The Gresham-Barlow School District
Employee Newsletter
April 2025
John Koch Headshot
SUPERINTENDENT’S MESSAGE
GBSD shines in literacy instruction
Staff focused on implementing evidence-based practices and continuously striving for improvement
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Dawn Joella Jackson holding award in front of OALA Backdrop
TEAM GBSD
GBSD’s Dawn Joella Jackson honored by Oregon Association of Latino Administrators
Jackson receives Tom Ruhl Ally Award for inclusion work
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middle school principal high fiving student wearing foam hand
PROMOTING STRONG ATTENDANCE
Schools put building relationships at the heart of improving student attendance

Staff work to connect individually with students and families

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Students looking at a school bus
CAREER PATHWAYS
GBSD’S transportation provider teams up with high school automotive program to inspire students
Students learn what it’s like to work as a school bus technician
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teacher pointing at screen with a map in a classroom
SCIENCE TEACHERS WIN GRANTS
Grants will enhance programs at Gresham High School and Clear Creek Middle School 

Teachers will use funds to purchase a variety of equipment for hands-on learning

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What's Going Well Graphic
Vasile Aron and John Koch holding
Custodian Vasile Aron-Highland ES
“Vasile is hard working, flexible, and always willing to help. Our building is clean and well-kept. Vasile is more than his job description suggests. He is our building guardian, our safety advisor, and our building caretaker. He IS what's going well at Highland Elementary.“
-Maria Rugroden
Danielle Capozzoli and John Koch holding
TOSA Danielle Capozzoli-East Gresham ES
“Danielle is instrumental in keeping our school running efficiently. Always where we need her and helping with anything!”
-Toni Loeb
Amy Wolf and John Koch holding
Instructional Coach Amy Wolf
“Amy's dedication, experience, and enthusiasm for supporting our multilingual learners in GBSD is inspiring! Her coaching leadership is building capacity and positive forward momentum with integrated language instructional practices.“
-Dr. Erin Shepard
Allison Georgioff and John Koch holding
Support Specialist Allison Georgioff
“Allison is always thinking about teachers and students and how to make things more accessible. She's on the ball, and works hard to make sure that people have the tools they need.“
-Abbi Howatt
students on stage at stem expo
STUDENTS SHINE AT STEM EXPO
Gresham High School team qualifies to compete at state and international science fairs
Students’ project focused on testing common acids used to weaken building structures during demolition
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Coach Johnson and player holding OSAA trophy
HISTORIC WIN

Sam Barlow High School boys basketball team wins first-ever state championship

Longtime head coach of team has been at the helm for almost 40 years

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2 female students holding ramp in classroom with egg racer going down it
LEARNING IN ACTION
Elementary students participate in new science activities thanks to curriculum pilot
Fourth graders build cars designed to protect their egg passengers during a crash
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Cyber swindling, Misuse of AI technology, Businessman touch on AI warning scam, Hacker, Banking, Personal security, Spam email, Voice spoofing, Personal information, Finger scan, Unlock code stock photo
TECHNOLOGY TIP

Protect yourself from scammers using Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Common scams include voice cloning, deep fakes, and spear phishing

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students stretching in classroom
FOCUS ON WELLNESS
Gresham High School students take mindful studies course
Students learn self-compassion, self-reflection, and strategies for deepening their mindfulness practice
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Student art projects captivate district office visitors

Our schools take turns each month showcasing their students’ creativity.

In March, the District displayed the work of Dexter McCarty Middle School. Students showcased a wide range of skills to create the collection. 

Currently, there is an exciting collection of art projects on display from Hollydale Elementary School. Each student’s creativity is highlighted through the use of watercolor painting and pen drawing.

We invite you to check out the projects on display the next time you visit the district office!
GBSD Student Artwork Wall
Dexter McCarty Middle School
Student artwork of a puppy
Dexter McCarty Middle School
HDES Student abstarct artwork
Hollydale Elementary School
GBSD Student Artwork Bulletin board
Hollydale Elementary School
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 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 Bowens or Felisha Brewer 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. If not renewed, you are at risk of being pulled from your position unpaid until this task is completed.

  • Building Check-Ins
    Throughout the district, we have staff going into buildings that aren't their home base. Please be mindful that there is a significant amount of new people that are in the district now and faces aren't known. For the safety of staff and students, please check in with the main office to let them know you are in the building.

  • Licensure Assistance
    If you are needing help with your teaching or admin licenses, please contact 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 people who are interested in subbing for the district, please have them apply online at the Edustaff website.  

  • 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. It can't be utilized due to running out of leaves. Please make sure that you are submitting your leave requests in Red Rover. 

  • Canopy (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. This could be helpful when you can't get into something more local. Go to the Canopy website our access code is OEBB.
Alan Crapser, Cris Cristuren, and Terry Taylor posing for a photo holding lightbulb award
East Gresham Elementary won the Winter Break Energy Star Award for cutting energy use by an impressive 54%! Shoutout to custodian Cris Cristurean for leading the charge! 
Zachary Carroll standing in front of bookcase
Congratulations to Gresham High School teacher Zachary Carroll for being named one of The Outlook’s 2025 Amazing Educators!
Alumni Spotlight grahic with current photo and graduation photo of My Tungkongnuch
Alumni Spotlight! Meet My Tungkongnuch, a proud graduate of GHS, class of 2018! The mentorship and support she received in school shaped her desire to become a teacher. My is currently a third-grade teacher at GBSD!
Dates to remember
  • April 16: School Board Work Session
  • April 21-25: National Public School Volunteer Appreciation Week
  • April 23: Administrative Profesionals' Day
  • April 25: No School - Elementary Schools -Curriculm and Instruction, No School - Middle and High Schools- Standards and Assesment Day
  • May 5-9: Teacher Appreciation Week
  • May 7: School Board Business Meeting
  • May 16: No School - Elementary Schools, Curriculum and Instruction Day
  • May 21: School Board Work Session
  • May 26: No School - District Closed, Memorial Day
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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Gresham, OR | 97030 United States
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