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The Gresham-Barlow School District
Employee Newsletter

June 2024

SUPERINTENDENT’S MESSAGE

Devoted educators in the spotlight as we celebrate “What’s Going Well”

Thank you for your commitment to the students we serve—today’s graduates look forward to a bright future!

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Multilingual specialists, classroom teachers, special education teachers, instructional coaches, and principals at workshop

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT ON COLLABORATION, CO-TEACHING

Year-long book study culminates in workshop

Educators focus on critical conversations, reflections, and action planning

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Mental health resource for GBSD staff and families

We celebrated Mental Health Awareness Month in May. If you or a family member need support with mental health or substance use, Care Solace is here to assist. They can quickly connect you with treatment options tailored to your needs.

Take care of yourselves and each other.

Learn More about Care Solace

Alumni Spotlight

We're celebrating the achievements of our alumni and showcasing the diverse paths they've taken after leaving our schools. To honor their successes and inspire current students, we are spotlighting alumni on our website and social media channels!

Learn More About Nicki's Story

Dual-Language Immersion (DLI) Program Update

Miles Thurman holding spelling bee gift bag

Miles Thurman was the first DLI student to represent Highland Elementary in a Spanish spelling bee contest. He belongs to the Gresham-Barlow School District’s very first DLI class. The program began in 2019-2020. We are so proud of him and all his accomplishments!

DLI teachers from Highland and North Gresham Elementary Schools participated in a 2-day training to expand their knowledge on ENIL reading assessment and intervention tools.

Teacher and students sitting in front of tomorrow bus looking at project

LIGHT AND SOUND WAVES TAKE CENTER STAGE ON TOMORROW BUS TOUR

First-grade students explore the STEMScopes elementary curriculum

Activity has students use Morse code, record sound frequencies, and more!

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Staff and students sitting in gym stands

ELEMENTARY MATH CURRICULUM UPDATE

Teachers learn about exciting improvements to updated math curriculum

Students participating in curriculum pilot program give it rave reviews

Read More

GBSD recognized for sustainability by Peachjar

GBSD has been recognized by Peachjar as one of the leading school districts in the country for effectively utilizing resources in communication with students, parents, and the community. This honor highlights our commitment to sustainability and effective communication.

Our Achievements:

Sheets Saved: 17,435,121

Trees Saved: 2,092

Instructional coach honored by the Oregon Council of Teachers of Mathematics (OCTM)

The OCTM has named Gresham-Barlow elementary math instructional coach David Breese the Area Recognition for Multnomah County recipient. In a news release, OCTM stated that Mr. Breese, "...has always been on the cutting edge of new ideas and strategies that engage his students."

OCTM also shared that his wealth of math instruction knowledge and willingness to take risks inspires and motivates others to stretch.

The OCTM news release shared, “He has bolstered the mathematics community by working tirelessly as a leader.”

Join us in celebrating Mr. Breese's accomplishments and excellent work promoting quality mathematics education!

Deputy Superintendent John Koch with Gloria Hull holding

Gloria Hull was recognized for spearheading transformative changes in social/emotional learning 👏🌟

Superintendent James His with Emily Bundy holding

🌟Emily Bundy was honored for her exceptional leadership, musical talent, and student engagement 🎵

Deputy Superintendent John Koch with David Breese and Heidi Lasher holding

David Breese was recognized for his passionate commitment to innovation, equity, and fostering a thriving, inclusive learning environment. 🎉💪

Assistant Superintendent Tracy Klas with Juani Santiago holding

🌟 Juani Santiago was honored for her unwavering dedication to engaging and supporting disconnected students with compassion. 👏🌟

Check out our social media channels to see more exciting news and recognitions!

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 are needing help with your teaching or admin licenses, please contact Kendra Bowens or Felisha Brewer in HR to get assistance of any kind.
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.
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. Go to the Uprise Health website, our access code is OEBB.
Leaves
Last day to put your leaves in to count towards your 23-24 school year accruals is on June 21. All leaves taken in June should be entered into Frontline by June 15 please.

Thanking Teachers graphic featuring Kerry Valdez

May 6-10 was teacher appreciaiton week!💡💫 We celebrated extraordinary educators from each building with inspiring quotes from principals, honoring their excellence today and every day!

GHS Choir staanding in front of High School

🎉 Gresham High School Concert Choir won first place at the 2023-2024 Mt. Hood Conference League Competition and went on to compete at the OSAA State Choir Championships in May! 🥇🏆💙🤍

Tony the tiger and Clear Creek Middle School staff holding big check

🐯🎁 Tony the Tiger presented Clear Creek Middle School with a generous donation through Kellogg’s Tiger Mission program, leading cheers during a teacher versus student basketball game—a fun afternoon for the Wildcats! 🏀💜🐾

Dates to remember

June 5: Last Day for Seniors
June 5: Budget Hearing
June 5: School Board Business Meeting
June 10: Last Day for 8th grade
June 10-12: High School Exams
June 11: Gresham High School & Sam Barlow High School Graduation
June 12: Last Day for students grade K-7
June 13: K-8 Grading Day, Last Day for students grade 9-11
June 14: Elementary & Middle Schools Teacher Work Day, High School Grading Day
June 18: School Board Work Session
July 3: School Board Business Meeting
July 17: School Board Work Session
August 21: School Board Work Session

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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