LEWIS ELEMENTARY NEWS

Dear Lewis Families,

Our first monthly early release day is next Wednesday. These afternoons provide our staff with dedicated time for professional development. This year, our focus is on deepening reading and writing instruction through learning more about the science of reading. We are proud to build on last year’s recognition as one of seven PPS "Literacy Bright Spot" schools, where our students achieved higher reading proficiency than socioeconomic metrics predicted. Throughout the year, we will collaborate with Glencoe Elementary to examine our teaching practices, learn together, and ensure every student learns to read proficiently by 5th grade.

On another note, our first fire drill went remarkably well today—the entire school safely evacuated the building in just three minutes! And, we found out pancake is more popular than pizza day.

Here’s a few snapshots from the week

A recent study looking at young children found that absenteeism in primary grades was associated with significantly lower reading achievement. Students in kindergarten through second grade learn essential foundational skills to become proficient readers so this is a critical time to develop strong attendance habits. Students with consistent attendance in the early grades are much more likely to reach reading benchmarks in third grade. Reading proficiency in third grade is one of the most reliable predictors of future academic achievement, high school graduation, and long-term career success.

The dire implications of not learning to read by third grade are reflected in this quote that was shared with teachers at professional learning this week.

Research shows that children who don't learn to read by the end of third grade are likely to remain poor readers for the rest of their lives…(and) are more likely to drop out of high school, to end up in the criminal justice system, and to live in poverty.

-Emily Hanford, "Hard Words"

Wednesday, September 9th - PTA Meeting 7-8pm

Thursday, September 10th - Bottle drop pick up 7:45-8:15am

Wednesday, September 16th - Early Release Dismissal at 11:50AM

Thursday, September 17th - Back to School Night 5:30-6:30PM

Friday, September 18th - Popcorn Friday

Tuesday, September 22nd - Lockdown Drill

Saturday, September 26th - Garden Work Party 10-12pm

Dear Families,

Please take a moment to view the district's Talented and Gifted (TAG) Family Presentation linked here. This presentation is similar to previous years and will be the most helpful to new families and families interested in the TAG referral process. A Q&A with our TAG facilitator, Ms. Lisa, will be held before the Lewis Back to School Night on September 17th. The Q&A will be in the library from 5:00 - 5:30 PM. Please join Lisa if you have additional questions about the TAG identification process and how services are provided to students.

If you would like to start the TAG evaluation and identification process for your student, please click here to complete the referral form.
You can learn more about the PPS TAG Department on the website: www.pps.net/tag.

Thank you,
Ms. Lisa
ltegethoff@pps.net

The 5th Grade Lewis Concert Band is open to all 5th graders. No experience is necessary. It’s free to join. Instruments are available to rent from PPS at no charge or if you have your own you can use it.

Online registration will open on Friday, September 11th. Classes begin October 2rd.

You can read a lot more about what instruments are available, the schedule, performance dates and access the online registration form (when it opens) on my blog at - tonyjamesbarry.wordpress.com/band

I will send a second announcement when the online registration form opens on September 11th.

As we navigate the beginning of the school year, our health room has seen an increasing number of students who need a little extra energy/food before lunch.

Our current snack cupboard is running a bit low. If you are able and willing to donate, we would be incredibly grateful for any nut-free, individually wrapped snacks.

As Portland Public Schools continues its rightsizing process, Village Table representatives are listening to their school communities.
We know families may be entering this school year with questions, concerns or uncertainty about what rightsizing could mean for their students and schools.
Please fill out this google form as your responses will help our Village Table representatives bring community perspectives, questions and experiences back to the district.

Hello Lewis Community, my name is Ellis Mathews and I'm 1 of 2 Security Operations Supervisors for the school district. I'm entering my 11th year with security services, 6 of those years spent at Faubion k-8, so I have lots of experience working with this age group. I've been a supervisor for the past 5 years, mainly working with high schools and middle schools in the district, but am excited to start to build connections and positive relationships with our elementary schools staff, students and families throughout the district. I graduated from Madison in 2005, my wife went to Jefferson and I currently have kids at Faubion, Tubman and Benson. I take pride in keeping this district safe and am looking forward to working with you all this year!

Field Safety Coordinator Mendel Miller:

My name is Mendel Miller. I've been with PPS for about 5 years now. I'm from Portland Oregon and graduated from Roosevelt high school in 2017. I was also the lead CSA at Roosevelt for 3 years before entering this new role and I look forward to building relationships with the staff and students of this school.

Field Safety Coordinator Ashley Smit:

Hi, I'm Ashley Smit, I have been with the district for about 4 years. I worked at Benson High School and McDaniel High School before getting into this position. I am a parent of a middle schooler. I look forward to working with the younger youth and building connections with them so they feel comfortable around us.

Hello from Lewis PTA 👋

Don’t forget, our first Community Meeting of the year is TONIGHT at 7pm in the school cafeteria. Open to everyone, you’ll hear from the PTA Board and Principal Davis about what’s happening around Lewis Elementary this year.

Refreshments, childcare, and a virtual option available. RSVP 👉https://forms.gle/6svsHsLKALvNz1n59

What’s Lewis PTA? If you're a caregiver for a Lewis Elementary student, you belong in Lewis PTA! Check out the brand new lewispta.org website to learn more or sign up here 👉https://my.cheddarup.com/c/join-lewis-pta/

If you are interested in volunteering in the school, help chaperone a field trip, or participate in a school event please make sure to submit your background check: https://www.pps.net/volunteer