Dragon News

August 2026 Back to School Edition #1

Message from the Principal

Greetings Findley Community~

The first day of school is just around the corner. On August 25 we are embarking on a new journey that is the 2026-2027 school year.

We know that the start of a school year can be a whirlwind of new routines, new faces, and a hundred different questions. It's exciting, yes, but it can also be a bit overwhelming. Please know that we see you, and we're here to partner with you every step of the way.

Each and every year, we strive to create a school community that is welcoming, inclusive, and supportive for each of its members; staff, students and you, their families. Our students' success isn't built in a silo; it's built on a foundation of strong relationships and open communication between home and school.

We don't know what this year will have in store and we don't pretend to have all the answers for what it will hold. That said, we do know that when we work as a team, with our students' interest at heart we can face any challenge and celebrate every success.

We can't wait to see you and your children SOON, not just to welcome you back, but to begin this new journey together. In this edition of the Dragon News please find some helpful back to school information. More to come in subsequent newsletters. As always, do not hesitate to contact us with any questions or clarifications you have or need.

With Gratitude,

Sherry Marsh, Ed.D

Principal

Findley

Every Student Belongs Board Policy ACB

Equal Educational Opportunity Board Policy JB

Educational Equity Board Policy JBB

Supporting Immigrant and Refugee Students and Families

Serving LGBTQIA+ Students

Save the Date

Meet & Greet 1st-5th

The purpose of this event is for families with incoming 1st-5th grade students* to BRIEFLY meet your child's teacher and drop off supplies if they were not purchased through the school. This is an opportunity for quick - hello, nice to meet you, look around the classroom and drop off supplies (if applicable). Thank you for understanding.

Important note:

This is NOT the time to share concerns, worries or special circumstances with the teachers.

*Incoming Kinder families: we will see you all beginning August 25 for our half-day sessions. This Meet & Greet is for 1st-5th grade ONLY.

IMPORTANT PROCEDURES TO KNOW

Safe Routes Arrival & Dismissal Map

IMPORTANT REMINDER: E-BIKES & E-SCOOTERS

E-BIKES AND E-SCOOTERS ARE NOT LEGAL FORMS OF

TRANSPORTATION FOR ELEMENTARY AGE STUDENTS

Electric-assisted bicycles (e-bikes) and electric scooters (e-scooters) are becoming increasingly popular with students as a means of getting to and from school. It’s important for families to understand Oregon law regarding e-bikes and e-scooters.

Minimum age: Riders must be at least 16 years old to operate an e-bike or e-scooter.
Sidewalk use: E-bikes and e-scooters cannot be ridden on sidewalks. Riders must use bike lanes or share the road with traffic.
Helmet use: Helmets are strongly recommended for e-bike riders and required for all ages on e-scooters.
Vehicle classification: If an e-bike exceeds 1,000 watts or goes faster than its class allows, it can be classified as a motorcycle. Gas-powered bikes with engines over 50cc or capable of speeds over 30 mph are also considered motorcycles and require a license, registration and insurance.
Speed limits: E-scooters are limited to 15 mph. E-bikes must stay within the speed limits defined by their class.

Before your child hops on an e-bike or e-scooter, make sure they understand the rules and ride responsibly. Take a look at this video produced by Beaverton Police Department on bike and e-scooter safety.

For more details, visit the Oregon Micromobility, Moped and Mini Motorcycle Guide.

Let’s work together to ensure our kids are riding safely and legally.

2026-2027 Licensed Staffing Updates

Here is our 2026-2027 Licensed Staff List at of August 3, 2026:

Kindergarten

Jennifer Falkowski

Traci Higdon-from West TV

Shauna Westra & Carissa Lemons

1st Grade

Hailey Schlachter

Nicole Hastings-from Mckinley

Emily Reberry-from Beaver Acres

2nd Grade

Elizabeth Dow

Kristin Antich

Audrey Laasko-from Terra Linda

3rd Grade

Jessica Canessa

Ed Rodriguez

Laura Doolittle-from Beaver Acres

4th Grade

Jordan Blincoe

Melanie Driessen

Andrea Vardi-Jones

Laurie Calafet-from Fir Grove

5th Grade

Mary Jo James

Terri Buckley

Katie Lukins-from Beaverton Education Association

Behavior Health & Wellness Team

Emily Gotfried-Counselor

Sara Mesler-Student Behavior Specialist

Amy Clay-Instructional Coach

Shannon Bauck-Language Acqusition Specialist

Todd Hoodenpyle-English Language Development Teacher

Victoria Sharan-Social Worker

Special Education Team

Lindsay Eisenhart-Learning Specialist

Heather Arch-.5 Learning Specialist from William Walker

Aylin Gann-School Psych

Kris Jensen-Speech & Language Pathologist

Specialists

Ryan Lindell-PE

Brian Gorton-.5 PE

Lindsey Newby-Music

Maria Mihaescu-.5 Music

Important Back to School Information

ParentSquare Message from BSD

Dear BSD Families,

We’re less than a month away from the start of the 2026-2027 school year! We hope that your family is enjoying the summer break.

Here are a few things to think about as you prepare to return:

First Day of School

While many students begin the new school year on Tuesday, August 25, your child’s actual start date depends on their grade level and school. Check the district website for specific start dates.

Annual Online Verification

The annual online verification process is now open. For safety reasons, we encourage all parents/guardians to complete the process before school begins. Verification allows you to check that important information such as emergency contacts and health/medication requirements is up-to-date in our system.

In ParentVUE (not ParentSquare), click on the “Family Updates and New Student Enrollment” tab in the top right-hand corner to start the verification process. A message will display in your ParentVUE portal with a link to the online verification screens for your review.

If you haven’t activated your ParentVUE account or if you have access concerns, please contact your school (not the District Administrative Office). If you’ve forgotten your ParentVUE password, please follow these instructions to reset.

Waiver/Discount on Student Fees

To apply for a student fee waiver/discount for the 2025-2026 school year, please complete the application for free/discounted student fees as part of the online verification process. The form should take less than one minute to complete.

Free Meals for All

All students, regardless of family economy, are eligible for a free daily breakfast and lunch. Families do not have to apply to receive this benefit.

We look forward to seeing you in a few weeks!