½ûÂþÌìÌÃ

Dear Sellwood Community,

 

This afternoon, the 6th-graders returned from a rainy, yet wondrous week of Outdoor School. It warms my heart to see them return so happy and with such youthful enthusiasm. Like every year, we have several items not picked up; the items are currently in the main office. Please check the photo below to see if any of the item are yours. If so, please pick them up as soon as possible (after spring break, as the school will be closed).

 

I wanted to make sure Sellwood families know that we will NOT be selling yearbooks this year. To find out why yearbooks will not be available for purchase, please read the blurb about yearbooks below (look for a picture of Oprah).

 

Please read on to find out about Sellwood's new "Rosemary Price Native Garden" outside the entrance on SE Umatilla. It was designed and planned by students in Mr. Adkisson's Project Green class.

 

I wish you a wonderful spring break, full of fun and relaxation.

 

Sincerely,

 

Jeandre Carbone

Sellwood Principal

Students enrolled in Selwood Middle School’s “Project Green” elective class have undertaken the creation and design of a new native plant garden. This garden will be situated on the north side of the school, next to the gym entrance (Umatilla). The students spearhead this initiative, conceptualized a garden that will enhance the school grounds, and conducted research to identify the most suitable native plants. The Rosemary Price Native Garden will provide students with an educational opportunity to understand the significance of native plants within an urban environment.

The construction of the garden is scheduled to take place from March 24 to March 28. Community members are invited to participate in an event in April to assist with spreading bark chips in the garden.

Sellwood Garden Tour - June 8 - Gardens and Volunteers Needed!

The SMS PTA is bringing back our beloved Garden Tour fundraiser on June 8th! This event has been a cherished tradition, and we're excited to showcase some of the beautiful gardens in our community once again.

To make this year's tour a success, we are looking for garden owners in the Woodstock, Westmoreland, Sellwood, Eastmoreland, and Garthwick areas willing to open their gardens to visitors. We plan to feature 5-6 gardens for the event.

All funds raised from ticket sales will directly benefit SMS for classroom supplies and to help fulfill the needs of our students and teachers.

We will need volunteers to make this event a success! We will continue to post volunteer opportunities on Konstella.

If you have a garden you'd like to share, or if you know someone who might be interested, we would love to hear from you! Please email us at sellwoodpta@gmail.com.

Thank you in advance for your help in making this event a success. We can’t wait to showcase the beauty of our community while supporting a great cause!

See’s Candy Spring Sale - Open Now!
We have launched our See’s Candy Spring sale- perfect timing to get all your spring holiday treats and support SMS!  is the link to purchase.

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!

Sign up now for spring PEAK! Classes start soon. Registration is through 6 Crickets: 

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. Scholarship request form is here: 

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 Spring:

• AI: Intro to Machine Learning with Coding with Kids $209 Mondays 4:15-5:15 Spring Session: 3/31-6/2/25 (no class 4/7&5/26, 8 sessions) Explore the exciting world of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)! Join us in this course to discover how AI works by learning key AI and ML concepts such as neural networks, computer vision, and image recognition. You'll also learn how to use modern AI tools effectively, like DALL-E, for tasks like generating artistic images. Additionally, you'll apply coding concepts, such as variables and conditionals, to create your own simple AI models. These models will be used to build interactive Scratch projects, including video filters and touchless games. By the end of the course, you'll understand how AI and ML work, know how to use AI tools for image and story generation, and have the skills to code your own AI-driven Scratch projects.

   

• Acting Class with Ms. Tori! $103 Tuesdays 4:15pm-5:15pm Spring Session: 4/15-5/27 (7 sessions) The class will start with acting games/exercises and community building then focus on scene study and monologue including actor relaxation, breathing, and preparation for rehearsals or performances. Students will have the opportunity to prepare a monologue or short scene to perform at the culminating session. Instructor: Tori Padellford attended the University of Nevada, Las Vegas as a DeVos acting scholarship student and earned a B.A. in Theatre Arts. She also studied at Circle-in-the-Square in New York City. “Ms. Tori” was the library assistant at Lewis Elementary for 20 years. While at Lewis she enhanced the “Drama Club” started by teachers in 2000 and directed/ produced 15 productions involving hundreds of students over the years. Tori continues to act occasionally in local theatre, commercials, film, and television.

 

• Speech and Debate $50 Tuesday 4:15-5:15 Spring Term: 4/1/25-5/20/25 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. Appropriate for both new and returning students.

   

• Marimba $100 Thursdays 4:15-5:15 Spring Term: 4/1-6/5/25.Taught by Ben Kinkley. Curious about African music? Want to share your own ideas with a new music ensemble? Sellwood Marimba is the place for you. Come to learn the basics or build your skills - and definitely come to jam! No experience is necessary. Instruments are provided.

As this is the last week of school in the month of March we thought we would share a few more resources that families might find useful to continue the celebration of Women’s History Month. Recently this  was shared in some of our Advisory classes. In a talk about perspective, Sullivan shares stories full of wit and wisdom and reminds us that we're all part of each other's support systems. "The only shoes you can walk in are your own," she says. "With compassion, courage and understanding, we can walk together, side by side." If you’re looking for more ways you might take action to celebrate Women’s History Month, check out these .

We have seen a rise in students bringing Monster Drinks and other highly caffeinated beverages to school. As a whole staff we are working on re-teaching our rule that water is the only allowed beverage in our hallways and our classrooms.If a student has caffeinated beverages in class or the hallways, they will be asked to throw them away. Here is an written by a doctor about the impacts of caffeine on teens.

Please donate so we can provide a no-cost yearbook to all students on distribution day in June. We will not be selling yearbooks, so rather than purchasing a yearbook, we are asking you to donate. So far we've raised about $1500 of the $10,000 we will need. Look for "Sellwood Yearbook Donation" in SchoolPay. Any amount helps. Sellwood's PTA will be matching donations.

ALSO, Ms. Souther is looking for photos of our Sellwood students in their extracurricular activities. Sports, band, OBOB, debate, chess, dance team, and more are such a big part of student life, and we want to make sure we include those activities if we can. Email photos (higher resolution is better) to Lsouther@pps.net. I'll need them before spring break, please!

Hello Cleveland Families!

 

This Spring we are excited to offer our Cleveland Flag Football League for the 3rd season in a row. This league will allow our youth to maintain their fitness, as well as learn and develop football skills and fundamentals. They will get in-depth coaching from experienced Cleveland Football staff and meet other athletes throughout the Cleveland cluster. Registration has begun and spots are limited.

 

The season begins April 1st and is open to all 4th-8th graders of all genders. There will be 3 Divisions (4th/5th, 6th/7th & 8th). Practices will be held every Tues & Thurs 5:30PM - 7PM at Westmoreland Sports Field, with games every Saturday morning at the Cleveland Sports Stadium. This year the season will end on May 20th, just before Memorial Day weekend.

The fee is $50 or $25 Free/Reduced Lunch. This is due on or before the first official day of practice.

 

Register Here: 

 

Remember spots are limited so sign up as soon as possible,

 

Go Warriors!

Dear ½ûÂþÌìÌà Middle Grades families,

½ûÂþÌìÌà is moving to a new Standards-Based Grading System for all 28 middle schools. The purpose is to provide clearer and more meaningful feedback to students. Some of our middle schools are already using this approach, and  supports its benefits. Our K-5 schools have also made progress in this direction with their report cards.

We invite you to visit our middle grades Standards-Based Grading website at pps.net/sbg. There, you can find updates, resources, timelines, materials, and FAQs.

There will be three family and community engagement events in person and virtually at the Prophet Education Center (501 N. Dixon St.) in the ½ûÂþÌìÌà Boardroom. We invite all who have current middle grades students or students entering into the middle grades to these presentations where we will provide updates as well as listen to feedback and answer questions.

 

 

 

Family and Community engagement (Virtual and in person)

 

 

February 13, 2025 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM

 

 

March 13, 2025 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM

 

 

May 8, 2025 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM

 

 

 

We believe grades are an important way to communicate with students and families. This new system will make it clearer what students need to do to meet academic expectations.

 

If you have any questions, please contact Richard Smith at rsmith5@pps.net. Check the website often for updates. We look forward to working with you during this exciting transition.

Information and Family Supports

 

• answers many questions about the steps ½ûÂþÌìÌà will be taking to safeguard staff and students going forward.

•  This card is meant to help people assert their rights and defend themselves in many situations. These can be printed out and carried on your person.

•  (Oregon ACLU)

The best way to reach us is by email.

Willa Grund is our new school secretary. wgrund@pps.net

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. 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 wgrund@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 principal.

March 24-28: Spring Break

April 3: End of Quarter 3

April 4: Grading Day - No School for Students

April 7: Planning Day - No School for Students

April 8: First Day of Quarter 4

April 8: 15 Minute Late Start - Staff Meeting Day

April 11: 8th-grade Trip to U of O and OSU

April 17: PTA Meeting 7-8 PM

April 23: Early Release 1:45 PM

April 30: All 8th Grade Field Trip to Cleveland High School

May 8: All 7th Grade Field Trip to the Holocausts Museum/History Museum

May 21: Early Release 1:45 PM

May 26: Memorial Day: No School

May 28: Spring Band & Choir Concert @ Cleveland HS 7-9 PM

June 3: 15 Minute Late Start - Staff Meeting Day

June 5: Sellwood Showcase Night - 5:30 to 7:30 PM

June 9: 8th Grade Oaks Park Field Trip

June 10: 6th/7th Grade Oaks Park Field Trip

June 12: 8th Grade Promotion - 10:30-11:30 AM

June 12: Last Day of School - Half-day - School Ends 12:30 PM

Dear Sellwood Community,

 

Today, 6th graders went on a "gallery walk" to view our Black History Month door decoration efforts. I have shared one example, from Mr. Shelley's 7th grade ELA class.

 

6th-grade families, Outdoor School starts this Sunday. Please read the drop off and pick up details in the Outdoor School section.

 

Also, don't forget that next Wednesday, March 19th, will be an early release date, at 1:45 PM

 

Finally, please help me give a shout out to the Sellwood Stars, who took home four of ten drill down awards last weekend at a competition in Philomath.

 

Sincerely,

 

Jeandre Carbone

Sellwood Principal

Sellwood Garden Tour - June 8 - Gardens and Volunteers Needed!

The SMS PTA is bringing back our beloved Garden Tour fundraiser on June 8th! This event has been a cherished tradition, and we're excited to showcase some of the beautiful gardens in our community once again.

To make this year's tour a success, we are looking for garden owners in the Woodstock, Westmoreland, Sellwood, Eastmoreland, and Garthwick areas willing to open their gardens to visitors. We plan to feature 5-6 gardens for the event.

All funds raised from ticket sales will directly benefit SMS for classroom supplies and to help fulfill the needs of our students and teachers.

We will need volunteers to make this event a success! We will continue to post volunteer opportunities on Konstella.

If you have a garden you'd like to share, or if you know someone who might be interested, we would love to hear from you! Please email us at sellwoodpta@gmail.com.

Thank you in advance for your help in making this event a success. We can’t wait to showcase the beauty of our community while supporting a great cause!

See’s Candy Spring Sale - Open Now!
We have launched our See’s Candy Spring sale- perfect timing to get all your spring holiday treats and support SMS!  is the link to purchase.

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!

 

Spring PEAK scholarship requests open! Registration coming soon! See class list below.

 

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 the PTA. Scholarship request form is here: 

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 Spring:

 

• AI: Intro to Machine Learning with Coding with Kids $209 Mondays 4:15-5:15 Spring Session: 3/31-6/2/25 (no class 4/7&5/26, 8 sessions) Explore the exciting world of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)! Join us in this course to discover how AI works by learning key AI and ML concepts such as neural networks, computer vision, and image recognition. You'll also learn how to use modern AI tools effectively, like DALL-E, for tasks like generating artistic images. Additionally, you'll apply coding concepts, such as variables and conditionals, to create your own simple AI models. These models will be used to build interactive Scratch projects, including video filters and touchless games. By the end of the course, you'll understand how AI and ML work, know how to use AI tools for image and story generation, and have the skills to code your own AI-driven Scratch projects.

 

• Acting Class with Ms. Tori! $100 Tuesdays 4:15pm-5:15pm Spring Session: 4/15-5/27 (7 sessions) The class will start with acting games/exercises and community building then focus on scene study and monologue including actor relaxation, breathing, and preparation for rehearsals or performances. Students will have the opportunity to prepare a monologue or short scene to perform at the culminating session. Instructor: Tori Padellford attended the University of Nevada, Las Vegas as a DeVos acting scholarship student and earned a B.A. in Theatre Arts. She also studied at Circle-in-the-Square in New York City. “Ms. Tori” was the library assistant at Lewis Elementary for 20 years. While at Lewis she enhanced the “Drama Club” started by teachers in 2000 and directed/produced 15 productions involving hundreds of students over the years. Tori continues to act occasionally in local theatre, commercials, film, and television.

 

• Speech and Debate Tuesdays 4:15-5:15 $50 Spring Term: 4/1/25-6/3/25 (these start and end dates are currently tentative) 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. Appropriate for both new and returning students.

• Marimba $104.50 Thursdays 4:15-5:15 Spring Term: 4/1-6/5 Taught by Ben Kinkley. Curious about African music? Want to share your own ideas with a new music ensemble? Sellwood Marimba is the place for you. Come to learn the basics or build your skills - and definitely come to jam! No experience is necessary. Instruments are provided.

6th Grade Families

Students leave for Outdoor School THIS Sunday! See below for times.

 

Still need gear? The  is open Sunday, 12-2 pm.

Questions? Reach out to your student's 1st period teacher.

 

Below are the Departure and Arrival Times for the buses to and from Sellwood MS.
Mr. Adam's class ONLY - For Camp Westwind
Sunday, March 16 - Mr. Adam's 6th Graders arrive at Sellwood Parking Lot by 1:00 PM for attendance - Buses will depart at 1:30 sharp
Friday, March 21 - all 6th Graders arrive back at Sellwood at approximately 1:30 PM

All other 6th grade classes (White, Fuhrmann, Olsen, Fisher, Lossner/Jaeger, Casper/Anderson) going to camps: Collins, Angelos, Kuratli, and Namanu
Sunday, March 16 - 6th Graders arrive at Sellwood Parking Lot by 2:30 PM for attendance - Buses will depart at 3:00 sharp

Return Info

Friday, March 21 - all 6th Graders arrive back at Sellwood at approximately 1:30 PM. Please park in the parking lot or on the neighboring streets. Please do not park in front of the school on SE 15th, as it needs to be kept open for buses. Students will be tired and eager to go home to share stories of their Outdoor School adventures.

In honor of Women’s History Month we wanted to spotlight the many great events that our local YWCA offers! Just this month alone they have a number of virtual workshops that cover such topics as: Training for being a Victim-Advocate discussing Privilege & Confidentiality, Savorism in Domestic Violence Work, Anti-Racism Practices,Interrupting & Recasting Harmful Conversations about Race, and understanding the Cycle of Socialization. For all of their workshops they offer a sliding scale and work-trade opportunities. If interested you can get more details on their .

We have seen a rise in students bringing Monster Drinks and other highly caffeinated beverages to school. As a whole staff we are working on re-teaching our rule that water is the only allowed beverage in our hallways and our classrooms.If a student has caffeinated beverages in class or the hallways, they will be asked to throw them away. Here is an written by a doctor about the impacts of caffeine on teens.

Please donate so we can provide a no-cost yearbook to all students on distribution day in June. We will not be selling yearbooks, so rather than purchasing a yearbook, we are asking you to donate. So far we've raised about $1000 of the $10,000 we will need. Look for "Sellwood Yearbook Donation" in SchoolPay. Any amount helps.

ALSO, Ms. Souther is looking for photos of our Sellwood students in their extracurricular activities. Sports, band, OBOB, debate, chess, dance team, and more are such a big part of student life, and we want to make sure we include those activities if we can. Email photos (higher resolution is better) to Lsouther@pps.net. I'll need them before spring break, please!

Hello Cleveland Families!

 

This Spring we are excited to offer our Cleveland Flag Football League for the 3rd season in a row. This league will allow our youth to maintain their fitness, as well as learn and develop football skills and fundamentals. They will get in-depth coaching from experienced Cleveland Football staff and meet other athletes throughout the Cleveland cluster. Registration has begun and spots are limited.

 

The season begins April 1st and is open to all 4th-8th graders of all genders. There will be 3 Divisions (4th/5th, 6th/7th & 8th). Practices will be held every Tues & Thurs 5:30PM - 7PM at Westmoreland Sports Field, with games every Saturday morning at the Cleveland Sports Stadium. This year the season will end on May 20th, just before Memorial Day weekend.

The fee is $50 or $25 Free/Reduced Lunch. This is due on or before the first official day of practice.

 

Register Here: 

 

Remember spots are limited so sign up as soon as possible,

 

Go Warriors!

Dear ½ûÂþÌìÌà Middle Grades families,

½ûÂþÌìÌà is moving to a new Standards-Based Grading System for all 28 middle schools. The purpose is to provide clearer and more meaningful feedback to students. Some of our middle schools are already using this approach, and  supports its benefits. Our K-5 schools have also made progress in this direction with their report cards.

We invite you to visit our middle grades Standards-Based Grading website at pps.net/sbg. There, you can find updates, resources, timelines, materials, and FAQs.

There will be three family and community engagement events in person and virtually at the Prophet Education Center (501 N. Dixon St.) in the ½ûÂþÌìÌà Boardroom. We invite all who have current middle grades students or students entering into the middle grades to these presentations where we will provide updates as well as listen to feedback and answer questions.

 

 

 

Family and Community engagement (Virtual and in person)

 

 

February 13, 2025 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM

 

 

March 13, 2025 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM

 

 

May 8, 2025 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM

 

 

 

We believe grades are an important way to communicate with students and families. This new system will make it clearer what students need to do to meet academic expectations.

 

If you have any questions, please contact Richard Smith at rsmith5@pps.net. Check the website often for updates. We look forward to working with you during this exciting transition.

Information and Family Supports

 

• answers many questions about the steps ½ûÂþÌìÌà will be taking to safeguard staff and students going forward.

•  This card is meant to help people assert their rights and defend themselves in many situations. These can be printed out and carried on your person.

•  (Oregon ACLU)

The best way to reach us is by email.

Willa Grund is our new school secretary. wgrund@pps.net

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. 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 wgrund@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 principal.

March 16-21: Outdoor School for All 6th-Graders

March 19: Early Release 1:45 PM

March 24-28: Spring Break

April 3: End of Quarter 3

April 4: Grading Day - No School for Students

April 7: Planning Day - No School for Students

April 8: First Day of Quarter 4

April 8: 15 Minute Late Start - Staff Meeting Day

April 17: PTA Meeting 7-8 PM

April 23: Early Release 1:45 PM

April 28: All 8th Grade Field Trip to Bonneville Dam

May 8: All 7th Grade Field Trip to the Holocausts Museum/History Museum

May 21: Early Release 1:45 PM

May 26: Memorial Day: No School

May 28: Spring Band & Choir Concert @ Cleveland HS 7-9 PM

June 3: 15 Minute Late Start - Staff Meeting Day

June 5: Sellwood Showcase Night - 5:30 to 7:30 PM

June 9: 8th Grade Oaks Park Field Trip

June 10: 6th/7th Grade Oaks Park Field Trip

June 12: 8th Grade Promotion - 10:30-11:30 AM

June 12: Last Day of School - Half-day - School Ends 12:30 PM

Dear Sellwood Community,

 

Over the past three weeks, a team of contractors have been busy installing security cameras at Sellwood, covering almost every area of the Sellwood campus. Eight exterior security cameras cover the front, sides, back, and courtyard areas. Seventeen interior security cameras cover each hallway on three floors, both sides of the cafeteria, and the stairwells. We anticipate the cameras will be activated soon. We look forward to having this important safety feature at our school, and we are very grateful to the supportive Portland residents and the 2020 Security Bond funds that made the security camera system possible.

 

Enjoy the weekend, and don't forget to "spring forward"!

 

Jeandre Carbone

Sellwood Principal

Sellwood Garden Tour - June 8 - Gardens and Volunteers Needed!

We are thrilled to announce that the SMS PTA is bringing back our beloved Garden Tour fundraiser on June 8th! This event has been a cherished tradition, and we're excited to showcase some of the beautiful gardens in our community once again.

To make this year's tour a success, we are looking for garden owners in the Woodstock, Westmoreland, Sellwood, Eastmoreland, and Garthwick areas willing to open their gardens to visitors. We plan to feature 5-6 gardens for the event.

All funds raised from ticket sales will directly benefit SMS for classroom supplies and to help fulfill the needs of our students and teachers.

We are holding a volunteer kickoff meeting on Wednesday, March 12 at 6:00 pm at the Portland Bottle Shop. Please join us to learn more about this event and our volunteer needs. We will continue to post volunteer opportunities on Konstella as well.

If you have a garden you'd like to share, or if you know someone who might be interested, we would love to hear from you! Please email us at sellwoodpta@gmail.com.

Thank you in advance for your help in making this event a success. We can’t wait to showcase the beauty of our community while supporting a great cause!

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!

Hello again from AVID! We are still seeking volunteers to share their career path with students on Fridays during the third period. We're currently booking guest speakers after Spring Break! If you are interested in participating, please feel free to reach out to our AVID teacher, Mx. Veida Lekakh, or fill out an "-

6th Grade Families

If your child is NOT attending Outdoor School, please let their 1st Period teacher know ASAP.

 

Below are the Departure and Arrival Times for the buses.

For Camp Westwind

 

• Sunday, March 16 - 6th Graders arrive at Sellwood Parking Lot by 1:00 PM - Busses will depart at 1:30 sharp
• Friday, March 21 - 6th Graders arrive back at Sellwood at approximately 1:30 PM

 

For Camps: Collins, Angelos, Kuratli, and Namanu

 

• Sunday, March 16 - 6th Graders arrive at Sellwood Parking Lot by 2:30 PM - Busses will depart at 3:00 sharp
• Friday, March 21 - 6th Graders arrive back at Sellwood at approximately 1:30 PM

We have seen a rise in students bringing Monster Drinks and other highly caffeinated beverages to school. As a whole staff we are working on re-teaching our rule that water is the only allowed beverage in our hallways and our classrooms.If a student has caffeinated beverages in class or the hallways, they will be asked to throw them away. Here is an written by a doctor about the impacts of caffeine on teens.

Please donate so we can provide a no-cost yearbook to all students on distribution day in June. We will not be selling yearbooks, so rather than purchasing a yearbook, we are asking you to donate. So far we've raised about $1000 of the $10,000 we will need. Look for "Sellwood Yearbook Donation" in SchoolPay. Any amount helps.

ALSO, Ms. Souther is looking for photos of our Sellwood students in their extracurricular activities. Sports, band, OBOB, debate, chess, dance team, and more are such a big part of student life, and we want to make sure we include those activities if we can. Email photos (higher resolution is better) to Lsouther@pps.net. I'll need them before spring break, please!

Hello Cleveland Families!

 

This Spring we are excited to offer our Cleveland Flag Football League for the 3rd season in a row. This league will allow our youth to maintain their fitness, as well as learn and develop football skills and fundamentals. They will get in-depth coaching from experienced Cleveland Football staff and meet other athletes throughout the Cleveland cluster. Registration has begun and spots are limited.

 

The season begins April 1st and is open to all 4th-8th graders of all genders. There will be 3 Divisions (4th/5th, 6th/7th & 8th). Practices will be held every Tues & Thurs 5:30PM - 7PM at Westmoreland Sports Field, with games every Saturday morning at the Cleveland Sports Stadium. This year the season will end on May 20th, just before Memorial Day weekend.

The fee is $50 or $25 Free/Reduced Lunch. This is due on or before the first official day of practice.

 

Register Here: 

 

Remember spots are limited so sign up as soon as possible,

 

Go Warriors!

Is your child interested in participating in Track and Field?

If so, we’ve got you covered! Below is a link to our PIL website’s Youth tab, where you can find all the information you need about spring sports for middle school students in your cluster. On this page, you’ll find flyers with details on how to register, documents needed to participate, how to pay and important dates about when/where practice is.

Season is from March 10th to May 10th

Registration closes on March 21st

If you have any questions, feel free to contact the District Athletic Office by email at dbookout@pps.net or by phone at 503-916-3223.

We look forward to seeing your child on the field this spring!

 

Thank you, GO PIL!

Our Leadership Class is excited to share this month's "Toilet Talk" flyer, which focuses on Mental Health Awareness. This flyer has been created to help raise awareness about mental health and provide helpful tips for students to take care of their well-being. We aim to spark meaningful conversations and encourage students to prioritize their mental health, not just in school, but in all aspects of their lives.

The flyer will be posted in student restrooms throughout the school in hopes that it sparks reflection and action. We encourage all students to take a moment to read it and consider how they can support themselves and others.

 

A new flyer will be posted every month targeting a different topic relevant to middle school students!

Dear ½ûÂþÌìÌà Middle Grades families,

½ûÂþÌìÌà is moving to a new Standards-Based Grading System for all 28 middle schools. The purpose is to provide clearer and more meaningful feedback to students. Some of our middle schools are already using this approach, and  supports its benefits. Our K-5 schools have also made progress in this direction with their report cards.

We invite you to visit our middle grades Standards-Based Grading website at pps.net/sbg. There, you can find updates, resources, timelines, materials, and FAQs.

There will be three family and community engagement events in person and virtually at the Prophet Education Center (501 N. Dixon St.) in the ½ûÂþÌìÌà Boardroom. We invite all who have current middle grades students or students entering into the middle grades to these presentations where we will provide updates as well as listen to feedback and answer questions.

 

 

 

Family and Community engagement (Virtual and in person)

 

 

February 13, 2025 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM

 

 

March 13, 2025 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM

 

 

May 8, 2025 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM

 

 

 

We believe grades are an important way to communicate with students and families. This new system will make it clearer what students need to do to meet academic expectations.

 

If you have any questions, please contact Richard Smith at rsmith5@pps.net. Check the website often for updates. We look forward to working with you during this exciting transition.

Information and Family Supports

 

• answers many questions about the steps ½ûÂþÌìÌà will be taking to safeguard staff and students going forward.

•  This card is meant to help people assert their rights and defend themselves in many situations. These can be printed out and carried on your person.

•  (Oregon ACLU)

The best way to reach us is by email.

Willa Grund is our new school secretary. wgrund@pps.net

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. 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 wgrund@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 principal.

March 11: 5th-grade Parent Info Night 6-7 PM

March 16-21: Outdoor School for All 6th-Graders

March 19: Early Release 1:45 PM

March 24-28: Spring Break

April 3: End of Quarter 3

April 4: Grading Day - No School for Students

April 7: Planning Day - No School for Students

April 8: First Day of Quarter 4

April 8: 15 Minute Late Start - Staff Meeting Day

April 17: PTA Meeting 7-8 PM

April 23: Early Release 1:45 PM

April 28: All 8th Grade Field Trip to Bonneville Dam

May 8: All 7th Grade Field Trip to the Holocausts Museum/History Museum

May 21: Early Release 1:45 PM

May 26: Memorial Day: No School

May 28: Spring Band & Choir Concert @ Cleveland HS 7-9 PM

June 3: 15 Minute Late Start - Staff Meeting Day

June 5: Sellwood Showcase Night - 5:30 to 7:30 PM

June 9: 8th Grade Oaks Park Field Trip

June 10: 6th/7th Grade Oaks Park Field Trip

June 12: 8th Grade Promotion - 10:30-11:30 AM

June 12: Last Day of School - Half-day - School Ends 12:30 PM

Dear Sellwood Community,

 

As you have probably heard, the school year has been extended by two days, due to the two snow days we recently experience. So, the last day of school will be June 12th. The 8th-grade Promotion Ceremony has been rescheduled to June 12, from 10:30 to 11:30, as well. Also, keep in mind that the last day of school is a half-day at Sellwood, with school ending at 12:30. Afternoon buses will run at 12:30 on June 12th.

 

February is Black History Month, and we have been celebrating in a variety of ways. On Monday, our Multi-Cultural Student Group led our annual Black History Month Assembly. Thank you Mr. KB for advising students and helping them coordinate this event. Also, thank you to Ms. McKenna Nowak and our choir students for their moving performance of "Lift Every Voice" Please have a look and listen by clicking on the link below.

 

 

Also, students in digital arts researched Black artists and produced the impressive Celebrating Black Artists wall, photos below.

 

Enjoy the long weekend,

 

Jeandre Carbone

Sellwood Principal

Volunteer Opportunities

Our next fundraiser is the Garden Tour in late spring. This event has a long history and attracts attendees from all over the city. The funds raised from this event go directly to supporting teacher and classroom supplies, field trips, and so much more for our kids.

We need your help! Whether it’s securing sponsors, offering your garden for the tour, assisting with procurement, or volunteering the day of the event—there are plenty of ways to get involved. Please check out the  on Konstella and lend a hand where you can.

Thank you once again for all your support—let’s keep the momentum going! We’re so grateful for this wonderful community and look forward to more great things ahead!

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!

 

6th Grade Families

The Outdoorschool paperwork was due this week. If you have not yet turned it in, please do so Monday. If your child is NOT attending Outdoor School, please let their 1st Period teacher know ASAP.

 

Below are the Departure and Arrival Times for the buses.

For Camp Westwind

 

• Sunday, March 16 - 6th Graders arrive at Sellwood Parking Lot by 1:00 PM - Busses will depart at 1:30 sharp
• Friday, March 21 - 6th Graders arrive back at Sellwood at approximately 1:30 PM

 

For Camps: Collins, Angelos, Kuratli, and Namanu

 

• Sunday, March 16 - 6th Graders arrive at Sellwood Parking Lot by 2:30 PM - Busses will depart at 3:00 sharp
• Friday, March 21 - 6th Graders arrive back at Sellwood at approximately 1:30 PM

 

 

We have seen a rise in students bringing Monster Drinks and other highly caffeinated beverages to school. As a whole staff we are working on re-teaching our rule that water is the only allowed beverage in our hallways and our classrooms.If a student has caffeinated beverages in class or the hallways, they will be asked to throw them away. Here is an written by a doctor about the impacts of caffeine on teens.

Looking for a fun Saturday night? Come rock out with us at the LEWIS ROCKS!5th Grade Science Camp Benefit Concert, featuring The Dead Famous, the Waxwings, and other special guests. All ages show!

Where? / 4727 SE Woodstock Blvd

When? Saturday March 1st. Doors open at 4:30, music from 5-8 pm.

Why? Lewis Elementary 5th graders need your help to go to OMSI Science Camp at Hancock Station in Fossil, OR this spring. Your support will help cover the cost of transportation, chaperones, scholarships and subsidize the cost to families.

How much? $15/ticket. Children 4 and under FREE 

 

What else? Lewis Rocks branded t-shirts and other merchandise are available for purchase . Limited stock for purchase at the show. 50% of merchandise sales will be donated, select food carts will be donating a % of sales, $5 of every Steeplejack beer will be donated. Follow our  and  link for more information! Science camp has been a Lewis tradition since the 1960's

Yearbooks for All FAQ

 

Why “Yearbooks for All”?

June 2024 was the first time we provided a yearbook to every student, regardless of ability to

purchase one. It is hard to put into words the joyful atmosphere on distribution day as

students chatted, signed each other’s books, and laughed and bonded over memories. In

the past, around two-thirds of students ordered a yearbook, making it feel much less

inclusive.

 

How did you pull this off last year?

We had an account in SchoolPay for donations, but didn’t advertise it as well as we should

have. We ended up with a $3500 shortfall, but luckily we had some discretionary funds left

over from a prior year. This year, we don’t have a cushion, so we are trying a more

concentrated campaign.

 

How much does each yearbook cost?

With shipping, each book costs around $16. We do not sell yearbooks to make a profit, just to

cover our costs.

 

What is the yearbook like?

It is a 48-page, full color yearbook that contains portraits of all students and candid photos of

many, with potential memories on every page.

 

Who makes the yearbook?

Ms. Souther is the yearbook adviser, but we don’t have a class this year. Leadership students

take photos, gather information, and even help with some of the graphic design, making it

as much a student publication as possible. Student volunteers are welcome to help on their

own time!

Dear ½ûÂþÌìÌà Middle Grades families,

½ûÂþÌìÌà is moving to a new Standards-Based Grading System for all 28 middle schools. The purpose is to provide clearer and more meaningful feedback to students. Some of our middle schools are already using this approach, and  supports its benefits. Our K-5 schools have also made progress in this direction with their report cards.

We invite you to visit our middle grades Standards-Based Grading website at pps.net/sbg. There, you can find updates, resources, timelines, materials, and FAQs.

There will be three family and community engagement events in person and virtually at the Prophet Education Center (501 N. Dixon St.) in the ½ûÂþÌìÌà Boardroom. We invite all who have current middle grades students or students entering into the middle grades to these presentations where we will provide updates as well as listen to feedback and answer questions.

 

 

 

Family and Community engagement (Virtual and in person)

 

 

February 13, 2025 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM

 

 

March 13, 2025 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM

 

 

May 8, 2025 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM

 

 

 

We believe grades are an important way to communicate with students and families. This new system will make it clearer what students need to do to meet academic expectations.

 

If you have any questions, please contact Richard Smith at rsmith5@pps.net. Check the website often for updates. We look forward to working with you during this exciting transition.

Information and Family Supports

 

• answers many questions about the steps ½ûÂþÌìÌà will be taking to safeguard staff and students going forward.

•  This card is meant to help people assert their rights and defend themselves in many situations. These can be printed out and carried on your person.

•  (Oregon ACLU)

The best way to reach us is by email.

Willa Grund is our new school secretary. wgrund@pps.net

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. 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 wgrund@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 principal.

February 25: 15 Minute Late Start - Staff Meeting Day (new date-was March 11)

February 26: Early Release 1:45 PM

March 11: 5th-grade Parent Info Night 6-7 PM

March 16-21: Outdoor School for All 6th-Graders

March 19: Early Release 1:45 PM

March 24-28: Spring Break

April 3: End of Quarter 3

April 4: Grading Day - No School for Students

April 7: Planning Day - No School for Students

April 8: First Day of Quarter 4

April 8: 15 Minute Late Start - Staff Meeting Day

April 17: PTA Meeting 7-8 PM

April 23: Early Release 1:45 PM

April 28: All 8th Grade Field Trip to Bonneville Dam

May 8: All 7th Grade Field Trip to the Holocausts Museum/History Museum

May 21: Early Release 1:45 PM

May 26: Memorial Day: No School

May 28: Spring Band & Choir Concert @ Cleveland HS 7-9 PM

June 3: 15 Minute Late Start - Staff Meeting Day

June 5: Sellwood Showcase Night - 5:30 to 7:30 PM

June 9: 8th Grade Oaks Park Field Trip

June 10: 6th/7th Grade Oaks Park Field Trip

June 12: 8th Grade Promotion - 10:30-11:30 AM

June 12: Last Day of School - Half-day - School Ends 12:30 PM

Dear Sellwood Community,

 

Tonight is our annual BINGO fundraiser at Union Manor; this year organized by the Sellwood PTA. It is such a fun event. I hope to see you there!

 

Enjoy the weekend,

 

Jeandre Carbone

Sellwood Principal

 

 

Volunteer Opportunities

 

We will be looking for volunteers for spring PTA events, including Staff Appreciation and the annual Garden Tour! Please keep your eyes on Konstella for opportunities to volunteer. Thank you for your support!

 

 

 

 

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!

 

Get your school required vaccines @ the Cleveland Health Center. Exclusion Day is February 19th.

/Page/6698

 

Avoid clinic wait times!

Schedule a school-required vaccine appointment at your Cleveland Student Health Center now and turn in updated records to your school early

Deadline to turn in vaccine records and to not get turned away from school: Feb. 19

Students don't need to attend Cleveland High School to get services

No out of pocket costs, and we will see students with or without medical insurance

More info: 

 

¡Evitar tiempos de espera en la clínica!

 

Programar una cita de vacunación a su Cleveland Student Health Center más cercano ahora y entregue los registros de vacunación escolares al día temprano

Fecha límite para entregar registros de vacunas y no ser rechazado en la escuela: 19 de febrero

 

 

Los estudiantes no necesitan asistir a Cleveland High School para recibir servicios
Sin ningún costo para usted y lo veremos con o sin seguro médico

Más información: 

Yearbooks for All FAQ

 

Why “Yearbooks for All”?

June 2024 was the first time we provided a yearbook to every student, regardless of ability to

purchase one. It is hard to put into words the joyful atmosphere on distribution day as

students chatted, signed each other’s books, and laughed and bonded over memories. In

the past, around two-thirds of students ordered a yearbook, making it feel much less

inclusive.

 

How did you pull this off last year?

We had an account in SchoolPay for donations, but didn’t advertise it as well as we should

have. We ended up with a $3500 shortfall, but luckily we had some discretionary funds left

over from a prior year. This year, we don’t have a cushion, so we are trying a more

concentrated campaign.

 

How much does each yearbook cost?

With shipping, each book costs around $16. We do not sell yearbooks to make a profit, just to

cover our costs.

 

What is the yearbook like?

It is a 48-page, full color yearbook that contains portraits of all students and candid photos of

many, with potential memories on every page.

 

Who makes the yearbook?

Ms. Souther is the yearbook adviser, but we don’t have a class this year. Leadership students

take photos, gather information, and even help with some of the graphic design, making it

as much a student publication as possible. Student volunteers are welcome to help on their

own time!

Black-serving organizations across the city are celebrating a  this year by hosting a pop-up museum at The Horizon Enterprise Building in Old Town (433 NW 4th Ave.).

Old Town is one of the first neighborhoods where Black folks settled in Portland—the railroad brought families from out east in the late 1800s. It’ll be a pleasure to hold space in that same neighborhood as we celebrate Black life today. This is an everyday practice in our community, but we double-down in February.

 

We’ve curated a host of galleries, events and film screenings—free and open to the public every Wednesday through Sunday this February, from 10am to 4pm.

“Soul Conversation” is a panel discussion with members of Albina’s historic music community: Ken Berry, Mel Brown, JW Friday, Paul Knauls, Norman Sylvester, and Calvin Walker; it’ll be a fitting snapshot of the spirit of Black Portland–the same spirit we’re honoring, all month long.

Visit “” at  for more information (including how to volunteer in the space yourself!).

This event is sponsored by 1803 Fund, in partnership with:

• Albina Music Trust

• Alisa Wilbon

• Black Bald Films

• Center for Black Excellence

• Creative Homies

• The BLACK Gallery, curated by Don’t Shoot PDX

• Micro Enterprise Services of Oregon - MESO

• Oregon Black Pioneers

• Word is Bond

• North East Production

• Vancouver Avenue First Baptist Church

 

After-School Check-in Ideas

Starting this week, the Sellwood Climate Team will be sharing weekly ideas for checking in with students that are tied directly to either what we are learning about in the weekly Advisory classes or patterns of behavior we are noticing across the building.

In Advisory the students are learning about empathy and sympathy and the importance of respecting multiple perspectives.

Brene Brown has a great short video for adults .

6th Grade Families

Sellwood 6th Graders will participate in the residential Outdoor School program this March 16th -21st.

Outdoor School has been serving schools in the Portland metro area for. Your child’s class and advisory teacher will attend one of the Outdoor School sites. The Outdoor School Experience is an educational program where students attend school 24 hours a day in a beautiful outdoor setting. Outdoor School is an extension of the classroom, offering a hands-on, engaging approach to learning.

More information will be coming soon. Mark your calendars:

 

 

• Information night at Sellwood MS- Wednesday, February 12th 5:30-6:30
• Family Open House at the camps (virtual option too) Sunday, March 2nd from 4 to 6 pm
• Sellwood MS Outdoor School week is Sunday, March 16th - Friday, March 21st

Cleveland Youth Track is seeking more adult helpers - paid and volunteer coach positions available! Cleveland's team hovers around 250 athletes each year. Because of this, we always need more hands on deck. Practices are Monday and Wednesday from 5-6:30 at the Cleveland track and meets are Thursdays from 5-7:30 at various locations around the city. You don't need to be a specialist - just someone who is willing to show up, support lead coaches, and help manage athlete behavior. If you do happen to have any previous knowledge of specific track and field events, areas of support that we are particularly looking to fill are: javelin, long jump, high jump, and discus. Becoming a coach in any capacity will require some hours of online training. If you are only able to come one of the two days, you would probably fit best in a volunteer rule. If you can come to both practices and most meets, a paid position is probably for you! Please contact Meghan Eigo at meigo@pps.net if you have any questions or are interested to any degree!

Dear ½ûÂþÌìÌà Middle Grades families,

½ûÂþÌìÌà is moving to a new Standards-Based Grading System for all 28 middle schools. The purpose is to provide clearer and more meaningful feedback to students. Some of our middle schools are already using this approach, and  supports its benefits. Our K-5 schools have also made progress in this direction with their report cards.

We invite you to visit our middle grades Standards-Based Grading website at pps.net/sbg. There, you can find updates, resources, timelines, materials, and FAQs.

There will be three family and community engagement events in person and virtually at the Prophet Education Center (501 N. Dixon St.) in the ½ûÂþÌìÌà Boardroom. We invite all who have current middle grades students or students entering into the middle grades to these presentations where we will provide updates as well as listen to feedback and answer questions.

 

 

 

Family and Community engagement (Virtual and in person)

 

 

February 13, 2025 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM

 

 

March 13, 2025 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM

 

 

May 8, 2025 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM

 

 

 

We believe grades are an important way to communicate with students and families. This new system will make it clearer what students need to do to meet academic expectations.

 

If you have any questions, please contact Richard Smith at rsmith5@pps.net. Check the website often for updates. We look forward to working with you during this exciting transition.

Information and Family Supports

 

• answers many questions about the steps ½ûÂþÌìÌà will be taking to safeguard staff and students going forward.

•  This card is meant to help people assert their rights and defend themselves in many situations. These can be printed out and carried on your person.

•  (Oregon ACLU)

The best way to reach us is by email.

Willa Grund is our new school secretary. wgrund@pps.net

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. 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 wgrund@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 principal.

February 7: Annual PTA Bingo Night Fundraiser - 7-9 PM

February 12: Outdoor School 6th grade Parent Info Night - 5:30 to 6:30 PM.

February 17: Presidents Day - No School or Make-up Snow Day

February 19: School Required Vaccine Exclusion Day

February 25: 15 Minute Late Start - Staff Meeting Day (new date-was March 11)

February 26: Early Release 1:45 PM

March 11: 5th-grade Parent Info Night 6-7 PM

March 16-21: Outdoor School for All 6th-Graders

March 19: Early Release 1:45 PM

March 24-28: Spring Break

April 3: End of Quarter 3

April 4: Grading Day - No School for Students

April 7: Planning Day - No School for Students

April 8: First Day of Quarter 4

April 8: 15 Minute Late Start - Staff Meeting Day

April 17: PTA Meeting 7-8 PM

April 23: Early Release 1:45 PM

April 28: All 8th Grade Field Trip to Bonneville Dam

May 8: All 7th Grade Field Trip to the Holocausts Museum/History Museum

May 21: Early Release 1:45 PM

May 26: Memorial Day: No School

May 28: Spring Band & Choir Concert @ Cleveland HS 7-9 PM

June 3: 15 Minute Late Start - Staff Meeting Day

June 5: Sellwood Showcase Night - 5:30 to 7:30 PM

June 9: 8th Grade Oaks Park Field Trip

June 10: 6th/7th Grade Oaks Park Field Trip

June 10: 8th Grade Promotion - 10:30-11:30 AM

June 10: Last Day of School - Half-day - School Ends 12:30 PM

Dear Sellwood Community,

 

Our two week winter break is here! The first four months of the school year have flown by, and it has been my joy to serve as the Sellwood Middle School principal.

 

I am so grateful for the positivity and involvement of Sellwood students, staff, and families.

 

I appreciate you all!

 

Have a wonderful break, and I hope you enjoy some rest and relaxation.

 

Sincerely,

 

Jeandre Carbone

Sellwood MS Principal

Bingo - Save the Date, February 7

 

Please mark your calendars for our Drag Queen Bingo event - Friday, February 7 at Union Manor, from 7-9pm. Money raised will go towards the Beautification Plan for SMS! More information on ticket sales coming soon. Don’t miss this popular event!

 

 

Volunteer Opportunities

 

CLOTHING CLOSET

Monday, January 27, is Sellwood’s day to send 5-6 volunteers to help at the ½ûÂþÌìÌà Clothing Closet from 9:30-1:30 pm. Each ½ûÂþÌìÌà school is responsible for sending volunteers twice during the school year to assist students in receiving clothing and shoes. The Closet is located at the Marshall campus, 3905 SE 91st. Please sign up on Konstella!

 

They are also looking for donations of teen-adult sized gently worn/new sweatshirts, hoodies, and warm coats, as they are very low in these items, as well as boys’ pants, joggers, and jeans size 4-14.

 

Thank you for your support!

 

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!

 

PEAK registration is open! Registration is through 6 Crickets: 

 

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: 

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 Winter:

 

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

• • Winter Session: 1/7/25 - 3/18/25 (10 lessons, no school on 1/28/25)

  • Join us to explore Python, a widely used programming language. Beginners get a user-friendly introduction, covering essentials like variables and functions. Returning students delve into advanced topics like Arrays, while all students create various fun games, including a custom space invaders game. .

 

• Monologue and Scene Study with Rogue Pack Theatre $250 Wednesdays 4:15-5:45

• • Winter Session: 1/22/25-3/12/25

  • Aspiring actors! Come learn the craft of acting through games, exploring your imagination and learning how to apply it to script and character analysis, scene study and or monologue development according to each person’s interests. We’ll build confidence in our ability to embody characters and bring stories to life in a supportive, playful and collaborative class.

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

• • Runs from October to March 31, 2025, a few spots left!

  • Taught by Alaric True

  • 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 $50

• • Winter Term: 1/7/25-3/18/25 (no class 1/28)

  • 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. Appropriate for both new and returning students.

• Marimba $104.50 Thursdays 4:15-5:15

• • Winter Term: 1/9-3/20/25

  • Taught by Ben Kinkley

  • Curious about African music? Want to share your own ideas with a new music ensemble? Sellwood Marimba is the place for you. Come to learn the basics or build your skills - and definitely come to jam! We'll meet ten sessions this winter, on Thursdays beginning January 9. No experience is necessary. Instruments are provided.

• Red Cross Babysitter Training - $140 All Day Course 1/28 or 3/3

• • 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.

  • We are seeking a parent chaperone for the 3/3 course in exchange for free tuition. Email sellwoodpeakprogram@gmail.com.

The best way to reach us is by email.

Willa Grund is our new school secretary. wgrund@pps.net

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. 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 wgrund@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 principal.

December 23-January 3: Winter Break

January 16: PTA Meeting

January 16: STEAM Show, 5:30-8:00 PM

Dear Sellwood Community,

Last night, Sellwood held our first joint Choir & Band Winter Concert, which was kicked off with an all school morning assembly for staff and students to enjoy. We hope the assembly sparked musical interest in some students who will in turn sign up for band or choir electives when we forecast for next year's electives. The band performances highlighted their practice and passion, and the music delighted the audience. The beginning, intermediate, advanced, and jazz bands all had their turn to shine. The choir ensemble performance was amazing, especially since choir is Sellwood's newest program and the class has only been in existence for just over three months! I can't wait to see their growth and development over the course of the school year. We hope enough students will be inspired to join so that we can offer at least two sections next year. Our aim is to eventually have the best middle school choir ensemble in the region. We thank Mr. Patterson (band) and Ms. Kowak (choir) for their hard work and skill as they prepared students for these wonderful performances.

Next week is the last week before winter break, and we can already feel the student excitement and corresponding increase in energy. As the weather turns colder, please remind your children to wear their jackets and warm clothing. If it is not raining or snowing we hold recess outdoors.

Finally, keep in mind that Wednesday, December 18th will be an early release at 1:45.

 

Enjoy the weekend,

 

Jeandre Carbone

Sellwood MS Principal

Volunteer Opportunities

 

BINGO

The Sellwood PTA is hosting a Bingo event in early 2025! Our goal is to raise $5,000 , and thanks to a generous donor, it will be MATCHED! We need YOUR help to make this event a success! Proceeds will go towards beautifying the Sellwood grounds and providing much-needed recess equipment and . Our first meeting is Monday, December 16 at 7:15pm at Smitty's Taphouse . Please join us and be part of the fun!

 

WINTER CELEBRATION

The SMS counseling team is planning the school Winter Celebration on 12/20 for the last hour of the school day. We are looking for 4-5 parent volunteers to hand out treats to the students, and some volunteers to help organize and procure treats. Sign up information is on Konstella, so please see details there!

 

CLOTHING CLOSET

Monday, January 27, is Sellwood’s day to send 5-6 volunteers to help at the ½ûÂþÌìÌà Clothing Closet from 9:30-1:30 pm. Each ½ûÂþÌìÌà school is responsible for sending volunteers twice during the school year to assist students in receiving clothing and shoes. The Closet is located at the Marshall campus, 3905 SE 91st. Please sign up on Konstella!

 

They are also looking for donations of teen-adult sized gently worn/new sweatshirts, hoodies, and warm coats, as they are very low in these items, as well as boys’ pants, joggers, and jeans size 4-14.

 

Thank you for your support!

 

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!

Registration will open on 12/10! 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. 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!

Scholarship request form is here: 

Deadline for scholarship requests is Monday December 9th at noon.

Classes this Winter:

Python Coding with Coding with Kids $259 Tuesdays from 4:15-5:15, 1/7/25 - 3/18/25 (10 lessons, no school on 1/28/25)
Join us to explore Python, a widely used programming language. Beginners get a user-friendly introduction, covering essentials like variables and functions. Returning students delve into advanced topics like Arrays, while all students create various fun games, including a custom space invaders game. Flyer.

Monologue and Scene Study with Rogue Pack Theatre $250 Wednesdays 4:15-5:45, 1/22/25-3/12/25
Aspiring actors! Come learn the craft of acting through games, exploring your imagination and learning how to apply it to script and character analysis, scene study and or monologue development according to each person’s interests. We’ll build confidence in our ability to embody characters and bring stories to life in a supportive, playful and collaborative class.

Chess Club approx $125 Mondays 4-5 pm - all year course!! Runs from October to March 31, 2025, a few spots left!
Taught by Alaric True. 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 $50, 1/7/25-3/18/25 (no class 1/28)
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. Appropriate for both new and returning students.

 

Marimba $104.50 Thursdays 4:15-5:15 1/9-3/20/25, Taught by Ben Kinkley
Curious about African music? Want to share your own ideas with a new music ensemble? Sellwood Marimba is the place for you. Come to learn the basics or build your skills - and definitely come to jam! We'll meet ten sessions this winter, on Thursdays beginning January 9. No experience is necessary. Instruments are provided.

Red Cross Babysitter Training - $140 All Day Course 1/28 or 3/3
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. We are seeking a parent chaperone for the 3/3 course in exchange for free tuition. Email sellwoodpeakprogram@gmail.com

November 13, 2024 - December 16, 2024

Students from across ½ûÂþÌìÌà can apply to lottery slots at our three focus options high schools:

• Benson Polytechnic High School
• Jefferson High School-Middle College for Advanced Studies
• Metropolitan Learning Center

 

Learn more: Application and other information

Dear families,

Today ½ûÂþÌìÌà begins the annual Successful Schools Survey. The Successful Schools Survey is an opportunity for students, staff, and families to provide important feedback on their school environments, learning experiences, and sense of well-being and safety at school.

The survey is conducted once every school year to provide timely information to schools, district leadership, and the community, allowing us to make informed decisions about school climate and culture. This year, the survey window is open November 1 to December 16.

½ûÂþÌìÌà highly values the input and opinions of its families, and we welcome all ½ûÂþÌìÌà parents and guardians to complete this year’s survey. We use the data to help improve our schools, providing targeted feedback and training on how to create healthy school environments that are welcoming for all.

You can complete the Successful Schools Survey online using the link provided below. Please complete one survey per household. If you have more than one student at ½ûÂþÌìÌÃ, we ask that you complete the survey considering the experiences of your eldest child.

The survey will take approximately 15-30 minutes to complete and is available in English, Spanish, Russian, Somali, Vietnamese and Chinese.

 

For more information about the Successful Schools Survey, please go to .

The best way to reach us is by email.

Willa Grund is our new school secretary. wgrund@pps.net

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. 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 wgrund@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 principal.

December 18: Early Release at 1:45

December 23-January 3: Winter Break

January 16: PTA Meeting

January 16: STEAM Show, 5:30-8:00 PM

Dear Sellwood Community,

 

I hope you all had a wonderful fall break and enjoyed some quality rest & relaxation.

 

Next week, we are excited to host our Winter Choir & Band Concert at the Cleveland High School Auditorium, from 7:00 to 9:00 PM, on Thursday, December 12th. That morning, we will also hold a Choir and Band Assembly, so that Sellwood students get to experience a performance by our band and choir programs, and hopefully get inspired to get involved themselves.

 

8th grade families, if your child is interested in attending Benson Polytechnic High School or another focus option high school next year, please be aware that the application window closes Monday, December 16th -- Learn more: Application and other information

 

I hope you have a lovely weekend,

 

Sincerely,

 

Jeandre Carbone

Sellwood MS Principal

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!

 

PTA Annual Campaign

THANK YOU Sellwood Community for supporting the PTA Annual Campaign! Thanks to our amazing community, we raised over $15,900 to support our school! We are grateful to every individual donor and our generous matching donor who made this happen.

 

If this is not the right time for you or your family, you can donate to the PTA anytime this year by clicking this link. 

 

Thank you again for your support!

 

Spirit Wear Sale

The PTA is pleased to present Sellwood Middle School Gear! On sale now through December 2nd, at midnight at the following website:

STORE LINK: 

Get your Beanies! T-shirts! Hoodies! Zip Hoodies! Sweatpants!

This is a spirit raiser, not a fundraiser, with prices set close to production costs. We look forward to seeing this gear out in the community!

Items will be available for pick-up at Sellwood on Thursday, December 19th and Friday, December 20th. Details to come closer to that time.

Questions? Send a message to SMSGearShop@gmail.com and we will get back to you ASAP.

STORE LINK

 

Sellwood Dines Out

Thank you to the Portland Bottle Shop for hosting SDO in November! Stay tuned for new locations starting in January and thanks for your attendance and support.

 

OBOB

Oregon Battle of the Books is coming back to Sellwood Middle School and will be organized by parent volunteers for the 2024/25 school year. Now is the time to start organizing a team; the deadline to register will be Friday, December 6th. Once you have a team, you can register . If your student would like help finding a team, fill out . If you have questions, email sellwoodobob@gmail.com

 

OBOB is a program where teams of students and then compete with other teams in Battles to recall details from the stories. Battles will be organized at the school level in February 2025. Teams are usually made up of two to four members, with one optional alternate, for a total of no more than five members.

 

November Volunteer Opportunities
All current volunteer opportunities will be posted on Konstella. Please sign up there or email us at sellwoodpta@gmail.com. We are looking for committee chairs for some of our winter/spring events, including PEAK, Drag Queen Bingo, and the Garden Tour. If you have experience with event planning, fundraising, and/or leading teams please take a look and sign up! Feel free to reach out with any questions.

 

We are kicking off plans for Drag Queen Bingo in February and looking for volunteers to support this fun event! Please join us at Smitty's Taphouse on Monday 12/16 at 7:15pm for more information, and reach out directly if you are interested but cannot attend. We need as many people to help as we can to continue the success of this event. Thank you!

Oregon Battle of the Books is coming back to Sellwood Middle School and will be organized by parent volunteers for the 2024/25 school year. Now is the time to start organizing a team; the deadline to register will be Friday, December 6th. Once you have a team, you can register . If your student would like help finding a team, fill out . If you have questions, email sellwoodobob@gmail.com

 

OBOB is a program where teams of students and then compete with other teams in Battles to recall details from the stories. Battles will be organized at the school level in February 2025. Teams are usually made up of two to four members, with one optional alternate, for a total of no more than five members.

November 13, 2024 - December 16, 2024

Students from across ½ûÂþÌìÌà can apply to lottery slots at our three focus options high schools:

• Benson Polytechnic High School
• Jefferson High School-Middle College for Advanced Studies
• Metropolitan Learning Center

 

Learn more: Application and other information

Dear families,

Today ½ûÂþÌìÌà begins the annual Successful Schools Survey. The Successful Schools Survey is an opportunity for students, staff, and families to provide important feedback on their school environments, learning experiences, and sense of well-being and safety at school.

The survey is conducted once every school year to provide timely information to schools, district leadership, and the community, allowing us to make informed decisions about school climate and culture. This year, the survey window is open November 1 to December 16.

½ûÂþÌìÌà highly values the input and opinions of its families, and we welcome all ½ûÂþÌìÌà parents and guardians to complete this year’s survey. We use the data to help improve our schools, providing targeted feedback and training on how to create healthy school environments that are welcoming for all.

You can complete the Successful Schools Survey online using the link provided below. Please complete one survey per household. If you have more than one student at ½ûÂþÌìÌÃ, we ask that you complete the survey considering the experiences of your eldest child.

The survey will take approximately 15-30 minutes to complete and is available in English, Spanish, Russian, Somali, Vietnamese and Chinese.

 

For more information about the Successful Schools Survey, please go to .

 

PEAK is a parent-run program that organizes afterschool programs at Sellwood Middle school. We are in search of new volunteers to help us keep this program going, and (hopefully) expand it!

 

See here for additional details: 

 

If you are interested in volunteering, please email sellwoodpeakprogram@gmail.com

 

More information - 

The best way to reach us is by email.

Willa Grund is our new school secretary. wgrund@pps.net

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. 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 wgrund@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 principal.

December 12: Winter Band & Choir Concert @ Cleveland Auditorium

December 18: Early Release at 1:45

December 23-January 3: Winter Break

January 16: PTA Meeting

January 16: STEAM Show

Dear Sellwood Community,

 

Quarter 2 is humming along and we are coming up on Parent/Teacher Conferences and Fall Break. Please read conference section below for specific information and a link to the sign-up document. Several parents have asked whether conferences are required. They are not required, but recommended, especially for families who have questions, concerns, or need more guidance on how to help their students achieve academic success in their classes. It is also possible to sign-up for conferences with some but not all teachers. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to met with their children's' teachers, but we also know that since students have 7 classes this year instead of 6, appointments may book up quickly. So, if your child is doing well in a class and you do not have questions or concerns, you are not required to sign-up. However, if you do plan to sign-up for conferences, I recommend you do so without delay so you are able to book the times that work with your schedule.

 

Have a great weekend.

 

Sincerely,

Jeandre Carbone

Sellwood MS Principal

Parent/Teacher Conferences right around the corner, on November 25th & 26th. November 25th is reserved for in-person conferences, and November 26th appointments will be virtual.

Times for both days will be:

8:00 AM-12:30PM

1:00-5:00PM

6:00-8:00PM.

Please click on the link to access the the parent instructions and conference sign-up document so that you can easily book appointments with teachers.

On the document there is a link to step-by-step video instructions showing how to book the appointments with teachers.

 

We look forward to seeing you, whether in-person or virtually.

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!

 

PTA Annual Campaign

There are just a few more days in the PTA’s annual campaign and here’s your chance to make a tangible difference at Sellwood. Thanks to our generous community and your incredible support, we’re only $5000 short of our fundraising goal of $20,000. Can you help by donating to the PTA before November 17? All donations will be matched and gifts of all sizes will make a difference. Visit  to make a gift today.

 

The PTA funds programs throughout the year, You can help make these possible for our students!

• PEAK after-school programs and student scholarships

• OBOB

• Field trips

• Curriculum enrichment

• School beautification projects

• Teacher and elective stipends for supplies

• New library books

 

Does your employer match charitable contributions to non-profit organizations? Don’t forget to submit your donation for employee matching. Contact the PTA at sellwoodpta@gmail.com with any questions.

 

Sellwood Dines Out - Tuesday, November 19

The Portland Bottle Shop has generously volunteered to be our November location. Mark your calendars for November 19, as they will donate 10% of all sales that day to SMS. See you there!

 

OBOB

Oregon Battle of the Books is coming back to Sellwood Middle School and will be organized by parent volunteers for the 2024/25 school year. Now is the time to start organizing a team; the deadline to register will be Friday, December 6th. Once you have a team, you can register . If your student would like help finding a team, fill out . If you have questions, email sellwoodobob@gmail.com

 

OBOB is a program where teams of students and then compete with other teams in Battles to recall details from the stories. Battles will be organized at the school level in February 2025. Teams are usually made up of two to four members, with one optional alternate, for a total of no more than five members.

 

November Volunteer Opportunities
All current volunteer opportunities will be posted on Konstella. Please sign up there or email us at sellwoodpta@gmail.com. We are looking for committee chairs for some of our winter/spring events - if you have experience with event planning, fundraising, and/or leading teams please take a look and sign up! Feel free to reach out with any questions.

Oregon Battle of the Books is coming back to Sellwood Middle School and will be organized by parent volunteers for the 2024/25 school year. Now is the time to start organizing a team; the deadline to register will be Friday, December 6th. Once you have a team, you can register . If your student would like help finding a team, fill out . If you have questions, email sellwoodobob@gmail.com

 

OBOB is a program where teams of students and then compete with other teams in Battles to recall details from the stories. Battles will be organized at the school level in February 2025. Teams are usually made up of two to four members, with one optional alternate, for a total of no more than five members.

2025-26 High School Lottery Window

November 13, 2024 - December 16, 2024

Students from across ½ûÂþÌìÌà can apply to lottery slots at our three focus options high schools:

• Benson Polytechnic High School
• Jefferson High School-Middle College for Advanced Studies
• Metropolitan Learning Center

 

Learn more: Application and other information

Dear families,

Today ½ûÂþÌìÌà begins the annual Successful Schools Survey. The Successful Schools Survey is an opportunity for students, staff, and families to provide important feedback on their school environments, learning experiences, and sense of well-being and safety at school.

The survey is conducted once every school year to provide timely information to schools, district leadership, and the community, allowing us to make informed decisions about school climate and culture. This year, the survey window is open November 1 to December 6.

½ûÂþÌìÌà highly values the input and opinions of its families, and we welcome all ½ûÂþÌìÌà parents and guardians to complete this year’s survey. We use the data to help improve our schools, providing targeted feedback and training on how to create healthy school environments that are welcoming for all.

You can complete the Successful Schools Survey online using the link provided below. Please complete one survey per household. If you have more than one student at ½ûÂþÌìÌÃ, we ask that you complete the survey considering the experiences of your eldest child.

The survey will take approximately 15-30 minutes to complete and is available in English, Spanish, Russian, Somali, Vietnamese and Chinese.

 

For more information about the Successful Schools Survey, please go to .

 

PEAK is a parent-run program that organizes afterschool programs at Sellwood Middle school. We are in search of new volunteers to help us keep this program going, and (hopefully) expand it!

 

See here for additional details: 

 

If you are interested in volunteering, please email sellwoodpeakprogram@gmail.com

 

More information - 

The best way to reach us is by email.

Willa Grund is our new school secretary. wgrund@pps.net

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. 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 wgrund@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 principal.

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

January 16: PTA Meeting

January 16: STEAM Show

Dear Sellwood Community,

 

Parent/Teacher Conferences right around the corner, on November 25th & 26th. November 25th is reserved for in-person conferences, and November 26th appointments will be virtual. Times for both days will be: 8:00 AM-12:30PM, 1:00-5:00PM & 6:00-8:00PM.

 

On Tuesday, November 12th, I will be sharing the parent instructions and conference sign-up document so that you can easily book appointments with teachers.

 

Have a great three day weekend.

 

Sincerely,

Jeandre Carbone

Sellwood MS Principal

Oregon Battle of the Books is coming back to Sellwood Middle School and will be organized by parent volunteers for the 2024/25 school year. Now is the time to start organizing a team; the deadline to register will be Friday, December 6th. Once you have a team, you can register . If your student would like help finding a team, fill out . If you have questions, email sellwoodobob@gmail.com

 

OBOB is a program where teams of students and then compete with other teams in Battles to recall details from the stories. Battles will be organized at the school level in February 2025. Teams are usually made up of two to four members, with one optional alternate, for a total of no more than five members.

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!

 

PTA Annual Campaign

Thank you to everyone who has already donated! We are so grateful for your support of the PTA!

 

There’s still time to donate to the PTA Annual Campaign. Gifts of all sizes matter and will help us meet our goal of $20,000. Plus, thanks to an amazing donor, all donations will be matched! Your gift of $25, will turn into $50. Or a gift of $100 will be $200. Can we count on your support? Donate today at .

 

Help fund the following at Sellwood:

• Teacher and elective stipends for supplies

• New library books

• PEAK after-school programs and student scholarships

• OBOB

• Field trips

• Curriculum enrichment

• School beautification projects

 

Donate Today! 

 

Sellwood Dines Out

The Portland Bottle Shop has generously volunteered to be our November location. Mark your calendars for November 19, as they will donate 10% of all sales that day to SMS. See you there!

 

OBOB

Oregon Battle of the Books is coming back to Sellwood Middle School and will be organized by parent volunteers for the 2024/25 school year. Now is the time to start organizing a team; the deadline to register will be Friday, December 6th. Once you have a team, you can register . If your student would like help finding a team, fill out . If you have questions, email sellwoodobob@gmail.com

 

OBOB is a program where teams of students and then compete with other teams in Battles to recall details from the stories. Battles will be organized at the school level in February 2025. Teams are usually made up of two to four members, with one optional alternate, for a total of no more than five members.

 

November Volunteer Opportunities
All current volunteer opportunities will be posted on Konstella. Please sign up there or email us at sellwoodpta@gmail.com. We are looking for committee chairs for some of our winter/spring events - if you have experience with event planning, fundraising, and/or leading teams please take a look and sign up! Feel free to reach out with any questions.

2025-26 High School Lottery Window

November 13, 2024 - December 16, 2024

Students from across ½ûÂþÌìÌà can apply to lottery slots at our three focus options high schools:

• Benson Polytechnic High School
• Jefferson High School-Middle College for Advanced Studies
• Metropolitan Learning Center

 

Learn more: Application and other information

Dear families,

Today ½ûÂþÌìÌà begins the annual Successful Schools Survey. The Successful Schools Survey is an opportunity for students, staff, and families to provide important feedback on their school environments, learning experiences, and sense of well-being and safety at school.

The survey is conducted once every school year to provide timely information to schools, district leadership, and the community, allowing us to make informed decisions about school climate and culture. This year, the survey window is open November 1 to December 6.

½ûÂþÌìÌà highly values the input and opinions of its families, and we welcome all ½ûÂþÌìÌà parents and guardians to complete this year’s survey. We use the data to help improve our schools, providing targeted feedback and training on how to create healthy school environments that are welcoming for all.

You can complete the Successful Schools Survey online using the link provided below. Please complete one survey per household. If you have more than one student at ½ûÂþÌìÌÃ, we ask that you complete the survey considering the experiences of your eldest child.

The survey will take approximately 15-30 minutes to complete and is available in English, Spanish, Russian, Somali, Vietnamese and Chinese.

 

For more information about the Successful Schools Survey, please go to .

 

PEAK is a parent-run program that organizes afterschool programs at Sellwood Middle school. We are in search of new volunteers to help us keep this program going, and (hopefully) expand it!

 

See here for additional details: 

 

If you are interested in volunteering, please email sellwoodpeakprogram@gmail.com

 

More information - 

The best way to reach us is by email.

Willa Grund is our new school secretary. wgrund@pps.net

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. 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 wgrund@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 principal.

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

January 16: PTA Meeting

January 16: STEAM Show

Dear Sellwood Community,

 

Today was the last day of 1st quarter. Please remember that there will be no school for students Friday, November 1st, and Monday, November 4th. Teachers will be working on grades and planning for 2nd quarter. This year, ½ûÂþÌìÌà is shifting to paperless report cards and families will be using ParentVue to check report cards. Here some handy instructions to view report cards on ParentVue (thank you Duniway Elementary for the helpful graphic)

 

 

Also, here is a link to more detailed instructions, which, if you scroll to the bottom, show how to opt-out of paperless report cards and get a paper copy mailed.

 

 

Enjoy the weekend, and we will see you quarter 2!

 

Sincerely,

Jeandre Carbone

Sellwood MS Principal

Oregon Battle of the Books is coming back to Sellwood Middle School and will be organized by parent volunteers for the 2024/25 school year. Now is the time to start organizing a team; the deadline to register will be Friday, December 6th. Once you have a team, you can register . If your student would like help finding a team, fill out . If you have questions, email sellwoodobob@gmail.com

 

OBOB is a program where teams of students and then compete with other teams in Battles to recall details from the stories. Battles will be organized at the school level in February 2025. Teams are usually made up of two to four members, with one optional alternate, for a total of no more than five members.

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!

 

PTA Annual Campaign

Please join the annual campaign by making a tax-deductible donation to the PTA (EIN: 93-6039404) until November 17. You can make a tangible difference at Sellwood by donating to the PTA . Thanks to a generous donor, all gifts will be matched dollar for dollar. You can double your impact to Sellwood by donating to the PTA.

 

Funds raised will provide teacher and elective stipends for supplies and help purchase new library books! With additional funds, the PTA will be able to offer PEAK after-school program scholarships and facilitate OBOB. And don’t forget about field trips and curriculum enrichment. Finally, funds will help beautify the school inside and out.

 

Our goal is to raise $20,000 to support Sellwood! Please consider donating. Gifts of all sizes will make a difference and help us meet our goal.

 

Does your employer match charitable contributions to non-profit organizations? Don’t forget to submit your donation for employee matching. Contact the PTA at sellwoodpta@gmail.com with any questions or if you need anything.

 

Donate Today! 

 

Fruit Sale - LAST DAY TO ORDER!

Calling all Sellwood PTA supporters and apple and pear fans! We are hosting our annual fruit fundraiser and selling freshly picked and amazing tasting boxes of apples and pears from Kiyokawa Family Orchards. This local orchard from Parkdale, Oregon is known for its excellent quality fruit and a reputation for supporting local nonprofits, like the PTA. Last year the PTA raised more than $4,500 and we ask for your support. The last day to get your order in is Friday November 1st. THANK YOU for helping to make our fundraiser a SWEET SUCCESS! Pick up date is November 7th from 2:30-5:30 at Sellwood Middle parking lot. Order now at: 

 

 

Sellwood Dines Out

Thank you to The Record Pub and to Junbi for their participation in SDO for October! We are so grateful for all the funds raised in support of the PTA.

 

The Portland Bottle Shop has generously volunteered to be our November location. Mark your calendars for November 19, as they will donate 10% of all sales that day to SMS. See you there!

 

OBOB

Oregon Battle of the Books is coming back to Sellwood Middle School and will be organized by parent volunteers for the 2024/25 school year. Now is the time to start organizing a team; the deadline to register will be Friday, December 6th. Once you have a team, you can register . If your student would like help finding a team, fill out . If you have questions, email sellwoodobob@gmail.com

 

OBOB is a program where teams of students and then compete with other teams in Battles to recall details from the stories. Battles will be organized at the school level in February 2025. Teams are usually made up of two to four members, with one optional alternate, for a total of no more than five members.

 

November Volunteer Opportunities
All current volunteer opportunities will be posted on Konstella. Please sign up there or email us at sellwoodpta@gmail.com. We are looking for committee chairs for some of our winter/spring events - if you have experience with event planning, fundraising, and/or leading teams please take a look and sign up! Feel free to reach out with any questions.

Dear families,

Today ½ûÂþÌìÌà begins the annual Successful Schools Survey. The Successful Schools Survey is an opportunity for students, staff, and families to provide important feedback on their school environments, learning experiences, and sense of well-being and safety at school.

The survey is conducted once every school year to provide timely information to schools, district leadership, and the community, allowing us to make informed decisions about school climate and culture. This year, the survey window is open November 1 to December 6.

½ûÂþÌìÌà highly values the input and opinions of its families, and we welcome all ½ûÂþÌìÌà parents and guardians to complete this year’s survey. We use the data to help improve our schools, providing targeted feedback and training on how to create healthy school environments that are welcoming for all.

You can complete the Successful Schools Survey online using the link provided below. Please complete one survey per household. If you have more than one student at ½ûÂþÌìÌÃ, we ask that you complete the survey considering the experiences of your eldest child.

The survey will take approximately 15-30 minutes to complete and is available in English, Spanish, Russian, Somali, Vietnamese and Chinese.

 

For more information about the Successful Schools Survey, please go to .

 

PEAK is a parent-run program that organizes afterschool programs at Sellwood Middle school. We are in search of new volunteers to help us keep this program going, and (hopefully) expand it!

 

See here for additional details: 

 

If you are interested in volunteering, please email sellwoodpeakprogram@gmail.com

 

More information - 

The best way to reach us is by email.

Willa Grund is our new school secretary. wgrund@pps.net

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. 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 wgrund@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 principal.

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

January 16: PTA Meeting

January 16: STEAM Show

Dear Sellwood Community,

 

Next week is the last week of the 1st quarter. ½ûÂþÌìÌà has gone Paperless this year, and parents will be checking report cards on ParentVue. If you need support accessing ParentVue, need an access code, or a new password, please contact Willa Grund at wgrund@pps.net.

 

For more information on Paperless Report Cards, please visit the following webpage, which includes instructions for accessing report cards on ParentVue as well as opting-out of Paperless Report Cards. 

 

Like many middle school, Sellwood Middle School requires students to stow their backpacks in their lockers during the school day. There are two main reasons. The first reason has to do with space. Our class sizes are large, but our classrooms are small. We cannot accommodate both students and backpacks in classrooms without tripping hazards and blocked aisles. The second reason has to do with safety. Standard sized backpacks can conceal large items that binders cannot easily conceal. While it is a sad reality that schools need to grapple with safety concerns such as these, and nothing is foolproof, I can tell you when I look around the lunchroom and the field at recess, or walk in the hallways seeing several hundred students walking or playing with no backpacks, my belief is we are more secure than if every student was carrying around a backpack.

 

However, we still have about a dozen students carrying their backpacks or regularly forgetting to put their backpacks in their lockers. That means 94% of Sellwood students are following the backpack rule every day, which is not bad but we can do better. For those students who are not stowing their backpacks in their locker, or who need daily reminders, we will be contacting families to set up meetings and problem solve. (There are exceptions to every rule, as we do have a few students with specific reasons for needing a small backpack, who after admin/parent meetings have been given special permission to carry a smaller size backpack comparable to a binder. Those students must display a "small backpack" pass).

 

Next week is Spirit Week at Sellwood, and each day will feature a dress up theme. See below for the Spirit Day blurb. Wednesday morning Sellwood hosts my favorite annual assembly, The Cleveland High School Performing Arts Assembly, when Cleveland Band, Drama, and Choir programs perform highlights from their current repertoires, inspiring future high school students to participate in the performing arts.

 

Thursday, many students will come to school in Halloween costumes. Here are the costume guidelines once again.

 

No masks or costumes that cover the face, including full face paint.

No props/toys/accessories - especially no fake weapons.

No large, bulky, or inflatable costumes.

No costumes that perpetuate a stereotype of someone's culture, gender, heritage, or religion.

No drug or alcohol references.

No wheels.

Please, leave candy at home.

 

 

 

A reminder that there is no school for students, Friday, November 1st, and Monday, November 4th.

 

Have a great weekend,

Sincerely,

Jeandre Carbone

Sellwood MS Principal

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!

 

PTA Annual Campaign - Starts Next Week

The SMS PTA annual campaign starts Monday, October 28! This is your time to donate to support the PTA efforts this school year. We aim to raise $20,000 to support the PTA and PTA programs. Funds will support teacher and elective supplies, library books, curriculum enrichment, field trips, the PEAK after-school program and scholarships, OBOB, and more! Stay tuned next week for more information.

 

Fruit Sale

Calling all Sellwood PTA supporters and apple and pear fans! We are hosting our annual fruit fundraiser and selling freshly picked and amazing tasting boxes of apples and pears from Kiyokawa Family Orchards. This local orchard from Parkdale, Oregon is known for its excellent quality fruit and a reputation for supporting local nonprofits, like the PTA. Last year the PTA raised more than $4,500 and we ask for your support. The last day to get your order in is Friday November 1st. THANK YOU for helping to make our fundraiser a SWEET SUCCESS! Pick up date is November 7th from 2:30-5:30 at Sellwood Middle parking lot. Order now at: 

 

Sellwood Dines Out

 

SMS Trivia Nights at The Record Pub

Thanks to all who have participated in October Trivia Nights at The Record Pub so far! There is one last chance remaining in October - join us next Wednesday at 7pm to help raise funds for the PTA!

 

October Volunteer Opportunities
All current volunteer opportunities will be posted on Konstella. Please sign up there or email us at sellwoodpta@gmail.com. We are looking for committee chairs for some of our winter/spring events - if you have experience with event planning, fundraising, and/or leading teams please take a look and sign up! Feel free to reach out with any questions.

 

PEAK is a parent-run program that organizes afterschool programs at Sellwood Middle school. We are in search of new volunteers to help us keep this program going, and (hopefully) expand it!

 

See here for additional details: 

 

If you are interested in volunteering, please email sellwoodpeakprogram@gmail.com

 

More information - 

The best way to reach us is by email.

Willa Grund is our new school secretary. wgrund@pps.net

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. 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 wgrund@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 principal.

October 31: End of 1st 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

January 16: PTA Meeting

January 16: STEAM Show

Dear Sellwood Community,

 

We continue to work to help all Sellwood students to develop the habit of wearing their ID badges at school. It is truly a work in progress, but we do have a much higher percentage of students wearing their IDs this year. We appreciate the parental support as families are clearly helping students embed the ID badge in their morning routine. Please keep in mind that there are alternatives to lanyards, and students can wear their IDs on a carabiner clipped to their belt or other . Students who have truly lost their ID should report to the office; our Campus Safety Associate can print a new ID. We will no longer be calling students to the office to get a name tag, as we do not want them missing class. Instead, we will be shifting to positive recognition of students who regularly wear their IDs at school. We will also be contacting families of students who need more support developing the habit.

 

Don't forget that next week all middle schools will have an early release day, Wednesday October 23rd, at 1:30PM. Also, picture make-up day is next Thursday, October 24th.

 

Sincerely,

Jeandre Carbone

Sellwood MS Principal

 

 

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!

Fruit Sale

 

Calling all Sellwood PTA supporters and apple and pear fans! We are hosting our annual fruit fundraiser and selling freshly picked and amazing tasting boxes of apples and pears from Kiyokawa Family Orchards. This local orchard from Parkdale, Oregon is known for its excellent quality fruit and a reputation for supporting local nonprofits, like the PTA. Last year the PTA raised more than $4,500 and we ask for your support. Pick up date is November 7th from 2:30-5:30 at Sellwood Middle parking lot. Order now at: 

 

 

 

 

 

Sellwood Dines Out

 

SMS Trivia Nights at The Record Pub

Thanks to all who have participated in October Trivia Nights at The Record Pub so far! The Record Pub has generously offered to donate a portion of their proceeds from Trivia Night for the entire month of October. Join us on Wednesdays in October at 7pm to help raise funds for the PTA!

 

Junbi

On October 23 (a ½ûÂþÌìÌà early release day), Junbi has offered to donate a portion of their proceeds from 1:30-6:00 pm to benefit SMS. Spread the word to your students, as we know many of them love to get their bubble tea after school!

 

October Volunteer Opportunities
All current volunteer opportunities will be posted on Konstella. Please sign up there or email us at sellwoodpta@gmail.com. We are looking for committee chairs for some of our winter/spring events - if you have experience with event planning, fundraising, and/or leading teams please take a look and sign up! Feel free to reach out with any questions.

 

 

 

 

 

PEAK is a parent-run program that organizes afterschool programs at Sellwood Middle school. We are in search of new volunteers to help us keep this program going, and (hopefully) expand it!

 

See here for additional details: 

 

If you are interested in volunteering, please email sellwoodpeakprogram@gmail.com

 

Please follow the link to get information about Cleveland PIL Girls Basketball, including tryouts on November 16th & 17th.

Tryouts

Saturday Nov. 2nd & Sunday Nov. 3rd @CHS

6th Grade Boys 1:00-2:30pm

7th Grade Boys 2:45-4:15pm

 

8th Grade Boys 4:30-6:00pm

 

More information - 

The best way to reach us is by email.

Willa Grund is our new school secretary. wgrund@pps.net

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. 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 wgrund@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 principal.

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: 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

January 16: PTA Meeting

January 16: STEAM Show

Dear Sellwood Community,

 

We are now in October, and one of students' favorite holidays is approaching, Halloween! Students have already started asking about costumes, and whether they are allowed. Here is our guidance regarding Halloween costumes at school.

 

Guidance regarding Halloween Costumes.

· No masks or costumes that cover the face, including full face paint.

· No props/toys/accessories - especially no fake weapons.

· No large, bulky, or inflatable costumes.

· No costumes that perpetuate a stereotype of someone's culture, gender, heritage, or religion.

· No wheels.

 

· Please, leave candy at home.

 

Please remember that there is no school tomorrow, Friday October 11th, due to the annual State In-service Day, and next Tuesday, October 15th, school will start at 9:30 rather than 9:15.

 

Enjoy the long weekend,

 

Jeandre Carbone

Sellwood MS Principal

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!

 

PTA Meeting - Thursday, October 17

Our October PTA meeting is next Thursday, 10/17, at 7:00 pm at SMS. We are excited to announce our guest speaker for the meeting, Emily Skogrand. Emily is a clinical pharmacist at OHSU who works to optimize medication therapy, educate on naloxone, and reduce stigma for patients with substance use disorders. Her presentation will describe current national trends in adolescent fentanyl exposure, how our teens could be exposed to illicit fentanyl, signs of an opioid overdose, and how to administer naloxone. Please join us to learn more about this important topic, as well as hear updates from Principal Carbone and the PTA Board.

 

Fruit Sale

 

Calling all Sellwood PTA supporters and apple and pear fans! We are hosting our annual fruit fundraiser and selling freshly picked and amazing tasting boxes of apples and pears from Kiyokawa Family Orchards. This local orchard from Parkdale, Oregon is known for its excellent quality fruit and a reputation for supporting local nonprofits, like the PTA. Last year the PTA raised more than $4,500 and we ask for your support. Pick up date is November 7th from 2:30-5:30 at Sellwood Middle parking lot. Order now at: 

 

Sellwood Dines Out

 

SMS Trivia Nights at The Record Pub

Thanks to all who have participated in October Trivia Nights at The Record Pub so far! The Sellwood PTA Board was in attendance last night… it was a great event, and we are proud to say we did not finish last. :) 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!

 

Junbi

On October 23 (a ½ûÂþÌìÌà early release day), Junbi has offered to donate a portion of their proceeds from 1:30-6:00 pm to benefit SMS. Spread the word to your students, as we know many of them love to get their bubble tea after school!

 

October Volunteer Opportunities
All current volunteer opportunities will be posted on Konstella. Please sign up there or email us at sellwoodpta@gmail.com. We are looking for committee chairs for some of our winter/spring events - if you have experience with event planning, fundraising, and/or leading teams please take a look and sign up! Feel free to reach out with any questions.

 

PEAK is a parent-run program that organizes afterschool programs at Sellwood Middle school. We are in search of new volunteers to help us keep this program going, and (hopefully) expand it!

 

See here for additional details: 

 

If you are interested in volunteering, please email sellwoodpeakprogram@gmail.com

 

Please follow the link to get information about Cleveland PIL Girls Basketball, including tryouts on November 16th & 17th.

The best way to reach us is by email.

Willa Grund is our new school secretary. She's so new she has not yet received a ½ûÂþÌìÌà email.

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. 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 principal.

October 11: No School – State In-Service Day

October 15: School Starts at 9:30

October 17: PTA Meeting

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: 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

January 16: PTA Meeting

January 16: STEAM Show

Greeting Sellwood Community,

At long last we have a new school secretary, Willa Grund. Willa started with Sellwood today, and she will soon be helping us with all of the administrative tasks we have been juggling for the first month of school. We thank Claire Howard for hanging in there and trying to do it all while we were completing the hiring process. If you visit the main office, please be sure to say hello to Willa and introduce yourselves.

Enjoy the weekend,

Jeandre Carbone

Sellwood Principal

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

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!

 

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

 

Sebastiano’s

Through the end of September, Sebastiano’s is donating 10% of all sales between 9:00-11:00 am from their breakfast service to SMS. Please stop by this weekend to help raise funds!

 

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 Afterschool classes start SOON!

 

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.

 

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 STARTS October 1

• Tuesdays from 4:15-5:15

 

• Improv with Rogue Pack Theatre $250 STARTS October 2

• Wednesdays 4:15-5:45

 

• Chess Club $135 STARTS October 27

• Mondays 4:15-5:15 pm

 

• Speech and Debate Starts October 1

• Tuesdays 4:15-5:15 Recommended $50 donation

 

• Marimba $100 Thursdays 4:15-5:15 Already started, but you can still sign up!!

 

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

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

• We can offer free tuition for one child if a ½ûÂþÌìÌà certified adult volunteers to be present during the training. If interested, please email sellwoodpeakprogram@gmail.com

The best way to reach us is by email.

Willa Grund is our new school secretary. She's so new she has not yet received a ½ûÂþÌìÌà email.

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. 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 principal.

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: 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