TEACH-NW

Celebrating Women's History Month https://www.oregon.gov/ode/about-us/pages/education%20update%20pages/march-2023-education-update.aspx

Applications for the Oregon Senate Page Program are open! The Honorary Page Program provides students with a unique chance to engage with the legislative process by assisting with Senate Chamber tasks, observing floor sessions, and learning firsthand about the role of the legislature. Through this experience, students gain a deeper understanding of how the three branches of government intersect and function. Additionally, the program allows them to meet and interact with their senator, members of the Assembly, and key legislative staff. This long-cherished program is a valuable tool for civic education, offering students a meaningful way to connect with government and inspire future leadership. We can ensure that students from all parts of Oregon have access to this enriching experience. Interested students can learn more by visiting the Senate Honorary Page website or by accessing the application directly. Key Dates Applicants are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis. Action Needed If you would like to be an Honorary Page in the Senate, please print out and complete this application on both sides and e-mail it to: Misty.McCord@oregonlegislature.gov. After receiving the completed application, they will send you confirmation and the date you will participate in the program. Background Information The Oregon Senate Honorary Page Program is a long-cherished civics engagement program that dates back to at least the first part of the twentieth century. It offers students an unforgettable opportunity to step into the heart of Oregon’s government and experience democracy in action. Imagine walking onto the Senate Floor, assisting with important tasks like delivering messages to senators, preparing materials for debates, and observing discussions on the laws that shape our state. This program provides students with a unique, hands-on perspective of the legislative process while connecting them with senators, key staff, and the workings of all three branches of government. From learning how bills are introduced and passed to gaining insight into the day-to-day operations of the Senate, the Honorary Page Program inspires civic engagement and nurtures a passion for public service. Some of Oregon’s current senators even began their journeys in this very program, showcasing its role in shaping the leaders of today and tomorrow. This opportunity is perfect for youth aged 12-17 and offers a meaningful way to foster a deeper understanding of democracy and create lasting memories. Teachers, parents, and legislators are encouraged to support and promote participation, making this transformative experience accessible to students across the state. Apply today and help shape the future of Oregon, one student at a time! Contact Us Applications for the Oregon Senate Page Program will be accepted on a rolling basis. If you have any questions, please contact Misty McCord, Senate Honorary Page Coordinator at the Secretary of the Senate’s Office at (503) 986-1860 or by e-mail at Misty.McCord@oregonlegislature.gov.

TEACH-NW LCC and Hillsboro Learning Center Families, Due to the severe weather forecast in person classes at both LCC and the Hillsboro Learning Center are canceled for Thursday February 13th. Given the potential risks, particularly during the commute home, we want to prioritize the safety of our students, families, and staff. Please note that all virtual classes will proceed as scheduled. We look forward to seeing our students in our virtual courses! Stay warm!

Black History Ruth Flowers, Ralph Flowers, and Clifford Flowers with an automobile in about 1920 to 1925. OHS Research Library, Org. Lot 865, folder 3, 007. Explore and download the Oregon Historical Society’s educational resources related to Black history. Materials include curriculum, units, lessons, and other resources that are sorted by grade level and resource type. Some resources may relate to more than one theme. https://www.ohs.org/education/curriculum-and-resources/resources-by-theme/black-history.cfm?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

TEACH-NW 5th grader Thomas Haberstroh won the 24-25 Springfield Arts Commission competition. Way to go Thomas!

Dear TEACH-NW Families, We want to update you on recent federal executive action regarding a temporary pause on payments for federal grants and other programs. Our understanding is that the Office of Management and Budget has since rescinded this directive. On the evening of January 30th, the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) provided the following guidance to public schools: "The Oregon Department of Education (ODE) is closely monitoring the evolving landscape surrounding federal funding and the most recent federal executive orders and their potential impact on education programs across the state." Our commitment remains unchanged—we are dedicated to ensuring that students and educators continue to have access to the resources they need for success. We are actively working with state and federal partners to clarify next steps and address any necessary adjustments. At this time, school districts should proceed with program implementation as planned. ODE will provide updates if there are any changes to federal funding." We thank you for your attention and support. We will keep you informed as we learn more. - TEACH-NW

Attention High School students and families of Lane County, Registration for Job Shadows through Connected Lane County is OPEN! This FREE experience is open to all high school-aged youth in Lane County. They'll accept registrations from January 7th, 2025 - January 14th, 2025 at 5:00 pm. Space goes fast! Register now! Please copy and paste the link into your browser. https://clc.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_42UQ2lbTEIKYxVA

TEACH-NW eSports team qualified for the West Coast playoff championships!

November is Native American Heritage Month, a time to honor the rich history, contributions, and enduring legacies of Native American communities. For math teachers in Oregon, this month provides a chance to highlight the nine Essential Understandings of Native Americans in Oregon, showcasing the rich diversity of Native American experiences. The Tribal History/Shared History lessons further enhance this effort, offering a means to integrate these perspectives into the curriculum throughout the school year, deepening students’ understanding of tribal nations’ histories and viewpoints. More from ODE: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/ORED/bulletins/3c0ee96

Honoring Our Veterans - Veterans Day is a time to pause, reflect, and express our deepest gratitude to the men and women who have served in the armed forces. It’s a day dedicated to honoring those who made sacrifices for the freedoms and values we hold dear – and it reminds us of the resilience and courage embedded in the spirit of those who wear a uniform. Originally known as Armistice Day, Veterans Day was first observed on November 11, 1919, to commemorate the first anniversary of the end of World War I. The armistice between the Allies and Germany was signed that day, marking the end of a devastating conflict that reshaped the world. In 1954, following World War II and the Korean War, Congress officially changed the name of the holiday to “Veterans Day,” honoring veterans of all wars. Unlike Memorial Day, which is dedicated to those who lost their lives in service, Veterans Day celebrates service members, recognizing their courage, resilience, and dedication. Veterans Day is an opportunity to recognize the sacrifices they and their families have made—sacrifices that extend beyond time served, often leaving lasting impacts on both body and spirit. By honoring veterans, we also acknowledge the courage it takes to serve, protect, and defend the nation, regardless of personal cost. In 2019, my grandfather Frances Gerding, who at 98, attended his final Veterans Day assembly at Philomath Middle School. Over the years, he attended numerous gatherings in the company of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He cherished the choirs, bands, and theatrical performances at these assemblies. However, his greatest delight was being surrounded by family on those occasions.

Democracy thrives on active citizen participation - from community organizing to public discourse to voting. While voting stands as one of our most fundamental democratic rights, many K-12 students witnessing the buildup to November's election will not yet be eligible to cast a ballot. However, this moment presents a unique opportunity in social science classrooms to engage students in meaningful civic learning. This election season offers teachers the chance to help students: Think historically about electoral implications Analyze party platforms and candidate promises Evaluate proposed policies and measures Understand how social media shapes public opinion Identify misinformation and disinformation The 2024 Social Science Standards, updated in June 2024, reflect the intent of Senate Bills 702 and 513 to deepen students' understanding of the foundations of the US Republic and principles of democracy. While civic education is valuable year-round, Tuesday's election provides immediate relevance for these essential lessons. https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/ORED/bulletins/3bfda9e

TEACH-NW Field Trip to Triskelee Farms

Exciting News from Marcola School District! 🏆 We are thrilled to announce that we have been honored with 3 National Awards for our commitment to excellence in education and nutrition! 🥗Rural SFA Lunch Trailblazer: Recognizing our innovative lunch programs that serve our community. 🍽️Innovation in the Preparation of School Meals: Celebrating our creative approach to making nutritious meals accessible for all students. 📚Innovation in Nutrition Education: Highlighting our efforts to educate students about healthy eating habits. A huge thank you to our dedicated staff and supportive community for making this possible! Together, we’re paving the way for a healthier future. #MarcolaProud #NationalAwards #HealthySchools #USDA #ActionforHealthyKids https://www.marcola.k12.or.us/article/1836940

All High School Students are invited to join TEACH-NW Student Council. Students will work together to create the foundation of an effective and empowering student government. Student Council builds leadership skills, understanding of models of government, service opportunities, and a place for students to share their voice with our school community. Student Council will meet the first Monday of each month from 1-2:30 PM. Student Council members can earn .5 high school civics credits. Questions? Email Sara or Miguel at sstaton@marcola.k12.or.us and mbaltazar@marcola.k12.or.us https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd6OS_dQPd9kpiQ5pLwogHZ_NBu3xLiCHAkxIm78759TsaQmg/viewform

🚀 Exciting Update: Final Date Set for Our Live ARISS Event! We are thrilled to announce that we have secured the final date and time for our ARISS event, where TEACH-NW students will connect live with astronauts on the International Space Station! Our students have been diligently preparing for this moment, honing their communication skills and eagerly anticipating the big day. Event Details: Date: Friday, October 18, 2024 Time: Arrival time is suggested for 10:30 AM, our contact will start promptly at 11:30 AM Location: Carlton Observatory, Evergreen Air & Space Museum, and virtually via live stream. 500 NE Captain Michael King Smith Way, McMinnville, OR 97128 This event is open to all family, friends, and community members who wish to experience this momentous occasion. Whether you join us in person or tune in through our live stream, your presence will make this event even more special for our students. Please bring folding chairs for seating, rain gear if necessary, and wear close-toed shoes for your safety. The ground is not level and the site will be up on a hill. There will be a viewing area available to watch the live stream inside the aviation museum for those that would prefer. Here is the announcement about the event from the Carleton Observatory! Please RSVP: To help us prepare for the day, we kindly ask that you fill out this quick form indicating your planned attendance. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc1vubmvtGCxYTmLfom6Q3NxfQy41rGp-8E7i9T_wu6kTcwzQ/viewformhttps://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc1vubmvtGCxYTmLfom6Q3NxfQy41rGp-8E7i9T_wu6kTcwzQ/viewform We can’t wait to share this incredible experience with you all. Join us as we reach for the stars together!

We embrace the vibrancy of Hispanic Heritage Month by honoring and celebrating the profound impacts American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America have had—and continue to have—on the shared body of science, mathematics, engineering, technology, and related fields. Hispanic Heritage Month, which spans September 15th to October 15th, took root in 1968 when it began as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson. It was later expanded to a month-long celebration by President Reagan in 1988. The significance of September 15th lies in its commemoration of the independence anniversaries of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Additionally, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16th and September 18th, respectively. In this special edition of our newsletter, we are excited to share profiles of influential Hispanic math educators who have made significant contributions to the field. These profiles are available in a PowerPoint presentation created by Dr. Kris Childs that you can access here. Join us in celebrating their achievements and inspiring our students with stories of perseverance, innovation, and excellence. Information courtesy of www.hispanicheritagemonth.gov.

Reaching for the Stars: TEACH-NW Students Connect with the ISS https://community.cadence.com/cadence_blogs_8/b/corporate-news/posts/reaching-for-the-stars-teach-nw-students-connect-with-the-iss

Student Spotlight: Zelda Douglass. In July Zelda won Junior Intermediate Champion at Spotlight Dance Nationals for her solo dance. Way to go Zelda!!!

Building a Homeade Antenna: Hands-On Learning with Purpose https://www.youtube.com/shorts/nhEo7qXGMtQ

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Lara Triback Date: September 19, 2024 Portland Student Named 2024 Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge Finalist Portland, OR — Congratulations to Ezekiel Wheeler of Portland, OR on his remarkable achievement as a 2024 Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge (JIC) Finalist! Zeke has been recognized as one of the top 30 finalists in this prestigious national competition, selected from tens of thousands of middle school students participating in science fairs across the United States this year. Zeke's passion for engineering and space began at a young age. At just eight years old, he decided he wanted to contact the International Space Station (ISS) using ham radio. Realizing that a ham radio alone wouldn’t suffice, Zeke built his own satellite tracker, complete with a 10-foot-long antenna and two smaller trackers constructed out of Legos. To make the project more accessible and educational for other students, Zeke 3D printed a desktop satellite tracker, providing a fun, hands-on way to teach mechanical and electrical engineering. His proposal to the Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) was accepted this year, and he looks forward to guiding students from TEACH-NW as they communicate with an astronaut aboard the ISS in October. About the Junior Innovators Challenge The Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge is the premier middle school STEM competition in the United States. It is designed to encourage and reward students for their original research and commitment to STEM education. For more information, please contact: Lara Triback 971-322-8242