District Office, (503) 261-4550

Elementary Schools

East Gresham, (503) 661-6050
Kimberly Miles, Principal

East Orient, (503) 663-4818
James Milliken, Principal

Hall, (503) 661-6330
Kevin Bacon, Principal

Highland, (503) 665-7158
Beth Fraze, Principal

Hogan Cedars, (503) 261-4501
Heidi Blakley, Principal

Hollydale, (503) 661-6226
Jessica Miner-Ramirez, Principal

Kelly Creek, (503) 663-7483
Amy Manzella, Principal

North Gresham, (503) 661-6415
Shawnda Sewell, Principal

Powell Valley, (503) 661-1510
Thelina O'Daniel, Principal

K-8 School

Deep Creek-Damascus, (503) 658-3171
Kimberly Barker, Principal

Middle Schools

Clear Creek, (503) 492-6700
Elise Catanese, Principal

Dexter McCarty, (503) 665-0148
Amy Nimz, Principal

Gordon Russell, (503) 667-6900
Erin Voelker, Prinicpal

West Orient, (503) 663-3323
Becky Kadrmas, Principal

High Schools

Gresham, (503) 674-5500
Erika Beddoe-Whitlock, Principal

Sam Barlow, (503) 258-4850
Bruce Schmidt, Principal

Springwater Trail, (503) 261-4600
Ryan Blaszak, Principal

School board policies can be found on the district website http://policy.osba.org/gbsd/

Welcome to the Gresham-Barlow School District. Whether you are a returning student, or new to our schools, we are glad you are here.
The Board of Directors of Gresham-Barlow is committed to ensuring our schools are institutions for growing and learning. Our “Portrait of a Graduate” is vital in guiding our work to ensure each student feels safe and supported in our schools. To ensure success for all students, the Board will view its decisions through an equity lens to continually examine current practices and prevent unintended outcomes that may hinder a student in receiving their best possible education.
The Gresham-Barlow School District staff values their partnership with families and focuses on developing positive relationships to best serve our community.
Students are provided a safe learning environment where they can develop positive relationships with adults and their peers. Teachers, administrators, and staff will hold our students to high expectations and are committed to providing them the tools to excel academically.
To assure an atmosphere that is conducive to learning and the safety and welfare of students and school personnel, it is necessary to balance an individual student’s rights with their responsibility to demonstrate good citizenship.  In an effort to preserve this proper balance, the school board has adopted this statement of student rights and responsibilities and the standards of conduct that are outlined in this booklet.

Dra. Mayra Gómez, Chair
Kris G. Howatt, Vice Chair
Holly Riegelmann
Cathy Keathley
Dr. Shawn Farrens
Blake Petersen
Amanda Orozco-Beach
 

Elementary                                        8:35 – 3:05

Deep Creek-Damascus K-8 only       8:50 – 3:20

Middle                                               9:05 – 3:35

High                                                  7:35 – 2:30

Every Wednesday is one-hour late start

• Superintendent – James Hiu - 503-261-4555
• Human Resources – Angela Freeman - 503-261-4599
• Deputy Supt. K-12 Schools – John Koch - 503-261-4575
• Asst. Supt. Teaching & Learning – Tracy Klinger - 503-258-4747
• Communications – Athena Vadnais, Dir. - 503-261-4558
• Multilingual Learners – Araceli Farias, Dir. - 503-261-4549
• Facilities Dept. - Terry Taylor, Dir. - 503-258-4700
• Homeless Services/Federal Programs -  Erin Shepherd, Dir. - 503-261-4579
  
• Safety Office – Mike Melton - 503-258-4703
• Student Support Services – Special Education & Section 504 - Michele Cook, Exec Dir. - 503-261-4650
  
• Nutrition Services – Sodexo – Bob Spaziani, Dir. - 503-261-4590
• Transportation - First Student – Tammy Rickman - 503-665-8193
• G-B Education Foundation – Tyson Bell - 503-970-5583

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 based on race, color, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, religion, national origin, age, disability, Veteran’s status, or genetic information in any educational programs, activities or employment.  Gresham-Barlow provides equal access to individuals with disabilities.

Persons having questions about equal opportunity and nondiscrimination should contact:

• Your school administrator (page 2)
• If not resolved, contact Exe. Director of Human Resources, Angela Freeman, 503-261-4599
• Section 504 Coordinator, Michele Cook, 503-261-4650
• Title IA Coordinator, Erin Shepherd, 503-261-4580
• Title VI Contact, Jordan Ely, 503-261-4567
• Title VII Contact, John Koch, 503-261-4575
• Title IX-A re: McKinney Vento Act, Erin Shepherd, 503-261-4580
• Title IX Contact, John Koch, 503-261-4575
• Telephone access numbers for hearing and/or visually impaired   individuals at http://www.oregonrelay.com/relaynumbers.html

Grievance Procedure

The grievance process (including procedures, forms, and timelines) can be found in School Board Policy KL and KL-AR, available on the district website (http://policy.osba.org/gbsd), at any school or the district office upon request.  The goal of the process is to provide prompt and equitable resolution of student, employee, parent, or patron’s allegations of discrimination. The process begins with a written complaint and includes informal and formal conversations, discussion with district employees involved, and an investigation if necessary. Any decision by district personnel may be appealed.  Levels of appeal begin with the school administrator and, if necessary, may be taken to the district superintendent or designee, the school board and ultimately the Superintendent of Public Instruction at the Oregon Department of Education.

 

SafeOregon is a statewide school safety tip line that gives students, parents, schools and their communities a way to anonymously report school safety threats or potential acts of violence. SafeOregon is another path for communicating with school administration when school safety incidents occur.

 

Students, parents, and school staff can report a tip the following ways:

Call or text:     844-472-3367

Email:             tip@safeoregon.com

Online:            https://www.safeoregon.com/

Gresham-Barlow School District does not maintain insurance policies covering student accidents. Such personal insurance is the responsibility of the family. The School District does provide an opportunity for parents to purchase low cost accident insurance protecting students at school.  Your school office has information about the insurance and the cost.

School personnel will secure emergency medical assistance when such services appear warranted.  

If a student is transported by ambulance at the direction of the medical professionals on scene, the cost of the services remains the family’s responsibility.  School personnel will attempt to contact the family or representatives as indicated on the student’s emergency information. 

Please keep your emergency contact information current in your child’s school record. 

 

 

Students will show responsibility by

• coming to school each day
• knowing and following school rules
• working hard to do their best in class and in school work
• helping to keep their school safe (if you see something, say something)
• asking for help when you need it
• showing respect for and cooperating with other students and adults
• reporting infractions of school rules to staff
• respecting race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, marital status, age, veterans’ status, genetic information or disability in any educational programs, activities or employment

 

Parents and Families will help children learn to take responsibility by

• having high expectations for their children as individuals
• ensuring their children attend school and be on time
• finding a place at home for school work and making sure work is completed
• helping their children learn and resolve conflicts in positive ways
• helping to keep their children safe (if you see something say something)
• communicating and working with teachers and other school staff to support and challenge their children
• respecting school staff
• respecting race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, marital status, age, veterans’ status, genetic information or disability in any educational programs, activities or employment

 

Teachers and Other School Personnel will help parents and students by

• respecting, encouraging and supporting them
• believing that all students can achieve and take action to create access for learning
• showing that they care about all students
• defining and communicating clear academic and behavioral expectations for students
• providing a safe, positive, and inclusive learning environment
• creating an atmosphere of open communication for students seeking help
• communicating and working with families to support and challenge their children

• respecting race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, marital status, age, veterans’ status, genetic information or disability in any educational programs, activities or employment

Policy:  JECA – Admission of Resident Students

and JECB – Admission of Non-Resident Students

 

A student seeking enrollment in the district for the first time must meet all academic, age, immunization, and other eligibility prerequisites for admission as set forth in state law, and Board policy and administrative regulations.  Contact your neighborhood school for admission requirements.  Students located in the district shall not be excluded from admission solely because the student does not have a fixed place of residence or solely because the student is not under the supervision of a parent.

 

Students who turn 19 years of age during the school year shall continue to be eligible for a free and appropriate public education for the remainder of the school year.

 

The Board may admit otherwise eligible students who are not receiving special education and who have not yet attained 21 years of age prior to the beginning of the current school year if they are shown to be in need of additional education in order to receive a diploma or modified diploma. These students may attend school without paying tuition for the remainder of the school year.

 

The Board shall admit otherwise eligible students who have not yet attained age 21 prior to the beginning of the current school year if the student is receiving special education services and:

 

• Has not yet received a regular or modified high school diploma; or
• Has received an extended diploma or an alternative certificate

 

The Board may deny regular school admission to students who have become residents and who are under expulsion from another school district for reasons other than a weapon policy violation.

 

The Board shall deny, for at least one calendar year from the date of the expulsion, regular school admission to students who have become residents and who are under expulsion from another school district for a weapon policy violation.

 

Admission Age -  A student will be admitted to kindergarten if:

 

1.   His/Her fifth birthday occurs on or before September 1, one year before the date established by law for admission into 1^st grade; or

2.   He/She is transferring from a public school kindergarten program and would be continuing his/her formal education.

 

A student will be admitted to first grade if:

 

1.   His/Her sixth birthday occurs on or before September 1, as established by law; or

2.   He/She is transferring from a first grade public or private school and is in compliance with the age requirement of being six years old prior to September 1 of the current school year; or

3.   He/She has successfully completed a year of public or private kindergarten (pursuant to Policy JEBA-AR) and would be continuing his/her formal education.

 

Policy: IGBHA, Alternative Education Programs;

    IGBHB, Establishment of Alternative Education Programs

   IGBHC, Alternative Education Notification

 

The superintendent or designee will develop alternative education program options in compliance with Oregon Administrative Rules and Oregon Revised Statues:

 

1.     For students who are unable to succeed in the regular programs because of erratic attendance or behavioral problems;

2.     For students who have not met or who have exceeded all of Oregon’s academic content standards;

3.     When necessary to meet a student’s educational needs and interests;

4.     When a public or private alternative education program is not readily available or accessible.

 

Alternative programs implemented by the district are to maintain learning options that are flexible with regard to environment, time, structure, and the method and practice of teaching. 

 

Individual notification to students and parents regarding the availability of alternative programs will be given semiannually or when new programs become available under the following situations, as appropriate:

 

1. When two or more severe disciplinary problems occur within a three-year period;
2. When attendance is so erratic the student is not benefitting from the educational program. (Erratic attendance will be defined on a case-by-case basis.);
3. When a student’s parent or emancipated student applies for exemption from attendance on a semiannual basis;
4. When an expulsion is being considered for reasons other than a weapons policy violation;
5. When a student is expelled for reasons other than a weapons policy violation.

Policy: ING – Animals in the School

 

Only service animals serving persons with a disability and animals approved by the superintendent or designee that are part of an approved district curriculum or co-curricular activity are allowed in district facilities. Animals, except those service animals serving persons with a disability, may not be transported on a school bus.

 

Access by Persons Requiring a Service Animal

Access to the school by visitors whose physical impairment, as defined in ORS 346.680, requires the use of a service animal shall not be restricted solely due to the presence of the service animal.

 

Students requiring a service animal as defined in ORS 346.680 will need to contact the principal regarding appropriate accommodation. If the principal receives a request regarding a service animal for a student, the principal will forward the request to the Student Support Services Office for their review and recommendations.

 

Policy: IGDA – Student Organizations

Citizens are guaranteed the right of peaceful assembly under the first and fourteenth amendments of the United States Constitution and under Article I, Section 26, of the Oregon Constitution.  Students, as citizens, have the right of assembly and must also bear the responsibility for the consequences of such assembly.  Students and staff all share responsibility for the activities that take place in school.  The orderly use of school facilities is required.

 

The district encourages curriculum-related student organizations. District staff will facilitate such organizations and district resources may be used to support them.  Voluntary student-organized clubs, which are not curriculum-related, may meet on school premises during non-instructional time. If the content of such a club’s meetings is religious in nature, school staff may attend only in a non-participatory manner.

Policy: JEA – Compulsory Attendance

Except when exempt by Oregon law, all students between the ages of 6 and 18 years, who have not completed the 12^th grade, are required to regularly attend a public full-time school during the entire school term.

 

Persons having legal control of a student between ages 6 and 18, who has not completed the 12th grade, are required to have the student attend school and maintain the child in regular attendance during the entire school term.  Persons having legal control of a student who is five years of age and has enrolled the child in a public school are required to have the student attend and maintain the child in regular attendance during the school term.

Enforcement

Efforts will be made by school officials to enforce the compulsory attendance laws of the state.  However, compliance with those laws is the mutual responsibility of home and school.  Students are expected to be punctual in reporting to classes and to attend regularly.  The school will notify parents of irregular attendance or habitual tardiness.  School community police resource officers and/or MESD attendance personnel may assist the school in enforcement of the law.

 

Students Who Have Been Suspended or Expelled

Students may not attend any district school or any school-sponsored activity or be on any school premises when they have been suspended or expelled from school, except with the consent of the principal.

The following regulations will govern student conduct on school buses and Type 10 School Activity Vehicles if used for transporting students from home to school, school to home and from district-sponsored activities.

 

1. Students being transported are under authority of the bus driver;
2. Fighting, wrestling or boisterous activity is prohibited on the bus and at the bus stop.
3. Students will use the emergency door only in case of emergency;
4. Students will be on time for the bus, both morning and evening;
5. Students will not bring firearms, weapons or other potentially hazardous material on the bus, including lighters, vape devices, and the like. All school-restricted items including drugs, medications, alcohol, tobacco and/or related paraphernalia are not allowed on the bus or at the bus stop
6. Students will not bring animals, except approved assistance guide animals, on the bus;
7. Students will remain seated while bus is in motion;
8. Students may be assigned seats by the bus driver;
9. When necessary to cross the road, students will cross in front of the bus or as instructed by the bus driver;
10. Students will not extend their hands, arms or heads through bus windows;
11. Students will have written permission to leave the bus other than for home or school;
12. Students will converse in normal tones; loud or vulgar language is prohibited;
13. Students will not open or close windows without permission of the driver;
14. Students will keep the bus clean and refrain from damaging it;
15. Students will keep the bus stop clean and refrain from damaging any property while waiting for the bus at their designated stop;
16. Students will be courteous to the driver, fellow students and passers-by;
17. Students who refuse to promptly obey the directions of the driver or refuse to obey regulations may forfeit their privilege to ride on the buses.

Additional Safety Rules and Guidelines:

• • Helium balloons are not allowed on bus.
  • Glass jars or any glass objects are not allowed on bus.
  • Live bugs/insects are not allowed on the bus.

• Skate boards/roller blades/skates are allowed if fully contained in a backpack or carrying case. 
• Audible electronic devices (CD players with speakers, cell phones, etc.) may not be operated on the bus.
• Cameras may not be operated on the bus.
• No food or beverages may be opened/consumed while on the bus (exceptions may be made by school administration for field trips).

 

Each September the transportation supervisor will direct all bus drivers to conduct a safety review with all students in the district. Each February the transportation supervisor will direct all bus drivers to conduct a safety review with all students who are regularly transported by the district.

• The drivers shall review the code of conduct, which is to be posted.
• The drivers shall review the consequences of a violation as outlined in this procedure.
• The drivers shall conduct unloading, loading and emergency exit evacuation drills.
• The drivers shall review all hazards such as crossing a road and bus stop conduct.
• The drivers shall review safe bus riding procedures.
• The drivers shall review use of emergency exits.

Bus Discipline

Riding a school bus is a privilege granted by the local School Board and not a requirement of the state (ORS 332.405). If a student rides a school bus to and from school, he or she must follow the posted bus rules. Misbehavior on the bus and at bus stops will be dealt with by a school administrator. A student may lose the bus-riding privilege by repeated misbehavior or a serious violation of a bus rule. The State of Oregon has rules for students riding school buses. These rules are posted in all school buses.

 

In all instances, the appeal process may be used if the student and/or parent/guardian desires.  Appeals should be made to the school administrator.  If a complainant is not satisfied with the decision at the school level, he/she may submit a written appeal to the superintendent or designee.  Such an appeal must be filed within 10 school days after receipt of the school administrator’s decision.

Policy: JHFE & JHFE-AR(1)–Reporting Suspected Abuse of a Child

Oregon law requires all public employees to report possible child abuse to the State Department of Human Services or a law enforcement agency.

 

Consistent with state law, any district employee who has reasonable cause to believe that any child with whom the employee comes in contact has suffered abuse or neglect by any adult, or a student with whom the employee is in contact has abused a child, will immediately orally report or cause an oral report to be made by telephone or otherwise to the local office of the Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS) or the local law enforcement agency within the county where the person making the report is at the time of his/her contact. The employee shall also immediately inform his/her supervisor and/or principal.

 

Abuse of a child by district employees or by students will not be tolerated. All district employees are subject to this policy and the accompanying administrative regulation. The district designates the Deputy Superintendent of human resources to receive reports of abuse of a child by district employees and specify the procedures to be followed upon receipt of an abuse report. Any district employee participating in good faith in the making of a report, pursuant to this policy and Oregon law and who has reasonable grounds for the making thereof, shall have immunity from any liability, civil or criminal, that might otherwise be incurred or imposed with respect to the making or content of any such report. Further, the initiation of a report in good faith about the suspected abuse of a child may not adversely affect any terms or conditions of employment or the work environment of the complainant. If a student initiates a report of suspected abuse of a child by a district employee or a student, in good faith, the student will not be disciplined by the Board or any district employee. Intentionally making a false report of abuse of a child is a Class A violation.

 

Confidentiality of Records

The name, address and other identifying information about the employee who made the report are confidential and are not accessible for public inspection.

 

Failure to Comply

Any district employee who fails to report a suspected abuse of a child as provided by this policy and the prescribed Oregon law commits a violation punishable by law. A district employee who fails to comply with the confidentiality of records requirements commits a violation punishable by the prescribed law.

 

Cooperation with Investigator

The district staff shall make every effort in suspected abuse of a child cases to cooperate with investigating officials as follows:

 

1. Any investigation of the abuse of a child will be directed by the Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS) or law enforcement officials as required by law. When an administrator is notified that DHS or law enforcement would like to interview a student at school, the administrator must request that the investigating official fill out the appropriate form (JHFE-AR(2)). Failure to complete said form may result in the administrator’s refusal to allow the student interview on school property. If the student is to be interviewed at the school, the principal or representative shall make a conference space available. The principal or representative of the school may at the discretion of the investigator, be present to facilitate the interview. Law enforcement officers wishing to interview or remove a student from the premises shall present themselves at the office and contact the principal or representative. The officer shall sign the student out on a form to be provided by the school;
2. When the subject matter of the interview or investigation is identified to be related to suspected abuse of a child, district employees shall not notify parents;
3. The principal or representative shall advise the investigator of any conditions of disability prior to any interview with the affected child;
4. District employees are not authorized to reveal anything that transpires during an investigation in which the employee participates, nor shall the information become part of the student’s education records, except that the employee may testify at any subsequent trial resulting from the investigation and may be interviewed by the respective litigants prior to any such trial.

 

Policy: JHFF - Reporting Requirements Regarding Sexual Conduct

with Students

“Sexual conduct” as defined by Oregon law is any verbal or physical or other conduct by a school employee that is sexual in nature; directed toward a kindergarten through grade 12 student; unreasonably interferes with a student’s educational performance; and creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive educational environment. The definition for sexual conduct does not include behavior that would be considered child abuse as outlined by Oregon law and district Board policy JHFE and JHFE-AR - Reporting of the Suspected Abuse of a Child.

 

Any district/school employee who has reasonable cause to believe that another district/school employee, volunteer, or contractor has engaged in sexual conduct with a student must immediately notify the Oregon Department of Human Services or a law enforcement agency and must also notify his/her immediate supervisor.

 

The district will provide annual training to district employees, parents and students regarding the prevention and identification of sexual conduct. The district will provide to employees at the time of hire a description of conduct that may constitute sexual conduct and a description of records subject to disclosure if a sexual conduct report is substantiated.