Robotics project used to study student learning
Robotics project used to study student learning
The Gresham-Barlow School District
Employee Newsletter
February 2024
Superintendent James Hiu
SUPERINTENDENT’S MESSAGE
Gathering feedback on students’ school experiences, proposed curriculum
Reviewing School Improvement Plans for successes, challenges
Read More
4 students looking at tablets working on a project
CAPTIVATING PROJECT INVOLVES ROBOTICS
Students use block-code programming to make robots come to life
Students are also creating a comprehensive data collection on how students learn
Read More
Collaboration in action
Teachers meeting in councl chambers
In January, district administrators met with staff members from our three high schools to discuss the District's High School Success Plan. The High School Success Plan is aimed at improving student progress toward graduation beginning in grade 9, increasing the graduation rate of high schools, and improving high school graduates’ readiness for college and career.
Black History Month Graphic
February is Black History Month. The School Board passed a resolution in honor of the month at its January board business meeting. The resolution officially recognizes the contributions made by Black Americans to Oregon and the United States' economic, cultural, spiritual, and political development.
Read the Resolution
A night to remember
students dancing in gym
Hollydale Elementary hosted its inaugural African American Cultural Night, featuring musical performances by students, district staff, and professional drumming artists. The event also included student presentations.
GBSD partners with SchoolHouse supplies
3 teachers smiling at the camera while shopping for school supplies
The Gresham-Barlow School District has now partnered with SchoolHouse Supplies! This means GBSD teachers and staff can shop for classroom supplies at their free store for teachers.  
Learn about SchoolHouse Supplies
Springwater Trail High School (STHS) teacher wins literacy grant aimed at expanding her students’ access to culturally responsive, high-engagement novels
graphic of award winning 2 teacher and 2 book covers
STHS teacher Crystel Weber always looks for ways to improve and innovate her classroom and engage her students. This fall, she looked for ways to expand her student’s access to culturally responsive, high-engagement novels. Weber worked with instructional coach Jeanne Sheets-Sagoo and wrote a literacy grant for the Oregon State Literacy Association - and won! Crystel was awarded at the highest level–a $500 grant to provide her students with novels that will introduce them to diverse cultures and provide greater representation to students in the classroom. Way to go, Crystel!
Portrait of GBSD staff members and member from East Hill Church
The East Hill Church Family recently presented their Gift of Hope donation to the Gresham-Barlow School District. The donation will be used to support our students. The District celebrates its long-standing relationship with East Hill Church. The support and partnership of community organizations is essential for the District to achieve its goals
Star-studded assembly at West Orient Middle School 
Blazers mascot high-fiving students at assembly
Portland Trailblazer mascot Blaze helped West Orient Middle School kick off their annual Kindness Challenge fundraiser. Blaze surprised the staff and students at an all-school assembly to promote the fundraiser. The kindness challenge helps students recognize the importance of doing things for others and giving back to their community.
The GBSD Professional Growth Academy – SPRING
Growing Leadership Together Graphic
The PGA is proud to offer compelling professional learning courses taught by GBSD educators. Course participants earn Achievement Units based on course hours (1AU = 1 college credit for salary advancement) SIGN UP before February 14!
Course Catalog
Digital Sign-Up
  • License renewals
    Please make sure you are paying attention to your licenses and when they need to be renewed. TSPC no longer sends reminders. Human Resources (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.

  • Edustaff
    If you have people interested in subbing for the district, please have them apply online at www.Edustaff.org. 

  • Leave requests
    Please make sure that you are submitting your leave requests to your building supervisor before you take your time off.  All paid and unpaid leave needs to be approved by your supervisor before being submitted.  All unpaid leave must be approved by HR before it's put into Frontline.

  • 1095's
    All employee 1095 forms should be coming in the mail from HR.
James Hiu with Ebetsu students
Deep Creek Damascus K-8 School warmly welcomed delegates from Ebetsu, Japan, who spent a week immersing themselves in our school and culture, fostering cultural exchange and understanding.
Graphic with headshots of Board Members
January was School Board Recognition Month! We celebrated the inspiring leaders who play a crucial role in shaping the future of our community!
3 GBSD staff members at Slavic Family Night
North Gresham Elementary brought the community together for a vibrant Slavic Family Night! Families delved into traditional arts and crafts, savored Slavic cuisine, experienced music and dance, and connected with resources in the District.
Dates to remember
  • February 19: Presidents' Day No School
  • February 23: Board Strategic Planning Retreat
  • March 2: NEA Read Across America Day/Dr. Seuss Day
  • March 4- 8: Classified Employee Week
  • March 6: School Board Business Meeting
  • March 7: Elementary-Curriculum & Instruction Day.-No school, Middle School- Grading Day-No School, High School-Standards and Assessment Day-No School
  • March 8: Elementary Schools-Grading Day-No School
  • March 10: Daylight Savings Time begins (set clocks ahead one hour)
  • March 13: School Board Work Session
  • March 20: Budget 101 Meeting
  • March 25-29: Spring Break No School
  • April 3: School Board Business Meeting
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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