The Gresham-Barlow School District
Employee Newsletter
October 2025
Tracy Klinger sitting next to young student working on a project
SUPERINTENDENT’S MESSAGE
A vision for the school year
My core priorities:
Students - Relationships - Outcomes
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A group of people collaborate around a table, discussing a presentation.
MIDDLE SCHOOL TEACHERS COLLABORATE FOR INCLUSIVITY
Targeted Support and Improvement Grant supports initiative aimed at strengthening instructional practices

Work focused on supporting students in Multilingual Learner (ML) and Special Education (SPED) Programs

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Help us spread the word!

Our students, staff, and schools are doing a fabulous job and we want the community to know! The GBSD Communications Team is looking to highlight the great teaching and learning taking place in our schools. We need your help.


We’re looking for:
-Innovative, hands-on learning projects that engage students
-Award-winning students and staff members
-Examples that show how we’re preparing students for a bright future after graduation
-Ways students and schools are giving back to the community

Share your ideas today!
Story Ideas Form
Celebrating Our Principals

October is National School Principals Month! Join us in celebrating our incredible principals and program directors for their leadership, dedication, and daily commitment to inspiring, empowering, and helping our students thrive.
portraits of all GBSD Principals
Keeping Kids Safe Online GBSD Parent Webinar
GBSD launches parent webinar series

Superintendent Tracy Klinger, along with Jeff Gibbs and J. Roger Hay, will lead our first Parent Webinar: “Keeping Kids Safe Online” on Tuesday, November 4, at 6:30 p.m.

They’ll share how our schools are helping students navigate the digital world responsibly and provide families with practical tools to support online safety at home.

This webinar launches our new Parent Webinar Series that was created in response to feedback from last year’s Safety Summit.
Register for Webinar
Teddy Bear Parade
The 43rd Annual Teddy Bear Parade in downtown Gresham was beary special this year! Our schools and community partners had a wonderful time marching in this annual tradition. Thank you to everyone who helped make it a joyful celebration of connection and spirit!
gif of photos of students
View More Photos
Check out our social media channels to see more exciting news and recognitions!
Twitter Facebook Instagram LinkedIn
  • 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. 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 - 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.  These are for once in a lifetime opportunities.  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 The access code is: OEBB.
GBSD Staff member playing violin
GBSD held its annual Convocation Celebration for staff throughout the district. The event featured inspiring words from Superintendent Tracy Klinger, student speakers, and amazing music performed by our staff!
DMMS staff high fiving students walking in building
Red carpet welcome for the first day at Dexter McCarty Middle School! The school kicked off the year with cheers, high fives, and big smiles.
Gresham mayor, superintendent, and a parent and student at the first day of school
Gresham Mayor Travis Stovall, joined Superintendent of Schools Tracy Klinger in welcoming Hollydale Elementary students back to class.
Dates to remember
  • October 28: PSAT Test Day
  • November 2: End of Daylight Savings Time
  • November 6: Policy Review Committee Meeting
  • November 6: School Board Business Meeting
  • November 11: No School- Veterans Day
  • November 20: School Board Work Session
  • November 24: K-8 No School - Conferences, High School Pre ACT testing
  • November 25: K-12 No School - Conferences
  • November 26: K-8 No School- Holiday, High School No School- Conferences
  • November 27-28: K-12 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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Gresham, OR | 97030 United States
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