The month of May is always filled with so much cognitive dissonance. While we are all spending so much time and effort to close this year, to celebrate accomplishments, to finish final assessments for classes, and to graduate our seniors, we are also working double-time to prepare for the next school year, to build everyone’s new course schedule, to plan for fall trips, and to welcome new families. 

Sometimes it is hard to really soak in all the little moments of connection and joy. This week I have been trying to slow down to appreciate those moments. Yesterday I stopped on the way back to my office to watch Morgan M. ‘24 win the 3000m State Championship on the big screen in the Great Hall. Despite everyone knowing the outcome, thanks to a four minute delay (a lifetime of a delay for a track event), the eruption of applause from the 40 or so gathered students was a beautiful thing to witness. Throughout the afternoon Athletic Director Dennis Sullivan sent results from Hayward Field to the students, announcing another championship run by Olin G. ‘23 in the 3000m, and personal bests from Matthew I. ‘25 on the pole vault and Kate P. ‘24 in the shotput (beating her record by 10 feet!). 

Later in the day as I walked to a meeting in Morris House I slowed down and paid attention to a group of 10th graders engaged in backpack trip spring training being carefully watched by the pre-K class that was playing in the garden. Earlier in the week I watched the faces of our students enjoying Cameron Jack’s rendition of Radiohead’s Fake Plastic Trees during Gathering. Today I’ll join my daughter in Kindergarten for her learning celebration, enjoy our impromtu author visit from Cynthia Leitich Smith, and check my email for more updates from the State Track meet at Hayward Field. I hope that throughout these final three weeks of school you are also able to slow things down and enjoy the little moments we have before summer. 

We are wrapping up honoring Asian American and Pacific Islander heritage month next week. During this month, OAsians refreshed posters celebrating and honoring BIPOC folks in the Upper School with four new posters with messages written in different Asian languages. (Posters in English here). These posters were made in response to anti-Asian hate attacks around the country, and specifically in NYC. Students were asked to translate the messages and stand up to Asian hate in their communities. Student leaders also ran a bake sale this week to raise money to stock Clay Street Table’s pantry with Asian food items that are not supplied by food banks due to FDA restrictions. Students were also invited to bring in a bottle of soy sauce to donate and to exchange for some delicious Asian baked goods. 

Finally, a huge thank you and shout out to Maria McIvor and the Communicare Team who with a generous gift from the Schnitzer foundation and by raising money throughout the year (business partnerships with Mod Pizza and Burgerville, Faculty vs. Seniors basketball, sticker sales, and Bottle drop recycling program) were able to donate $16,626.38 to Mental Health and Addiction Association of Oregon and The Alano Club. Congratulations to these students for using their power for good and making a huge impact on their community. 

Communicare’s Mission Statement: "CommuniCare team at Oregon Episcopal School is granting money to organizations that provide mental health support. Because the roots of addiction often stems from mental health issues, this year we focused on organizations that provide a supportive environment for recovering addicts through addressing issues around loneliness, community, and depression. We seek recipients who recognize that the recovery from addiction is a long  journey and that sustained success must address broader needs such as housing, supportive peers and mentors and the long term stability that so many of us take for granted. With our contribution, the goal is to foster the necessary conditions so that recovering addicts can find a home, supportive community and reach and maintain their sobriety goals and lead fulfilling lives."

Important Dates:
May 31: Foundations of Science Night - Dinner and Project Presentations
June 3: Prom at Union Pine
June 9: Senior Raft Trip - Pack Check
June 11-14: Senior Raft Trip
June 15: Last Day of School (8:25-3:10) - includes Senior Department and All School Recognitions, Fine Arts Night, and Senior Dinner
June 16: Graduation ceremony at Trinity Cathedral. Contact Brooke DeLeon to reserve a ticket if you plan to attend (families of seniors have been contacted about tickets already).