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| February 18, 2009 |
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We
have been fortunate in the last few weeks to have a remarkable number
of Upper School students recognized for their academic work. I want to
begin this Voice sharing and celebrating some of these honors. Today I
had the pleasure of announcing to the community that ten of our seniors
have been named National Merit Finalists. These students distinguished
themselves from 1.5 million competitors by earning outstanding scores
on their PSATs as juniors and on their SATs and by demonstrating
excellence in their coursework. National Merit Finalists are in the top
1% of high school seniors nationwide; we are proud that 13% of our
class has earned this distinction. Today’s announcement is a welcome
addition to a second recognition from the National Merit Scholarship
Corporation. Last month another of our seniors was recognized as one of
1,300 finalists for a National Achievement Scholarship, a program that
honors outstanding test and academic results among the nation’s
African-American students. When you include Michael Loy’s incredible
achievement as an Intel Science Talent Search Finalist, the Class of
2009 is earning amazing nationwide recognition!
I
want to thank the parents of sophomores and juniors who attended
parent-teacher-student conferences last week. I truly enjoy the
direct and respectful conversations at conferences and think it is an
essential element of the school’s partnership with each of our
families. Please know that you can contact your child’s advisor,
Grade Dean, or me if you have any residual comments or concerns about
conferences.
Finally,
two notes about extra-curricular opportunities. First, if you
have not purchased tickets for next week’s Winter One-Acts, please take
this opportunity to do so at the Ticket Turtle
site. This is a great opportunity to see the fruits of our
students work in the senior Playwriting course and their talents as
actors and directors. Second, both girls’ and boys’ basketball
teams continue to stay alive in district competition with hopes of
making it to state. Please join me in rooting for our teams as
they play key games this week.
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Feb. 18: Aardpool Day
Feb. 18: Powderpuff football, 3:30 pm (rescheduled)
Feb. 21: OMEA Competition
Feb. 21: Student Council Game Night, 7-9 pm
Feb. 22: Cycling Winterim Parent Meeting, 1:00 pm
Feb. 23: Junior PAL Meeting, 8:00 am
Feb. 24: Senior PAL Meeting, 8:00 am
Feb. 25: Ash Wednesday
Feb. 25-27: One Act Plays, 7:30 pm
Feb. 26: Parent Meeting on Student Safety, 8:15 am
Feb. 27: Gap Year Fair, Catlin Gabel, 4:00 pm
Feb. 28: Mock Trial Competition, 8-4:00 pm
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We want YOU at OES for the 2009-2010 school year!
A friendly reminder…
Please complete, sign and return your re-enrollment contracts to the
Admissions Office by February 27, 2009.
If you do not plan to return your contract, please notify the Admissions Office immediately at 503-768-3115. Our sincere thanks!
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Sunday, February 28, 2009, 8-4:00 p.m. at the Multnomah County Courthouse, Downtown Portland.
Everyone
is invited to come and watch the OES Mock Trial team compete against
other teams for a spot in the statewide competition. Teams of 8-18
students will argue the case before three-judge panels composed of
attorneys, educators and other community representatives, who will
judge teams based on their performance and knowledge on the process of
a court hearing.
The
program is designed for students who are thinking about pursuing a
career in law or are just interested in the process of law in American
courts. This year’s fictional case is about an outstanding high school
athlete, Jordan Simon, who was found dead. An autopsy confirmed
steroids in Jordan’s system. Now the coach and school are being sued.
Who is to blame for the death of the minor, the ignorant coach, or the
irresponsible mother?
Questions? Email OES student Ankur Gupta at ankurg@oes.edu
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An informational presentation regarding student safety at OES will be offered by members of the OES Support Services team on Thursday, February 26, from 8:15-9:00 am, in the Middle School Commons.
This presentation, in accordance with current Oregon law, will address
OES compliance regarding child abuse prevention, identification and
mandatory reporting. This session is part of a larger OES program,
intended to share appropriate information with all students, faculty,
staff, and parents during the school year. This parent presentation
will address OES policy as it pertains to all grade levels. As such,
counselors from each division will be present. Our current policy on
this topic can be found on the OES website http://www.oes.edu/about/Handbook/abuse.htm). If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact Head Chaplain Phillip Craig (craigp@oes.edu).
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There are openings for private music lessons beginning at 4:00 p.m.
Contact Marcy in the after-school classes office, morrism@oes.edu or
503.416.9244.
Remember
to register for the SAT PREP CLASS! March 4-April 29 (no class Mar. 18
or 25), 7:00-8:30 p.m. Contact Marcy in the after school classes
office, morrism@oes.edu or 503.416.9244.
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Dear Parents:
For
the first time in 2009, the OES Science Fair is asking parents to serve
as interviewers of non-judged students participating in our fair. This
is the result of two changes: (a) the middle school will begin to have
some students not participate in the competition, either through
student choice or as a result of missing deadlines required by the fair
for submitting documents needed in advance by judges; and (b) the upper
school students, who have always had the option of not being judged,
will be interviewed simultaneous with the competition rather than just
at the open house.
The
fair will occur on Friday, March 6, 2009, and students will be
interviewed between 10:00 AM and Noon. Upper and Middle School teachers
will also serve as interviewers. We are recruiting help from parents so
we can interview students for 2 hours without much “stand-around” time.
If we have enough interviewers, our plan is to assign interviewers to
students in blocks of 5 minutes on and 5 minutes to write comments. You
do not need to have a science or engineering background. (We encourage
those of you with science and engineering backgrounds to volunteer as
judges for one of the other science fairs in our region, and you can
sign up on the Northwest Science Exposition web site.) We will provide
some guidance for interviewing, although you need not follow our
guideline if you have other points to address. We will also give you a
free response comment sheet to complete so that each student
interviewed can receive written feedback from you. If this works as
planned, each non-judged student will receive 24 feedback forms.
If you are willing and able to help us interview the non-judged students, please respond by email to lambb@oes.edu. Thanks in advance.
Bill Lamb,Co-Director, OES Science Fair
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CDL Town Hall Meeting on the US Spring Play, The Laramie Project
Tuesday Evening, February 17, 6:30 p.m. in the MS Commons.
All
parents are invited to join us for an information session and community
dialogue regarding the Spring US theater production of The Laramie Project,
a unique dramatic work by Moisés Kaufman and the Techtonic Theater
Project that chronicles diverse community reactions to a tragic event.
With this open forum, we want to provide parents with a comfortable
setting in which to ask questions and share any concerns. Copies of the
script are available from the main reception desk and the divisional
offices/libraries.
 Books & Breakfast: THE MEMORY KEEPER’S DAUGHTER by Kim Edwards Friday, March 6, 8-9:30am, Charlton Room
Edwards
takes on many themes in this novel, including the burden of secrets,
the heartache and triumph of raising children—and, most pointedly, the
need for developmentally disabled children to be fully accepted and
included in society. The Memory Keeper's Daughter reveals the
strength of family bonds under unique and difficult
circumstances. Angela Jarvis-Holland, of the NW Downs Syndrome
Association will be our guest as we discuss how we get beyond seeing
someone as a diagnosis and instead embrace our common humanity.
Future Books and Breakfast Discussion Meeting and Title:
May 1: THERE IS NO ME WITHOUT YOU by Melissa Fay Greene
Contact:
Lynne Johnston
, 503-643-3760,
Susan Phillips
, 503-292-6609, with questions, suggestions, and interests.
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Advanced Placement Exams
February
is the month when OES students sign up for the May Advanced Placement
exams. These tests are administered at OES. Teachers in AP courses
where testing is optional will be helping students make the decision as
to whether or not they should take the exam. For this test only,
registration is through OES. The sign-up sheets are being distributed
and will require three signatures—the student’s, the parent’s, and the
advisor’s. Cost is $86 which will be charged to your student's account.
Gap Year Fair -
Friday, February 27, 4-6:00 pm,
Catlin Gabel School
A
gap year is a post-high school opportunity for self-exploration and
personal growth, leading to clearer direction and motivation for
college studies and for your life. There will be a keynote
speaker--Holly Bull, President of the Center for Interim Program in
Princeton, New Jersey—and an opportunity to talk with representatives
from more than a dozen gap year programs.
Scholarship reminder:
If you missed the Oregon Student Assistance Commission’s Early Bird
scholarship application deadline, be sure you focus on the final March
2 deadline. All materials must be received by that date
(www.GetCollegeFunds.org). Good luck!
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It Takes an Orchestra for Rhapsody
The various “artists” on the Rhapsody in Blue and Green
Auction Committee are composing pieces to pique your interest. Please
consider joining our orchestra of offerings with your donation. Don’t
delay as forms are due Wednesday, February 18. That’s also the deadline
to reserve space in the catalogue, which is an excellent place for your
business to reach a great audience.
If you’re looking for additional ideas
Lacie McKearney
, Auction Coordinator, and
Liz Perkins
, Procurement Chair can help. To donate, just fill a donation form and we’ll take care of the rest.
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It's time to put on your volunteer hats for this year's Rhapsody in Blue and Green
Auction! There are many different ways you can help. If you have all
day to volunteer or just thirty minutes we could use your help! We need
curbside collectors for the Wall of Wine/RSVP's on Tuesday, March 31
thru Thursday,
April 2. If weekdays don't
work for your schedule we have need of volunteers for the auction set
up on Saturday, April 18. If you are not planning on attending the
auction as a guest, you can help during the auction. These are just a
few of the many ways you can lend a hand. Please contact volunteer
coordinators, Michele Ackerman or Amber Krisky, at the contact info
below and they will find a perfect place for you! To coin the phrase,
John Heywood, 16th century British author said, "Many hands make light
work." We hope to see you volunteering soon!
Auction Volunteer Coordinator Co-Chairs
Michele Ackerman
H (503) 636-6938
C (503) 502-1401
mdackerman@comcast.net
Amber Krisky
H (503) 356-1144
C (503) 201-6197
amberkrisky@comcast.net
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The
senior girls hosted a tea on Sunday afternoon (2/8) for alumnae of St.
Helen's Hall. The event allowed the students to learn about the history
of the Hall, and it permitted the alumnae to learn what today's
students are doing and thinking about. Everyone in attendance had a
good time, and they all looked great! See more photos. Here’s the link
for the photos: http://www.oes.edu/newsletter/photos/oldgirl-newgirl-tea/index.htm
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Students interested in improving their SAT (or PSAT) scores might want to consider these options:
This spring—Wednesday evenings with Anna Schatz and Jeff Gadette.
Students
will learn to select effective strategies to accurately solve each type
of problem, to concentrate through the SAT test and to finish each
section in a timely and low-stress manner. The class will start on
March 4 and conclude April 29. (There will be no classes on March 18 or
25.) The cost is $195.
This summer—July 13-15, 9:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m. with Larry Krieger and Michael D’Alessio.
This
comprehensive course can help you improve your PSAT and SAT scores,
using drama and other fun hands-on methods that have proven successful.
This is the first time this course is being offered on the West Coast
by teachers who have written books on SAT preparation. It will focus on
your critical reading, writing, and mathematical skills. All materials
will be provided, including copies of Mr. Krieger’s and Mr. D’Alessio’s
SAT books.
The cost is $425. You can register for either of these courses by contacting
Marcy Morris
at 503-416-9244.
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The
Annual Winter One-Acts Play Festival will take place February 25-28,
2009. Three original plays, written, and directed by seniors Nathan
Hayes, Tyler Glover, and Rachel Eaton, will be given full stage
productions. The one-acts are selected each year by a faculty panel
from all the plays written during the senior elective Playwriting
course under the guidance of Art Ward. Gabe Edge will act as the
faculty supervisor for this year's playwrights. This is a wonderful
opportunity for the community to see the hard work and creativity that
goes into writing and producing an original play. Mark your calenders
now and watch the OES Upper School web page for a link to the Ticket
Turtle site where tickets will go on sale beginning the morning of
February 2, 2009.
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Winterim
is in a lull for students, but in a very busy period for leaders. This
is the time for last minute planning, for finalizing details, and for
following up on ideas and plans. The purchase of plane tickets is very
final. At this point, changes in trips are extremely difficult. In
fact, if a replacement cannot be found, the student who drops from a
trip may be charged any fees we cannot recoup.
It
is extremely important that I be notified of course changes as soon as
they occur. Some changes cannot be accommodated. This year the main
reason is transportation. We book the vehicles ahead. All OES drivers
are trained. The safety of your children is paramount in our minds.
Last minute substitutions may not be as safe. In those cases, we refuse
the request.
Thank
you for your understanding and support of Winterim. From our point of
view, we are in the fun stage. We are beginning to put the final
touches on what we hope will be great experiences for your children,
our students! Questions? Contact Hope Stevens
, 503-416-9309.
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Oregon College of Arts and Crafts (New)
2009
Juried High School Art Show awards: Christina D.'09 - self-portrait
painting; Matthew N.'11 - fused glass plate; Aja N.'09 - photo; Grant
H.'11 - ceramic vase; Raji N.'10 - ceramic vase; Jo K.'09 ceramic
teapot; and
Sidra T.'09 - charcoal drawing of a clown.
Opening is Thursday, March 5 at 4-7:00 pm in the Hoffman Gallery, Oregon College of Arts and Crafts,
8245 SW Barnes Road, Portland, OR 97225.
Congratulations to:
Violinist Anne S.’09 for being selected
as a Symphony Orchestra Concerto Competition Winner to play with the
Metropolitan Youth Symphony. Anne was one of 4 winners who were chosen out of field of 18.
Trumpeter Tree P.’11, who as one of the Oregon Jazz Educators All Star
Ensemble, will be performing a 75-minute set at the Portland Jazz
Festival (February 13 - 22) opening in the Pioneer Square Tent for a
gathering of 300 VIPs, sponsors, media and guest artists.
Eugenia Kwon who was selected to participate in the second CASA Cards Teen Artista' Workshop.
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FRESHMAN CLASS
Our next PAL meeting is scheduled for Monday, April 13, from 8-9:30 in the Drinkward Center Volunteer Room. Please contact
Sarah Grewe
at 503-292-9609 if you have any questions. Future meeting date is May 4.
SOPHOMORE CLASS
Please join us for our next PAL meeting
in the Volunteer Room of the Drinkward Center on Monday, April 20 from
8:00 - 9:30 am. Please contact Eileen Pilkenton (503-297-8548) if
you have any questions.
Sophomore Cultural event scheduled:
The entire sophomore class will be attending a performance of the Broadway musical Wicked
on Sunday, April 5, at 6:30 p.m. at the Keller Auditorium. Annually
sophomores have the opportunity to attend a local arts or cultural
event as part of the memorial to the students and faculty who died in
the Mt Hood Climb in 1986. Many of those students had been active in
theatre at OES, and an endowment was established to give each sophomore
class a special cultural opportunity. This year’s event was decided by
vote of the class. More information about this event will be available
closer to the date.
JUNIOR CLASS
11th Grade PAL
will meet on Monday, February 23 from 8-9:30 am in the DC Volunteer
room. Future meeting dates are: April 27, and May 19 (Tues.) Questions?
Contact Will Ilcisin, 503/642-9751.
Also save the date of March 7 for a Junior Parent Party! More info later.
SENIOR CLASS
NEW
TIME, USUAL PLACE: Our next 12th grade PAL meeting is scheduled for
Tuesday, February 24 from 8-9:30 a.m. in the DC Volunteer Room.
Future
meeting dates are: April 28 (DC Volunteer Room), and May 18 (DC
Volunteer Room). If there is a topic of particular interest that you
would like discussed at the PAL meeting or if you have any questions,
please contact Nancy Greene by email or at 503-297-0444. And a special
thank you to Ann Carter for leading the January meeting.
Link to message regarding events leading up to Graduation 2009.
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