The Gresham-Barlow School District
Employee Newsletter
May/June 2026
a teacher sits by young student at table
SUPERINTENDENT’S MESSAGE
Achievement is not a destination students reach by chance–It’s a deliberate journey
Our understanding of achievement is evolving

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3 people smile, holding a large yellow frame that says 'What's Going Well!'
Sarah Creighton and Gracie Hann (Hollydale Elementary Emergent Multilingual Learner Teachers)
“Sarah and Gracie have led transformative ELD work at Hollydale across all grade levels. They are consummate professionals, excellent collaborators, and always willing to share their expertise with classroom teachers and EML colleagues alike“
-Kendra Latter
Two people hold a large yellow frame with the words 'What's Going Well!' in a classroom.
Joe Berninghausen (Tech Dept. Information Systems Analyst)
“Joe supports teaching and learning at GBSD with grace, patience, and superpower skills. He is always available to problem-solve and responds quickly to the needs of all of his colleagues across the district. We appreciate you so much, Joe!”
-Jeanne Sheets-Sagoo and Evalena Leitz 
Josh Hardy (Sam Barlow High School Woodshop Teacher)
Becky Wiley (Gresham High School Construction/Skilled Trades Teacher)
"At a recent CTE Advisory Board meeting, the FastTrack Pre-Apprenticeship Program at GHS and at Barlow were recognized as one of the top pre-apprenticeship programs in our area. This is a glowing reflection of the outstanding work Becky and Josh put in for the career readiness of their students."
-Diane Santos
female student welding
CAREER TECHNICAL EDUCATION
Sam Barlow High School's welding program prepares students for high-demand careers
Hands-on technical training gives students real-world experience in advanced manufacturing and fabrication
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student using gardening tool to dig hole
MATH SPOTLIGHT
Springwater Trail High School garden provides a hands-on, project-based learning experience
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adult and several children behind her holding stuffed animals smile for a selfie
BE HERE!
“Time Hero” challenge improves punctuality of Hollydale Elementary students
Thanks to the initiative, students are showing up on time and ready to learn
Read More
Check out our social media channels to see more exciting news and recognitions!
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  • License renewals
    Please keep an eye on your licenses and their renewal dates. TSPC no longer sends reminders.  HR 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 for any assistance.  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 online 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. You can go to the Canopy website.  Our access code is OEBB.
A young person in a wheelchair speaks into a microphone, addressing an audience.
David Douglas High School’s Scots Angels Club elected Tucker Santillanes as their “angel” to fundraise for this year. Tucker was seriously injured during a football game against David Douglas, leading to emergency surgery and rehabilitation.
Three women in matching
The West Orient Middle School Parent-Teacher Club is celebrating the incredible teachers at their school. Their Teacher Appreciation Week celebration kicked off with a delightful “Welcome to Camp” display.
4 people in vests pose for a photo
We’re working to prepare for all types of emergencies. The Gresham-Barlow School District held a reunification training at Gresham High School to practice safely and efficiently reuniting students and parents in the event of an emergency
Dates to remember
  • June 4: Budget Hearing
  • June 4: School Board Business Meeting
  • June 8: High School Exams, June 8-11
  • June 8: Last Day for 8th grade
  • June 9: Gresham HS Graduation
  • June 9: Sam Barlow HS Graduation
  • June 10: Last Day for students grades K-7
  • June 10: Springwater Trail HS Graduation
  • June 11:  K-8 Grading Day -No School Last day of school for grades 9-11
  • June 12: Elementary & Middle Schools Teacher Work Day, High School Grading Day
  • June 18: School Board Work Session
  • June 19: Juneteenth - District Closed
  • July 2: 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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Gresham-Barlow School District
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1331 NW Eastman Parkway
Gresham, OR | 97030 United States
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