
November 19, 2023
Corbett High School Newsletter (Vol. 2, Issue 16)
In this newsletter
- Coming Soon
- Message from the Superintendent
- Message from the Principal
- Staff Spotlight: Mr. Blaeuer
- Orchestra Concert Highlights
- Student Body Award for November: vote now!
- November Students of the Month
- Donors Choose: 10th grade English book needed
- Seniors: cap and gown information
- Intro to Today's Careers: Friday MHCC class
- Winter Sports
- Happy Birthday
- Meals This Week
- We're Listening
- Important Information & Links
Coming Soon
- Tuesday, 11/20 @ 9:45 -10:05 am: November's Leadership all school assembly
- Tuesday, 11/20: Trimester 1 incomplete plans, Friday School invitations sent out via email
- Wednesday, 11/22: No School (Thanksgiving Break)
- Thursday, 11/23: No School (Thanksgiving Break)
- Friday, December 1: Friday School for HS students with incompletes from T1
- Friday, December 1: Robotics Movie Night Fundraiser (flyer here)
- Friday, December 1: Last day to order See's Candy for CHAMPS fundraiser (flyer here)
- Friday, December 8: Friday School for HS students with incompletes from T1
- Friday, December 15: Friday School for HS students with incompletes from T1
Message from the Superintendent
From Dr. Fialkiewicz
Note: this communication was originally emailed to families and students on Friday, 11/17/23. This week we have come to the realization that the meaningful equity work Corbett teachers have been leading over the past four years must be more effective. I am very proud of the group of our students who took a risk, pushed back, and opened the door for greater communication and collaboration. There is a perception amongst many students that discrimination and discriminatory language is tolerated in Corbett, in part because it hasn’t been consistently reported and addressed. I apologize to all of our students who have experienced discrimination or discriminatory language in Corbett. We must and will take steps to change this experience. Every student has the right to feel safe and welcome at school. The time has come to include our students in this work. I have begun collaborating with students, staff, and administrators to develop a plan of action that includes implementing policies and procedures with fidelity to establish a culture of community and acceptance of every person in our district. This plan of action will be presented at the next Board meeting on December 20, 2023. I will then communicate the plan of action to our community. I appreciate your support.
Message from the Principal
From Mrs. Childress
Note: this communication was originally emailed to families and students on Monday, 11/13/23.
I wanted to communicate with you about an event that happened today, Monday Nov. 13th. At the beginning of the day, a group of students staged a walk-out to protest their concerns about racism and discrimination in our school community. Students gathered in front of the high school, then walked to the front of the grade school, returned through the middle school front doors, then gathered back in front of the high school. At all times, counselors and administrators were with the students to ensure their safety. Several students spoke to the larger group, voicing their concerns about racist and other discriminatory language that they hear at school and the lack of transparency from the administration about consequences for students who use racist and discriminatory language. Students then walked out the front doors of the gym, where we met with them, and listened to their concerns. We have plans in place to further the conversation in a productive manner, utilizing both our counselors and our school culture teacher, Mrs. Hart. Students returned to class after lunch.
The Corbett administration is committed to creating a school where all students feel safe. We are committed to upholding our policies that prohibit any discrimination or hate language towards anyone, but especially for protected classes. We clearly need to make the process for reporting such incidents better, as students believe that we don't do anything about racialized and discriminatory incidents. I can assure you, we investigate all reports that we receive. We encourage all students to let us know as soon as possible when something happens. Another challenge we face is that with all school-based discipline or consequences, we are bound by confidentiality for the students in question, and other students may feel that "nothing happened". Consequences for using racist and discriminatory language can vary from a phone call home, a parent meeting, a restorative conversation, counseling, and/or suspension, depending on the severity and/or context of the incident. Please refer to our CSD Student Handbook for our student code of conduct and our board policy ACB "All Students Belong" that governs our work on these issues.
Staff Spotlight
Mr. Blaeuer, District String Orchestra Teacher
Q: Do you play any sports?
A: Runner
Q: What is your favorite food?
A: Pizza
Q: What's the best part of your job?
A: Nice people
Q: What’s the best place you’ve traveled to?
A: Switzerland
Q: What's your favorite season?
A: Spring
All Strings Attached
Corbett Cardinal Chamber Strings Autumn Concert Wows in the MPB on Monday Night
Monday night's orchestra concert featured the high school's strings group (pictured below). The Cardinal Chamber Strings (HS Orchestra) performed on November 13th. All of the musicians played with feeling and artistry. Ian Eliason played a beautiful solo on the cello in the piece entitled Poor Wayfaring Stranger. Caiden McHenry demonstrated effective leadership in his role as concertmaster of the ensemble. The Cardinal Chamber Strings are made up of violin players Caiden McHenry (concertmaster), Eliana Arechiga, Dominic Bustamente, Fia Kozma, Abby Gomez, Ashlyn McGrath, Ellia Mchenry, Ariana Moskalyuk, Julia Prystupa, Lesya Prystupa, and Natalie Stevens, bass players Paige Capitano, and Ian West, cello players Victoria Bruton, Ian Eliason, Jackson Lacy, and Flynn Parrish, and viola players Thatcher Peterson, Cody Doyle, Maddy O’Neal, and Lucia Shannon.
Photo credit: Alice Capitano
Student Body Award for November: Thanksgiver
From students, to students
Each month, student leadership selects a quality they would like to recognize in their peers. This month, the student body is voting on the Thanksgiver Award! Click this link to vote for a classmate who always gives thanks and shows gratitude. Vote using this link: https://forms.gle/HBdiMNRDzjM2DZBLA
November Students of the Month
Annie Loveland
Annie is a lovely part of my day! She works hard, asks thoughtful questions, and engages her classmates. I appreciate her presence in my class! (LK)
Annie, I appreciate how you share your enthusiasm for learning with others. (A. Young)
Annie asks thoughtful questions in class as well as adding relevant/interesting commentary in class. Annie brings such a positive energy to class - they’re a delight to have :) (Bassell)
Annie Loveland is a fantastic student and great asker of questions. They are able to make good connections in AP Government between what we learn in class and the impacts on the real world. (Cooper)
Annie Loveland brings such a positive attitude to the office. She is always willing to do any task I ask with a smile. (Gibbs)
Aiden Harlow
Aiden! I finally have the honor of Aiden in one of my classes, and he does not disappoint. He is courteous, kind to all around him, full of fascinating interests, and mature beyond his years. I look forward to his insightful comments delivered with a twinkle in his eye after class. (LK)
Aiden was an integral part of our Cross Country team. He continually pushed himself to be his best and encouraged his teammates to do the same. Our team would not have been nearly as successful without him. (Rondema)
Aiden Harlow has been great to have in AP Spanish this year. He's acquired so much Spanish since I last taught him and it's exciting to witness that. He asks great questions and is curious about how the language would be spoken by native speakers and constantly pushes himself to improve. Buen trabajo, Aiden. (Wise)
In the Wind Ensemble, Aiden Harlow is always looking at the details. This commitment to the minutiae of our art makes every performance better! (Budge)
Abby Gomez
Abby is a wonderful human. She works hard, has passion and curiosity, and the right amount of sass. I have very much enjoyed having her in class the last two years. (LK)
Abby, I appreciated your use of symbolism in your artwork. (A. Young)
Abby Gomez has been a big help to me this year as my TA. In Spanish class, she is respectful, helps her peers and engages throughout class. Gracias, Abby. :) (Wise)
Anastaysia Brixey-Margeson
Anastaysia was hard-working, kind, and thoughtful last year and is rising to new heights this year by speaking up (softly) in whole-class discussions. I am very grateful for her warm and consistent presence in class. (LK)
Anastaysia is a consistently positive influence in Homeroom. I appreciate her ability to balance her friendships with the work she needs to complete. (Rondema)
Anastasia, I have appreciated how you helped shape perspective in your artwork. (A. Young)
She always comes in with a smile and a positive attitude, always willing to do any task that is asked of her. Truly one of the kindest students I have ever met. (Gibbs)
Anastaysia has demonstrated a commitment to her education since I had her in 8th grade. Now as a junior, it's a pleasure to see how she has grown and is still committed to self-improvement. Muy bien, Anastaysia :) (Wise)
Armin Mehanovic
I am a big fan of Armin. He is willing to ask questions and brings kindness to those around him. For his age group, he has a rare combination of age-appropriate shenanigans and a deep maturity. I am very grateful to have him in class this year. (LK)
Armin is often the most mature person in the room. He gets right down to work and stays focused on his work regardless of any distractions. (McIntyre)
On the Track and Field team, Armin is a positive and cheerful force. His effort and encouragement make him an athlete who is appreciated by his teammates. (Rondema)
Armin has been very helpful as our TA in life skills. He is kind and a friend to all our students! He holds positive conversations with our kids. (Kuwi)
Armin has been demonstrating the academic grit necessary to be a mathematician. He sticks with problems and has been showing great determination in class! (Bassell)
Armin has grown a lot over the year to be a positive student and a positive leader (Cease)
George Belesiotis
George pushes himself to work at a high level and has a deep, thoughtful, and caring attitude toward the world. I am grateful to his insightful comments in class and his extra friendliness to me in the halls! (LK)
George, I appreciate your contributions to homeroom discussions. (A. Young)
George is very deserving of student of the month! He pays attention and actively participates in class and goes above and beyond to be helpful to me and his peers. I appreciate you, George! (Wise)
George Belesiotis is often putting in extra work after school and continues to make a positive contribution to the Wind Ensemble. Having him in class always makes our day better. (Budge)
Gage Galloway
Gage is always 'engaged', has a great attitude and has completed over 18 hours of Duolingo on his own!!! (McIntyre)
Gage has distinguished himself as a studious and hardworking student. His calm demeanor and his diligence add to our class community. (Rondema)
Gage is always respectful and kind to others, quietly leading by example. He is a positive influence and glad to have him in my class! (Z. Young)
Peter Brenner
Peter Brenner has become an amazing role model for his peers this year. He has worked to take on more responsibility in class to support classmates and teachers. (Mr. Merrill)
Peter is passionate and curious about so many things. He has a warm heart for many of his peers and made our English class together last year entertaining and full of fun facts. (LK)
Peter is a cheerful student who is always quick with a smile and a greeting. (Rondema)
Seeing the growth from Peter over the last year has been amazing. He is participating in class and becoming a leader around the school. He is such a hard worker and a great help to his peers. (Kuwi)
Peter, you are perceptive and helpful to your peers. (A. Young)
Peter has improved so much this year with being a leader (Chancellor)
Donors Choose: 10th Grade English Graphic Novel
"They Called Us Enemy"
The English Department is currently fundraising for an upcoming unit where students will read George Takei's superb graphic (novel) memoir, They Called Us Enemy. Our objectives are to analyze Takei's characterization, plot development, themes, style, and other literary devices and situate the story in history and the present. We will use the text to connect with excerpts of Henry Miller's play The Crucible and to fuel class discussions, literary analysis assignments, and an essay.
If you are able to contribute to the fundraiser, any amount would be greatly appreciated! Here is the link: CLICK HERE.
Seniors: Cap and Gown information
School orders cap and gown; families can order optional extra items
The school will place the order for cap and gown with tassel and sash; families do not need to order cap and gown. Payment of $50 is due by March 21st. A Jostens packet went home with seniors a couple weeks ago for any extra and optional items you might want to purchase, including graduation announcements.
Introduction to Today's Careers: MHCC Class on Fridays
Automotive, Welding, Mechatronics, Machine Tool, and Engineering
Want to learn more about Automotive, Welding, Mechatronics, Machine Tool, and Engineering in a hands-on class? Corbett will pay for you to take HD130AT Introduction to Today's Careers during the Winter Term 2024. NOTE: this class is separate from Middle College.
Class locations and times vary over the term with a mix of career exploration activities (lecture days) and 5 different lab days. Students need to be willing to commit to coming to campus every Friday for the term. Some days are 9-10:50am (lecture days) and others are 9am-12:50pm (lab days). See the attached scheduled for specific dates and times.
Email cnoles@corbett.k12.or.us if you want to participate! FOUR SPOTS REMAINING!! SIGN UP ASAP!
🏀 Girls Basketball🏀
- Next home game: Wednesday, 11/29 @ 7:30 pm (Season schedule)
🏀 Boys Basketball🏀
- Next home game: Wednesday 11/29 @ 6 pm (Season schedule)
🏊 Swimming 🏊♀️
- First meet: Friday, 12/15 @ 3 pm at Parkrose HS
🤼 Wrestling 🤼
- First meet: Kelly Bledsoe Invitational in Rainer, OR
11/20: Trenton M.
11/21: Jada H., Kian N.
11/22: Saffron H.
11/23: Kaleb C.
11/25: Seth S., Lauren E., Mead L.
11/26: Emmalia Y., Luna M., Joey P.
Meals This Week
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