The Guardian Gazette
December 9, 2025
Important Upcoming Dates
Please scroll down to find more specific information about each of these events. If there is no information, stay tuned, it's coming soon!
Now - December 18 Leadership Advocacy Campaigns
TONIGHT! Guardian Showcase, Discover Ida B Wells High School
December 10 - Winter Band Concert, 7pm in the Auditorium
December 13 - Positive Charge Club - Cookies for a Cause
December 15 - New IBW Website Launches
December 15 - 19 Leadership Recess Games
December 16 - PTA Social
December 17 - Winter Choir/Orchestra Concert, 7pm in the Auditorium
December 17 - College Center - IBW Alumni Panel during FLEX
December 18 - Winter Assembly
December 19 - FOR SENIORS - DEADLINE for first round of Senior Bests Voting
December 20 - January 4 Holiday Break
January 5 - Classes Resume
January 8 - Pre-SAT Workshop during FLEX
January 9 - Yearbook Deadline for Changing Name/No Picture
January 16 - FOR SENIORS - Deadline to Submit Senior Photo/Quote for Yearbook
See more dates/information on the:
2025 Guardian Showcase
Ida B Wells Website Changes
As you may already know, PPS is migrating websites to a new platform called Finalsite. The district's page has already been launched. All of the websites for the schools within the district, including IBWHS, are being launched on Monday, December 15th. Please be patient as we work through fixing any broken links or adding missing content. I suggest bookmarking the
IBW Absence Reporting Form or the recent newsletter that went out about Attendance https://app.smore.com/n/0pyk4/ If you have a question that you can not find on the new website, please call the Main Office at 503-916-5280
News for Seniors
Graduation - Tickets
Seniors! We know for sure we can offer each senior up to 7 tickets for the graduation ceremony on June 3. Watch for a Graduation Survey, later this month, which will help us determine if more than 7 tickets are available to those that request them in the survey.
ALL Senior Yearbook Deadlines are January 16th
Senior Photos
Photos need to be high resolution, in portrait (vertical not horizontal), and at least 1.75” x 2.5” in size. There are no restrictions on the photos as long as the content is school appropriate. Send photos to: ibwseniorphoto@gmail.com with your full name in the subject line. If a photo is not submitted we will use your school ID photo.
Senior Quotes
We’d love to include as many senior quotes as possible to make the senior section special!
Quotes must be school appropriate and cannot include links.
PPS email must be used to submit or we can’t accept it.
Submit your quote HERE
Senior Bests
Don’t miss out on your chance to vote for this year’s Senior Bests! We have about 100 entries so far, and would love to get a lot more representation. Senior Best VotingGrad Night - Get Tickets NOW Before the Price Increases in January!!
Don't miss out on a long standing tradition and attend the Grad Night party immediately following graduation at a secret location.
Board a bus at 10PM to be whisked away to a secret location, return at 3 AM the next morning. Your night will be filled with great food, music, prizes and FUN!
There will be an all night DJ, lots of AMAZING activities through the venue with raffle drawings and INCREDIBLE prizes throughout the night.
Tickets are $125, however, the price increases to $150 starting January 1st so don't delay! Split payments and Scholarships available - nobody will be turned away. Contact your Counselor for scholarship info!
Full price:
https://pps.schoolpay.com/pay/for/Senior-Grad-Night-Party-Tickets-20252026/Sb1Z3vp
Split payment:
https://pps.schoolpay.com/pay/for/Senior-Grad-Night-Party-Tickets-20252026/SeibCVC
Yearbook News
If you DO NOT want your school photo included in the yearbook, please email Higbee (khigbee@pps.net) from your school email or see him in room 142 before school or during lunch. This request must be completed no later than January 9th.
If you want your name changed in the yearbook to something other than what was submitted to Lifetouch at the beginning of the year, please email Higbee (khigbee@pps.net) from your school email or see him in room 142 before school or during lunch. If you aren't sure that you have been properly named by Lifetouch (this may be different from what is listed in StudentVue), please make sure to check with in with Higbee ASAP. This request must be completed no later than January 9th.
ACADEMICS
Advanced Math Tutoring Thursdays After School
Need help with Advanced Algebra, Precalculus, AP Calc. or AP Stats? Come to Thursday after school tutoring in Room, 31. Simple snacks available.
Interested in volunteering to be an advanced math tutor? See Ms. Jenkins in Room 31 for more information.
Art Classes Visit Portland Art Museum
Last week, our Printmaking Classes took a Field Trip to the Portland Art Museum.
PSAT Scores Available!
Your PSAT/NMSQT® scores are available now on College Board! Access your scores here College Board accounts now!
If you have tried, but are unable to access your scores on CollegeBoard, please go to the College & Career Center in the main hall for assistance. In addition, on CollegeBoard, there are also additional insights to help you better understand your scores. Students with access to the BigFuture® School mobile app will receive customized information from Big Future as well.
Remember, all juniors will be taking the SAT at school in March.
Pre-SAT "NEXT STEPS" Session
Please join in the library at Flex on January 8 for a session on next steps after getting your PSAT results. Bring your Chromebook! Here is our slide deck.
Guardian News Network (GNN)
GNN, week of December 8 https://youtu.be/_xYK3agscjM
There are always new stories in The Headlight, IBW's online magazine. Read them here: https://ibwheadlight.com/
Leadership - Winter Toy Drive
Ida B. Wells Leadership is bringing back the holiday toy drive for Doernbecher's Children's Hospital. Until the last day of school before winter break, please come to room #143 to drop off new and unused toys. Stuffed animals are a great option, but arts and crafts, action figures, and fidget toys are also great! Each donation, whether large or small, makes a difference in these children's lives. Help make a change for the better in our community!
Intro to Leadership Class - Advocacy Campaign
Our Intro to Leadership students are doing advocacy campaigns for our PEAK value - Be an Advocate. Please support them during the month of December!
Guardians of a Hunger Free Holiday
This holiday, we don´t want anybody to go hungry. That´s why from December 1st through December 18th, we are asking YOU to donate at least 1 item to the Guardians of a Hunger Free Holiday Food Drive. You can drop your donations off in your grade level bin, which are located by the North and South entrances to the school. The grade with the most donations will get points for class comp. As a school, we want to be able to donate 400 items to Neighborhood House Food Pantry in Multnomah Village, where all the food will be donated. Items we are looking for are non-perishable pantry items that are unexpired, packaged, and unopened. Specifically, canned foods, whole grain pasta/rice, nuts/nut butters, and breakfast items/cereals. Remember guardians, donate to the Guardians of a Hunger Free Holiday Food drive, and share the joy of having a full plate.
Support Victims of Sexual Abuse and Domestic Violence
Support the Band and Choir Programs
Greenery items Available
We have a few extra garlands, mini spruce trees, and other greenery items available to purchase from the band/choir fundraiser. These beautiful hand-crafted pieces make great gifts for your friend, neighbor, or co-worker. Or, deck your own halls! Please contact Jen Roark at 971-235-4723 if you're interested. Thank you!
Noble fir wreath with bow - $40
Mixed evergreen with bow - $42
Merry Berry wreath - $47
Cinnamon wreath - $50
Joy centerpiece - $17
Dwarf spruce tree with lights - $35
Yuletide swag - $25
25 ft Garland - $70
15 ft Garland - $35
🎄 Poinsettia & Amaryllis Fundraiser
The deadline has now passed to order Poinsettias but you can still order Amaryllis to brighten your holidays or to gift to others.
Amaryllis – Ships Directly to You or Loved Ones:
Choose from Amaryllis Kits, Waxed Amaryllis, and more unique gifts and seeds.
Shipping begins mid-November.
Order by December 1st to guarantee holiday delivery.
Place your order by December 15th to support the fundraiser.
The band receives 50% of each order!
Order here: Ida B. Wells HS Band Fundraiser
Give a beautiful gift and support our band program at the same time!
Positive Charge Club - Cookies for a Cause
Doing baking over the holiday? Make extra sweet treats to donate to Cookies for a Cause! On 12/13 at IBW we will package sweet treats for delivery to those in need at our partner agencies. Coordinated by Positive Charge IBW and other organizations this is a great way to do good for others.
Rose Festival Princess Application - Now Open!
IBW NICA Team Celebrates Standout Season
The Ida B. Wells High School NICA mountain bike team capped off an exceptional season
marked by multiple top-five podium finishes and strong performances across all levels of
competition. Several athletes advanced to the varsity division this year and had
maintained their top 5 finishes.
The team earned a major highlight at the Newport race, where Ida B. Wells secured first
place overall in DivisionII!
This year’s roster included Griffin DeVilliers, Liam Blaney, Hazel Gallagher, Luca Hein,
Nicolas Dvorsky, Lincoln Sanchez, Jack Abel, Elliot Behre, Jonah Eighmey, and Lucas
Halenda. Please congratulate Ida B. Wells riders on an outstanding season.
If you are interested in joining the Ida B Wells NICA mountain bike team please contact
Amanda Abel at aabel@pps.net. Our season starts in the summer!
Top 5 podiums for this years races:
Salem:
Varsity Girls:
● Hazel Gallagher 3rd
High School 3 Boys:
● Jack Abel 1st
● Nicolas Dvorsky 2nd
High School 1 Boys:
● Lincoln Sanchez 1st
Klamath Falls:
Varsity Boys:
● Jack Abel 2nd
High School 3 Boys:
● Nicolas Dvorsky 1st
High School 1 Boys:
● Lincoln Sanchez 1st
Mount Bachelor:
Varsity Boys:
● Jack Abel 2nd
● Nicolas Dvorsky 3rd
High School 1 Boys:
● Lincoln Sanchez 2nd
Newport:
Varsity Boys:
● Nicolas Dvorsky 4th
High School 1 Boys:
● Lincoln Sanchez 1st
State Champs - Prineville:
Varsity Boys:
● Jack Abel 3rd
● Nicolas Dvorsky 5th
High School 1 Boys:
● Lincoln Sanchez 1st
From the College Center
Alumni Panel
We are hosting our annual Alumni Panel next Wednesday, December 17th during Flex.
Ask Class of 2024 IBW Alumni questions about the transition to college, the college application process and life after high school. Featuring Alumni from: USC, Seattle University, Stanford, Oregon and Portland State.
From the Career Center
Many opportunities are available this Fall for you to explore careers, go more in-depth with internship and leadership opportunities, and make an impact in the community. Sign-up for an opportunity! Read on in the November IBW Career News. It is chock full of opportunities for our students to explore their interests and gain hands-on experience!
LIBRARY
Winter Sports
Winter sports contests are now underway! Check the schedule below for details. And then watch for the IBW Athletics Weekly Winter Season Preview Edition coming tomorrow!
You can view this week's Athletic Schedule here:
Official Weekly Athletic Schedule
Winter Training Underway for Track and Field
Winter is here and so are we. If you are not in a winter sport, come join us for comradery and training after school.
Sprints, Jumps and Throws - M-F - Check with event coaches for specifics
Distance - Tuesdays and Thursdays - 3:45-5:15 - Check with captains for other opportunities.
Information Meeting for Women's Lacrosse
Come meet up with Head Coach, Hyland Cullen-Musengo on Wednesday, December 10th from 7:00-8:00pm in the Cafeteria and find out about preseason workouts and plans for the upcoming season.
FAMILIES AND COMMUNITY
Booster Club
Stay up to date with Boosters in real time! Follow us on social media! Instagram Facebook Favorite Links - Linktree
Christmas Tree Fundraiser 🎄
Support our students and bring home holiday cheer!
All proceeds benefit the Ida B. Wells Booster Club, supporting student clubs and teams.
Thank you for making the fundraiser a huge success over the first two weekends! The community turnout has been amazing and all of the student and parent volunteers have been incredible.
We look forward to having Baseball, Women's LAX, Theatre, Women's Tennis, XC/TF and Volleyball as the groups working our sales shifts for our final weekend.
Let's finish out strong for our Booster Club who supports Athletic Teams and Student Clubs with this annual fundraising event!
Location: Barbur A-Boy
Dates: FINAL WEEKEND Dec 12-14
Hours:
- Friday: 4:00 – 5:30 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Available for Purchase:
- Douglas Fir Trees – $75
- Noble Fir (under 7 ft) – $85
- Noble Fir (over 7 ft) – $120
- Wreaths – $35
- Garlands – $35
- Sno-Park Passes - $35
- Wells Merch - Many Options Available!!
BINGO NIGHT
Don't miss the final IBW Bingo night before Winter Break!* Join us Monday, December 15th at the Old Barn at 6:30 PM! Bring cash to purchase your cards and not only are you supporting the IBW teams and clubs, but you could win big! Follow our Instagram or Facebook for more.
*No Bingo Night on 12/22 but join us during the Holiday Break on 12/29 for our FINAL BINGO NIGHT of 2025!! Mike Nolan and Leanne Van Horn from the Athletic Department will be calling the numbers and have invited the entire coaching staff to join in the fun!
GYM SHACK Volunteers are needed for Winter Season!
GYM SHACK SignUp is ready and we need volunteers! Volunteer now: https://signup.com/go/ycboLia
SignUp on the above link for all Women's and Men's Basketball games.
HELP! We have zero volunteers for our two preseason MBB games - 12/29 and 1/3. SignUp and support!
THANK YOU to Model United Nations Club, Leadership, WBB and Cheer volunteers for working in our Gym Shack last Friday night for our Women's Basketball opening night!
PTA News
PTA Parent Social
PTA - Parent Book Discussion
Grad Night Electronics Recycling Event
SAVE THE DATE
Electronics Recycling Event - Saturday, January 31st
The Ida B. Wells electronics recycling drive is back - right in time for a post-holiday clean out!
Planning to update your electronics this Black Friday?
Get rid of your unwanted electronics AND support Grad Night for the IBW Class of 2026!
The list below shows items that we can and can't take.
When: 10am - 2pm Saturday, January 31st
Where: Ida B. Wells High School, 1151 S.W. Vermont St. (Front parking Lot on Vermont)
$5/item or $25/vehicle, cash or check only
Thank you for supporting Grad Night for our seniors!
TEACHERS AND STAFF
Teacher Feature Lunches
IBW Teacher, Hillary Brown, travels to Antarctica
Last spring, IBW teacher, Hillary Brown was chosen to be a 2025 Grosvenor Teacher Fellowship as part of a partnership between National Geographic and Linblad Expeditions. As part of this professional development experience, she is now on this expedition to Antarctica onboard a ship. From Hillary, "I am thrilled to be given this incredible opportunity and I can't wait to incorporate the science of Antarctica into the curriculum of my Physics and Geology classes at Ida B Wells High School." You can follow her adventures on Instagram: ibw_geology
FROM THE DISTRICT
Cognizart is a proud PPS Arts Partner and Until January 16, 2026, Cognizart is accepting applications from visual artists & performing soloists and ensembles ages 8 to 18 to participate in the Young Artists Debut! (YAD!) The YAD! offers fun and educational benefits, including the opportunity to showcase and refine creative talents, professional photos and videos of creative works, guidance from mentors, and honoraria. One winning artist will be selected as the Zorro Award Winner, an honor which includes $1,000 to further artistic endeavors. The experience culminates with the Young Artists Debut! on April 24, 2026, at The Reser where artists showcase their talents, and select soloists will have the opportunity to perform with Orchestra Nova Northwest musicians.
The full details on the program are on our website at: https://www.metroartsinc.org/young-artists-debut
FROM THE COMMUNITY
Take a Bus to the Meadows Ski Area in January/February
There will be a bus leaving from Ainsworth Elementary on Sundays in January and February. Sign up soon to claim your spot!
January Bus:
Marshall Levine – Bus Organizer
503.752.1981
Registration link: http://www.skihood.com/store/1221224
GOCODE:1221224
February Bus:
Karla Aranda– Bus Organizer
503-891-4443
Registration link: https://www.skihood.com/store/1163270
GOCODE: 1163270