SUPERINTENDENT’S MESSAGE
Building a culture of belonging
Creating connections that help students learn, grow, and thrive
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Carmy Suastez Vazquez (Kelly Creek Elementary School's Elementary Secretary)
“Carmy is not only super friendly and welcoming, she goes above and beyond with everything she does in her work. She is passionate about our community, supports her building's staff and other building secretaries, and is always working to improve our systems. Gresham-Barlow is very lucky to have Carmy!”
-Jade Joseph
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Manpreet Sadhal (GBSD Dual Language Program Coordinator)
“Manpreet's deep knowledge of dual language instruction makes her an essential asset to our district, particularly in supporting our elementary math labs. As an expert in dual language instruction, she inspires teachers to empower their students by helping them effectively bridge the gap between language barriers and deep mathematical understanding.“
-David Breese
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Brandi Kruse (Springwater Trail High School’s 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. By inviting local artists and writers into the classroom, she fosters creativity and then creates opportunities for her students to engage with the arts in ways they might not have otherwise experienced."
-Crystal Weber
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TEACHING AND LEARNING SPOTLIGHT
Secondary teachers work to implement vocabulary routine into their classrooms
Routine vocabulary instruction is one of the most powerful ways to help students access grade level content
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GRANTS FOR GBSD EDUCATORS
Gresham-Barlow Education Foundation (GBEF) grant application available online
Last year, GBEF awarded $74,716 in grants—apply today!
Read More
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BE HERE!
West Orient Middle School partners with Portland Trail Blazers’ Rip City Achievers program
Community partner helps middle school see an uptick in absenteeism during winter months due to basketball ticket incentive
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PARTNERSHIP SPOTLIGHT
GBSD works with Portland Youthbuilders to help students access hands-on training and support in earning a GED
Students paired with a career coach, and provided help with resume building, employment placement
Read More
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Free Financial Well-Being Workshops for Educators
Oregon Well-Being Trust is partnering with Financial Beginnings to offer two free virtual financial well-being workshops for Oregon educators.
These one-hour Zoom sessions will cover practical tools for setting financial goals, managing everyday finances, building savings, understanding retirement options, and preparing for unexpected expenses.
Workshop Dates (on Zoom):
Spots are limited.
Learn more about the sponsoring organizations:
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GBSD parent webinar series
Superintendent Tracy Klinger, along with Heidi Lasher and Tim Collins, will lead our second Parent Webinar: “Parents Have the Power” on Wednesday, February 25, at 6:30 p.m.
They’ll share how to build a better reader from Kindergarten to Graduation and offer practical strategies to fuel brain development in elementary students, re-engage middle schoolers through diverse media, and guide teens in using AI as a productive thought partner
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GRESHAM-BARLOW EDUCATION FOUNDATION
Help the Gresham-Barlow Education Foundation bring ‘great things to the classroom’
Donate to GBEF through Fred Meyer Community Rewards
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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. The Human Resources (HR) Department 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 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. To access this program, visit the Canopy website. Our access code is OEBB.
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GBSD teachers are participating in workshops to learn the most up-to-date, research-based literacy instruction practices! Kindergarten teachers gathered at Hall Elementary School for a “Talk, Cite, Write” lab.
| |  | Superintendent Tracy Klinger and School Board Member Shawn Farrens recently visited Powell Valley Elementary. Our district leaders love to visit classrooms and see the learning in action!
| |  Clear Creek Middle School hosted its annual career day! Students explored future careers, asked great questions, and were inspired an impressive range of professionals.
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| Dates to remember
- February 20: Board Strategic Planning Retreat
- March 2 - 6: Classified Employee Week
- March 5: Elementary - Curriculum and Instruction Day - No School
- March 5: School Board Business Meeting
- March 6: Elementary and Middle School- Grading Day - School - High School- Standards and Assessment Day - No School
- March 8: Daylight Saving Time (set clocks ahead one hour)
- March 12: School Board Work Session
- March 19: Budget 101 Meeting
- March 23 - 27: Spring Break
- April 2: School Board Business Meeting
- April 16: Budget Committee Meeting (1 of 2)
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