Corbett School District Newsletter
February 2024
Calendar Dates to Remember
- February 3 – HS Winter Formal
- February 8 – PTA Meeting
- February 9, 10, 11, 17, 18 – A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM
- February 13 – Bond Oversight Committee Meeting
- February 16 – Bingo Night Fundraiser
- February 19 – President's Day - No School
- February 21 – Regular School Board Meeting
- February 23 – Friday School
- February 23 – Ties & Tiaras Dance Fundraiser
Multicultural Calendar
February 1 – National Freedom Day
On this date in 1865, President Lincoln signed the 13th Amendment which abolished slavery. The day was first advocated for by Major Richard Robert Wright Sr. who was born into slavery and freed after the Civil War.
February 10 – Lunar New Year
This signifies the first new moon of the lunar calendar. It’s a time rich in traditions and cultural festivities, often featuring family gatherings, special foods and diverse cultural rituals that differ from country to country, including performances, special decorations, and the giving of good-luck gifts.
February 14 – Frederick Douglass’ Birthday (Observed)
This day honors the birth of abolitionist Frederick Douglass. After escaping slavery in Maryland, he became the face of the abolitionist movement in the North.
February 15 – Susan B. Anthony’s Birthday
This women’s suffrage leader advocated for equal pay and the right to vote for women. She also was an active member of the Abolitionist movement alongside Frederick Douglass.
Video Message from Superintendent Dr. Derek Fialkiewicz
School District Public Meetings
Regular School Board Meeting
- This meeting will be offered hybrid: in person and via Zoom.
- The meeting agenda including the Zoom link will be posted here 3 days prior to the meeting: https://meetings.boardbook.org/Public/Organization/1554
- Everyone is welcome, and each meeting includes time for public comment. The agenda will provide instructions for public comment.
- 2023-24 School Board Members: Michelle Vo - Board Chair; Todd Mickalson- Board Vice Chair, Bob Buttke, David Granberg, Dylan Rickert, Leah Fredericks, Ben Byers.
Wednesday, Feb 21, 2024, 07:00 PM
Corbett Middle School, East Woodard Road, Troutdale, OR, USA
Bond Oversight Committee Meeting
- The meeting agenda will be posted here 3 days prior to the meeting: https://meetings.boardbook.org/Public/Organization/1554
- Everyone is welcome, and each meeting includes time for public comment. The agenda will provide instructions for public comment.
Tuesday, Feb 13, 2024, 07:00 PM
Corbett Middle School, East Woodard Road, Troutdale, OR, USA
High School Winter Formal
Corbett Performing Arts Club
A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM
Corbett Performing Arts Club (CPAC) is proud to present its upcoming production of William Shakespeare’s “A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM.” With inspiration from the eclectic 1960s and set to the music of the Beatles, director Katherine Zieman puts a delightful new spin on this beloved comedy. We invite you to join the magical world of the Athenian forest as the paths of lovers, craftsmen, and fairies intertwine in heartfelt and hilarious ways. Come out and support this talented group of Corbett actors and techs for what promises to be an uproariously fun show full of comedy and laughter.
All performances will be in the Corbett MPB. Advance reservations can be made via email at cpac14info@gmail.com
Fundraisers
Ties & Tiaras Dance- Friday February 23rd
Corbett Middle School
Save the date for a Middle School Fundraiser on 3/5/24!
50% of the nights proceeds from the POWERSTATION will be donated back to CMS!
The Oregon Department of Education, in partnership with the Oregon Lottery, is pleased to announce the continuation of Oregon Regional Teacher of the Year to honor exemplary educators in every region of the state!
• Nominations are open statewide through February 28, 2023.
• Oregon Education Service Districts will select a winner from their region.
• Regional Teachers of the Year will be honored across the state in September!
• In October one of the Regional Teachers of the Year will be named the Oregon Teacher of the Year and will be eligible to apply for the honor of the National Teacher of the Year!
Regional Teachers of the Year will receive a cash prize of $1,000 and will be celebrated across the state. The Oregon Teacher of the Year will receive a $10,000 cash prize (with a matching $5,000 going to their school) and serve as a spokesperson and representative for all Oregon teachers.
Anyone can nominate a teacher! All Oregonians are encouraged to nominate their favorite teacher today at: oregonteacheroftheyear.org
Cardinal Athletics Weekly Huddle
- CSD Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/corbettschools
- Corbett High School Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/corbett.hs/
Come support your Corbett Equestrian Team!
Our meets are Feb 2, 3, 4. March 8, 9, 10 and April 5, 6, and 7th. Our meets are at the Oregon Equestrian Center in West Linn. Events start at 8 am Friday and Saturday- 9:30 Sunday. We have something for everyone: Barrel Racing, Dressage, Obstacle Relay, Roping, Reining, Sorting and much more. Come see what we're about and cheer on the Cardinals!
High School Spring Sports Begin
Questions Email Angela Davis: adavis@corbett.k12.or.us
Monday, Feb 26, 2024, 04:00 PM
Corbett High School, E Historic Columbia Rvr, Corbett, OR, USA
Track & Field Preseason Info
The High School Track and Field season begins February 26th. Practices will run from 4:00-5:30 Monday through Thursday. Our meet schedule can be found at https://www.athletic.net/team/75/track-and-field-outdoor/2024.
Preseason trainings occur on Mondays and Thursdays from 4:00-5:00 in the weight room.
Last year our team sent Sophie Bergkvist, Ava Blatchford and Cyrus Kurkinen to the State Championships in Eugene. We’re looking forward to a new season and hopefully sending even more athletes to State.
Prior to the season, athletes will need to ensure they have an up-to-date sports physical on file and register on Big Teams. For questions, please contact Paul Rondema (prondema@corbett.k12.or.us) or Angela Davis (adavis@corbett.k12.or.us).
Corbett Youth Sports
VISIONS AND VALUES
The goal of Corbett Youth Sports is to develop and promote the ideals of
responsibility, hard work, sportsmanship, and teamwork within a safe and positive environment. The individual growth of our community's children is enhanced through the spirit of competition, discipline and fair play.
- These goals will be accomplished by providing structured programs designed to educate both participants and parents in all aspects of the sport.
- CYS is committed to providing youth programs that maintain the highest standards and guarantees. All while having a fun, and positive experience for everyone involved.
Baseball and Softball REGISTRATION IS OPEN!!
To Register Visit CYS Website at: https://corbettyouthsports.org/
Registration deadline: 2/5/24
Open to Ages: Pre-K to 8th grade
Some travel up to 45 minutes required, no transportation provided
T-ball Information: Girls & Boys in grades PreK-Kindergarten
Season dates: April 15 - June 15
Parent meeting: April 4 at 6PM
Practices begin: April 15
Field work and picture day: April 27
Rookie Baseball information: Boys in grades 1st-2nd
Season dates: April 15 - June 15
Parent meeting: April 4 at 6PM
Practices begin: April 15
Field work and picture day: April 27
Softball Information: Girls in grades 1st-8th
Season dates: March 18 - June 9
Evaluations: March 9
Parent meeting: March 13
Practices begin: March 18
Field work and picture day: April 27
Baseball information: Boys in grades 3rd-8th
Season dates: April 1 - end of July
Evaluations: March 8
Parent meeting: April 4 at 6PM
Practices begin: April 1
Field work and picture day: April 27
We need Umpires, no experience necessary, will train. Pay is $40-$50 per game. A great opportunity for a high school student. Email: jessewilson@hotmail.com to inquire.
Still have questions:
Baseball email: briewindust@gmail.com
Softball email: Troy.younker@ziply.com
E-Sport
Corbett E-sports Season starts in February
Middle School and High School students that are interested in competing with the Corbett team are encouraged to speak with Mr. Binschus for more details.
The season runs Mid February through Early May with weekly matches played after school in the classroom, and includes an end of season tournament at Mt. Hood CC.
District Wide News
CHAMPS
CORBETT HIGH SCHOOL ASSOCIATION OF MAMAS & PAPAS OF SENIORS
- Please save and donate your bottles and cans to help the senior class of 2024, Drop off location is across the street from Corbett Water District in the shipping container.
- Parents of Seniors CHAMPS need your help with the events. Please email me at cardinalmom24@gmail.com
Corbett PTA News
Hello from PTA!
We just wanted to say thank you again to all the families, students, and community members who made this years Book Fair such a success!
Our next meeting will be on February 8th at 6:30pm via zoom so make sure to follow the PTA's Facebook page to have all the details (direct link to page attached).
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064875030602
If you are interested in being a member or a room parent please reach out to corbettcardinalspta@gmail.com.
Student Service
The Oregon Tax Code provides an additional tax exemption for parents of children with disabilities.
From the Health Room
Corbett students and staff showed great resiliency during our recent ice and snowstorms. We are so happy to have students back to their regular schedule and in school.
Please note that February 21st is Oregon School Immunization Exclusion Day. If a student does not have a vaccine exemption or vaccine up to date, you should have received a letter from MESD and a phone call or email from the Health Room. Please call and let us know if there is updated information that we need to have on your student. You can reach Cheryl Reams, School Health Assistant, at 503-261-4258, who will be happy to assist you with any vaccination information specific for your student.
Let us know if the Health Room can assist you with any other community resources that may be helpful for your student.
Stay Strong and Healthy,
Julie Nakamura, RN
Devon Groh (K-1 Teacher)
Interview by Michelle Carter Smith
* Teaches content/standards that are required
* Teaches how to learn and how to love learning
* Helps set the trajectory for the next 12 years as a student, showing students how to be the best version of themselves
Devon was born in Cincinnati, Ohio. At six months, he moved with his family to California and then Pennsylvania, back to California, and then to Michigan. He is the middle of three, with an older and younger sister. His parents divorced when he was nine and he continued to move, finally settling in CA. His dad just recently retired from the cosmetics industry and his mom is still working as an office manager for a scaffolding company. Devon describes himself as an extrovert while he was growing up, always comfortable talking with others. His interests included paleontology, which he thinks first began as a result of watching Jurassic Park! He says he loved "digging for bones" in his yard or wherever he could. He would also describe himself as a "gearhead" who loved ALL types of cars and spent endless hours in the garage with his dad, working on cars. His dad did all of his own car repairs and modifications, so Devon learned from an early age the many intricacies of mechanical work. He had a strong sense of who he was and what he enjoyed. He played lacrosse in high school, but it never became a passion. He was all about "wrenching" on something- a dirt bike, go-kart, or his car! He also enjoyed drawing throughout his childhood and he still does on occasion when he is out hiking and exploring. After high school graduation in Temecula, Ca., he considered joining the Marines. He realized it was something other people thought was best for him and he wanted to go to college to become a teacher! He attended Palomar Community College for two years before transferring to California State University San Marcos to earn his bachelor's degree in history. During his time at the university, he began working at the local movie theatre. He started at an entry-level position and soon became the corporate maintenance technician! He did not have heavy supervision in his position and so learned quickly that he needed to "figure things out!" He had a professor at the university encourage him to get his endorsement to teach English in addition to history. Devon believes this choice was a game-changer for him in many ways. In Devon's senior year, COVID-19 hit in March, and everything shut down. His Capstone Project, a research paper that he was required to write to graduate, was greatly impacted. With libraries and museums shut down, he no longer had access to books and materials needed to write his research paper. As with his job at the movie theatre, he had to "figure it out." He began "cold emailing" authors, heads of museums, librarians, etc., and remained very persistent and creative until he was able to collect enough needed information to write his paper. Because of the unique challenges that he faced, his success at graduating with his Capstone Project completed, success was even sweeter. In the fall of 2020, Devon entered the one-year teaching credential program at the same university.
When Devon was in the 7th grade, he met Hannah and they became fast friends, graduating high school together and even working at the same movie theatre together when he was in college. During his third year of college, their friendship blossomed into dating and they have never looked back. Both decided to move to Portland when Devon finished his teaching credential program. They were drawn to the beauty of the surroundings, the weather, and the opportunities. They are now engaged and plan to marry in June 2025. In June 2021, Devon applied for a one-year position at Corbett High School to cover a maternity leave. He was hired and taught English and AP Literature. When the year was over, Cassie Duprey asked him if he would consider staying on but working in the grade school. He did a great deal of research and met the staff at the grade school before applying for the teaching position as a K-1 teacher. Devon was hired in August 2022 and he is currently taking classes at PSU to officially get his elementary teaching endorsement. Devon says he loves engaging with the young students in his classroom, talking about all of the incredible things in the world and how they can have an impact! Opinion writing, through the use of both words and pictures, is his favorite thing to teach as he believes everyone has a voice and has the ability to positively impact their world. He and Hannah love to travel! They have driven across the US numerous times (at least ten) over the years and feel that each time is a unique and great experience! Hannah does web design and is involved in sales. Devon says they are both active outdoors people.
School Based Mental Health-SBMH
Corbett School-Based Mental Health Services
The School-Based Mental Health center provides mental health services to children, teens, and families in Corbett School District.
If you’re experiencing a change in mood or your regular routine, we can help. Reach out to your school counselor/social worker or call 503-261-4246. They’ll connect you with a professional program who you can talk to privately.
Need immediate help? Contact Multnomah Mental Health Center.
When you call the Call Center at 503-988-4888, you get:
Free, 24/7 mental health support
Interpretation services for non-English speakers
Referral to low-cost or sliding-scale agencies
Information about non-crisis community resources
Urgent Walk-In Clinic
Need to meet face to face? Stop by our Urgent Walk-In Clinic.
The clinic can help anyone experiencing a mental health crisis at no cost.
Receive immediate care during a mental health crisis
Speak to a psychiatrist or a mental health nurse practitioner
Get help with medication and treatment
Location: Cascadia Behavioral Healthcare Urgent Walk-in Clinic
4212 SE Division St, Portland
Hours: Monday - Saturday 7 am-10:30 pm, Sunday 9 am-9 pm
If someone is in danger, dial 911.
For questions about access to mental health resources at Corbett School District, please call Helen Leedom at (503) 261-4246.
SBMH Contact List
Erica Boykins- High School Social Worker (eboykins@corbett.k12.or.us)
Anna McNeely-Miles: Grade School Social Worker (amcneely@corbett.k12.or.us)
Tiffany Dennis: Special Education/504 Social Worker (tdennis@corbett.k12.or.us)
Holly Roach: Middle School Counselor (hroach@corbett.k12.or.us)
Vanessa Knight: CAPS Counselor (vknight@corbett.k12.or.us)
CORBETT SD 39 EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Click here to see the most up to date listing and to Apply:https://corbett.tedk12.com/hire/Index.aspx
Stay Connected:
Here are a few ways to stay connected with what is happening within Corbett School District.
- Corbett School District Website: https://corbett.k12.or.us/
- CSD Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/corbettschools
- Corbett Grade School Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/corbett_grade_school/
- CAPS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/corbettartsprogramwithspanish/
- Corbett High School Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/corbett.hs/
- Corbett Athletics Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/corbett_athletics/
- Monthly District Newsletter: https://corbett.k12.or.us/parents/parent-news/
Stay Connected
Email: bwindust@corbett.k12.or.us
Website: https://corbett.k12.or.us/
Location: 35800 East Historic Columbia River Highway, Troutdale, OR, USA
Phone: 5032614268
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/corbettschools
Twitter: @CorbettSchools


