Thursday, February 4
6:30-8:00 pm
Lower School Library

When my child comes to an unknown word, what should I say?
My child doesn’t want to read aloud to me — should I push it?
My child won’t stop reading — should I be worried?
These and other topics will be addressed!

We will have an overview in the library and then will have three break-out sessions for you to choose from to attend.

Childcare available 6:15 - 8:00 pm for children 4 yrs age and older
Please email Ginny Malm by 5:00 pm, Monday, February 2 if you need childcare

 

Notes from Vicki

It has been said that the most important subject in school is READING; if you can read, you can learn. Indeed we see a shift from “learning to read” in K-1-2 to “reading to learn”. It is no less than amazing, especially considering the complexity of the English language. Why do both “c” and “k” make the same sound? Why does “knock” start with a “k”? How can you keep track of all of the different ways to spell the “long a” sound (ay, ae, ai, etc.)? How can you keep track of the meanings of “tale” and “tail” when they sound exactly the same? When you are a reading teacher you are humbled by how many “exceptions” there are to the rules of early reading and phonics. Yet our students figure it out!

Every year we have curriculum meetings; Thurs. Feb. 4 we’ll have a focus on reading and how you can support your child in this critical area of development. We’ll have break-out groupings to help address your specific questions and interests, ranging from skills for the earliest, most emergent readers all the way up to supporting our most proficient readers. We know there is a great deal of interest in this subject area.

We are happy to provide child care for children at least four years of age — please register with Ginny Malm at ext. 353 or by  email 5:00 pm, Monday, February 2 if you need childcare  Hope to see you there!
 

Google, Smoogle

by Jonathan Weedman, Beginning and Lower School Counselor

In the last few weeks, the 4th grade class was blessed with their Catlin Gabel email accounts. Not only does this allow your student to communicate via another medium it also gives them the opportunity for added responsibility. With enough preparation and planning children can learn to use the internet in safe and productive ways.

Transparency is of utmost importance when talking about the internet and/or computer usage with children. Regardless of what boundaries you decide are appropriate for your family, complete informed consent is important for all family members. Let your children know that you will be periodically checking their conversations over email and that you will be checking the history on the computer browser. The second most important component of establishing boundaries around internet usage is consistency of structure. No matter what you decide, make sure the rule applies at all times with no exceptions. The final component for setting up internet guidelines is to start early! The younger your children are when you set up these family internet rules the better. Normalizing such guidelines will make it easier for them when they reach adolescence and are given more online freedom. Be sure to let your children know the timeline and that these rules can be reviewed and more freedom maybe granted when you feel its appropriate based on their trustworthiness and maturity level. Click here for some general internet usage tips for home.

 

First grade letter to Haiti

Dear Haitian friend,

    We're sorry that you had an earthquake, and a really bad one. We're sorry that a lot of your homes got ruined. We wonder how much kids are orphaned? We're trying to raise money to send to you. We hope that you go back to what we've seen before the earthquake. We're very sorry that some of your kids got hurt.

    We're raising for 45 minutes to raise money for you. Our WHOLE class is going to try! We hope that we can raise a lot of money for you and we hope that you can go to good schools. And we hope that you can build up some of the houses that got down in the earthquake.

Love, your friends,

Catlin Gabel 1st graders

 

Read-a-thon for Haiti

Friday, February 5, 2:20-3:00 pm, Lower School

In response to the earthquake in Haiti the Lower School has decided to involve children in the relief effort by holding a Read-a-thon on Friday, February 5 to raise money for Mercy Corps. We are asking children and interested families to join together in the Library and hallways of the Lower School with a pillow and a good book or two to read from 2:15 to 3:00 pm

The Third Grade will be organizing the fundraiser. Next week each child in the school will receive a pledge sheet to gather donations. Donations can be either a flat rate or an amount per minute. All the money raised will go to the remarkable relief agency Mercy Corps. We are encouraging donations to be made on-line at Catlin Gabel’s place on the Mercy Corps website: http://www.mercycorps.org/fundraising/spencerwhite  Thanks to several anonymous donor parents, we are thrilled to say that donations to help in Haiti will have matching dollars! 

    The first $1000 we raise will be matched by $1000 by an anonymous donor
    The second $1000 we raise will be matched by a second anonymous donor
    The next $2500 we raise will also be matched by a third anonymous donor
So, yes, do the math with your child to see that if we raise $4500, it will be doubled and $9000 will be sent to help in Haiti!

On-line donations can be made at anytime. We will also take checks made payable directly to Mercy Corps. Cash will also be accepted.

We are hoping for a large turnout and a wonderful afternoon of reading and strong support for Mercy Corps. If you have questions, contact Julie in the office or Susan and Richard in the third grade.

 

 

“It’s because of our teachers!”

Please enjoy these special notes written by students and parents that accompanied their gifts to the school, all made in appreciation of our great teachers.

“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
 

“Thank you, Catlin Gabel!”
The school’s fiscal year closes on June 30.

 

Martin Luther King Community Meeting is online

Please visit this page to view the video from last weeks community meeting (login required).
 

 

After School Care News

Lower School After-School Activities next week back include: 

• Monday Chess Club for experienced Chess players begins this Monday, February 1.  The group meets in the Barn after school.

• Tuesday after-school Homework Club for 4th and 5th graders whose parents have made advance arrangements with Sue Sacks, LS Learning Specialist.  Students report to the Barn for snack before 3:30 pm.

• Individual Strings Lessons as scheduled Wednesday afternoons.

• Thursday Chess for Learners (note meeting day change) will resume this Thursday, February 4.  The group meets in the Barn after school.

• Fusion Yoga ,  will begin this Friday, 2/5 for students in Grades 1-5.  Suresh Srinivas, CGS LS parent and Yoga Instructor will lead the group, assisted by Lisa Ellenberg, LS Librarian and yoga enthusiast.  Sign-up here.  First come, first served!   
 
Also After School: Girl Scout groups in Grades 4 and 5 will meet after school in their respective classrooms on Wednesday, 2/3.
 

Fusion Yoga for grades 1-5

Sign up here!

Catlin Gabel Lower School students are invited to explore basics of YOGA (including stretching, breathing, and the practice of mindfulness) for 9 weeks this winter and spring.   Having fun will fuse with story-telling, poetry and a special project caring for animals in need.

Both boys and girls are welcome to join Suresh Srinivas, assisted by Lisa Ellenberg for ¾ hour on Fridays after school for a Winter/Spring term of 10 weeks. The group will include no more than 15 participants.
•    Dates for the class will be:  February 5, 19 and 26; March 12, April 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30. (There is no LS on 2/12, 3/5, 3/19, 3/26.)
•    The fee will be $99 for 9 weeks billed to student accounts in March.
•    Students will come to the LS Library after classes end on Fridays and meet there until 4:00 pm. The fee includes a snack served at 3:50 pm.   
•    Students will be provided yoga mats and props. They are expected to wear comfortable and appropriate clothing for yoga. 
•    Pick students up right at 4:00 pm in the LS Library; after that time students will return to After-School Care.  ASC will be billed monthly as used.

SURESH SRINIVAS is a Computer Scientist, Principal Engineer at Intel Corporation and LS parent. He has developed a passion for integrative and holistic health. In his spare time he volunteers with local non-profits such as NW Veg, and Street Yoga where he teaches yoga for homeless youth.  

 

Art Show

February 10, 5:00-7:00 pm, Cabell foyer

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

 

Re-enrollment contracts due February 19

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.
 

Upper School Funsraiser

Saturday, January 30 - 4 1/2 hours of childcare for $20!

Looking for a night out on Saturday, January 30th? Drop your children at school and fabulous upper school students will take it from there. $20 gives you 4 1/2  hours of excellent childcare. Student participants in a global education trip to Nepal are hosting this event. Three teachers will be present as well. All monies raised will be donated to non-profit groups working on literacy and health issues in Nepal.

Location: Catlin Gabel School
Ages: 1st through 5th grade students
Date: Saturday, January 30th
Time: 5:30-10:00 PM
Snacks and plenty of fun included!
For reservations, contact David Ellenberg

 

Upper School Jazz Band supporting Portland's John Craig Band

Friday, February 12, Cabell Center, doors open at 7:00 pm, show starts at 8:00 pm

Come and hear the Upper School Jazz Band supporting Portland's John Craig Band, Friday February 12 at the Cabell Center. Tickets are $5.00 at the door and the whole family can come. Doors open at 7:00 pm and the gig starts at 8:00 pm with our very own Upper School Jazz Ensemble performing first. Come and hear a night of, rock, soul, fusion and indie music.

Calendar news for 2010-11

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.

Calendar Highlights 2010-11

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
 

Eighth graders perform at Portland Center Stage

For the second time, Catlin Gabel's Middle School drama program has been invited to perform with a professional theater company.

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