Message to Parents
From Bonnie Brennan & Julie Sikkink
February 10, 2010
Dear Parents of Dorm Students,
It’s hard to believe we are already half way through February. The year is going by quickly. There are many wonderful things happening for us in the dorms that we are excited to share with you.
Second Semester
The second semester began on February 1. The second semester brings with it the option of in-room study hall for all of our students. The library will continue to be open for study hall in the evenings from 7:00pm – 10:00pm. Students will have the choice of studying in their rooms or the library. If you would like to request that your student attend proctored study hall, please contact Julie Sikkink or Bonnie Brennan. Study hall will continue to begin at 7:30pm and will last until 9:30pm.
Academic Comments and Conferences
Academic comments from your child’s teachers were mailed recently. If you have questions about your child’s grades or progress, please email his or her academic advisor. Conferences are being held this week for returning 10th and 11th grade students. Conferences offers parents the opportunity to meet your child’s teachers, hear how your student is doing in class and offer your insight about how the year is going for your child. If you would like to SKYPE a conference call and participate in your child’s conference please let us know. We’re encouraging our dorm students to attend their own conferences; it is meaningful and helpful for them to be involved. Please let us know if you will be in Portland for conferences or any other time. Often students don’t let us know of your travel plans and we miss an opportunity to connect with you. If you are unable to attend your child’s conference, his or her advisor will send notes of the conference to you via email.
Spring Vacation Plans
It’s never too early to start thinking about Spring Vacation travel plans. The dorms close at 3:00pm on Friday, March 19 and re-open Sunday, March 28. Please respect the times and dates of dorm and school closure. If students arrive late it is their responsibility to contact teachers to make up for the missed time and school work. Attached is the Spring Vacation travel form. This information is important to us; we need to know where students are going to be and how to help them with transportation needs.
OES Auction
While your student is home for spring vacation, consider shopping for an item to contributing to the OES auction. This year the dorms will be sponsoring a basket of teas from around the world. Feel free to send in a tea or a tea-related item from your home town. All donated items will be combined and auctioned off at our all school auction on April 18. Funds raised from the OES auction support our annual budget, professional growth and development, AASK program and other special projects that enhance our campus and the everyday experience for all of our students.
Dorm Activities
Amidst the seriousness of academic pursuits, students have been engaging in numerous fun activities. On February 21, the OES community will be enjoying a Lunar New Year Celebration. The event includes traditional games and art activities, authentic Asian cuisine, a Lion Dance Performance and a Puppet Theatre show. We also continue to offer many social events in the dorms, including Dim Sum at Jin Wah, the play, Snow Falling on Cedars, High Tea with Daniel Lee, ice skating and a trip to see the 3D version of Avatar. Indeed, the dorms have been bustling with activities.
We are enjoying your children. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions.
Warm regards,
Bonnie Brennan
Director of Residential Life
Oregon Episcopal School
Julie Sikkink
Dean of Residential Life
Oregon Episcopal School
