Irvington Weekly Newsletter

As we head into fall break, I hope everyone has the opportunity to connect with family and friends. It's certainly been an atypical November here at Irvington, and I hope we get to welcome everyone back after the break.

As of this writing, there has not been an end to the strike, but that could change tonight, this weekend, or next week. I will continue to keep you updated via text as the district shares information.

As you saw last night, the district made the decision to cancel conferences next week. Even if the union and the district reach a tentative agreement today, teachers would not have an opportunity to prepare for conferences, and we want to make sure that teachers have the chance to make these conferences meaningful for families. Moreover, Monday and Tuesday next week could not be turned into instructional days because we would not have the infrastructure (buses, kitchen staff, etc.) to operate school as usual. This means that the earliest we can invite students back will be Monday, November 27.

Many big questions floating around (what about report cards? when will conferences be rescheduled? will the school year extend into the summer?) can only be answered after the strike ends, and I will share information as soon as I have it.

During fall break, the office will be closed. If you call our number (503-916-6185), we will return your call the week of November 27. But if you need more immediate support, please reach out to me at ggregoricka@pps.net.

A reminder that Kid Camp will not be available next week. Should the strike continue past Fall Break, it is unclear at this point if Kid Camp will continue to be offered or not. Email updates from the PTA will be sent out over break as necessary.

The winter term class after school class offerings are now available! See all the offerings and learn more at www.irvingtonschool.com/afterschool/. Registration will open Monday, December 4, at 6pm.

Students on free/reduced lunch can apply for a scholarship for one after school class each term! Scholarship applications can be found online here, and paper copies can be found at the front office once school is back in session. Applications can be filled out anytime and are due no later than Friday, December 8, at 3:30pm.

Regardless of the length of the strike, the middle school lottery for next year's sixth grade assignments will keep the same timeline: November 15 through December 15. You can apply on the Enrollment and Transfer website starting then. Note: this only applies if you are looking at focus option middle schools. If you plan to attend your neighborhood middle school (for most of you, Harriet Tubman Middle School), enrollment is automatic.

Week of November 20: School closed for fall break

Monday, December 4: Picture re-takes

Monday, December 4: Winter after-school classes sign-up, 6pm

Wednesday, December 6: Site Council meeting, 7-8pm, at this link

See it all at a glance here: https://www.irvingtonschool.com/