The Gresham-Barlow School District
Employee Newsletter
November 2024
Superintendent James Hiu with two staff members to his right
SUPERINTENDENT’S MESSAGE
Strong school attendance is critical to students’ academic success
Help us encourage every student to “Be Here!”
Read More
Portrait of Norman Paul Chambers smiling wearing a grey hoodie
SUBSTITUTE TEACHER WINS PRESTIGIOUS AWARD 

Norman Paul Chambers wins Edustaff Oregon Substitute of the Year

Taking time to build relationships with his students and having a can-do attitude sets Chambers apart

Read More
Gresham-Barlow Education Foundation Logo
GRESHAM-BARLOW EDUCATION FOUNDATION UPDATE
School staff can apply for grants
Grants last year funded math wipebook boards, ceramics class supplies, social/emotional support tools, and more
Read More
Contractual advantages for bilingual staff
Colorful cubes on blue background with the word bilingual
Are you a bilingual classified employee who is interested in being assessed in order to receive a pay increase as outlined in the 23-26 OSEA-GBSD Collective Bargaining Agreement? Gresham-Barlow School District will offer opportunities to demonstrate your level of proficiency in a GBSD high demand language through a language assessment this year.  You will complete your assessment outside of your work hours and it will be administered at one of the GBSD sites.  This year's test date is:

February 5 - 4-7 PM (Retakes from November 5th are welcome)

Based on the linguistic needs of the students and families in the Gresham-Barlow School District, the following languages will be assessed to determine eligibility: Arabic, Russian, Spanish, and Ukrainian.

Once you sign up for the test, you will receive more information about the location, what to bring, and tips on how to prepare. 
Bilingual Staff Language Assessment Sign Up Form
4 Students crouched around robotics project on thr floor
SAM-BARLOW HIGH SCHOOL INTRODUCES NEW ROBOTICS TEAM 

Ursa Major will start the competition process in January

Dedicated students and coaches are working to foster a passion for all things STEM in GBSD

Read More
Blue
TOMORROW BUS JOINS TEDDY BEAR PARADE
Traveling makerspace earns special spot in Gresham’s annual parade
The bus is part of GBSD’s efforts to offer more hands-on experiences in technology
Read More
Two women standing in front of sign that says
BARLOW SCIENCE TEACHER ATTENDS NOBEL PRIZE SUMMIT  

Adina Rubenstein participated along with teachers from over 30 countries

Participants meet Nobel Laureates, top scientists, and other leaders

Read More
Check out our social media channels to see more exciting news and recognitions!
Twitter Facebook Instagram LinkedIn
  • W-2 forms to be mailed to home addresses
    Beginning in January of 2025 employee W-2 tax forms will be mailed via USPS instead of delivered to your home school location. Please verify that your address on file is correct to ensure your form is not delayed in transit. Your current mailing address can be found on your most recent pay stub. Changes can be made through the Employee Access portal or by contacting Erin Hoke in Human Resources. 

    Employee Access Portal

    -Sign in, go to "My Information" and then "Profile.” Click on the pencil icon to edit.

    Email Erin Hoke at hoke3@gresham.k12.or.us or call her at 503-261-4560

  • 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 be doing its best to track these, but it's imperative to stay in your roles to have an active license. Usually, the expiration date is your birthday. Login 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 be sending out reminders to employees when possible, but that can't be a guarantee.

  • Licensure Assistance
    If you need help with your teaching or admin licenses, please contact Kendra Bowens or Felisha Brewer in HR for assistance. If you have applied for any new licensure, please let HR know so that we can document it.

  • Have you recently had a change? 
    If you've changed your name or updated your gender marker on your ID, please let HR know! The name and gender information on your ID needs to match what we have on file for your health insurance. Mismatching information can potentially cause billing issues when you present your ID at the doctor's office.

  • Edustaff
    If you have people interested in subbing for the district, please have them apply online- Edustaff Webpage

  • Leave requests
    Please utilize your Paid Leave before you put in Unpaid Leave into Red Rover.  Unpaid Leave is not guaranteed and must be approved by HR. Please make sure that you are submitting your leave requests in Red Rover.

  • Uprise Health (EAP- Employee Assistance Program)
    Please utilize our EAP program to assist in your wellness needs, if you are needing some support with mental health or work-life support. The OEBB EAP benefit will include up to EIGHT counseling and coaching sessions. This could be helpful when you can't get into something more local.  To access the program visit the Uprise Health Webpage. The access code is OEBB.

  • Service Awards Recipients
    Please join us in congratulating all of our GBSD employees for their years of service with the district.  We appreciate the hard work you all have put in and continue to pour into our students and staff.  We wish you many more years of wonderful service here at GBSD!!
View the List of Service Awards Recipients
Kevin Fuller holding box of klondike bars and a yellow paper that says 47
GBSD celebrates custodian Kevin Fuller on his 47th anniversary working for the district! 
Teacher and students dancing in their classroom with neon lights projecting on them
GBSD elementary schools, including East Gresham, are celebrating strong attendance with a red carpet entrance and a quick dance party! 
Red ribbon being cut in front of student health center main entrance
We celebrated the opening of the new student health center with a special ribbon-cutting ceremony and reception on Oct. 2.
Dates to remember
  • Novermber 20: School Board Work Session
  • November 25-26: No-School K-8 Parent Conferences
  • November 26-27: No School High School, Grading Day and Parent Conferences
  • November 27: No School-K-8
  • November 28: No School - Thanksgiving Holiday
  • November 29: No School - Thanksgiving Holiday
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.  

Publication of The Insider constitutes official notification to employees of the
Gresham-Barlow School District
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1331 NW Eastman Parkway
Gresham, OR | 97030 United States
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