Centennial Staff C-Mail

This e-newsletter for Centennial staff features heartwarming stories of a community who gives back to our staff and students, shines a spotlight on the accomplishments of our staff and students, and contains other tidbits of interest.

As we feel the chill in the air with the first day of winter approaching, enjoy reading this latest edition of C-Mail with your favorite mug filled with some yummy hot cocoa, coffee, or tea!

One of our retired home economics teachers, Kathy Morgan, made hundreds of winter hats and donated over 500 to our district! The hats were evenly distributed to each school in the district and given to students who may need them. Morgan’s donation exemplifies the true spirit of generosity and her talent demonstrates care for our Centennial students.

The Christmas for Kids Foundation has been supporting K-3rd grade students in all Centennial Elementary Schools for many years with a holiday gift and food giving program. Counselors help identify students who can benefit from the program. Students may receive a variety of items, including a coat, stuffed animal, blankets, hats, gloves, toiletries and other things for family members like diapers and essential basic needs.

We are grateful for the Christmas for Kids Foundation and what it provides for our students and the community partnership we have with them!

Thanks to a donation from the Providence Portland Medical Center, students at Centennial Middle School have access to water bottles while waiting for the day that the drinking fountains can be used again. Smaller donations had been made since the start of the year when CMS staff members recognized the need and started reaching out to friends and family, but they were starting to run low. Also, Providence delivered 500 brand new water bottles to the students at CMS.

Congratulations to Pleasant Valley Elementary’s Teacher Jamie Reddy who was awarded a music and arts grant from California Casualty. The grant funds will go toward a student project, based on the book “Only One You,” where students will create self-portraits that focus on their unique qualities.

In Summer 2021, Kaiser awarded Centennial schools a grant for $5,000 to update the staff lounges at Pleasant Valley, Butler Creek, Powell Butte, and Parklane. Centennial Middle School, Meadows, and Oliver had staff lounge renovations last year as well.

The staff lounges were updated to create space for staff to take a break and practice mindfulness. We are so grateful for these new spaces along with the benefits they provide to our staff!

Official grade slips, unofficial transcripts, or letters from the instructor or registrar are acceptable. The letter must be on institution letterhead, including the class number and course title, credits completed, grade, and signature of the instructor or registrar. The information can be mailed or faxed (503-762-3689) to the Human Resources Department.

If you have earned a degree, you must submit an official transcript.

All grades that are received after January 10, 2022, will be applied to the next stepover opportunity effective September 2022.

Grades earned by teachers who earned credits qualifying them for a stepover on the salary schedule are due by: Monday, January 10, 2022, 4:30 p.m.

The adidas Employee Store has allowed us to gain access for students, parents and staff members into the employee store by invitation only. Friends and family are invited as well, if accompanied by an employee/student.

This invitation is only valid through December 26, 2021. As a staff member you will be required to show your District Photo ID or a current paycheck stub; students will be required to provide their most current (Fall 2021) report card or current 2021-2022 Student ID.

Ahead of your visit, they would like to inform us of a few changes that they’ve implemented:

• The shopping by RSVP program has officially ended. All invited guests are now able to shop at their convenience.

• Personal protective equipment (PPE) will be provided for store employees to wear. We are asking all customers to wear their face coverings while in the store.

• Fitting rooms will be open on an as-needed basis. They are unable to guarantee their availability at this time.

Thank you for your patience and flexibility as adidas Employee Store policies are updated based on the current environment and state guidelines.

Voucher can be found here: https://centennialess.cascadetech.org/centennialess/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=7TJijiD7gwM%3d&portalid=0

With the winter season upon us, inclement weather and fewer hours of daylight can make it difficult to see what’s going on around you. Here are some personal safety and basic prevention tips from the National Crime Prevention Council to help build situational awareness. Also included is a basic prevention policy to help minimize the risk of having your car or catalytic converter stolen.

~Pete Jeter, Safety & Security Consultant for the Centennial School District.

PERSONAL SAFETY

• Don’t walk or jog early in the morning or late at night when the streets are deserted.

• Don’t walk distracted (i.e. looking down at your phone or listening to earpods). Keep your head up, and be aware of your surroundings.

• When out at night, try to have a friend walk with you.

• Carry only the money you’ll need on a particular day.

• Don’t display cash or any other inviting targets like cell phones, hand-held electronic games, or jewelry.

• If you think someone is following you, switch directions or cross the street. If the person continues to follow you, move quickly toward an open store or restaurant or a lighted house. Don’t be afraid to yell for help.

• Try to park in well-lighted areas with good visibility and close to walkways, stores, and people.

• Make sure you have your key out as you approach your door.

In the United States, a vehicle is stolen every 21 seconds. In Portland, more than 1,000 vehicles were stolen in October.

THE BASIC PREVENTION POLICY

• Never leave your car running or the keys in the ignition when you’re away from it, even for “just a minute.”

• Always roll up the windows and lock the car, even if it’s in front of your home.

• Never leave valuables in plain view, even if your car is locked. Put them in the trunk or at least out of sight. Buy radios and tape and CD players that can be removed and locked in the trunk.

• Park in busy, well-lighted areas.

• Carry the registration and insurance card with you. Don’t leave personal identification documents or credit cards in your vehicle.

• When you pay to park in a lot or garage, leave just the ignition key with the attendant. Make sure no personal information is attached. Do the same when you take your car for repairs.

ADD EXTRA PROTECTION

• Install a mechanical locking device— commonly called clubs, collars, or j-bars—that locks to the steering wheel, column, or brake to prevent the wheel from being turned more than a few degrees. Use it!

• Investigate security systems if you live in a high-theft area or drive an automobile that’s an attractive target for thieves. You may get a discount on your auto insurance.

Catalytic Converter Theft and Prevention

Catalytic converter theft is on the rise. Repairs are estimated to take months, primarily due to the short supply of catalytic converters.

One way to help combat theft of this expensive component is to have an anti-theft device installed. Additional ways to help prevent catalytic converter theft can be found in this article: https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/loans/auto-loans/5-ways-to-foil-catalytic-converter-thieves.

We are excited to announce that Centennial School District recently launched a LinkedIn page! Click the link to head over to our LinkedIn page and give us a follow. You can look forward to us featuring information about job postings and job fairs, school district news, and more. We hope to see you over there! https://www.linkedin.com/company/centennial-school-district-28j

How often will C-Mail be sent out? C-Mail will be provided on a quarterly or as needed basis.

What are some of the highlighted items in C-Mail?

• Community organization donations to staff

• Community organization donations to students

• Employee discount (i.e. Nike, Columbia)

• Highlights of school events

• Staff nominations and awards

• Student awards/scholarships

• Wellness tips and information