The Gresham-Barlow School District
Employee Newsletter
April 2026
A teacher points to a worksheet while a young student looks on attentively in a classroom.
SUPERINTENDENT’S MESSAGE
Opportunity: The bridge between a student’s potential and their future
Path to success should not just be visible, but accessible to every student - Read More
 
Two women smile, holding a large yellow frame that says 'What's Going Well!'
Ellie Lorenzo, Lita Johanningmeier, Holly Buck, and Stefany Morales-Rodrig (Clear Creek Middle School Front Office Team)
“CCMS secretaries are the calming center in the eye of the storm that is middle school emotions. They all go above and beyond to help each and every student, staff, and community member with care and compassion.“
-David Stewart 
Two women hold a large yellow frame with the words 'What's Going Well!' in a classroom.
Brandi Kruse (Springwater Trail High Arts and Creative Writing Teacher)
“Brandi is well-known not only as a gifted artist and writer in the Portland area but also as an innovative educator. She continually seeks out unique, meaningful, and culturally enriching learning experiences for her students.”
-Crystal Weber 
Two people pose with a 'What's Going Well!' frame in a school classroom
Jessie Daviscourt (Hogan Cedars Elementary School Kindergarten Teacher)
“Mrs. Daviscourt is an outstanding kindergarten teacher whose compassion and commitment shines through in everything she does. Thank you for nurturing our students academically, socially, and emotionally — your impact is truly meaningful."
-Ally Turkington
teacher smiling at two students sitting at their desk
BE HERE!
Dexter McCarty Middle School sees an increase in attendance with new community-building strategies 
Implementing “looping” and a monthly club program helps students build relationships and belonging
Read More
GBEF Logo
STRATEGIC MATH ASSESSMENT
Gresham High School's math team uses interim assessments to ensure student success
Read More
📺 Watch: Students thrive learning African drumming at Hollydale Elementary School

The students of Hollydale Elementary School are experiencing the magic of African drumming thanks to the Right Brain Initiative. This year, artist-in-residence Alex Addy brought his expertise in drumming and traditional Ghanaian culture.

Students showed a clear interest in making music, learning rhythm, and learning about more cultures. We love seeing our students thrive! Watch-

Alumni Spotlight

Deanna Richardson says her time at Sam Barlow High School prepared her for the rigors of law school 
Read More

Gresham High School graduate Tyler Falconer says hands-on classes inspired him to explore electrical engineering. 
Read More

Learn how attending Springwater Trail High School pushed Jenna Tate out of her comfort zone and inspired her to give back to her community.
Read More
Nominate someone for the GBSD Alumni Spotlight
Graphic that says
CREDIT RECOVERY
Twilight Scholars Credit Recovery Program provides critical opportunity for students
Personalized, proficiency-based learning allows students to get back on track to graduate 

Read More
many people on laptops sitting in conference room
SOCIAL STUDIES TEXT ADOPTION UPDATE
GBSD educators work together to thoroughly review materials
The team assessed new Oregon social studies standards and piloted instructional materials
Read More
group of students on a sidewalk outside a brick building
UNIQUE FIELD TRIP
Sam Barlow High School calculus students enjoy "Calculus: The Musical! — The Great Musical Math-Off”
Educational comedy uses popular music parodies to help students understand math concepts

Read More
Check out our social media channels to see more exciting news and recognitions!
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  • License renewals
    Please make sure you are paying attention to your licenses and when they need to be renewed. TSPC no longer sends reminders.  HR will do its best to track these, but it's imperative to stay in your roles to maintain an active license.  Usually, the expiration date is your birthday.  Log in to your TSPC accounts to check and keep track. It will cost you more money and penalties if your licenses lapse, and there isn't a grace period when you are in the classroom.  If you aren't sure of your expiration date, Kendra or Felisha in HR can look it up for you.  We will send reminders to employees when possible, but we can't guarantee it.  If not renewed, you are at risk of being pulled from your position unpaid until this task is completed.   
  • Licensure assistance
    If you need help with your teaching or admin licenses, don't hesitate to get in touch with Kendra Bowens or Felisha Brewer in HR to get assistance of any kind.  If you have applied for any new licensure, please let HR know so that we can document it.
  • Edustaff
    If you know anyone interested in subbing for the district, please have them apply online on the Edustaff website.  
  • Leave requests
    Please use your paid leave before requesting Unpaid Leave in Red Rover.  Unpaid Leave is not guaranteed and must be approved by HR.  It will only be approved for unique and special circumstances.  It can't be used because there are no leaves left.  These are for once-in-a-lifetime opportunities.  Please make sure you submit your leave requests in Red Rover.
  • Canopy (EAP- Employee Assistance Program)
    Please utilize our EAP program to address your wellness needs, including mental health or work-life support.  This could be helpful when you can't get into something more local. You can go to the Canopy website.  Our access code is OEBB.
Teacher sitting at small table with 4 young students
Hogan Cedars Elementary School celebrated Black History Month with hands-on learning! Interim Principal Wright visited each class to teach them about the Kalimba, an African thumb piano, and led them in making their own!♫
GBSD staff at board meeting
At the March 5 board meeting, the Board recognized counselor on special assignment Karen Harshfield for receiving the 2026 Article of the Year Award from the Journal for Specialists in Group Work. Congratulations!
Person presents in front of whiteboard
The Gresham High School (GHS) Concert Choir and Wind Ensemble traveled to Anaheim, California, to participate in clinics, recording sessions, and fun over spring break!♫
Dates to remember
  • April 20-24: National Public School Volunteer Appreciation Week
  • April 22: Administrative Professional's Day
  • April 23: School Board Work Session
  • April 24: Elementary Schools - Curriculum & Instruction Day-No School. Middle and High Schools - Standards and Assessment Day-No School
  • April 29: Budget Committee (1 of 2)
  • May 4-8: Teacher Appreciation Week
  • May 7: School Board Business Meeting
  • May 13: Budget Committee (If Needed - 2 of 2)
  • May 15: Elementary School - Curriculum & Instruction-Day No School
Inspire and Empower Each Student
Questions or Comments? Contact Athena Vadnais
gbsdcommunications@gresham.k12.or.us | 503-261-4550
Gresham-Barlow School District recognizes the diversity and worth of all individuals and groups.  It is the policy of this district and the board of education that there will be no discrimination or harassment of individuals or groups in any educational programs, activities or employment. 
Gresham-Barlow provides equal access to individuals with disabilities.  

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Gresham-Barlow School District
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1331 NW Eastman Parkway
Gresham, OR | 97030 United States
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