YOUR MONEY AT WORK: Math Whiteboard Tables Arrive at CPMS

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Thanks to the generous fundraising of last year's PTC, our math classrooms just got an incredible upgrade. 46 new whiteboard tables have arrived & are being assembled and moved into every single math classroom.

These whiteboard tables not only save on space (goodbye to the bulky octagons!), but they also provide a beautiful, collaborative surface for students & groups to work together to solve all the math problems of tomorrow.

Once again, this upgrade would not have been possible without the incredible support of this parent community.

2019 PTC Meet & Greet: What You Missed

Our first PTC event of the year was an educational experience. Huge thanks to all the parents who joined us (Ridgewood in the house!) and brought up some great topics.

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Feel free to step through the slideshow and check out our most recent Treasurer's Report.

Here’s a quick rundown of topics covered:

Cedar Park 5K for the Win!

Yes, this fundraiser is all that and a bag of chips.  We are fundraising for the ENTIRE YEAR’S budget, so we can all sit back in November, pat ourselves on the back, and enjoy all the awesome things we provided our students.

Some interesting things Bettina (our president) and Shannon (our principal) mentioned:

  • This year, teachers each have their own budget ($75) from the PTC.  This allows them to make their own choices re: their own classroom needs.

  • Shannon’s annual budget has been reduced by almost 50% since she came to Cedar Park four years ago.  Ummm… YIKES. Hopefully things are on the upswing, but the reality is that our schools are getting less money than previous years, meaning our PTC funds really are a game changer.

  • We abhor fundraising sales.  Seriously, who wants to go pitch wrapping paper, chocolates, or frozen pies?  NO ONE. The 5K seems to be a good compromise of fun event/school spirit, but also relatively easy for parents to contribute.

Why is it so hard to fundraise?

We’ve got several feeder schools that make much more on their Jog-a-thons with less enrollment.   Why isn’t this easier? 

Oh, honey.  That is is $55k question.  Shannon & the PTC Board have several theories, but one prevalent theme is that middle school is a weird purgatory for families-- a no man’s land without an identity.  We don’t have the cuteness and magic of elementary or the sports and branding of our high schools.

Plus… middle schoolers. Enough said.

The good news? The 5K, only in its fourth year, is continuing to build energy, year over year.  Each annual total has seen growth. So let’s make it awesome!

PACK Store vs. Student Store?

The PACK store is part of a school-wide incentive program.  CPMS staff hand out tokens for good behavior, leadership, or any reason they see fit.  Twice a month, students can use those tokens to buy fun items at the PACK store, everything from donuts to candy to fun pens and socks.

The Student Store is open everyday before school.  Students use cash to purchase school supplies, PE t-shirts, etc.

Middle School Boundary Quandary

And so it begins.

Beaverton School District is currently taking applications for anyone interested in being on the advisory committee to create the new middle school boundaries.  Timberland is set to open in fall 2021 (meaning 6th graders right now will be 8th graders when it opens).

Parents should realize that the biggest priority in these new boundaries will be alleviating the overcrowding at Stoller Middle School.  And by “overcrowding,” we mean that Stoller (at 1600 students) is larger than TWO of BSD’s high schools (Beaverton & Southridge). It is the largest middle school IN THE STATE, so um…. yeah.  Sounds like they might be tight on space.

Side note:  Steve Sparks, BSD’s Executive Director for Long Term Planning, recently spoke at Bonny Slope’s community meeting, which was live-streamed on youtube. Listen in for his presentation (starting at 3:30) to learn more about the process. 

Canvas Non-Contractual

So… many parents were thoroughly confused/overwhelmed on Back to School Night when listening to the various platforms that teachers were using to communicate.  Due to contractual issues, BSD cannot mandate a single platform for teachers to use, meaning your child’s Humanities teacher might be on Canvas, while their Science teacher uses google classroom.

So what’s a parent to do?  Be patient, ask questions, and provide feedback at the next parent survey.

If your child’s teacher DOES use Canvas, the PTC is hosting a Canvas/Parentvue Q&A at our next PTC meeting on Monday, 10/28.

Other Juicy Tidbits You’d Know If You’d Been There:

  • 6th grade is doing really well!  Busy start to the year.  Behaviors are doing well.  No fights regarding cell phone policy so… phew!

  • 8th grade will soon be getting two more sections of science to alleviate some crazy large class sizes.

  • Spirit Week is next week in conjunction with our 5K!

  • FAll conferences are by invitation only, in hopes that teachers and parents can catch students who are struggling early.  Teachers should open up their remaining slots (once invitees are scheduled) to any parent wanting to check in. Spring conferences are for everyone.

  • We’ve got a new choir director-- whoop!

  • Parent feedback is ESSENTIAL to the Student Success Act. Give your ideas HERE.

Cedar Park 5K: Where the Money Goes

Our one and ONLY fundraiser is a week away! Read on to be inspired by the quality programming & support that your generous 5K dollars provide, then get started at pledgestar.com/cedarpark.

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What exactly are we funding here?

This 5K does all the heavy lifting– bulking up the library, supplementing our after-school clubs, providing transportation for enriching field trips, and most importantly, filling in those gaps where the regular school budget just ain’t cutting it.

Here are just SOME tangible examples purchased with PTC money last school year:

  • Whiteboard tables for 8th grade math classrooms

  • After-school club support

  • Lunch recess equipment (basketballs, soccer balls, etc.)

  • All-school socials & 8th Grade Send-off

  • Bus transportation for OSU Field Trip for 8th graders & 6th/7th grade OMSI experiences

  • Art literacy supplies 

  • Additional OBOB books & literacy support

  • PACK store supplies

  • Staff appreciation events

Want the nitty gritty details? Head to www.cedarparkptc.org/business to poke through our financials.

2019-20 PTC Budget Boasts Exciting New Line Items

Your PTC Board is proud to announce several new additions to the 2019-20 budget. This school year ‘s budget includes:

  • Classroom Supplies ($2700) ($75 x 36 teachers): To be used at each classroom teacher's discretion to purchase needed classroom supplies

  • Student Fund for School Enrichment ($1000): To be used with Dr. A's student advisory council, this fund will provide student-led initiatives & improvements to CPMS.

  • Cedar Park Sign Rebuild ($5000): Provides a new sign to replace the previous rotted & damaged wooden one (removed last school year)

  • Sound System Upgrade ($1500): Funds to help boost the current cafeteria sound system

  • Phase Two Library Upgrade ($3500): Additional improvements to the library, most likely another couch/setting area set

  • Three Math Classroom Whitetables ($4500): The second phase in replacing the math classrooms tables, these new additions are a perfect fit for collaborative and inventive math work

These are in addition to the already-existing tradition of three grade level experiences for all CPMS students, as well as Art Literacy, PACK store, library/literacy support, and a $7500 School-wide Discretionary Fund (over seen by Dr. Anderson).

Dreams Above & Beyond Our Budget

We've always got big ideas! Here's a dream list if we are able to achieve beyond our $55k goal:

  • Outdoor & permanent ping pong tables

  • Additional whiteboard math tables (currently only in 8th grade classrooms)

  • Another phase of library updates

Ready to get started?

ONLINE: Head to pledgestar.com/cedarpark

CASH/CHECK: Grab a 5K donation envelope from the main offer OR just return your donation in any envelope, with your child’s name & grade clearly marked. Checks made out to Cedar Park PTC.

Questions? Check out our comprehensive 5K newsletter or email our 5K team (5k@cedarparkptc.org)

CPMS to Power Beaverton Clothes Closet on Wed, 10/30

Each year, CPMS is assigned one Wednesday to manage and run the Beaverton Clothes Closet. This is a unique and gratifying experience to give back and serve our community.  This fall, Cedar Park will be operating the Clothes Closet on Wed., 10/30.  We need 4-5 people per shift to properly staff the store. Shift times are as follows: 

  • 9:15-11:15 am

  • 11:15-1:15 pm

  • 1:15-3:15 pm

  • 3:15-4:30pm

Sign up here to volunteer at the Clothes Closet.

The Beaverton Clothes Closet is a volunteer service organization that provides new and gently used clothing to BSD students (K-12). Beaverton School District parent groups and community volunteers staff the Clothes Closet every Wednesday throughout the year. Students can find necessities like jeans, shoes, t-shirts, sweatshirts, warm coats, new socks and underwear.  More info regarding this valuable BSD program can be found here.

When volunteering, community members assist families with their shopping needs and restock the store.  If ample support is available, some volunteers may also help in the donation sorting room.

The Clothes Closet is located at the Beaverton School District Administration Center, 16550 SW Merlo Road, Beaverton, OR 97006. 

Huge thanks to Cedar Park’s Clothes Closet coordinator, Dana Stark!

5K Timbers and Kingpins Winners Announced, Top Golf Raffle Next Week

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Another Friday, another round of 5K raffle winners! Congrats to 6th grader Carson P., the winner of four Timbers Army tickets for the September 25th game vs. the New England Revolution. Enjoy, Carson!

Our OTHER big winner is 6th grader Nolan P., who walks home with a Kingpins party for six.

The following students have won a Jamba Juice gift card:

6th Grade: Lucas B., Lily R., Lena B.

7th Grade: Elijah M., Ava L., Addison M., Samuel P., Evelyn L., Trevor B.

8th Grade: Jack D., Leanne V., Alyssa S., Hadley E., Griffin R.

Top Golf Drawing Next Thursday, 9/26

Next week's big drawing is a Top Golf experience. Also, four lucky students will win a MOD pizza. Every $100 donated earns an entry to win, so get your pledgestar page set up and emails sent to all your friends and family.

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Our leaderboard is still tight! 6th grade is narrowly ahead of 8th grade by just $600. Let's keep the donations rolling in and don't forget ANY amount helps the cause. Let's reach our fundraising goal so we can all enjoy some awesome all-school events.

Ready to get started online? Head to our Cedar Park Pledgestar page, where you can build a simple and secure online fundraising page for your student, and qualify them for this week's raffle.

Volunteer Shifts Available

Our 5K volunteer shifts are live & available at myimpactpage.com.

Shifts on Thursday, 10/3, include:

  • Set-up (8-9am)

  • 6th Grade (9-10:30am): Refreshments, Volunteer Table, Wristbands, Fun Stations

  • 7th Grade (11:50am-1:20pm): Refreshments, Volunteer Table, Wristbands, Fun Stations

  • 8th Grade (2:15-3:30pm): Refreshments, Volunteer Table, Wristbands, Fun Stations

  • Tear down (3:30-4pm)

Grab a friend, dress in orange & navy blue, and SHOW UP to cheer on our students!

Questions? Look through our 5K newsletter or email our 5K team at 5k@cedarparkptc.org.

Timbers Winner Announced, More Chances to Win Next Week

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The first round of 5K raffle winners have been chosen and it's time to announce the lucky winners!

Congrats to 6th grader Cole S., who is our big winner of two reserved seating tickets to the September 25th Timbers game vs. the New England Revolution. Have fun, Cole!

The following 20 students have won a free Handel's ice cream cone card:

6th Grade: Michiru T., Halle L., Elise M. Olivia B., Zoe M., Noah H., Ruby B.

7th Grade: Corbin A., Dylan H., Jaden B., Rylan S., Ella N., Zach M., Gabby K., Ava L.

8th Grade: Benjamin B., Davis E. Tyler O., Caden S., Kaiden C.

Winners can pick up their items in the office.


Timbers & Kingpins Raffle Next Week

Our giving continues next week with another raffle and TWO MORE big prizes. Every $50 donated will enter students into a raffle to win four Timbers Army tickets to the September 25th Timbers game. A second winner will take home a Kingpins Bowling party for six.

Other prizes next week include a free Jamba Juice gift card for 14 lucky winners!

The more donors, the more chances to win, so send those emails to ask your grandma, grandpa, and that random uncle you barely know.

Get started at pledgestar.com/cedarpark. This drawing will take place next Thursday at 9pm.

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Keep it up, Timberwolves! The countdown continues to our 5K on October 3rd. Questions? Check out our 5K newsletter, complete with donation info, goals, incentives and sponsors.