Bowling Night Fundraiser

Dear FGCS Families & Friends - A reminder that our Family Bowling Night is scheduled for this Saturday, October 25th at Rainbow Lanes in Forest Grove. Please come and bring your family, friends and neighbors - all are welcome! Proceeds from this event will help provide scholarships and transportation for Outdoor School.. Bowling for Level 1 and 2 families will be 6-8 p.m.; Levels 3 and 4 will be 8-10 p.m. There will be a costume contest with prizes and raffle. Cost is $10/person for unlimited bowling. Pizza and soda will be available for purchase. Family Bowling Night is sponsored by the FGCS Fundraising Committee. If you'd like to help with Bowling Night or be part of the fundraising committee, please contact Misty Lewis at semile@verizon.net. *Rainbow Lanes is located at 2748 19th Place in Forest Grove, 1/2 block east of Ballad Town Shopping Center/Safeway. We hope to see you Saturday night - FGCS Fundraising Committee

Forest Grove Community School 1914 Pacific Ave. Forest Grove, Oregon 97116 503-359-4600;503-359-4622 www.fgcschool.org

Pizza Wednesday - Reminder

Every Wednesday our Fabulous Fundraising Committee serves Pizza
Schmizza slices for lunch, but orders must be placed and paid for by
noon Tuesday. Students may NOT pay for slices on Wednesdays.

All are encouraged to bring their own plates to avoid using paper -
and to receive a small treat. Students should bring their own
beverages and any thing else they need for lunch.

Pizza Wednesday Order forms are available at school (near the
fundraising box in the main floor hailway) or on the Documents page of
our website at www.fgcschool.org. If you have questions or would like
to volunteer to help with Pizza Wednesdays, please contact Misty Lewis
at semile@verizon.net or Tessa Anderson at tessa97119@verizon.net.

Clarification

Dear FGCS Families - Many of you had questions about an email sent
Friday regarding the city ordinance addressing use of skateboards,
scooters, roller skates, etc. Here is the full text of the city
ordinance:

Forest Grove City Code 6.080 Roller Skates, Sleds, Etc.
(1) No person upon roller skates, a skateboard or riding in or by
means of a coaster, toy vehicle or similar device shall use the
streets, except while crossing at a crosswalk or in an authorized
area.
(2) No person shall use the streets for traveling on skis,
toboggans, or similar devices, except where authorized.
(3) No person upon roller skates, or skateboard, or riding in or
by means of a coaster, toy vehicle or similar device shall use
sidewalks in the Central Business District of the City. (ORD 1987-09,
6/22/87)

It appears that 'wheels' of this type are fine on sidewalks in the
city EXCEPT in the Central Business District, where FGCS is located
(for a map of the Central Business District, visit the city's web site
at www.forestgrove-or.gov and click on the Planning Division link
under Cit Services). Skateboards, scooters, roller blades and such are
not allowed on any city streets except at crosswalks.

Again, we know that this ordinance poses a dilemma for families whose
students may be skating, boarding or scootering to school. We aren't
advising families to take any particular action, but simply want to
share information we received from the police department. And, again,
we ask that you encourage your children to act safely and responsibly,
however they are traveling around town.

Scooters, Skateboards & Skates

Dear FGCS Families:

We're writing to make you aware of a city ordinance that affects
students riding skateboards, scooters and roller skates or roller
blades to school.

Teresa Kohl, the city's community service officer, stopped by
today to let us know that city code prohibits riding scooters, roller
skates, skateboards and 'similar devices' on city streets and
sidewalks. She also reported that she had received a complaint from a
neighbor/business owner who had to dodge a scooter coming down the
sidewalk near the school.

This is a difficult issue for us as a school community - we want to
encourage families to drive less and we support students coming to
school under their own power. But, of course, it is important that we
observe the law and maintain positive relationships with our downtown
neighbors.

It appears that the city seldom issues citations for violations of
the "no wheels on sidewalks" ordinance but the police are authorized
to do so and will respond to complaints of unsafe riding. Please take
time to talk with your students about behaving safely and responsibly,
whether the are on wheels or on foot.

If you have questions about the city ordinance, please contact
Officer Kohl at 503-992-3108. If you have questions about school rules
related to skateboards, scooters, etc., please contact Karen Torry at
503-359-4600 or k.torry@fgcschool.org. Thanks for your help keeping
our school and our neighborhood safe.

High School Mentors Needed

Dear FGCS Families:

Nine of our high school (Level 4) students are currently working on a
variety of projects in their "Self-Directed Learning" (SDL) class.
They
have reached the point in their process where adult mentors are
needed to assist, review and support their work. This will be the
first time many of these freshmen and sophmores will have an outside
expert adult act as a support in their learning efforts. Details of
the mentoring relationship will be negotiated by the mentor and
student, with teacher guidance as needed.

Would you look through the list of goals and projects below and see if
you know of people who could be helpful to our student-researchers? We
would appreciate any relevant materials you might have, as well.

--Repairing a Honda/mechanics
--Creating a scrapbook about horse breeds for our school library
--Photographing nature and extreme sports for display and sale
--Developing a photo-menu of healthful snacks for publication/use
at Pacific Univ.
--Completing and publishing a novel
--Increasing skills in reading, writing and speaking Hebrew
--Increasing skills in drawing human figures and hands for art
portfolio/display
--Creating/publishing a complete animated story for a showing
--Increasing skills in rock band drumming for a show

Each student will be responsible for a presentation in January (end of

semester) before an audience of her/his choice, to include the
principal, teacher and mentor.

If you have suggestions or questions, please contact SDL teacher Robin
Lindsley at r.lindsley@fgcschool.org. Thank you for your help!

Family Bowling Night Oct. 25

Join us for a night of fun and fundraising - the FGCS Fundraising
Committee is sponsoring a Family Bowling Night on Saturday, October
25th at Rainbow Lanes in Forest Grove.

Bowling for Level 1 and 2 families will be 6-8 p.m.; Levels 3 and 4
will be 8-10 p.m. There will be a costume contest and raffle.

Cost is $10/person for unlimited bowling. Pizza and soda will be
available for purchase. Proceeds will support Outdoor School and
other outdoor learning activities.

If you'd like to volunteer with the fundraising committee, please
contact Misty Lewis at semile@verizon.net.

*Rainbow Lanes is located at 2748 19th Place in Forest Grove, 1/2
block east of Ballad Town Shopping Center/Safeway.

Picture Retakes - Correction

A correction - Student photo retakes are scheduled for Thursday,
November 6th. An incorrect date was listed in an earlier message.
Sorry for the confusion.

FGCS

News & Reminders

-- No School Weds., Thurs. and Fri. this week. Please call the office
at 503-359-4600 if you haven't scheduled a conference with your
child's classroom teacher for Weds. or Thurs. FYI - During
conferences, teachers will give you a form asking you to provide
information about your household income. This is an anonymous,
confidential form to collect information the school needs for grant
applications. Please help support our school by completing and turning
in this form when you come in for conferences.

--Lost & Found: We already have a big pile of jackets, sweaters and
miscellaneous items left behind on the playground and elsewhere. We'll
have them out on a table during conferences - please take a look and
claim what's yours. Unclaimed items will be donated to a charitable
clothes closet for foster children.

-- Pizza Wednesdays start next week: Thanks to our fabulous
fundraising committee, we'll again have slices of Pizza Schmizza
available for lunch on Wednesdays throughout the school year. Cost is
$2.50/slice for cheese, pepperoni or Don Ho(Canadian bacon and
pineapple)- sorry, we can't take special requests or provide drinks.
You must order and pay by noon on Tuesday - we can't accept any
same-day orders. Order forms are available near the fundraising box
(located in the hallway of the main building) or on the Documents page
of our web site (www.fgcschool.org). Also, to avoid using throwaway
paper products, we ask students to bring a plate and napkin from home
- you'll get a candy treat AND save trees if you do!

-- School Photo Retakes - Students who missed picturs or want a new
picture taken will have the chance on Thurs., Nov. 11. Students who
missed the opportunity to order student photo identification cards can
do that the same day, even if they are not having a picture taken. ID
cards cost $1.00. Make checks payable to Craig Huston Photography.

-- Late Arrivals: Students arriving after 8:50 a.m. must sign in at
the school office before going to class, including students in the
modular classrooms.

-- Wet Weather: Students should wear or bring a water-resistant jacket
and shoes or boots to school EVERY day, rain or shine - as we all
know, the weather can change very quickly and Oregon winters (and
autumns, and springs) tend to be very wet.

-- Bikes, Scooters and Skateboards - Cheers to all our students coming
to school under their own power, on wheels or on foot. A few rules and
reminders:
- Students may not store boards or scooters in the classroom or
hallways.
- There is a cool, student-built wooden rack under the canopy for
students to lock boards and scooters. We have a limited number of
padlocks students can use for a $5 deposit - see Donna or Vickie in
the office.
- Please don't bike or ride ON school property, including under
the canopy.
- Please lock up your wheels - many bikes, boards and scooters
are being left unlocked outdoors. FGCS will not be responsible for
thefts of any personal items.
- Oregon law requires anyone under 16 to wear a helmet while
riding a bike. The helmet law requires those 15 and younger to wear
helmets while riding scooters, skateboards and inline skates. The law
applies in all public areas, including sidewalks and parking lots.
- Student failure to obey these rules, as with any school rules,
will be addressed as a student conduct issue. Please contact Karen
with any questions at 503-359-4600 or k.torry@fgcschool.org.

Principal's Letter - Conferences

Dear FGCS Families,

As you know, student goal-setting conferences are scheduled for Weds.,
Oct. 8 and Thurs., Oct. 9. These conferences are a little different
than those in other schools, so I'd like to share a bit of background
to explain why we're using this approach.

Our school was founded on the belief that in order for students to
learn, they must be active partners in their education. One of the
ways we engage students in their education is through student-led,
goal-setting conferences. At these meetings, students share their
goals for the upcoming semester with their parents and teacher. Before
the conferences, students will spend class time reflecting on their
goals and considering how to set attainable and measurable goals. At
the conference, teacher, parents, and student will commit to a plan to
meet the stated goals.

This process is intended to help students be involved in their
learning -- to see that learning is not something that happens to them
but something that they make happen with assistance from others. You
can help your child in this process by taking a supportive, rather
than directive, role at the conference. Let the child decide the
goals. Don't worry if your child's goals aren't what you would have
chosen; what's important here is for your child to take ownership of
their work. If you have a goal for your child that you feel needs
special attention, or if you want to discuss any issues or concerns,
teachers will be happy to arrange a separate time to meet with you.
Goals that your child develops will be included in his/her Personal
Learning Plan and teachers will follow up with students throughout the
semester.

If you have not already scheduled a conference for your Level 1, 2 or
3 student, please stop by or call the office at 503-359-4600 to sign
up for a half-hour slot on Weds. or Thurs. Parents of Level 4
students will be contacted by their students' advisory teachers to
arrange a meeting time.

Teachers are looking forward to this time with you and your children.
Thank you for your support of your students and our school.

Vanessa Gray
Principal

Letter from FGCS Board Chair

October 2, 2008

Dear FGCS Community:

I'm writing this to let you know that, after five years of thrills,
chills, and excitement, I am stepping down as chair of the FGCS Board
of Directors and leaving my position as a board member. I did not
make this decision lightly, but my kids have shared me with this
school for a long time now, and I need to spend some time with them
before they grow up and leave the nest.

Though I fully believe that the school is in great shape and has
fantastic leadership, my resignation leaves the board even more
shorthanded than it has been already these past few months. When we
started the school, the board had seven members; for a variety of
reasons, over the course of the year, that number has dwindled to 3.
This is not sustainable – no matter how good and dedicated these few
people are, they cannot cover the board responsibilities without
additional help. This is a young and growing school that is off to a
great start but, without a skillful and engaged board, the continued
development of the school will be difficult.

The board has oversight of the school finances, a responsibility to
evaluate the staff and program to ensure adherence to stated mission
and values, and, in addition, must also guide the school through the
process of designing and building a new facility to accommodate the
growth of the school. For this we need expertise in finance, human
resources, education, fundraising, and legal matters, though many of
these skills can be contracted out to experienced professionals if
necessary.

What is absolutely essential to have on the board are members that
care about the school, believe in its mission, and are excited about
helping it grow to its next level. Without that support from the
board, our school staff will be unable to fully deliver the program we
have envisioned. Therefore, if you are looking for a challenging but
extremely rewarding way to become involved with the school, contact a
board member near you to let them know of your interest. They are Jon
Stagnitti (j.stagnitti@fgcschool.org), Alejandro Tecum
(a.tecum@fgcschoolorg) and Janet Taylor (j.taylor@fgcschool.org).
Better yet, attend the next board meeting at 7 p.m. Tues., Oct. 21st
at school to find out more about getting involved.

In closing, I want to say that it has been my greatest pleasure to
work with all of you of who have been involved in the development of
this amazing school. These past years, though often intense, have
been extremely rewarding and I thank all of you who have already given
so much to this endeavor. Though my involvement in the school will
now be mainly through my kids, I'm looking forward to another great
year for the school and everyone in it.

Terry O'Day