Week 35

Mother's Day is an annual celebration dedicated to honoring the contributions, sacrifices, and love that mothers provide to their families and communities. Established as a national holiday in 1914, it recognizes the tireless efforts of mothers, both the everyday tasks and the profound life lessons they share.

This special day celebrates not only biological mothers but also stepmothers, grandmothers, guardians, and all maternal figures who shape our lives. Mother's Day offers families and students an opportunity to practice gratitude, reflect on the important people in their lives, and express appreciation for those who often work behind the scenes, organizing, supporting, and nurturing.

Whether through cards, calls, or quality time, this day brings maternal contributions into the spotlight and reminds us of the profound impact mothers have on individuals, families, and society. I truly hope this Mothers' Day weekend is celebrated!

In honor of Mother's Day, here's a photo of my mom and me!

As we head into summer break, it's crucial to address a pressing concern: our school's attendance rates are significantly below where we need them to be. With a district goal of 70% proficiency in attendance and we're currently at only 55%, we have work to do. Even more concerning, our chronic absenteeism is at 18%! That's double our target of less than 9%. This gap represents real barriers to student success.

Why This Matters Now

Summer break is just around the corner, and attendance patterns often slip during transition periods. Students who are chronically absent miss critical instruction, fall behind academically, and struggle to catch up. The momentum we build now sets the tone for next school year.

Key Points

• Every day counts: Each absence compounds, affecting academic progress, social connections, and confidence
• Chronic absenteeism has consequences: Students with chronic absences (typically 10+ days) fall significantly behind in reading and math
• Summer is a reset opportunity: Encourage families to maintain consistent routines through summer programs, camps, or activities to keep attendance habits strong
• Early intervention works: Reaching out to families before absences become chronic makes a real difference

Together, we can close this gap and set students up for success. See below for our attendance data as of Friday., May 8th.

• 18% at chronic (bad attendance). GOAL is less than 9%
• 26.8% at Basic (could be better attendance)
• 55.2% at Proficient/Advance (good/great attendance) GOAL is more than 70%

5th Graders are finishing up their SBA with their Math test this week. We are conducting make-up testing sessions with our 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders for any sections they may have missed. Remember, completing the test is priority. Students are not participating in any recreation activities until their test is complete. You can help us by making sure they are here on testing day and not trying to play catch up. Let's be on the offense, not defense! Let's go Team Multnomah!

All students who arrive at school on time and stay for the entire day for all 15 days will be entered into a drawing to select a gift from “Multnomah’s Attendance Toy Box.” Prizes include cool LEGO sets, Pokémon toys, and other items students have said they would love to choose from. Check out the images below. Show it to your child to remind them. Zero Tardies. Zero Absences. Zero Early Outs. ALL STUDENTS, testing or not.

Week 3: May 11 – May 15

We will be hosting the drawing on May 19th in the afternoon. I will videotape the winners and post on Class Dojo and here for the following week.

Dear 5th Grade Parents,

We had to make some changes in event dates due to conflict with space, testing, or other events.

5/22: Panoramic Photo Distribution

5/29: Yearbook Distribution

6/1: Staff vs 5th Grade (student audience only)

6/3: School-Wide Track Meet

6/4: Ascot Hills Picnic (Thank you Angels Tacos for sponsoring lunch)

6/5: Field Trip: Movie

6/8: Culmination (See flyer)

6/9: 5th Grade Luncheon (Thank you Dog Haus for sponsoring lunch)

6/9: Spotlights and Slices 1:30-2:30 *Parents of Performers Welcome

6/10: 5th Grade Clap Out

• 8:05 am - 10:05 AM (School-wide quiet time)
• SBA Math Test
• Grade 5th
• Grades 3-5 Make-Up Testing
• Dismissal 2:28 pm

• 8:05 am - 10:05 AM (School-wide quiet time)
• SBA Math Test
• Grade 5th
• Grades 3-5 Make-Up Testing
• Dismissal Time 1:28 pm
• 1:30-2:30 Chorus
• 2:30-3:30 Ukelele

• Orchestra: Bring your instrument
• 8:05 am - 10:05 AM (School-wide quiet time)
• SBA Math Test
• Grade 5th
• Grades 3-5 Make-Up Testing
• Dismissal 2:28 pm

• 8:05 am - 10:05 AM (School-wide quiet time)
• SBA Math Test
• Grade 5th
• Grades 3-5 Make-Up Testing
• Dismissal 2:28 pm

• 8:05 am - 10:05 AM (School-wide quiet time)
• SBA Math Test
• Grade 5th
• Grades 3-5 Make-Up Testing
• Dismissal 2:28 pm