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The Gresham-Barlow School District
Employee Newsletter
December 2021
SUPERINTENDENT'S MESSAGE
Winter Break: A time to refresh, reconnect, and reflect
Many thanks to TEAM GBSD for providing students with a great education and ensuring our schools are safe and healthy learning environments
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SAM BARLOW HIGH SCHOOL CULINARY ARTS PROGRAM DELIVERS IN MORE WAYS THAN ONE
Program is part of the Business and Management CTE Pathway

Students learn real-world skills, Bruin enjoy a delicious lunch option
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BARLOW HIGH SCHOOL’S MIKE RIEGELMANN NAMED 2021-22 MT HOOD CONFERENCE COACH OF THE YEAR
Congratulations goes out to SBHS Water Polo Coach Mike Riegelmann for being named Mt. Hood Conference Coach of the Year for the 2021-22 school year. He is in his 18th year of coaching water polo, and for the last six years has served as the head coach. Coach Riegelmann's teams have won numerous league titles in recent years, and the girls team has played in the state championship game the last three years in a row, finishing 1st, then 2nd, then 1st again this year! Coach Riegelmann is a class of 2000 graduate from Sam Barlow High School.
TOMORROW BUS ROLLING TO SCHOOLS WITH STEM ACTIVITIES
The Tomorrow Bus has been out and about engaging students in some exciting STEM activities and lessons. The bus recently partnered with Hall Elementary School's 5th grade teachers to learn about salmon. The students engaged in a Close Reading Lesson, building background knowledge about Salmon and then participating in a hands-on lesson about the Salmon Life Cycle.
Students and teachers across the District cheer when they see the Tomorrow Bus pulling up to the school because they know that something truly magical happens when students engage in a new medium that enhances classroom instruction.
Students in Amanda Jensen’s 3rd Grade Class at Highland, enjoying the new Multicultural and Inclusive Classroom Library Books
ENGAGING OUR COMMUNITY:
REACHING OUT TO SPANISH SPEAKING FAMILIES
The Gresham-Barlow School District held a listening session for Spanish speaking families to get input for the school board’s superintendent search. The board is in the process of conducting a search to replace Dr. A. Katrise Perera who resigned June 30. Currently, James Hiu is serving as Acting Superintendent. For gathering feedback online, the school board used a tool called ThoughtExchange. The in-person listening session provided another option for our Spanish speaking families to share their thoughts.
BARLOW HIGH SCHOOL’S JAY JACOBSEN NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED
Shout out to SBHS girls varsity soccer coach Jay Jacobsen is one of two individuals named 2021 High School All American Coach for the Western United States.
The soccer game, held in Tennessee, featured the top 40 girls’ soccer players from around the country where the West battles the East.
EAST GRESHAM ELEMENTARY’S MEGAN CARLSON NOMINATED FOR LIFECHANGER AWARD
East Gresham Elementary School kindergarten teacher Megan Carlson was recently nominated for the National Life Group’s LIfeChanger of the Year Award. The program recognizes and rewards K-12 school employees who make a positive difference in the lives of students. Once the submission deadline of December 31, 2021 passes, sixteen national winners will be announced.


Do you wonder what kindergartners do to prepare for their afternoon? Mrs. Cohen’s class at Hogan Cedars Elementary enjoys some deep breathing with beanie babies to make sure they are calm, they reset, they’re relaxed and prepared! Awesome idea Mrs. Cohen!
Congratulations to our six Springwater Trail High School students who were accepted into Portland State! Way to go STHS Titans, we are all very proud of your accomplishment!
Amazing things are happening at Highland Elementary! Fourth graders received salmon eggs and will learn the life cycle of salmon, why they are a keystone species, and how to ensure the population of salmon continues to grow for our future. Impressive work HIES Huskies!
Dates to remember
  • December 20 - December 31: Winter Break, No School
  • January 3: Classes Resume
  • January 13: School Board Work Session, via Zoom - 6 pm
  • January 13: School Board Business Meeting, via Zoom - 7 pm
  • January 17: Martin Luther King Day - No School
  • January 20: School Board Work Session, via Zoom - 6 pm
  • February 3: School Board Work Session, via Zoom - 6 pm
  • February 3: School Board Business Meeting, via Zoom - 7 pm
Inspire and Empower Each Student
Questions or Comments? Contact Athena Vadnais
gbsdcommunications@gresham.k12.or.us | 503-261-4550
Gresham-Barlow School District recognizes the diversity and worth of all individuals and groups. It is the policy of this district and the board of education that there will be no discrimination or harassment of individuals or groups in any educational programs, activities or employment.
Gresham-Barlow provides equal access to individuals with disabilities.

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1331 NW Eastman Parkway
Gresham, OR | 97030 United States
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