Notes from Middle School Head, Paul Andrichuk

   Parent Facebook Workshops

Hatian Relief

 

Follow-Up to Presentation from Oregon Partnership

Upper School Jazz Band                       

 

Re-enrollment contracts for the 2010-11 school year were mailed on January 27. Signed contracts must be postmarked or hand delivered to Toad Hall by February 19. This deadline is firm. We cannot guarantee a spot for your child(ren) if we do not receive the contract by February 19.

 

If your child is not returning, please return the enrollment decline form by February 19.

 

Please call Traci Jernigan Rossi ’83 in the admission office if you have questions about re-enrollment, 503-297-1894 ext. 346. Questions concerning payment options should be directed to Mary Ann Rogers in the business office at 503-203-5114.

“Thank you for pushing me and helping me develop my writing skills – sometimes I think you’re too hard, but in the end you taught me so much.” —Upper School student

 

“Thank you for being a special part of the Middle School. I really appreciate your perceptions of my daughter as an artist. Your teaching style helps the kids explore and find the creativity in themselves so they can grow. AWESOME!.” —Middle School parent

 

“I think second grade was the best year ever. My favorite thing we did was learning about pioneers. Could you be my third grade teacher? I love you.” —Lower School student

 

 

“Thank you for being my teacher and advisor – taking advanced physics was the highlight of my sophomore year. It’s great to have your support in my scientific endeavors.” —Upper School student

 

“Joanne – I love you.” —Beginning School student

 

“I look forward to computer science class every day because it’s so friendly and informal, yet I learn so much. Catlin Gabel’s computer science program is something I would find nowhere else. Thanks for being such a great teacher.” —Upper School student

 

“Thanks for making this year fun, magical, and crazy! I’m looking forward to another two great years with you!” —Middle School student.

 

“Your calm and joyous demeanor is a delight to students and parents alike. Thanks for everything this year.” —Lower School parent

  

 

 

 

Let’s go girls—off into the mountains for a weekend of cross-country skiing through fluffy snow, icicles, and frosted trees. We will drive up to Mt. Hood where we will practice our skiing technique, explore open forests, scenic lakes, and find spectacular views. After a day of gliding through the hills, we will all settle into our own little room at the Mazama Lodge for an evening of storytelling, skits, and silliness. We will get up the next morning to explore a new area of the mountain, picnicking at a picturesque point, before returning home before dinner.

This trip is open to Middle School girls. No skiing experience is necessary—this is a great way to learn. Students should be in good condition and willing to be cold (and hot) during the two day trip.
 
The cost of the trip is $80 (plus $15 if you need to rent skis, boots, and poles).
 
To sign up, send an email to Olivia <millero@catlin.edu> .

 

Come support Catlin Gabel's drama program on at noon on Friday, February 5, at the Gerding Theater (128 NW 11th) when 8th grade drama students team up with Third Angle New Music Ensemble and Portland Center Stage. This collaboration is part of a month-long creative exploration in anticipation of Third Angle's innovative program "Chance/Perchance: A Musical Happening" featuring work by David Schiff, Terry Riley and Mark Applebaum at the Hollywood Theatre.

 

The series of noon-time events will be centered around Bay Area composer Mark Applebaum's epic graphic score, "The Metaphysics of Notation," a stunning, approximately 72-foot-long scroll — a work of visual art teeming with evocative glyphs and densely arranged pictographs, where the meaning and musical content is deliberately left undefined by the composer. A variety of local actors, poets, dance artists, and musicians will respond to and interpret the work.

 

The lineup at noon:

February   5: Catlin Gabel 8th Grade Drama Students
February 12: Spare Room Sound Poetry Collective
February 19: Quadrophonnes Saxophone Quartet
February 26: Dance Artist Linda Austin
  

 

 

 

This year we added instructional days to the school year. Our students are benefiting from more time in class and teachers are pleased to have more time to cover their curricula. Because the extended calendar is so successful, we are adopting the same number of instructional days for the 2010-11 school year.

 

As you review the calendar highlights below, please keep in mind that Labor Day falls late in 2010 (September 6). Lower, Middle, and Upper School students will begin before Labor Day, just as they did this year.

 

Last year's unusually high number of snow days persuaded us to create a policy about unscheduled school closure days: If school is canceled for three or more days, due to weather or other emergencies, the days will be made up in June.

 

 

Upper School orientations and activities

Thursday, September 2, and Friday, September 3

 

Middle School orientation day

Thursday, September 2, 10:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.

 

Lower School open house
Thursday, September 2, 10 a.m. – noon

 

Lower and Middle School teacher prep day (no classes)

Friday, September 3

 

Middle and Lower School classes begin

Tuesday, September 7

 

Beginning School orientations begin (details to follow about small group visits)

Wednesday, September 8

 

Beginning School classes begin

Friday, September 10

 

Thanksgiving break

Wednesday, November 24 - Sunday, November 28

 

Winter break

Saturday, December 18 - Sunday, January 2

 

Martin Luther King Jr. Day - no classes

Monday, January 17

 

Presidents' Day - no classes

Monday, February 21

 

Spring break

We are waiting to hear for Portland Public Schools and other area schools to confirm their plans before scheduling spring break. We will let you know as soon as decisions are made.

 

Last day of classes

Friday, June 10

 

Graduation

Saturday, June 11

 

Reserved days for closure make-up (if we have three or more unplanned closures)

June 13 - 15

 

 

We have an extraordinary art exhibit at our school. Bring family, colleagues, and friends to the Cabell foyer on February 10 from 5-7 p.m. Let us know you’ll be there!  RSVP to omm@catlin.edu. There will be delicious food and interesting discussion with renowned experts in the field.