Upper School Biweekly Bulletin

Upper School Biweekly Bulletin - February 3, 2012

posted in

February 3, 2012Volume 3, Issue 11

Calendar

STARTING TONIGHT!

February 3 and 4

US senior play

7:30 pm (both nights)

Cabell Center Theater

Monday, February 6

Winterim selections due in

C&C

Tuesday, February 7

Junior class college retreat

University of Portland

8:30 to 3:30 pm

Wednesday, February 8

Junior-parent potluck

6:00 to 8:00 pm

Barn

Wednesday, February 15

PFA parent meeting

8:30 to 10:00 am

Gerlinger

Friday, February 17

Re-enrollment contracts due

Admissons Office

Friday, February 17

Saturday, February 18

US winter play

7:00 pm (both nights)

Cabell Center Theater

Monday, February 20

Presidents' Day -- no classes & offices closed

Tuesday, February 21

Let Creativity Bloom panel discussion

7:00 pm

Cabell Center Theater

Thursday, February 23

Upper School Diversity Conference

8:00 to 3:00 pm

Friday, February 24

Viewfinder Film Series

6:30 to 9:30 pm

Friday, February 24

Saturday, February 25

US winter play (second showing)

7:00 pm (both nights)

Cabell Center Theater

Saturday, March 3

Gambol auction

5:00 pm -- silent auction items

5:30 pm -- general admission

Governor Hotel

Tuesday, March 13

US spring concert

7:30 pm

Cabell Center Theater

March 19 to March 22

US Winterim week

Bus service Monday only

Friday, March 23

Faculty planning day -- no classes

March 24 to April 1

Spring break

View as a Web page

Message from Michael Heath

Civic Engagement

In the spirit of celebrating great moments of learning, I cannot help but highlight the mayoral debate we hosted here this past Monday evening. One faculty member said afterwards that he’s been at the school for over 25 years, and it’s the best event he’s ever attended here.

This debate was organized entirely by students from our CatlinSpeak newspaper. Not only did they run with the idea and make it happen, organize the itinerary for the evening, publish a special edition of the paper that focused on the debate and the primary issues in the race; they also ran the evening, acting as emcees, asking questions they had developed, welcoming the three candidates prior to the event, and interviewing them individually.

I know the candidates were more than a little surprised at the level of professionalism and poise from our students. One of them stated in an opening remark that they had all been to several debates over the course of the campaign, and this was by far the most organized.

If you did not get a chance to see the debate, you can check it out on our Web site. I’m sure you will agree that our students really rose to the occasion and made us all proud. As one teacher mentioned in an email to the Upper School students, "Every so often I attend an event at which I am overwhelmed by the thought that 'Wow, these students are truly amazing and are making Catlin look like a truly exceptional school! I can't believe that I'm lucky enough to be a part of this.'"

With kind regards,

Michael

Tonight! Upper School Senior Play

Office Hours (by A.R. Gurney):
A senior/faculty production

Performances begin at 7:30 pm on Friday, February 3 (tonight!) and Saturday, February 4. The class of 2012, along with faculty actors, will be asking and answering questions on Homer, Dante, Thucydides, love, plagiarism and more. If you remember Western literary tradition or the ’70s, you will have plenty of reasons to laugh.

Regular admission is $7 for students/senior citizens and $9 for adults.

The Winterim catalog is LIVE!

Check the Winterim Web site for details.

Please use this weekend to review the Winterim offerings with your student(s), paying special attention to any unique requirements listed on several of the trips or activities, such as being 16 years old by March 19, 2012 for the Habitat for Humanity offering.

We ask that you print out the Selection Sheet at the beginning of the catalog and provide a signature approving your student's choice(s), even if s/he is 18 years old.

Finally, please remind your student(s) to return these selection forms this Monday, February 6 to their advisor during C&C.

Contact Jessica Marlitt with any questions.

Please note: Regular Catlin Gabel bus services will only run on Monday, March 19 during this week.

Gambol 2012

February parent community meeting moved to Wednesday

Wednesday, February 15
8:30 - 10:00 am
Gerlinger

The February community meeting for parents has been moved from Thursday to Wednesday because the Middle School does not have classes on Thursday.

Knight Family Scholars Program director Chad Faber and PLACE director George Zaninovich will present. Chad will outline his vision for the Knight program and talk about this year’s recruitment efforts. George will discuss Catlin Gabel’s urban studies program and other student projects.

Did you miss the mayoral debate?

Watch it online.

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Upper School Biweekly Bulletin - January 20, 2012

posted in

January 20, 2012Volume 3, Issue 10

Calendar

MISPRINT: Friday, January 20

US senior studio performance

NOT HAPPENING TONIGHT

Friday, January 27

Viewfinder Film Night: "Diversity: Challenging our Assumptions"

Friday, January 27

Homework-free weekend begins

Saturday, January 28

US winter formal

8:00 to 11:00 pm

World Forestry Center

Monday, January 30

Mayoral debate

7:00 to 9:00 pm

Cabell Center Theater

February 3 and 4

US senior play

7:30 pm (both nights)

Cabell Center Theater

Tuesday, February 7

Junior class college retreat

University of Portland

All day

Wednesday, February 8

Junior-parent potluck

6:00 to 8:00 pm

Barn

Friday, February 17

Saturday, February 18

US winter play

7:00 pm (both nights)

Cabell Theater

Monday, February 20

President's Day -- no classes & offices closed

Tuesday, February 21

Let Creativity Bloom panel discussion

7:00 pm

Thursday, February 23

Upper School Diversity Conference

All Day

Friday, February 24

Viewfinder Film Series

6:30 to 9:30 pm

Friday, February 24

Saturday, February 25

US winter play "redux"

7:00 pm (both nights)

Cabell Theater

View as a web page

Message from Michael Heath

Learning in Winterims

"People learn in different ways" has become such a common belief that it’s almost a truism. Nevertheless, as we get into planning our Winterim program, I think it is important to highlight this point because so much of the learning in this March event falls outside the boundaries of our typical experience in a classroom.

Many of you are familiar with Howard Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences, and I think this can come into play when discussing our experiential learning process. For example, a student may be potentially highly advanced in mathematical-logical intelligence, while at the same moment displaying a deficit in his interpersonal intelligence as he attempts to collaborate with others in designing and building a go-cart. Or another student discovers through an improvisation workshop that she has a really strong creative intelligence, while her visual-spatial acumen eludes her, and so she keeps literally tripping over her lines.

In a few weeks, our students will be looking at Winterim options and voting for their favorites. Winterim happens during the week of March 19, which may seem like a long time away. But there are some great opportunities right now to learn through this pre-planning time. We deliberately make this process student-driven, and we always welcome students who want to help plan, bring their peers together around a project, and organize this exciting week with us.

Viewfinder Global Film Series continues

Friday, January 27: Diversity: Challenging our Assumptions

All programs are held in the Upper School Vollum Humanities Center (unless otherwise indicated). Screenings begin at 6:30 pm.

Free child care is available in Vollum for all children who are potty-trained. Students will be organizing pizza and bake-sale fundraisers, so come hungry!

Age guidelines: YA = Young Audiences, AA = All Ages, OS&A = Older Students & Adults

Azur & Asmar: The Princes' Quest, France, YA - Host: Spencer White

The Iron Ladies, Thailand, AA - Host: Mary Warren Foulk & SAFE Representatives (US Students!)
War Dance, Uganda, AA - Hosts: Anaka Morris & Zoë Frank (US Students!)

Outdoor Program announces spring and summer trips

The Outdoor Education Program urges parents to take a look at the upcoming trip offerings. Sign-ups are now open, and students who have not yet been on a trip are really encouraged to give it a try. Contact Peter Green or David Zonana with questions.

Gambol News:

Are you looking for a cool way to contribute to the Gambol? We are looking for one-day job shadows for Upper School students to attend during summer break. Student leaders have brainstormed ideas for placements that would provide real-world applications for the skills and knowledge they gain at school.

Their suggestions include:

medical research
industrial engineering
publishing
computer technology
advertising
architecture
graphic design
fashion
film
food service

The one day you offer this summer could open a world of possibilities for a student. Please let us know if your Upper School student has a specific request, and we’ll see what we can do!

For more information, or to express interest in offering a one-day job shadow at your workplace, please email Cath Swanston at cathswanston@gmail.com. Thanks!

Student newspaper sponsors Portland mayoral debate

Monday, January 30
7 pm (doors open at 6:30 pm)
Cabell Center Theater

The Upper School's CatlinSpeak newspaper is pleased to host a debate with the three front-runners in the 2012 race for Portland mayor: Charlie Hales, Jefferson Smith, and Eileen Brady.

The event is free and open to the public. Invite your friends!

Recognizing the importance of youth involvement in politics, CatlinSpeak has invited students from Portland high schools to the event. CatlinSpeak seeks to heighten awareness of the mayoral race, especially among teens nearing voting age.

» Read the latest CatlinSpeak here.

Upper School assembly: Poetry festival

Thursday, February 2
10:40 – 11:40 am
Cabell Center Theater

Seven local poets, including two Oregon Book Award finalists, present at this special assembly. The visiting poets will also work with students in classes on Thursday and Friday.

Carl Adamshick
Michael McGriff
Matthew Dickman
Paulann Petersen
Emily Frey
Endi Hartigan
Jae Choi

Guests are welcome to attend the assembly. However, questions will be limited to student audience members. This festival is sponsored by Pegasus, the Upper School literary magazine.

US senior play: Office Hours

February 3 & 4
7:30 pm
Cabell Center Theater

Seniors produce and direct A.R. Gurney's comedy about the merits of studying Homer, Dante, Shakespeare, and other dead white male writers.

The cast includes members of the senior class and Upper School teachers Peter Shulman (history), Tony Stocks (English), Ginia King (English), and Jim Wysocki (math).

Ticket prices: $7 for students, $9 for adults.

Catlin Gabel “Care Committee”

The first meeting is scheduled for Thursday, February 2. School community members do a great job of helping each other through serious health problems and other difficulties, often providing meals, rides, etc. The purpose of the committee is to complement what is already happening by keeping school leaders and faculty informed of major issues affecting families and finding ways for Catlin Gabel to provide additional support.

Please contact Kayla Reich for more information.

Let Creativity Bloom panel discussion

Save the date!
Tuesday, February 21
7:00 pm

The event is free and open to the public.

THE PANEL:
Dr. Brian Druker, developer of a revolutionary anti-cancer drug, OHSU, current CG parent
Denise Mullen, new president of the Oregon College of Art and Craft, CG neighbor
Sherrie Wolf, noted Pacific Northwest painter and printmaker, parent of alumna
Michael Mandiberg ’96, interdisciplinary artist, College of Staten Island/CUNY, alumnus
Dr. William Long, fundamentally reorganized trauma care, Legacy Emanuel Hospital, parent of alumni
Riley Gibson ’04, co-founder and CEO of crowdsourcing platform, Napkin Labs, alumnus
Peter Bromka’00, product and marketing strategy, Orchestra.com, alumnus

Reminders

Attendance

Please email or call Mary Yacob at 503-297-1894, ext. 315, if your student will be absent or late. Students are responsible for completing forms for pre-planned absences for trips or sporting events. These forms are available in the Upper School office.

Assembly

Please join us for US Assembly on Thursdays from 10:40 to 11:40. Here is an update on what is coming up:

February 2: Jean Vollum Poetry Festival (see above article)
February 9: Performances by student musicians
February 16: Media Arts presentations
March 15: U.S. Congressman Earl Blumenauer

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Upper School Biweekly Bulletin - January 6, 2012

posted in

January 6, 2012Volume 3, Issue 9

Calendar

Wednesday, January 11

Proof of immunizations due

Thursday, January 12

Teaching & Learning Center parent night

7:00 to 8:30 pm

Middle School Commons

Friday, January 13

Last day of fall semester

Friday, January 13

US senior show

7:00 to 10:00 pm

Cabell Center Theater

Monday, January 16
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day -- No classes

January 17 and 18
End of fall semester and
report-writing days -- No classes

Thursday, January 19

College information night for juniors and their families

7:00 to 8:30 pm

Cabell Center Theater

Friday, January 20

US senior studio performance

7:00 to 10:00 pm

Cabell Center Theater

Friday, January 27

Homework-free weekend begins

Saturday, January 28

US winter formal

8:00 to 11:00 pm

World Forestry Center

Monday, January 30

Mayoral Debate

7:00 to 9:00 pm

Cabell Center Theater

February 3 and 4

US senior play

7:30 pm (both nights)

Cabell Center Theater

Tuesday, February 7

Junior class college retreat

University of Portland

All day

Wednesday, February 8

Junior-parent potluck

6:00 to 8:00 pm

Barn

View as a Web page

Message from Michael Heath

Making resolutions

I’ve recently read that about 48% of Americans make New Year’s resolutions; of these, only about 40% of them stick to these resolutions. (I actually found the second statistic quite high, given my own track record!) It got me thinking about sticking to one’s resolve, setting goals, and realizing them. What does that take? How does this work in the teenage brain? When students set their sights on achievable goals, there is often that kind of resolution involved, particularly in high school.

What are some of the essential qualities that will help our students to be successful in meeting goals? Resilience is certainly one. People who can handle adversity when it comes at them have an advantage. They won’t crumple or give up; they might take a while, but they will bounce back. This perseverance must be coupled with the ability to learn and adjust, or students won’t get anywhere. After all, everyone on the planet makes mistakes; responding effectively to mistakes is what matters.

There is also the virtue of delayed gratification, which is closely tied to resiliency. If you know the work of Carol Dweck and others around motivation and self-regulation, you know that this is an important skill to cultivate in our kids. What I find fascinating about Dweck’s research is that over-praising kids for the wrong reasons can have an adverse effect on resilience and motivation. This is compellingly laid out in the widely celebrated book NurtureShock.

Coupled with resilience and the ability to self-regulate, students are most likely to achieve their goals if they perceive them as intrinsically worthwhile. If someone has trouble meeting a personal resolution, perhaps part of it has to do with the lack of compelling reasons why they should stick to that goal.

If students understand the inherent value of reading, solving problems, and writing with clarity, they are more motivated in history, math, and English to achieve what they set out to do. One of the reasons I appreciate how we treat grades in the Upper School, for example, is that they are never seen as the primary motivator for academic success. We are very clear that learning should be the final inspiration. In fact, one of our goals in the Upper School is to cultivate that approach to learning in our students. We have noticed that the most successful students have moved past concrete, secondary indicators of success, such as "A+" grades, and are able to focus on becoming better and more curious scholars.

If I could recommend any New Year’s resolution for a student, the development of this attitude might be a good one. As Herculean a task as it might be, it will be well worth it in the long run.

Lark Palma asks James Furnary '12 about college counseling

Please check out the latest two-and-a-half minute video in the series.

Immunization records

If you received a recent email from Mary Yacob about immunizations, your student's records are missing or incomplete. Immunization reports are due to Washington County by January 11, 2012.

Any student with missing or incomplete records will receive a school exclusion letter in early February. Exclusion day this year is February 15, 2012.

Please help us by sending in updates by email, with your student, or via fax to 503-203-5123. Thank you.

Teaching and Learning Center parent night

Perception, Myth and Reality: Underage Drinking

Thursday, January 12
7:00 to 8:30 pm
Middle School Commons

Rosemary Schwimmer, Parenting for Prevention coordinator at the Oregon Partnership, and Upper School counselor Kate Grant will discuss ways to talk to teens about alcohol and prevent underage drinking.

The Teaching & Learning Center Inside Out Lecture Series offers opportunities for adults to hear from leading community experts. This program is open to the public.

College information night for the class of 2013 and their parents

Thursday, January 19
7:00 pm
Cabell Center

Juniors and parents, please join the college counselors, Nancy Donehower and Blythe Butler, and a panel of admissions deans as they discuss the college counseling curriculum for juniors, the current admissions scene, and offer strategies and advice for conducting a productive college search and application process.

Please park in the gravel lot near the theater if you attend this event.

US senior play: Office Hours

February 3 and 4
7:30 pm
Cabell Center Theater

Seniors produce and direct A.R. Gurney's comedy about the merits of studying Homer, Dante, Shakespeare, and other dead white male writers.

Cast includes members of the senior class and Upper School teachers Peter Shulman (history), Tony Stocks (English), Ginia King (English), and Jim Wysocki (math).

Ticket prices: $7 for students, $9 for adults.

Reminder: Ski Program starts in a few short weeks!

Check out the information on the Catlin Gabel Web site and start getting those forms in to Kathy Sloan as soon as possible!! Remember, plenty of financial aid is available for those who ask. Deadline for sign-up is next Friday, January 13. Contact Kathy Sloan, Len Carr, Chris Bell, or Peggy McDonnell if you have questions.

Reminders

Attendance

Please email or call Mary Yacob at 503-297-1894, ext. 315, if your student will be absent or late. Students are responsible for completing a form for pre-planned absences for trips or sporting events. Forms are available in the Upper School office.

Assembly

Please join us for US Assembly on Thursdays from 10:40 to 11:40. Here is what is coming up:

January 12: Performance by Chinese dance group
February 2: Media Arts films and presentations by international students
February 9: Performances by student musicians

Happy New Year!

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Upper School Biweekly Bulletin - December 2, 2011

posted in

December 2, 2011Volume 3, Issue 6

Calendar

Tonight! Friday, December 2
Viewfinder film series
6:30 to 9:30 pm
Vollum Humanities Building

Saturday, December 3
US dance -- correction: not with OES
8:00 to 11:00 pm
Barn

Monday, December 5
US-sponsored Red Cross blood drive
9:00 am to 2:00 pm
Library 5 classroom (lower level)

Wednesday, December 7
PFA senior-parent potluck
6:00 to 8:00 pm
Barn

Tuesday, December 13
US winter concert
7:00 to 9:30 pm
Cabell Center Theater

December 17 to January 2

Winter break -- No classes

December 26 to January 2
Offices closed

Tuesday, January 3
Classes resume

Monday, January 16
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day -- No classes

January 17 and 18
End of fall semester and
report-writing days -- No classes

View as a Web page

Message from Michael Heath

Athletic vision

Taking physical fitness seriously as a part of education has always been a part of our vision. But with a new athletic director, I am naturally excited to hear how she will help us all realize that same vision in new ways. If you have not had the chance, I would encourage you all to read the interview with Sandy Luu in our latest All-School News. It will help you get to know her and her commitment to athletics as a part of the larger dedication to educating each child here with excellence.

One aspect of our athletic program that is striking to me is how well we accommodate the wide variety of athletes at our school. We have teams that compete at the state level; we have national champions in individual sports. We have three-sport athletes, and we have focused and dedicated single-sport competitors.

One of my earliest memories of Catlin is sharing a stage with the then-student body president, welcoming new families to the Upper School at the beginning of the year. He was an amazing leader (he is currently the student body president at Tufts University), but he was also incredibly proud of being a member of the JV soccer squad as a senior. His message to the new ninth-grade students that evening was: "Get involved and go for it. Look at me; I play JV soccer, and it’s the best!’ And I suspect he got many ninth-grade students to try soccer out because of his leadership.

As we articulate the exciting vision of our athletics program in the months and years to come, I know we will strive for excellence in all areas, and we will also offer opportunities for this kind of leadership on all levels.

Viewfinder Global Film Series tonight!

Vollum Humanities Building, 6:30 pm

Some films are particularly suitable for younger audiences, but older students and adults are welcome at ALL films. Click here to view the trailer.

The Global Citizens' Club will be selling pizza for the hungry denizens. As always, the popcorn, coffee and smiles are free.

Upper School dance tomorrow night!

All Upper School students can attend this on-campus event on Saturday, December 3, from 8:00 to 11:00 pm in the Barn.

Correction: This event is not being co-sponsored by OES.

Please note that students will only be admitted until one hour after the start of the event. The doors will close at 9:00 pm, with no exceptions; if students decide to leave the dance at any time, they cannot re-enter. We appreciate your help and understanding as we strive to ensure that our student events are safe and secure, as well as fun.

Upper School-sponsored Red Cross blood drive this Monday

Upper School students and all Catlin Gabel faculty and staff have been invited to participate in this year's blood drive on Monday, December 5, from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon in Library 5.

Students must be at least 16 years of age, and parental consent is required for those under 17. Consent forms are available in the Upper School office. Please also keep in mind that there are weight requirements for donating. If you need more information on donor eligibility, please click here or call (866) 236-3276.

PFA senior-parent potluck

All senior parents are encouraged to come for an evening of conversation with fellow parents, Michael Heath, Dan Griffiths, Kate Grant, and our college counselors. Also presenting will be Mike Brody, vice-president and dean of student services at Reed College, who will be discussing some some points for parents to keep in mind about the transition to college.

Conversation between Lark Palma and James Furnary '12

Head of school Lark Palma and student body president James Furnary ’12 talk about the importance of supporting our school. Check out the video conversation online.

Catlin Gabel hosts BunnyBot competition

Saturday, December 17, 11:00 am, Catlin Gabel tennis courts

What better way to ring in the holiday season than to watch menacing 120-pound student-built robots fling and shove defenseless stuffed bunnies? The FIRST Robotics game this year is a demented mash-up of capture-the-flag and Nerf-dart tag. It's fun for the whole family.

The BunnyBot scrimmage offers an opportunity for Oregon teams to bring new members up to speed before the intensity of the January and February build season sets in. The BunnyBot event is open to the public from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, December 17, in covered tennis courts 1 and 2.

The rules and video from last year are online. Photos from last year's event are also online.

Bunnies needed:

The Upper School robotics team seeks stuffed bunnies for the BunnyBot competition. The bunnies need to measure between 9 and 12 inches tall (ears not included). Bring your donation to the Nutshell or Outback robotics labs after school.

College Counseling news

Kaplan SAT prep course for juniors

Kaplan will offer an SAT prep course on the Catlin Gabel campus this winter. The course meets Saturday mornings and Wednesday evenings from January 28 to March 7. More details are available on Kaplan’s Web site. Catlin Gabel students will receive a special discount if they register by phone at 1-800-KAP-TEST and mention that they attend Catlin Gabel.

Snow day closures

General policy

When school does not open in the morning or opens late due to inclement weather, we notify the media and update the school Web site before 6:45 am.

We do not notify the media when school runs on a normal schedule.

When conditions are uncertain, we will post a news flash on the school Web site alerting families that we are open.

We avoid mid-day weather closures whenever possible.

Catlin Gabel does not necessarily follow the decisions made by the Portland or Beaverton school districts, because our students come from a wide geographic area.

Eric Shawn, plant manager, and Lark Palma make the decision to close school or delay opening based on conditions on campus and throughout the metro area.

Personal decisions

The safety of students is our primary concern. Parents should make personal weather-related safety decisions for their families. If conditions do not seem safe where you are, keep your children at home. If conditions in your neighborhood deteriorate during the day, you may pick up your children early (making sure to notify your division's administrative assistant).

Snow day bus service

Sometimes school is in session, but bus service is canceled because of inclement weather. A message is posted on the Web site as soon as the decision is made. If buses are canceled in the morning on a given date, they are also canceled in the afternoon, regardless of weather conditions.

Catlin Gabel letter jackets available now

You asked for letter jackets, and we found a way to make them available. Click here for details and photo samples.

The jacket company will be on campus with samples on Monday, December 5, from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m. in the gym.

From Daisy Steele, laptop technologies manager

Are you thinking about getting your son or daughter a laptop for the upcoming holidays or for a birthday or special event? If you are planning on purchasing through Catlin Gabel, please place your order no later than Tuesday, December 8 to ensure that the order arrives before winter break.

If you plan on purchasing the laptop on your own, please note that the IT office only provides support for the Lenovo ThinkPad (PC) and the Apple MacBook or MacBook Pro. If you have any questions, please contact Daisy Steele via email or at 503-297-1894, x264, to ensure that your purchase will meet the specifications required by the Catlin Gabel Upper School laptop program.

We urge you to purchase the four-year AppleCare protection program and the four-year accidental damage protection to safeguard your purchase. More information about the Catlin Gabel School 1:1 laptop program can be found on our Web site.

Catlin Gabel ski program

Catlin Gabel’s ski program is now ready for sign-ups through Mt. Hood Meadows. The six-week package would make a great holiday gift! Catlin Gabel faculty and staff will drive Catlin Gabel buses to the mountain and chaperone student participants while on the mountain for a fee paid directly to the Catlin Gabel program. This program is available to students in grades 5 through 12. Please note that participants in grades 5 through 8 are required by Mt. Hood Meadows to sign up for lessons. The dates for this year include six Saturdays, from February 4 through March 10. While the facility's fees have gone up, the school’s transportation/chaperone fee remains the same, and financial aid is available and readily awarded directly through the ski program.

Please check the Catlin Gabel Web site for forms and links, or contact group organizer Kathy Sloan, Upper School math teacher, for more information. Middle School participants should feel free to contact Len Carr or Chris Bell with questions, and Peggy McDonnell is the fifth-grade contact.

Attendance! Attendance! Attendance!

Please report all late arrivals, appointments and absences directly to Mary Yacob by email or phone at 503-297-1894 ext 315.

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Upper School Biweekly Bulletin - November 4, 2011

posted in

November 4, 2011Volume 3 Issue 5

Calendar

Tomorrow, Saturday, November 5

Catlin Gabel Service Corps Tree Planting Project

9:00 to 1:00 pm

Valley Memorial Park

Monday, November 7

Lecture by artist-in-residence

Eric Adjetey Anang

7:30 pm

Gerlinger Auditorium

Tuesday, November 8

Japan trip information meeting

7:00 to 8:00 pm

Gerlinger Media Room

Wednesday, November 9

Campus and Community Service Day

Wednesday, November 9

All School Service Fair

2:30 to 4:00 pm

Barn

Wednesday, November 9

Basketball Parent Meeting

6:45 to 7:30 pm

Gym Building

Thursday, November 10

TLC Presents: Resiliency in Our Youth Parent Evening

7:00 pm

Middle School Commons

Thursday, November 10 to Sunday, November 13 (updated)

US Fall Play: Dead Man's Cell Phone

7:00 to 10:00 pm, Thurs. - Sat.,

5:00 to 8:00 pm Sunday

Cabell Theater

Friday, November 11

Homework-free weekend begins

Admission Open House
Sunday, November 13

November 17

Parent Community Meeting

Time and Location TBD

Thursday, November 17 to Tuesday, November 22

US Parent-Teacher Conferences

No classes

Wednesday, November 23 to Friday, November 25

Thanksgiving Holiday -- no classes, campus closed

View as a web page

Message from Michael Heath

This week we have a special guest contributing to this feature. George Zaninovich is the director of our Community Service program in the Upper School and I have asked him to talk a bit about this program on the eve of our Campus and Community Service Day as well as the Service Fair he has worked so hard to put together for the whole school next week.

With Kind Regards,

Michael

Community Service

Are you interested in coming together with the Catlin community around service? On November 9, as part of our fall Community Service Day, Catlin Gabel’s Service Corps will host the first annual school-wide Family Service Fair. We’ve invited 17 organizations, chosen for the diverse volunteer opportunities they offer for all ages. Like a job or college fair, each organization will have representatives available to tell you about their programs and the volunteer opportunities they have available. In addition, whether you are an individual student who needs to fulfill your service requirement or a family looking for a meaningful activity to do together, you will be able to sign up to serve.

Service is an integral part of the Catlin ethos. Throughout all divisions, students engage in meaningful service: packing rice at the Oregon Food Bank, playing with kids at Albina Head Start, or helping students through the Bienestar Homework Club. However, this service fair is unique, as it will bring together different members of our community (faculty, students and families) to connect individually with organizations that serve the greater community. Engaging in a type of service that inspires you, whether it is repairing books for kids or serving meals to seniors, can have an incredible impact on your life—whether you're a parent or a curious first-grader.

Qiddist Hammerly ’12 and George Zaninovich

Tree Planting Service Project

All are welcome...

WHEN: Saturday, November 5th -- the planting starts promptly at 9:00am. The planting should conclude no later than 1:00pm.

You may ride the Catlin Gabel bus to the project site, which leaves from the Cabell Theatre at 8:30 am.

WHERE: Valley Memorial Park, 3809 SE Tualatin Valley Highway, Hillsboro

WHAT: Friends of Trees will provide gloves, tools and trained guidance, as well as breakfast treats and coffee. Dress appropriately for the weather and wear sturdy shoes.

Let us know if you are coming and please signup here:

http://www.catlin.edu/service-corps

Catlin Gabel Service Corps

In its second year, the Catlin Gabel Service Corps presents four opportunities for multiple generations to work together in service to the greater Portland community. Please visit the Service Corps Web page for details about upcoming volunteer opportunities at Friends of Trees on November 5, the first-ever Catlin Gabel service fair on November 9 (updated), and our 21 Days for Bienstar project.

Is your student interested in playing Boys' Basketball?

Please plan on attending a parent meeting on Wednesday, November 9 from 6:45 to 7:30 pm hosted by Brandon Haughton Head of the Boys Basketball Program to learn more. The meeting will be held in the Gym Building.

Resiliency in Our Youth

With Paul Myers and Nancy Donehower

This parent evening is presented by our own Teaching and Learning Center and will be held on Tuesday, November 10 at 7:00 pm. Please join us in the Middle School Commons for this talk about how functioning well in the world depends on managing disappointments as well as successes.

Japan trip information meeting

Tuesday, November 8, 7:00 pm, Gerlinger Auditorium

If you are interested in the summer 2012 Japan trip, please plan on attending this information meeting.

Click here to access more trip information.

Ghanaian artist in residence: Eric Adjetey Anang

Slide lecture Monday, November 7, 7:30 pm, Gerlinger Auditorium

Eric Adjetey Anang, a Ga fantasy coffin sculptor from Ghana, will be an artist in residence at Catlin Gabel from November 7 to November 11. We have invited him here to demonstrate his amazing art of sculpting a coffin out of wood in whatever shape a family feels best represents their deceased elder. He will be sculpting a woodworker’s hand plane, approximately 7’ long, 3’ wide, and 4’ high, on the front deck of the Barn. Please come ask him questions, watch him work, and feel free to participate in the building of the hand plane.

Two years ago, Michael de Forest, the LS woodshop teacher, traveled to Ghana for a summer and studied with Eric in his carpentry shop in Teshie, near Accra. There is also a US trip planned for Ghana from July 29 to August 19, 2012, where students will be working in the Kane Kwei Carpentry Shop with Eric.

Please join us on Monday, November 7, to learn more about Eric's work, or view pictures of his work online.

Parent community meeting: Courage to be the change you want to see

Thursday, November 17

Do you have the courage to foster resilience in your kids, when the culture is telling you to rescue them and prop them up? Do you have the courage to be truly compassionate not only to others, but to yourself, too? Learn from speaker Kathy Masarie how to model authenticity, honesty, and self-care in order to empower your kids. Time and location will be announced soon.

Outdoor Education Trip

Owyhee Canyon Exploration

Saturday, November 19 to Tuesday, November 22

For details on this and other trips, please visit the Outdoor Education Web page.

Reminder to update your student's Attendance

If your child will be absent or tardy, please email Mary Yacob in the Upper School office or leave a voicemail at 503-297-1894, ext. 315. These messages are checked first thing every morning.

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Upper School Biweekly Bulletin - October 21, 2011

posted in

October 21, 2011Volume 3, Issue 4

Calendar

Tonight: Friday, October 21

Viewfinder Film Series

6:30 to 9:30 pm

Vollum Humanities Building

Monday, October 24

Ghana trip information night

7:00 to 8:00 pm

Gerlinger Auditorium

Wednesday, October 26

Seniors and first-grade buddies to pumpkin patch

8:30 am to 1:30 pm

Wednesday, October 26

Ecuador trip applications due

Wednesday, October 26

All-school parent meeting on strategies to prevent bullying

7:00 pm

Middle School Commons

Thursday, October 27

All-school photo retake day

10:30 to 2:30 pm

Patio near Vollum & Middle School

Friday, October 28

Grandparents & Special Friends Day

Saturday, October 29

Haunted house

5:00 to 9:00 pm

Barn

Wednesday, November 2

PFA sophomore parent potluck

6:00 to 8:00 pm

Barn

Thursday, November 3

College financial aid workshop

6:00 to 8:00 pm

Location TBD

Monday, November 7

Lecture by artist-in-residence

Eric Adjetey Anang

7:30 pm

Gerlinger Auditorium

Tuesday, November 8

Japan trip information meeting

7:00 to 8:00 pm

Gerlinger Media Room

Wednesday, November 9

Campus and Community Service Day

Thursday, November 10 and Friday, November 11

US Fall Play: Dead Man's Cell Phone

7:00 to 11:00 pm

Cabell Theater

Friday, November 11

Homework-free weekend begins

View as a Web page

Message from Michael Heath

Student learning explored through story

Next week, we will be mailing midterm reports to students who are new to the Upper School, as well as students who are struggling academically in one or more classes. We do this to let parents know how things are going. It’s a time to stop and take account of what is going well and what needs some attention.

The French intellectual Paul Ricoeur says that we live our lives as a "narrative unity." This is why stories are so powerful to us as human beings. We connect to stories—even fictitious ones—because they mirror the reality of the human domain in a way that a mathematics textbook cannot.

The way we talk about students’ progress at Catlin Gabel has a lot to do with understanding their learning as a narrative unity. Moments connect with each other to develop the bigger picture of their progress, and we work hard to focus on that progress as we assess "how they are doing" in Upper School. Next week, for example, parents will receive a snapshot of what is happening, but it is understood as a punctual moment in time which is very much a small part of a larger story.

The same is the case for our time together during parent/teacher conferences, or mid-year narrative reports. When we meet together, it is as if we are stopping a motion picture to examine a couple of frames of the film together. We remember the beginning of the film, and we can remark on the details of progress in these specific frames, but we’ve not seen the film all the way through, so we can’t fully appreciate how it will all end—yet.

With kind regards,

Michael

Viewfinder Film Series

Tonight! Friday, October 21: Focus on global schooling

Check the Viewfinder Web page for more information and a schedule of films.

School photos have been distributed this week!!

Please make sure you receive the picture packet or order sheet from your student so that you can decide together about participating in retake day on Thursday, October 27.

If you did not order a packet and wish to do so, follow the instructions on the order sheet.

Bullying Isn't What It What It Used To Be

Strategies for coping with bullying

All-school parent meeting

Wednesday, October 26

7:00 pm

Middle School Commons

The psychological science of bullying has taken many turns throughout the years, and social psychologists are learning more and more about what works to prevent bullying dynamics. This parent night is a school-wide discussion about these strategies and how Catlin Gabel uses them. We hope you’ll join us and add your voice and questions to our discussion!

Sorry, childcare will not be provided for this event.

Please visit the new US Counseling page to learn more.

Haunted house on campus!

Saturday, October 29, 5:00 to 9:00 pm, Barn

Catlin Gabel’s own haunted house happens next Saturday, October 29. Come see the Barn transformed into a haunted hollow! All ages are welcome to enjoy the creepy fun. All proceeds will benefit the US juniors and their spring prom.

Girls' Generation: FIRST Robotics competition

Come enjoy an exciting robotics competition next weekend, right on campus! Once again, Catlin Gabel US robotics has organized and will host “Girls' Generation,” the largest girls-only FIRST Robotics competition in the nation. Only girls are allowed to drive the robots, and only girls and their mentors can work on the robots in the pits. Our “Flaming Chickens” robotics team co-president, Marina Dimitrov '13, spearheaded this effort. Come to Tennis Courts 1 & 2 to witness the action next Saturday, October 29, between 11 am and 4 pm. For more information, visit http://www.oregonfirst.org/events/girls-generation/.

Grandparents and Special Friends Day

Morning of Friday, October 28

Please look for a special email invitation which was sent out earlier this week to this traditional and lovely opportunity for loved ones to visit and get a brief look at our school, the classrooms and campus life.

Have your guests RSVP to Jessica Marlitt.

Have an old Lower School Gambol art project you aren't displaying?

The Lower School was recently painted, and this has been a great opportunity to redecorate! If you have a Lower School Gambol art project you wouldn't mind parting with, please contact Vicki Roscoe, Head of the Lower School.

Bus information for Blue Route

The Blue Route morning stop at Wallace Park on NW 25^th has been adjusted to account for changes in traffic conditions from last year. This change has been made to the posted schedule, as well as the bus route map. If you use this bus in the morning, please check the revised schedule

Remember to always be at your stop at least five minutes before the scheduled stop time.

Ghanaian artist in residence: Eric Adjetey Anang

Slide lecture Monday, November 7, 7:30 pm, Gerlinger Auditorium

Please join us on Monday, November 7, to learn more about Eric's work.

Ecuador trip applications due Wednesday, October 26

Applications for the Ecuador global trip are due on Wednesday, October 26th! Applications should be returned to David Zonana. Please check out the fancy new Ecuador trip Web site for more information, applications, and a trip itinerary. Jungles, mountains, community partnerships, and banana smoothies await!

Parent Community Meeting: Courage to Be the Change You Want to See

Thursday, November 17

Outdoor Education Trips

Canyoneering in the Oregon Cascades

Saturday, November 5 to Sunday, November 6

Owyhee Canyon Exploration

Saturday, November 19 to Tuesday, November 22

For details on these and other trips, please visit the Outdoor Education Web page.

Catlin Gabel Service Corps

In its second year, the Catlin Gabel Service Corps presents four opportunities for multiple generations to work together in service to the greater Portland community.

Please visit the Service Corps Web page for details about upcoming volunteer opportunities at the Oregon Food Bank on October 29 and Friends of Trees on November 5, the first-ever Catlin Gabel service fair on November 8, and our 21 Days for Bienstar project.

Reminders

Attendance

If your child will be absent or tardy, please email Mary Yacob in the Upper School office or leave a voicemail at 503-297-1897, ext. 315. These messages are checked first thing every morning.

Pots, pans and platters

Please stop by the Upper School faculty lounge to reclaim any kitchen items you or your student may have left on campus.

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Upper School Biweekly Bulletin - September 30, 2011

posted in

September 30, 2011Volume 3, Issue 3

Calendar

Friday, September 30
Homecoming games
4:15 and 6:15 pm
Soccer field

Saturday, October 1
Homecoming dance
8:00 to 11:00 pm
Barn

Thursday, October 6
US Back-to-School Night
5:45 to 9:00 pm
Cabell Center Theater

Wednesday, October 12
PSAT testing
8:00 to noon
On campus

Wednesday, October 12

Nepal trip information night

6:00 pm

Gerlinger

Friday, October 14
Teacher in-service day -- no classes

Tuesday, October 18

Catlin Gabel College Mini-Fair

8:00 to 10:00 am

Barn (parents welcome)

Wednesday, October 19

PFA potluck for freshman parents

6:00 to 8:00 pm

Barn

Friday, October 21

Viewfinder Film Series

6:30 to 9:30 pm

Vollum Humanities Building

Wednesday, October 26

Seniors and first-grade buddies to pumpkin patch

8:30 am to 1:30 pm

Wednesday, October 26

All-school parent meeting on strategies to prevent bullying

7:00 pm (updated)

Middle School Commons

Thursday, October 27

All-school photo retake day

10:30 to 2:30 pm

Patio near Vollum & Middle School

Friday, October 28

Grandparents & Special Friends Day

Wednesday, November 2

PFA Sophomore parent potluck

6:00 to 8:00 pm

Barn

Thursday, November 3

College financial aid workshop

6:00 to 8:00 pm

Location TBD

View as a Web page

Message from Michael Heath

Derrida the School-Phobic

This week, we’ve wrapped up our time with Corey Manning, an educational consultant from the group Freedom from Chemical Dependency. Thank you for all your feedback and engagement with this work as we support our students and their well-being when it comes to issues of substance abuse.

At the same time, we are throwing ourselves into a very joyful Spirit Week. Today (Friday), we are launching a weekend where we welcome back all our alumni for Homecoming! We’ve had some amazing athletic contests this week already, and next week marks the "end of the beginning" of our school year, with Back to School Night on October 6^th. I hope you all can make it.

Clearly, there is a lot going on as we celebrate our first month of school! The mix of busyness, high spirits, and delight at the beginning of the year contrasts in my mind with something Jacques Derrida said once in an interview. Derrida is one of those pivotal thinkers of postmodern theory who spent his whole life in the academy. Yet this is what he said about going to school: "I have always had school sickness, as others have seasickness. I cried when it was time to go back to school long after I was old enough to be ashamed of such behavior."

I suspect that very few Catlin students can sympathize with this sentiment, based on how they are pouring themselves into their days here with abandon at the beginning of the year. In one sense, there is just too much going on to feel any "school sickness."

For example, as I started writing these comments on Tuesday afternoon, I kept getting interrupted in my office by small groups of cross-country team members on a scavenger hunt for information. This contest was set up by John Hamilton, one of their coaches. Each team had to run around campus finding designated teachers, staff, and administrators, each of whom then asked the teams a question about themselves. (My question had to do with the best summer job I had in college.) Once the teams got an answer, they were told where to run to next.

The groups worked together, set their training pace, thought carefully about the questions, laughed at the ridiculousness of some of the answers, encouraged each other as a team, and also got to know more people in the community as they ran around the campus. I don’t know if Derrida ever did much cross-country, but I think he might have loved this! Perhaps if he had learned more through play, he might not have wept every September when he returned to school.

Upper School Back-to-School Night

Thursday, October 6
5:45 to 9:00 pm
Beginning in the Cabell Center Theater

We encourage all parents to attend Back-to-School Night if possible. It is a unique opportunity to meet your student's teachers and advisor and "walk in your student's shoes" by following their daily class schedule.

Please look for an email from your PFA representative calling for food contributions for a special social time beginning at 5:45 in the Cabell Theater Foyer.

Teaching and Learning Center Lecture Series

Bullying Isn't What It What It Used To Be

Strategies for coping with bullying

All-school parent meeting

Wednesday, October 26

7:00 pm (updated)

Middle School Commons

Viewfinder Film Series

First night: Friday, October 21 (correction)
Focus on global schooling

Check the Viewfinder Web page for more information and a schedule of films.

Global Education News

Global trips for 2011-2012

Application timeline and general information

Contact Spencer White, global education coordinator, with any questions.

Catlin Gabel global trips emanate from our faculty members' deep connections with international communities. Trips were announced yesterday at assembly, and students are expected to follow up with trip leaders to express their interest. Applications will be available on the trip Web sites (linked below).

Reasons we travel globally:

• This world needs highly motivated, creative, and artistic people to solve really big problems.

• You begin to understand how our behavior here in Portland affects international communities.

• You are tested culturally and begin to redefine who you are and what you believe about the world.

• Class learning just becomes more relevant and interesting.

• You are motivated to effect positive change on the way humans live on this planet.

• You make deeper connections with students and adults you travel with.

GHANA, AFRICA (late July to mid-August 2012): Michael de Forest and two others will lead Catlin Gabel's first art-focused trip, taking students to Accra, Ghana's capital city, where they will work alongside the world-famous wood sculptor Eric Adjetey. Students will also stay and work alongside the Boston-born Ellie Shimelman, who splits her time between Accra and Boston, bringing art education to local children.

NEPAL (spring 2012): David Ellenberg, Becky Wynne, and Nance Leonhardt will lead Catlin's second trip to Nepal in four years. Starting in Kathmandu, the trip will take students on a trek in the Himalayas and to UNESCO World Heritage Sites, all while putting the group in touch with local peers. Study and understanding of religious devotion is a cornerstone of this special adventure with David, Nance, and Becky.

ECUADOR (summer 2012): David Zonana, Erin Goodling, and Peter Green will expose students to both intimate cultural connections and some of Ecuador's high country. This trip seeks to combine the goals of both the global and outdoor program philosophies. Building on David's history of living in Ecuador and working with local service organizations and schools, our students will do meaningful work, complete a short homestay, and focus on language learning. They will also seek to climb one or two of Ecuador's volcanoes. This will necessitate being in good shape, but will not demand prior climbing experience.

JAPAN (late summer 2012): Brett Mathes and Yoko Iwasaki will lead students to a unique cultural and language experience. Participants will be expected to dedicate themselves completely to pre- and post-trip study, understanding that their time in Japan is a cultural immersion, not a typical tourist venture. The trip includes ten days of travel in Tokyo, Kamakura, Kyoto and Hiroshima, followed by an eleven-day homestay with Gifu Kita High School students. Catlin students will attend classes and activities and participate in the three-day Kitakou-sai 北校祭 Cultural and Sports Day events.

More Global Education News

World Pulse Live, October 2011

The community is invited to come together for an unforgettable experience, celebrating the rising movement of of women transforming our world.

Visit the World Pulse Live Web site for details.

Reminders

Attendance

If your child will be absent or tardy, please email Mary Yacob in the Upper School office or leave a voicemail at 503-297-1897, ext. 315. These messages are checked first thing every morning.

Pots, pans and platters

Please stop by the Upper School faculty lounge to reclaim any kitchen items you may have left on campus.

Parents are welcome at assembly: Thursdays from 10:40 to 11:40

The following are some interesting topics coming up:

October 6: Distinguished writer Heidi Durrow, author of The Girl Who Fell From The Sky
October 13: CGSA Town Hall Meeting
October 20: Presentations by international students

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Upper School Biweekly Bulletin - September 16, 2011

posted in

September 16, 2011Volume 3, Issue 2

Calendar

Monday, September 26
Freedom from Chemical Dependency (FCD) parent meeting
7:00 to 9:00 pm

Cabell Theater

Tuesday, September 27

FCD follow-up parent meeting:

How to plan chemical-free activities

4:30 to 6:00 pm

Dant House Faculty Lounge

Friday, September 30
Homecoming game
6:15 pm
Soccer field

Saturday, October 1
Homecoming dance
8:00 to 11:00 pm
Barn

Thursday, October 6
US Back-to-School Night
6:00 to 9:00 pm
Cabell Theater

Wednesday, October 12
PSAT testing
8:00 to 11:00 am
On campus

Friday, October 14
Teacher in-service day -- no classes

Tuesday, October 18

College Mini Fair

8:00 to 10:00 am

Barn

Wednesday, October 19

PFA Freshman Parent Potluck

6:00 to 8:00 pm

Barn

Friday, October 21

Viewfinder Film Series

6:30 to 9:30

Vollum Humanities Building

Thursday, October 27

All school photo retake day

10:30 to 2:30

Patio near Vollum & Middle School

Friday, October 28

Grandparents & Special Friends Day

View as a Web page

Message from Michael Heath

What are colleges really worried about?

The president of the National Association of Independent Schools, Pat Bassett, recently wrote about his experience this summer participating on a distinguished panel where he shared the stage with several impressive collegiate leaders, including the president of Georgetown, the president of Stanford, and the dean of arts and science from Harvard. He recounts the following remarkable moment in their panel discussion:

When asked what challenge these fine colleges faced that they wished primary and secondary schools would work with them on, he was hoping for something along these lines: “Gee, wouldn’t it be nice to initiate a national conversation on the content of curriculum from K–16, kindergarten through college?” Instead, all the university folks agreed upon a very different primary need for coordination between schools and colleges: “Students who already have serious alcohol problems by the time they finish high school.”

Adolescent drinking culture has certainly been on our minds at Catlin Gabel recently. We have addressed specific incidents, and we have also worked on important systematic ways to raise awareness. Over the past several years, we have been working with a group called Freedom from Chemical Dependency (FCD), which approaches the problem of underage drinking by analyzing "social norms." In this context, social norming takes confidential information from a population to address incorrect assumptions, like "Everyone drinks in high school" or "Everyone gets drunk on weekends." It also gives us helpful information; in case there is higher-than-average use in any particular grade, we are able to address it.

Special invitation to parents:

We invite you to join us for an important parent meeting on Monday, September 26 from 7:00 to 9:00 pm in the Cabell Center Theater, where we will be taking a look at the FCD survey results for our Upper School students from last spring. Unless we agree to partner with families to address this ongoing issue, it will remain a serious challenge for the school. This evening event will enhance that partnership and also offer families some critical information to understand more fully the reality of this situation.

Supporting our children in making good decisions is often a difficult and complicated practice. Our work with FCD will assist us with this fundamental, ongoing effort as a school community partnering with all of you. I hope to see you there; in the meantime, if you have any questions, please do get in touch.

With kind regards,

Michael

FCD follow-up parent meeting: How to plan chemical-free activities

Tuesday, September 27, 4:30 to 6:00 pm
Dant House Faculty Lounge

As a follow-up to the Monday-night meeting mentioned in Michael's article, parents are also invited to meet and talk with Corey Manning, a representative from Freedom from Chemcial Dependency. We hope to discuss the impact of family and cultural values on families' decisions around drug and alcohol use by teens in their homes, as well as ways to sponsor drug- and alcohol-free gatherings for students. Light refreshments will be provided.

Attendance procedure

Please contact Mary Yacob if your student will be late or absent

As we start this new school year, we would like to take this opportunity to remind everyone about reporting attendance. If your student will be late, absent, or must miss class for an appointment, contact the Upper School office as soon as possible.

Please email Mary Yacob in the Upper School office or call 503-297-1894, ext. 315. Voicemail messages are checked frequently.

Students who will have planned absences of one or more days must complete a Request to Miss Class form, available in the Upper School office.

Thank you for your help.

September billing alert

On your September student bill, you will see a $110 “laptop fee” charged. This fee is used to pay for anti-virus, spam-filter, and lab software that is required for each student laptop. It also helps to pay for laptops that can be loaned out to students when theirs are being repaired. Please contact Richard Kassissieh in the IT office with any questions.

Hispanic Heritage Month: September 15 – October 15!

Expose your child to Hispanic culture and art at Teatro Milagro Theatre Group, September 16 -- October 1.

Click on the flyer below for more information on this incredible lineup of drama, music, and art.

College Counseling Newsletter

Last week, the fall college counseling newsletter was e-mailed to junior and senior families. If you missed it or need to access it again, you can find it online.

Driver’s ed is coming to campus!

The course will meet as follows:

Mondays and Wednesdays
October 3 – November 30
5:30 – 7:30 pm

Math Building

To sign up, visit the Oregon Driver Education Center.

Upper School Back-to-School Night

Thursday, October 6
5:45 to 9:00 pm
Beginning in the Cabell Center Theater

Please look for an email from your PFA representative calling for food contributions for a special social time beginning at 5:45 in the Cabell Theater Foyer.

Updated student parking designations

Reserved carpool parking

Students who submitted viable, completed carpool registrations for three or more carpool members have received confirmation emails assigning them reserved spaces in the carpool lot.

There are still a few open spaces in the reserved carpool lot! If your student driver can find two other regular passengers to ride with and have them sign the parking registration form, they may earn a reserved spot.

Additional carpool parking

Students coming to school with two people in their vehicles may park in the unreserved carpool-only spaces in the Upper School lot (across from the math building) or the first bay only of the main lot.

All other parking

No student parking in the main lot is allowed, except for carpools in the first bay.

Solo student drivers must park in the theater (gravel) lot.

These new carpool efforts are both a privilege and responsibility! Facilities and various faculty/staff will monitor the lots to see if everyone is honoring the carpool system. The primary goal is to reduce the number of cars coming to campus, so please help us support this effort.

Thanks for your help with this new system.

Planning a DMV visit?

Proof of enrollment is required for learner's permits!

All students under 18 who are applying for (driving) learner's permits must bring proof of school enrollment to the DMV. This is a simple form that Catherine, Mary, or Jessica can generate for you. Drop by the office to request the form, or e-mail and ask to receive it as a PDF.

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Upper School Biweekly Bulletin -- September 2, 2011

posted in

September 2, 2011Volume 3, Issue 1

Calendar

Monday, September 5
Labor Day -- no classes

September 7 to 9
Freshman class trip to Scouters' Mountain

September 8 and 9
Sophomore class trip to Camp Magruder

September 8 and 9
Junior class trip to Silver Falls Youth Camp

Tuesday, September 13
US Picture Day

Tuesday, September 13
PFA Parent Coffee
8:00 to 9:00 am
Dant House

Wednesday, September 14
College counseling case studies program for seniors and parents
7:00 to 9:00 pm
Barn

Monday, September 26
Freedom from Chemical Dependency (FCD) parent meeting
Time and location TBA

Friday, September 30
Homecoming game
6:15 pm
Soccer field

Saturday, October 1
Homecoming dance
8:00 to 11:00 pm
Barn

Thursday, October 6
US Back-to-School Night

Wednesday, October 12
PSAT testing
8:00 to 11:00 am
On campus

Friday, October 14
Teacher in-service day -- no classes

View as a Web page

Message from Michael Heath, Upper School Head

As an Upper School, we have what we call a School Chapter from the book of 1 Corinthians in the New Testament. Most of our students have memorized this, and if they haven’t, they soon will. Even though this King James translation of the text may sound elegant or poetic, this is not why we commit it to memory. There is a larger reason. When we invoke the School Chapter on special occasions, it is because this description of agape—charity—caritas—love represents the highest ideal to which we can aspire.

"Charity is patient; charity is kind; charity keeps no record of wrong; it does not seek its own way." This is not bumper-sticker love. This is hard work! This is not a "Hey, if it feels good, it’s okay" kind of love, but a love that seeks a greater good. Love "bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things." Imagine that as a reality.

In our first assembly this year, several members of the faculty recited the verses of our school chapter, reminding us of this foundation. I thought it was a fitting way to begin the year—there was joy, excitement, laughter (because some of us struggled with memorizing the text!), and a profound reminder that getting beyond the superficial is sometimes hard work, but so essential to safeguard what we highly prize.

Class Trip Permission Forms and More!

Please turn in all forms as soon as possible

If you have not already done so, please submit the following forms to the Upper School office by sending them with your student on Tuesday, by faxing them to 503-203-5123, or by email to yacobm@catlin.edu. You may also drop them at Toad Hall.

Campus Commitment Form -- all students

Class Trip Permission Forms -- freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and senior chaperones

Pre-Participation Physical Exam Form -- freshmen and juniors

Car Registration/Carpool Form -- student drivers

All forms can be found online at the Upper School Summer Mailing web page.

Challenge Course Waivers

Most Upper School students will be scheduled for a session on the challenge course in September. For students who did not participate in the challenge course last year, we ask that you make it a priority to have a challenge-course waiver signed and returned to the Upper School office by Wednesday, September 7 at noon. Forms can be downloaded at www.catlin.edu/upper.

Thank you, and please contact Peter Green with any questions.

PFA Upper School Parent Coffee

Tuesday, September 13, 8:00 to 9:00 am

Please join Michael Heath and other faculty in the Upper School quad outside Dant House for a chance to reconnect with Catlin Gabel families and welcome our new families to the community. We hope to see you there!

Picture Day

Tuesday, September 13

The following is a message from A is A Photography:

Fall portraits will be taken very soon! Please remember the five W's of picture day:

WHO: All Upper School students

WHAT: 2011 school picture day

WHERE: Catlin Gabel campus

WHEN: Tuesday, September 13

WHY: This photo will appear on student ID cards and in the yearbook, and it can be a lovely keepsake for friends and family. Fall portraits can also be used in the Oregonian and other publications.

HOW: To pay by credit or debit card, CLICK HERE TO PREORDER ONLINE, print the receipt, and hand it to the photographer on picture day. For check or cash payments, obtain the order form from the school and have your student bring it to the photographer. To further enhance the value of your investment, you may wish to consult the "Looking Your Best" section of our order form for tips (e.g., tank tops, sports shirts, and logos generally do not photograph well). Photos will be used for ID cards, the yearbook, and school records, so please dress accordingly.

If you have questions or encounter any difficulty with the online ordering process, please contact us at smile@aisaphotography.com or 503-636-9650, and we will be happy to help.

College Counseling Case Studies Program

Wednesday, September 14, 7:00 to 9:00 pm

This is an evening event for all seniors and their families. Please contact our college counselors, Nancy Donehower and Blythe Butler, for more information.

New Student Parking Designations

Reserved carpool parking

Students who submitted viable, completed carpool registrations for three or more carpool members have received confirmation emails assigning them reserved spaces in the carpool lot.

There are still a few open spaces in the reserved carpool lot! If your student driver can find two other regular passengers to ride with and have them sign the parking registration form, they could earn a reserved spot.

Additional carpool parking

All other parking

No student parking in the main lot is allowed, except for carpools in the first bay.

Solo student drivers must park in the theater (gravel) lot.

Thanks for your help with this new system.

Planning a DMV Visit?

Proof of enrollment is required for learner's permits!

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Upper School Biweekly Bulletin - June 3, 2011

posted in

June 3, 2011Volume 2 Issue 17

Calendar

US Art Show
Now through June 17 -- Cabell Center

Senior Trip
June 3 to 6 -- Camp Namanu

US Final Exams
June 6 to 8

Senior Seminar
June 7 and 8

US Graduation Reception
June 8, 5:30 to 7:30 pm -- Racquet Club

US Awards Ceremony #1
June 9, 12:00 pm -- Cabell Center

US Awards Ceremony #2
June 10, 1:45 pm -- Cabell Center

US Used-Book Return
June 9 and 10

Senior Picnic
June 10

US Graduation
June 11 -- Cabell Center

View as a web page

A message from Michael Heath

A smooth road all the way to your door…

There are several Upper School colleagues whom we will miss next year, but who will make our world a bit bigger for the distance between us. John Wiser, Mike Davis, and Kathy Qualman will all be retiring and moving on to new adventures. Cindy Beals will be teaching physics and math under the sunnier skies of southern California, and Chris Bagg will be training full-time as a professional triathlete. We will miss them all, but we also remember what Thoreau says: "Nothing makes the earth seem so spacious as to have friends at a distance; they make the latitudes and longitudes."

Those of you who have had the pleasure of working with Kathy Qualman know that she will be difficult to replace. The search for her successor is coming to a close in the next several days, but in the meantime, I welcome the new teachers we have already hired to Catlin Gabel. They are all exceptionally good at what they do, and we are positively thrilled to have them join us.

Chad Faber will be the director of the Knight Scholars program. Chad is most recently coming from the admissions office at Harvard College. Sandy Luu will be our new athletic director, stepping into Mike Davis’ shoes. Sandy is currently the athletic director at Liberty High School in Hillsboro and has also been a coach and athletic director at several international schools. Traci Yokoyama Kiyama is taking Cindy’s place in the math department, after been teaching in our Middle School and at the community college level this year. She has recently moved to Portland from New York City, where she taught for many years at the Nightingale-Bamford School. Dave Whitson will be taking John Wiser’s place in the history department. Dave is coming from Arizona, having taught there for a couple of years. Before that, he taught at the Overlake and Lakeside Schools in Seattle. Finally, Chris Bagg’s replacement will be Paul Donohoe. Paul taught locally at Central Catholic before returning to university to earn an MAT in English. He will be half-time in the English department.

In terms of new roles for next year, the biggest change will be Dan Griffiths transitioning into a primarily administrative role as Assistant Head of Upper School. He will take on the responsibilities of the Dean of Students, freeing up Peter Green to focus on the directorship of our Outdoor Education program full-time. Dan will also have other responsibilities beyond student life and discipline and will work closely with faculty around teaching and learning. I look forward to leading the Upper School with him as a fellow administrator. Part of Dan’s teaching responsibilities in the science department will be assumed by Kathryn Shimmon Slothower, who will be returning part-time. Kathryn taught science at Catlin Gabel for many years before she took some time off to start a family, and it will be nice to welcome her back.

We also welcome Aline Garcia-Rubio, Nance Leonhardt, and Jim Wysocki as new department chairs in the science, arts, and math departments, respectively.

Returning to those who are leaving us this year, it seems right to send them off with a blessing: "May you have warm words on a cool evening, a full moon on a dark night, and a smooth road all the way to your door."

A Final Annual Fund Push and Plea, Please!

We’re so close -- only $74,000 left to meet this year’s Annual Fund goal! We need all of our community members to achieve this vital milestone. To date, 61% of our parents have contributed – our hope is 80%, so we have approximately 100 families to go!

There are myriad ways to give:

In honor of a teacher or staff member
In support of the Eagle Club and to celebrate Mike Davis’ tenure
In order to raise participation percentages (which are closely scrutinized when seeking foundation grants)

As you know, the Annual Fund is Catlin Gabel’s top current giving priority and our most critical ongoing fundraising effort. Every gift matters, no matter the size. Give online or by calling 503-297-1894, ext. 310. Thank you!

Billing Alert

Tuition for the 2011–12 school year will be billed on your June statement and is due by July 1.

There will be a finance charge assessed if payment is not received by July 15. If you will be away at this time, please make arrangements with the business office before you leave to pay your bill in advance or have your bill sent to an address other than your home.

A convenient way for families to pay school bills is to set up an automatic bank draft. This payment method allows Catlin Gabel to automatically debit your bank account each month for the balance due or for a determined amount that you choose.

Please contact Mary Ann Rogers in the business office at 503-203-5114 or rogersm@catlin.edu if you would like more information about tuition due or setting up an automatic payment.

College Counseling News

For current juniors and their families (next year's seniors)

Our summer college counseling calendar is now posted on the College Counseling web site. It contains lots of good suggestions for college search activities that we recommend you complete this summer. Getting through some of these items will put your search on track so that you are prepared when deadlines begin to loom next fall.

We will be available regularly, although not constantly, via e-mail this summer. Our bounceback messages will let you know if one of us is away for an extended period; otherwise, you can normally expect to receive an answer from us within a few days. We are happy to answer your questions, look at a draft of your essay, or go over visit plans.

A preview version of the 2011-2012 Common Application is available here. The official electronic version will go live on August 1, and you may create your account and begin working on it at that time. Do not create your account before August 1, as all your work will be part of the 2010-2011 version and will be lost when the new version goes live.

Students who created drafts of activities lists during PODS will receive them back from their C&C advisors before finals. They will be useful in filling out the Common Application, and include copies of the 2011-2012 essay questions.

Registration and testing dates can be found here for the ACT and here for the SAT.

Note that the registration deadline for the September ACT is in early August. SAT has not yet published their 2011-2012 dates, but the first date is typically in early October, with a registration deadline in early September.

Colleges that Change Lives is holding a presentation and college fair on July 30 at 7 pm at the Oregon Convention Center. This is a useful event that includes a talk about the college search process and a fair that includes many of the 40 schools profiled in the Colleges that Change Lives book.

Happy almost-summer!

Blythe & Nancy

Announcing 2011-12 Upper School Global Trips

Direct questions to Spencer White, Global Education Coordinator, or directly to trip leaders.

Ecuador — Summer 2012
Leaders: David Zonana, Erin Goodling (one other leader TBD)
Eligible Students: Upper School Spanish language students

For students interested in furthering their Spanish language skills, engaging in service, and exploring outdoors. Students will work alongside the Yachay Wasi School in Quito, “a community school that provides local indigenous youth with a full academic education, including a multi-disciplinary education in the history, language, traditions, culture, and cosmo-vision of the Andean-Amazonian indigenous peoples.” The mission of Yachay Wasi School is two-part, and consistent with the curricular goals of this trip: “to teach students and local community members to be in harmony with nature,” and to “promote and revitalize the indigenous Kichwa culture, wisdom, and language.” David and Erin are researching the possibility of climbing one or two Andean volcanoes. The nature of these climbs depends on student interest. Students will live with host families in San Clemente, a Kichwa-Karanki community on the slopes of Volcán Imbabura.

Nepal — Spring 2012
Leaders: David Ellenberg, Becky Wynne, Laurie Carolyn-Ward
Eligible Students: All Upper School students

It’s often the spectacular Himalayas that draw people to Nepal, yet the country’s unique mixture of Hindu and Buddhist cultures leaves an indelible mark on all visitors. Bodies will be challenged as students trek through ruggedly beautiful landscapes. They’ll examine how Eastern faiths mingle amidst ancient cityscapes in a modern developing nation. The Kathmandu Valley has seven UNESCO World Heritage sites, and students will visit them all. A five-day trek will take students into villages at the edge of the mountains that separate Tibet from the Indian subcontinent. Each moment of the 18-day trip brings opportunities for learning and self-discovery. It’s a rare chance to explore a wonderful country and expand one’s view of the world’s diversity.

Ghana — Summer 2012
Leaders: Michael de Forest (two other leaders TBD)
Eligible Students: All Upper School students

This is an opportunity to meet and work with Ghanaian artisans one-on-one in their workshops and studios. Ghanaians are known for their warmth and hospitality, love to share their skills, and are entrepreneurial and creative. They also have one of the more successful young democracies in Africa. A history of international slavery, international aid to a developing economy, and a relatively narrow socio-economic split between rich and poor, with a growing middle class, make Ghana an interesting country to study as well as visit. West Africa is known for its long tradition of skillfully crafted art, and Ghanaians specifically are known for their weaving, glass beadmaking, and woodworking. Each student will spend a week working with master fantasy coffin-makers in the Kane Kwei Workshop and have a one-week home stay with a family in the Teshie/Nungua area. There will also be a one-week stay at an art compound, helping to teach local students how to make paper from sugar cane to be used for art projects. The last week of the trip will be a tour of the southeastern Volta region, meeting with weavers, potters, and glass beadmakers and learning their craft in their studios. Students will also visit a traditional village, as well as attending local summer harvest festivals.

Laptop Program News

All new and incoming 9th-grade families are required to purchase specific Lenovo or Apple laptop models. For families who need to order a laptop for 2011-12, please refer to the email sent by Daisy Steele or go to the Laptop Information Web site.

Other Quick Links:

Laptop Order Form: http://www.catlin.edu/laptop-order-form

Laptop Orientation Survey: http://inside.catlin.edu/survey/343

Laptop Purchase Decline Form: http://tinyurl.com/3sqdyfw

Contact Daisy Steele: steeled@catlin.edu; 503-297-1894 x264

Appreciation Celebration for Teachers Leaving the Beginning and Lower Schools

What: Celebration for former students and parents to thank teachers leaving at the end of the school year
When: Wednesday, June 8, right after school
Where: Fir Grove

Betsy McCormick is retiring after teaching kindergarten for 28 years.

Sue Henry is retiring after teaching in the Beehive for 21 years.

Zalika Gardner has taught grades 1-2 in the Lower School for 13 years. She will be teaching grades 1-2 at the Opal School, a charter school housed at the Portland Children’s Museum, a step towards her dream of opening her own charter school.

Francine Chough has taught French in the Lower School for 12 years. She will continue to teach French to people of all ages.

Richard Snell has taught grades 3 and 5 in the Lower School for the past 10 years. Richard and Fran will be moving to Hawaii to teach in an independent school near Honolulu.

Rebecca Plaskitt has taught grade 4 in the Lower School for the past 7 years. Rebecca and her family will be moving back to England to be near other family members.

Kathie Kimmy, Learning Specialist, looks forward to spending time with her grandchildren and with her son in Germany. She’ll continue to tutor students in early literacy.

Physical exams for students entering grades 7, 9, and 11

In accordance with Oregon law, every student entering grade 7, 9, or 11 must have a physical exam before beginning school in the fall. We recommend making appointments as soon as possible, since doctors' schedules become very full in the summer. Physical forms can be downloaded on the Upper School Web page.

Bring the world home: Host an exchange student from Costa Rica

In the fall, we will welcome sophomore Nimsi Campos-Solís from the Cloud Forest School in Monteverde, Costa Rica. Please contact Spencer White, global education coordinator, at whites@catlin.edu if you are interested in hosting our fifth Cloud Forest scholar.

Nimsi is a fast learner and an excellent student. She loves singing and acting, is very involved in her church and community service, runs, plays soccer, and adores animals. She has three brothers and says she doesn't need any more than that! Nimsi loves helping people – her friends call her "Mommy" because she takes care of everyone.

Nimsi is a cheerful person who is very excited about coming to Catlin Gabel. She is nervous, of course, but feels that she is an open-minded person and is willing to learn anything and everything during her time abroad.

Expressing appreciation for the teachers we love

As we approach the end of another great school year, the PFA respectfully reminds parents that giving personal gifts to teachers invites misinterpretation, favoritism, and inequity. To avoid these unhappy situations, the PFA encourages families who wish to express their appreciation to a teacher to do so with small, inexpensive tokens such as a note, a card, or a child’s drawing. For those who would like to do more, the PFA suggests that families consider giving to the school’s annual fund in honor of a particular teacher or teachers.

Summer Programs 2011

Our difference is learning

Once again, Catlin Gabel Summer Programs offer numerous creative and dynamic opportunities for all ages, from preschool through 12th grade. Back again are many old favorites, along with some new and exciting possibilities.

Summer Programs are open to Catlin Gabel students, as well as everyone in the community, so feel free to spread the word to family, friends, neighbors, and community groups. Please be sure to review our beautiful catalog of offerings and enroll today -- classes are filling up fast!

For additional information or to view the catalog and enroll, please visit http://www.catlin.edu/summer.

Inquiries can be directed to Len Carr, Director of Summer Programs, at summerprograms@catlin.edu or 503-297-1894, ext. 406.

Outdoor Education summer trip

Gorge ecology opportunity: July 25-29

Are you interested in real-world issues related to biology, ecology, public policy, forestry, Native American culture and rights, climate change issues, or geology? If so, join us for a week this summer exploring the Hood River watershed by bike, raft, and foot!

Partnering with the Gorge Ecology Institute, we will travel the Hood River from the headwaters (at Eliot Glacier on Mt. Hood) all the way to the mouth, where the Hood meets the great Columbia. All along the journey, we will seek to understand the natural functions of the watershed and human impacts on it. We will meet with a climatologist, a glaciologist, representatives from the Warm Springs tribe, US Fish and Wildlife scientists, and Forest Service employees working on stream/salmon habitat restoration. We will camp along the way (students don’t need special experience, and we can loan equipment, such as backpacks and tents, if necessary).

Contact Erin Goodling at goodlinge@catlin.edu to sign up for this unique field experience.

Spring break 2012 finalized

Spring break is March 24 – April 1

Catlin Gabel’s spring break next year is the last week in March—not the previous week, which was published as tentative. We had been waiting for the Portland Public Schools to schedule their spring break before finalizing our schedule, so our break aligns with theirs.

In addition to syncing with PPS, the later break provides improved odds for decent weather for the experiential week just prior to spring break. Experiential week will run March 19–23.

Reminders

Upper School Art Show

Runs through June 17 in the Cabell Center Foyer.

Parking in St. Vincent's parking structure

Parking for the Catlin Gabel community is always limited to the top level of the St. Vincent's parking structure. We want to maintain our positive relationship with the hospital and retain our parking privileges.

Attendance

Please contact Mary Yacob if your student will be late or absent at 503-297-1894, ext. 315, or yacobm@catlin.edu.

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Upper School Biweekly Bulletin - May 20, 2011

posted in

May 20, 2011Volume 2 Issue 16

Calendar

US Art Show
Now through June 17 -- Cabell Center

Life After Catlin Gabel Panel
May 24, 7 - 8:30 pm -- Cabell Center

Senior BBQ & Movie Night
May 25 -- Details to follow

Memorial Day -- Campus closed
May 30

Senior/Faculty Dinners
May 31

Senior Projects End
May 31

US Concert
June 1

Beginning School Lifer Celebration
June 3, 9 am -- Beehive

Senior Trip
June 3 to 6 -- Camp Namanu

US Final Exams
June 6 to 8

Senior Seminar
June 7 and 8

US Graduation Reception
June 8, 5:30 - 7:30 pm -- Racquet Club

US Awards Ceremony #1
June 9, 1:50 pm -- Cabell Center

US Awards Ceremony #2
June 10, 1:30 pm -- Cabell Center

US Used-Book Return
June 9 and 10

Senior Picnic
June 10

US Graduation
June 11 -- Cabell Center

View as a web page

Message from Michael Heath

The Joy of Hot Dogs

It’s been a great year for us in the Upper School. We’ve had ups and downs, but overall I’ve been amazed by how creative and resilient our students are. The place is alive with activity and positive spirit. For example, at the moment I’m sitting out in the hall because a group of students need my office for a film shoot. So I thought I’d take the time to relate a story I was reminded of the other day.

It’s a story about a freshman named Jake from several years back. Jake came to me sometime in November of his first year here and knocked on my door.

The conversation went something like this:

Michael?

Yes.

If we have an electric grill, can we grill some hot dogs outside during lunch by the foosball table?

Well, I don’t know, Jake. Let’s talk about this. Where did you get the grill?

At Rummage.

At Rummage? How much?

15 bucks, plus the markup.

Wow! That’s pretty good. Okay, so we’ve had to say "No" to grilling before, but maybe just this once if there's an adult around. Let’s see how it goes.

And then Jake goes away and brings me the grill and shows me his treasure—it’s a beautiful sight. With an electric rotisserie that moves the hot dogs around.

We agree to try it as a one-time trial and see how it goes.

Come to find out later that Jake is selling shares in his grill to 15 lucky people for a buck apiece, and they will get to grill hot dogs. A lesson in entrepreneurialism!

A great postscript to this story is that Jake’s advisor saw me talking to him in the doorway of my office and worried that Jake was in trouble. He approached me later and asked quietly if his advisee had done something wrong.

I said, oh no, nothing, we were just talking about his plans to grill hot dogs behind Dant. I told the advisor all about the purchase and the investment certain friends were making in the grilling process and he found this so funny that I think he was wiping tears from his eyes as he left the faculty lounge.

So why am I telling you this story? Well, in some ways, it’s what I like best about Catlin Gabel. This is the kind of school where a boy in his early teens new to the school can approach the principal and lobby for a weenie roast behind the Dant House. It’s also a school where anything can happen and usually does, and it’s because of the creative minds of these students.

A lot of what I get to do is wait and see how students will rise to a challenge or opportunity. They do this every time.

Senior family updates and reminders

If you have not already done so, please come by the Upper School office in Dant House to pick up your graduation materials: Six invitations per family and personalized announcements for those who have placed an order.
If you would like to order professional photos or a DVD of the ceremony, remember to fill out the forms distributed via email earlier this week. Forms can also be downloaded on the Upper School web page.
The senior class trip is June 3 through 6 (Friday through Monday). Permission forms are now available on the Upper School web page. The packing list accompanies the form, which is due on May 31st. Look for a follow-up email to be sent shortly.

Senior Vighnesh Shiv is a semifinalist in the Google Science Fair

Cast your vote for the People’s Choice Award by May 20 -- TODAY!!!

More than 7,500 students from 90 countries entered the competition. Vighnesh is one of 20 semifinalists in his age group. A panel of judges will select five finalists in each age group to visit Google headquarters for final judging and the opportunity to win a generous college scholarship. With your votes, Vighnesh could win the People’s Choice Award.

Vote for Vighnesh now!

Life after Catlin Gabel: Student and alumni voices

The alumni and college counseling programs invite parents and students from all divisions to come hear from seniors and alumni.

Tuesday, May 24
7 – 8:30 p.m.
Cabell Center Theater

How does lifelong learning take shape?

What are the benefits of a Catlin Gabel education?

Who do Catlin Gabel graduates become?

Physical exams for rising 7th, 9th, and 11th-graders

Bring the world home: Host an exchange student from Costa Rica

In the fall we will welcome sophomore Nimsi Campos-Solís, from the Cloud Forest School in Monteverde, Costa Rica.

Please contact Spencer White, global education coordinator, at whites@catlin.edu if you are interested in hosting our fifth scholar from the Cloud Forest School.

Expressing appreciation for the teachers we love

Summer Programs 2011

Our difference is learning

For additional information or to view the catalog and enroll, please visit http://www.catlin.edu/summer.

Inquiries can be directed to Len Carr, Director of Summer Programs, at summerprograms@catlin.edu or 503-297-1894, ext. 406.

Outdoor Education summer trip

Gorge ecology opportunity: July 25-29

Contact Erin Goodling at goodlinge@catlin.edu to sign up for this unique field experience.

Spring break 2012 finalized

Spring break is March 24 – April 1

In addition to syncing with PPS, the later break provides improved odds for decent weather for the experiential week just prior to spring break. Experiential week will run March 19–23.

Reminders

Upper School Art Show

Runs through June 17 in the Cabell Center Foyer.

Parking in St. Vincent's parking structure

Parking for the Catlin Gabel community is always limited to the top level of the St. Vincent's parking structure. We want to maintain our positive relationship with the hospital and retain our parking privileges.

Attendance

Please email or call Mary Yacob if your student will be late or absent at 503-297-1894, ext. 315, or yacobm@catlin.edu.

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Upper School Biweekly Bulletin - May 6, 2011

posted in

May 6, 2011Volume 2 Issue 15

Calendar

Graduation Announcements are available to pick-up TODAY!
May 6 -- US Office 12:30pm

Senior Projects Begin
May 9

US Art Show Opening & Reception
May 11

Seniors and 1st-Grade Buddies to Oregon Zoo
May 18

US New Familiy Social and Technology Fair
May 18

PFA Meeting - Final meeting of the year
May 19

Memorial Day -- Campus closed
May 30

Senior Projects End
June 1

US Concert
June 1

Beginning School Lifer Celebration
June 3 -- 9am in the Beehive

Senior Trip
June 3 to 6 -- Camp Namanu

Upper School Exams
June 6 to 8

Senior Seminar
June 7 and 8

Upper School Awards Ceremony
June 9 and 10 -- Cabell Center

Upper School used book turn in
June 9 and 10

Senior Picnic
June 10

US Graduation
June 11

View as a web page

Message from Michael Heath

Speak my Language

This week, as well as celebrating the 5^th of May in Spanish classes throughout the school, we were treated to an overall ‘Language Day’ on Wednesday. The various language teachers and all their students gave us a cosmopolitan experience which really went beyond the languages we teach in the Upper School, to exploring many cultures throughout the world. Personally, I enjoyed learning from Ron Sobel what ‘Bei mir bist du shayn!’ and other Yiddish phrases mean. And it always lifts our spirits in the high school when the little ones from the Lower School venture up to visit us, as they did on Language Day, skipping and doing cartwheels, reading all the signs and posters in languages they are just beginning to learn, and talking to students in the Upper School about the world of cultures and languages that is out there ready to explore.

Many heartfelt thanks to the linguists for all the hard work to bring us this joyful celebration.

وداعا, and kind regards,

Michael

Graduation Announcements are now available!

Pick up begins today, May 6th at 12:30pm

Invitations are slightly delayed. Please look for an email with new details.

You are welcome to wait and pick up all your materials together if you wish, but pick-up will continue until all items have been distributed. Students may sign out graduation materials for your family if you wish.

Upper School Art Show Opening and Reception

Wednesday, May 11
5pm to 6:30pm
Cabell Center Foyer

You are invited to come and celebrate great student art. Music and beverages provided.

Last PFA meeting of the school year

Thursday, May 19

8:30 – 10 a.m.

Gerlinger

The final PFA meeting of the year begins with announcements about next year's PFA officers, division coordinators, and grade reps will be announced. Summer Programs director Len Carr will update parents on all the activities that Catlin Gabel offers during the summer. Come learn about the PLACE program, the Elana Gold '93 Project, Outdoor Education adventures, and the wide variety of Summer Programs classes for kids of all ages.

Invisible Children fundraiser billings

As part of our April 19 Diversity Conference, the non-profit organization Invisible Children participated in the morning assembly. Invisible Children works to end the use of child soldiers in Uganda and other countries in central Africa. You can read more about their mission and work on their web site, www.invisiblechildren.com. In addition to the strong educational component of their outreach work, they also focus on fundraising through t-shirt sales and targeted event support. As a result, many students ordered t-shirts and special April 25th "Day of Silence" support kits, at $25 each, after the Diversity Conference assembly. These charges to student accounts will appear on the May 15 billing statements. We apologize in advance for these unexpected charges, as we know students did not have information beforehand to check with parents or guardians about this fundraiser. If you have any specific questions or concerns, please contact Jessica Marlitt in the US office, 503-203-5104.

You can still support the Gambol and Professional Development at Catlin Gabel!

Join our very own Beginning School and Lower School Woodshop teacher, Jennifer Marcus ’73, for the 4^th Annual Women’s Woodshop class

Saturday, May 14 at 2:00pm

Cost is $50.

Come build your very own garden/tool box in Catlin Gabel’s incredible woodshop and learn how to use the same hand tools your students use when building their beautiful wooden projects. No experience necessary! Everyone will enjoy this wonderful introduction to woodworking. You’ll build and take home a finished work of functional art!

Please email Sara Case at casesa@catlin.edu or (503) 297-1894 x423 if you are interested in signing up.

Spots are limited!

Outdoor Education Summer Trip

Gorge Ecology Opportunity

July 25-29

Are you interested in real-world issues related to biology, ecology, public policy, forestry, Native American culture/rights, climate change issues, or geology? If so, join us for a week this summer exploring the Hood River watershed by bike, raft, and foot?

Partnering with the Gorge Ecology Institute, we will travel from the headwaters of the Hood River at Eliot Glacier on Mt. Hood, all the way to the mouth of the Hood River as it merges with the great Columbia. All along the journey, we will seek to understand the natural functions of the watershed and human impacts on it. We will meet with a climatologist, a glaciologist, representatives from the Warm Springs tribe, US Fish and Wildlife scientists, and forest service employees working on stream/salmon habitat restoration. We will camp along the way (students don’t need special experience, and we can loan equipment such as backpacks and tents if necessary).

Contact Erin Goodling at goodlinge@catlin.edu to sign up for this unique field experience.

Spring break 2012 finalized

Spring break is March 24 – April 1

Catlin Gabel’s spring break next year is the last week in March—not the previous week, which was published as tentative.

We had been waiting for the Portland Public Schools to schedule their spring break before finalizing our schedule, so our break aligns with theirs.

In addition to syncing with PPS, the later break provides improved odds for decent weather for experiential week just prior to spring break. Experiential week will run March 19–23.

Laptop program showcase

Wednesday, May 18, 5:30 – 7 p.m.

More information: Laptop program

SUMMER PROGRAMS 2011

Our difference is Learning

Catlin Gabel Summer Programs are open to Catlin Gabel students, as well as everyone in the community, so feel free to spread the word to family, friends, neighbors, and community groups. Please be sure to review our beautiful catalog of offerings and enroll today—classes are filling!

For additional information or to view the catalog and to enroll, please visit http://www.catlin.edu/summer.

Inquiries can be directed to Len Carr, Director of Summer Programs, at summerprograms@catlin.edu or 503-297-1894, x406.

Reminders

Parking in St. Vincent's parking structure

Please remamber, and remind your students, to always park only on the top level of the St. Vincent's parking structure. We want to maintain our positive relationship and retain our parking priveleges for all our upcoming spring events.

Attendance

Please email or call Mary Yacob if your student will be late or absent at 503-297-1894 ext. 315 or yacobm@catlin.edu.

Happy Mother's Day from all of us in the Upper School!

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Upper School Biweekly Bulletin - April 8, 2011

posted in

April 8, 2011Volume 2, Issue 13

Calendar

Model UN Conference in Eugene
April 7 to 9

From Darkness to Light
April 9 and 10

Viewfinder Film Series
April 14

Diversity Conference - No regular classes
April 19

Adoptive Family Affinity Group Meeting
April 21

US Jazz Band Concert
April 22 -- Cabel Center

Online Registration Deadline for Fall Courses
April 22

Michael Thompson Visits Campus
April 26

US New Familiy Social and Technology Fair
April 26 (date change)

No-Homework Weekend
April 29 to May 1

US Prom
April 30

Catlin Gabel Spring Festival
May 1 -- noon to 4:00 pm

Celebration of Language Day
May 4

Senior Projects Begin
May 9

Seniors and 1st-Grade Buddies to Oregon Zoo
May 18

View as a web page

Message from Michael Heath

Soggy, but still green and growing…

Winterim. Until recently, we had this in February, thinking we could really use the break in the middle of that short, dark month. Then we moved the days up against spring break to accommodate longer trips and some of our global education goals. This has worked well, for the most part. We also thought that later in the year, we would likely have better weather and could spend time out-of-doors around Oregon. This did not pan out this year, alas.

Even so, there were some great Winterims this year! The Habitat for Humanities Winterim spent two days "building houses in the Portland rain." As the trip leader put it to me, "We didn’t just work hard, but we loved it, too."

Another Winterim learned about all things Italian: "We had a great time learning how to make biscotti and espresso, pasta and pizza from scratch, pasta sauces, and learning about ancient Roman gladiator culture and Italian neo-realism film. The kids survived La Dolce Vita, laser tag in honor of Sicilian mafia history, and a five-course meal at Nostrana's."

I also love the rich descriptions I have heard from the cross-country ski trip around Crater Lake. There seemed to be two primary activities—digging out of snow and skiing in the open beauty. David Zonana, the outdoor education teacher who helped lead this trip, said: "We arrived back at Catlin Gabel at 6:30 pm on Thursday after an incredibly memorable trip! I couldn’t have been more impressed with the students on this ambitious trip."

Likewise, we were all impressed with the students who organized everything from Art by BART (a San Francisco Winterim) to Yoga (Plus So Much More) for the week. As mundane as it might seem, Winterim gives them the experience of trying out their wings—figuring out leadership and what it’s all about. For some, this goes beautifully; for others, it’s a struggle; but we all learn an awful lot.

With kind regards,

Michael Heath

**From Darkness to Light: Diary of Anne Frank by Grigori Frid**

Saturday, April 9, 7:30 pm

Sunday, April 10, 2 pm

Cabell Center Theater

Catlin Gabel is a proud supporter of this Portland Chamber Orchestra concert. Our own theater director, Robert Medley, is stage-directing, and his theater-tech students are the road crew! The 8th-grade curriculum connects with the theme, and the Middle School art exhibition in the Cabell Center features guest artists and their Holocaust-related work.

» More information about the performances

Adoptive Family Affinity Group meeting

Thursday, April 21, 5:30 pm

Beehive Well

Was your family built through adoption? Are you an adult adoptee, or did your child join your family through adoption? Please join the Adoptive Family Affinity Group for appetizers and friendly conversation.

Jazz Band fundraiser and Search Party concert

Rock trio Search Party is recording a concert CD, and Catlin Gabel's own Jazz Band is the opening act! Don't miss this night of rockin' good music, sponsored by Slipknot Productions.

Friday, April 22, 7:30 pm (doors open at 7 pm)
Cabell Center Theater

Advance tickets: $5 (available through division offices)
Tickets at the door: $10
Proceeds benefit the Catlin Gabel Jazz Band

» Search Party mp3 and video

Course registration is upon us!

Over the next three weeks, your students will be using our computerized registration system to sign up for next year’s classes. Please talk with them about the courses they plan to take, and ask them to show you how the system works! Online registration will close Friday, April 22; students must turn in a printout of their course selection, signed by a parent, by Friday, April 29.

How to Raise Responsible Children

Lunchtime conversation with Michael Thompson, Ph.D.

Tuesday, April 26, noon – 1:45 pm
Location to be determined

Sponsored by the PFA

RSVP required. E-mail Mary Yacob to sign up.

Light lunch provided; brown bags welcome.

Parents and guardians of students from age 4 to 18 will find Michael's talk relevant. He mixes anecdotal and clinical experience with research on the outcomes of different parenting styles and comes up with a warm-hearted recipe for providing children with an internal foundation for moral behavior.

» More about Michael Thompson and this conversation

The Pressured Child: Helping Your Child Find Success in School and Life

Free lecture by Michael Thompson, Ph.D.

Tuesday, April 26, 7:00 – 9:00 pm
Cabell Center Theater

Sponsored by the PFA

The Pressured Child is, in fact, a presentation for "pressured parents" who have forgotten what school is actually like. It is a talk for parents who are gripped by worries and misapprehensions about their children's life in school.

Catlin Gabel has invited parents from six independent schools to come to our campus for this special event: Arbor, FAIS/Gilkey, OES, PJA, Childpeace Montessori, and St. Andrew Nativity.

» More about Michael Thompson and this presentation

Catlin Gabel jewelry orders for seniors

The alumni association is pleased to offer Catlin Gabel silver jewelry for sale to all seniors. The class ring, bracelet charm, and tie-tack/lapel pins are a wonderful way to commemorate their experiences and achievements at Catlin Gabel. They are expertly crafted by Klein Jewelers in Portland and feature the iconic Catlin Gabel pine tree in silver on a blue enamel background.

Ring sizing is available in the alumni office in Toad Hall. Orders must be made by April 29, 2011.

Please contact the alumni relations office for pricing and ordering at alumni@catlin.edu or 503-297-1894, x363.

SUMMER PROGRAMS 2011

Catlin Gabel Summer Programs: Our Difference is Learning.

For additional information or to view the catalog and to enroll, please visit http://www.catlin.edu/summer.

Inquiries can be directed to Len Carr, Director of Summer Programs, at summerprograms@catlin.edu or 503-297-1894, x406.

Reminder

Attendance
Please report your students' attendance to Mary Yacob at yacobm@catlin.edu or 503-297-1894, x315.

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Upper School Biweekly Bulletin - March 15 2011

posted in

March 18, 2011Volume 2 Issue 12

Calendar

Oregon Artists' Exhibition
Ends Today March 18 in the Cabell Center Foyer

Winter Trimester Ends
March 18

Spring Break - No classes
March 21 - 25

Oregon Regional Robotics Competition - Coliseum
March 24 - 26

Spring Trimester Begins
March 28

US One-Act Festival -- Cabell Center
April 1 & 2 (correction) -- 7:30pm

Gambol Auction
April 2

Spring Drivers' Education begins
April 4

US Campus and Community Service Day
April 6

Viewfinder Film Series
April 14

View as a web page

A Message from Michael Heath

The Web 2.0 Classroom?

Even as I’m writing this I’m sitting in a conference with colleagues from some of the best schools in the country and around the world. We are at Lakeside School up in Seattle exploring the immense possibilities around on-line learning in a high school environment.

We all recognize how much the world is changing and it’s exciting to see where things are heading. It’s unpredictable in some ways, but exciting.

For example, a speaker this morning mentioned being in a conference in the mid-90’s where someone described what was going to happen with satellite technology and our automobiles. He said it will soon be possible to know exactly where your car is at any time and you will have a little screen in your car that will give you a virtual roadmap of the streets in front of you and will be able to give you turn-by-turn directions to a destination. At the time, everyone in the room thought this person was absolutely crazy!

So it is with the technology today. We see it shaping the world and particularly the world of our children. For the most part they have never known an existence without the World Wide Web. How does this truth shape education? One simple way is realizing a shift in learning priorities from content to skills.

Plutarch says that ‘the correct analogy for the mind is not a vessel that needs filling, but wood that needs igniting.’ Not only is this philosophically sympathetic to how we create a school environment, it is now a necessary credo in the Web 2.0 world. Any skeptic can simply take some time to use the search engine found on www.wolframalpha.com and discover how easy it is to find ‘knowledge’.

Considering teaching opportunities with a group of colleagues is a rich and fruitful dialogue we will certainly continue as we look to be the best, student-centered school we can be.

Register for the GAMBOL!

The Gambol is fast approaching on April 2, so get your tickets & Golden Raffle tickets before they sell out! Go to the Gambol Web site for details and to register.

You can also check out some AMAZING art pieces that will be in the live auction. Two of which can be viewed at Toad Hall. http://www.catlin.edu/giving/gambol/catalog/live-auction-items.

Hope to see you April 2. It’s sure to be a blast!

Need a babysitter for the Gambol?

Need a Babysitter for The Gambol? Catlin Gabel Juniors and Seniors are hosting a babysitting fundraiser on the night of Gambol to raise money for Prom. A babysitter will be hand-picked for your family and will babysit at your home while you enjoy The Gambol! The only cost to you is a $50 donation for our services. And you just might make a long term Upper School babysitting connection! If you are interested, please contact Lauren Ellis at ellisl@catlin.edu (a Catlin Gabel Junior and sister of Bailey - 4th grade - and Hannah - 2nd grade).

8th grade robotics Team Delta vying for Global Innovation prize, and you can vote for them

Our 8th grade robotics Team Delta has come up with an amazing idea for making prosthetic devices cheaper and more accessible in developing countries. They're in the XPrize competition for Global Innovation, and they need your help. You can vote for them at the bottom of their web page at http://fllinnovationaward.firstlegoleague.org/teams/cgs-team-delta.

They’re close to making the top 10 and voting closes TODAY March 18! Your vote matters.

Oregon Regional Robotics Competition

Coliseum, March 24 - 26

Admission is free! For more information visit: www.oregonfirst.org

Spring driver's education

Classes start April 4

The Oregon Driver Education Center will conduct driver's education classes at Catlin Gabel from Monday, April 4 through Wednesday, May 25. Classes will meet at Catlin Gabel in Gerlinger Media Room on Mondays and Wednesdays from 4:30 to 6:30 pm.

For more information, please call Lois Lents at 503-297-4813. All registration and payment is managed by the Oregon Driver Education Center.

Summer Programs registration open

Preschool through High School

Catlin Gabel Summer Programs class offerings range from arts and music, modern languages, writing, SAT prep, outdoor education, service and lots more. The dates for most 2011 summer classes are July 5 through August 5.

Also on tap for the summer are the PLACE urban studies program, Outdoor Education trips, and the Elana Gold ’93 Environmental Restoration Project.

For online catalog and registration, go to the Summer Programs web page.

Happy Spring Break from all of us in the Upper School!

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Upper School Biweekly Bulletin - February 25, 2011

posted in

February 25, 2011Volume 2 Issue 11

Calendar

Oregon Artists' Exhibition
February 11 to March 18 in the Cabell Center Foyer

Viewfinder Film Series tonight
February 25 -- 6:00 to 8:30 pm

Start of Spring Sports
February 28

US Winter Play
March 4 - 5

US Choir Spring Concert
March 8

Jimmy Santiago Baca will visit Catlin Gabel as a Jean Vollum Distinguished Writer
March 10 - 11

Winterim
March 14 - 17

Winter Trimester Ends
March 18

Spring Break - No classes
March 21 - 25

Spring Trimester Begins
March 28

Gambol Auction
April 2

US Campus and Community Service Day
April 6

US One-Act Festival -- Cabell Center
April 8 -- 7:00 to 10:00 pm

Viewfinder Film Series
April 14

View as a web page

Message from Michael Heath

‘A Bully’s Playground’

Dear Families

Navigating social networks is a tricky business, to say the least. When something has been brought to our attention that might cause some concern, we feel obligated to bring it up to you as parents, so that you can make informed decisions about computer use at home.

This happened recently with a phenomenon connected with Facebook called Formspring. Essentially, this application allows other people in your social network to ask questions of you anonymously. Most of the time this can be innocuous, but anytime you invite adolescents to comment on each other anonymously through a social network with no formal guidelines around etiquette, there is the potential for serious harm.

If you Google ‘Formspring’, one of the top hits is an article that claims that with Formspring ‘Anyone Can Ask You Anything. And You’ll Love It.’

As educators, we certainly don’t sympathize with this position. In fact, we have firsthand experience of the opposite effect working its way through our community.

Some of you may remember several years ago when we had a very serious instance of cyber bullying around a similar application called ‘Honesty Box’. That application lets your friends in your network say anything they like to you anonymously. Formspring is essentially the same tool, but in the form of questions.

One parent recently referred to Formspring as ‘A Bully’s Playground’ and we would have to agree.

We would strongly urge parents to prohibit this application for their children. This kind of anonymity most of the time may be harmless, but it can also be devastating and cause long-lasting harm.

We hope that you will talk with your child(ren) about Formspring and encourage them to protect themselves and others by not participating in this on-line site. Thank you very much for continuing to work with us to create a healthy and inclusive community both on-line and face-to-face.

Sincerely,

Michael Heath

Summer Programs registration open

Catlin Gabel Summer Programs class offerings range from arts and music, modern languages, writing, SAT prep, outdoor education, service and more. The dates for most 2011 summer classes are July 5 – August 5 and serve preschool through high school students. Also on tap for the summer are the PLACE urban studies program, Outdoor Education trips, and the Elana Gold ’93 Environmental Restoration Project. Check it out!

Catlin Gabel presents the world’s longest running musical

The Upper School’s Catlin Gabel Players present The Fantastiks on Friday, March 4, and Saturday, March 5, at 7:30 p.m. in the Cabell Center Theater. The Fantastiks is a captivating and simple romantic comedy. The score, which includes "Try To Remember," "They Were You," and "Soon It's Gonna Rain," is as timeless as the story itself. Appropriate for children ages 10 and older. Admission: $8 for students and senior citizens, $12 for adults.

Spring sports will start Monday February 28^th

Girls Tennis -- meet at the tennis courts at 3:30
Boys tennis -- meet in the gym at 4:30pm
Baseball -- meet in the gym at 3:30pm
Track -- meet in the gym at 3:30
Boys and Girls Golf -- meet in the gym at 3:30pm

Viewfinder Global Film Series: SUSTAINABILITY and LAND

Friday, February 25 at 6:30 in Vollum

1. The Garden, hosted by Carter Latendresse & Peter Shulman
2. Trees for the 21st Century, The Giving Tree, The Man Who Planted Trees Shorts Program hosted by Spencer White, *suitable for very young audiences
3. The Silence of the Bees, hosted by Robert Medley *suitable for grades 3 and up

PFA seeking volunteer leadership for the 2011-12 school year

All parents and guardians interested in a leadership position with the PFA can put their names forward. Go ahead, nominate yourself! Serving in a leadership capacity with the PFA is a great way to get to know fellow parents, work with the faculty, and feel connected to Catlin Gabel.

»Learn more about the nomination process

Spring driver's education

Classes start April 4

The Oregon Driver Education Center will conduct driver's education classes at Catln Gabel from Monday, April 4 through Wednesday, May 25. Classes will meet at Catlin Gabel in Gerlinger Media Room on Mondays and Wednesdays from 4:30 to 6:30 pm.

For more information, please call Lois Lents at 503-297-4813. All registration and payment is managed by the Oregon Driver Education Center.

Donation request from Senegal Winterim group

Do you have small lotions, soaps, perfumes, or make-up?

During Catlin's Winterim trip to Senegal, we will stay with members of 10,000 Girls. 10,000 Girls is a non-profit that helps girls stay in school, by offering after school tutoring, helping families provide support for studying, and operating a bookmobile across rural Senegal. Catlin has already sent numerous boxes of books for the bookmobile.

There is a high drop out rate for girls in Senegal, but 10,000 Girls has succeeded in keeping girls in school and helping 82% of them advance to the next grade by passing the annual test. The non-profit also teaches entrepreneurial skills to those no longer in school, like baking, sewing, even selling tea to a California store. Currently, there are 2,567 girls enrolled in the tutoring program in 12 different towns.

Most of the girls come from what we consider low-income families, but they do have the necessities of life. What we can bring from the U.S. to reward their hard work are small luxuries that are very expensive in Senegal – and that are special to the girls. Most treasured are small fragrant lotions or soaps, perfumes, or make up.

If you'd like to donate, we'll make sure the girls know that Catlin wants to share our bounty with them and congratulate them on their dedication to school or entrepreneurship. There will be a box in the office of Dant House until March 4^th.

Thanks for your generosity,

The Catlin Senegal Trip

Host an Exchange Student from Botswana

Catlin Gabel is honored to invite international visitors to our community. Students from abroad broaden our perspectives and connect us with communities around the globe. We make every effort to graciously welcome a diverse group of guests each year.

Some words from our current Maru-a-Pula Scholar and her hosts

Having a host family is like having a home away from home because they are all always making sure I am alright and do everything they can to make sure I am not homesick, like make me chicken noodle soup when I am sick. I am truly having a LOVELY time.

- Mmaserame Gaefele

Hosting Mmaserame this year has been an amazing opportunity. Connecting with a peer from another culture is truly a unique and fulfilling experience, and we have formed a life-long friendship. She's great!

- Jenna Rolle

Mmaserame is a bright spot in our home and in our lives - this has been one of the most rewarding experiences our family has shared.

- Sally Wilson-Rolle

Mmaserame has been a delight to have. She's mature, responsible, social, and very focused on her studies plus a little social life at school, as I suspect all the Maru-a-Pula kids are. It has been a great relationship for our own daughter, who is close in age to Mmaserame, and has really enriched our family life this year.

- Keith Rolle

Next year, we will welcome Aone Sethibe from Maru-a-Pula School in Botswana for a year-long stay.

The school writes:

Aone joined the Form 3 year at Maru-a-Pula in 2008 from Australia, where she had been studying and living. She immediately proved herself to be a dedicated, intelligent and conscientious pupil. She attained an impressive 9 As in the mid-year “mock” examinations. Aone was able to achieve 87 points out of 90 for her English coursework—a sure sign that her writing and communication skills are exceptional.

During her time at Maru-a-Pula, she volunteered for a range of community service programs. She wrote for the school newsletter; taught disadvantaged primary-school children math and English skills; distributed food packages to the elderly; and was a member of the school HIV/AIDS Awareness Committee, which organises an annual week-long information campaign for students and staff. Aone describes teaching less advantaged pupils as one of the most rewarding outreach activities she has done because of the dramatic academic improvement she witnessed. Aside from all her service projects, she is a keen piano student and is currently studying at the Grade 5 level. She has been a member of the tag-rugby, soccer and basketball teams.

She counts her strong traits to be her open-mindedness and friendly nature, and she plans on becoming a pediatrician. Aone looks forward to joining the Catlin Gabel family in 2011.

Please contact Spencer White at whites@catlin.edu if you would like to express interest in hosting Aone next year.

Reminders

Attendance

If your student is sick or will be late, please contact Mary Yacob in the Upper School Office at yacobm@catlin.edu or 503-297-1894, ext. 315.

Tours are available of the Catlin Gabel arts facilities

Want to learn more about plans for the new art center? Contact Darrell Yuen (yuend@catlin.edu) in the development office to take a tour of the MS/US art facilities, as well as the site of the proposed building.

On exhibit in the Cabell Center Foyer

February 11 to March 18 Oregon Artists from the Collections of Jordan D. Schnitzer: Rick Bartow, Lucinda Parker, Tad Savinar, and Sherrie Wolf.

Winterims have been assigned!

Please ask your student about their Winterim assignment. Emails went out to students and leaders last week.

If any family feels they need financial support for their student's Winterim, a financial aid form can be downloaded from the Winterim website. You can also view the catalog.

Please understand that changes are not possible unless they are due to a family emergency. Contact Jessica or Mary if you have any questions, and thank you for your support in making this week of experiential learning a successful endeavor.

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Upper School Biweekly Bulletin

Calendar

Message from Michael Heath

Civic Engagement

Tonight! Upper School Senior Play

Office Hours (by A.R. Gurney): A senior/faculty production

The Winterim catalog is LIVE!

Check the Winterim Web site for details.

Gambol 2012

February parent community meeting moved to Wednesday

Did you miss the mayoral debate?

Watch it online.

Calendar

Message from Michael Heath

Learning in Winterims

Viewfinder Global Film Series continues

Friday, January 27: Diversity: Challenging our Assumptions

Outdoor Program announces spring and summer trips

Upper School assembly: Poetry festival

Thursday, February 2 10:40 – 11:40 am Cabell Center Theater

Let Creativity Bloom panel discussion

Attendance

Assembly

Calendar

Message from Michael Heath

Making resolutions

Teaching and Learning Center parent night

Perception, Myth and Reality: Underage Drinking

College information night for the class of 2013 and their parents

US senior play: Office Hours

Reminder: Ski Program starts in a few short weeks!

Reminders

Attendance

Assembly

Happy New Year!

Calendar

Message from Michael Heath

Athletic vision

Viewfinder Global Film Series tonight!

Vollum Humanities Building, 6:30 pm

Upper School dance tomorrow night!

Upper School-sponsored Red Cross blood drive this Monday

PFA senior-parent potluck

Conversation between Lark Palma and James Furnary '12

Catlin Gabel hosts BunnyBot competition

Saturday, December 17, 11:00 am, Catlin Gabel tennis courts

College Counseling news

Kaplan SAT prep course for juniors

Snow day closures

General policy

Personal decisions

Snow day bus service

Catlin Gabel letter jackets available now

From Daisy Steele, laptop technologies manager

Catlin Gabel ski program

Attendance! Attendance! Attendance!

Calendar

Message from Michael Heath

Community Service

Tree Planting Service Project

All are welcome...

Is your student interested in playing Boys' Basketball?

Resiliency in Our Youth

With Paul Myers and Nancy Donehower

Japan trip information meeting

Slide lecture Monday, November 7, 7:30 pm, Gerlinger Auditorium

Thursday, November 17

Owyhee Canyon Exploration

Reminder to update your student's Attendance

Calendar

Message from Michael Heath

School photos have been distributed this week!!

Haunted house on campus!

Saturday, October 29, 5:00 to 9:00 pm, Barn

Girls' Generation: FIRST Robotics competition

Have an old Lower School Gambol art project you aren't displaying?

Bus information for Blue Route

Ghanaian artist in residence: Eric Adjetey Anang

Slide lecture Monday, November 7, 7:30 pm, Gerlinger Auditorium

Ecuador trip applications due Wednesday, October 26

Office Hours (by A.R. Gurney):
A senior/faculty production

Thursday, February 2
10:40 – 11:40 am
Cabell Center Theater

Thursday, October 6
5:45 to 9:00 pm
Beginning in the Cabell Center Theater

Tuesday, September 27, 4:30 to 6:00 pm
Dant House Faculty Lounge

Thursday, October 6
5:45 to 9:00 pm
Beginning in the Cabell Center Theater