUST WEAR THE COAT, HAT, MITTENS/GLOVES, AND SCARF
· SEND THEM WITH PLENTY OF QUALITY-CALORIE FOOD FOR SNACK AND LUNCH, AS WELL AS FRESH WATER
· TELL THEM ABOUT THE CHILDREN IN FAIRBANKS, AK, WHO GO OUT TO RECESS LIKE NORMAL UNLESS IT'S COLDER THAN -20°F!).
· TEACH THEM HOW TO ZIP OR BUTTON THEIR COATS
Thank you for staying informed!
I hope you were all able to get the most out of your Thanksgiving break. We will be jumping back into work tomorrow, and there is a lot to be aware of and prepared for!
Super Important Dates
3rd of December, Thursday- 6:00 PM Tale of Troy Presentation (all students attendance required- see more below)
10th of December, Tuesday- Morning Field Trip to Bamboo Garden (see more below)
17th of December, Thursday- 6:30 PM Winter Showcase (all students attendance required- see more below)
17th of December, Thursday- FACTS Class Sex Education (see more below)
6th Grade Updates
Tale of Troy Play-
This Thursday evening, Dec. 3rd, at 6:00 our 6th grade class will be performing their self-written play, the Tale of Troy. The performance lasts about 45 minutes.
s
Thursday is going to be another very hectic day for 6th grade. I would like to offer the opportunity to save you all a trip to school and back!
I will be staying at school all afternoon on Thursday, and am inviting students to do the same. We will order food in (though you may feel free to send an extra lunchbox if you prefer), relax for a bit, and then get ready for our evening performance. Please let me know (through e-mail or a note in your child's planner) if you anticipate your child staying after school.
Again, if you would like your student to stay at school from 3:30 to 6:00 (the start of our show), you are welcome to abandon them to their fate! :)
Bamboo Garden Field Trip
This will be a half-day trip to visit Bamboo garden and collect the bamboo which will be used to make a Greek-style instrument in upcoming months (the bamboo needs to dry before we use it to build). It is tentatively scheduled for the morning of December 10th, weather permitting. Bamboo Garden is located west of Portland, in a somewhat remote location that isn't always accessible by school bus.
I am in need of 4 chaperones for this trip. Please contact me if you are available. We will be gone from 8 am to 12:00 pm.
Current Units of Studies
Ancient Rome
Judaism and Christianity
Energy
Science Fair- Experiment Phase
Your student should now be working on their science fair experiments. Their finished experiments are due before we leave for winter break. If your child has not yet talked to you about their experiment, please touch base with them. They have only 3 weeks left to turn in their data and results. For more about science fair, please see the blog here: http://chpcs6thgrade.weebly.com/science-fair.html
Novel Writing
Our Novel Writing program comes to an end tomorrow. This week we will begin working on editing our novels, a process that will engulf most of December's writing time. We will then submit a finalized copy for publication after the start of the new year.
Poetry Practice
In 6th Grade we learn about and memorize various poems throughout the year. We are moving on to our fifth poem in January. For a list of poems we have memorized, please visit the blog here: http://chpcs6thgrade.weebly.com/poetry.html
Sex Education!- Get the FACTS
Okay, so I'm exaggerating because I want to make sure you read this. It is the time of year when we offer our FACTS class for our middle school students.
FACTS is a highly successful relationship education program developed under a federally funded demonstration project. Throughout the year, we have been teaching about character foundation skills, consequences of actions, using good judgement, and being respectful and responsible. On Thursday, December 17th, we will be teaching the final unit of this curriculum, which deals with puberty. For this particular lesson, the boys and girls will be separated. The girls will be taught by Ms. O'Malley and the boys will be taught by Mr. Vieira.
This lesson will cover physical changes that are experience during puberty, including hygiene. The reproductive anatomy of both sexes will be taught to both classes in a professional and respectful manner. The session will conclude with an anonymous question and answer session.
The emphasis of the entire curriculum is to encourage frequent communication between the child and parents. Cascade Heights believes that parents are the primary educators of their children and the best source of information in these issues. Parents should frame this information in the social and moral context of your own family.
We will be sending home a discussion packet on the entire unit that we would like you to take the time to discuss with your child over winter break. It includes a few questions that can be discussed at the dinner table, etc. to allow for communication of what has been taught in class.
One purpose of this notification is to offer you an opportunity to opt out of this lesson. We will be sending home a form. Please check the box whether or not you would like your child to attend and then sign. Any student not turning in a form will be assumed to be opting out.
If you have any questions, please contact Ms. O'Malley or Mr. Vieira. We are happy to show you the lesson plans and the video.
School-wide Announcements
Reminder 101
Wondering whether school is open? The easiest way to hear is to sign up for remind (formerly Remind 101). This service will send you a text to let you know about any school wide closure or emergency. Instructions for signing up are below. You can also watch your local news channel. If North Clackamas is closed, so are we.
Winter Core Knowledge Showcase
You are invited to join the staff and students of Cascade Heights on December 17th at 6:30 PM for an evening performance highlighting current units by all 9 classes. Each class will perform just once this year since we will be at a much larger facility. Our wonderful PTA has rented the auditorium at Camp Withycombe so that everyone will be comfortable and in the same place.
Our evening performance begins at 6:30 PM. Family and friends may take their seats beginning at 6:10 while students make their way to the back of the auditorium where teachers will seat them. We are expecting a full house, so be there early for the best seats. Because Camp Withycombe is a military base, all drivers will need picture ID to get on base. Once there, proceed to the large building just inside the gate. There is plenty of parking and the building is handicap accessible!
Reminders:
~ Students will be told by their individual teacher what to wear. If in doubt, wear your school uniform.
~There will be concessions available for purchase. All proceeds will go towards the 8th grade end of the year trip to the Shakespeare Festival.
~ You are more than welcome to take pictures or film the show, but please do so from your seat or standing in the back of the room.
~ Please silence your cell phone and all other noise making devices.
~ At the end of the performance, students will need to be picked up from their teacher. In order to minimize interruptions to the performance, students will not be released until the end of the show.
Camp Withycombe Address: 15300 Minuteman Way, Clackamas, OR 97015
School Picture Address
Cascade Heights now has a specific email address: [email protected] to send pictures of Cascade Heights school related events. Teachers, staff, parents, grandparents, etc. can send pictures of events they attend. We may choose to use the photos on the website, yearbook and other places.
Uniforms
We are grateful for every family's commitment to sending children in uniform each day. At our last staff meeting, teachers and staff discussed our school-wide uniform policy. We decided that we will continue to do our best to ensure that children are as close to the uniform as possible. Children who come to school in the morning out of uniform will be able to change into uniform during the day. We have heard concerns about discrepancies between classrooms on following the policy (such as socks, shoelaces, skirt length, etc). Each classroom will be following the written dress code that is currently in our handbook. If you have additional questions about the uniform, please ask a teacher or staff member. Thank you!
Teacher Tea
The staff of Cascade Heights cordially invites you to join us for the first of many Teacher Teas. Teach Teas will be held on the second Tuesday of each month at 8:00. This is your chance to share ideas, questions, or concerns. The first teacher tea will be held on December 8th, 2015. Mrs. Adams will be the hosting teacher and looks forward to working with you.
Winter Weather Policy- WINTER OUTDOOR RECESS POLICY FOR CASCADE HEIGHTS PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL
IT DOES GET CHILLY IN OUR PART OF THE COUNTRY, AND STUDENTS AND FAMILIES NEED TO BE PREPARED FOR IT. TEACHERS WILL USE THE FOLLOWING GUIDELINES AND THEIR OWN BEST JUDGMENT IN ENSURING YOUR CHILD IS SAFE AND RELATIVELY COMFORTABLE DURING THE COLD MONTHS OF THE YEAR. YOU CAN DO YOUR PART BY SENDING YOUR CHIDREN TO SCHOOL WITH THE FOLLOWING: COAT, WARM HAT, GLOVES OR MITTENS,SCARF (IDEAL), WARM BOOTS (IDEAL). IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO ACQUIRE THE BASICS, PLEASE CONTACT YOUR CHILD'S TEACHER OR MRS. DENMAN, AND WE WILL HAPPILY HELP YOU.
STUDENTS NEED FRESH AIR DAILY, AND IT HELPS REDUCE ILLNESS (BEING COOPED UP IN A ROOM WITH RECYCLED AIR IS THE BEST WAY TO SPREAD GERMS), A BAD CASE OF THE WIGGLES, AND SLEEPY BRAINS. AS SUCH, WE WILL DO OUR BEST TO ENSURE DAILY FRESH AIR FOR STUDENTS, FOLLOWING THE POLICY OUTLINED BELOW.
PLEASE NOTE:
· FROSTBITE CANNOT HAPPEN UNLESS THE AMBIENT TEMPERATURE (ACTUAL TEMPERATURE+ WINDCHILL) FALLS BELOW 32°F. FINGERS MAY HURT, BE COLD AND NUMB, BUT THEY ARE NOT FROSTBITTEN.
· HYPOTHERMIA CAN HAPPEN UNDER A VARIETY OF TEMPERATURES AND SITUATIONS. SOMEONE SUBMERGED IN WATER THAT IS 70°F FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME WILL SUCCUMB TO HYPOTHERMIA. SOMEONE ILL-EQUIPPED FOR THE WEATHER AND LEFT OUTSIDE WITHOUT MOVEMENT AT 20°F WILL EVENTUALLY SUCCUMB TO HYPOTHERMIA. STUDENTS WHO WEAR COATS (AND POSSIBLY HATS OR HOODS) AT 35°F OR SO FOR 15-20 MINUTES, AND WHO ARE (HOPEFULLY) MOVING, HAVE NO DANGER OF HYPOTHERMIA.
THIS POLICY WAS DRAFTED TAKING INTO ACCOUNT AVERAGE ACTIVITY LEVEL, AVERAGE RECESS TIME, AND AVERAGE REGIONAL TEMPERATURES FOR PORTLAND, OR (THE FACT THAT OUR CHILDREN ARE NOT USED TO THE AVERAGE TEMPERATURES OF FAIRBANKS, AK WAS TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT!).
NOT ACCOUNTING FOR WINDCHILL FACTOR:
CHILDREN WILL EAT OUTDOORS AND MAY MAKE THE CHOICE ABOUT COATS, ETC.: 41°F AND ABOVE
TEACHERS WILL REQUIRE THE WEARING OF COATS (FOR ACTIVITY TIME OF RECESS): 40°F AND BELOW
TEACHERS WILL REQUIRE THE WEARING OF A HAT AND GLOVES/MITTENS (STUDENTS WITHOUT WILL NOT PARTICIPATE IN THE ACTIVITY): 35°F
EATING (SNACK AND LUNCH) WILL OCCUR INDOORS WITH OUTDOOR RECESS FOLLOWING ONE OF THE BELOW GUIDELINES: 40°F AND BELOW
NORMAL OUTDOOR RECESS: 26°F AND ABOVE
SHORTENED OUTDOOR RECESS (5 TO 10 MINUTES): 18°F-25°F
INDOOR RECESS: 18°F AND BELOW
WHAT YOU CAN DO TO ENSURE YOUR CHILD'S COMFORT AND HEALTH WITH THE ABOVE POLICY:
· SEND THEM TO SCHOOL WITH A COAT, HAT, MITTENS/GLOVES, AND SCARF
· TELL THEM THEY MUST WEAR THE COAT, HAT, MITTENS/GLOVES, AND SCARF
· SEND THEM WITH PLENTY OF QUALITY-CALORIE FOOD FOR SNACK AND LUNCH, AS WELL AS FRESH WATER
· TELL THEM ABOUT THE CHILDREN IN FAIRBANKS, AK, WHO GO OUT TO RECESS LIKE NORMAL UNLESS IT'S COLDER THAN -20°F!).
· TEACH THEM HOW TO ZIP OR BUTTON THEIR COATS
Thank you for staying informed!