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Dear WOMS 8th Grade Families,
Sam Barlow High School invites all West Orient 8th grade families to attend the Virtual 8th Grade Family Night. During the evening event, you will hear from Principal, Bruce C. Schmidt, the counseling team, and there will be time for you and your student to ask questions.Sam Barlow High School 8th Grade Family Night forWest Orient Middle School 8th Grade FamiliesThursday, March 18th6:00pm - 7:30pmA Google Meet Link will be emailed to you the morning of the 18th from Sam Barlow High School. -
Oregon state assessments and 2020-21 opt out information
Every year, students throughout Oregon take state assessments prescribed by the Oregon Department of Education. The purpose of these assessments is to show individual student growth over time and to provide student-specific data that teachers can use to ensure each and every child is on track and achieving learning goals. Results are also used to inform course placement and to provide focused feedback to students and parents.
Oregon state law requires us to inform you that a form is available from the Oregon Department of Education that allows you to opt your child out of state assessments for the 2020-21 school year. Should you wish to opt out your child, please fill out the form and submit it to the main office at your child’s school. The form can be accessed in English at
https://www.oregon.gov/ode/educator-resources/assessment/Documents/Opt-Out_Form.pdf
or in Spanish at
https://www.oregon.gov/ode/educator-resources/assessment/Documents/Spanish_Opt-Out_Form.pdf
Additionally, the Oregon Department of Education has sent us the following information regarding the state’s application for a waiver to pause state testing in English Language Arts and Math:
Under the Student Assessment Bill of Rights, the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) and Oregon’s school districts must provide families with a “Notice of Statewide Tests and Opt-out Form” 30 days before the start of statewide testing.
This year, school has been significantly disrupted by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and other factors. In response, ODE plans to ask the United States Department of Education for a temporary pause (also known as a “waiver”) in English Language Arts (ELA) and Math testing. A pause is also being requested for science testing, but science testing is not subject to this opt-out rule.
- If this waiver request is approved, then statewide ELA and Math testing will not happen this year, and there will be no need for parents to submit opt-out forms to their child’s school.
- If the waiver request is not approved, test windows will open on March 4, 2021.
ODE will update your district regularly with news about the waiver.
(Click this link to view the letter in Spanish: https://www.oregon.gov/ode/educator-resources/assessment/Documents/Spanish_Opt-Out_Form.pdf
If you have questions or want more information about state assessments, please contact our Assistant Principal, Tadd Gestrin.
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Multnomah County Library announces a new program giving all GBSD students automatic accounts via card numbers incorporating their school ID!The new program, called Library Connect, showcases elementary, middle and high school specific platforms and access including:
- Instantly get digital books, magazines, newspapers, music, movies and more
- Get help from an online tutor
- Borrow physical materials from any Multnomah County Library location
... all for FREE!For more information go to Multnomah County Library Connect!There’s also a link on our GBSD Library Resources page, found under the parents tab. -
Dear WOMS Parents,
Reynolds Student Health Center is OPEN! Student Health Centers are like having a doctor’s office at school. We offer comprehensive primary and mental health care services to all Multnomah County youth ages 5-18 at no cost.
Even if you don’t attend school, you can still get care.
Staying home to take care of yourself is one of the best ways to avoid spreading illnesses. If you are sick, we are here for you! Call for an appointment.
Immunization Exclusion day is February 17th!
Here is more information.
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STATE TESTING INFORMATION
With the 2020-21 school year well under way, I wanted to take a moment to provide some important information about this year’s state tests. Last year, state testing was cancelled as we transitioned to distance learning. For this year, we are still waiting for guidance from the state regarding whether or not we will be offering state tests in the Spring. Even though we do not know what will happen this Spring in regards to state testing, we are still required to let you know about your rights as a parent regarding state testing.
ORS 329.479 establishes a Student Assessment Bill of Rights permitting parents or adult students to annually opt-out of statewide summative assessments in English language arts and Mathematics. The opt-out forms will not be available on the Oregon Department of Education website until later this school year. We will let you know when the opt-out forms become available. This notification will be sent to you at least 30 days prior to when your student would begin testing. More information about the annual opt-out / testing notification process can be found here:
Oregon Annual Testing Notification - English
Oregon Annual Testing Notification - Spanish
In the Gresham-Barlow School District, we are deeply committed to inspiring and empowering each student and ensuring that every student in our schools has the support they need to achieve at high levels and graduate prepared for their next steps.
I encourage you to reach out to your child’s teacher(s) with any questions you may have about your student’s progress.
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Dear West Orient Parents,
Northwest Family Services, is excited to announce a new series of free online workshops for parents and teens. These workshops are for any parent and their teenage child or children in Multnomah County.
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WOMS Families,
Here are West Orient Immunization rates and a list of Student Health Center (English & Spanish) locations to get your child's Immunizations updated before February 17, 2021
West Orient Immunization Rates 10/20/20
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GBSD shares update on health metrics and online instruction
Online instruction to continue through at least end of November
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Dear West Orient Families,
Are you needing Technology help or have general questions? Here is some helpful information to help problem solve some of the most common issues and answer questions regarding technology and distance learning.
You can contact the Family Tech Assistance line at (503)258-4733 for help or contact our office staff at (503) 663-3323 for further assistance.
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West Orient's Elective Forecasting for 2020-2021
6th Grade Elective Forecasting
7th Grade Elective Forecasting
8th Grade Elective Forecasting
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Hello, Future Wolverines!
Welcome to West Orient Middle School.
Please click on the links below to learn all about West Orient Middle School!
- West Orient Middle School Presentation
- This presentation is self-paced. Please review each slide to learn more about our school and what it is like to be a middle schooler. In addition, be sure to click on the teacher videos to learn more about who they are and what they teach.
- School Video - Watch this video to get a more indepth look into our school and community.
- Follow school updates on our WOMS Twitter and Gresham-Barlow SD Twitter
We’re excited to meet YOU and we look forward to seeing you in the fall.
Sincerely,
Ms. Catanese
Principal West Orient Middle School
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West Orient's School Theme
2020-2021 School Year
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Dear West Orient Community,
“The ultimate measure of a person is not where one stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where one stands in times of challenge and controversy.”
Martin Luther King, Jr.
In these challenging times, we stand together. It’s difficult to find the words to express the emotions we are all feeling right now. It’s time for everyone, ourselves included, to stand up against racism and injustice. We will start by saying that we have a lot of work to do. While we don’t have all the answers, we are committed to listening, learning, and understanding our students and community.
We believe that every student who walks through our doors deserves to be treated with respect, fairness, and dignity. We will continue to work together to build a positive and safe community where ALL students feel welcome. We will work towards eliminating inequities and injustices from our school. We will continue to uphold the values of inclusion and equity and support for all of the students that we serve. This is where we stand and this is the journey to which we are committed.
We are ALL in this together.
Sincerely,
West Orient Staff
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To our Students, Families, and Community,
Over the last couple months our community has shown immense strength, flexibility, patience, and collaboration as we came together to make Distance Learning for All work for our students and families.
The staff of West Orient wanted to express their words of encouragement and thanks with a Purple Ribbon Message to our Community.
Please take a moment to watch the West Orient Middle School Outreach Slideshow, and THANK YOU to the Gresham-Barlow Community for “Leveling Up!” during these unprecedented times!
Stay Safe 💟 Stay Strong 💟 Stay Kind 💟
Wolverines are EPIC!
Sincerely,
The West Orient Staff
2019-2020
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Pandemic EBT Food Benefits for Families
Pandemic EBT is a program that provides financial assistance to help families pay for groceries during school closures. All K-12 students who qualify for free and reduced meals are eligible for this benefit in addition to the daily grab-and-go meals. If you are school-wide free and reduced, all families are eligible. Immigration status does not matter for Pandemic EBT benefits. Pandemic EBT will not count in a public charge test.
Families that currently have SNAP benefits will automatically have benefits loaded onto their EBT cards. Those that currently do not have an EBT card, will automatically have one mailed to them with instructions. Benefits are equal to the price of school meals over the month.
Sodexo will be sending out information on this benefit to families. Please share widely both internally and with your community partners. Flyer attached.
For additional food resources visit the GBSD website under Covid-19>Family Resources or under the Parent Resources tab>Community Resources. -
Parents & Guardians,
Communication with our families and safety for all students are very important to us at West Orient Middle School. Here are a few key items to to help ensure communication and student safety.
- Please update your contact and emergency contact information often. Many time we are unable to contact families when needed. In case of an emergency it is imperative that we are able to reach you.
- ParentVUE is an important tool to track your students grades, absences, class schedule, change demographic information and much more. If you do not have a ParentVUE account please contact the office at 503-663-3323.
- Log into ParentVUE
- Download ParentVUE Getting Started Guide (pdf)
- Periodically we send out School Messenger Broadcast email messages. Please do not unsubscribe from receiving these messages. We try to only send out important information to you as we do not want to overwhelm you with too many messages. If you unsubscribe you will miss receiving important information. Please contact the office if you would like to re-establish the email connection and begin receiving our email messages.
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West Orient now has apparel and shoes available for purchase
Apparel: westorient.gearupsports.net
Shoes: gearupsports.net/shoes
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SafeOregon.com
All kids should feel safe at school and in their communities.
SafeOregon gives kids, parents, schools and their communities
a way to report safety threats or potential acts of violence.
Together, we'll empower people to speak out and spark a change.
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2020 Immunization Results
The State of Oregon requires schools to notify parents of their immunization rates for each required vaccine. These rates will be posted on our school’s website, in our school office, and sent home to parents. The rates attached are the exemption rates as of the February exclusion date - which is always the third Wednesday of that month. Schools are required to publish this information twice each school year. These rates will be posted within thirty days of the February exclusion date. The same information will be shared again during the first month of school next school year. Again, these rates are collected and tallied each February.
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School board approves boundary changes
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Updated GBSD Mobile App is here!
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Receive School Reminders/Updates via Text Message!
Sign up to receive messages from your child's school and GBSD!
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Join the conversation!
Every voice matters at West Orient Middle School
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Gresham-Barlow School District makes decision to opt-in for 11-on-11 football
Decision comes as COVID-19 school health safety metrics improve
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Oregon Association of Latino Administrators honors Superintendent A. Katrise Perera
Dr. Perera receives Tom Ruhl Ally Award from OALA
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Sam Barlow High School Coach Jay Jacobsen receives ‘Coach of Significance' Award from the United Soccer Coaches Association
Coach honored for this dedication to student athletes and advancing the sport of soccer
Phone: 503-663-3323
Email:
Degrees and Certifications:
Ms. Catanese
Greetings,
I’m Elise Catanese, principal of West Orient Middle School, home of the WOLVERINES. As a community of learners, the students and staff at West Orient Middle School strive to practice respect, responsibility, relationships, and results. High standards and expectations for each student in regard to academic performance and responsible citizenship are the foundation of our school. It is with pride that we hold these high standards and ask each of our students to commit to maintaining the extraordinary record of achievement and contribution that has been the legacy of West Orient Middle School students.
School Mission
Wolverines are EPIC! Engaged Persistent Intentional Career and college ready
School Vision
All students are socially, emotionally, and academically prepared to reach their fullest potential.
School Communication
Communication is key to student success! All school information can be found on our school website, westorient.gresham.k12.or.us. Our weekly newsletter, Wolverine News, contains the most current information including school announcements, upcoming events, important dates, and school celebrations. Wolverine News is emailed to parents weekly and we upload a copy under the Wolverine News link on our school website. ParentVUE is another valuable communication tool that provides parents and guardians access to information regarding their child’s academic progress, current grades, attendance activity, and class schedules via the internet. Both Wolverine News and ParentVUE can be found on our school website. Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter @WOMSwolverines.
School Theme
Our theme for the 2020-21 school year is Mission Possible. Our mission is to prepare our students for the best comprehensive distance learning experience possible. I can assure you that our teachers have been working relentlessly to prepare lessons and activities and provide outstanding opportunities for online learning. However, we can not accomplish this mission alone. I encourage you and your student to join us in this mission. We ask that you guide and support your child's learning by ensuring that they:
- Attend all classes, arrive on time, and be prepared and ready for the day's learning.
- Complete and turn in all assignments on time.
- Consistently communicate with their teachers.
- Know that you expect them to succeed in school.
We are strong and we are EPIC (Engaged, Persistent, Intentional, Career & College Ready) and together we will make this Mission Possible!
If I can ever be of assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Go Wolverines!
Elise Catanese
Principal
West Orient Middle School
MISSION POSSIBLE
