Hello to the amazing Vestal hive!
Happy Thursday- YUP, it is Thursday again!!!
Tomorrow is Spirit day, Spinny Wheel day and the Fresh Food Market!!
With Tuesday being off, this week has sure flown right on by! We have been so lucky to have gotten outside for recess each day this week, fingers crossed that this luck will continue! Please send students with coats, hat, gloves, etc.
******Successful Schools Survey!*****
Help Ms. Sabrina out, please:)
The entire district does the successful schools survey each year. I don’t get competitive about very much, BUT I do about this…please help me out and fill out this survey. It is truly helpful and….I want Vestal to win as the highest percentage of families participating!!!! Thank you!
Families can all use the following link: https://surveys.panoramaed.com/portlandor/fall25family .
November Art Spotlight
Hello Vestal Community! In art class, grades K-4 have been completing projects that highlight the formal art element of Line. Kindergarten students created line compositions, then used watercolor to make their lines really stand out. Kindergarten students are also beginning to learn about and experiment with primary color mixing. First through fourth grade students have created beautiful leaves, adding line and pattern with crayon, then painting with watercolor to practice the wax resist technique. Third and fourth graders discussed warm/cool color combinations to really showcase their leaf drawings with paint. Fourth grade students are also learning about the watercolor technique called “wet on wet” painting this week. They are really enjoying the exciting possibilities with this method of painting. Fifth grade students are finally finishing their product spoof stuffies, which will be displayed in the building asap!
As mentioned in October’s Art Spotlight, The HeArt of Portland poster contest is open to all PPS students; we have talked about the theme in 4th and 5th grade classes, and some students are very interested (and have started their designs). Because class time is limited, I have included a link with details about the theme (Windows to Our Future) and submission requirements and deadline. In short, the submissions require:
The deadline is 12/5 (I mistakenly said 12/9 in the last Spotlight).
I am happy to send some supplies (markers, 9x12” paper, etc.) to students who would like to work on this at home. I will be checking in with students about this, but please feel free to reach out if you have any questions after reading the link below:
2026 HeART of Portland Thematic Statement | Windows of Our Future
Mr. Williams and I are excited about the Vestal Winter Arts Showcase on Wednesday, 12/10. The flyer will be sent out this week with more details!
Finally, as a part-time teacher, I am only available to meet with families for one evening during conferences. I will be in the art portable (P3, next to the playground). Please stop by if you have time before or after evening conferences; I will have an “open house” from 4-7 pm on Monday, 11/24.
Best to everyone,
Laura Breaux
FROM OUR AWESOME PTA
Hi Vestal families!
We’ve got a fun and busy couple of weeks ahead. Here’s what’s coming up and how you can get involved:
Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day - Tomorrow 11/14
Join us in celebrating Ruby Bridges, whose courage and kindness helped pave the way for equality in education. Families are encouraged to walk, bike, or roll to school together in her honor and to support safe, welcoming routes for all Vestal students.
Student Garden Update Kickoff - Saturday, 11/15 (10am-12pm)
Help us kick off phase 1 of our Student Garden Updates! We will be removing invasive plants and prepping a few areas for improved accessibility, hand-on learning, and increased student engagement opportunities. Come ready to dig in - bring tools if you’ve got them! We’ll bring the snacks, coffee, and hot cocoa!
FREE Movie Night - Friday 11/22
Come watch KPOP Demon Hunters on the big screen at Vestal!
Free popcorn and admission.
$1/slice pizza, plus candy and drinks for sale.
Bring a blanket or pillow and get cozy with friends!
Kiddos must have an adult present
RSVP HERE
Handmade Wreath Fundraiser - ONE WEEK LEFT!
We are about halfway to our goal! Pre-order your locally made wreath now to support student activities and events.
ORDER HERE
New Community Resources!
We’ve updated our Community Resources page with Food and Grocery Support information and some after school care options. Take a look and share with anyone that might find it useful - CLICK HERE
As always, thank YOU for helping make Vestal a strong, caring, and connected community! Every event, volunteer, and effort makes a big difference bringing us all together.
Jake Sepulveda
Vestal PTA President
