Friday, September 19, 2008

FGCS Updates & Reminders

Dear FGCS Families: It's the end of another great week. It's been
wonderful getting to know your children and watching our school
community grow. Here's this week's news:

UPDATES

Building: We are sorry to report that the modular buildings are still
not ready for us. Level 3 and 4 students should report on Monday to
the Senior Center and the UCC. These delays have been very frustrating
for us and, we imagine, for students and parents. Here's the status:
Both buildings have passed structural inspections. The electric pole
was installed on Wednesday and the second handicapped ramp is almost
complete. The electrician will be here Monday and we hope to have
power to the buildings Tues. or Weds. The drive-through lane will also
be re-paved this week. We are planning a moving party for next weekend
- details to follow. To volunteer, please contact Karen at
503-359-4600 or k.torry@fgcschool.org.

EVENTS
--Peace Day Celebration 12:30-4 p.m. Sun., 9/21 at McMenamin's Grand
Lodge Yardhouse. Roots & Shoots members (including FGCS students) will
fly giant peace dove puppets, singer-songwriter Dana Lyons will
perform and there will be information/activity tables. Food and
beverages will be available for purchase. The event is free, but
donations to Roots & Shoots are
welcome.
--FGCS Meet & Greet 9-10:15 a.m. Thurs., Sept. 25 at Lincoln Park
Pavilion #2(near the skate park - The FGCS Fundraising
Committee welcomes all parents and family members to come out and meet
other families from FGCS. BYOC (Bring Your Own Cup - coffee will be
provided and there is a great play structure to keep the little ones
entertained.
-- Fundraising Committee Meeting 7:00 p.m. Thurs., Sept. 25 at the
Yardhouse outdoors at McMenamin's Grand Lodge. We have quite a few
activities planned this year, and would love to have many extra hands
that are willing to help.

REMINDERS
Early Release Fridays: Remember that ALL students release at 1:05
p.m. on Fridays.

Late Arrivals: If your students will arrive at school later than
8:50 a.m., please come into the office to sign them in. Last week we
made several unnecessary calls home because students were marked
absent when they were actually at school but had arrived after
attendance was taken and had not signed in.

Pick up and drop off: School starts at 8:50 a.m. The main
entrance (under the canopy)is opene at 8:35 a.m. Please don't drop
children off before 8:35. After 8:50, students should come through the
east office door and sign in.

Student Safety: While our drive-through lane is out of
commission, please continue to park nearby and walk your children to
school. If you allow your children to walk on their own, please remind
them to do so safely. We've had some concerning reports of children
crossing streets without checking for traffic AND reports of drivers
not paying attention to children. We've asked teachers to review safe
walking practices with children and ask you to please do the same at
home. We support students coming to school under their own power but,
above all, want to make sure they are safe.

Footwear: FGCS students and teachers do a lot of walking. While
it's fine for students to wear their favorite slip-ons or flip-flops
in class, they should always bring a pair of sturdy sneakers or
walking shoes for going outdoors. Students without appropriate
footwear are at risk of being left out of activities. FYI, here is the
schedule for PE and Out & Abouts, days when all students MUST have
sturdy shoes:
MONDAY
PE: Shannon (Level 3)
TUESDAY
PE: Rachel (Level 1)
Gretchen (Level 2)
Out & About
Veronica (Level 2), Karen (Level 1) and John (Level 3)
WEDNESDAY
PE: Karen, Veronica
Out & About:
Sherry (level 1), Charlie (Level 2), Level 4 (High School)
THURSDAY
PE: Sherry, Charlie
Out & About: Rachel, Gretchen, Shannon
FRIDAY
PE: Level 4