The Gresham-Barlow School District
Employee Newsletter
June 2022
SUPERINTENDENT'S MESSAGE
Many thanks to Team GBSD for all you have done to remain focused on students during this past school year
Graduation reminds us that every staff member plays a role in helping students cross the finish line 
SPOTLIGHT ON BARLOW HIGH SCHOOL'S ENGINEERING PROGRAM OF STUDY
Students in program graduate with enough skills for employment as drafter, join a union, or enroll in college with a focus on engineering
Program also teaches students time management and problem solving skills 
HIGHLAND ELEMENTARY HOLDS CELEBRATION FOR DUAL LANGUAGE IMMERSION PROGRAM
The Highland community joined together to celebrate the school’s Dual Language Immersion (DLI) Program by playing games and enjoying teacher-led activities that exemplify the language acquisition process our students go through every day. 
Parents, teachers, and administrators gave the Gresham-Barlow School District a standing ovation for its commitment to continue the DLI program through high school as we develop bilingual, bi-literate students who will thrive in an ever-changing global community.    
Spread the word! The Gresham-Barlow School District is looking for teachers for its Dual Language Immersion (DLI) Program.
Questions? Contact Araceli Farias 
Learn more about our Dual Language Immersion Program
HOLOCAUST SPEAKER PRESENTS AT SPRINGWATER TRAIL HIGH SCHOOL
Clarice Wilsey from the Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education visits school
Ms. Wilsey speaks on behalf of her late father, Captain David B. Wilsey, who was present at the liberation of Dachau concentration camp and provided medical care
GRESHAM HIGH SCHOOL EVENT PROVIDES INSIDE LOOK AT TRADE/ APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMS
Variety of careers represented, including electrical, plumbing, roofing, and construction
Event shines spotlight on career pathway that combines technical training and classroom learning
GORDON RUSSELL MIDDLE SCHOOL STAFF VS. STUDENT BASKETBALL GAME BRINGS THE CROWD TO THEIR FEET
Event makes history, goes into overtime
Intense match-up ends in a tie
SAM BARLOW HIGH SCHOOL TEAMS UP WITH DAVID DOUGLAS HS FOR CALCULUS FESTIVAL
In April 43 students from David Douglas and Sam Barlow High Schools gathered for the 3rd annual AP AB BC Calculus Festival to have some fun while reviewing for the Advanced Placement (AP) AB and BC Calculus Exam.  
Students reviewed calculus basics on Kahoot, solved the Great Calculus Caper, and engaged in a whiteboard challenge. 
Sam Barlow High School teacher Andy Collmer shared that students challenged each other and kept teachers on their toes! 
“I totally love this day because it brings together diverse groups of students and pushes them out of their comfort zone relationally and academically,” Collmer said. “They get an experience that will help them in many ways other than just for the test.”
INSPIRING STUDENTS IS GOAL OF DEXTER MCCARTY MIDDLE SCHOOL COLLEGE AND CAREER DAY
First-ever event featured 30 presenters from a variety of backgrounds
Event designed to help students make more informed decisions about their educational paths
PRESCHOOL TO POSTSECONDARY PATHWAYS TO CAREER SUCCESS INITIATIVE HOLDS RE-LAUNCH EVENT TO BRING TOGETHER BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY PARTNERS
The Preschool to Postsecondary Pathways to Career Success Initiative hit the “go” button with a breakfast reboot event on May 25. The initiative is aimed at increasing student engagement by encouraging innovative teaching practices that support core instruction. The initiative leverages hands-on learning opportunities, STEAM and CTE, embedded within the overall academic program, to ensure equitable access and outcomes for every student—from Preschool to Postsecondary. The support of business and community partners is essential to this work. If you would like more information or want to get involved, please contact Career Pathways Director Liz Maki.
GORDON RUSSELL MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS COMPETE FOR A SWEET TREAT! 
Gordon Russell Middle School teacher Greg Gonzalez’s 7th and 8th grade STEAM classes competed for a batch of professionally baked and frosted cookies by Too Smart Cookies in Gresham.
The challenge was for student partners to design a cookie cutter for a target audience and then pitch their creation. The cutters were 3D printed, real cookies were cut and baked, and frosting was added to sweeten the deal. 
School staff and the business owner rated the student masterpieces. The judges selected one winning team from each class.
We had a fabulous time celebrating West Gresham Elementary School’s 97 wonderful years. The May 14 community open house was definitely a success! 
On May 6 the Gresham-Barlow School District celebrated School Lunch Hero Day 🤩! Thank you to the incredible “Heroes” 🦸 who provide meals to our students each and every day! You are very much appreciated 💞!
The Gresham Outlook shined a spotlight on Hogan Cedars Elementary fifth grade teacher Kristy McKenzie. Through interactive and insightful projects, Ms. McKenzie makes sure learning is fun 🤗 ! In fact, recently her classroom received a grant to create an aeroponic garden tower 🌿.
Dates to remember
  • June 7: Last day for Seniors 
  • June 9: School Board Work Session, attend in-person or watch online, 6 pm
  • June 9: School Board Business Meeting, attend in-person or watch online, 7 pm
  • June 13: Last day for 8th Grade 
  • June 14: Gresham High School Graduation, 5 pm, Memorial Coliseum
  • June 14: Sam Barlow High School Graduation, 8:30 pm, Memorial Coliseum
  • June 15: Sprintwater Trail High School Graduation, 7 pm, Sam Barlow High School
  • June 15: Last day for students K-7
  • June 16: Grading Day, No School for K-8, last day for grades 9-11
  • June 16: Budget Hearing, 6 pm, Center For Advanced Learning (CAL)
  • June 16: School Board Work Session, attend in-person or watch online, 6:15 pm
  • June 17: Teacher Work Day, Elementary and Middle Schools
  • June 17: Grading Day, High Schools
  • June 20: Juneteenth Observed: District Closed 
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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