email : Webview : The Insider: GBSD Employee Newsletter February 2025

The Gresham-Barlow School District
Employee Newsletter

February 2025

SUPERINTENDENT’S MESSAGE

Budget challenges and socio-political landscape impact our work

Resilience and dedication of GBSD staff members making a difference during challenging times

Read More

Industrial technology concept. Communication network. INDUSTRY 4.0. Factory automation. stock photo

NEWCOMER CLASS EXPLORES CTE ACTIVITIES

Dexter McCarty Middle School students participate in construction-themed activities

ELD beginner’s class thrives in hands-on experiences

Read More

kids walking into a classroom cheering with hands in the air

STAFF FINDING NEW WAYS TO CELEBRATE STRONG ATTENDANCE

Elementary school staff are rolling out the red carpet for “Be Here!”

Joyful Red Carpet Attendance Challenge brings dance party to students

Read More

Graphic with headshots of Alisha Phillips and Samantha Ebert side by side

GBSD EDUCATORS EARN NATIONAL BOARD CERTIFICATION

Certifications demonstrate commitment to highest standards of teaching

Ebert earned certification and Phillips' earned renewal

Read More

Student art projects captivate district office visitors

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

The District displayed the work of East Orient Elementary students in January. Students flexed their writing and design skills to create posters with messages about standing up to bullying.

Currently there is a wonderful range of art projects on display from Gresham High School. Student artists show off their creative talent through paintings, print work, 3D art, and sculptures.

We invite you to check out the projects on display the next time you visit the district office!

East Orient Elementary School

Gresham High School

staff members sitting in coference room looking at presentation

SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL LEARNING

Implementation of Oregon’s Transformative SEL (TSEL) Framework and Standards underway in K-12 schools

Committee is piloting TSEL curricula ahead of 2025-26 school year

Read More

3 female students huddled together looking at a notebook

SCIENCE SPOTLIGHT

Middle school teachers implement new science curriculum

Curriculum helps students learn science and engineering

Read More

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 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.
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 www.Edustaff.org.
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 website: my.canopywell.com, our access code is OEBB.

Before Superintendent James Hiu retired in December, he celebrated District Office Staff Member Diane Jones for being a kind and supportive administrative assistant.

The Gresham-Barlow School Board announced the selection of Dr. Tracy Klinger as the next superintendent of schools.

Teaacher and 2 students standing behind hot coco stand

At Hollydale Elementary Mrs. Coleman's 4th grade class used their math and writing skills to operate a Hot Chocolate stand!

Dates to remember

February 17: No School - Presidents' Day
February 28: Board Strategic Planning Retreat
March 3- 7: Classified Employees Week
March 5: School Board Business Meeting
March 6: No School - Elementary Schools - Grading Day
March 7: No School - Curriculm and Instruction, Grading Day, Standards and Assesment
March 9: Daylight Savings Time (Set Clocks Ahead)
March 12: School Board Work Session
March 19: Budget 101 Meeting
March 24-28: No School - Spring Break
April 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.

Publication of The Insider constitutes official notification to employees of the

Gresham-Barlow School District

Manage your preferences | Opt out using TrueRemove™
Got this as a forward? Sign up to receive our future emails.
View this email online.

1331 NW Eastman Parkway
Gresham, OR | 97030 United States

This email was sent to .
To continue receiving our emails, add us to your address book.