Principal's Perspective: Safety, Signal to Noise, Appreciation-May 14, 2013

Dear Sexton Mt. Families: May 14, 2013

Think before acting was one of the themes of our Monday safety assembly. Jennifer from OHSU was here to talk about preventing brain and spinal cord injuries. Students learned about the nervous system and the important jobs of the system. Because our fifth grade students have been taking the OAKS Science test, I was connecting the presentation to the learning students have been asked to demonstrate on the assessment. Nathan, Alex, Reese, Jane, Susan and Madison modeled how the brain and spinal cord work together to send messages to the body. Dramatizing, analogies, and media presentations were just a few of the ways that our presenter shared information. Ask your child about some of the things they learned.

Talking about learning reinforces what was learned. Another way to cement learning is to write about it or summarize thinking. Making connections to other learning is a way of building understanding as well. One of the things that our students also do is apply their learning through projects. Students create posters, make power points, and some write songs or videos to show their learning. Several of our students created videos and submitted their work to the Signal to Noise competition. Similar to the Academy Awards, the Signal to Noise event rolls out the red carpet and one winner is selected from all the entries.

The auditorium was buzzing with energy last Thursday night as the Signal to Noise finalists waited for “the envelope please” and the announcement of the winner. Several Sexton Mountain students were there and all were very excited as the winners were announced. Our students won Best News Cast, Best Music Video and Best Drama. Congratulations writers, actors, producers, and editors! Check out the Signal to Noise website for more information http://www.beaverton.k12.or.us/media/signal-to-noise/

Thanks to all who made last week so very special for our staff. Staff Appreciation Week left teachers and staff feeling valued. Thanks for the kind words and special treats! Thanks also to Kate Kristensen for organizing the festivities.

Take Care,

Dr. Teresa Clemens-Brower

a.k.a. Mrs. C.-B.

Principal

Thank you!

§ Thanks again to Kate K. for organizing Staff Appreciation Week and to all the families who provided amazing treats for our teachers during the week. The staff certainly felt appreciated!

§ Thanks to Lori Laraway for packing up the portable! It looks amazing!!

§ Thanks to Shirley Yau for the donation of silverware for the staffroom.

§ Thanks to Rachel Cillo for making prize bags for the parking lot! We plan to provide prizes for those who pull forward so that more cars can fit in the drop off zone. On Monday only 2 cars pulled completely forward to the end of the curb. Thanks Trish and David for making room for more kids to unload safely.

Wish List--These are little things or jobs that will make a difference to our kids. Feel free to send items in or let Mrs. CB know if you are willing to do a project.

§ Strong bodies to help with the inflatables clean up at the end of the Carnival Friday night. Report to the field at 8:25pm if you can put your muscles to work.

Upcoming Events

May 15-Passport Club Check -- 8:30 am -- 12:00 pm

May 17-PTC Carnival

May 23-Volunteer Appreciation Celebration-2:00-3:00pm

May 23-PBIS Assembly-8:25am-Students go straight to the cafe on these days.

May 24-Assessment Day-No School

May 27-Memorial Day Holiday-No School

May 28-Pizzicatto Night-Dining for Dollars

May 30-Cultural Celebration Assembly- Grupo Condor- (Thank you PTC!)

8:30-9:20-Olson, 4th and 5th Grade

9:35-10:35-Baldwin, Pfaff, K, 1st, 2nd Grade

May 30-3^rd Grade Portland Performance-2:00pm