The Husky Monthly

September was action-packed and capped off with lots of spirited activities during Homecoming week. Be sure to get plugged in and stay connected via our school Facebook page, school Instagram page, ASB Leadership Instagram, FFA Instagram, & our school app.

September is also busy with initial benchmark assessments in most grade levels, primarily in the subjects of Math and Reading. Kindergarten through 5th grade families, please keep an eye on your mailbox as reports and letters are mailing out soon sharing your student's initial performance on our Reading benchmark assessment, via easyCBM. The goal is 100% of students reading and performing at grade level or above. Interim assessments are critical as we use this information to build support plans and schedules for students, both small groups and as individuals, and as they progress in grade levels we use the information to build their class schedules.

This month we want to highlight slight revisions and updates regarding student academic eligibility for co-curricular activities. Please see last month's Husky Monthly for other key changes regarding personal electronics, bullying, and the student dress code.

The below excerpt is from the student handbook (pg. 13).

Each participant must be passing all classes to maintain academic eligibility for sports and/or co-curricular activities such as FFA, Chess Club, Gaming Club, etc.

The school will produce a weekly list of students who are receiving a D or an F, and parents will be informed. A student becomes ineligible when they have an “F” in any class. Athletic and/or co-curricular eligibility will be restored the following Tuesday if all grades are passing. This does not include playing in the pep band at home events.

5th grade students participating in extracurricular activities are expected to attend SKORE and 6th – 12th grade students are expected to attend Husky Helping Hands that week until their grades are raised to passing levels. Student/Athletes who are ineligible will not be allowed to travel to away events. Students who are suspended during the week (ISS or OSS) will not be eligible for contests or allowed to participate in field trips during that week.

All students, regardless of academic eligibility status, are welcome at school activities such as dances, field trips, games, etc. Academic eligibility rules apply only to students participating in school-sponsored sports, teams, & clubs, as noted above.

We were thrilled to welcome Lily Shelton and Heidi Rhodes Baker to our staff as Instructional Assistants at the beginning of this school year. They've been an excellent addition to our team and bring a students-first mentality that fits right in with our school community. We are also fortunate to be growing our Instructional Assistant substitute pool and are grateful to be increasing our certified substitute pool as well. Additionally, North Central ESD has just recently hired a virtual learning specialist that will serve students with IEPs in grades six through twelve. Miss Adrianne Mahalia will work in collaboration with an Instructional Assistant (see below) to provide services to students on her caseload.

Join Our Team! Please spread the word!

We are looking for a few highly qualified educators to join our team.

Please note the State of Oregon vaccine mandate expired on June 17, 2023.

Instructional Assistant (NCESD) - Special Education

Public Library Assistant

Media II

Bilingual Instructional Assistant

Coaching positions. Season starts mid-November:

Jr. High Boys Basketball Coach

Jr. High Girls Basketball Coach - 2 Positions

HS Basketball Boys Assistant Coach

With the school year in full swing, our College/Career Coordinator & Guidance Counselor have been busy working with high school students to ensure they are on track to graduate while also working to provide students with future-oriented experiences. A trip to Eastern Oregon University & Blue Mountain Community College is slated for October for students to explore various college and trade programs.

Additionally, representatives from the following universities will visit our campus to speak with prospective students and answer questions.

10/2: Linfield University

10/4: University of Oregon

10/23: Northern Arizona University

10/24: Oregon State University

Immunizations

As part of our school's commitment to maintaining a healthy environment for students and in accordance with Oregon law, schools require proof that all students are up-to-date with state required immunizations (TDaP, Polio, Varicella, MMR, Hepatitis A, and Hepatitis B). If a parent wishes to exempt their student from any required immunizations, please contact the school to discuss exemption options. If your student receives a required immunization, please provide documentation so the student's file may be updated. Thank you for your understanding and support in keeping our school a safe and healthy place for all students.

New Baseline Concussion Testing

We are excited to implement a concussion management system called Sway. Sway is utilized by many professional, collegiate and high school programs across the country to help assess and manage head injuries. A baseline test will be administered at school during PE class to all 5th through 12th grade students. The Sway baseline test, administered on a mobile device, is safe and non-invasive. This test includes modules involving balance, memory, reaction time and impulse control.

This program allows us to better assess for concussions during a game or event. If a head injury occurs or a concussion is suspected, the student will be required to retake a test. A comparison of the baseline and post-injury data will be used to help evaluate the injury. This data can also be shared with a physician treating the injury. The test data provides qualified health professionals with the information needed to determine when an injured student may safely return to play. You can learn more information about Sway by visiting: https://swaymedical.com, or by calling the school and asking for Matt Bagwell or Elizabeth Petersen.

October 2-31: FFA Food Drive

October 2: FFA Meeting 6:15pm, the Shop

October 7: SATs

October 9: School Board Meeting

October 10: 5th grade field trip

October 11: FFA Central Oregon District Soils Competition

October 12: 3rd grade field trip & EOU/BMCC College & Trades Trip

October 13: No SCHOOL, statewide professional development

October 16: FFA state soils competition

October 23 (updated date): SKORE after-school program begins. Be on the lookout for a communication from Principal Kroll & Mrs. Petersen regarding sign-ups & more information.

October 26: 1st grade field trip

October 28: PTO Trunk or Treat Event

(see the District Events Calendar for the complete & most up to date schedule of events)

**Stay tuned for a new date for Freshman orientation.

Keep an eye out for photos from the Sept 30 Hall of Honor ceremony. They will be posted to our website, at https://www.sherman.k12.or.us/page/hall-of-honor