The Cheetah Coalition #8

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We know there are many questions and concerns about Rightsizing and what it could mean for students, schools and communities across Portland. We also know this is a lot of information to take in, and we want to make it easier to understand why PPS is doing this work, what is guiding the process and what happens next.

That is why we created a series of six short videos featuring PPS leaders who are helping guide different parts of the Rightsizing process.

The videos answer some of the questions we are hearing most often from our communities:

• What is Rightsizing and why is PPS doing it?

• How did we get here?

• What factors are being considered?

• What are we trying to accomplish?

• How will decisions be made?

• How can students, families, staff and community members stay informed and engaged?

Our goal is to give you clear information about this process and help build a shared understanding of the work ahead. We will continue to share information, answer questions and create opportunities for our communities to participate as the Rightsizing process moves forward. You can learn more about Rightsizing and watch all six videos on the PPS Rightsizing webpage.

Thank you for continuing to stay engaged and share your questions and perspectives with us.

Run for Atkinson is coming right up! On Friday, October 16, all students will have the chance to run and raise money to expand enrichment programming in art, PE, music, assemblies, and more.

How it works:

• Students gather contributions before and after the run from friends and family. Sponsors can make contributions with a credit or debit card via SchoolPay. Students can also gather checks and/or cash and bring it with their sponsor sheet to the school office. All donations are fully tax deductible!
• Students wear their Run for Atkinson t-shirt on the day of the run (everyone gets a shirt!).
• We'll run on the Franklin HS track and count laps just like during Running Club. Parents are welcome to attend and cheer the students!
• K–2 students will run from 9:15–10 a.m.
• 3–5 students will run between 10:15–11:00 a.m.
• After the run, there will be popsicles!

Check out this great video that our amazing PE instruction Michael Rittman put together. It explains where the money raised goes, how students can ask for donations, and what to expect the day of. HERE is a direct link to the donations page.

Contact Ms. Constance in the office with any questions (csanjuan@pps.net).

Riders on bus route 279, check the attached schedule for changes to some pickup and and dropoff times.

Calling all EMPTY and CLEAN sardine, anchovy, altoid, and mint cans for art projects! Please drop them off in the office anytime during office hours 7:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Harvest Fest — Friday, October 23, at 2:30 p.m.

Please join us from 2:30–3:30 p.m. in the Outdoor Learning Garden to celebrate Harvest Fest! Each student will get to paint a free pumpkin and enjoy snacks and refreshments. We’ll also have larger carving pumpkins for sale. Come support the PTA and enjoy the beautiful progress in the Multicultural Garden!

We need volunteers to make this a success. Please sign up here if you are interested in helping out!

Día de los Muertos Celebration — Wednesday, October 28, at 2:30 p.m.
Join us for Atkinson’s annual Día de los Muertos Celebration! Come together with our school community to honor and remember loved ones who have passed and celebrate this beautiful Mexican tradition through food, art, activities, and community. Enjoy pan de muerto, hot chocolate, crafts and activities, our community altar, and more!

We need helping hands to make this special event possible. There are plenty of ways to pitch in before, during, and after the celebration. Sign up to volunteer here!

SE Portland 4th grade boys basketball team

Join the SE Portland neighborhood 4th grade boys Goldenball team!

Goldenball is a basketball league operated by Portland Parks and Recreation. The team is looking for 8–10 4th grade boys with an interest in basketball. Whether you’ve played a couple of years and are looking to take the next step in your development or you’re excited to play basketball for the first time, this is a great opportunity to have fun, build community, and learn life lessons through an amazing sport!

There will be two practices a week (one hour each) starting in mid-November and ending in early March. Practices are hosted at nearby elementary schools. (Dates and times are not available yet.)

Games are played on Saturdays, and they start in mid-January and run through early March. They are about an hour long and are played at SE and NE area schools. (Game dates and times have not been announced yet.) The goal is to have a team finalized in early October.

If you’re interested in joining the team, email Adam Ross at adam.ross2@gmail.com.

Franklin Cheerleaders will be hosting a Mini Bolts Youth Clinic on October 7 for Grades K-8.

I wanted to share that PP&R’s Environmental Education department has launched a new program -- the ‘Explore Your Park Series!’ This series is a free, drop-in program for all ages that offers hands-on activities, scavenger hunts, creature features, guided park tours, and more. Events will be 2 hours in length and attendees can drop in to participate for any amount of time during that period. This program will visit a different Portland park each month to learn from and about the plants and animals that call it home.

On Saturday, October 24th from 11 a.m.–1 p.m., we will be hosting an Explore Your Park Series event at Mt Tabor Park. The park entrance address is at SE 69th Ave. and SE Yamhill St, and we will be located near the playground. We will be learning about bats and other creatures! No need to register, just come on by!

Our PPS approved program will run on Mondays from 5:30–6:30 p.m., October 12 through November 16.

The program costs $60 for 6 classes ($10/class), and we offer scholarships on the registration website. Here is a link to the registration page. Here is a link to the scholarship application form.

Thank you so much for your continued support of youth tennis programs!

We’re looking for a caring, dependable English/Spanish bilingual speaker to join our Atkinson team as a Temporary Duty Support person. This role helps keep our students safe and supported during lunch and recess, while reinforcing positive behavior and building relationships with students.

The position is Monday–Friday, 10:30 a.m.–12:15 p.m., and is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys working with children and being part of a school community. Experience working with children in a school, childcare, youth, sports, or community setting is required.

Spanish speakers are highly preferred! If you or someone you know would be interested in joining our team, please check out the job description details here. The job posting will soon be appearing on the PPS jobs website.

• Friday, October 9 — Oregon Statewide Teacher Inservice Day, NO SCHOOL
• Tuesday, October 13 — Picture Retakes Day
• Thursday, October 15 — PTA Meeting, 6–7 p.m., Benbear's Beers (5029 SE Division St)
• Friday, October 16 — Run for Atkinson!
• Wednesday, October 21 — Early Release @ 11:50 a.m.
• Friday, October 23 — Principal’s Coffee in the Cafeteria, 8:10 a.m.
• Friday, October 23 — PTA Fall Harvest Festival, 2:30–4 p.m.
• Wednesday, October 28 — PTA Día de los Muertos Celebration, 2:30–3:30 p.m.
• Thursday, October 29 — Grading Day, NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS
• Friday, October 30 — Teacher Planning Day, NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS

Access the full school calendar here.

We have early release at 11:50 a.m. on the following Wednesdays: October 21, December 16, January 20, February 17, March 17, April 21, and May 19.

PPS works hard to ensure that all staff and students are trained to respond effectively and efficiently during an emergency at or near school. One of the many ways we accomplish this is through our mandatory drill requirements. These drills are essential in ensuring our school community is as prepared as possible for emergency situations. Atkinson's emergency drill schedule for the remainder of the school year is as follows:

• Thursday, October 15 — Earthquake and Evacuation
• Monday, November 2 — Fire/Evacuation
• Thursday, November 5 — Secure the Perimeter
• Thursday, December 3 — Fire/Evacuation
• Tuesday, January 5 — Team Response
• Friday, January 8 — Fire/Evacuation
• Monday, February 8 — Fire/Evacuation
• Tuesday, March 2 — Fire/Evacuation
• Friday, March 12 — Lockdown
• Thursday, April 15 — Earthquake and Evacuation
• Friday, May 14 — Fire/Evacuation
• Monday, June 7 — Fire/Evacuation

Learn more about PPS Emergency Management here.