½ûÂþÌìÌÃ

Sellwood Principal’s Newsletter – September 20, 2024

Greetings Sellwood Community,

It was a pleasure to see so many of you at Back-to-School Night last night.  Thank you for supporting your students’ education by coming in to see the school, meeting teachers, and following in the steps of their daily schedule.  I doubly appreciate you for attending the PTA meeting and showing interest in getting involved.

On Monday, all students who had their picture taken on Wednesday will receive their official ID badges.  Picture makeup day is October 24th. Students should replace the temporary ID badges in their lanyard holder with their official IDs.  Please help them take care of their ID badges and remember to wear them to school each day.

You may order pictures online at .

Don’t forget that next week we have our first early release on Wednesday, September 25th. Students will be dismissed at 1:45 PM.

Enjoy the weekend,

Sincerely,

Jeandré Carbone

Sellwood MS Principal

jcarbone@pps.net

PTA NEWS

Join the PTA

Please join the PTA and contribute your voice to the conversation on making this a great school year for our kids and SMS community.  Here is the link to join! 

Join Konstella

The PTA uses the Konstella app to keep the parent community up to date with scheduled events, the school calendar, volunteer sign ups and PTA announcements. Here is the link to join!

September Volunteer Opportunities
All volunteer opportunities are posted on Konstella. Please sign up there or email us at sellwoodpta@gmail.com. 

SMS Beautification Committee

Thanks to those of you who attended our first PTA meeting last night and heard more about our new committee this year! We are seeking volunteer help to start work on beautifying the SMS school grounds and equipment, and improving the school and campus overall. If you are interested in helping and/or know a local landscaper or other business that might volunteer their time and support, please reach out!

½ûÂþÌìÌà Clothing Closet: Thursday, September 26 at the Marshall Campus
Each ½ûÂþÌìÌà school is responsible for sending volunteers two times during the school year to assist students in receiving clothing and shoes.

Thursday, Sept. 26th is Sellwood's day to send 5-6 volunteers from 9:30am -1:30pm, to help kids receive clothing and to help sort donations so there are lots of choices for kids to see. Volunteers can be parents/guardians, grandparents, or community members.

We are looking for donations of teen-adult size gently worn/new sweatshirts, hoodies, and warm coats, as we are very low in these items. Also boys pants, joggers, and jeans size 4-14.

OBOB (Oregon Battle of the Books)

We are seeking a volunteer(s) to run OBOB for SMS this year! Registration is open now and runs through October 31. The regional tournaments are in March and the state tournament is in April. Here is the OBOB website for more information:

If you have questions about the program or this opportunity, please reach out to our SMS librarian, Tini Maier, for more information at tmaier@pps.net.

SMS PEAK Program Volunteers

We are looking for 1-2 people to help support our existing volunteers with PEAK, which has been one of our most successful programs to date! The PEAK program is a series of in-person after school classes open to all SMS students. This program is independent of Sellwood Middle School and is under the jurisdiction of the PTA. Scholarships are available as the PEAK goal is to include every SMS student. 

The success of our programs and offerings depends on volunteer support, so thank you for offering your time and expertise!

Afterschool Math Tutoring Program Volunteers

Beginning October 3, SMS will start an afterschool math tutoring program, which will be led by Cleveland Honor Society/IB students. We plan to have tutoring for between 10 to 24 students each Thursday, from 4:00 to 5:00PM.  

We need a parent volunteer (or rotating parents) to be the required adult presence each week.  The Cleveland students (there should be about eight responsible seniors) will conduct the tutoring, take attendance, and generally keep order, but we are required to have an adult present. 

Sellwood Dines Out - SMS Trivia Nights at The Record Pub

We are excited to launch Sellwood Dines Out this year with SMS Trivia Night! The Record Pub has generously offered to donate a portion of their proceeds from Trivia Night for the entire month of October. Please join us on Wednesdays in October at 7pm to help raise funds for the PTA!

Turn Your Empty Bottles into Money for the PTA!

Collect and return your empty cans and bottles through the Blue Bag program. This year the Blue Bag program will be supporting the PTA and more than $3,000 was raised by our community last year! Visit the office at any time to pick up Blue Bags for BottleDrop.

Or pick up Blue Bags from SMS community members who have a stash on their porch. Keep this newsletter bookmarked to easily locate blue bag access points near you:

• . (between SE Bybee & Knapp)
• . (between SE Rex & Lambert)
• (at SE 37th Ave)
• NEW LOCATION ADDED! (between SE 48th & 50th) 

Return your bags to the nearest BottleDrop location and support the PTA! 

If you have Blue Bags from last year, you can still return them this year. Even though we are switching the Blue Bag program from the SMS Foundation to the PTA, you can return any Blue Bags you have that say “Sellwood Middle Foundation.” It will all go toward the PTA this year.

Want to do more? We are looking for one more community member to host Blue Bags on their porch. Do you live in the Duniway boundary and have a covered porch? Email sellwoodpta@gmail.com to sign up to keep Blue Bags on your porch this year. 

Many former SMS Foundation fundraising efforts are being transitioned to SMS PTA. As a reminder, the ½ûÂþÌìÌà Board is no longer allowing individual School Foundations to raise funds to support their school directly. All funds must go through the central ½ûÂþÌìÌà Foundation and will be disbursed across the district. Many of the ways you used to support the SMS Foundation are being transitioned to the PTA this year. Keep an eye out for more info during the school year.

PEAK PROGRAM REGISTRATION

The PEAK Program is a series of in-person after school classes open to all Sellwood students.  The PEAK program is totally independent of Sellwood Middle School and is under the jurisdiction of PTA. Most classes run on a 8-10 week session schedule in the fall and winter and require a fee. 6 Crickets adds a fee to most classes, so the price may be slightly higher than what is quoted below.

MARIMBA started Thursday, September 19, but you can still sign up! Most other classes start in October. 

Registration is through 6 Crickets:

Please email sellwoodpeakprogram@gmail.com with any questions.

Classes open for registration now:

• Python Coding with Coding with Kids $259 Tuesdays from 4:15-5:15
  • Python is versatile, easy-to-learn, and one of the world's most powerful programming languages! Widely used by software developers, scientists, and data analysts, Python can be used for everything from medical research to rocket engineering. The Python pathway teaches students core programming concepts and how to build interactive games using this popular coding language.
• Improv with Rogue Pack Theatre $250 Wednesdays 4:15-5:45
  • Fall Session: October 2- November 20th
  • Come explore the exhilarating world of theatre improv and let your imagination soar! Through games, exercises and group engagement we will develop foundational acting skills: building trust, listening, curiosity, relationship, status, motive, influence, character, given circumstances, beats and the freedom to fail beautifully. Our class will culminate in a group-generated performance to share our favorite adventures with friends and family on the last class. This course will provide skills to enhance our courses in the winter and spring sessions 2025: Acting: Scene Study and Acting: Monologue.
  • Michelle Guthrie is an actor and improviser of the theatre and film based in Portland, OR. Her education took her to the American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco, where she pursued graduate studies in acting. She has worked nationally and internationally in theatre, film, television, and commercials. Some of her favorite parts have been Titania in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Blonde in Serenade, and Luciana in A Comedy of Errors, because of the rich characters she was allowed to develop and risks that she was encouraged to take. Lately she has been playing improv under the direction of Theresa Dudeck with the Impro Lab Players.
• Chess Club $135 Mondays 4:15-5:15 pm 
  • We play chess after school on Mondays! We improve our chess skills by playing as much as possible, solving puzzles, and learning basic strategies. Our after-school program focuses on basics but we hope to develop a more competitive program. We meet on Mondays that school is in session. Note that this is a year-long club.
• Speech and Debate Tuesdays 4:15-5:15 Recommended $50 donation
  • The Cleveland High Speech and Debate team is one the largest and most successful programs at the school. Find out why these students love it so much, and build your own debate skills. You will practice speaking and debating skills in preparation for local middle school competitions The Sellwood team will be coached by team captains from Cleveland.
• Marimba $100 Thursdays 4:15-5:15 
  • PEAK marimba is a once a week class that teaches students the basics of playing in a marimba ensemble. No experience is necessary. Instruments are provided. Students will learn to play music in a group setting.
• Red Cross Babysitter Training - $140 All Day Course 11/23, 1/28, 3/3 or 4/7
  • One-day training offered on no school days or Saturdays
  • Designed for young people to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to safely and responsibly give care to infants and children in a residential setting. 
  • Participants receive a certificate of completion for Babysitter’s Training

FROM MS. KIRKPATRICK, TEXTILES TEACHER

Textiles Class wants your old t-shirts! Students will be making yarn from cotton t-shirts. Clean t-shirts of any color can be dropped off for Mrs. Kirkpatrick.

LOGGING IN TO CANVAS ON A HOME COMPUTER

Students can login to Canvas on a shared home computer.  Here is the link. You can also use

COUNSELING CORNER

Students with last names A-L: Mr. KB – akennybrew@pps.net

Students with last names M-Z:  Ms. Katie – kfrancis@pps.net 

MAIN OFFICE

MAIN OFFICE:

The best way to reach us is by email.  

We are in the process of hiring a school secretary/enrollment coordinator.

Claire Howard (choward1@pps.net) is our principal’s secretary. 

Our Sellwood website () has many “Quick Links” to help you immediately.  

The Office Phone Number

The office phone number is 503-916-5656.  

When prompted

press 4 for Willa Grund (“Records/Registration”).

press 3 for Claire (Principal’s Secretary).

press 2 for any “Attendance” matter.  It’s a designated line just for attendance. 

press 5 for Records, Registration.

press 0 for the front counter – answered by students; not a confidential line.

Secured Building 

Sellwood is a locked and secure building.  

Please ring the doorbell to the right of the main doors to reach the office.  We will guide you accordingly.

Picking up your student during the day:  

While we understand it is sometimes necessary to pick up your child from school, please try to limit your student’s daytime appointments.  It is disruptive to the teacher’s instruction time and to the other students in the classroom.  If necessary, please ring the bell at the main door and expect to wait while your child is located.  

Guides to Help you:

To correct your student’s attendance: Log into ParentVue. 

 For changes to your student's registration profile in Synergy:

Quick Links found on Sellwood’s website ()

Please email support@pps.net for:

Passwords:  If you have forgotten your password, have been locked out of your account, or do not have login credentials.

Registration, Enrollment.

ParentVue (if your account has been disabled).   

Please email Claire (choward1@pps.net) for:

School Pay. 

Bookkeeping/accounting issues.

 Administrative Support:  Messages or matters of support to the principal or assistant principals.  

IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER

• ·         September 25:  Early Release at 1:45
• ·         October 11: No School – State In-Service Day
• ·         October 15:  School Starts at 9:30
• ·         October 23: Early Release at 1:45
• ·         October 31: End of 1^st Quarter
• ·         November 1 & 4: Teacher Planning - No School for Students
• ·         November 5: School Starts at 9:30
• ·         November 11: Veterans Day – No School
• ·         November 20: Early Release at 1:45
• ·         November 25 & 26:  Parent Teacher Conferences
• ·         November 27-29: Fall Break
• ·         December 3:  School Starts at 9:30
• ·         December 12: Winter Band & Choir Concert @ Cleveland Auditorium
• ·         December 18: Early Release at 1:45
• ·         December 23-January 3:  Winter Break

·        

Sellwood Principal’s Newsletter – September 13, 2024

Greetings Sellwood Community,

As you may remember from last year, as part of ½ûÂþÌìÌÃ’s efforts to improve safety across the district, the District’s safety task force set the expectation that all ½ûÂþÌìÌà middle and high school students must wear school ID badges in a visible location while on school campus.  The purpose of wearing student IDs is to identify students as members of the school community, and also to identify each student by name.  Last year, middle schools had uneven success in the first year’s implementation.  Many students wore their badges every day, while many others did not.  We understand that even with the best of intentions, developing new habits takes time and practice.  This year, we have a renewed expectation that all students wear their name badges every day while at school.  We would like students to develop this habit right away.  Even though we have not yet had picture day and students have not yet received their official ID badges, this week we distributed lanyards and had students create their own temporary name badges to begin wearing immediately, starting Monday.  These temporary badges will be replaced with their official badges when we receive them.  Please help your child develop this important school habit by reminding them as they are getting ready for school. 

On Monday, students who are not wearing their ID badges during first period (or at any other time of the day) will be sent to get a name tag to wear for the rest of the day. This will be our practice until students develop the habit of wearing their ID badges.  As I said, wearing a visible ID badge is a district safety requirement at all ½ûÂþÌìÌà middle and high schools.

Picture Day will be next Wednesday, September 18th.

Also, next Thursday, Sellwood will host our annual Back-to-School Night starting at 6PM.  See below for more details.  We hope to see you here :-)

Enjoy the weekend,

Sincerely,

Jeandré Carbone

Sellwood MS Principal

jcarbone@pps.net

BACK-TO-SCHOOL NIGHT

On Thursday, September 19th, Sellwood will welcome families to our annual Back-to-School Night.  We will start at 6:00 PM with a brief presentation in the gym, followed by a shortened bell schedule where parents will follow their children’s schedules and get to meet their teachers and hear about their classes.  We will not be handing out paper copies of students’ schedules, so please make sure you can access your child’s schedule through ParentVue on a mobile device.  Student leaders will be posted in hallways to help direct families.  Back-to-School night is designed for parents, so no need to bring your children as we are limited on space.  However, if parents cannot get childcare and need to bring children along, they may do so.

Here is the schedule for the evening.

·  6:00-6:20 – Parent Presentation in Gym

·  6:25-6:32 - Period 1

·  6:36-6:43 - Period 2  

·  6:47-6:54 - Period 3 

·  6:58-7:05 - Period 4 or 5 

·  7:09-7:16 - Period 6

·  7:20-7:27 - Period 7

·  7:31-7:38 – Period 8

We hope to see you there!

PTA NEWS

Join the PTA

Please join the PTA and contribute your voice to the conversation on making this a great school year for our kids and SMS community.  Here is the link to join! 

Join Konstella

The PTA uses the Konstella app to keep the parent community up to date with scheduled events, the school calendar, volunteer sign ups and PTA announcements. Here is the link to join!

First PTA Meeting -  Thursday, September 19

Please join us for our first PTA meeting of the year to learn more about the PTA and upcoming volunteer opportunities.  We will meet from 7:45-8:30 pm in the SMS library after Back to School Night events. We would love to see you!

September Volunteer Opportunities
All volunteer opportunities are posted on Konstella. Please sign up there or email us at sellwoodpta@gmail.com. 

½ûÂþÌìÌà Clothing Closet: Thursday, September 26 at the Marshall Campus
Each ½ûÂþÌìÌà school is responsible for sending volunteers two times during the school year to assist students in receiving clothing and shoes.

Thursday, Sept. 26th is Sellwood's day to send 5-6 volunteers from 9:30am -1:30pm, to help kids receive clothing and to help sort donations so there are lots of choices for kids to see. Volunteers can be parents/guardians, grandparents, or community members.

We are looking for donations of teen-adult size gently worn/new sweatshirts, hoodies, and warm coats, as we are very low in these items. Also boys pants, joggers, and jeans size 4-14.

OBOB (Oregon Battle of the Books)

We are seeking a volunteer(s) to run OBOB for SMS this year! Registration is open now and runs through October 31. The regional tournaments are in March and the state tournament is in April. Here is the OBOB website for more information:

If you have questions about the program or this opportunity, please reach out to our SMS librarian, Tini Maier, for more information at tmaier@pps.net.

SMS PEAK Program Volunteers

We are looking for 1-2 people to help support our existing volunteers with PEAK, which has been one of our most successful programs to date! The PEAK program is a series of in-person after school classes open to all SMS students. This program is independent of Sellwood Middle School and is under the jurisdiction of the PTA. Scholarships are available as the PEAK goal is to include every SMS student. 

The success of our programs and offerings depends on volunteer support, so thank you for offering your time and expertise!

PEAK Program Registration

Registration is open and our fall programming includes Acting: Improvisational Theatre, Marimba, Python Coding, and Speech & Debate.

For more information and to register for classes at  . If you are a first time user you will need to create an account for your student. 

Scholarship request form is here:  

Please email sellwoodpeakprogram@gmail.com with any questions.

Turn Your Empty Bottles into Money for the PTA!

Collect and return your empty cans and bottles through the Blue Bag program. This year the Blue Bag program will be supporting the PTA and more than $3,000 was raised by our community last year! Visit the office at any time to pick up Blue Bags for BottleDrop.

Or pick up Blue Bags from SMS community members who have a stash on their porch. Keep this newsletter bookmarked to easily locate blue bag access points near you:

· . (between SE Bybee & Knapp)

· . (between SE Rex & Lambert)

· (at SE 37th Ave)

·  NEW LOCATION ADDED! (between SE 48th & 50th) 

Return your bags to the nearest BottleDrop location and support the PTA! 

If you have Blue Bags from last year, you can still return them this year. Even though we are switching the Blue Bag program from the SMS Foundation to the PTA, you can return any Blue Bags you have that say “Sellwood Middle Foundation.” It will all go toward the PTA this year.

 Want to do more? We are looking for one more community member to host Blue Bags on their porch. Do you live in the Duniway boundary and have a covered porch? Email sellwoodpta@gmail.com to sign up to keep Blue Bags on your porch this year. 

Many former SMS Foundation fundraising efforts are being transitioned to SMS PTA. As a reminder, the ½ûÂþÌìÌà Board is no longer allowing individual School Foundations to raise funds to support their school directly. All funds must go through the central ½ûÂþÌìÌà Foundation and will be disbursed across the district. Many of the ways you used to support the SMS Foundation are being transitioned to the PTA this year. Keep an eye out for more info during the school year.

PEAK PROGRAM REGISTRATION

Scholarships for PEAK after school programs!

Registration will open next week! We will send an email out once we open registration.

The PEAK Program is a series of in-person after school classes open to all Sellwood students.  The PEAK program is totally independent of Sellwood Middle School and is under the jurisdiction of PTA. Most classes run on a 8-10 week session schedule in the fall and winter and require a fee. Scholarships are available as the PEAK goal is to include every SMS student.  

Scholarship request form is here:  

Deadline for scholarship requests is Monday, September 16 at noon.

Please email sellwoodpeakprogram@gmail.com with any questions. We are always looking for parent volunteers to help us run this program. Please email if you are interested!

Classes this Fall:

·  Python Coding with Coding with Kids $259 Tuesdays from 4:15-5:15

o Fall session 10/1 - 12/10 (10 lessons, no school on 11/26)

o Python is versatile, easy-to-learn, and one of the world's most powerful programming languages! Widely used by software developers, scientists, and data analysts, Python can be used for everything from medical research to rocket engineering. The Python pathway teaches students core programming concepts and how to build interactive games using this popular coding language.

·  Improv with Rogue Pack Theatre $250 Wednesdays 4:15-5:45

o Fall Session: October 2- November 20th

o Come explore the exhilarating world of theatre improv and let your imagination soar! Through games, exercises and group engagement we will develop foundational acting skills: building trust, listening, curiosity, relationship, status, motive, influence, character, given circumstances, beats and the freedom to fail beautifully. Our class will culminate in a group-generated performance to share our favorite adventures with friends and family on the last class. This course will provide skills to enhance our courses in the winter and spring sessions 2025: Acting: Scene Study and Acting: Monologue.

o Michelle Guthrie is an actor and improviser of the theatre and film based in Portland, OR. Her education took her to the American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco, where she pursued graduate studies in acting. She has worked nationally and internationally in theatre, film, television, and commercials. Some of her favorite parts have been Titania in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Blonde in Serenade, and Luciana in A Comedy of Errors, because of the rich characters she was allowed to develop and risks that she was encouraged to take. Lately she has been playing improv under the direction of Theresa Dudeck with the Impro Lab Players.

·  Chess Club approx $125 Mondays 4-5 pm - all year course!!

o Runs from October to April/May, exact dates coming soon. 

o Taught by Alaric True

o We play chess after school on Mondays! We improve our chess skills by playing as much as possible, solving puzzles, and learning basic strategies. Our after-school program focuses on basics but we hope to develop a more competitive program. We meet on Mondays that school is in session. Note that this is a year-long club.

·  Speech and Debate Tuesdays 4:15-5:15 suggested $50 donation

o October 1- December 10

o The Cleveland High Speech and Debate team is one the largest and most successful programs at the school. Find out why these students love it so much, and build your own debate skills. You will practice speaking and debating skills in preparation for local middle school competitions The Sellwood team will be coached by team captains from Cleveland.

·  Marimba $104.50 Thursdays 4:15-5:15 

o Fall term starts soon!!

o Taught by Ben Kinkley

o PEAK marimba is a once a week class that teaches students the basics of playing in a marimba ensemble. No experience is necessary. Instruments are provided. Students will learn to play music in a group setting.

·  Red Cross Babysitter Training - $140 All Day Course 11/23, 1/28, 3/3 or 4/7

o One-day training offered on no school days or Saturdays

o Designed for young people to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to safely and responsibly give care to infants and children in a residential setting. 

o Participants receive a certificate of completion for Babysitter’s Training

LOGGING IN TO CANVAS ON A HOME COMPUTER

Students can login to Canvas on a shared home computer.  Here is the link. You can also use

MENTAL HEALTH THERAPY RESOURCE

Parents: If you are interested in getting mental health support for your student without having to leave the school, our partnership with school-based counselor Maya of Trillium has 3 to 5 openings available. Maya has her own office space at Sellwood to provide privacy to all students that she supports. If you are interested, please contact your student counselor to start the referral process. Thank you!

--

COUNSELING CORNER

Students with last names A-L: Mr. KB – akennybrew@pps.net

Students with last names M-Z:  Ms. Katie – kfrancis@pps.net

CLEVELAND TENACITY DANCE TEAM RUMMAGE SALE

The is hosting a Rummage Sale at Cleveland High School on September 15th as well as a Collection Day on the 14th. We would be thrilled if you would be able to share the flyer (attached) in your upcoming newsletter. All proceeds go toward supporting the team. Thank you for helping to spread the word within the community! If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out.

Cosette Posko

Tenacity Dance Parent

971-563-9679

MAIN OFFICE

MAIN OFFICE:

The best way to reach us is by email.  

·         We are in the process of hiring a school secretary/enrollment coordinator.

·         Claire Howard (choward1@pps.net) is our principal’s secretary. 

·         Our Sellwood website (pps.net/sellwood) has many “Quick Links” to help you immediately.   

The Office Phone Number

·         The office phone number is 503-916-5656.  

·         When prompted,

·         press 4 for Johanna (“Records/Registration”)

·         press 3 for Claire (Principal’s Secretary)

·         press 2 for any “Attendance” matter.  It’s a designated line just for attendance. 

·         press 5 for Records, Registration

·         press 0 for the front counter – answered by students; not a confidential line.

  Secured Building 

·         Sellwood is a locked and secure building.  

·         Please ring the doorbell to the right of the main doors to reach the office.  We will guide you accordingly.

Picking up your student during the day:  

·         Early release is discouraged.  While we understand it is sometimes necessary to pick up your child from school, please try to limit your student’s daytime appointments.  It is disruptive to the teacher’s instruction time and to the other students in the classroom.  If necessary, please ring the bell at the main door and expect to wait while your child is located.  We may not be able to facilitate early pick-ups within the last 15 minutes of the school day as we will have only one staff member in the office and many end of the day tasks to accomplish.

Guides to Help you:

·         To correct your student’s attendance: Log into ParentVue. 

·         For changes to your student's registration profile in Synergy:

·         Quick Links found on Sellwood’s website (pps.net/sellwood)

Please email Johanna (jmendizabalgomezi@pps.net) for:

·         Passwords:  If you have forgotten your password, have been locked out of your account, or do not have login credentials.

·         Registration, Enrollment.

·         ParentVue (if your account has been disabled).   

Please email Claire (choward1@pps.net) for:

·         School Pay. 

·         Bookkeeping/accounting issues.

·         Administrative Support:  Messages or matters of support to the principal or assistant principals.  

IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER

• ·         September 18: Picture Day!

• ·         September 19: Back-to-School Night – 6:00-7:45

• ·         September 19: PTA Meeting 7:45-8:30

• ·         September 25:  Early Release at 1:45

• ·         October 11: No School – State In-Service Day

• ·         October 15:  School Starts at 9:30

• ·         October 23: Early Release at 1:45

• ·         October 31: End of 1st Quarter

• ·         November 1 & 4: Teacher Planning - No School for Students

• ·         November 5: School Starts at 9:30

• ·         November 11: Veteran’s Day – No School

• ·         November 20: Early Release at 1:45

• ·         November 25 & 26:  Parent Teacher Conferences

• ·         November 27-29: Fall Break

• ·         December 3:  School Starts at 9:30

• ·         December 12: Winter Band & Choir Concert @ Cleveland Auditorium

• ·         December 18: Early Release at 1:45

• ·         December 23-January 3:  Winter Break

·       

Sellwood Principal’s Newsletter – September 6, 2024

Greetings Sellwood Community,

I thank students, staff, and families for their patience during this heat wave.  It has been quite uncomfortable, and we have managed it as best we could with our limited resources in our 100 year plus old building.

As you know, like most ½ûÂþÌìÌà middle schools, we have transitioned from our one-to-one Chromebook program to a Chromebook cart in the classroom program.  The reasons are many, but the main reason for the switch was that the one-to-one program was unsustainable.  With the number of damaged and lost Chromebooks, we simply cannot manage the constant repairs and replacements.  A number of families have rightfully raised the concerns about equity, as not every student has easy access to a device at home.  I want you to know that our plan is to drastically reduce or eliminate computer-based homework.  We don’t want any of our students to spend their home hours in front of a screen, even if they have ready access to a computer.  This is somewhat challenging, due to the computer-based nature of our curriculum, but not impossible.  For example, most of our subject areas do not have daily homework.  Most homework is usually the result of not finishing work in class or absences.  For example, in social studies, readings and content work with the online curriculum happens in class.  However, knowing that some students may need more time to read and process, they will be able to check out a paper copy of the readings to take home along with the tear out sections from their student workbook.  Other social-studies homework may be occasional hands on projects.  For language arts, teachers may assign reading homework or short assignments that may be hand-written.  For longer essays that require a word processor, we will identify students who will need to check out a Chromebook.  Math is the most challenging, because of the online nature of the curriculum.  However, again, students are not generally assigned HW (algebra will have videos or other assignments that should be able to be completed on a phone) but we will have to problem-solve when students are absent or cannot finish their classwork at school.  Our ability to provide temporary loaners will be limited, and we are still taking inventory of working Chromebooks, and will be requesting more. 

I would like to stress the importance of students using class time wisely and regular school attendance.  We had noticed that with their own Chromebooks available for home use 24/7, some students were not completing classwork in class and putting assignments off with the intention of completing them later.

The Chromebook cart program is a real shift in our practice, and we will be trouble-shooting to make it work for all students.

To that end, we are sharing this short survey about technology access for those that may have limited access to technology.  Please complete one survey for each student at Sellwood.  If you have an electronic device your child can use at home and no concerns about technology, you do not need to complete the survey.

Stay cool and enjoy the weekend,

Sincerely,

Jeandré Carbone

Sellwood MS Principal

jcarbone@pps.net

PTA NEWS

Join the PTA

Please join the PTA and contribute your voice to the conversation on making this a great school year for our kids and SMS community.  Here is the link to join! 

Join Konstella

The PTA uses the Konstella app to keep the parent community up to date with scheduled events, the school calendar, volunteer sign ups and PTA announcements. Here is the link to join!

First PTA Meeting - September 19

Please join us for our first PTA meeting of the year to learn more about the PTA and upcoming volunteer opportunities.  We will meet from 7:45-8:30 pm in the SMS library after Back to School Night events. We would love to see you!

Turn Your Empty Bottles into Money for the PTA!

Collect and return your empty cans and bottles through the Blue Bag program. This year the Blue Bag program will be supporting the PTA and more than $3,000 was raised by our community last year! Visit the office at any time to pick up Blue Bags for BottleDrop.

Or pick up Blue Bags from SMS community members who have a stash on their porch. Keep this newsletter bookmarked to easily locate blue bag access points near you:

• 7125 SE 21st Ave. (between SE Bybee & Knapp)
• 7645 SE 17th Ave. (between SE Rex & Lambert)
• 3704 SE Ogden (at SE 37th Ave)

Return your bags to the nearest BottleDrop location and support the PTA! 

If you have Blue Bags from last year, you can still return them this year. Even though we are switching the Blue Bag program from the SMS Foundation to the PTA, you can return any Blue Bags you have that say “Sellwood Middle Foundation.” It will all go toward the PTA this year.

Want to do more? We are looking for a few more community members to host Blue Bags on their porch. Do you live in the Lewis or Duniway boundary and have a covered porch or Little Free Library on your corner? Email sellwoodpta@gmail.com to sign up.

Many former SMS Foundation fundraising efforts are being transitioned to SMS PTA. As a reminder, the ½ûÂþÌìÌà Board is no longer allowing individual School Foundations to raise funds to support their school directly. All funds must go through the central ½ûÂþÌìÌà Foundation and will be disbursed across the district. Many of the ways you used to support the SMS Foundation are being transitioned to the PTA this year. Keep an eye out for more info during the school year.

MENTAL HEALTH THERAPY RESOURCE WITH TRILLIUM

Parents: If you are interested in getting mental health support for your student without having to leave the school, our partnership with school-based counselor Maya of Trillium has 3 to 5 openings available. Maya has her own office space at Sellwood to provide privacy to all students that she supports. If you are interested, please contact your student counselor to start the referral process. Thank you!

--

COUNSELING CORNER

Students with last names A-L: Mr. KB – akennybrew@pps.net

Students with last names M-Z:  Ms. Katie – kfrancis@pps.net

CLEVELAND TENACITY DANCE TEAM RUMMAGE SALE

The  is hosting a Rummage Sale at Cleveland High School on September 15th as well as a Collection Day on the 14th. We would be thrilled if you would be able to share the flyer (attached) in your upcoming newsletter. All proceeds go toward supporting the team. Thank you for helping to spread the word within the community! If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out.

Cosette Posko

Tenacity Dance Parent

971-563-9679

MAIN OFFICE

MAIN OFFICE:

The best way to reach us is by email.  

The Office Phone Number

• press 4 for Johanna (“Records/Registration”)
• press 3 for Claire (Principal’s Secretary)
• press 2 for any “Attendance” matter.  It’s a designated line just for attendance. 
• press 5 for Records, Registration
• press 0 for the front counter – answered by students; not a confidential line.

     Secured Building 

Picking up your student during the day:  

Guides to Help you:

Please email Johanna (jmendizabalgomezi@pps.net) for:

Please email Claire (choward1@pps.net) for:

IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER

• September 10: School Starts at 9:30
• September 19: Back-to-School Night – 6:15-7:45
• September 25:  Early Release at 1:45
• December 12: Winter Band & Choir Concert @ Cleveland Auditorium

Sellwood Principal’s Newsletter – August 30, 2024

Greetings Sellwood Community,

The first week of school is always a whirlwind, and this year was no exception.

We are currently engaging in our annual battle with our aging and finicky lockers.  If your child is still on the list to have their locker issue resolved, we ask for everyone’s patience.  It may take a day or two, but we are working through our list and will get to each and every one.  In some cases, the lock is malfunctioning, in which case we will need to assign the student a new locker.  For some other case, the lock is set to a different combination, and we will need to reset those.  For many of the cases, the user needs more training & practice.  With a little time and persistence, they will soon be able to open their locker quickly and easily.

As a heads-up, we will be transitioning to using the Remind App for school communications.  Please make sure you have signed up for the Remind App.  Here is a link to the ½ûÂþÌìÌà information page which will help you get started.  /Page/15513

We look forward to seeing many of you at our annual PTA Ice-Cream Social next Tuesday, September 3^rd, from 5:30-7:00PM.  It is a laid-back drop-in social event.  Most, if not all, of our teachers will be in attendance, and it is a great opportunity to meet them in an informal setting.  Many families bring a blanket and set up for a picnic dinner on the west side of the field.  Other families mill about, chatting in the courtyard.  The east side of the field will be coned off for a play area and we will have footballs, soccer balls, frisbees, and some basketballs available for students (and parents, if you like).  It’s too early in the year for a band performance, but we will have recorded music playing.  And of course, we will have ice cream, courtesy of Sellwood’s wonderful PTA.  The weather report is sunny and 80 degrees.  We hope to see you there!

In addition, Sellwood’s Back-to-School Night is scheduled for September 19^th, 2024, from 6:15-7:45.  We will send more details about Back-to-School Night next week.

Enjoy the long weekend,

Sincerely,

Jeandré Carbone

Sellwood MS Principal

jcarbone@pps.net

PTA NEWS

The SMS PTA Board welcomes you and your student to the new school year!  We are excited to continue to support the SMS staff and our school community. 

Join the PTA

Please join the PTA and contribute your voice to the conversation on making this a great school year for our kids and SMS community.  Here is the link to join! 

Join Konstella

The PTA uses the Konstella app to keep the parent community up to date with scheduled events, the school calendar, volunteer sign ups and PTA announcements. Here is the link to join!

Ice Cream Social - September 3

Join us for this SMS Back to School tradition! Come to the SMS field from 5:30-7:00 pm on Tuesday. We’ll have ice cream bars and popsicles to share. Feel free to bring chairs and/or blankets to hang out and enjoy some time with the kids and other SMS families. 

First PTA Meeting -  September 19

Please join us for our first PTA meeting of the year to learn more about the PTA and upcoming volunteer opportunities.  We will meet from 7:45-8:30 pm in the SMS library after Back to School Night events. We would love to see you!

COUNSELING CORNER

Students with last names A-L: Mr. KB – akennybrew@pps.net

Students with last names M-Z:  Ms. Katie – kfrancis@pps.net

MAIN OFFICE

MAIN OFFICE:

The best way to reach us is by email.  

The Office Phone Number

• press 4 for Johanna (“Records/Registration”)
• press 3 for Claire (Principal’s Secretary)
• press 2 for any “Attendance” matter.  It’s a designated line just for attendance. 
• press 5 for Records, Registration
• press 0 for the front counter – answered by students; not a confidential line.

     Secured Building 

Picking up your student during the day:  

Guides to Help you:

Please email Johanna (jmendizabalgomezi@pps.net) for:

Please email Claire (choward1@pps.net) for:

IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER

• September 3: PTA Ice-cream Social – 5:30-7PM
• September 10: School Starts at 9:30
• September 19: Back-to-School Night – 6:15-7:45
• September 25:  Early Release at 1:45
• December 12: Winter Band & Choir Concert @ Cleveland Auditorium

Sellwood Principal’s Newsletter – June 14, 2024

Greetings Sellwood Community,

Schools out for summer!

This morning, we had a lovely promotion ceremony for our fabulous 8^th graders.  We congratulate the high school graduating class of 2028 and wish them the best in high school!

Thank you for everyone in attendance, and all of the staff members and parent volunteers who helped make the ceremony special!

The beautiful banner backdrop, the lovely music from the Sellwood Jazz Band, the brilliant student speakers, and even the special jet flyover we arranged, went off without a hitch.

Returning rising 7th & 8th graders, we look forward to seeing you again in August!

Enjoy the summer!

Sincerely,

Jeandré Carbone

Sellwood MS Principal

jcarbone@pps.net

FOUNDATION NEWS

Message from SMS Foundation

SMS Community,

As we close out the school year we want to say THANK YOU! We are so grateful for your support of the SMS Foundation this year! You showed up at bingo, you’ve been saving cans and you’ve made generous donations to provide staffing resources for next school year! We can’t tell you how grateful we are!

There’s still time to donate by June 30, to support staffing at SMS in the 2024-2025 school year. Donate today at . 

As you may have heard, the ½ûÂþÌìÌà Board of Education voted on May 7 to stop allowing local school foundations to fundraise for staffing positions in their school. Instead, the district is launching a district-wide foundation starting on July 1. That being said, we have until June 30 to make donations to the SMS Foundation to impact staffing for next school year. 

While the Foundation Board is saddened to know that we will no longer be able to raise funds to directly support our students at SMS, we are excited to share that our beloved fundraising efforts (blue bags, bingo, and more), will continue with the PTA next year. We are honored the PTA is keeping these fundraising efforts going to support our school, students, and teachers. Be on the lookout for more information about these fundraising efforts to support the PTA when the new school year begins.

Warmly,

SMS Foundation Board

SELLWOOD’S GLOBAL READERS – FROM LIBRARIAN TINI MAIER

We are so proud of our “global readers!” These students took on our school library challenge to travel the world through reading novels or nonfiction books of their choice, books through which they could really experience the land, people, history, or culture of that place. These students filled their READ THE WORLD passports with stickers and had a great time celebrating at our exclusive end-of-year field trips. Go GLOBAL READERS! 

MAIN OFFICE

The best way to reach us is by email.  

• Melissa Whiteside (mwhitesi@pps.net) is our school secretary and registrar.  
• Claire Howard (choward1@pps.net) is our principal’s secretary and bookkeeper.
• Our Sellwood website () has many “Quick Links” to help you immediately.   

The Office Phone Number

The office phone number is 503-916-5656.  

When prompted:

• press 4 for Melissa;
• press 3 for Claire 
• press 2 for all Attendance matters. 
• press 5 for Records, Registration.
• press 0 for the front counter; however, students may answer this line.  Do not discuss anything confidential or leave any confidential messages.  

Secured Building 

Sellwood is a locked and secure building.  

Please ring the doorbell to the right of the main doors to reach the office.  We will guide you accordingly.

Parent/Student Requests:  

Please email both Melissa and Claire for student pick up or if you must get a message to a student.  For student pickup, advance notice is strongly recommended to minimize classroom interruptions. No pickups/dismissals will be allowed after 3:30 pm.

Guides to Help you:

To access your student’s attendance in Synergy: Log into ParentVue. 

To make changes to your student’s registration in Synergy:  ParentVue/StudentVue

Please email Melissa Whiteside (mwhitesi@pps.net) for:

• Passwords:  If you have forgotten your password, have been locked out of your account, or do not have login credentials
• ParentVue (if your account has been disabled).   

Please email Claire Howard (choward1@pps.net) for:

• School Pay/Bookkeeping/accounting issues.
• Administrative Support:  Messages or matters of support to the principal or assistant principal.

IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER

• June 14: Last Day of School – Half Day – Ends 12:30 PM
• August 27: First Day of School for 6^th Grade Only
• August 28: First Day of School for 7^th & 8^th Grade

Sellwood Principal’s Newsletter – June 7, 2024

Greetings Sellwood Community,

It was wonderful to see so many of you last night for Sellwood’s Annual Showcase Night.  Celebrating our students’ hard work is so important.  A big thank you to all of our teachers and students who worked hard on preparations.  Ms. Souther, the time, care, and effort you contribute to making Showcase happen are so appreciated.  Also, a shout out to our performers: Mr. Patterson and the jazz band, the Sellwood Stars, and the marimba band.  What a treat – I felt so proud of our accomplished students, whether they were performing, displaying their artwork, or their academic projects. 

Next week is the last week of school, with our annual field trips to Oaks Park on Monday and Tuesday, and 8^th grade promotion on Friday.

Don’t forget, next Friday, the last day of school, is a half-day ending at 12:30 PM.

Enjoy the weekend!

Sincerely,

Jeandré Carbone

Sellwood MS Principal

jcarbone@pps.net

FOUNDATION NEWS

Message from SMS Foundation

SMS Community,

As we close out the school year we want to say THANK YOU! We are so grateful for your support of the SMS Foundation this year! You showed up at bingo, you’ve been saving cans and you’ve made generous donations to provide staffing resources for next school year! We can’t tell you how grateful we are!

There’s still time to donate by June 30, to support staffing at SMS in the 2024-2025 school year. Donate today at . 

As you may have heard, the ½ûÂþÌìÌà Board of Education voted on May 7 to stop allowing local school foundations to fundraise for staffing positions in their school. Instead, the district is launching a district-wide foundation starting on July 1. That being said, we have until June 30 to make donations to the SMS Foundation to impact staffing for next school year. 

While the Foundation Board is saddened to know that we will no longer be able to raise funds to directly support our students at SMS, we are excited to share that our beloved fundraising efforts (blue bags, bingo, and more), will continue with the PTA next year. We are honored the PTA is keeping these fundraising efforts going to support our school, students, and teachers. Be on the lookout for more information about these fundraising efforts to support the PTA when the new school year begins.

Warmly,

SMS Foundation Board

PTA NEWS

Sellwood Dines Out

Thank you to Pure Green Sellwood for hosting our final SDO of the school year! We are grateful for your support and enjoyed all the delicious juices, smoothies, bowls, and mimosas.

We look forward to kicking off SDO again in the fall!

8th Grade Promotion

Please join us Friday, June 14 at 10:30 am at Sellwood Field (weather permitting)! We will celebrate the 8th graders with a ceremony, the Sellwood Band, distribution of certificates, refreshments and a photo booth.

8th Grade Graduate Yard Signs

If you ordered a yard sign for your 8th grader, they are in. PTA members have reached out via email to let you know where and when to pick up your sign. If you have any questions, please email sellwoodpta@gmail.com. 

Important links:

• PTA email: sellwoodpta@gmail.com
• Join the PTA:  
• Join Konstella: 
• Instagram: @sellwoodmiddlePTA
• Facebook: 

CHROMEBOOK COLLECTION JUNE 10^th and 11^th

We are finalizing plans for the end-of-year collection of Chromebooks.  In order to complete our inventory process, we will be collecting all Chromebooks and chargers.

• 6^th and 7^th graders will turn in their Chromebooks & chargers on June 10^th in their science classes.
• 8^th graders will turn in their Chromebooks & chargers on June 11^th in their science classes.

Please ensure that your child turns in their Chromebook and charger on the collection date to avoid being billed for a missing Chromebook or charger.

In October, the School Board updated the board policy on instructional materials,, to include charging students for lost or damaged equipment.  Schools are being asked to bill families for lost or intentionally damaged Chromebooks or chargers. Chromebook replacements are $515 and lost chargers are $11.50.

8TH-GRADE PROMOTION

Friday June 14, 8^th Grade Promotion

Sellwood Field, 10:30-11:30 am

Please join in celebration of our Sellwood Middle School 8^th grade class with a promotion ceremony at the Sellwood Middle School Field.  We will have our amazing Sellwood Middle School band performing, with a photo booth and light refreshments for families and graduates.

Thank you to Sellwood PTA for sponsoring this event! If you would like to volunteer, please look on Konstella for Sign Ups or email Liz: supere@ohsu.edu.

PIL YOUTH SPORTS

PIL sports registration, schedules and calendar found . Sellwood falls under the "Cleveland Cluster". If your student is playing a sport or any extracurricular activity outside of the PIL, we would love to support them as well. Send an email to Mr. KB (akennybrew@pps.net) including the schedule, including playoff information, and team pictures. Thank you 

COUNSELING CORNER

Students with last names A-L: Mr. KB – akennybrew@pps.net

Students with last names M-Z:  Ms. Katie – kfrancis@pps.net

MAIN OFFICE

The best way to reach us is by email.  

• Melissa Whiteside (mwhitesi@pps.net) is our school secretary and registrar.  
• Claire Howard (choward1@pps.net) is our principal’s secretary and bookkeeper.
• Our Sellwood website () has many “Quick Links” to help you immediately.   

The Office Phone Number

The office phone number is 503-916-5656.  

When prompted:

• press 4 for Melissa;
• press 3 for Claire 
• press 2 for all Attendance matters. 
• press 5 for Records, Registration.
• press 0 for the front counter; however, students may answer this line.  Do not discuss anything confidential or leave any confidential messages.  

Secured Building 

Sellwood is a locked and secure building.  

Please ring the doorbell to the right of the main doors to reach the office.  We will guide you accordingly.

Parent/Student Requests:  

Please email both Melissa and Claire for student pick up or if you must get a message to a student.  For student pickup, advance notice is strongly recommended to minimize classroom interruptions. No pickups/dismissals will be allowed after 3:30 pm.

Guides to Help you:

To access your student’s attendance in Synergy: Log into ParentVue. 

To make changes to your student’s registration in Synergy:  ParentVue/StudentVue

Please email Melissa Whiteside (mwhitesi@pps.net) for:

• Passwords:  If you have forgotten your password, have been locked out of your account, or do not have login credentials
• ParentVue (if your account has been disabled).   

Please email Claire Howard (choward1@pps.net) for:

• School Pay/Bookkeeping/accounting issues.
• Administrative Support:  Messages or matters of support to the principal or assistant principal.

IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER

• June 10: OAKS Park – 8^th Grade
• June 11: OAKS Park – 6^th and 7^th Grades
• June 12-14: Make-up Days
• June 14: 8^th Grade Promotion 10:30 – 11:30 AM
• June 14: Last Day of School – Half Day – Ends 12:30 PM

Sellwood Principal’s Newsletter – May 31, 2024

Greetings Sellwood Community,

We are entering the last two weeks of the school year, and they are packed with events!

We have Showcase Night on June 6^th, from 5:30 to 7:30.  We have our end of year trip to Oaks Park, June 10^th for 8^th graders, and June 11^th for 6^th & 7^th graders.  Finally, we have 8^th-grade promotion on the last day of school, June 14^th, from 10:30 to 11:30.

Important note:  The last day of school, Friday, June 14^th, is a half-day.  School will end at 12:30 PM.  Buses will run as normal.

Also, please read the important information below about end-of-year Chromebook and charger collection.

Enjoy the weekend!

Sincerely,

Jeandré Carbone

Sellwood MS Principal

jcarbone@pps.net

PTA NEWS

Sellwood Dines Out - Pure Green - June 4

We are excited to share our last SDO event of this school year! Pure Green Sellwood has generously offered to share a portion of their sales on June 4 to support SMS. Please drop in for delicious juices, smoothies, bowls, and $5 mimosas offered between 3:00-6:00 pm. Thanks for your support!

8th Grade Promotion

Please join us Friday, June 14 at 10:30 am at Sellwood Field (weather permitting)! We will celebrate the 8th graders with a ceremony, the Sellwood Band, distribution of certificates, refreshments and a photo booth.

We could still use a few volunteers to help with this event. If you are interested, please sign up on Konstella.

Cleveland High School PTA Event

The Cleveland High School PTA is recruiting new members and volunteers for the 2024-25 school year, and they'd love more incoming freshman parent perspectives. Please join them for a no-commitment happy hour to meet current CHS PTA members and learn more about CHS and ways to get involved.

When: Wednesday, June 5th, 5-7pm

Where: Hopworks Brewery, 2944 SE Powell Blvd, near CHS!

Why: Meet the super fun and friendly CHS PTA and learn about CHS and volunteer opportunities!

Please email chsptapdx@gmail.com if you have any questions.

We hope to see you there!

Important links:

• PTA email: sellwoodpta@gmail.com
• Join the PTA:  
• Join Konstella: 
• Instagram: @sellwoodmiddlePTA
• Facebook: 

CHROMEBOOK COLLECTION JUNE 10^th and 11^th

We are finalizing plans for the end-of-year collection of Chromebooks.  In order to complete our inventory process, we will be collecting all Chromebooks and chargers.

• 6^th and 7^th graders will turn in their Chromebooks & chargers on June 10^th in their science classes.
• 8^th graders will turn in their Chromebooks & chargers on June 11^th in their science classes.

Please ensure that your child turns in their Chromebook and charger on the collection date to avoid being billed for a missing Chromebook or charger.

In October, the School Board updated the board policy on instructional materials,, to include charging students for lost or damaged equipment.  Schools are being asked to bill families for lost or intentionally damaged Chromebooks or chargers. Chromebook replacements are $515 and lost chargers are $11.50.

SELLWOOD SPRING SHOWCASE NIGHT, JUNE 6^th

Save the date for Sellwood’s Annual Student Showcase on June 6^th.  The Showcase is a fun, drop-in event with displays of student work throughout the school, plus music and drama performances.  We will have an art show, science displays, math & games, language arts and social studies projects, and food carts.  Please see below for more details.

OAKS PARK FIELD TRIPS

All students should have received the Oaks Park permission form to sign and return. If you have not submitted the $18 payment, please do so right away.

Go to the following link to log in.  You may need to create an account.

The name of the account is SELLWOOD Oaks Park Year End Field Trip All Grades

On Tuesday of next week, we must confirm with Oaks Parks our final number of park bracelets, so  please make your $18 payment today, Thursday May 23^rd, or tomorrow, Friday May 24th. Let me know if your child needs a scholarship for the Oaks Park bracelet by replying to this email.

We don’t want your child to miss out on the fun end-of-year trip with their class.

Here are the details of the field trip.  

• When: 
• 8^th graders - Monday, June 10^th, 2024, 9:30am – 2:30pm 
• 6^th/7^th graders – Tuesday, June 11^th, 2024, 9:30am – 2:30pm 
• Transportation:  We will be walking both to and from the park.  Make sure to wear comfortable shoes!  All students will return to Sellwood for school dismissal; no exceptions. 

• Cost: $18.00 will include Adrenalin Peak Roller Coaster, Go-Karts, Atmosphere (new ride). 
  • Preferred payment on-line with School Pay. 
  • If this presents a financial hardship, scholarships are available. Let us know by emailing Ms. Collins dcollins@pps.net or Claire Howard choward1@pps.net

• Lunch:  Students may: 1. Bring a sack lunch, 2. Request a Sellwood sack lunch, or 3. purchase lunch at OAKS Park.  Please note that there can be very long lines and waits for purchasing food at the park. We have reserved a Picnic Area (students can leave their lunch here during the day).
• Other Costs:  Students can bring extra money for snacks, games. etc.

• Due Date for Permission Slips: Friday, May 3rd.  (extended to May 17^th)
• Expectations: In order to make sure this experience is safe and enjoyable for everyone, students attending Oaks Park are expected to be on their best behavior and must be responsive to adult direction.  We are also expecting that as we come closer to the end of the year, that students will continue to meet behavior expectations while at school.
• If a student were to receive a serious stage 2-3 referral that would merit suspension, between now and the end of the year, that student may be suspended from attending Oaks Park with their class.  Examples of incidents that may merit suspension: fighting, serious disruptive conduct, violation of the ½ûÂþÌìÌà drug/alcohol policy, bullying and harassment, physical attack/harm, property damage (intentional), etc. 

8TH-GRADE PROMOTION

Friday June 14, 8^th Grade Promotion

Sellwood Field, 10:30-11:30 am

Please join in celebration of our Sellwood Middle School 8^th grade class with a promotion ceremony at the Sellwood Middle School Field.  We will have our amazing Sellwood Middle School band performing, with a photo booth and light refreshments for families and graduates.

Thank you to Sellwood PTA for sponsoring this event! If you would like to volunteer, please look on Konstella for Sign Ups or email Liz: supere@ohsu.edu.

ANNUAL SUCCESSFUL SCHOOL SURVEY

• Good news families. If you got busy and forgot to complete the 2024 ½ûÂþÌìÌà Family Survey, the deadline has been extended another week. The window will now close on June 7th.
• Don’t miss this critical chance to share your feedback with ½ûÂþÌìÌà and Sellwood.  Your input is critical as we work to make our schools and district as good as they can be. 
• Emails were sent on May 6th and 20th with direct links to the survey. You may complete the survey online using a computer, tablet, or smartphone. You can also find the survey by visiting the website 

For more information, please refer to the attached  or on the .  

• We thank you in advance for your thoughtful responses. If you have any questions about the survey administration, please don’t hesitate to contact the School Climate Specialist at mmortensen@pps.net.

PIL YOUTH SPORTS

PIL sports registration, schedules and calendar found . Sellwood falls under the "Cleveland Cluster". If your student is playing a sport or any extracurricular activity outside of the PIL, we would love to support them as well. Send an email to Mr. KB (akennybrew@pps.net) including the schedule, including playoff information, and team pictures. Thank you 

COUNSELING CORNER

Students with last names A-L: Mr. KB – akennybrew@pps.net

Students with last names M-Z:  Ms. Katie – kfrancis@pps.net

MAIN OFFICE

The best way to reach us is by email.  

• Melissa Whiteside (mwhitesi@pps.net) is our school secretary and registrar.  
• Claire Howard (choward1@pps.net) is our principal’s secretary and bookkeeper.
• Our Sellwood website () has many “Quick Links” to help you immediately.   

The Office Phone Number

The office phone number is 503-916-5656.  

When prompted:

• press 4 for Melissa;
• press 3 for Claire 
• press 2 for all Attendance matters. 
• press 5 for Records, Registration.
• press 0 for the front counter; however, students may answer this line.  Do not discuss anything confidential or leave any confidential messages.  

Secured Building 

Sellwood is a locked and secure building.  

Please ring the doorbell to the right of the main doors to reach the office.  We will guide you accordingly.

Parent/Student Requests:  

Please email both Melissa and Claire for student pick up or if you must get a message to a student.  For student pickup, advance notice is strongly recommended to minimize classroom interruptions. No pickups/dismissals will be allowed after 3:30 pm.

Guides to Help you:

To access your student’s attendance in Synergy: Log into ParentVue. 

To make changes to your student’s registration in Synergy:  ParentVue/StudentVue

Please email Melissa Whiteside (mwhitesi@pps.net) for:

• Passwords:  If you have forgotten your password, have been locked out of your account, or do not have login credentials
• ParentVue (if your account has been disabled).   

Please email Claire Howard (choward1@pps.net) for:

• School Pay/Bookkeeping/accounting issues.
• Administrative Support:  Messages or matters of support to the principal or assistant principal.

IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER

• June 6: Showcase Night 5:30 – 7:30 PM
• June 10: OAKS Park – 8^th Grade
• June 11: OAKS Park – 6^th and 7^th Grades
• June 12-14: Make-up Days
• June 14: 8^th Grade Promotion 10:30 – 11:30 AM
• June 14: Last Day of School – Half Day – Ends 12:30 PM

Sellwood Principal’s Newsletter – May 24, 2024

Greetings Sellwood Community,

Sellwood's 2023-24 yearbooks have arrived! They look beautiful, and I know every student will want one.  For the first time this year, we are committed to providing a yearbook to every single student regardless of ability to pay.

We need your support in order to make this sustainable.  We are requesting a suggested $17-$20 donation to our Sellwood Yearbook Donation account in School Pay (the price for a yearbook was $25 last year).  You can donate more, especially if you have more than one child at Sellwood.  We hope that our “Yearbooks for All” plan will make for a more enjoyable and equitable end of the year experience for all.

Here's the link to SchoolPay.    If you need assistance with SchoolPay, the SchoolPay parent help phone number is 833-731-2600.

Thank you in advance for your generosity in bringing this end-of-year experience to all of our students. 

Again: every student will receive a yearbook the last week of school, but we need your help!

Sincerely,

Jeandré Carbone

Sellwood MS Principal

jcarbone@pps.net

PTA NEWS

Sellwood Garden Tour 2024 - Thank You!

Thank you to all who supported, attended and volunteered for the Garden Tour last weekend, and special thanks to our community members who generously donated their gardens. It was a tremendous success and helped us raise needed funds to support the school. We look forward to seeing you next year!

PTA General Meeting - May 28

Please join us for our final PTA meeting of the school year on May 28 at 7:00 pm in the SMS library. We will have an update from Principal Carbone on staffing for the 2024-2025 school year, as well as an update from SMS librarian Tini Maier on the library book budget. 

We will also welcome special guest Frenchie Huey from Yondr. We are exploring the idea of using Yondr to secure student cell phones at SMS. During the presentation we will learn about the benefits of Yondr and how Yondr works, and have the opportunity to ask questions. This is a costly investment for the school and an important conversation as we consider potential implementation. Please see the articles below for more information on Yondr:

We will also approve our 2024-25 PTA Board slate and budget. We look forward to seeing you there!

SMS PTA Board - 2024-2025

We are pleased to share our 2024-2025 PTA Board slate, which will be presented for approval at the general meeting on Tuesday:

• President: Emily Quast
• Vice-President: Katka Howland
• Secretary: Carrie Spiteri
• Treasurer: Bayra Garfield
• Members-at-Large: Karen Hansen, Betsy Roberts, Ceri Cundiff, Amanda Cue, Scott DeMonte

We are still welcoming new PTA board members and committee chairs for next year. Please consider joining us to and helping with important committees like Sellwood Dines Out, Staff Appreciation, PEAK programs and other important events throughout the year. Reach out to sellwoodpta@gmail.com with any questions and/or connect with us in person at the meeting next week.

Sellwood Dines Out - Pure Green - June 4

We are excited to share our last SDO event of this school year. Pure Green Sellwood has generously offered to share a portion of their sales on June 4 to support SMS. Please drop in for delicious juices, smoothies, bowls, and $5 mimosas offered between 3:00-6:00 pm. Thanks for your support!

Important links:

• PTA email: sellwoodpta@gmail.com
• Join the PTA:  
• Join Konstella: 
• Instagram: @sellwoodmiddlePTA
• Facebook: 

SELLWOOD SPRING SHOWCASE NIGHT, JUNE 6^th

Save the date for Sellwood’s Annual Student Showcase on June 6^th.  The Showcase is a fun, drop-in event with displays of student work throughout the school, plus music and drama performances.  We will have an art show, science displays, math & games, language arts and social studies projects, and food carts.  Please see below for more details.

OAKS PARK FIELD TRIPS – (FINAL DATE FOR PAYMENT - TUESDAY, MAY 28)

All students should have received the Oaks Park permission form to sign and return. If you have not submitted the $18 payment, please do so right away, today or by Tuesday, May 28th.

Go to the following link to log in.  You may need to create an account.

The name of the account is SELLWOOD Oaks Park Year End Field Trip All Grades

On Tuesday of next week, we must confirm with Oaks Parks our final number of park bracelets, so  please make your $18 payment today if you haven't yet done so. Let me know if your child needs a scholarship for the Oaks Park bracelet by replying to this email.

We don’t want your child to miss out on the fun end-of-year trip with their class.

Here are the details of the field trip.  

• When: 
• 8^th graders - Monday, June 10^th, 2024, 9:30am – 2:30pm 
• 6^th/7^th graders – Tuesday, June 11^th, 2024, 9:30am – 2:30pm 
• Transportation:  We will be walking both to and from the park.  Make sure to wear comfortable shoes!  All students will return to Sellwood for school dismissal; no exceptions. 

• Cost: $18.00 will include Adrenalin Peak Roller Coaster, Go-Karts, Atmosphere (new ride). 
  • Preferred payment on-line with School Pay. 
  • If this presents a financial hardship, scholarships are available. Let us know by emailing Ms. Collins dcollins@pps.net or Claire Howard choward1@pps.net

• Lunch:  Students may: 1. Bring a sack lunch, 2. Request a Sellwood sack lunch, or 3. purchase lunch at OAKS Park.  Please note that there can be very long lines and waits for purchasing food at the park. We have reserved a Picnic Area (students can leave their lunch here during the day).
• Other Costs:  Students can bring extra money for snacks, games. etc.

• Due Date for Permission Slips: Friday, May 3rd.  (extended to May 17^th)
• Expectations: In order to make sure this experience is safe and enjoyable for everyone, students attending Oaks Park are expected to be on their best behavior and must be responsive to adult direction.  We are also expecting that as we come closer to the end of the year, that students will continue to meet behavior expectations while at school.
• If a student were to receive a serious stage 2-3 referral that would merit suspension, between now and the end of the year, that student may be suspended from attending Oaks Park with their class.  Examples of incidents that may merit suspension: fighting, serious disruptive conduct, violation of the ½ûÂþÌìÌà drug/alcohol policy, bullying and harassment, physical attack/harm, property damage (intentional), etc. 

8TH-GRADE PROMOTION

Friday June 14, 8^th Grade Promotion

Sellwood Field, 10:30-11:30 am

Please join in celebration of our Sellwood Middle School 8^th grade class with a promotion ceremony at the Sellwood Middle School Field.  We will have our amazing Sellwood Middle School band performing, with a photo booth and light refreshments for families and graduates.

Thank you to Sellwood PTA for sponsoring this event! If you would like to volunteer, please look on Konstella for Sign Ups or email Liz: supere@ohsu.edu.

ANNUAL SUCCESSFUL SCHOOL SURVEY

• There is only ONE WEEK LEFT for you to take the 2024 ½ûÂþÌìÌà Family Survey. 
• Don’t miss this chance to share your feedback with ½ûÂþÌìÌà and Sellwood.  Your input is critical as we work to make our schools and district as good as they can be. 
• Emails were sent on May 6th and 20th with direct links to the survey. You may complete the survey online using a computer, tablet, or smartphone. You can also find the survey by visiting the website 

For more information, please refer to the attached  or on the .  

• We thank you in advance for your thoughtful responses. If you have any questions about the survey administration, please don’t hesitate to contact the School Climate Specialist at mmortensen@pps.net.

LOST OR INTENTIONALLY DAMAGED CHROMEBOOKS

As we are nearing the end of the 2023-24 school year, questions are surfacing about students who have lost or intentionally damaged their Chromebook or their charger/adapter.  In October, the School Board updated the board policy on instructional materials,, to include charging students for lost or damaged equipment. Parents/guardians will pay the school and the school will purchase replacement Chromebook using the ½ûÂþÌìÌà IT Purchasing process. Chromebook replacements are $515 and lost chargers are $11.50.

PIL YOUTH SPORTS

PIL sports registration, schedules and calendar found . Sellwood falls under the "Cleveland Cluster". If your student is playing a sport or any extracurricular activity outside of the PIL, we would love to support them as well. Send an email to Mr. KB (akennybrew@pps.net) including the schedule, including playoff information, and team pictures. Thank you 

COUNSELING CORNER

Students with last names A-L: Mr. KB – akennybrew@pps.net

Students with last names M-Z:  Ms. Katie – kfrancis@pps.net

MAIN OFFICE

The best way to reach us is by email.  

• Melissa Whiteside (mwhitesi@pps.net) is our school secretary and registrar.  
• Claire Howard (choward1@pps.net) is our principal’s secretary and bookkeeper.
• Our Sellwood website () has many “Quick Links” to help you immediately.   

The Office Phone Number

The office phone number is 503-916-5656.  

When prompted:

• press 4 for Melissa;
• press 3 for Claire 
• press 2 for all Attendance matters. 
• press 5 for Records, Registration.
• press 0 for the front counter; however, students may answer this line.  Do not discuss anything confidential or leave any confidential messages.  

Secured Building 

Sellwood is a locked and secure building.  

Please ring the doorbell to the right of the main doors to reach the office.  We will guide you accordingly.

Parent/Student Requests:  

Please email both Melissa and Claire for student pick up or if you must get a message to a student.  For student pickup, advance notice is strongly recommended to minimize classroom interruptions. No pickups/dismissals will be allowed after 3:30 pm.

Guides to Help you:

To access your student’s attendance in Synergy: Log into ParentVue. 

To make changes to your student’s registration in Synergy:  ParentVue/StudentVue

Please email Melissa Whiteside (mwhitesi@pps.net) for:

• Passwords:  If you have forgotten your password, have been locked out of your account, or do not have login credentials
• ParentVue (if your account has been disabled).   

Please email Claire Howard (choward1@pps.net) for:

• School Pay/Bookkeeping/accounting issues.
• Administrative Support:  Messages or matters of support to the principal or assistant principal.

IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER

• May 27: Memorial Day – NO SCHOOL
• May 28: PTA Meeting 7PM
• June 6: Showcase Night 5:30 – 7:30 PM
• June 10: OAKS Park – 8^th Grade
• June 11: OAKS Park – 6^th and 7^th Grades
• June 12-14: Make-up Days
• June 14: 8^th Grade Promotion 10:30 – 11:30 AM
• June 14: Last Day of School – Half Day

Sellwood Principal’s Newsletter – May 20, 2024

Greetings Sellwood Community,

My apologies for the delayed newsletter.  Last week, I was out of town caring for my elderly mother (95!) who has been doing poorly.

I was also sorry to miss the PTA Garden Tour yesterday.  I heard that it was a lovely event, as usual, and a great success.  Thanks to all that attended and supported our wonderful PTA!

This week, we will be conducting state testing on Tuesday (ELA) and Thursday (math).  Please make sure your child gets a good night’s rest and arrives to school on time with a fully-charged Chromebook.

Have a great week!

Sincerely,

Jeandré Carbone

Sellwood MS Principal

jcarbone@pps.net

STATE TESTING

OSAS testing is on May 21st and 23rd. We will have a different bell schedule for these 2 days; please see below. Please note that any opted out students will stay in class for the duration of the class, working silently. To prepare for these important tests, please make sure your student:

• gets a good night sleep
• eats a healthy breakfast
• brings a snack to eat during the testing break
• brings a fully charged Chromebook

PTA NEWS

PTA General Meeting - May 28

Please join us for our final PTA meeting of the school year on Tuesday, May 28 at 7:00 pm in the SMS library. We will have an update from Principal Carbone and will approve our budget and board for the 2024-2025 school year. We look forward to seeing you there!

8th Grade Graduation Volunteers Needed: June 14

Please check Konstella for opportunities to help with set up & decorations, refreshments, handing out certificates, and clean-up. This is a special day for our 8th graders and we need your support to make it happen!

SMS PTA Board opportunities - 2024-2025

We are looking for new PTA Board members for the 2024-2025 school year. We will have several member-at-large vacancies on the board and want to ensure all feeder schools are represented. Please consider joining us to and helping with important committees like Sellwood Dines Out, Staff Appreciation, PEAK programs and other important events throughout the year. Reach out to sellwoodpta@gmail.com with any questions.

Important links:

• PTA email: sellwoodpta@gmail.com
• Join the PTA:  
• Join Konstella: 
• Instagram: @sellwoodmiddlePTA
• Facebook: 

SELLWOOD SPRING SHOWCASE NIGHT, JUNE 6^th

Save the date for Sellwood’s Annual Student Showcase on June 6^th.  The Showcase is a fun, drop-in event with displays of student work throughout the school, plus music and drama performances.  We will have an art show, science displays, math & games, language arts and social studies projects, and food carts.  Please see below for more details.

OAKS PARK FIELD TRIPS – PERMISSION SLIPS WERE DUE MAY 3rd

All students should have received the Oaks Park permission form to sign and return. If you have not submitted your child’s field trip permission form and the $18 payment, please do so right away. 

Here are the details of the field trip.  

• When: 
• 8^th graders - Monday, June 10^th, 2024, 9:30am – 2:30pm 
• 6^th/7^th graders – Tuesday, June 11^th, 2024, 9:30am – 2:30pm 
• Transportation:  We will be walking both to and from the park.  Make sure to wear comfortable shoes!  All students will return to Sellwood for school dismissal; no exceptions. 

• Cost: $18.00 will include Adrenalin Peak Roller Coaster, Go-Karts, Atmosphere (new ride). 
  • Preferred payment on-line with School Pay. 
  • If this presents a financial hardship, scholarships are available. Let us know by emailing Ms. Collins dcollins@pps.net or Claire Howard choward1@pps.net

• Lunch:  Students may: 1. Bring a sack lunch, 2. Request a Sellwood sack lunch, or 3. purchase lunch at OAKS Park.  Please note that there can be very long lines and waits for purchasing food at the park. We have reserved a Picnic Area (students can leave their lunch here during the day).
• Other Costs:  Students can bring extra money for snacks, games. etc.

• Due Date for Permission Slips: Friday, May 3rd.  (extended to May 17^th)
• Expectations: In order to make sure this experience is safe and enjoyable for everyone, students attending Oaks Park are expected to be on their best behavior and must be responsive to adult direction.  We are also expecting that as we come closer to the end of the year, that students will continue to meet behavior expectations while at school.
• If a student were to receive a serious stage 2-3 referral that would merit suspension, between now and the end of the year, that student may be suspended from attending Oaks Park with their class.  Examples of incidents that may merit suspension: fighting, serious disruptive conduct, violation of the ½ûÂþÌìÌà drug/alcohol policy, bullying and harassment, physical attack/harm, property damage (intentional), etc. 

8TH-GRADE PROMOTION

Friday June 14, 8^th Grade Promotion

Sellwood Field, 10:30-11:30 am

Please join in celebration of our Sellwood Middle School 8^th grade class with a promotion ceremony at the Sellwood Middle School Field.  We will have our amazing Sellwood Middle School band performing, with a photo booth and light refreshments for families and graduates.

Thank you to Sellwood PTA for sponsoring this event! If you would like to volunteer, please look on Konstella for Sign Ups or email Liz: supere@ohsu.edu.

ANNUAL SUCCESSFUL SCHOOL SURVEY

Our district values your feedback! We are currently surveying ½ûÂþÌìÌà and Sellwood families in order to gain insight into your perception of our school and district effectiveness. To ensure we continue to provide high quality, rigorous learning experiences that meet the needs of our learners and prepare them for college and career, we need your feedback. We want to know what you think.

To administer these surveys, we have partnered with Panorama Education to conduct our 2024 Family Survey. Panorama safeguards your privacy, keeping your responses

confidential. The survey shouldn’t take more than a few minutes to complete, and will be a valuable source of information for us as we work to make our schools and district as

good as they can be.
 

You should have received an email on May 6th with a link to the survey. You may complete the survey online between May 6th and May 31 using a computer, tablet, or smartphone. If you didn’t receive an email, you can complete the survey by visiting the following website

• For more information, please refer to the attached . 

We thank you in advance for your thoughtful responses. If you have any questions about the survey administration, please don’t hesitate to contact School Climate Specialist at mmortensen@pps.net

LOST OR INTENTIONALLY DAMAGED CHROMEBOOKS

As we are nearing the end of the 2023-24 school year, questions are surfacing about students who have lost or intentionally damaged their Chromebook or their charger/adapter.  In October, the School Board updated the board policy on instructional materials,, to include charging students for lost or damaged equipment. Parents/guardians will pay the school and the school will purchase replacement Chromebook using the ½ûÂþÌìÌà IT Purchasing process. Chromebook replacements are $515 and lost chargers are $11.50.

PIL YOUTH SPORTS

PIL sports registration, schedules and calendar found . Sellwood falls under the "Cleveland Cluster". If your student is playing a sport or any extracurricular activity outside of the PIL, we would love to support them as well. Send an email to Mr. KB (akennybrew@pps.net) including the schedule, including playoff information, and team pictures. Thank you 

COUNSELING CORNER

Students with last names A-L: Mr. KB – akennybrew@pps.net

Students with last names M-Z:  Ms. Katie – kfrancis@pps.net

MAIN OFFICE

The best way to reach us is by email.  

• Melissa Whiteside (mwhitesi@pps.net) is our school secretary and registrar.  
• Claire Howard (choward1@pps.net) is our principal’s secretary and bookkeeper.
• Our Sellwood website () has many “Quick Links” to help you immediately.   

The Office Phone Number

The office phone number is 503-916-5656.  

When prompted:

• press 4 for Melissa;
• press 3 for Claire 
• press 2 for all Attendance matters. 
• press 5 for Records, Registration.
• press 0 for the front counter; however, students may answer this line.  Do not discuss anything confidential or leave any confidential messages.  

Secured Building 

Sellwood is a locked and secure building.  

Please ring the doorbell to the right of the main doors to reach the office.  We will guide you accordingly.

Parent/Student Requests:  

Please email both Melissa and Claire for student pick up or if you must get a message to a student.  For student pickup, advance notice is strongly recommended to minimize classroom interruptions. No pickups/dismissals will be allowed after 3:30 pm.

Guides to Help you:

To access your student’s attendance in Synergy: Log into ParentVue. 

To make changes to your student’s registration in Synergy:  ParentVue/StudentVue

Please email Melissa Whiteside (mwhitesi@pps.net) for:

• Passwords:  If you have forgotten your password, have been locked out of your account, or do not have login credentials
• ParentVue (if your account has been disabled).   

Please email Claire Howard (choward1@pps.net) for:

• School Pay/Bookkeeping/accounting issues.
• Administrative Support:  Messages or matters of support to the principal or assistant principal.

IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER

• May 21: OSAS Testing - ELA
• May 22: Spring Band Concert – 6PM
• May 23: OSAS Testing - Math
• May 27: Memorial Day – NO SCHOOL
• May 28: PTA Meeting 7PM
• June 6: Showcase Night 5:30 – 7:30 PM
• June 10: OAKS Park – 8^th Grade
• June 11: OAKS Park – 6^th and 7^th Grades
• June 12-14: Make-up Days
• June 14: 8^th Grade Promotion 10:30 – 11:30 AM
• June 14: Last Day of School – Half Day

Sellwood Principal’s Newsletter – May 10, 2024

Greetings Sellwood Community,

It’s been a very busy week! On Tuesday, our 7^th-grade field trip to Pure Seeds Farm and our 8^th-grade trip to the University of Oregon were big undertakings.  We received positive feedback from staff and students, so we consider the trips to have been well worth the effort.  Thank you so much to the family members who volunteered as chaperones!  We could not have done it without you.  We also thank the Sellwood PTA for helping upgrade the U of O buses to Blue Star Coaches.  The trip to Eugene was much more comfortable for all.

This week was Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week, and the PTA and our parent community once again went above and beyond to show the Sellwood MS team some love with a Higgins Bagels breakfast and Jade Bistro lunch.  We are so grateful for our community, and grateful for our teachers and staff.

Finally, last night was the opening night for our first school play in 5 years, Roshambo.  It was very well received, and our whole student body got to see it performed this morning at a school-wide assembly.  The final performance will be tonight at 7PM.  Our drama teacher, Ms. Crabtree, and her team of actors and stage crew, have worked so hard to make the play a success.  Congratulations, team Roshambo!

Sellwood family, thanks for all you do.  Try to stay cool this weekend :-)

Sincerely,

Jeandré Carbone

Sellwood MS Principal

jcarbone@pps.net

PTA NEWS

Sellwood Garden Tour 2024 - May 19 - Volunteers Needed

We have many volunteer opportunities open for the Garden Tour on Konstella - this is a great opportunity to support the school and connect with members of the SMS community. 

We will have 2 shifts open that day, 10:45am-1:30pm and 1:30-4:15pm. Volunteers will be assigned to each of our 6 gardens as hosts, directing traffic, answering questions, and representing the school. Please check Konstella for all volunteer openings and reach out if you have questions. We appreciate your support!

8th Grade Graduation Sign Orders & Volunteers Needed

If you have a graduating 8th grader and would like to purchase a yard sign to celebrate them, please visit the following link: . The cost is $25 per sign ($30 if personalized). Questions? Email Liz Super at supere@ohsu.edu. Congratulations 8th graders!

We are also looking for volunteer support for our 8th Grade Promotion on June 14. Please check Konstella for opportunities to help with set up & decorations, refreshments, handing out certificates, and clean up. This is a special day for our 8th graders and we need your support to make it happen!

SMS PTA Board opportunities - 2024-2025

We are looking for new PTA Board members for the 2024-2025 school year. We will have several member-at-large vacancies on the board and want to ensure all feeder schools are represented. Please consider joining us to and helping with important committees like Sellwood Dines Out, Staff Appreciation, PEAK programs and other important events throughout the year. Reach out to sellwoodpta@gmail.com with any questions.

Important links:

• PTA email: sellwoodpta@gmail.com
• Join the PTA:  
• Join Konstella: 
• Instagram: @sellwoodmiddlePTA
• Facebook: 

OAKS PARK FIELD TRIPS – PERMISSION SLIPS WERE DUE MAY 3rd

All students should have received the Oaks Park permission form to sign and return. If you have not submitted your child’s field trip permission form and the $18 payment, please do so right away. 

Here are the details of the field trip.  

• When: 
• 8^th graders - Monday, June 10^th, 2024, 9:30am – 2:30pm 
• 6^th/7^th graders – Tuesday, June 11^th, 2024, 9:30am – 2:30pm 
• Transportation:  We will be walking both to and from the park.  Make sure to wear comfortable shoes!  All students will return to Sellwood for school dismissal; no exceptions. 

• Cost: $18.00 will include Adrenalin Peak Roller Coaster, Go-Karts, Atmosphere (new ride). 
  • Preferred payment on-line with School Pay. 
  • If this presents a financial hardship, scholarships are available. Let us know by emailing Ms. Collins dcollins@pps.net or Claire Howard choward1@pps.net

• Lunch:  Students may: 1. Bring a sack lunch, 2. Request a Sellwood sack lunch, or 3. purchase lunch at OAKS Park.  Please note that there can be very long lines and waits for purchasing food at the park. We have reserved a Picnic Area (students can leave their lunch here during the day).
• Other Costs:  Students can bring extra money for snacks, games. etc.

• Due Date for Permission Slips: Friday, May 3rd.  (extended to May 17^th)
• Expectations: In order to make sure this experience is safe and enjoyable for everyone, students attending Oaks Park are expected to be on their best behavior and must be responsive to adult direction.  We are also expecting that as we come closer to the end of the year, that students will continue to meet behavior expectations while at school.
• If a student were to receive a serious stage 2-3 referral that would merit suspension, between now and the end of the year, that student may be suspended from attending Oaks Park with their class.  Examples of incidents that may merit suspension: fighting, serious disruptive conduct, violation of the ½ûÂþÌìÌà drug/alcohol policy, bullying and harassment, physical attack/harm, property damage (intentional), etc. 

8TH-GRADE PROMOTION

Friday June 14, 8^th Grade Promotion

Sellwood Field, 10:30-11:30 am

Please join in celebration of our Sellwood Middle School 8^th grade class with a promotion ceremony at the Sellwood Middle School Field.  We will have our amazing Sellwood Middle School band performing, with a photo booth and light refreshments for families and graduates.

Thank you to Sellwood PTA for sponsoring this event! If you would like to volunteer, please look on Konstella for Sign Ups or email Liz: supere@ohsu.edu.

STATE TESTING

OSAS testing is on May 21 and 23rd. We will have a  for these 2 days. To prepare for these important tests, please make sure your student:

• gets a good night sleep
• eats a healthy breakfast
• brings a snack to eat during the testing break
• brings a fully charged Chromebook

ANNUAL SUCCESSFUL SCHOOL SURVEY

Our district values your feedback! On Monday, you should receive an email from Panorama asking you to take a brief survey to tell us about your experience with ½ûÂþÌìÌà and Sellwood Middle. To ensure we continue to provide high quality, rigorous learning experiences that meet the needs of our learners and prepare them for college and career, we need your feedback. We want to know what you think.

The survey window will begin on May 6th and close on May 31st. Your family will be able to take the survey online at home at your earliest convenience. If you do not receive an email with a link to the survey , you can go to the following link to take the survey: 

Staff and students will take the survey on May 14th and 16th during the school day.

For more information, please refer to the attached . 

We thank you in advance for your thoughtful responses. If you have any questions about the survey administration, please don’t hesitate to contact the School Climate Specialist at mmortensen@pps.net.

SELLWOOD STARS ACCOMPLISHMENTS 2023-24

Please help us congratulate our dance team, The Sellwood Stars, on an award-winning season.  Below is a list of their accomplishments.

Philomath 2/10: 

¡ï Drill Down: Allyssa, Eowyn, Maya, Ramona, Ava, Phoebe, Sylvie, Saoirse, Cory, Olive

? Routine/Team Awards: 1st Jazz, 1st Contemporary

Milwaukie/Dancesation 2/17:

¡ï Drill Down: Anna, Saoirse, Ramona

¡î Superstars: Ivy, Martine

? Routine/Team Awards: 2nd Jazz, 2nd Contemporary

Rex Putnam 2/24:

¡ï Drill Down (Advanced): Eowyn, Saoirse, Phoebe, Sylvie

¡î Superstars: Ava, Zac, Eowyn

? Routine/Team Awards: 2nd Jazz, 2nd Contemporary, 2nd Hip Hop

PIL/District Champs 3/9:

¡ï Drill Down: Maya, Saoirse, Sylvie, Anna, Phoebe (champion)

State Champs 4/13:

¡ï Drill Down: Alessia, Willa, Ava, Maya, Anna, Slyvie, Eowyn, Ramona

¡î Super Stars: Allyssa, Ava, Maya

? Routine/Team Awards: 1st Hip Hop

Routines: Contemporary, Jazz, Hip Hop

Team Members: Martine, Alessia, Saoirse, Allyssa, Ivy, Ava, Tierney, Phoebe, Eowyn, Anna, Ellison, Willa, Maya, Olive, Cory, Lela, Sylvie, Ramona, Naomi, Zac, Nina, Kaya, Zani, Miranda, Oona, Finley, Frances, Willow

ROGUE PACK THEATRE COLLECTIVE

PLAYWRITING & PERFORMANCE SUMMER CAMP

Rogue Pack Theatre Collective is offering a two week full-time summer theatre camp July 22 – Aug. 2^nd culminating with a free performance in Sellwood Park for the whole community.

Here is a preview of the registration page and info:

Ann Singer, Executive Director, Rogue Pack Theatre

LOST OR INTENTIONALLY DAMAGED CHROMEBOOKS

As we are nearing the end of the 2023-24 school year, questions are surfacing about students who have lost or intentionally damaged their Chromebook or their charger/adapter.  In October, the School Board updated the board policy on instructional materials,, to include charging students for lost or damaged equipment. Parents/guardians will pay the school and the school will purchase replacement Chromebook using the ½ûÂþÌìÌà IT Purchasing process. Chromebook replacements are $515 and lost chargers are $11.50.

PIL YOUTH SPORTS

PIL sports registration, schedules and calendar found . Sellwood falls under the "Cleveland Cluster". If your student is playing a sport or any extracurricular activity outside of the PIL, we would love to support them as well. Send an email to Mr. KB (akennybrew@pps.net) including the schedule, including playoff information, and team pictures. Thank you 

COUNSELING CORNER

Students with last names A-L: Mr. KB – akennybrew@pps.net

Students with last names M-Z:  Ms. Katie – kfrancis@pps.net

MAIN OFFICE

The best way to reach us is by email.  

• Melissa Whiteside (mwhitesi@pps.net) is our school secretary and registrar.  
• Claire Howard (choward1@pps.net) is our principal’s secretary and bookkeeper.
• Our Sellwood website () has many “Quick Links” to help you immediately.   

The Office Phone Number

The office phone number is 503-916-5656.  

When prompted:

• press 4 for Melissa;
• press 3 for Claire 
• press 2 for all Attendance matters. 
• press 5 for Records, Registration.
• press 0 for the front counter; however, students may answer this line.  Do not discuss anything confidential or leave any confidential messages.  

Secured Building 

Sellwood is a locked and secure building.  

Please ring the doorbell to the right of the main doors to reach the office.  We will guide you accordingly.

Parent/Student Requests:  

Please email both Melissa and Claire for student pick up or if you must get a message to a student.  For student pickup, advance notice is strongly recommended to minimize classroom interruptions. No pickups/dismissals will be allowed after 3:30 pm.

Guides to Help you:

To access your student’s attendance in Synergy: Log into ParentVue. 

To make changes to your student’s registration in Synergy:  ParentVue/StudentVue

Please email Melissa Whiteside (mwhitesi@pps.net) for:

• Passwords:  If you have forgotten your password, have been locked out of your account, or do not have login credentials
• ParentVue (if your account has been disabled).   

Please email Claire Howard (choward1@pps.net) for:

• School Pay/Bookkeeping/accounting issues.
• Administrative Support:  Messages or matters of support to the principal or assistant principal.

IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER

• May 9 & 10: Sellwood School Play “Roshambo” 7PM
• May 17^th: All 8^th-grade trip to Cleveland HS
• May 19: PTA Garden Tour
• May 22: Spring Band Concert – 6PM
• May 27: Memorial Day – NO SCHOOL
• May 28: PTA Meeting 7PM
• June 6: Showcase Night 5:30 – 7PM
• June 10: OAKS Park – 8^th Grade
• June 11: OAKS Park – 6^th and 7^th Grades
• June 12-14: Make-up Days
• June 14: 8^th Grade Promotion 10:30 – 11:30 AM
• June 14: Last Day of School – Half Day

Sellwood Principal’s Newsletter – May 3, 2024

Greetings Sellwood Community,

We are heading into the final six weeks of school, and many exciting events are coming up.  Please review the information about the two field trips happening next Tuesday, May 7^th, for all 7^th and 8^th graders.  Although the deadline for field trip permission forms was today, we really do want all 7^th-graders and 8^th-graders to participate.  So, if you turn in the field trip form on Monday, we will still make room.  Keep in mind that all 7^th and 8^th grade teachers will be chaperoning these trips, so 7^th and 8^th grade classes will not be taking place on Tuesday.

Also, as the weather gets warmer and we head into the final months of the year, we want to maintain our focus on academics and learning.  We would love to have parents help with Chromebook charging.  Chromebooks are an important daily tool in our classrooms and uncharged Chromebooks mean interrupted work time! Please help ensure that your students are coming to school with a fully charged Chromebook.  Teachers will really appreciate your help!

Thanks for all you do.  Have a lovely weekend.

Sincerely,

Jeandré Carbone

Sellwood MS Principal

jcarbone@pps.net

ANNUAL SUCCESSFUL SCHOOL SURVEY

Our district values your feedback! On Monday, you should receive an email from Panorama asking you to take a brief survey to tell us about your experience with ½ûÂþÌìÌà and Sellwood Middle. To ensure we continue to provide high quality, rigorous learning experiences that meet the needs of our learners and prepare them for college and career, we need your feedback. We want to know what you think.

The survey window will begin on May 6th and close on May 31st. Your family will be able to take the survey online at home at your earliest convenience. If you do not receive an email with a link to the survey , you can go to the following link to take the survey: 

Staff and students will take the survey on May 14th and 16th during the school day.

For more information, please refer to the attached . 

We thank you in advance for your thoughtful responses. If you have any questions about the survey administration, please don’t hesitate to contact the School Climate Specialist at mmortensen@pps.net.

PTA NEWS

Sellwood Garden Tour 2024 - May 19 - Volunteers Needed

We have many volunteer opportunities open for the Garden Tour on Konstella - this is a great opportunity to support the school and connect with members of the SMS community. 

We will have 2 shifts open that day, 10:45am-1:30pm and 1:30-4:15pm. Volunteers will be assigned to each of our 6 gardens as hosts, directing traffic, answering questions, and representing the school. Please check Konstella for all volunteer openings and reach out if you have questions. We appreciate your support!

8th Grade Graduation Sign Orders & Volunteers Needed

If you have a graduating 8th grader and would like to purchase a yard sign to celebrate them, please visit the following link: . The cost is $25 per sign ($30 if personalized). Questions? Email Liz Super at supere@ohsu.edu. Congratulations 8th graders!

We are also looking for volunteer support for our 8th Grade Promotion on June 14. Please check Konstella for opportunities to help with set up & decorations, refreshments, handing out certificates, and clean up. This is a special day for our 8th graders and we need your support to make it happen!

SMS PTA Board opportunities - 2024-2025

We are looking for new PTA Board members for the 2024-2025 school year. We will have several member-at-large vacancies on the board and want to ensure all feeder schools are represented. Please consider joining us to and helping with important committees like Sellwood Dines Out, Staff Appreciation, PEAK programs and other important events throughout the year. Reach out to sellwoodpta@gmail.com with any questions.

Important links:

• PTA email: sellwoodpta@gmail.com
• Join the PTA:  
• Join Konstella: 
• Instagram: @sellwoodmiddlePTA
• Facebook: 

SELLWOOD FOUNDATION NEWS

Hey there!

We're on the lookout for some awesome people to join our Sellwood Middle School Foundation Board 2024-2025, and help us fundraise for some important programs at our school. We want to make sure we have the resources to pay for things like resource teachers, French classes, and other electives that will give our students a well-rounded education.

As an SMS Foundation Board member, you'll be in charge of organizing fundraising campaigns, reaching out to potential donors, and building relationships with our community. We're looking for people who care about education and are excited about making a difference in the lives of our students. While experience in fundraising or nonprofit work is a plus, it's not required. We want a diverse group of people from all backgrounds to join us!

If you're interested in getting involved and helping us out, shoot a message  Ashley Schmidt ashleyrschmidt@yahoo.com, cell number 503-267-0146 or find Sellwood Middle Foundation on Facebook or Instagram! We'd love to hear from you and talk more about how we can work together to support our school and its students.

Thanks for considering this opportunity!

Sellwood Middle School Foundation

May 7 - 7TH GRADE PURE SEED FIELD TRIP

All 7th grade students will attend a field trip to Pure Seed farm and headquarters to learn about careers in agriculture on May 7th from 9:30 to 2pm. Permission slips have been distributed and are due May 3^rd.  We are looking for chaperones! If you are interested, please email mmortensen@pps.net

May 7 - 8TH GRADE FIELD TRIP TO THE UNIVERSITY OF OREGON

As part of college and career learning, all ½ûÂþÌìÌà 8^th-graders will be visiting a college or university this spring.  Sellwood 8^th graders will attend a field trip to the University of Oregon on May 7^th.  Buses will be departing first thing in the morning, and returning at approximately 5PM.  Students will visit the Student Welcome Center, tour the campus, visit the Athletics Facilities and the Museum.  Field trip permission slips have been distributed and are due, Friday, May 3^rd.  We are looking for chaperones! If you are interested, please email mmortensen@pps.net

STUDENT LEADERSHIP CLASS NEWS

Let's honor Earth Month by reducing our plastic impact!

Did you know that only 9% of plastic is currently recycled? Do you have a “bag of bags” under a sink somewhere? Leadership students are spearheading a plastic film recycling drive through Ridwell. We can accept clean, dry plastic bags and film May 6 through May 20. Students and caregivers can drop off plastics inside, near the main office. ***To distinguish plastic *film* from some other kind, try to push your finger through the plastic. If it gives easily and you can make a hole in it, bring it to school!***

This is a one-time collection, but Ridwell is also offering one year of FREE monthly plastic film pickups for Sellwood Middle School for the entire 2024-2025 school year if we get 10 new members to join (purchase a Ridwell subscription for your home) using this link by May 31, 2024:      

Imagine the impact of a whole school recycling plastic film, bags, and packing materials. Our textbooks and Chromebooks alone result in a LOT of plastic packaging waste which could be avoided!

LOST OR INTENTIONALLY DAMAGED CHROMEBOOKS

As we are nearing the end of the 2023-24 school year, questions are surfacing about students who have lost or intentionally damaged their Chromebook or their charger/adapter.  In October, the School Board updated the board policy on instructional materials,, to include charging students for lost or damaged equipment. Parents/guardians will pay the school and the school will purchase replacement Chromebook using the ½ûÂþÌìÌà IT Purchasing process. Chromebook replacements are $515 and lost chargers are $11.50.

PIL YOUTH SPORTS

PIL sports registration, schedules and calendar found . Sellwood falls under the "Cleveland Cluster". If your student is playing a sport or any extracurricular activity outside of the PIL, we would love to support them as well. Send an email to Mr. KB (akennybrew@pps.net) including the schedule, including playoff information, and team pictures. Thank you 

COUNSELING CORNER

Students with last names A-L: Mr. KB – akennybrew@pps.net

Students with last names M-Z:  Ms. Katie – kfrancis@pps.net

MAIN OFFICE

The best way to reach us is by email.  

• Melissa Whiteside (mwhitesi@pps.net) is our school secretary and registrar.  
• Claire Howard (choward1@pps.net) is our principal’s secretary and bookkeeper.
• Our Sellwood website () has many “Quick Links” to help you immediately.   

The Office Phone Number

The office phone number is 503-916-5656.  

When prompted:

• press 4 for Melissa;
• press 3 for Claire 
• press 2 for all Attendance matters. 
• press 5 for Records, Registration.
• press 0 for the front counter; however, students may answer this line.  Do not discuss anything confidential or leave any confidential messages.  

Secured Building 

Sellwood is a locked and secure building.  

Please ring the doorbell to the right of the main doors to reach the office.  We will guide you accordingly.

Parent/Student Requests:  

Please email both Melissa and Claire for student pick up or if you must get a message to a student.  For student pickup, advance notice is strongly recommended to minimize classroom interruptions. No pickups/dismissals will be allowed after 3:30 pm.

Guides to Help you:

To access your student’s attendance in Synergy: Log into ParentVue. 

To make changes to your student’s registration in Synergy:  ParentVue/StudentVue

Please email Melissa Whiteside (mwhitesi@pps.net) for:

• Passwords:  If you have forgotten your password, have been locked out of your account, or do not have login credentials
• ParentVue (if your account has been disabled).   

Please email Claire Howard (choward1@pps.net) for:

• School Pay/Bookkeeping/accounting issues.
• Administrative Support:  Messages or matters of support to the principal or assistant principal.

IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER

• May 7: All 8^th-grade Field Trip to University of Oregon in Eugene
• May 7: All 7^th-grade Field Trip to Pure Seed Farms
• May 9 & 10: Sellwood School Play “Roshambo”
• May 17^th: All 8^th-grade trip to Cleveland HS
• May 19: PTA Garden Tour
• May 22: Spring Band Concert
• May 27: Memorial Day – NO SCHOOL
• May 28: PTA Meeting 7PM
• June 6: Showcase Night
• June 10: OAKS Park – 8^th Grade
• June 11: OAKS Park – 6^th and 7^th Grades
• June 12-14: Make-up Days
• June 14: 8^th Grade Promotion 10:30 AM
• June 14: Last Day of School – Half Day

Sellwood Principal’s Newsletter – April 26, 2024

Greetings Sellwood Community,

As we approach the final months of the school year, we have several upcoming field trips that I wanted to highlight.

On May 7^th, we will have two field trips.  The first is a field trip for all 7^th graders, to Pure Seed Farms, and the 2^nd is an all 8^th-grade field trip to the University of Oregon.  All 7^th and 8^th grade teachers and many support staff will be chaperoning the two field trips, and there will be no 7^th or 8^th grade classes on that day.  Please read below for more information about the two May 7^th field trips.  You should have already received the permission slips, and the permission slips are due May 3^rd.

We do realize that the University of Oregon is a long drive.  Originally, the central office had arranged for our visit at the University of Portland.  Unfortunately, U of P cancelled the trip, and the University of Oregon is the only other school accepting large groups of middle school students.  Many Sellwood students eventually attend U of O, and the trip should be a valuable learning experience for our 8^th graders.  We thank the ever generous Sellwood PTA for helping us upgrade our transportation from bumpy orange school buses to Blue Star Coach, so at least the long drive will be comfortable, maybe even with a movie!

Just announced - an all 8^th grade trip to Cleveland High School for a tour and orientation on the morning of May 17^th.  Buses will depart Sellwood just after the start of school and return to school at 11:25. Permission slips will be coming soon.

Finally, we have the Oaks Park field trips on June 10^th and 11^th.  That is a lot of activity!

Enjoy the weekend,

Sincerely,

Jeandré Carbone

Sellwood MS Principal

jcarbone@pps.net

PTA NEWS

Sellwood Garden Tour 2024 - May 19 - Volunteers Needed

We have many volunteer opportunities open for the Garden Tour on Konstella - this is a great opportunity to support the school and connect with members of the SMS community. 

We will have 2 shifts open that day, 10:45am-1:30pm and 1:30-4:15pm. Volunteers will be assigned to each of our 6 gardens as hosts, directing traffic, answering questions, and representing the school. Please check Konstella for all volunteer openings and reach out if you have questions. We appreciate your support!

PTA Clothing Center Volunteers Needed - May 2

We need 2-3 volunteers from SMS to help out at the Clothing Center, which is located at Marshall High School, from 9:30am-1:30pm on May 2. The Center serves over 2000 ½ûÂþÌìÌà students each school year, providing them with clothing and shoes so that they can feel good about attending school. Please sign up through Konstella or email sellwoodpta@gmail.com if you are able to help. Thank you!

April PTA Social & Sellwood Dines Out

Our thanks to PDX Sliders for hosting SDO on Tuesday! They generously donated a portion of their proceeds to support the school. Thanks also to those who joined the PTA and Principal Carbone that evening - we enjoyed connecting with all of you and meeting some new members of the SMS community.

We look forward to seeing you at our next PTA General meeting on May 28 at 7:00pm in the SMS Library.

8th Grade Graduation Sign Orders & Volunteers Needed

If you have a graduating 8th grader and would like to purchase a yard sign to celebrate them, please visit the following link: . The cost is $25 per sign ($30 if personalized). Questions? Email Liz Super at supere@ohsu.edu. Congratulations 8th graders!

We are also looking for volunteer support for our 8th Grade Promotion on June 14. Please check Konstella for opportunities to help with set up & decorations, refreshments, handing out certificates, and clean up. This is a special day for our 8th graders and we need your support to make it happen!

SMS PTA Board opportunities - 2024-2025

We are looking for new PTA Board members for the 2024-2025 school year. We will have several member-at-large vacancies on the board and want to ensure all feeder schools are represented. Please consider joining us to and helping with important committees like Sellwood Dines Out, Staff Appreciation, PEAK programs and other important events throughout the year. Reach out to sellwoodpta@gmail.com with any questions.

Important links:

• PTA email: sellwoodpta@gmail.com
• Join the PTA:  
• Join Konstella: 
• Instagram: @sellwoodmiddlePTA
• Facebook: 

7TH GRADE PURE SEED FIELD TRIP

All 7th grade students will attend a field trip to Pure Seed farm and headquarters to learn about careers in agriculture on May 7th from 9:30 to 2pm. Permission slips have been distributed and are due May 3^rd.  We are looking for chaperones! If you are interested, please email mmortensen@pps.net

8TH GRADE FIELD TRIP TO THE UNIVERSITY OF OREGON

As part of college and career learning, all ½ûÂþÌìÌà 8^th-graders will be visiting a college or university this spring.  Sellwood 8^th graders will attend a field trip to the University of Oregon on May 7^th.  Buses will be departing first thing in the morning, and returning at approximately 5PM.  Students will visit the Student Welcome Center, tour the campus, visit the Athletics Facilities and the Museum.  Field trip permission slips have been distributed and are due, Friday, May 3^rd.  We are looking for chaperones! If you are interested, please email mmortensen@pps.net

OAKS PARK FIELD TRIPS – PERMISSION SLIPS DUE MAY 3rd

All students should have received the Oaks Park permission form to sign and return. Here are the details of the field trip.  

• When: 
• 8^th graders - Monday, June 10^th, 2024, 9:30am – 2:30pm 
• 6^th/7^th graders – Tuesday, June 11^th, 2024, 9:30am – 2:30pm 
• Transportation:  We will be walking both to and from the park.  Make sure to wear comfortable shoes!  All students will return to Sellwood for school dismissal; no exceptions. 

• Cost: $18.00 will include Adrenalin Peak Roller Coaster, Go-Karts, Atmosphere (new ride). 
  • Preferred payment on-line with School Pay. 
  • If this presents a financial hardship, scholarships are available. Let us know by emailing Ms. Collins dcollins@pps.net or Claire Howard choward1@pps.net

• Lunch:  Students may: 1. Bring a sack lunch, 2. Request a Sellwood sack lunch, or 3. purchase lunch at OAKS Park.  Please note that there can be very long lines and waits for purchasing food at the park. We have reserved a Picnic Area (students can leave their lunch here during the day).
• Other Costs:  Students can bring extra money for snacks, games. etc.

• Due Date for Permission Slips: Friday, May 3rd.  
• Expectations: In order to make sure this experience is safe and enjoyable for everyone, students attending Oaks Park are expected to be on their best behavior and must be responsive to adult direction.  We are also expecting that as we come closer to the end of the year, that students will continue to meet behavior expectations while at school.
• If a student were to receive a serious stage 2-3 referral that would merit suspension, between now and the end of the year, that student may be suspended from attending Oaks Park with their class.  Examples of incidents that may merit suspension: fighting, serious disruptive conduct, violation of the ½ûÂþÌìÌà drug/alcohol policy, bullying and harassment, physical attack/harm, property damage (intentional), etc. 

STUDENT LEADERSHIP CLASS NEWS

May Day Flower Drive

Bring hardy potted flowers or plants to donate at school May 1-3. Please bring plants to the courtyard before or after school. Leadership students will plant them outside to beautify our grounds! We are hoping for pansies, daisies, and other easy-care plants. Think of us when you are digging and dividing in your yard, or pick up an extra few plants at the garden center.

Let's honor Earth Month by reducing our plastic impact!

Did you know that only 9% of plastic is currently recycled? Do you have a “bag of bags” under a sink somewhere? Leadership students are spearheading a plastic film recycling drive through Ridwell. We can accept clean, dry plastic bags and film May 6 through May 20. Students and caregivers can drop off plastics inside, near the main office. ***To distinguish plastic *film* from some other kind, try to push your finger through the plastic. If it gives easily and you can make a hole in it, bring it to school!***

This is a one-time collection, but Ridwell is also offering one year of FREE monthly plastic film pickups for Sellwood Middle School for the entire 2024-2025 school year if we get 10 new members to join (purchase a Ridwell subscription for your home) using this link by May 31, 2024:      

Imagine the impact of a whole school recycling plastic film, bags, and packing materials. Our textbooks and Chromebooks alone result in a LOT of plastic packaging waste which could be avoided!

LOST OR INTENTIONALLY DAMAGED CHROMEBOOKS

As we are nearing the end of the 2023-24 school year, questions are surfacing about students who have lost or intentionally damaged their Chromebook or their charger/adapter.  In October, the School Board updated the board policy on instructional materials,, to include charging students for lost or damaged equipment. Parents/guardians will pay the school and the school will purchase replacement Chromebook using the ½ûÂþÌìÌà IT Purchasing process. Chromebook replacements are $515 and lost chargers are $11.50.

PIL YOUTH SPORTS

PIL sports registration, schedules and calendar found . Sellwood falls under the "Cleveland Cluster". If your student is playing a sport or any extracurricular activity outside of the PIL, we would love to support them as well. Send an email to Mr. KB (akennybrew@pps.net) including the schedule, including playoff information, and team pictures. Thank you 

COUNSELING CORNER

Students with last names A-L: Mr. KB – akennybrew@pps.net

Students with last names M-Z:  Ms. Katie – kfrancis@pps.net

MAIN OFFICE

The best way to reach us is by email.  

• Melissa Whiteside (mwhitesi@pps.net) is our school secretary and registrar.  
• Claire Howard (choward1@pps.net) is our principal’s secretary and bookkeeper.
• Our Sellwood website () has many “Quick Links” to help you immediately.   

The Office Phone Number

The office phone number is 503-916-5656.  

When prompted:

• press 4 for Melissa;
• press 3 for Claire 
• press 2 for all Attendance matters. 
• press 5 for Records, Registration.
• press 0 for the front counter; however, students may answer this line.  Do not discuss anything confidential or leave any confidential messages.  

Secured Building 

Sellwood is a locked and secure building.  

Please ring the doorbell to the right of the main doors to reach the office.  We will guide you accordingly.

Parent/Student Requests:  

Please email both Melissa and Claire for student pick up or if you must get a message to a student.  For student pickup, advance notice is strongly recommended to minimize classroom interruptions. No pickups/dismissals will be allowed after 3:30 pm.

Guides to Help you:

To access your student’s attendance in Synergy: Log into ParentVue. 

To make changes to your student’s registration in Synergy:  ParentVue/StudentVue

Please email Melissa Whiteside (mwhitesi@pps.net) for:

• Passwords:  If you have forgotten your password, have been locked out of your account, or do not have login credentials
• ParentVue (if your account has been disabled).   

Please email Claire Howard (choward1@pps.net) for:

• School Pay/Bookkeeping/accounting issues.
• Administrative Support:  Messages or matters of support to the principal or assistant principal.

IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER

• May 7: All 8^th-grade Field Trip to University of Oregon in Eugene (returning 5PM)
• May 7: All 7^th-grade Field Trip to Pure Seed Farms
• May 9 & 10: Sellwood School Play “Roshambo”
• May 17^th: All 8^th-grade trip to Cleveland HS - AM only
• May 19: PTA Garden Tour
• May 22: Spring Band Concert
• May 27: Memorial Day – NO SCHOOL
• June 6: Showcase Night
• June 10: OAKS Park – 8^th Grade
• June 11: OAKS Park – 6^th and 7^th Grades
• June 12-14: Make-up Days
• June 14: 8^th Grade Promotion 10:30 AM
• June 14: Last Day of School – Half Day

Sellwood Principal’s Newsletter – April 19, 2024

Greetings Sellwood Community,

Please help us congratulate Sellwood’s prize winning dance team, the Sellwood Stars, just returning from state competition in Pendleton.  They won 1^st place for their HipHop Routine!  They also received three superstar awards:  Alyssa M. in Jazz, Ava B. in HipHop, and Maya S. in Contemporary. They also brought home eight drill down awards!

Congratulations Sellwood Stars!

I hope you enjoy the sunny weather,

Sincerely,

Jeandré Carbone

Sellwood MS Principal

jcarbone@pps.net

7TH-GRADE FORECASTING (FOR CURRENT 6TH-GRADERS) Due today!

While students may have completed/submitted their forecasting forms, we do allow students/families to submit the form more than once.  When we start to build the schedule, we use the most recent submission.  The following documents are all that is needed to forecast.  There is the Google Form, the Elective Descriptions, and a video showing how to complete the form.

8TH-GRADE FORECASTING (FOR CURRENT 7TH-GRADERS) Due today!

While students may have completed/submitted their forecasting forms, we do allow students/families to submit the form more than once.  When we start to build the schedule, we use the most recent submission.  The following documents are all that is needed to forecast.  There is the Google Form, the Elective Descriptions, and a video showing how to complete the form.

(There is a special trick to completing the form if your child does not want to select any of the year-long electives.  They should select “none” for the first choice, and then any of the other choices for second and third.  If “none” is selected for the first choice, we will ignore the others.)

PTA NEWS

Sellwood Garden Tour 2024 - May 19 - Volunteer Sign-Up

We are posting volunteer opportunities for the Garden Tour on Konstella - this is a great opportunity to support the school and connect with members of the SMS community. 

We will have 2 shifts open that day, 10:45am-1:30pm and 1:30-4:15pm. Volunteers will be assigned to each of our 6 gardens as hosts, directing traffic, answering questions, and representing the school. Please check Konstella for all volunteer openings and reach out if you have questions. We appreciate your support!

April PTA Social at PDX Sliders

Please join the PTA and Principal Carbone for a social gathering at PDX Sliders on Tuesday, April 23 from 5:30-7:30 pm. This will be a great chance to connect and learn more about the PTA. We look forward to seeing you there!

8th Grade Graduation Sign Orders

If you have a graduating 8th grader and would like to purchase a yard sign to celebrate them, please visit the following link: . The cost is $25 per sign ($30 if personalized). 

Questions? Email Liz Super at supere@ohsu.edu. Congratulations 8th graders!

PTA Clothing Center Volunteers Needed - May 2

We need 2-3 volunteers from SMS to help out at the Clothing Center, which is located at Marshall High School, from 9:30am-1:30pm on May 2. The Center serves over 2000 ½ûÂþÌìÌà students each school year, providing them with clothing and shoes so that they can feel good about attending school. Please sign up through Konstella or email sellwoodpta@gmail.com if you are able to help. Thank you!

SMS PTA Board opportunities - 2024-2025

We are looking for new PTA Board members for the 2024-2025 school year. We will have several member-at-large vacancies on the board and want to ensure all feeder schools are represented. Please consider joining us to and helping with important committees like Sellwood Dines Out, Staff Appreciation, PEAK programs and other important events throughout the year. Reach out to sellwoodpta@gmail.com with any questions!

Important links:

• PTA email: sellwoodpta@gmail.com
• Join the PTA:  
• Join Konstella: 
• Instagram: @sellwoodmiddlePTA
• Facebook: 

SELLWOOD FOUNDATION NEWS

Sellwood Middle School Community,

You may have read in the news that the ½ûÂþÌìÌà Board is discussing making changes to school based Foundations, effectively ending parents' ability to fundraise for specific schools.

The SMS Foundation would like to keep you all updated on these developments. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with questions and concerns sellwoodmiddlefoundation@gmail.com.

We're on the lookout for some awesome people to join our Sellwood Middle School Foundation Board 2024-2025, and help us fundraise for some important programs at our school. We want to make sure we have the resources to pay for things like resource teachers, French classes, and other electives that will give our students a well-rounded education.

As an SMS Foundation Board member, you'll be in charge of organizing fundraising campaigns, reaching out to potential donors, and building relationships with our community. We're looking for people who care about education and are excited about making a difference in the lives of our students. While experience in fundraising or nonprofit work is a plus, it's not required. We want a diverse group of people from all backgrounds to join us!

If you're interested in getting involved and helping us out, shoot a message Ashley Schmidt ashleyrschmidt@yahoo.com, cell number 503-267-0146 or find Sellwood Middle Foundation on Facebook or Instagram! We'd love to hear from you and talk more about how we can work together to support our school and its students.

With great appreciation,

Sellwood Middle School Foundation

OAKS PARK FIELD TRIPS – PERMISSION SLIPS DUE MAY 3rd

All students should have received the Oaks Park permission form to sign and return. Here are the details of the field trip.  

• When: 
• 8^th graders - Monday, June 10^th, 2024, 9:30am – 2:30pm 
• 6^th/7^th graders – Tuesday, June 11^th, 2024, 9:30am – 2:30pm 
• Transportation:  We will be walking both to and from the park.  Make sure to wear comfortable shoes!  All students will return to Sellwood for school dismissal; no exceptions. 

• Cost: $18.00 will include Adrenalin Peak Roller Coaster, Go-Karts, Atmosphere (new ride). 
  • Preferred payment on-line with School Pay. 
  • If this presents a financial hardship, scholarships are available. Let us know by emailing Ms. Collins dcollins@pps.net or Claire Howard choward1@pps.net

• Lunch:  Students may: 1. Bring a sack lunch, 2. Request a Sellwood sack lunch, or 3. purchase lunch at OAKS Park.  Please note that there can be very long lines and waits for purchasing food at the park. We have reserved a Picnic Area (students can leave their lunch here during the day).
• Other Costs:  Students can bring extra money for snacks, games. etc.

• Due Date for Permission Slips: Friday, May 3rd.  
• Expectations: In order to make sure this experience is safe and enjoyable for everyone, students attending Oaks Park are expected to be on their best behavior and must be responsive to adult direction.  We are also expecting that as we come closer to the end of the year, that students will continue to meet behavior expectations while at school.
• If a student were to receive a serious stage 2-3 referral that would merit suspension, between now and the end of the year, that student may be suspended from attending Oaks Park with their class.  Examples of incidents that may merit suspension: fighting, serious disruptive conduct, violation of the ½ûÂþÌìÌà drug/alcohol policy, bullying and harassment, physical attack/harm, property damage (intentional), etc. 

STUDENT LEADERSHIP CLASS NEWS

May Day Flower Drive

Bring hardy potted flowers or plants to donate at school May 1-3. Please bring plants to the courtyard before or after school. Leadership students will plant them outside to beautify our grounds! We are hoping for pansies, daisies, and other easy-care plants. Think of us when you are digging and dividing in your yard, or pick up an extra few plants at the garden center.

Let's honor Earth Month by reducing our plastic impact!

Did you know that only 9% of plastic is currently recycled? Do you have a “bag of bags” under a sink somewhere? Leadership students are spearheading a plastic film recycling drive through Ridwell. We can accept clean, dry plastic bags and film May 6 through May 20. Students and caregivers can drop off plastics inside, near the main office. ***To distinguish plastic *film* from some other kind, try to push your finger through the plastic. If it gives easily and you can make a hole in it, bring it to school!***

This is a one-time collection, but Ridwell is also offering one year of FREE monthly plastic film pickups for Sellwood Middle School for the entire 2024-2025 school year if we get 10 new members to join (purchase a Ridwell subscription for your home) using this link by May 31, 2024:      

Imagine the impact of a whole school recycling plastic film, bags, and packing materials. Our textbooks and Chromebooks alone result in a LOT of plastic packaging waste which could be avoided!

LOST OR INTENTIONALLY DAMAGED CHROMEBOOKS

As we are nearing the end of the 2023-24 school year, questions are surfacing about students who have lost or intentionally damaged their Chromebook or their charger/adapter.  In October, the School Board updated the board policy on instructional materials,, to include charging students for lost or damaged equipment. Parents/guardians will pay the school and the school will purchase replacement Chromebook using the ½ûÂþÌìÌà IT Purchasing process. Chromebook replacements are $515 and lost chargers are $11.50.

PREVENTION ROCKS, MCDANIELS HIGH SCHOOL, APRIL 20TH

Conference on Reducing Youth Substance Abuse

We wanted to share information about an upcoming event called Prevention Rocks.  This conference focused on reducing youth substance abuse is hosted by Big Village and the Multnomah County Health Department. Please check out .

CLEVELAND HS GIRLS’S SOCCER

Cleveland H.S. Girls’ Soccer program is offering an introduction session for any 7^th and 8^th graders that may be interested in playing soccer in high school.

For the past 4 years girls’ soccer has fielded 4 teams and everyone (regardless of playing level) has been placed on a team.

Here is the link to more information:

If you have questions please feel free to reach out to head coach Doug Diller

7TH GRADE PURE SEED FIELD TRIP

All 7th grade students will attend a field trip to Pure Seed farm and headquarters to learn about careers in agriculture on May 7th from 9:30 to 2pm. Permission slips have been distributed and are due May 3^rd.  We are looking for chaperones! If you are interested, please email mmortensen@pps.net

8TH GRADE FIELD TRIP TO THE UNIVERSITY OF OREGON

As part of college and career learning, all ½ûÂþÌìÌà 8^th-graders will be visiting a college or university this spring.  Sellwood 8^th graders will attend a field trip to the University of Oregon on May 7^th.  Buses will be departing first thing in the morning, and returning at approximately 5PM.  Students will visit the Student Welcome Center, tour the campus, visit the Athletics Facilities and the Museum.  Field trip permission slips have been distributed and are due, Friday, May 3^rd.  We are looking for chaperones! If you are interested, please email mmortensen@pps.net

BENSON TECH SHOW – APRIL 18-19

The Benson Tech Show is next week April 18 and 19th from 6:00 - 9:00 pm at the Marshall campus. 

This is an excellent opportunity for them to meet teachers, see student projects, etc. The application deadline comes up quickly (December 2024) so this is a great opportunity for families to check out Benson. We are also having a 7th grade family informational session at 7:00 pm. 

Postcards are being mailed out today to all ½ûÂþÌìÌà 7th grade families but we are trying to get the word out.

PIL YOUTH SPORTS

PIL sports registration, schedules and calendar found . Sellwood falls under the "Cleveland Cluster". If your student is playing a sport or any extracurricular activity outside of the PIL, we would love to support them as well. Send an email to Mr. KB (akennybrew@pps.net) including the schedule, including playoff information, and team pictures. Thank you 

COUNSELING CORNER

Students with last names A-L: Mr. KB – akennybrew@pps.net

Students with last names M-Z:  Ms. Katie – kfrancis@pps.net

MAIN OFFICE

The best way to reach us is by email.  

• Melissa Whiteside (mwhitesi@pps.net) is our school secretary and registrar.  
• Claire Howard (choward1@pps.net) is our principal’s secretary and bookkeeper.
• Our Sellwood website () has many “Quick Links” to help you immediately.   

The Office Phone Number

The office phone number is 503-916-5656.  

When prompted:

• press 4 for Melissa;
• press 3 for Claire 
• press 2 for all Attendance matters. 
• press 5 for Records, Registration.
• press 0 for the front counter; however, students may answer this line.  Do not discuss anything confidential or leave any confidential messages.  

Secured Building 

Sellwood is a locked and secure building.  

Please ring the doorbell to the right of the main doors to reach the office.  We will guide you accordingly.

Parent/Student Requests:  

Please email both Melissa and Claire for student pick up or if you must get a message to a student.  For student pickup, advance notice is strongly recommended to minimize classroom interruptions. No pickups/dismissals will be allowed after 3:30 pm.

Guides to Help you:

To access your student’s attendance in Synergy: Log into ParentVue. 

To make changes to your student’s registration in Synergy:  ParentVue/StudentVue

Please email Melissa Whiteside (mwhitesi@pps.net) for:

• Passwords:  If you have forgotten your password, have been locked out of your account, or do not have login credentials
• ParentVue (if your account has been disabled).   

Please email Claire Howard (choward1@pps.net) for:

• School Pay/Bookkeeping/accounting issues.
• Administrative Support:  Messages or matters of support to the principal or assistant principal.

IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER

• May 7: All 8^th-grade Field Trip to University of Oregon in Eugene
• May 7: All 7^th-grade Field Trip to Pure Seed Farms
• May 9 & 10: Sellwood School Play “Roshambo”
• May 19: PTA Garden Tour
• May 22: Spring Band Concert
• May 27: Memorial Day – NO SCHOOL
• June 6: Showcase Night
• June 10: OAKS Park – 8^th Grade
• June 11: OAKS Park – 6^th and 7^th Grades
• June 12-14: Make-up Days
• June 14: 8^th Grade Promotion 10:30 AM
• June 14: Last Day of School – Half Day

Sellwood Principal’s Newsletter – April 12, 2024

Greetings Sellwood Community,

We have begun planning for the next school year, and the first step in building a master schedule is students choosing their electives (called forecasting). Yesterday, I sent families information about forecasting, which will be conducted in social studies classes this week and next.  Unfortunately, an error occurred when pasting the links to the documents, so I am sharing the documents again here.  I have triple checked them, so they should all work!

While we believe students should have a voice in choosing their own electives, we also know that parents would also like to be included in the process, so we are providing the materials below my message.

Enjoy the weekend,

Sincerely,

Jeandré Carbone

Sellwood MS Principal

jcarbone@pps.net

7TH-GRADE FORECASTING (FOR CURRENT 6TH-GRADERS)

While students may have completed/submitted their forecasting forms, we do allow students/families to submit the form more than once.  When we start to build the schedule, we use the most recent submission.  The following documents are all that is needed to forecast.  There is the Google Form, the Elective Descriptions, and a video showing how to complete the form.

8TH-GRADE FORECASTING (FOR CURRENT 7TH-GRADERS)

While students may have completed/submitted their forecasting forms, we do allow students/families to submit the form more than once.  When we start to build the schedule, we use the most recent submission.  The following documents are all that is needed to forecast.  There is the Google Form, the Elective Descriptions, and a video showing how to complete the form.

(There is a special trick to completing the form if your child does not want to select any of the year-long electives.  They should select “none” for the first choice, and then any of the other choices for second and third.  If “none” is selected for the first choice, we will ignore the following choices.)

PTA NEWS

Sellwood Garden Tour 2024 - May 19 - Last chance to sponsor!

We could still use a few sponsors for this event! If you know of a local business who may want to sponsor, please let us know so we can reach out to them. This support is crucial to the success of the tour, as it allows us to offset costs and raise more funds directly for SMS.

If you would like to help with the Garden Tour, please let us know as we will need volunteers. Thank you for your support! 

April PTA Social at PDX Sliders

Please join the PTA and Principal Carbone for a social gathering at PDX Sliders on Tuesday, April 23 from 5:30-7:30 pm. This will be a great chance to connect and learn more about the PTA. We look forward to seeing you there!

8th Grade Graduation Sign Orders

If you have a graduating 8th grader and would like to purchase a yard sign to celebrate them, please visit the following link: . The cost is $25 per sign ($30 if personalized). 

Questions? Email Liz Super at supere@ohsu.edu. Congratulations 8th graders!

PTA Clothing Center Volunteers Needed - May 2

We need 2-3 volunteers from SMS to help out at the Clothing Center, which is located at Marshall High School, from 9:30am-1:30pm on May 2. The Center serves over 2000 ½ûÂþÌìÌà students each school year, providing them with clothing and shoes so that they can feel good about attending school. Please sign up through Konstella or email sellwoodpta@gmail.com if you are able to help. Thank you!

SMS PTA Board opportunities - 2024-2025

We are looking for new PTA Board members for the 2024-2025 school year. We will have several member-at-large vacancies on the board and want to ensure all feeder schools are represented. Please consider joining us to and helping with important committees like Sellwood Dines Out, Staff Appreciation, PEAK programs and other important events throughout the year. Reach out to sellwoodpta@gmail.com with any questions!

Important links:

• PTA email: sellwoodpta@gmail.com
• Join the PTA:  
• Join Konstella: 
• Instagram: @sellwoodmiddlePTA

SELLWOOD FOUNDATION NEWS

Hey there!

We're on the lookout for some awesome people to join our Sellwood Middle School Foundation Board 2024-2025, and help us fundraise for some important programs at our school. We want to make sure we have the resources to pay for things like resource teachers, French classes, and other electives that will give our students a well-rounded education.

As an SMS Foundation Board member, you'll be in charge of organizing fundraising campaigns, reaching out to potential donors, and building relationships with our community. We're looking for people who care about education and are excited about making a difference in the lives of our students. While experience in fundraising or nonprofit work is a plus, it's not required. We want a diverse group of people from all backgrounds to join us!

If you're interested in getting involved and helping us out, shoot a message to Ashley Schmidt ashleyschmidt@yahoo.com, or find Sellwood Middle Foundation on Facebook or Instagram! We'd love to hear from you and talk more about how we can work together to support our school and its students.

Thanks for considering this opportunity!

Sellwood Middle School Foundation

LOST OR INTENTIONALLY DAMAGED CHROMEBOOKS

As we are nearing the end of the 2023-24 school year, questions are surfacing about students who have lost or intentionally damaged their Chromebook or their charger/adapter.  In October, the School Board updated the board policy on instructional materials,, to include charging students for lost or damaged equipment. Parents/guardians will pay the school and the school will purchase replacement Chromebook using the ½ûÂþÌìÌà IT Purchasing process. Chromebook replacements are $515 and lost chargers are $11.50.

PREVENTION ROCKS, MCDANIELS HIGH SCHOOL, APRIL 20TH

CONFERENCE ON REDUCING YOUTH SUBSTANCE ABUSE

We wanted to share information about an upcoming event called Prevention Rocks.  This conference focused on reducing youth substance abuse is hosted by Big Village and the Multnomah County Health Department. Please check out .

CLEVELAND HS GIRLS’S SOCCER

Cleveland H.S. Girls’ Soccer program is offering an introduction session for any 7^th and 8^th graders that may be interested in playing soccer in high school.

For the past 4 years girls’ soccer has fielded 4 teams and everyone (regardless of playing level) has been placed on a team.

Here is the link to more information:

If you have questions please feel free to reach out to head coach Doug Diller

SELLWOOD’S SCHOOL PLAY – FROM DRAMA TEACHER MS. CRABTREE

Sellwood MS Drama Department is searching for helpers, clothing, prop & set items for our May 9 & 10 play “Roshambo”!

STUDENT HELPERS:

We need Students to help with: Costumes, Curtain/Lights, Sound, Publicity, Props, Ushers. 

If interested, follow the following steps by April  9th:

1. Add your name to the signup sheet, under the role that you are interested in, in the office (on table on R. as you enter), 2. Find and take home to read and sign the Info Packet/Contract (sitting to R. Of sign up sheets and  3. ask a teacher that knows you well to email me very short (3 sentences max) letter of recommendation for you. 

ADULT HELPERS:

• Adult/Parent Costume Coordinator (resourceful, but sewing experience not necessary)
• Adult/Parent Usher Coordinator (to lead student ushers on performance nights (May 9 & 10).  Admittance is free.  Only giving programs and helping with any audience/presentation needs. 
• Adult/Parent(s) w/sound effect and/or music cue knowledge.
• Adult/Parent w/any experience moving or focusing stage lights.

COSTUMES AND PROPS:

If you have any items to lend or donate (clothing in youth or adult sizes), could you let Ms. Crabtree know by emailing her at colcrabtree@pps.net OR dropping off for her in bags at the office?

• Synthetic Athletic “performance” shirts in solid bright colors with small or no logos.
• Athletic (esp. white or lighter colored) pants- especially any tapered ankle w/zip sides. Stripes OK.
• Athletic (esp. white or lighter colored) jogger style (cuffed ankle) pants would also be acceptable.
• Small duffle bags that are in solid colors.  Preferably not all black
• Any athletic gloves for golf, baseball or weight lifting. In white or solid colors also OK
• Umpire or other B&W shirts/ uniforms in larger sizes
• Strip or Rope (contained in plastic tube) LED lighting, especially  in neon colors
• A very modern looking black electronic console preferably with its own stand (to look like a tiny monitor)
• Various (mostly smaller) smart phones that would pass as being used (or very small old flip styles coming back in style) in the near future -5-10 years from now.
• Any specialty lighting effects that you would donate (such as special beams of light from small sources, multi-colored lights, small spotlight, holiday projection items, or disco balls)

7TH GRADE PURE SEED FIELD TRIP

All 7th grade students will attend a field trip to Pure Seed farm and headquarters to learn about careers in agriculture on May 7th from 9:30 to 2pm. Permission slips have been distributed.  We are looking for chaperones! If you are interested, please email mmortensen@pps.net

8TH GRADE FIELD TRIP TO THE UNIVERSITY OF OREGON

As part of college and career learning, all ½ûÂþÌìÌà 8^th-graders will be visiting a college or university this spring.  Sellwood 8^th graders will attend a field trip to the University of Oregon on May 7^th.  Buses will be departing first thing in the morning, and returning at approximately 5PM.  Students will visit the Student Welcome Center, tour the campus, visit the Athletics Facilities and the Museum.  Field trip forms have been distributed.  We are looking for chaperones! If you are interested, please email mmortensen@pps.net

BENSON TECH SHOW – APRIL 18-19

The Benson Tech Show is next week April 18 and 19th from 6:00 - 9:00 pm at the Marshall campus. 

This is an excellent opportunity for them to meet teachers, see student projects, etc. The application deadline comes up quickly (December 2024) so this is a great opportunity for families to check out Benson. We are also having a 7th grade family informational session at 7:00 pm. 

Postcards are being mailed out today to all ½ûÂþÌìÌà 7th grade families but we are trying to get the word out.

PIL YOUTH SPORTS

PIL sports registration, schedules and calendar found . Sellwood falls under the "Cleveland Cluster". If your student is playing a sport or any extracurricular activity outside of the PIL, we would love to support them as well. Send an email to Mr. KB (akennybrew@pps.net) including the schedule, including playoff information, and team pictures. Thank you 

COUNSELING CORNER

Students with last names A-L: Mr. KB – akennybrew@pps.net

Students with last names M-Z:  Ms. Katie – kfrancis@pps.net

MAIN OFFICE

The best way to reach us is by email.  

• Melissa Whiteside (mwhitesi@pps.net) is our school secretary and registrar.  
• Claire Howard (choward1@pps.net) is our principal’s secretary and bookkeeper.
• Our Sellwood website () has many “Quick Links” to help you immediately.   

The Office Phone Number

The office phone number is 503-916-5656.  

When prompted:

• press 4 for Melissa;
• press 3 for Claire 
• press 2 for all Attendance matters. 
• press 5 for Records, Registration.
• press 0 for the front counter; however, students may answer this line.  Do not discuss anything confidential or leave any confidential messages.  

Secured Building 

Sellwood is a locked and secure building.  

Please ring the doorbell to the right of the main doors to reach the office.  We will guide you accordingly.

Parent/Student Requests:  

Please email both Melissa and Claire for student pick up or if you must get a message to a student.  For student pickup, advance notice is strongly recommended to minimize classroom interruptions. No pickups/dismissals will be allowed after 3:30 pm.

Guides to Help you:

To access your student’s attendance in Synergy: Log into ParentVue. 

To make changes to your student’s registration in Synergy:  ParentVue/StudentVue

Please email Melissa Whiteside (mwhitesi@pps.net) for:

• Passwords:  If you have forgotten your password, have been locked out of your account, or do not have login credentials
• ParentVue (if your account has been disabled).   

Please email Claire Howard (choward1@pps.net) for:

• School Pay/Bookkeeping/accounting issues.
• Administrative Support:  Messages or matters of support to the principal or assistant principal.

IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER

• May 7: All 8^th-grade Field Trip to University of Oregon in Eugene
• May 7: All 7^th-grade Field Trip to Pure Seed Farms
• May 9 & 10: Sellwood School Play “Roshambo”
• May 19: PTA Garden Tour
• May 22: Spring Band Concert
• May 27: Memorial Day – NO SCHOOL
• June 6: Showcase Night
• June 10: OAKS Park – 8^th Grade
• June 11: OAKS Park – 6^th and 7^th Grades
• June 12-14: Make-up Days
• June 14: 8^th Grade Promotion 10:30 AM
• June 14: Last Day of School – Half Day

Sellwood Principal’s Newsletter – April 4, 2024

Greetings Sellwood Community,

Today is the last day of 3^rd quarter; the end of the school year will be soon be upon us.  Please review the “Important Dates to Remember” section at the end of the newsletter for event dates and mark your calendars.

Two newly added events are the all 7^th-grade field trip to the Pure Seed Farm and the all 8^th-grade field trip to the University of Oregon, both on May 7^th.  Read more about these trips in the blurbs below.

I also wanted to let you know that we are reverting to our springtime recess practices.  During the colder, rainier winter months, we allow some students to remain inside the cafeteria during recess.  Now that the weather is getting warmer and dryer, we are returning to our all outdoor recess.   Unless the weather is rainy and cold, all students will go outside for at least the last 15 minutes of lunch/recess.  We know it is sometimes still chilly, but students benefit from the fresh air and being outdoors.  Please make sure that students bring clothing that will keep them comfortable for 15 minutes outside.

I hope you enjoy the long weekend,

Sincerely,

Jeandré Carbone

Sellwood MS Principal

jcarbone@pps.net

PTA NEWS

Sellwood Garden Tour 2024 - May 19

Mark your calendars - we are excited to share that the Garden Tour will take place on Sunday, May 19! We have five beautiful gardens to showcase, all in the Sellwood/Moreland area. Details and ticket information coming soon.

We still need help finding sponsors for this event. If you know of a local business who may want to sponsor, please let us know so we can reach out to them. This support is crucial to the success of the tour, as it allows us to offset costs and raise more funds directly for SMS.

If you would like to help with the Garden Tour, please let us know as we will need volunteers. Thank you for your support! 

April PTA Social at PDX Sliders

Please join the PTA and Principal Carbone for a social gathering at PDX Sliders on Tuesday, April 23 from 5:30-7:30 pm. This will be a great chance to connect and learn more about the PTA. We look forward to seeing you there!

8th Grade Graduation Sign Orders

If you have a graduating 8th grader and would like to purchase a yard sign to celebrate them, please visit the following link: . The cost is $25 per sign ($30 if personalized). 

Questions? Email Liz Super at supere@ohsu.edu. Congratulations 8th graders!

SMS PTA Board opportunities - 2024-2025

We are looking for new PTA Board members for the 2024-2025 school year. We will have several member-at-large vacancies on the board and want to ensure all feeder schools are represented. Please consider joining us to and helping with important committees like Sellwood Dines Out, Staff Appreciation, PEAK programs and other important events throughout the year. Reach out to sellwoodpta@gmail.com with any questions!

Important links:

• PTA email: sellwoodpta@gmail.com
• Join the PTA:  
• Join Konstella: 
• Instagram: @sellwoodmiddlePTA
• Facebook: 

SELLWOOD’S SCHOOL PLAY – FROM DRAMA TEACHER MS. CRABTREE

Sellwood MS Drama Department is searching for helpers, clothing, prop & set items for our May 9 & 10 play “Roshambo”!

STUDENT HELPERS:

We need Students to help with: Costumes, Curtain/Lights, Sound, Publicity, Props, Ushers. 

If interested, follow the following steps by April  9th:

1. Add your name to the signup sheet, under the role that you are interested in, in the office (on table on R. as you enter), 2. Find and take home to read and sign the Info Packet/Contract (sitting to R. Of sign up sheets and  3. ask a teacher that knows you well to email me very short (3 sentences max) letter of recommendation for you. 

ADULT HELPERS:

• Adult/Parent Costume Coordinator (resourceful, but sewing experience not necessary)
• Adult/Parent Usher Coordinator (to lead student ushers on performance nights (May 9 & 10).  Admittance is free.  Only giving programs and helping with any audience/presentation needs. 
• Adult/Parent(s) w/sound effect and/or music cue knowledge.
• Adult/Parent w/any experience moving or focusing stage lights.

COSTUMES AND PROPS:

If you have any items to lend or donate (clothing in youth or adult sizes), could you let Ms. Crabtree know by emailing her at colcrabtree@pps.net OR dropping off for her in bags at the office?

• Synthetic Athletic “performance” shirts in solid bright colors with small or no logos.
• Athletic (esp. white or lighter colored) pants- especially any tapered ankle w/zip sides. Stripes OK.
• Athletic (esp. white or lighter colored) jogger style (cuffed ankle) pants would also be acceptable.
• Small duffle bags that are in solid colors.  Preferably not all black
• Any athletic gloves for golf, baseball or weight lifting. In white or solid colors also OK
• Umpire or other B&W shirts/ uniforms in larger sizes
• Strip or Rope (contained in plastic tube) LED lighting, especially  in neon colors
• A very modern looking black electronic console preferably with its own stand (to look like a tiny monitor)
• Various (mostly smaller) smart phones that would pass as being used (or very small old flip styles coming back in style) in the near future -5-10 years from now.
• Any specialty lighting effects that you would donate (such as special beams of light from small sources, multi-colored lights, small spotlight, holiday projection items, or disco balls)

7TH GRADE PURE SEED FIELD TRIP

All 7th grade students will attend a field trip to Pure Seed farm and headquarters to learn about careers in agriculture on May 7th from 9:30 to 2pm. More details and permission slips will be coming soon.  We are looking for chaperones! If you are interested, please email mmortensen@pps.net

8TH GRADE FIELD TRIP TO THE UNIVERSITY OF OREGON

As part of college and career learning, all ½ûÂþÌìÌà 8^th-graders will be visiting a college or university this spring.  Sellwood 8^th graders will attend a field trip to the University of Oregon on May 7^th.  Buses will be departing first thing in the morning, and returning at approximately 5PM.  Students will visit the Student Welcome Center, tour the campus, visit the Athletics Facilities and the Museum.  More details and permission slips will be coming soon.  We are looking for chaperones! If you are interested, please email mmortensen@pps.net

SELF-REGULATION STRATEGIES – FROM COUNSELOR KATIE

Hello Sellwood Families,

As we start quarter 4 the end of the school year is quickly approaching! Our school team is committed to helping Sellwood students end the year academically strong and emotionally prepared. Below are some suggestions you can do at home to support your student’s success at school!

Establish & Maintain Routines:

• As the days get longer and the weather gets nicer it is important to keep a consistent bedtime routine to ensure students are getting enough rest. 
• Set aside time for you to review Canvas with your student to check grades and make sure they are staying on top of their assignments

Encourage Mindfulness & Relaxation Practices: 

• Exercise! Go on walks, bike rides, or practice yoga as a family. 
• Use this  at home to help students navigate big emotions.
• Make time for self care.  Here are some ideas!  

Use Calendars and Visuals:

• Use a family calendar to keep track of activities and major assignments. This will help keep everyone organized and you all can start counting down the days to summer vacation!

Break Tasks into Smaller Steps:

• Set aside time each week to review assignments and due dates with your student and help them stay on top of homework and do assignments a little bit at a time. 
• Instead of asking them to clean their room.  Whoa, that’s overwhelming, break tasks down.  Ask them to make their bed,  put their laundry in the hamper, and bring their water glass to the kitchen.

YEARBOOK REQUEST FOR PHOTOS

Photos for the Yearbook!

Our print deadline is rapidly approaching, and we are missing photos of out-of-school team events with Sellwood students. Please email photos to Lsouther@pps.net by April 1. We especially need: 

• Band performances (Monster March)
• Dance Team 
• Athletics (volleyball, cross country, basketball, wrestling, etc.--Cleveland youth)
• Chess, Debate, OBOB, etc.

It's a quick turnaround, so thank you in advance! 

PIL YOUTH SPORTS

PIL sports registration, schedules and calendar found . Sellwood falls under the "Cleveland Cluster". If your student is playing a sport or any extracurricular activity outside of the PIL, we would love to support them as well. Send an email to Mr. KB (akennybrew@pps.net) including the schedule, including playoff information, and team pictures. Thank you 

COUNSELING CORNER

Students with last names A-L: Mr. KB – akennybrew@pps.net

Students with last names M-Z:  Ms. Katie – kfrancis@pps.net

MAIN OFFICE

The best way to reach us is by email.  

• Melissa Whiteside (mwhitesi@pps.net) is our school secretary and registrar.  
• Claire Howard (choward1@pps.net) is our principal’s secretary and bookkeeper.
• Our Sellwood website () has many “Quick Links” to help you immediately.   

The Office Phone Number

The office phone number is 503-916-5656.  

When prompted:

• press 4 for Melissa;
• press 3 for Claire 
• press 2 for all Attendance matters. 
• press 5 for Records, Registration.
• press 0 for the front counter; however, students may answer this line.  Do not discuss anything confidential or leave any confidential messages.  

Secured Building 

Sellwood is a locked and secure building.  

Please ring the doorbell to the right of the main doors to reach the office.  We will guide you accordingly.

Parent/Student Requests:  

Please email both Melissa and Claire for student pick up or if you must get a message to a student.  For student pickup, advance notice is strongly recommended to minimize classroom interruptions. No pickups/dismissals will be allowed after 3:30 pm.

Guides to Help you:

To access your student’s attendance in Synergy: Log into ParentVue. 

To make changes to your student’s registration in Synergy:  ParentVue/StudentVue

Please email Melissa Whiteside (mwhitesi@pps.net) for:

• Passwords:  If you have forgotten your password, have been locked out of your account, or do not have login credentials
• ParentVue (if your account has been disabled).   

Please email Claire Howard (choward1@pps.net) for:

• School Pay/Bookkeeping/accounting issues.
• Administrative Support:  Messages or matters of support to the principal or assistant principal.

IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER

• April 5: No School for Students – Teacher Planning Day
• April 8: Make-up Day (Previously not a school day for students)
• May 7: All 8^th-grade Field Trip to University of Oregon in Eugene
• May 7: All 7^th-grade Field Trip to Pure Seed Farms
• May 9 & 10: Sellwood School Play “Roshambo”
• May 19: PTA Garden Tour
• May 22: Spring Band Concert
• May 27: Memorial Day – NO SCHOOL
• June 6: Showcase Night
• June 10: OAKS Park – 8^th Grade
• June 11: OAKS Park – 6^th and 7^th Grades
• June 12-14: Make-up Days
• June 14: 8^th Grade Promotion 10:30 AM
• June 14: Last Day of School – Half Day

Sellwood Principal’s Newsletter – March 22, 2024

Greetings Sellwood Community,

We congratulate the Sellwood Knight's Chess Club, who are the Region 7 Chess champions, and will be competing at State Competition!  Great work: Oscar, Rhys, Henry V. Adela, Oliver, Zane, Sam, Desmond, Henry R. and their chess coach, Mr. True!

I wish you all a safe and restful spring break, whether you are traveling to somewhere amazing, or staying right here in wonderful Portland.

Sincerely,

Jeandré Carbone

Sellwood MS Principal

jcarbone@pps.net

YEARBOOK REQUEST FOR PHOTOS

Photos for the Yearbook!

Our print deadline is rapidly approaching, and we are missing photos of out-of-school team events with Sellwood students. Please email photos to Lsouther@pps.net by April 1. We especially need: 

• Band performances (Monster March)
• Dance Team 
• Athletics (volleyball, cross country, basketball, wrestling, etc.--Cleveland youth)
• Chess, Debate, OBOB, etc.

It's a quick turnaround, so thank you in advance! 

PTA NEWS

Sellwood Garden Tour 2024; Looking for Gardens, Sponsors, and Volunteers!

We are happy to announce that we are working to host the Sellwood Garden Tour again this year.  This event raises funds for Sellwood as well as provides a wonderful community event.  

We are looking for gardens to showcase this year.  We have found 4 gardens to showcase and are looking for 1-2 more in Eastmoreland. Please let us know if you have any leads on beautiful outdoor spaces!  

We also need help finding sponsors for this event. If you know of a local business who may want to sponsor, please let us know so we can reach out to them.

If you would like to help with the Garden Tour, please let us know as we will need volunteer support.

We need our school community's support to make this year's event a success again.  Thank you!  

Important links:

• PTA email: sellwoodpta@gmail.com
• Join the PTA:  
• Join Konstella: 
• Instagram: @sellwoodmiddlePTA
• Facebook: 

P.E.A.K.  AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM – SPRING REGISTRATION

Sellwood PEAK Spring Registration - need more students!

• Some classes need more students or they will be canceled
• Classes start after spring break 
• Full scholarships available:  
• If you are already taking a class in the Winter you DO need to register again for Spring Session
• Register for classes at:  

The PEAK Program is a series of in-person after school classes open to all Sellwood students.  The PEAK program is totally independent of Sellwood Middle School and is under the jurisdiction of PTA. Scholarships are available as the PEAK goal is to include every SMS student.  

Please email sellwoodpeakprogram@gmail.com with any questions.

Classes open for registration:

• AI: Intro to Machine Learning
  • Discover how AI works by learning key AI and ML concepts such as neural networks, computer vision, and image recognition. You'll learn how to use modern AI tools effectively, like DALL-E, for tasks like generating images. You’ll create your own AI models that will be used to build Scratch projects, including video filters and touchless games.
• Marimba 
  • PEAK marimba is a once a week class (Thursdays from 4-5PM) that teaches students the basics of playing in a marimba ensemble. No experience is necessary. Instruments are provided. Students will learn to play music in a group setting.
• Playwriting & Performance - Rogue Theater Collective
  • This class will teach all the skills necessary for writing a notebook’s worth of monologues and one-act plays! You will learn the fundamentals of playwriting from characters and dialogue, to dramatic structure and stage directions. You will also learn about basic stagecraft: from set design and props to directing. We’ll explore writing exercises and discuss plays by genre, from tragedy to comedy to contemporary realism. In this fun and encouraging environment, you will learn tools and tips on how to construct a short play. Each playwright will select one piece for a dramatic reading, followed by a critique and performance. *BONUS: everyone will get a free Moleskin Notebook to write in and keep!
• Choir
  • This is a student-led choir class provided by the Cleveland Choir Department, and the Cleveland Youth Choir (CYC) team. With the support of the Cleveland Choir director, Cleveland Choir students will lead a class filled with fun singing activities, practicing musicality skills, and learning about other cultures and stories through song! It is not only an educational opportunity, but a performance opportunity. Students who participate will have an opportunity to perform with the Cleveland Choir at one of our events. 
• Speech and Debate
  • The Cleveland High Speech and Debate team is one the largest and most successful programs at the school. Find out why these students love it so much, and build your own debate skills. You will practice speaking and debating skills in preparation for local middle school competitions The Sellwood team will be coached by team captains from Cleveland.
• Chess Club (FULL)
• Red Cross Babysitting Class (FULL)

SMILE NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION

The  is has a fun volunteer opportunity for middle school volunteers (and their parents!) to help out at the upcoming Egg Hunt at Oaks Amusement Park Saturday, March 30th. 

Volunteers are needed for face painting and general help. Volunteers can sign up. Discounted ride bracelets are available online prior to the event using discount code EGGHUNT24. 

SELLWOOD’S SCHOOL PLAY – FROM DRAMA TEACHER MS. CRABTREE

SPRING PLAY AUDITIONS: “Roshambo”

• General Auditions: will be held Tuesday, 4/2, 4:30p-6:30/*7:00p 

Callback (round 2) Auditions: will be held Thursday, 4/4, 4:30p-6:30/*7:00p 

• Auditioning students and students who wish to work as crew, along with their parents/guardians must download and read the script of the play (25 pages).  You can find the script here:   ? This copy of the play is for reading only and you may not copy or perform the play without paying for licensing from 
• Parents/guardians, potential crew and actors: please read the document, sign it and turn it in to Ms. Crabtree's INBOX by March 22nd (please). 
• Rehearsals will last 5 weeks, from April 8-May-8 The play performances will be May 9 & 10 and there will also be a school wide assembly performance during the afternoon (during school day-time TBA) of May 10.

SOME INFO ON THE PLAY (much more in the Info packet): 

What the play is about (this is the promotional description from the publisher)

“Some people take Rock-Paper-Scissors (aka Roshambo) seriously. Very seriously. So seriously they organize championship matches with national rankings.

Lindsay is number two in the country and she’s not happy losing her top ranking. She’s not above throwing an illegal “scipper”. What will she do to Taylor, the number one player? Maybe Taylor’s not that keen on playing anyway. Rock-Paper-Scissors isn’t as fun as it used to be.”
 

Casting Opportunities 

Roshambo has 16 roles. There are numerous roles for those who identify as females, males, and non-binary actors. 

The Production Roshambo will have 3 performances, the evenings of Thursday and Friday, May 9 & 10, There will also be a school wide assembly performance during the afternoon (during school day-time TBA) of May 10.  All performances will be held on the stage in the large gym of SMS.

PIL YOUTH SPORTS

PIL sports registration, schedules and calendar found . Sellwood falls under the "Cleveland Cluster". If your student is playing a sport or any extracurricular activity outside of the PIL, we would love to support them as well. Send an email to Mr. KB (akennybrew@pps.net) including the schedule, including playoff information, and team pictures. Thank you 

COUNSELING CORNER

Students with last names A-L: Mr. KB – akennybrew@pps.net

Students with last names M-Z:  Ms. Katie – kfrancis@pps.net

MAIN OFFICE

The best way to reach us is by email.  

• Melissa Whiteside (mwhitesi@pps.net) is our school secretary and registrar.  
• Claire Howard (choward1@pps.net) is our principal’s secretary and bookkeeper.
• Our Sellwood website () has many “Quick Links” to help you immediately.   

The Office Phone Number

The office phone number is 503-916-5656.  

When prompted:

• press 4 for Melissa;
• press 3 for Claire 
• press 2 for all Attendance matters. 
• press 5 for Records, Registration.
• press 0 for the front counter; however, students may answer this line.  Do not discuss anything confidential or leave any confidential messages.  

Secured Building 

Sellwood is a locked and secure building.  

Please ring the doorbell to the right of the main doors to reach the office.  We will guide you accordingly.

Parent/Student Requests:  

Please email both Melissa and Claire for student pick up or if you must get a message to a student.  For student pickup, advance notice is strongly recommended to minimize classroom interruptions. No pickups/dismissals will be allowed after 3:30 pm.

Guides to Help you:

To access your student’s attendance in Synergy: Log into ParentVue. 

To make changes to your student’s registration in Synergy:  ParentVue/StudentVue

Please email Melissa Whiteside (mwhitesi@pps.net) for:

• Passwords:  If you have forgotten your password, have been locked out of your account, or do not have login credentials
• ParentVue (if your account has been disabled).   

Please email Claire Howard (choward1@pps.net) for:

• School Pay/Bookkeeping/accounting issues.
• Administrative Support:  Messages or matters of support to the principal or assistant principal.

IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER

• March 25 to March 29: Spring Break
• April 5: No School for Students – Teacher Planning Day
• April 8: Make-up Day (Previously not a school day for students)
• May 9 & 10: Sellwood School Play “Roshambo”
• May 15:  All 8^th grade Field Trip to the University of Portland
• May 22: Band Concert & Art Show
• May 27: Memorial Day – NO SCHOOL
• June 6: Showcase Night
• June 10: OAKS Park – 8^th Grade
• June 11: OAKS Park – 6^th and 7^th Grades
• June 12-14: Make-up Days
• June 14: 8^th Grade Promotion
• June 14: Last Day of School – Half Day

Sellwood Principal’s Newsletter – March 8, 2024

Greetings Sellwood Community,

Happy Friday!  The sun is shining briefly this afternoon, and I plan to get out and enjoy it before the rain returns.

This evening, the Sellwood Foundation will be holding a fundraiser, Drag Queen Bingo.  Please read on for details.  I hope to see you there!

Sincerely,

Jeandré Carbone

Sellwood MS Principal

jcarbone@pps.net

SELLWOOD FOUNDATION

DRAG QUEEN BINGO  

TONIGHT! MARCH 8 FROM 7-9PM

ATTN: Adults 21+ only         No parking at the Manor!

Join us for an unforgettable evening of Drag Queen Bingo, March 8, at Westmoreland’s Union Manor! Get ready for a night of fun and fabulous prizes, including a weekend getaway on the OREGON COAST, a SUNRIVER condo stay, and a brand new E-SCOOTER (raffle $5/ticket)! Not a grand prize winner? No worries. Each prize bundle is valued over $200 and includes gift cards to local wineries, restaurants, event spaces, salons and so much more. 

Tickets for bingo are $25 for the first card, $5 for additional cards - and you can even snag a card for a teacher! SMS teachers and administrators get their first card free, and $5 for each additional card.

Our dazzling host and Portland drag sensation, Coco Jem Holiday, will be calling numbers and keeping the laughter rolling! 

Indulge in wine, beer, N/A drinks and freshly popped popcorn for sale as you bingo your way to victory! Speaking of wine- anyone who donates a bottle of wine will get a free ticket to the Sunriver raffle!! One bottle = One raffle ticket. Donate generously! Bring a bottle or two with you tonight to get in on the Sunriver fun!

Don’t miss out - grab your tickets now at  or get them at the door!! Let’s bingo and win like never before!! Follow the SMS Foundation on Instagram @sellwoodmiddlefoundation to learn more! This event is 21&up. 

P.E.A.K.  AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM – SPRING REGISTRATION

The PEAK Program is a series of in-person after school classes open to all Sellwood students.  The PEAK program is totally independent of Sellwood Middle School and is under the jurisdiction of PTA. Scholarships are available as the PEAK goal is to include every SMS student.  

Register for classes at    If you are a first time user you will need to create an account for your student. 
 

 **If you are already taking a class in the Winter you DO need to register again for Spring Session**

Scholarship request form is here:  

Please email sellwoodpeakprogram@gmail.com with any questions.

Classes open for registration:

• Marimba 
  • PEAK marimba is a once a week class (Thursdays from 4-5PM) that teaches students the basics of playing in a marimba ensemble. No experience is necessary. Instruments are provided. Students will learn to play music in a group setting.
• Choir
  • This is a student-led choir class provided by the Cleveland Choir Department, and the Cleveland Youth Choir (CYC) team. With the support of the Cleveland Choir director, Cleveland Choir students will lead a class filled with fun singing activities, practicing musicality skills, and learning about other cultures and stories through song! It is not only an educational opportunity, but a performance opportunity. Students who participate will have an opportunity to perform with the Cleveland Choir at one of our events. 

• Speech and Debate
  • The Cleveland High Speech and Debate team is one the largest and most successful programs at the school. Find out why these students love it so much, and build your own debate skills. You will practice speaking and debating skills in preparation for local middle school competitions The Sellwood team will be coached by team captains from Cleveland.
• Chess Club (FULL)
• Red Cross Babysitting Class (FULL)

Opening for registration soon

• Coding with Kids
• Rogue Pack Theatre Collective Class

PTA NEWS

Spring See’s Candy Sale

Two weeks left for See’s candy orders! Order spring treats now through 3/15 and support the Sellwood Middle School PTA. Chocolatey goodness delivered straight to your door: 

Sellwood Garden Tour 2024; Looking for Gardens!

We are happy to announce that we are working to host the Sellwood Garden Tour again this year.  This event raises funds for Sellwood as well as provides a wonderful community event.  

We are looking for gardens to showcase this year.  Please let us know if you have any leads on beautiful outdoor spaces!  

If you would like to help on the Garden Tour committee or if you know of a local business who may want to sponsor the event please reach out!  

We need our school community's support to make this year's event a success again.  Thank you!  

Sellwood Dines Out

Thank you to Reverend’s BBQ for supporting our middle school and hosting Sellwood Dines Out on 2/28! We are grateful for your support. 

Funds from Sellwood Dines Out support educational programs, student scholarships, and teacher/staff classroom projects at SMS. 

Important links:

• PTA email: sellwoodpta@gmail.com
• Join the PTA:  
• Join Konstella: 
• Instagram: @sellwoodmiddlePTA
• Facebook: 

FROM SCHOOL CLIMATE SPECIALIST, MATTHEW MORTENSEN

Staying hydrated is essential for student well-being and academic success. Here are some strategies we’ve implemented at Sellwood to encourage healthy habits:

1. Water Bottle-Friendly Classrooms: We actively encourage students to bring their water bottles to class. Having water readily available helps students stay hydrated throughout the day and stay in class for instruction.

2. Water Fountains and Hydration Stations: Our school is equipped with clean and well-maintained hydration stations with water fountains and dispensers. These stations are conveniently placed throughout the school, ensuring that students can refill their bottles easily during breaks or during class.

3. Say No to Sugary Drinks: We’re committed to reducing the consumption of sugary beverages. Students are encouraged to choose water over sodas and energy drinks loaded with added sugars.

4. Caffeine Awareness: While some students may enjoy caffeinated drinks, we emphasize moderation. High caffeine intake can disrupt sleep patterns and affect concentration. We encourage students to limit their consumption of energy drinks and coffee during school hours.

SELLWOOD’S SCHOOL PLAY – FROM DRAMA TEACHER MS. CRABTREE

SPRING PLAY AUDITIONS: “Roshambo”

• General Auditions and Callbacks will be held the week of April 1-5.
• Auditioning students and students who wish to work as crew, along with their parents/guardians must download and read the script of the play (25 pages).  You can find the script here:   ? This copy of the play is for reading only and you may not copy or perform the play without paying for licensing from 
• The “Roshambo: Audition Information Packet” document will be available here hopefully by Thursday.  
• Parents/guardians, potential crew and actors: please read the “Roshambo: Audition Information Packet” document, sign it and turn it in to Ms. Crabtree's INBOX by March 22nd. 
• Rehearsals will last 5 weeks, from April 8-May-8 The play performances will be May 9 & 10 and there will also be a school wide assembly performance during the afternoon (during school day-time TBA) of May 10.

ABOUT: 

What the play is about

(this is the promotional description from the publisher)

“Some people take Rock-Paper-Scissors (aka Roshambo) seriously. Very seriously. So seriously they organize championship matches with national rankings.

Lindsay is number two in the country and she’s not happy losing her top ranking. She’s not above throwing an illegal “scipper”. What will she do to Taylor, the number one player? Maybe Taylor’s not that keen on playing anyway. Rock-Paper-Scissors isn’t as fun as it used to be.”

Casting Opportunities 

Roshambo has 16 roles. There are numerous roles for those who identify as females, males, and non-binary actors. 

The Production Roshambo will have 3 performances, the evenings of Thursday and Friday, May 9 & 10, There will also be a school wide assembly performance during the afternoon (during school day-time TBA) of May 10.  All performances will be held on the stage in the large gym of SMS.

OUTDOOR SCHOOL FOR 6TH GRADERS

6th grade students will be attending Outdoor School (ODS) Sunday, March 17th - Friday, March 22nd. 6th grade students' 4th period teachers should have already communicated details via email to parents. . 

MESD Outdoor School Gear Library is open if you need gear for the camp (sleeping bag, rain jackets, coats, hats, fleeces, warm clothing, rain boots, toiletries); located at 12027 NE Sumner St. 

GIRLS INC PNW

I'm Emily Ehlers, the STEAM program coordinator for Girls Inc. PNW. I'm reaching out because Girls Inc. PNW is currently recruiting for our Summer STEAM program, Eureka! We are reaching out to educators and families across the Portland Metro area to make sure they know about our programs and the empowering opportunities we offer our youth. 

Program Overview: 

• Open to current in 7th, 8th or 10th grade youth 
• Free for youth and families 
• 4-week long STEAM Summer camp with daily guest speakers, weekly field trips, and engaging STEAM activities at local college sites Portland State University, and Mount Hood Community College 
• Paid internship opportunities 
• College and career readiness support 

More information about Eureka! and Girls Inc. of the PNW: 

• Girls Inc PNW: 
• Eureka! Overview: 
• Eureka Application: 

PIL YOUTH SPORTS

PIL sports registration, schedules and calendar found . Sellwood falls under the "Cleveland Cluster". If your student is playing a sport or any extracurricular activity outside of the PIL, we would love to support them as well. Send an email to Mr. KB (akennybrew@pps.net) including the schedule, including playoff information, and team pictures. Thank you 

COUNSELING CORNER

Students with last names A-L: Mr. KB – akennybrew@pps.net

Students with last names M-Z:  Ms. Katie – kfrancis@pps.net

MAIN OFFICE

The best way to reach us is by email.  

• Melissa Whiteside (mwhitesi@pps.net) is our school secretary and registrar.  
• Claire Howard (choward1@pps.net) is our principal’s secretary and bookkeeper.
• Our Sellwood website () has many “Quick Links” to help you immediately.   

The Office Phone Number

The office phone number is 503-916-5656.  

When prompted:

• press 4 for Melissa;
• press 3 for Claire 
• press 2 for all Attendance matters. 
• press 5 for Records, Registration.
• press 0 for the front counter; however, students may answer this line.  Do not discuss anything confidential or leave any confidential messages.  

Secured Building 

Sellwood is a locked and secure building.  

Please ring the doorbell to the right of the main doors to reach the office.  We will guide you accordingly.

Parent/Student Requests:  

Please email both Melissa and Claire for student pick up or if you must get a message to a student.  For student pickup, advance notice is strongly recommended to minimize classroom interruptions. No pickups/dismissals will be allowed after 3:30 pm.

Guides to Help you:

To access your student’s attendance in Synergy: Log into ParentVue. 

To make changes to your student’s registration in Synergy:  ParentVue/StudentVue

Please email Melissa Whiteside (mwhitesi@pps.net) for:

• Passwords:  If you have forgotten your password, have been locked out of your account, or do not have login credentials
• ParentVue (if your account has been disabled).   

Please email Claire Howard (choward1@pps.net) for:

• School Pay/Bookkeeping/accounting issues.
• Administrative Support:  Messages or matters of support to the principal or assistant principal.

IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER

• March 12: 5^th-grade Parent Info Night
• March 17-22: Outdoor School for 6^th-graders
• March 25 to March 29: Spring Break
• April 5: No School for Students – Teacher Planning Day
• April 8: Make-up Day (Previously not a school day for students)
• May 9 & 10: Sellwood School Play “Roshambo”
• May 15:  All 8^th grade Field Trip to the University of Portland
• May 22: Band Concert & Art Show
• May 27: Memorial Day – NO SCHOOL
• June 6: Showcase Night
• June 10: OAKS Park – 8^th Grade
• June 11: OAKS Park – 6^th and 7^th Grades
• June 12-14: Make-up Days
• June 14: 8^th Grade Promotion
• June 14: Last Day of School – Half Day

Sellwood Principal’s Newsletter – March 4, 2024

Greetings Sellwood Community,

My apologies for not sending the newsletter on Friday; I was out sick.

This Friday, the Sellwood Foundation will be holding their fundraiser, Drag Queen Bingo, at Westmoreland’s Union Manor.  I attended last year with my husband, and it was a fun time with great entertainment.  The prizes are also top-notch.  The details are outlined below.  We hope to see you there!

Sincerely,

Jeandré Carbone

Sellwood MS Principal

jcarbone@pps.net

PTA NEWS

Spring See’s Candy Sale

Two weeks left for See’s candy orders! Order spring treats now through 3/15 and support the Sellwood Middle School PTA. Chocolatey goodness delivered straight to your door: 

Sellwood Garden Tour 2024; Looking for Gardens!

We are happy to announce that we are working to host the Sellwood Garden Tour again this year.  This event raises funds for Sellwood as well as provides a wonderful community event.  

We are looking for gardens to showcase this year.  Please let us know if you have any leads on beautiful outdoor spaces!  

If you would like to help on the Garden Tour committee or if you know of a local business who may want to sponsor the event please reach out!  

We need our school community's support to make this year's event a success again.  Thank you!  

Sellwood Dines Out

Thank you to Reverend’s BBQ for supporting our middle school and hosting Sellwood Dines Out on 2/28! We are grateful for your support. 

Funds from Sellwood Dines Out support educational programs, student scholarships, and teacher/staff classroom projects at SMS. 

Important links:

• PTA email: sellwoodpta@gmail.com
• Join the PTA:  
• Join Konstella: 
• Instagram: @sellwoodmiddlePTA
• Facebook: 

SELLWOOD FOUNDATION

DRAG QUEEN BINGO

MARCH 8 FROM 7-9PM

Join us for an unforgettable evening of Drag Queen Bingo on March 8 at Westmoreland’s Union Manor! Get ready for a night of fun and fabulous prizes, including a weekend getaway on the OREGON COAST, a SUNRIVER condo stay, and a brand new E-SCOOTER (raffle $5/ticket)! Not a grand prize winner? No worries. Each prize bundle is valued over $200 and includes gift cards to local wineries, restaurants, event spaces, salons and so much more. 

Tickets for bingo are $25 for the first card, $5 for additional cards - and you can even snag a card for a teacher! SMS teachers and administrators get their first card free, and $5 for each additional card.

Our dazzling host and Portland drag sensation, Coco Jem Holiday, will be calling numbers and keeping the laughter rolling! 

Indulge in wine, beer, N/A drinks and freshly popped popcorn for sale as you bingo your way to victory! Speaking of wine- anyone who donates a bottle of wine will get a free ticket to the Sunriver raffle!! One bottle = One raffle ticket, so donate generously! Please drop wine donations with your name on the bottle to one of the addresses listed below. 

Don’t miss out - grab your tickets now at  and let’s bingo and win like never before!! Follow the SMS Foundation on Instagram @sellwoodmiddlefoundation to learn more! This event is 21&up. 

Donation locations: 

7408 SE 46th Ave.

3704 SE Ogden St. 

7125 SE 21st Ave.

SELLWOOD’S SCHOOL PLAY – FROM DRAMA TEACHER MS. CRABTREE

ROSHAMBO

Auditions will be the week of April 1-5.  

Rehearsals will be 5 weeks, from April 8 through May-8 

The play performances will be May 9 & 10 and there will also be a school wide assembly performance during the afternoon (during school day-time TBA) of May 10.

ABOUT: 

What the play is about (this is the promotional description from the publisher)

“Some people take Rock-Paper-Scissors (aka Roshambo) seriously. Very seriously. So seriously they organize championship matches with national rankings.

Lindsay is number two in the country and she’s not happy losing her top ranking. She’s not above throwing an illegal “scipper”. What will she do to Taylor, the number one player? Maybe Taylor’s not that keen on playing anyway. Rock-Paper-Scissors isn’t as fun as it used to be.”

Casting Opportunities 

Roshambo has 16 roles. There are numerous roles for those who identify as females, males, and non-binary actors. 

The Production Roshambo will have 3 performances, the evenings of Thursday and Friday, May 9 & 10, There will also be a school wide assembly performance during the afternoon (during school day-time TBA) of May 10.  All performances will be held on the stage in the large gym of SMS.  

OUTDOOR SCHOOL FOR 6TH GRADERS

6th grade students will be attending Outdoor School (ODS) Sunday, March 17th - Friday, March 22nd. 6th grade students' 4th period teachers should have already communicated details via email to parents. Be on the lookout for those emails as they have important information for you about this. . 

MESD Outdoor School Gear Library is open if you need gear for the camp (sleeping bag, rain jackets, coats, hats, fleeces, warm clothing, rain boots, toiletries); located at 12027 NE Sumner St. 

 – “LEWIS ROCKS”

On Saturday, March 2^nd, from 4-7PM, Lewis Elementary School will host a benefit concert raising funds for their 5^th Grade Science Camp.  Please see  for more details.

GIRLS INC PNW

I'm Emily Ehlers, the STEAM program coordinator for Girls Inc. PNW. I'm reaching out because Girls Inc. PNW is currently recruiting for our Summer STEAM program, Eureka! We are reaching out to educators and families across the Portland Metro area to make sure they know about our programs and the empowering opportunities we offer our youth. 

Program Overview: 

• Open to current in 7th, 8th or 10th grade youth 
• Free for youth and families 
• 4-week long STEAM Summer camp with daily guest speakers, weekly field trips, and engaging STEAM activities at local college sites Portland State University, and Mount Hood Community College 
• Paid internship opportunities 
• College and career readiness support 

More information about Eureka! and Girls Inc. of the PNW: 

• Girls Inc PNW: 
• Eureka! Overview: 
• Eureka Application: 

PROGRAMS, EVENTS & RESOURCES

Camps, Classes, & After School Programs:

• VIBE of Portland 
• Cognizart  (July 8-12, 15-19, & 22-26)
• OSU 
• VIBE of Portland 
• AFS-USA Student Exchange Programs () ()

Preschool Programs:

• Portland Parks 
  “Portland Parks & Recreation is holding a registration lottery for our Educational Preschool program for the 2024-25 school year. Interested families can apply now through February 21 to be included in the lottery.”
• Multnomah Early Childhood Program 
  () ()

Community Events & Information:

• Oregon State University Summer 
• City of Portland 
                  () () () () ()

Vaccinations, Health & Wellness:

• Multnomah County Free Community Vaccination Clinic (Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays)
                  () () () () () ()
• Multnomah County Student Health Centers (fliers in English, Russian, Chinese, and Vietnamese):

PIL YOUTH SPORTS

PIL sports registration, schedules and calendar found . Sellwood falls under the "Cleveland Cluster". If your student is playing a sport or any extracurricular activity outside of the PIL, we would love to support them as well. Send an email to Mr. KB (akennybrew@pps.net) including the schedule, including playoff information, and team pictures. Thank you 

COUNSELING CORNER

Students with last names A-L: Mr. KB – akennybrew@pps.net

Students with last names M-Z:  Ms. Katie – kfrancis@pps.net

MAIN OFFICE

The best way to reach us is by email.  

• Melissa Whiteside (mwhitesi@pps.net) is our school secretary and registrar.  
• Claire Howard (choward1@pps.net) is our principal’s secretary and bookkeeper.
• Our Sellwood website () has many “Quick Links” to help you immediately.   

The Office Phone Number

The office phone number is 503-916-5656.  

When prompted:

• press 4 for Melissa;
• press 3 for Claire 
• press 2 for all Attendance matters. 
• press 5 for Records, Registration.
• press 0 for the front counter; however, students may answer this line.  Do not discuss anything confidential or leave any confidential messages.  

Secured Building 

Sellwood is a locked and secure building.  

Please ring the doorbell to the right of the main doors to reach the office.  We will guide you accordingly.

Parent/Student Requests:  

Please email both Melissa and Claire for student pick up or if you must get a message to a student.  For student pickup, advance notice is strongly recommended to minimize classroom interruptions. No pickups/dismissals will be allowed after 3:30 pm.

Guides to Help you:

To access your student’s attendance in Synergy: Log into ParentVue. 

To make changes to your student’s registration in Synergy:  ParentVue/StudentVue

Please email Melissa Whiteside (mwhitesi@pps.net) for:

• Passwords:  If you have forgotten your password, have been locked out of your account, or do not have login credentials
• ParentVue (if your account has been disabled).   

Please email Claire Howard (choward1@pps.net) for:

• School Pay/Bookkeeping/accounting issues.
• Administrative Support:  Messages or matters of support to the principal or assistant principal.

IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER

• March 12: 5^th-grade Parent Info Night
• March 17-22: Outdoor School for 6^th-graders
• March 25 to March 29: Spring Break
• April 5: No School for Students – Teacher Planning Day
• April 8: Make-up Day (Previously not a school day for students)
• May 9 & 10: Sellwood School Play “Roshambo”
• May 15:  All 8^th grade Field Trip to the University of Portland
• May 22: Band Concert & Art Show
• May 27: Memorial Day – NO SCHOOL
• June 6: Showcase Night
• June 10: OAKS Park – 8^th Grade
• June 11: OAKS Park – 6^th and 7^th Grades
• June 12-14: Make-up Days
• June 14: 8^th Grade Promotion
• June 14: Last Day of School – Half Day

Sellwood Principal’s Newsletter – February 23, 2024

Greetings Sellwood Community,

It’s been a busy week.  The days are getting longer and it was wonderful to see the sunshine to day when we went outside for our monthly fire drill.

I would like to give a shout out to our amazing Sellwood Stars Dance Team. At their February 17th competition in Milwaukie, and they placed 2nd in both the Middle School Jazz and Contemporary divisions. They also took home 4 drill down awards. Congratulations, Sellwood Stars!

Enjoy the weekend,

Jeandré Carbone

Sellwood MS Principal

jcarbone@pps.net

PTA NEWS

Sellwood Dines Out; Reverend’s BBQ Wednesday 2/28

Please join us Wednesday, February 28th and enjoy some amazing BBQ.  Thank you to Reverend’s for supporting our middle school! The PTA Board will be there from 6-8pm; come say hi!

Funds from Sellwood Dines Out support educational programs, student scholarships, and teacher/staff classroom projects at SMS. 

Spring See’s Candy Sale

Easy way to support SMS!  See’s will mail orders directly to you.

Sellwood Garden Tour 2024

We are happy to announce that we are working to host the Sellwood Garden Tour again this year.  This event raises funds for Sellwood as well as provides a wonderful community event.  

We are looking for gardens to showcase this year.  Please let us know if you have any leads on beautiful outdoor spaces!  

If you would like to help on the Garden Tour committee or if you know of a local business who may want to sponsor the event please reach out!  

We need our school community's support to make this year's event a success again.  Thank you!  

Sellwood Dines Out; Reverend’s BBQ 2/28

Please join us Wednesday, February 28th and enjoy some amazing BBQ.  Thank you to Reverend’s for supporting our middle school!

Funds from Sellwood Dines Out support educational programs, student scholarships, and teacher/staff classroom projects at SMS. 

Important links:

• PTA email: sellwoodpta@gmail.com
• Join the PTA:  
• Join Konstella: 
• Instagram: @sellwoodmiddlePTA
• Facebook: 

SELLWOOD FOUNDATION

Hello SMS Families and Sellwood Staff,

DONATE WINE FOR DRAG QUEEN BINGO AND WIN TWO NIGHTS AT A SUNRIVER CONDO!!!!

Anyone who donates a bottle of wine will get a free ticket to the Sunriver raffle!! One bottle = One raffle ticket, so donate generously! Please drop wine donations with your name on the bottle to one of the addresses listed below. 

Donation locations: 

7408 SE 46th Ave.

6924 SE 19th Ave.

3704 SE Ogden St.

With Gratitude,

Sellwood Middle School Foundation

OUTDOOR SCHOOL FOR 6TH GRADERS

6th grade students will be attending Outdoor School (ODS) Sunday, March 17th - Friday, March 22nd. 6th grade students' 4th period teachers should have already communicated details via email to parents. Be on the lookout for those emails as they have important information for you about this. . 

MESD Outdoor School Gear Library is open if you need gear for the camp (sleeping bag, rain jackets, coats, hats, fleeces, warm clothing, rain boots, toiletries); located at 12027 NE Sumner St. 

 – “LEWIS ROCKS”

On Saturday, March 2^nd, from 4-7PM, Lewis Elementary School will host a benefit concert raising funds for their 5^th Grade Science Camp.  Please see  for more details.

GIRLS INC PNW

I'm Emily Ehlers, the STEAM program coordinator for Girls Inc. PNW. I'm reaching out because Girls Inc. PNW is currently recruiting for our Summer STEAM program, Eureka! We are reaching out to educators and families across the Portland Metro area to make sure they know about our programs and the empowering opportunities we offer our youth. 

Program Overview: 

• Open to current in 7th, 8th or 10th grade youth 
• Free for youth and families 
• 4-week long STEAM Summer camp with daily guest speakers, weekly field trips, and engaging STEAM activities at local college sites Portland State University, and Mount Hood Community College 
• Paid internship opportunities 
• College and career readiness support 

More information about Eureka! and Girls Inc. of the PNW: 

• Girls Inc PNW: 
• Eureka! Overview: 
• Eureka Application: 

PROGRAMS, EVENTS & RESOURCES

Camps, Classes, & After School Programs:

• VIBE of Portland 
• Cognizart  (July 8-12, 15-19, & 22-26)
• OSU 
• VIBE of Portland 
• AFS-USA Student Exchange Programs () ()

Preschool Programs:

• Portland Parks 
  “Portland Parks & Recreation is holding a registration lottery for our Educational Preschool program for the 2024-25 school year. Interested families can apply now through February 21 to be included in the lottery.”
• Multnomah Early Childhood Program 
  () ()

Community Events & Information:

• Oregon State University Summer 
• City of Portland 
                  () () () () ()

Vaccinations, Health & Wellness:

• Multnomah County Free Community Vaccination Clinic (Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays)
                  () () () () () ()
• Multnomah County Student Health Centers (fliers in English, Russian, Chinese, and Vietnamese):

PIL YOUTH SPORTS

PIL sports registration, schedules and calendar found . Sellwood falls under the "Cleveland Cluster". If your student is playing a sport or any extracurricular activity outside of the PIL, we would love to support them as well. Send an email to Mr. KB (akennybrew@pps.net) including the schedule, including playoff information, and team pictures. Thank you 

COUNSELING CORNER

Students with last names A-L: Mr. KB – akennybrew@pps.net

Students with last names M-Z:  Ms. Katie – kfrancis@pps.net

MAIN OFFICE

The best way to reach us is by email.  

• Melissa Whiteside (mwhitesi@pps.net) is our school secretary and registrar.  
• Claire Howard (choward1@pps.net) is our principal’s secretary and bookkeeper.
• Our Sellwood website () has many “Quick Links” to help you immediately.   

The Office Phone Number

The office phone number is 503-916-5656.  

When prompted:

• press 4 for Melissa;
• press 3 for Claire 
• press 2 for all Attendance matters. 
• press 5 for Records, Registration.
• press 0 for the front counter; however, students may answer this line.  Do not discuss anything confidential or leave any confidential messages.  

Secured Building 

Sellwood is a locked and secure building.  

Please ring the doorbell to the right of the main doors to reach the office.  We will guide you accordingly.

Parent/Student Requests:  

Please email both Melissa and Claire for student pick up or if you must get a message to a student.  For student pickup, advance notice is strongly recommended to minimize classroom interruptions. No pickups/dismissals will be allowed after 3:30 pm.

Guides to Help you:

To access your student’s attendance in Synergy: Log into ParentVue. 

To make changes to your student’s registration in Synergy:  ParentVue/StudentVue

Please email Melissa Whiteside (mwhitesi@pps.net) for:

• Passwords:  If you have forgotten your password, have been locked out of your account, or do not have login credentials
• ParentVue (if your account has been disabled).   

Please email Claire Howard (choward1@pps.net) for:

• School Pay/Bookkeeping/accounting issues.
• Administrative Support:  Messages or matters of support to the principal or assistant principal.

IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER

• March 12: 5^th-grade Parent Info Night
• March 17-22: Outdoor School for 6^th-graders
• March 25 to March 29: Spring Break
• April 5: No School for Students – Teacher Planning Day
• April 8: Make-up Day (Previously not a school day for students)
• May 9 & 10: Sellwood School Play “Roshambo”
• May 15:  All 8^th grade Field Trip to the University of Portland
• May 22: Band Concert & Art Show
• May 27: Memorial Day – NO SCHOOL
• June 6: Showcase Night
• June 10: OAKS Park – 8^th Grade
• June 11: OAKS Park – 6^th and 7^th Grades
• June 12-14: Make-up Days
• June 14: 8^th Grade Promotion
• June 14: Last Day of School – Half Day

Sellwood Principal’s Newsletter – February 16, 2024

Greetings Sellwood Community,

This week, all school principals received their staffing allocations for the upcoming school year.  You may have read about the predicted staffing cuts, reduction in services, and cost-saving measures.  Unfortunately, Sellwood will not be immune to these cuts.  Although there is always the possibility of future changes, we will most certainly be impacted.

Right now, I am still working through the staffing process, but I will be able to share more specifics about any changes in a few weeks.  Sorry the news is not better.

Also, don't forget that Monday, which is also Presidents' Day, is a make-up school day.

Enjoy the weekend,

Jeandré Carbone

Sellwood MS Principal

jcarbone@pps.net

OUTDOOR SCHOOL FOR 6TH GRADERS

6th grade students will be attending Outdoor School (ODS) Sunday, March 17th - Friday, March 22nd. 6th grade students' 4th period teachers should have already communicated details via email to parents. Be on the lookout for those emails as they have important information for you about this. . 

MESD Outdoor School Gear Library is open if you need gear for the camp (sleeping bag, rain jackets, coats, hats, fleeces, warm clothing, rain boots, toiletries); located at 12027 NE Sumner St. 

PTA NEWS

Sellwood Garden Tour 2024

We are happy to announce that we are working to host the Sellwood Garden Tour again this year.  This event raises funds for Sellwood as well as provides a wonderful community event.  

We are looking for gardens to showcase this year.  Please let us know if you have any leads on beautiful outdoor spaces!  

If you would like to help on the Garden Tour committee or if you know of a local business who may want to sponsor the event please reach out!  

We need our school community's support to make this year's event a success again.  Thank you!  

Sellwood Dines Out; Reverend’s BBQ 2/28

Please join us Wednesday, February 28th and enjoy some amazing BBQ.  Thank you to Reverend’s for supporting our middle school!

Funds from Sellwood Dines Out support educational programs, student scholarships, and teacher/staff classroom projects at SMS. 

Important links:

• PTA email: sellwoodpta@gmail.com
• Join the PTA:  
• Join Konstella: 
• Instagram: @sellwoodmiddlePTA
• Facebook: 

SELLWOOD FOUNDATION

DRAG QUEEN BINGO

MARCH 8 FROM 7-9PM

Join us for an unforgettable evening of Drag Queen Bingo on March 8 at Westmoreland’s Union Manor! Get ready for a night of fun and fabulous prizes, including a weekend getaway on the OREGON COAST, a SUNRIVER condo stay, and a brand new E-SCOOTER (raffle $5/ticket)! Not a grand prize winner? No worries. Each prize bundle is valued over $200 and includes gift cards to local wineries, restaurants, event spaces, salons and so much more. 

Tickets for bingo are $25 for the first card, $5 for additional cards - and you can even snag a card for a teacher! SMS teachers and administrators get their first card free, and $5 for each additional card.

Our dazzling host and Portland drag sensation, Coco Jem Holiday, will be calling numbers and keeping the laughter rolling! 

Indulge in wine, beer, N/A drinks and freshly popped popcorn for sale as you bingo your way to victory! Speaking of wine- anyone who donates a bottle of wine will get a free ticket to the Sunriver raffle!! One bottle = One raffle ticket, so donate generously! Please drop wine donations with your name on the bottle to one of the addresses listed below. 

Don’t miss out - grab your tickets now at  and let’s bingo and win like never before!! Follow the SMS Foundation on Instagram @sellwoodmiddlefoundation to learn more!

Donation locations: 

7408 SE 46th Ave.

6924 SE 19th Ave.

3704 SE Ogden St.

EXCLUSION DAY, IMMUNIZATIONS BY WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 21