TTSD Community Newsletter

It has been a very eventful and exciting week. I’m happy to share with you the following updates as we move forward with our plans to begin to welcome students back and phase in in-person instruction. Early this week we received the revised health metrics guidance from the Oregon Department of Education (ODE). You can find them here: Advisory Metrics for Returning to In-Person. Important takeaways from this new guidance:

• Previous guidance stated if COVID-19 cases dropped below 100 per 100,000 residents during the previous two-week period, districts were to begin phased-in reopening of schools. Those metrics have been revised to below 350 cases per 100,000 residents.

• This new guidance states that if case counts (in Washington County) are between 200 - 250 per 100,000 residents during a two-week period we are to focus on elementary in-person instruction.

• If metrics prove 50-199 cases per 100,000 residents during the previous two-week period, focus will be expanded to beyond elementary in-person instruction. Full Message HERE.

The Oregon Tax Code provides an additional tax exemption for parents of eligible children with disabilities in Oregon. The procedure for claiming an exemption for the 2020 tax year is explained in the Oregon Individual Income Tax Return and Instruction booklets.

Who qualifies for the exemption?

A child qualifies if he or she meets all of the following criteria:

• Qualifies as a dependent of the parent(s) for tax year 2020;
• Is eligible for early intervention services (birth to age 3), early childhood special education services (ages 3 to 5) or receives special education as defined by the State Board of Education of the state where the child attends school; and,
• Is considered to have a disability as of December 31, 2020 under the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and related Oregon laws.

What documentation must be submitted with the tax return to qualify for this exemption?

As the tax instruction booklet indicates, the child must have an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP), as well as a current eligibility statement as a student with a disability. If you do not have these documents contact your District for a copy of the IEP/IFSP cover sheet, and eligibility statement. Copies of the IEP/IFSP cover sheet and eligibility statement are not required to be submitted with the tax return. However, parents are advised to retain a copy with their 2020 tax records as the Oregon Department of Revenue may ask the parents to provide such documentation. If you have any Special Education related questions, please contact your local education provider.

Oregon Department of Revenue Online Instructions and Forms

For further information and assistance in completing Oregon tax forms, consult a tax professional or contact the Oregon Department of Revenue at 1-800-356-4222. Oregon income tax forms/publications are available at the DOR website (www.oregon.gov/DOR). That process will allow you to claim the additional tax exemption for the 2020 year.

The Packed with Pride program, providing over 800 meal boxes a week to TTSD families, has received a very generous donation from the LAM Foundation. LAM Research Company supports communities around the world.

"We prioritize investing in our communities. We established the LAM Foundation in 2000 to give back with a focus on STEM education and quality of life, making our commitment to helping our communities even stronger."

This donation supports Packed with Pride's ability to continue to provide meals to TTSD families during this difficult time and in turn, helps students focus on school when their basic needs are met.

Thank you LAM Foundation and the LAM Community for your generosity and care.

The Oregon Department of Education released the 2019-2021 statewide graduation rate report this week. Full details for statewide graduation rates can be found here.

For our district, this report demonstrates a 1/6% drop in TTSD’s 4-year graduation rates from the previous year (2018-2019). We first recognize the impacts of Comprehensive Distance Learning (CDL) on our students beginning last March and note that our district’s decline was concentrated in our most vulnerable populations. For these populations – our underserved students of color, students with disabilities, and our students experiencing poverty, we note that for the first time in six years our rates drop below the state average. For a more detailed report on the data behind TTSD’s 2019-2020 graduation rates, please visit this website page.

Please join us at the February 8, 2021, School Board meeting for a formal report on the outcomes of this report and how it is informing our immediate and long-term actions to address this gap.

January 4-8: Fostering a Growth Mindset

English Family Video

Fomentar una mentalidad en desarrollo

January 11-15: Developing a Good Work Ethic

English Family Video

Etica Laboral

January 19-22: Active Listening

English Family Video

Enseñar a sus hijos a escuchar activamente

January 25-29 Dealing with Disagreements: Conflict Resolution

English Family Video( Solving Conflicts)

Spanish Video (Resolución de conflictos)

Just a reminder that the District Calendar was revised in December

• February 5 is a grading day and No School.
• February 15 No School for Presidents Day Holiday
• February 24 No School for Teacher Workday

There will be no meal service on the No School days. Two breakfasts and two lunches will be provided on February 4th and February 23

Wednesday, January 27

6:00 to 7:30 PM
Link to Details and to RSVP

503-575-3764

Racial Equity Support Line

"Staffed by people with lived experience of racism. We offer support to those who are feeling the emotional impacts of racist violence and microaggressions, as well as the impacts of immigration struggles and other cross-cultural issues."

Hear from current school board members and students at our upcoming free webinar:

Q&A/Board and student panel discussion
Tuesday, Jan. 26, at 12 p.m.

Is there a teacher who has gone above and beyond to teach your student this year? Nominate them for Oregon Teacher of the Year to show your appreciation. January 31, 2021 is the deadline to nominate your favorite teacher. Oregon's Teacher of the Year Web Page.

Your school counselors can help.

They are available for consultation, student check-in's, or referral to outside services. Contact your school office to be connected to the school Counselor or Family Partnership Advocate.

School Contact Information

Email: lburton@ttsd.k12.or.us
Website: ttsdschools.org
Location: 6960 Southwest Sandburg Street, Tigard, OR, USA
Phone: 503-431-4000
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TTSDSchools/
Twitter: @TigardTualSD