Sitton Standard- November Edition

Dear Falcon Families,

The start of November brings us unusual times. It is my sincere hope that kids are back in school soon with sustainable solutions to the pressing problems of the day. To launch this month of gratitude, I want to thank our many community members including Marissa & Tyler with First Door PDX, our PTA families and also PPS nutritional services who have been supporting the community during this time. You bring us laughter, resources and joy.

Today I wanted to take a moment to share with you Sitton's "True North". While we borrowed the title from Roosevelt High School, our True North has been our school's compass for the last three years and articulates the shared vision for our school. Mr. Martinez and I wrote the first draft over the Summer of 2021 and our leadership team helped revise before we launched it with all staff at the start of the 21-22 school year. It is something that we return to and reflect on frequently. It helps guide our thinking around school improvement and determines what initiatives we invest in. It is also an important acknowledgment that elementary school is just the first leg of the relay wherein we lay the foundation of confidence and competence both socially and academically. We've had success in the last 3 years in getting closer to realizing True North; all student subgroups have made significant academic gains and our school climate is safer, more joyful and focused on learning. However, we still have room to grow in terms of students reaching their academic potential and truly being able to include all students and families meaningfully and just like with our students, we strive for progress not perfection.

As you read True North above, I hope it rings true and reflects what you've experienced as part of our community. During our October Site Council meeting, the team of parents and educators decided it was time we share True North with our families in a meaningful way, and I agree! When we return to the building, you can expect to see True North more visibly posted around Sitton. We hope to make it a point of conversation with you and we welcome your questions and reflections. Each of us has an important role in creating a the best learning community possible for our students. I appreciate your partnership and look forward welcoming everyone back to the building soon.

In Community,

Becky Berry

Principal, Sitton Elementary School

Sitton Google Calendar Linked Here!

Once we return to school, we will be sure to share the dates for the following November events that will likely need to be rescheduled due to school closures:

• Literacy Night
• Sitton Fun Run
• Padres Latinos
• PTA Movie Night
• Family Conferences & Quarter 1 Report Cards
• Student Council Elections
• Earthquake Drill

School meals are available free of charge for all kids ages 1-18 at Sitton from 11:30-1:00pm Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday right out of the main entrance! Free meals for students are also available at the Pier Park Apartments from 12:00-1:00 near the path entrance to the park also on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday!

Every Monday from 1:00-3:00 of the school closure, Portland Parks and Rec will offer a free community food pantry at the St. John's Community Center! We hope to see you there!

This October, we started a new system for differentiated math instruction that all students in grades 1-5 are participating in called Powermath. Our leadership team was inspired by a visit to an inclusive demonstration school in Kirkland, Washington last Spring and we have brought this practice to Sitton. Using our I-Ready Assessment data from late September we grouped students into small math teams, and matched the teams with a teacher. Some students are working with their classroom teacher, some with a specialist! Powermath is an additional half hour of math instruction on top of our regular grade level instruction that provides for more extension for students ready for a challenge in addition to more practice for students who are still growing their skills. This allows for each students to be appropriately challenged at their level! In January, we will be using our second round of I-Ready Assessment data to measure what students have learned and re-adjust groups accordingly! Each small group icreated a team name and logo. Be sure to ask your student what their team name is and what they have been learning. Check out the Super-Gatitos, Shapes of Lightning, and the Math Pandas below!!!!

Our goal is to stay above 90% attendance for the whole year. Let's keep our streak going as soon as we return to the building! Thank you families!

We are having a Garden Work Party on Friday, Nov. 3rd, 10:00 - 12:00. Please sign up if you can by emailing sittongardenclub@gmail.com. Children are welcome, under your supervision. YOU are invited! And needed! We will

• Prepare the garden for winter.
• Enjoy some community time.
• Learn more about how the garden is being used.

There were many fun and engaging learning experiences that happened outside of the classroom this month. Fifth graders have been studying photography and took instamax cameras to Smith and Bybee Lakes. DLI classes took at buddy-class trip to the Hoyt Arboretum and Kindergarten launched their farm unit with a trip to the Pumpkin Patch!

We also want to thank all of the volunteers that made the Kindergarten Sensory Fair such a huge success. Thank you!

Linked here you will find instructional resources for students to access on their Chromebooks during the school closure. Students can also work on I-Ready my path, Imagine Espanol and BrainPop! You are welcome to email PPS IT with any technology related issues at support@pps.net