Hi Parents,
Looking forward to seeing many of you this evening. Thanks for the positive feedback and my apologies for our calendar mix-ups.
Best,
Ken
Thursday, November 05, 2009
Sunday, November 01, 2009
Senior Project Grant Applications
Attention seniors: please note a new link on the right which should take you to the grant application materials for your projects. The deadline for this month's application is this Friday, the 6th (a day on which students do not have school, so you may want to turn them in Thursday). There will be other rounds in January and February, as indicated on the syllabus.
You may also want to (or maybe not want to) note that you have now passed the quarter way point for senior projects.
Peace,
Ken
You may also want to (or maybe not want to) note that you have now passed the quarter way point for senior projects.
Peace,
Ken
High School News
Hello all, below are images of the latest high school newsletter. Click below to make it bigger, or you can find a PDF of the newsletter here.
Unfortunately, there are some errors in the 'Happenings' part. Please note:
o Service Day always the third Friday, it should be Nov 20,
o Winter Break is December 21st through January 1st.
Best,
Ken
Unfortunately, there are some errors in the 'Happenings' part. Please note:
o Service Day always the third Friday, it should be Nov 20,
o Winter Break is December 21st through January 1st.
Best,
Ken
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Pie Day Tomorrow!
Hi all,
Thanks to Colin's proposal in class meeting on Wednesday (and our awesome amendments and consenus decision making powers), we will be having pie in advising.
I am making pie right now! And we will commence our feasting on pie at 11:00. Here is why:
The general schedule for tomorrow is...
8:30-9:30 All School Meet
9:30-10:30 HS Meet (full agenda)
10:30 Gap Year Guest Speaker (within hs meeting)
10:50-11am Break (talk individually with Gap Year guy)
11-12pm Be the Change Class in Advising
Ken
Thanks to Colin's proposal in class meeting on Wednesday (and our awesome amendments and consenus decision making powers), we will be having pie in advising.
I am making pie right now! And we will commence our feasting on pie at 11:00. Here is why:
The general schedule for tomorrow is...
8:30-9:30 All School Meet
9:30-10:30 HS Meet (full agenda)
10:30 Gap Year Guest Speaker (within hs meeting)
10:50-11am Break (talk individually with Gap Year guy)
11-12pm Be the Change Class in Advising
Ken
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Head Lice Information
Hi Advising Famillies.
If you have a younger student at Trillium you know that the 345 classes have had several students found (and sent home) with head lice. A High School student was also found to have head lice. On Thursday, we checked all of the Upper School students for lice during advising. In order to contain this within the school any students found to have nits and/or lice will be sent home. It would be helpful if you could do a thorough head check in the morning before your kiddo comes into school.
Below is some helpful information for preventing and treating. Please let me know if you have any questions and I'll give an update on how we're doing.
- Ken
Head lice are extremely contagious. Close contact or sharing personal belongings, such as hats or hairbrushes, puts people at risk. Children ages 3-11 and their families get head lice most often. Personal hygiene has nothing to do with getting head lice. Parents, please express to your child how important it is for your child NOT to share hairbrushes and combs, barrettes and rubber bands as well as hats.
As a school, we cannot stress how important it is to be vigilant in following the proper procedure when dealing with lice &/or nits. The school requires children to be free of lice and nits before returning to the classroom.
Below is information gathered from Medline Plus
Head lice are parasitic wingless insects. They live on people's heads and feed on their blood. An adult is called a louse and is about the size of a sesame seed. The eggs, called nits, are even smaller - almost like a dandruff flake. Lice and nits are easiest to detect at the neckline and behind the ear, but they can really be found anywhere on the head. The students that I sent home today both had nits and/or lice on the TOP of their head.
Symptoms are
• Tickling feeling in the hair
• Frequent itching
• Sores from scratching
The most important step in treating head lice is to treat the person and other family members with medicine to kill the lice.
How can I treat head lice?
Head lice can be treated with over-the-counter or prescription products. Shampoos and lotions that kill head lice contain pesticides and other chemicals, so it is important to talk to your doctor before using these products, especially if you are pregnant or nursing, or if you have allergies or asthma. It is also not safe to use products with pesticides on or near your eyes. If you find head lice or nits in eyelashes or brows, talk to your doctor.
The products that kill head lice don't usually kill all nits. To reduce the risk of another lice infestation, pick the remaining lice and nits by hand or by using a special comb (one brand name: LiceMeister comb) to remove them. Comb through all of the hair one section at a time every 3 days or more often, for at least 2 weeks or until you stop seeing head lice and nits.
You should also use hot water to wash any bed linens, towels and clothing recently worn by the person who had head lice. Vacuum anything that can't be washed such as the couch, carpets, your child's car seat and any stuffed animals. Because head lice don't live very long away from the scalp, you don't need to use lice spray on these items.
Additional information regarding non-toxic methods can be found by clicking here and detailed instructions by clicking here.
Here are some other tips and suggestions that might be helpful:
Steps to take at home
1. Children WITHOUT lice should lather up their heads with hair gel each morning before school. Lice do not like hair gel. And girls should wear their hair in a braid or pony tail every day.
2. Place your child's hats and coat in a very hot dryer the moment you come home from school.
Preventative Care:
I've read (several places) that head lice are repelled by tea-tree oil & rosemary. You can find all natural shampoo, conditioner & hairspray formulated to repel head lice (supposedly) here
Also, I found at New Seasons Giovanni shampoo and conditioner that has tea tree oil & rosemary oil.
Additional tips and suggestions:
* KeepKidsHealthy.com
*Center for Disease Control
* Pediatrics.com(1)
* Pediatrics.com(2)
* CDC (2)
* KeepKidsHealthy.com (2)
LiceGuard Robi Comb (available at drug stores)
Retail Price: $35.00
Web Price: $29.95
International Bestseller
ZAP LICE dead on contact while combing DRY hair.
As the comb slides through the hair, it makes a soft humming sound until it encounters a louse.
The humming sound stops and a small electrical charge passes from the comb's teeth through the louse. Using the small brush included in the package, the user removes the dead louse from the comb's teeth and resumes combing.
The comb can be stored and used repeatedly by the entire family!
If you have a younger student at Trillium you know that the 345 classes have had several students found (and sent home) with head lice. A High School student was also found to have head lice. On Thursday, we checked all of the Upper School students for lice during advising. In order to contain this within the school any students found to have nits and/or lice will be sent home. It would be helpful if you could do a thorough head check in the morning before your kiddo comes into school.
Below is some helpful information for preventing and treating. Please let me know if you have any questions and I'll give an update on how we're doing.
- Ken
Head lice are extremely contagious. Close contact or sharing personal belongings, such as hats or hairbrushes, puts people at risk. Children ages 3-11 and their families get head lice most often. Personal hygiene has nothing to do with getting head lice. Parents, please express to your child how important it is for your child NOT to share hairbrushes and combs, barrettes and rubber bands as well as hats.
As a school, we cannot stress how important it is to be vigilant in following the proper procedure when dealing with lice &/or nits. The school requires children to be free of lice and nits before returning to the classroom.
Below is information gathered from Medline Plus
Head lice are parasitic wingless insects. They live on people's heads and feed on their blood. An adult is called a louse and is about the size of a sesame seed. The eggs, called nits, are even smaller - almost like a dandruff flake. Lice and nits are easiest to detect at the neckline and behind the ear, but they can really be found anywhere on the head. The students that I sent home today both had nits and/or lice on the TOP of their head.
Symptoms are
• Tickling feeling in the hair
• Frequent itching
• Sores from scratching
The most important step in treating head lice is to treat the person and other family members with medicine to kill the lice.
How can I treat head lice?
Head lice can be treated with over-the-counter or prescription products. Shampoos and lotions that kill head lice contain pesticides and other chemicals, so it is important to talk to your doctor before using these products, especially if you are pregnant or nursing, or if you have allergies or asthma. It is also not safe to use products with pesticides on or near your eyes. If you find head lice or nits in eyelashes or brows, talk to your doctor.
The products that kill head lice don't usually kill all nits. To reduce the risk of another lice infestation, pick the remaining lice and nits by hand or by using a special comb (one brand name: LiceMeister comb) to remove them. Comb through all of the hair one section at a time every 3 days or more often, for at least 2 weeks or until you stop seeing head lice and nits.
You should also use hot water to wash any bed linens, towels and clothing recently worn by the person who had head lice. Vacuum anything that can't be washed such as the couch, carpets, your child's car seat and any stuffed animals. Because head lice don't live very long away from the scalp, you don't need to use lice spray on these items.
Additional information regarding non-toxic methods can be found by clicking here and detailed instructions by clicking here.
Here are some other tips and suggestions that might be helpful:
Steps to take at home
1. Children WITHOUT lice should lather up their heads with hair gel each morning before school. Lice do not like hair gel. And girls should wear their hair in a braid or pony tail every day.
2. Place your child's hats and coat in a very hot dryer the moment you come home from school.
Preventative Care:
I've read (several places) that head lice are repelled by tea-tree oil & rosemary. You can find all natural shampoo, conditioner & hairspray formulated to repel head lice (supposedly) here
Also, I found at New Seasons Giovanni shampoo and conditioner that has tea tree oil & rosemary oil.
Additional tips and suggestions:
* KeepKidsHealthy.com
*Center for Disease Control
* Pediatrics.com(1)
* Pediatrics.com(2)
* CDC (2)
* KeepKidsHealthy.com (2)
LiceGuard Robi Comb (available at drug stores)
Retail Price: $35.00
Web Price: $29.95
International Bestseller
ZAP LICE dead on contact while combing DRY hair.
As the comb slides through the hair, it makes a soft humming sound until it encounters a louse.
The humming sound stops and a small electrical charge passes from the comb's teeth through the louse. Using the small brush included in the package, the user removes the dead louse from the comb's teeth and resumes combing.
The comb can be stored and used repeatedly by the entire family!
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Paradise Lost: Kirabati Found Poem Assignment
Here is the link to the video clip we watched on Kiribati. Write a "found poem" on your impression of the situation.
Wednesday, October 07, 2009
PSAT
Good Afternoon,
We should send some communication home regarding this upcoming test this is what I have, feel free to edit, copy or paste as needed.
Trillium will be administering the PSAT on Wednesday the 14th in the morning. It is important that on the 14th everyone taking the test is prepared to do so. They should have eaten breakfast, come prepared with a calculator or arranged to borrow one, have sharpened number 2 pencils and have arrived to school on time. Students arriving late will not be tested. All eleventh graders are expected to take the exam, unless they have a written note from their parents excusing them. All other grades taking the exam should come with $13 for the exam. On the morning of the 14th, it is extremely important that the hallways remain quiet and as clear as possible.
If you have an question regarding the exam please go to this website: http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/psat/about.html
Thank You,
Jess
We should send some communication home regarding this upcoming test this is what I have, feel free to edit, copy or paste as needed.
Trillium will be administering the PSAT on Wednesday the 14th in the morning. It is important that on the 14th everyone taking the test is prepared to do so. They should have eaten breakfast, come prepared with a calculator or arranged to borrow one, have sharpened number 2 pencils and have arrived to school on time. Students arriving late will not be tested. All eleventh graders are expected to take the exam, unless they have a written note from their parents excusing them. All other grades taking the exam should come with $13 for the exam. On the morning of the 14th, it is extremely important that the hallways remain quiet and as clear as possible.
If you have an question regarding the exam please go to this website: http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/psat/about.html
Thank You,
Jess
Friday, September 25, 2009
Fall Campout Letter
September 24, 2008
Dear Parents and Guardians,
The annual Fall High School Campout and Retreat is coming up next week. We will be leaving for Silver Falls State Park outside of Salem on Wednesday, September 30th and returning to Trillium Friday October 2nd . Students should arrive at school on Wednesday by 8:30 as usual. We expect to leave around 9, and will return Friday around 1. We still need parent drivers and chaperones for the trip, as well as people to help with cleaning and organizing when we get back. Please contact your student’s advisor if you think you might be able to help.
The cost of the trip is covered entirely by the student activity fee. If you have not yet arranged payment for your activity fee for the year, please contact your student’s advisor or the front desk as soon as possible.
The retreat portion of the campout will take place during the first half of the trip, Wednesday afternoon and evening, and Thursday morning. During this time, students will be engaging in small group as well as whole high school activities designed to foster a sense of community and increase our skills as communicators. Some of these events will be outside, and some will be inside. Please be sure that your student brings clothing appropriate for our lovely, unpredictable, Oregon fall weather. The remainder of the campout will be set aside for student choice time. There will be a few pre-determined group activities in which students may choose to participate. All activities are encouraged to be inclusive and non-coercive (if you don’t want to play, you don’t have to). There are also plenty of beautiful areas for walks, hanging-out around camp, or sitting inside by the fire.
The space in which many of us will be staying is primarily a large, open room with bunk beds enough to accommodate 76 people. There are private and separate areas for bathing and changing clothing. There is also a large central fireplace and an industrial kitchen. Ten tent camping spots are available outside the main building for those wishing to be apart from the large group to sleep. The bunks inside are designed to sleep two on the bottom and one on top. There are no mattresses or padding on the bunks. It is important that all students bring bedding and whatever cushioning (blankets or pads) with which they could feel comfortable sleeping on a wood bunk.
A list of suggested supplies for your student is below.
• Sleeping bag or blanket/sheet bedroll
• Sleeping pad or blanket for cushion
• Pillow
• Flashlight/headlamp
• Toiletries
• Towel
• Change of clothes
• Sleepwear
• An extra pair of sneakers
• Warm clothing for potentially cool nights
• Light clothing for potentially warm days
• Sunscreen
• A rain jacket or poncho
It is pretty amusing living in the Pacific Northwest and trying to project the weather in the fall. We’ll know better as we get closer, but right now we are planning for sun, rain, cold, and hot. Students should prepare especially for cool and wet, as Oregon is notorious for delivering both in plenty. It is better to bring rain gear and extra clothes and not need them than the other way around.
All students on the trip are expected to share in cooking and cleaning duties. Drugs and alcohol are, of course, strictly prohibited on the trip. Game systems and loud music are requested to stay at home, while we encourage students to bring cards, board games, and musical instruments.
We look forward to another great high school campout. Please let your student’s advisor know if you have any questions.
Regards,
Elizabeth, Jess, Ken, and Will
High School Advisors
Dear Parents and Guardians,
The annual Fall High School Campout and Retreat is coming up next week. We will be leaving for Silver Falls State Park outside of Salem on Wednesday, September 30th and returning to Trillium Friday October 2nd . Students should arrive at school on Wednesday by 8:30 as usual. We expect to leave around 9, and will return Friday around 1. We still need parent drivers and chaperones for the trip, as well as people to help with cleaning and organizing when we get back. Please contact your student’s advisor if you think you might be able to help.
The cost of the trip is covered entirely by the student activity fee. If you have not yet arranged payment for your activity fee for the year, please contact your student’s advisor or the front desk as soon as possible.
The retreat portion of the campout will take place during the first half of the trip, Wednesday afternoon and evening, and Thursday morning. During this time, students will be engaging in small group as well as whole high school activities designed to foster a sense of community and increase our skills as communicators. Some of these events will be outside, and some will be inside. Please be sure that your student brings clothing appropriate for our lovely, unpredictable, Oregon fall weather. The remainder of the campout will be set aside for student choice time. There will be a few pre-determined group activities in which students may choose to participate. All activities are encouraged to be inclusive and non-coercive (if you don’t want to play, you don’t have to). There are also plenty of beautiful areas for walks, hanging-out around camp, or sitting inside by the fire.
The space in which many of us will be staying is primarily a large, open room with bunk beds enough to accommodate 76 people. There are private and separate areas for bathing and changing clothing. There is also a large central fireplace and an industrial kitchen. Ten tent camping spots are available outside the main building for those wishing to be apart from the large group to sleep. The bunks inside are designed to sleep two on the bottom and one on top. There are no mattresses or padding on the bunks. It is important that all students bring bedding and whatever cushioning (blankets or pads) with which they could feel comfortable sleeping on a wood bunk.
A list of suggested supplies for your student is below.
• Sleeping bag or blanket/sheet bedroll
• Sleeping pad or blanket for cushion
• Pillow
• Flashlight/headlamp
• Toiletries
• Towel
• Change of clothes
• Sleepwear
• An extra pair of sneakers
• Warm clothing for potentially cool nights
• Light clothing for potentially warm days
• Sunscreen
• A rain jacket or poncho
It is pretty amusing living in the Pacific Northwest and trying to project the weather in the fall. We’ll know better as we get closer, but right now we are planning for sun, rain, cold, and hot. Students should prepare especially for cool and wet, as Oregon is notorious for delivering both in plenty. It is better to bring rain gear and extra clothes and not need them than the other way around.
All students on the trip are expected to share in cooking and cleaning duties. Drugs and alcohol are, of course, strictly prohibited on the trip. Game systems and loud music are requested to stay at home, while we encourage students to bring cards, board games, and musical instruments.
We look forward to another great high school campout. Please let your student’s advisor know if you have any questions.
Regards,
Elizabeth, Jess, Ken, and Will
High School Advisors
Tuesday, September 08, 2009
Calling All Pillows
Hello everyone,
I need old cushions, pillows, or mats suitable for sitting on the floor, and I need several - 40 of them in fact. So, if you have some tucked in your basement, attic, or garage, or you wander buy some perfectly good ones on a curb, at the bins, or a garage sale, please think of Trillium and bring them on in.
I look forward to the first day of school. We start Monday at 8:30. Students should go straight to advising to get their schedules.
Best,
Ken
I need old cushions, pillows, or mats suitable for sitting on the floor, and I need several - 40 of them in fact. So, if you have some tucked in your basement, attic, or garage, or you wander buy some perfectly good ones on a curb, at the bins, or a garage sale, please think of Trillium and bring them on in.
I look forward to the first day of school. We start Monday at 8:30. Students should go straight to advising to get their schedules.
Best,
Ken
Monday, September 07, 2009
Free Bus Passes
From the front desk:
We have Free Bus passes for all High School Students. Your student needs to come in to Trillium and speak with Hillary about the passes. There is a form they need to read through and sign before they can have the passes. She is there from about 9-1 during the day.
We have Free Bus passes for all High School Students. Your student needs to come in to Trillium and speak with Hillary about the passes. There is a form they need to read through and sign before they can have the passes. She is there from about 9-1 during the day.
Forms and Catlogs
Greetings everyone,
The latest catalog changes, and many useful Trillium forms, are now online.
Just click here.
The latest catalog changes, and many useful Trillium forms, are now online.
Just click here.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Course Selection Survey
Hello high school students and parents,
Please take a moment to fill out the course selection survey. You can find it by clicking here. It is also posted on the bar at the right.
Ken
Please take a moment to fill out the course selection survey. You can find it by clicking here. It is also posted on the bar at the right.
Ken
Ken out of town
Hi all,
I will not be reachable August 19th-30th. I will begin responding to messages Monday, August 31st.
Ken
I will not be reachable August 19th-30th. I will begin responding to messages Monday, August 31st.
Ken
Conference Sign-up Update
Hi all,
I have emailed invitations to all returning students at their Trillium gmail accounts in order to help with sign up. I have also adjusted the access requirements to the spreadsheet so that one hopefully does not have to sign into the page in order to sign up. I have experimented with accessing the document from other accounts and have found, oddly, that I could not access it directly on the first try (it wanted me to sign in), but when hitting the back arrow and trying it again, I got the document directly. That might be a method worth trying if you are having trouble accessing it.
Failing that, signing up for google docs is cost free and, as near as I can tell, free from propaganda and spam, if you are willing to do it.
You should be able to sign up by clicking here, if you have not already done so.
Best,
Ken
I have emailed invitations to all returning students at their Trillium gmail accounts in order to help with sign up. I have also adjusted the access requirements to the spreadsheet so that one hopefully does not have to sign into the page in order to sign up. I have experimented with accessing the document from other accounts and have found, oddly, that I could not access it directly on the first try (it wanted me to sign in), but when hitting the back arrow and trying it again, I got the document directly. That might be a method worth trying if you are having trouble accessing it.
Failing that, signing up for google docs is cost free and, as near as I can tell, free from propaganda and spam, if you are willing to do it.
You should be able to sign up by clicking here, if you have not already done so.
Best,
Ken
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Welcome!
Dear Students and Families,
Happy shorter days of summer to you. I hope this letter finds each of you in good spirits, enjoying time with family and friends and looking forward to the school year. My summer has been a full one, completing my final courses for my masters’ degree, and spending time with my kids, and visiting family.
I am pleased and honored to be serving as your Advisor. For those of you new to high school at Trillium, I offer a special welcome. I am here throughout your High School experience to offer support and guidance for all things academic and personal. As a group, advising embodies the heart of Trillium's democratic community - small, committed groups working through issues and ideas to nurture the growth of our school. But, like all families, we will sometimes be at odds with one another. The tools of peaceful conflict resolution, mediation, and one on one conferencing empower us to address problems, reflect on ourselves, deepen our understanding of each other, and develop our communication skills.
Each year traditionally begins with an Advisor-student-parent conference. We discuss your academic path, review your transcript and assess your progress towards meeting graduation requirements. (For returning students, you should find a copy of your transcripts enclosed in the sent home packet.) We also discuss learning interests and goals and collaboratively sign-up for a Semester 1 schedule designed to best meet your needs. One change this year is that all Advisors will be doing home visits only for students who are new to the Advising group. Returning 10-12th graders and parents will have a scheduled conference in the classroom. I will be scheduling classroom conferences from 8am to 4pm on Thursday 9/3 and Friday 9/4. Home visits for new students will be Sat 9/5. Please contact me at your earliest convenience so we can work out a time that best meets your needs. If I have your correct email address, you should have received an email inviting you to sign up online through a Google spreadsheet. Please also note that on this year's calendar the first day of school falls later in the month to Monday, September 14th. Class starts at 8:30am.
Enclosed in the packet sent home is also a letter from Trillium's Board of Directors discussing how we are working to continue to offer an enriching academic experience in the midst of the budget stress all schools are experiencing. Significant cuts have been made to teaching budgets which have been used for the purchasing of books, curriculum, project supplies, basic classroom supplies, and room improvement. As teachers do with less, we are asking students and families to shoulder greater responsibilities in supporting the classroom. To assist in this planning I have written two lists below. One is what I have seen, over the years, as the basic school supplies students use the most. Also, I have included a classroom “wish list” that includes the supplies that support the creative hands-on projects and art that enrich your students' learning and that I have, in the past, purchased from my budget to stock the “art boxes” in the room. You will also notice that there are some food items on the list. I like to keep some staples in the class. Full students are better learners than hungry students. Please do not feel pressure to purchase these “wish list” items, but do look around your house, keep an eye on yard sales, pick up something extra at a craft shop, or take a family trip to SCRAP to see if you can make a great score to pass on to our classroom.
I look forward to meeting in the beginning of September with each of you to discuss all of the things that are going to make next year one of tremendous creativity, community, growth, and learning. Enjoy the last days of summer.
Peace.
Ken Gadbow
Ken@TrilliumCharterSchool.org, 503-348-9849 (mobile)
Basic school supplies High School students commonly use
• a lot of pencils and a good eraser
• a couple of good pens, especially black ink
• college-ruled lined notebook paper
• black sharpies
• if you often choose visual projects, a set of high quality color art pencils or markers
• highlighters and/or sticky-notes to support reading strategies and research
• a water bottle
• a personal organization system for classes: notebooks/binder/folders... something that works for you and keeps each classes' work separate and organized
• a planner notebook (store-bought, hand-made, SOMETHING!)
• a personal journal or notebook to capture ideas and expression
• a personal library card free of fines
Project Wish-List for our classroom
• Colored paper.
• Glue sticks and White glue.
• Tape: scotch tape, blue masking tape, duct tape.
• Felt squares of all colors.
• Fabric scraps of all varieties.
• Needles and thread.
• Scissors.
• Rulers.
• Paint brushes.
• Poster board and large paper.
• Knitting and crochet needles, yarn, and pattern/how-to books
• DIY craft/design books with simple to use ideas... ReadyMade magazine is great!
• Acrylic paints in all colors and brushes- artist quality (oil and watercolor paints are good, but not used as often)
• Surfaces to paint on... canvas, wood, recycled materials, etc....
• Art paper- Big sketch books, watercolor, charcoal, etc....
• Drawing pencils and pink pearl erasers
• Fabric scraps, screen printed patches, needles, thread.... all sewing stuff
• Black Sharpies of fine and wide tips
• High quality colored pencils.
• A toaster.
• Cushions for sitting on the floor.
• Tissues.
• On going:
Natural peanut butter
Whole grain bread.
Honey
Herbal Tea
Fresh flowers are always a nice touch.
* And if you might be willing to help buy books for the classroom, a Powell's gift card is always a delightful contribution.
Happy shorter days of summer to you. I hope this letter finds each of you in good spirits, enjoying time with family and friends and looking forward to the school year. My summer has been a full one, completing my final courses for my masters’ degree, and spending time with my kids, and visiting family.
I am pleased and honored to be serving as your Advisor. For those of you new to high school at Trillium, I offer a special welcome. I am here throughout your High School experience to offer support and guidance for all things academic and personal. As a group, advising embodies the heart of Trillium's democratic community - small, committed groups working through issues and ideas to nurture the growth of our school. But, like all families, we will sometimes be at odds with one another. The tools of peaceful conflict resolution, mediation, and one on one conferencing empower us to address problems, reflect on ourselves, deepen our understanding of each other, and develop our communication skills.
Each year traditionally begins with an Advisor-student-parent conference. We discuss your academic path, review your transcript and assess your progress towards meeting graduation requirements. (For returning students, you should find a copy of your transcripts enclosed in the sent home packet.) We also discuss learning interests and goals and collaboratively sign-up for a Semester 1 schedule designed to best meet your needs. One change this year is that all Advisors will be doing home visits only for students who are new to the Advising group. Returning 10-12th graders and parents will have a scheduled conference in the classroom. I will be scheduling classroom conferences from 8am to 4pm on Thursday 9/3 and Friday 9/4. Home visits for new students will be Sat 9/5. Please contact me at your earliest convenience so we can work out a time that best meets your needs. If I have your correct email address, you should have received an email inviting you to sign up online through a Google spreadsheet. Please also note that on this year's calendar the first day of school falls later in the month to Monday, September 14th. Class starts at 8:30am.
Enclosed in the packet sent home is also a letter from Trillium's Board of Directors discussing how we are working to continue to offer an enriching academic experience in the midst of the budget stress all schools are experiencing. Significant cuts have been made to teaching budgets which have been used for the purchasing of books, curriculum, project supplies, basic classroom supplies, and room improvement. As teachers do with less, we are asking students and families to shoulder greater responsibilities in supporting the classroom. To assist in this planning I have written two lists below. One is what I have seen, over the years, as the basic school supplies students use the most. Also, I have included a classroom “wish list” that includes the supplies that support the creative hands-on projects and art that enrich your students' learning and that I have, in the past, purchased from my budget to stock the “art boxes” in the room. You will also notice that there are some food items on the list. I like to keep some staples in the class. Full students are better learners than hungry students. Please do not feel pressure to purchase these “wish list” items, but do look around your house, keep an eye on yard sales, pick up something extra at a craft shop, or take a family trip to SCRAP to see if you can make a great score to pass on to our classroom.
I look forward to meeting in the beginning of September with each of you to discuss all of the things that are going to make next year one of tremendous creativity, community, growth, and learning. Enjoy the last days of summer.
Peace.
Ken Gadbow
Ken@TrilliumCharterSchool.org, 503-348-9849 (mobile)
Basic school supplies High School students commonly use
• a lot of pencils and a good eraser
• a couple of good pens, especially black ink
• college-ruled lined notebook paper
• black sharpies
• if you often choose visual projects, a set of high quality color art pencils or markers
• highlighters and/or sticky-notes to support reading strategies and research
• a water bottle
• a personal organization system for classes: notebooks/binder/folders... something that works for you and keeps each classes' work separate and organized
• a planner notebook (store-bought, hand-made, SOMETHING!)
• a personal journal or notebook to capture ideas and expression
• a personal library card free of fines
Project Wish-List for our classroom
• Colored paper.
• Glue sticks and White glue.
• Tape: scotch tape, blue masking tape, duct tape.
• Felt squares of all colors.
• Fabric scraps of all varieties.
• Needles and thread.
• Scissors.
• Rulers.
• Paint brushes.
• Poster board and large paper.
• Knitting and crochet needles, yarn, and pattern/how-to books
• DIY craft/design books with simple to use ideas... ReadyMade magazine is great!
• Acrylic paints in all colors and brushes- artist quality (oil and watercolor paints are good, but not used as often)
• Surfaces to paint on... canvas, wood, recycled materials, etc....
• Art paper- Big sketch books, watercolor, charcoal, etc....
• Drawing pencils and pink pearl erasers
• Fabric scraps, screen printed patches, needles, thread.... all sewing stuff
• Black Sharpies of fine and wide tips
• High quality colored pencils.
• A toaster.
• Cushions for sitting on the floor.
• Tissues.
• On going:
Natural peanut butter
Whole grain bread.
Honey
Herbal Tea
Fresh flowers are always a nice touch.
* And if you might be willing to help buy books for the classroom, a Powell's gift card is always a delightful contribution.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Senior update
May 25, 2009
Dear Senior Parents,
As we prepare to celebrate the culmination of your student’s high school experience, there are a few dates and happenings you might want to keep in mind.
A few students still have outstanding requirements to meet in order to successfully complete their Senior Projects. Please be sure your student is done or knows what he/she must do in order to complete the project. Successfully completed projects, approved by the student’s PRC, are required to graduate.
Please make sure Ken has a copy of your student’s senior project. We are building our senior library for future generations of Trillium students and look forward to including the amazing work of the class of 2009. Not all projects will fit in our library, of course, but we request a finished copy of the written piece at the very least.
Senior Dinner is Friday, June 5th at 6:30 at Trillium. During this annual event, Trillium alumni attend to serve the class of 2009, reminisce about times past, and share insight into times to come.
Commencement will take place at the Moriarty Arts and Humanities Building at Portland Community College Cascade campus (see map on back). The ceremony begins at 2:00. Seniors need to be at Moriarty twice that day: we will have a 9:00 a.m. rehearsal of the ceremony, then seniors need to be back at the theater by 1:30. Commencement will last three hours.
All seniors are preparing their speeches for Commencement. Each senior will select a staff person to speak about him or her at graduation, after which the student will speak about the significance of his/her school experience.
All seniors have picked up their graduation announcements, which cost one dollar each. Seniors who still need to pay for their announcements should bring a check or cash to Ramona at the front desk. She will then issue a receipt which the student should bring to me.
Caps and gowns are on their way. The rental company with whom we are doing business assures me they will be here in time for graduation. In fact, I have asked the company representative to assure me over and over and over again. The gowns and caps are forest green and the tassels are gold. We are pleased to support this company which uses high quality materials, and produces their goods in the United States. Students may keep the tassels. Rental for cap and gown is $40. Check or cash should be given to Ramona. Any student for whom the cost of cap and gown is an obstacle should speak to Ken privately. Scholarships are available. Students must return the cap and gown to the front desk by June 12th.
Seniors have begun bringing photographs and images from their past with which I will make a video slideshow for graduation. Please encourage your student to bring baby pictures, photos from their youth, or any Trillium scenes that are significant to them. I can accept printed as well as digital images and will have them available to return to students after graduation.
Seniors’ last official day of school is Friday, June 5th, but all are welcome and encouraged to attend for the last week of school and engage in Intensives offerings.
It has been my great privilege to work with your student this year. Thank you for the opportunity.
Warm regards,
Ken
Dear Senior Parents,
As we prepare to celebrate the culmination of your student’s high school experience, there are a few dates and happenings you might want to keep in mind.
A few students still have outstanding requirements to meet in order to successfully complete their Senior Projects. Please be sure your student is done or knows what he/she must do in order to complete the project. Successfully completed projects, approved by the student’s PRC, are required to graduate.
Please make sure Ken has a copy of your student’s senior project. We are building our senior library for future generations of Trillium students and look forward to including the amazing work of the class of 2009. Not all projects will fit in our library, of course, but we request a finished copy of the written piece at the very least.
Senior Dinner is Friday, June 5th at 6:30 at Trillium. During this annual event, Trillium alumni attend to serve the class of 2009, reminisce about times past, and share insight into times to come.
Commencement will take place at the Moriarty Arts and Humanities Building at Portland Community College Cascade campus (see map on back). The ceremony begins at 2:00. Seniors need to be at Moriarty twice that day: we will have a 9:00 a.m. rehearsal of the ceremony, then seniors need to be back at the theater by 1:30. Commencement will last three hours.
All seniors are preparing their speeches for Commencement. Each senior will select a staff person to speak about him or her at graduation, after which the student will speak about the significance of his/her school experience.
All seniors have picked up their graduation announcements, which cost one dollar each. Seniors who still need to pay for their announcements should bring a check or cash to Ramona at the front desk. She will then issue a receipt which the student should bring to me.
Caps and gowns are on their way. The rental company with whom we are doing business assures me they will be here in time for graduation. In fact, I have asked the company representative to assure me over and over and over again. The gowns and caps are forest green and the tassels are gold. We are pleased to support this company which uses high quality materials, and produces their goods in the United States. Students may keep the tassels. Rental for cap and gown is $40. Check or cash should be given to Ramona. Any student for whom the cost of cap and gown is an obstacle should speak to Ken privately. Scholarships are available. Students must return the cap and gown to the front desk by June 12th.
Seniors have begun bringing photographs and images from their past with which I will make a video slideshow for graduation. Please encourage your student to bring baby pictures, photos from their youth, or any Trillium scenes that are significant to them. I can accept printed as well as digital images and will have them available to return to students after graduation.
Seniors’ last official day of school is Friday, June 5th, but all are welcome and encouraged to attend for the last week of school and engage in Intensives offerings.
It has been my great privilege to work with your student this year. Thank you for the opportunity.
Warm regards,
Ken
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Advisng Update
Hello Families,
Welcome to end of year activities. As we draw to a close, there are several events about which it may be helpful to have reminders. This is also an opportunity to extend sincere thanks and gratitude to Polly for her dedication, enthusiasm, and support working with our advising group this year. I will be back at Trillium full time in the fall as I will have completed my PSU coursework this spring. Polly will continue to be a major part of the Trillium community as the Service Coordinator and working in the mornings as Trillium's Kindergarten teacher. Thank you, Polly, for sharing your amazing talent of making even the most mundane tasks feel like adventures.
I was truly impressed by the sincerity, honesty, and boldness of the high school community during last week's high school meeting in the multi-purpose room. We all sat in a giant circle and respectfully allowed each and every member to share their ideas on the health and integrity of this great Trillium experiment we are all a part of. I was proud to be a member of a community that so clearly values making our educational lives feel meaningful. I look forward to many more such conversations.
All School Service Day is this Thursday, May 28th. Students from all grade levels will be involved in serving the community in different locations throughout Portland during the morning. Service Day begins at regular school time, 8:30. We then go out into the community and come back to Trillium to all have lunch together. Afternoon classes will run on their regular schedule.
Students will have the final meeting of their Friday classes this coming Friday May 29th.
June 1st - 4th are the last regular meetings of Upper School morning classes.
Field Day is Friday, June 5th. Students K-12 will participate in games and events in the park.
Senior Commencement is Saturday, June 6th at 2:00 at the Moriarty Arts and Humanities Building at Portland Community College Cascade Campus.
All School Intensives, where students get to choose from a rich variety of engaging activities, arts, and investigations will take place during the mornings of Monday, June 8th - Thursday, June 11th. Afternoon classes will run on schedule Monday through Wednesday.
High School student exhibitions will take place on Friday, June 12th, the last day of school. All high school students will present highlights of their semester's work to their peers. We will share our work, do some closing activities, and say our good-byes.
As always, please let me know if you have any questions or comments.
Peace.
Ken
Welcome to end of year activities. As we draw to a close, there are several events about which it may be helpful to have reminders. This is also an opportunity to extend sincere thanks and gratitude to Polly for her dedication, enthusiasm, and support working with our advising group this year. I will be back at Trillium full time in the fall as I will have completed my PSU coursework this spring. Polly will continue to be a major part of the Trillium community as the Service Coordinator and working in the mornings as Trillium's Kindergarten teacher. Thank you, Polly, for sharing your amazing talent of making even the most mundane tasks feel like adventures.
I was truly impressed by the sincerity, honesty, and boldness of the high school community during last week's high school meeting in the multi-purpose room. We all sat in a giant circle and respectfully allowed each and every member to share their ideas on the health and integrity of this great Trillium experiment we are all a part of. I was proud to be a member of a community that so clearly values making our educational lives feel meaningful. I look forward to many more such conversations.
All School Service Day is this Thursday, May 28th. Students from all grade levels will be involved in serving the community in different locations throughout Portland during the morning. Service Day begins at regular school time, 8:30. We then go out into the community and come back to Trillium to all have lunch together. Afternoon classes will run on their regular schedule.
Students will have the final meeting of their Friday classes this coming Friday May 29th.
June 1st - 4th are the last regular meetings of Upper School morning classes.
Field Day is Friday, June 5th. Students K-12 will participate in games and events in the park.
Senior Commencement is Saturday, June 6th at 2:00 at the Moriarty Arts and Humanities Building at Portland Community College Cascade Campus.
All School Intensives, where students get to choose from a rich variety of engaging activities, arts, and investigations will take place during the mornings of Monday, June 8th - Thursday, June 11th. Afternoon classes will run on schedule Monday through Wednesday.
High School student exhibitions will take place on Friday, June 12th, the last day of school. All high school students will present highlights of their semester's work to their peers. We will share our work, do some closing activities, and say our good-byes.
As always, please let me know if you have any questions or comments.
Peace.
Ken
Faith and Conflict Update
Hello Faith and Conflict Students,
A schedule change and a reminder: First, your first draft of your second paper is due on Wednesday. You should be working with the idea you submitted to me on Thursday unless I have suggested otherwise. You will have time in class on Tuesday and Wednesday to work on your papers.
We will NOT be having our video conference with the Gaza students on Tuesday. It has rescheduled to Wednesday morning.
Below is the list of questions we generated as a class to ask the Gaza students during the video conference. I have forwarded the list to them so they can choose which questions to ask. I would like to use them all, but we would run out of time.
Peace.
Ken
Proposed Trillium Questions for Gaza Students
May 22, 2009
Pleasantries
1. How was your day? What is a typical day like for you?
2. What does it look like where you live? Could you describe your home, your neighborhood? What is the weather like in Gaza?
3. How many people are in your family? How is your family?
4. What is your favorite food dish? What kind of music do you like?
5. What do you do in your free time? What games or sports do you like to play? What is a favorite book that you have read? What is your favorite movie? What did you like about it?
6. What is the most important thing to you right now? What goals do you have for your life?
7. Have your religious beliefs ever conflicted with your personal beliefs?
8. Have you ever wished to move and live somewhere else?
9. What has been one of the best days of your life?
Life amidst Conflict
10. How does the conflict with Israel affect you personally? What is it like living amidst violence? Are you ever afraid of where you live?
11. To what extent does the conflict with Israel define who you are as a person?
12. How do you feel about the war with Israel? How do you feel about Israelis? Do you separate the two?
13. What do you think might be the future of the walls around Gaza and West Bank?
14. What do you think about the election of Netanyahu as Prime Minister of Israel?
15. Do you think Palestinians will ever return to their rightful homes?
16. What do you think of the United States government and its people? What is it like to speak with Americans knowing our government supports the Israeli government?
17. What are your thoughts, feelings, or opinions on Hamas?
Understanding Conflict
18. What books or films do you feel could help an outsider better understand Palestinians and the conflict with Israel?
19. How do you resolve conflicts in your daily life, like an argument or misunderstanding with friends or family?
20. Do you think a solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict will be found? Where might it come from? What positive step might be taken to help stop the conflict?
Looking Forward
21. How might Palestinians one day be able to heal the divide with Israelis? Will it ever be possible for you to forgive the state of Israel for what it has done? Will you be able to forgive the citizens of Israel? Have you ever, or might you one day, be willing to have conversations like the one we are having right now with Israeli youth?
A schedule change and a reminder: First, your first draft of your second paper is due on Wednesday. You should be working with the idea you submitted to me on Thursday unless I have suggested otherwise. You will have time in class on Tuesday and Wednesday to work on your papers.
We will NOT be having our video conference with the Gaza students on Tuesday. It has rescheduled to Wednesday morning.
Below is the list of questions we generated as a class to ask the Gaza students during the video conference. I have forwarded the list to them so they can choose which questions to ask. I would like to use them all, but we would run out of time.
Peace.
Ken
Proposed Trillium Questions for Gaza Students
May 22, 2009
Pleasantries
1. How was your day? What is a typical day like for you?
2. What does it look like where you live? Could you describe your home, your neighborhood? What is the weather like in Gaza?
3. How many people are in your family? How is your family?
4. What is your favorite food dish? What kind of music do you like?
5. What do you do in your free time? What games or sports do you like to play? What is a favorite book that you have read? What is your favorite movie? What did you like about it?
6. What is the most important thing to you right now? What goals do you have for your life?
7. Have your religious beliefs ever conflicted with your personal beliefs?
8. Have you ever wished to move and live somewhere else?
9. What has been one of the best days of your life?
Life amidst Conflict
10. How does the conflict with Israel affect you personally? What is it like living amidst violence? Are you ever afraid of where you live?
11. To what extent does the conflict with Israel define who you are as a person?
12. How do you feel about the war with Israel? How do you feel about Israelis? Do you separate the two?
13. What do you think might be the future of the walls around Gaza and West Bank?
14. What do you think about the election of Netanyahu as Prime Minister of Israel?
15. Do you think Palestinians will ever return to their rightful homes?
16. What do you think of the United States government and its people? What is it like to speak with Americans knowing our government supports the Israeli government?
17. What are your thoughts, feelings, or opinions on Hamas?
Understanding Conflict
18. What books or films do you feel could help an outsider better understand Palestinians and the conflict with Israel?
19. How do you resolve conflicts in your daily life, like an argument or misunderstanding with friends or family?
20. Do you think a solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict will be found? Where might it come from? What positive step might be taken to help stop the conflict?
Looking Forward
21. How might Palestinians one day be able to heal the divide with Israelis? Will it ever be possible for you to forgive the state of Israel for what it has done? Will you be able to forgive the citizens of Israel? Have you ever, or might you one day, be willing to have conversations like the one we are having right now with Israeli youth?
Monday, May 11, 2009
High School Campout
May 7, 2009
Dear Parents and Guardians,
The annual Spring High School campout is coming up next week. We will be leaving for Milo Mciver Wednesday morning and returning Friday afternoon. Students should arrive at school by 8:30 as usual. We expect to leave around 9, and will return Friday around 1. We still need parent drivers and chaperones for the trip, as well as people to help with cleaning and organizing when we get back. Please contact your student’s advisor if you think you might be able to help.
This time we're taking Trimet: we're going to travel in two groups of 30 with each group having 2 chaperones with one extra chaperone in case we need to divide into one smaller group. We will meet the number 33 bus at the Rose Quarter at 10 am then transfer from the 33 to the 31 which will take us into Estacada. From Estacada we will have about a 2 mile hike into Milo Mciver along the river. If there is any change to the transportation plan we will be forwarding that information on to you all as soon as possible. We are also asking that students pack as light as possible for simpler transportation purposes.
The cost of the trip is covered entirely by the student activity fee.
A list of suggested supplies for your student is below.:
*
Tent w/ground cloth and rain fly
*
Sleeping bag or blanket/sheet bedroll
*
Sleeping pad
*
Flashlight/headlamp
*
Toiletries
*
Towel
*
Swimsuit
*
Change of clothes
*
Sleepwear
*
An extra pair of sneakers
*
Warm clothing for potentially cool nights
*
Light clothing for potentially warm days
*
Sunscreen
*
A rain jacket or poncho
It is pretty amusing living in the Pacific Northwest and trying to project the weather, but a few showers are predicted for our first 2 days with the temperature projected around the 60's.
All students on the trip are expected to share in cooking and cleaning duties. Drugs and alcohol are, of course, strictly prohibited on the trip. Game systems and loud music are requested to stay at home, while we encourage students to bring cards, board games, and musical instruments.
We look forward to another great high school campout. Please let your student’s advisor know if you have any questions.
Regards,
The Student Camping Committee, James and,
Will, Elizabeth, Jess, and Ken
High School Advisors
Dear Parents and Guardians,
The annual Spring High School campout is coming up next week. We will be leaving for Milo Mciver Wednesday morning and returning Friday afternoon. Students should arrive at school by 8:30 as usual. We expect to leave around 9, and will return Friday around 1. We still need parent drivers and chaperones for the trip, as well as people to help with cleaning and organizing when we get back. Please contact your student’s advisor if you think you might be able to help.
This time we're taking Trimet: we're going to travel in two groups of 30 with each group having 2 chaperones with one extra chaperone in case we need to divide into one smaller group. We will meet the number 33 bus at the Rose Quarter at 10 am then transfer from the 33 to the 31 which will take us into Estacada. From Estacada we will have about a 2 mile hike into Milo Mciver along the river. If there is any change to the transportation plan we will be forwarding that information on to you all as soon as possible. We are also asking that students pack as light as possible for simpler transportation purposes.
The cost of the trip is covered entirely by the student activity fee.
A list of suggested supplies for your student is below.:
*
Tent w/ground cloth and rain fly
*
Sleeping bag or blanket/sheet bedroll
*
Sleeping pad
*
Flashlight/headlamp
*
Toiletries
*
Towel
*
Swimsuit
*
Change of clothes
*
Sleepwear
*
An extra pair of sneakers
*
Warm clothing for potentially cool nights
*
Light clothing for potentially warm days
*
Sunscreen
*
A rain jacket or poncho
It is pretty amusing living in the Pacific Northwest and trying to project the weather, but a few showers are predicted for our first 2 days with the temperature projected around the 60's.
All students on the trip are expected to share in cooking and cleaning duties. Drugs and alcohol are, of course, strictly prohibited on the trip. Game systems and loud music are requested to stay at home, while we encourage students to bring cards, board games, and musical instruments.
We look forward to another great high school campout. Please let your student’s advisor know if you have any questions.
Regards,
The Student Camping Committee, James and,
Will, Elizabeth, Jess, and Ken
High School Advisors
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Senior News
April 11, 2009
Dear Parents of the Class of 2009,
This is an exciting time for your senior and there are a few important things to keep track of as we move towards graduation.
• Your student should be nearly done with his/her Senior Project. The big push is on as the due date of Friday, April 17th quickly approaches. Each student must set his/her Final Project Review Committee date before the end of this month. During this session, the student will present and defend the finished project to his/her PRC. During this meeting, the Committee deliberates as to whether the student has met expectations for a quality senior project. Three results are possible: Approval, Conditional Approval, or Rejection (1).
• Senior Project Night is Friday, May 1st at 6:30. All family members and friends are encouraged to come celebrate with us. The class of 2009 will be presenting their projects to you and the broader community. Each student will have about 30 minutes to present and answer questions about his/her project. Three or four students will be presenting throughout the school at any one time during the evening. This is a special night, and an important time to honor the hard work your student has done. Please encourage friends and family to attend.
• Senior Pictures are happening on Wednesday, April 15th, individual as well as a whole group shot, by photographer and Trillium parent Lori Threlkeld. This will take place during Senior Inquiry class from 8:30-9:30 in the morning. Lori is generously donating her time and talents to take a few head shots of each student and will provide digital versions of these at no cost to families. Lori is also available for hire to do extended photo shoots of your senior for a more traditional senior picture experience. She does great work and we recommend her highly. To see some of the photos she took of the class of 2008, visit http://picasaweb.google.com/gadbow/SeniorShotsKensAdvising#. If you are interested in a more extensive photo shoot, please contact Lori directly at threlkeldlori@aol.com.
• Commencement will be held on Saturday, June 6th. Exercises begin at 2 o’clock.
• Graduation announcements are being printed now and will be delivered May 1st. Please be sure to email or call Ken with the exact number of announcements you would like for your student by Friday, April 24th. Announcements are printed on beautiful, one hundred percent post consumer material with soy based ink, come in envelopes, and will cost one dollar each.
• Students elected that this year’s Caps, Gowns, and Tassles be gold, white, and green. They will be delivered in the end of May and cost $40 each. Students may keep the cap and gown.
• All checks should be made payable to Trillium Charter School.
This is an exciting time of year and of life. I would be happy to help with any questions you might have around your graduates’ experience.
Best,
Ken
Ken@TrilliumCharterSchool.org
(1) 1. Approval: If the Committee approves the project, the student has satisfied this requirement for graduation. 2. Conditional approval: The committee may approve the project pending some future modifications by the student. The project cannot be approved in full until these modifications are made. The PRC generally reconvenes in order to re-evaluate the project should this occur. 3. Rejection. The committee rejects the work of the project as to be of insufficient quality to be considered for graduation. This is rare.
Dear Parents of the Class of 2009,
This is an exciting time for your senior and there are a few important things to keep track of as we move towards graduation.
• Your student should be nearly done with his/her Senior Project. The big push is on as the due date of Friday, April 17th quickly approaches. Each student must set his/her Final Project Review Committee date before the end of this month. During this session, the student will present and defend the finished project to his/her PRC. During this meeting, the Committee deliberates as to whether the student has met expectations for a quality senior project. Three results are possible: Approval, Conditional Approval, or Rejection (1).
• Senior Project Night is Friday, May 1st at 6:30. All family members and friends are encouraged to come celebrate with us. The class of 2009 will be presenting their projects to you and the broader community. Each student will have about 30 minutes to present and answer questions about his/her project. Three or four students will be presenting throughout the school at any one time during the evening. This is a special night, and an important time to honor the hard work your student has done. Please encourage friends and family to attend.
• Senior Pictures are happening on Wednesday, April 15th, individual as well as a whole group shot, by photographer and Trillium parent Lori Threlkeld. This will take place during Senior Inquiry class from 8:30-9:30 in the morning. Lori is generously donating her time and talents to take a few head shots of each student and will provide digital versions of these at no cost to families. Lori is also available for hire to do extended photo shoots of your senior for a more traditional senior picture experience. She does great work and we recommend her highly. To see some of the photos she took of the class of 2008, visit http://picasaweb.google.com/gadbow/SeniorShotsKensAdvising#. If you are interested in a more extensive photo shoot, please contact Lori directly at threlkeldlori@aol.com.
• Commencement will be held on Saturday, June 6th. Exercises begin at 2 o’clock.
• Graduation announcements are being printed now and will be delivered May 1st. Please be sure to email or call Ken with the exact number of announcements you would like for your student by Friday, April 24th. Announcements are printed on beautiful, one hundred percent post consumer material with soy based ink, come in envelopes, and will cost one dollar each.
• Students elected that this year’s Caps, Gowns, and Tassles be gold, white, and green. They will be delivered in the end of May and cost $40 each. Students may keep the cap and gown.
• All checks should be made payable to Trillium Charter School.
This is an exciting time of year and of life. I would be happy to help with any questions you might have around your graduates’ experience.
Best,
Ken
Ken@TrilliumCharterSchool.org
(1) 1. Approval: If the Committee approves the project, the student has satisfied this requirement for graduation. 2. Conditional approval: The committee may approve the project pending some future modifications by the student. The project cannot be approved in full until these modifications are made. The PRC generally reconvenes in order to re-evaluate the project should this occur. 3. Rejection. The committee rejects the work of the project as to be of insufficient quality to be considered for graduation. This is rare.
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