The Quill 9-3-21
Creating Opportunities Together
A Thought or Two From Mr. Nieslanik
To each and every one of you, a hearty welcome to the 2021-22 school year. The beginning of each school year allows me to reflect on my own educational journey. In 1981 I was moving into my sophomore year of high school, in 1991 I was living in Nepal as a Peace Corps Volunteer, in 2001 and 2011 I was an IB/AP social studies teacher and Activities Director at Beaverton High School, and this year I enter my sixth year as your principal at Southridge High School.
As I reflect on my journey, I think of all those first day of school photos that my mother took, and those I have kept taking as a professional. The first day of school, to this day, continues to carry a bit of nervousness and excitement. I know our students enter this year with a little extra anxiety and excitement, as you do as well. Our hope is that the systems and processes we have put in place at SRHS will allow all of us to enter this year in the best place possible. As you read through this edition of The Quill I hope I am able to answer your questions, if you still have questions after reading this newsletter, please reach out and I will do my best to answer your inquiry. I am best reached at David_Nieslanik@beaverton.k12.or.us.
Until next time,
David
Principal Chat and Q&A: September 9, 6:00-7:00 pm
Mr. Nieslanik will share thinking on how SRHS is putting in place COVID protocols, structures to support students as they return to school and answer questions in a virtual Parent Welcome and Principal Chat. You will be able to access this Virtual Zoom Chat via the information below:
Zoom link (this link will take you to the zoom meeting)
Meeting ID: 898 2405 0020
Passcode: 181396
Freshmen Only day-Wednesday 9/8
Parents, Guardians and Visitors to SRHS
SRHS is closed to all outside adults; only staff and students are able to enter the main part of the building. Parents, guardians and guests are more than welcome to be in the main office for a short period of time to pick up a child, drop off materials, or to ask for support.
Since the building is closed, all IEP meetings, parent-staff member meetings, and scheduled meetings will be held via zoom until further notice.
Parents and guests are welcome to attend athletic events in Skyhawk Stadium or the main gym.
First Week Schedule
- Tuesday 9/7: No School
- Wednesday 9/8: Freshmen Only, 7:45-2:30
- Thursday 9/9: All students, 7:45-2:30. This is an odd day (Periods 1, 3, 5 and 7)
- Friday 9/10: All Students, 7:45-2:30. This is an even day (Periods 2, 4, 6, and 8)
During the first week we will be running an alternate schedule to allow us to rebuild community, introduce our new structures and protocols for the school year, and to reengage with being fully in-person on campus.
During this first week half-day options programs (Health Careers, Auto-Tech, Construction, Manufacturing, and Terra Nova classes) will NOT be held. All students will report to SRHS for classes.
Bell Schedule
Schedule Changes
Counselors are actively filling holes in schedules this week and next. A hole is when one period does not have a class listed. Please do not complete the attached schedule change form for holes. We ask that you submit this form if there is an error in your schedule, you need a certain class for graduation, or you need a class to complete a CTE or SRHS Pathway. Please complete this form and do not email your counselor.
The schedule change form can be accessed HERE.
ParentSquare
SRHS Specific COVID Protocols
General Safety Expectations:
- Hand sanitizing stations are set up throughout the building.
- All classrooms have hand sanitizer available.
- All classrooms have Clorox wipes available to clean all surfaces and shareable items.
- Air filters have been replaced and the air circulation continues to be at higher rate than traditional settings.
Social Distancing in Public Spaces:
- Lunch tables will be spread out throughout the Fishbowl and along the main hallway.
- Students will sit six feet apart, to the extent possible.
- Students will be asked to identify their eating zone so contract tracing can occur, if necessary.
- Students will be encouraged to eat outside with the stadium, stands and memorial area open to students. (Tents will be set up on rainy days.)
Social Distancing in Office Spaces and Restrooms:
- No more than two people will be in one office space at one time.
- No more than five people in one restroom at one time.
- Students will sign in and out of classrooms to go to another destination.
Masks/Face Coverings:
- Governor Kate Brown has instructed the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) to require masks indoors in all K-12 schools for staff, students and visitors, regardless of whether they’re vaccinated or not.
COVID-19 Vaccinations:
- BSD is not requiring students to get the COVID-19 vaccine. Students' enrollment will not be impacted by whether or not they receive the vaccine.
Classroom Expectations:
- Students will be seated with three feet social distancing, to the extent possible.
- Students will not be allowed to eat in the classroom.
- Students will be asked to use hand sanitizer to sanitize hands and then use Clorox wipes to clean their chair and seating area.
- Teaches will maintain a seating chart to support contract tracing, when necessary.
PE, Band, Choir Guidance:
- PE will hold all classes outside for a minimum of the first six weeks of school if the lesson involves extensive movement.
- All choir and wind-instrument lessons for band must be outdoors through at least October 12, including practices and performances.
- Students are not required to wear masks indoors or outdoors during a band, choir, dance or theater performance.
Athletic Guidance:
- Students will wear a mask when not competing, but are exempt from wearing a mask while competing.
- Students attending the contest will be expected to wear a mask.
- Parents and guests at competitions will be expected to wear a mask.
- We will do our very best to maintain three feet social distancing at athletic events.
Visitors:
- Visitors will be allowed in a school’s front office for 15 minutes or less during the school day. For example, parents can drop off paperwork in the office or pick up a child.
BSD Back to School/COVID Frequently Asked Questions Document
Transportation
Communication with Staff
As we enter the year it is easiest to communicate with staff via email. Staff email is <First Name_Last Name@beaverton.k12.or.us>. Below is a list of important phone numbers if you need to contact SRHS via phone:
- Main Office and Administration: 503-356-2890
- Attendance: 503-356-2891
- Athletics: 503-356-2903
Staff Changes and Shifts
SRHS is in a lucky position as we are a growing staff. We are excited to welcome the following new staff to SRHS:
- Art: Sarah Moon (new position)
- Bilingual Community Liaison: Lyda Roberts (new position)
- Dual Language/ELA: (Alma) Lucinda Philipp (new position)
- ELA: Amber McLellan (new position)
- ELD: Teresa Monfort (replacing Mikaela Vanderperren who accepted a new position as a Teacher on Special Assignment with the SRHS Administration)
- Grad Mentor: Joshua Johnson (replacing Jose Brambila who moved to BHS as a social worker)
- Math: Susan Leyden (new position) and Alejandro (Alex) Soto (replacing Cecilia Tomcal who left the district)
- School Nurse: Danielle Gonzalez (replacing Jan Larsen who retired)
- Science: Lorena Encinas (replaced Denise Farrell who accepted a position outside BSD) and Kim Davis (new position)
- Social Studies: Daryl Stewman
- Special Education: Julianne Osborne (new position) and Tammi Davis (replaced Laura Angelel who moved to a new position)
Back to School Night
Upcoming Athletic Events
Southridge High School
Location: 9625 Southwest 125th Avenue, Beaverton, OR, USA
Phone: 503-356-2890