The Messenger
February 3
Mr. Holland's students recently made putt-putt boats
in their science class
From Head of Middle School, Scott Hardister
One of our goals each year is to find ways to naturally integrate students from each grade level. We have two upcoming opportunities for middle schoolers over the next month. The first opportunity is our service-learning day on February 19th. This is a great opportunity for sixth, seventh and eighth graders to learn and work together around a particular service.
Our second prospect is in the form of our Tuesday activities. Tuesday activities are faculty and student led activities that take place during our long advisory period. I have solicited ideas from faculty and students over the past two weeks, and ideas include filmmaking, women on the grill, origami, hip-hop dance and scrapbooking. These are only a few of over twenty. The activities provide a chance for faculty and students to engage and interact with some students that they may not encounter during a typical school day; and they are really fun! Be sure to ask your child if they want to lead a Tuesday activity!
Last, please look for an email from the middle school on Friday that will explain how to access your comments and grades on the parent portal.
Parent Happenings
| Thursday, 02/04 | Annual Midwinter Madness Fundraiser 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM OES track |
| Thursday - Friday 02/04 - 02/05 |
7th & 8th grade conferences Thursday & Friday - 6th grade regular classes |
| Friday, 02/05 | "Get Schooled" - US PAL event (8th -12th grade families) 7:00 PM Upper School |
| Thursday, 02/11 | Auction Committee Meeting 1:00 PM Charlton Room |
| Monday, 02/15 | Presidents' Day School Holiday |
| Tuesday, 02/16 | OES Concert for Haiti 5:00 - 8:00 PM |
| Friday, 02/19 | MS Service Learning Day 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM |
| Sunday, 02/21 | Lunar New Year, Year of the Tiger 3:00 - 5:00 PM (Details to follow) |
| Monday, 02/22 | Re-enrollment Contracts Due |
| Monday, 02/22 | OES Visioning Forum (3 sessions) 8:15-9:45 AM 1:30- 3:00 PM 6:00 - 7:30 PM |
| Tuesday, 02/23 | MS Teacher Appreciation Luncheon |
| Saturday - Sunday 03/13 - 03/14 |
8th Grade Musical Rehearsal 12 noon - 4:00 PM |
| Monday, 03/15 | 8th Grade Musical Rehearsal 3:00 - 7:00 PM |
Please note that new information added to the Messenger each week will be marked *NEW* Here's what's new this week. Scroll below for details.
** New in the MS Library
** Auction 2010
New in the MS Library *New*
Be sure to stop by the Middle School Library blog: New in the Middle School Library. You will be able to look at video recommendations of books, keep track of what’s new in the library, see what students and faculty are reading, AND MORE. Check it out!
Lost & Found in MS
The MS Lost & Found
is housed in the far left of the downstairs hallway. Please be sure to check for items from time to time. We will hold the items until the Friday before Spring Break and then bag unclaimed items away to charity. Conference days are great days to check it out! So, please stop by...
Annual Midwinter Madness Fundraiser
The Upper School’s annual winter fundraiser, Midwinter Madness is a cluster of fun, student-planned and student-run events that will take place Jan. 28 - Feb. 10. This year we will again raise money for humanitarian aid to women and children in war-torn Congo through the organization “Run for Congo Women.” The total amount raised last year through Midwinter Madness was $12,500 which created sponsorships for 38 women, 212 children and some lasting correspondence relationships.
There is an opportunity this year for parents from all divisions to participate in the Parent Perambulation taking place 7 a.m.-4 p.m., Thursday, February 4th, on the OES track. All parents are invited to run, walk, or cycle a mile in support of our efforts on behalf of Run for Congo Women. Lisa Shannon started the Run for Congo Women with a thirty mile solo run to prove to herself and to others that one person can make a difference. If 30 people each walk, run or cycle one mile, we will have completed the same length that Lisa did on her first run. A suggested donation of $30 from each participant is about the amount that is required to support one woman for a month as they work to restore their lives in the midst of war. Our goal this year is to have 30 parents from each of the three divisions participate. We have had a generous offer to match the donations from Lower, Middle and Upper School this year, up to $2,700!
During Midwinter Madness, the entire school community will be involved in walking laps around the track to represent the distance between here and the Congo which is roughly 8,800 miles. The goal is to walk 8,800 laps – one lap to represent each mile. The students will be making a paper chain to hang in the dining hall with one link for each lap walked. Parents are welcome to participate any time during the week and add links to the chain. Look for a sign up sheet near the track to log your laps. It’s a long way and we’ll only be able to do it if we all work together!
For more information on Run for Congo Women, see their website: www.runforcongowomen.org or for specific programs in the Congo, please visit http://www.womenforwomen.org/global-initiatives-helping-women/help-women-congo.php and if you have questions, please contact Eileen Pilkenton (503.297.8548) or Kara Ilg (503.452.0309)
Join us as we join our children in making a difference.
Get Schooled
"Get Schooled" - an US PAL event for 8-12th Grade Parents - on February 5th, 7 pm
8th Grade parents are invited to join US parents in order to "Get Schooled". Choose an hour class to take (one of six presented by US faculty) to expand your mind and then enjoy some delicious deserts and stimulating conversation! Please go to www.mysignup.com/getschooled in order to see the descriptions of the classes and sign up for a slot. Class size is limited. For more information, please contact , your 8th Grade Pal Rep.
Re-enrollment Contracts To Be Sent Via E-mail This Year
We are pleased to let you know that we have simplified our re-enrollment process, and this year your contract(s) will be delivered to you by e-mail. This is part of our ongoing efforts to improve our environmental and financial sustainability. Look for contracts to arrive in your in-boxes on Monday, February 8th. Contracts will be due back to the Admissions Office by Monday, February 22nd.
Please be sure that your contact information in your Parent Portal is up-to-date so the enrollment contract(s) will get to you promptly.
Auction 2010 *New*
Aardy’s Party –The Age of Aquarius 4.17.2010
To everything there is a season, a time to plan, a time to donate!
Next Meeting: Thursday, February 11, 1PM in the Charlton Room
Some far out items have already been donated, but we need your help. Think of previous auctions you have attended, what made your inner flower child stand up and bid? Among the OES community, food and wine always gets a groovy response. Dinners are popular; do you know a chef who will cook at your home? Or perhaps you were inspired by Julie & Julia to create an evening of culinary delights and wine? Can you host a tasting in your wine cellar or persuade your wine merchant to host a guided tour of some special selections?
Frequent flyer miles are always cool, what about that mountain cabin or beach house? OESians love to hang out for the weekend. Sporting event tickets are sure to excite, how will the Blazers overcome and inspire again? Smaller items such as restaurant gift cards, services and baskets are awesome too.
The auction team wish list:
- A Kayak or Bike Adventure
- Hawaii Condo
- Flip video camera
- Spa treatments
- Golf lessons
- Hoola Hoop party for girls
- PGE Park baseball night
- Cycle Oregon Package
If you can help with any of these items, please contact auction chair at 503-709-0788.
You can turn in your procurement forms even if the physical items are not yet secured, deadline is March 19, 2010. To volunteer or for questions regarding donations or advertising, please contact auction coordinator, or call 503-768-3156. Click on heart logo for link to auction website. Remember, advertising deadline is February 18, 2010.
Aardy is hanging out at a new spot around school. Can you dig it?
Financial Aid Information
Financial Aid packets were mailed earlier this month, if you haven’t received yours and you would like to apply, please contact Jen Bash at 503-416-9379. Families interested in or pursuing financial aid, please be aware that the first deadline for the OES application is February 12th. Try to complete your taxes as soon as possible – copies of the tax forms will be expected in early March. If you have any questions regarding the financial aid process or you would like to discuss your eligibility, please contact Rob Orr at (503) 768-3325
OES Concert for Haiti
Save the date!!
The OES Concert for Haiti will take place in the evening on Tuesday, February 16 with dinner, an art sale, and performances by students, faculty, and alumnae in a variety of genres.
All in the OES community are invited to the DINNER/CONCERT on TUESDAY FEB 16th at 5 pm - 6:15pm. SIGN UP for the DINNER/CONCERT online or with Jennifer Roney in the OES Gallery by next Friday, Feb. 12!
Lunar New Year 2010 - Year of the Tiger
Lunar New Year 2010 - Year of the Tiger
Sunday, February 21, 3:00 to 5:00 pm
Dining Hall
The Lunar New Year in Asia signifies the return of Spring and the renewal of a new year. It is a celebratory time for families and friends to get together to share a special meal, to play games, to reminisce about times past, and to create new memories for the future.
The OES community would like to invite you to join in the annual Lunar New Year Celebration.
The festivities will begin in the Dining Hall with popular Asian crafts and games. Of course, no celebration is ever complete without tempting savories and sweets to satisfy the palate. Once again, we will be offering a community potluck. Families who wish to share a favorite dish are invited to contribute. Please include recipe’s name and remember the NO NUTS policy at OES.
At 4 o’clock, Lion Dancers will lead all attendants down to the Gym to officially welcome the arrival of the New Year and be entertained by the award-winning, nationally recognized Dragon Art Studio’s Chinese puppet theatre.
We look forward to your attendance. Please contact or regarding volunteering, suggestions, or questions.
The Lunar New Year Celebration is a collaborative partnership between the OES Administration, Residential Life Program, Mandarin Language Program, and Community Diversity Link.
Community Diversity Link Announcements
UPDATE: No Books and Breakfast Meeting on Friday, Feb 19, 8:00-9:30am
OES LUNAR NEW YEAR CELEBRATION: Sunday, February 21, 3-5pm
Save the date and watch for upcoming announcements regarding the exciting programs planned for this year’s event
DREAMS FROM MY FATHER: A STORY OF RACE AND INHERITANCE
BY BARACK OBAMA
Books and Breakfast: Friday, April 23, 8-9:30am, OES Dining Hall (NEW DATE!)
Our April book discussion will feature the autobiography of Barack Obama, our country’s first black president. In this highly-praised memoir written before his political ascendance, Obama shares his emotional journey to understand his own family heritage and racial identity as the son of an absent black African father and a white American mother. Obama is candid about racism and poverty and the story resonates with universal themes of love, obligation and loss while offering insights into the unusual life and unique multicultural background of our current commander in chief. Copies for sale in the Gallery Store for benefit of OES libraries.
START READING NOW FOR LAST BOOK DISCUSSION THIS YEAR:
HALF THE SKY: TURNING OPPRESSION INTO OPPORTUNITY FOR WOMEN WORLDWIDE by Nicholas D. Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn
Books and Breakfast: Friday, May 14 8:00-9:30am, OES Dining Hall
CONTACTS: Co-Chairs (503 292-6609) and (503 297-3593).
After School Math Help
Ms. von Ofenheim and Mr. Chang will be available for math help after school in RGS (the math classroom) according to the following schedule:
Tuesdays, 3:00-4:00 p.m., Mr. Chang
Wednesdays, 3:15-4:00 p.m., Ms. von Ofenheim
Fridays, 3:15-4:00 pm - Ms. von Ofenheim
We are also available for help during study hall on Tuesdays
After School Percussion Class
2nd Semester Percussion Ensemble - New Class!
The 2nd Semester Percussion Ensemble is an introduction to group ensemble skills performing instruments in the percussion family as well as mallet instruments. Goals will be to develop effective teamwork skills, fundamental performance skills and excellence in chamber music performance. Students will learn ensemble precision, phrasing sensitivity, diverse tempo and rhythm changes along with dynamics, versatility and flexibility of instrumentation and musical interpretation. The semester will conclude with a public performance where students will demonstrate stage presence and concert etiquette.
René Ormae-Jarmer is an experienced drum teacher with more than 17 years of teaching and 20+ years of pro recording and live performance. She has a BA in Music from Lewis & Clark College and is a member of the local piano-rock group Here Comes Everybody. She teaches Rock, Jazz, and Latin at all levels and conducts clinics in many schools in the Portland and Clackamas areas.
6th-9th grade for beginning and intermediate level percussionists
Tuesdays, 3:00-4:00 PM
February 2-May 18 (14 classes)
Contact
(503.768.3145) or
(503.416.9244) for more information.
To submit information for the MS Messenger, please email in the Middle School office by Monday, for inclusion in that week's Messenger.