Sellwood Principal's Newsletter - December 5, 2025 

Greetings Sellwood Community,

I hope you had a restful fall break and a happy Thanksgiving.

It was lovely to see many of you last week at in-person conferences, and I know many more of you participated virtually.  Thank you to our wonderful Sellwood PTA and parent volunteers for providing our staff with snacks and meals.  It was very much appreciated by all!

We would like to get your feedback on our structure and process for parent/teacher conferences. In order to help us provide conferences that meet the needs and interests of our families, please take a moment to provide us with some valuable feedback.  We will take your input into consideration when planning next year's conferences. Thank you to those who have already filled out the survey. If you have not, please let us know what you think!  It only takes a minute or two.

Parent/Teacher Conference Feedback

Finally, a reminder that next Wednesday, December 10th, is an early release at 1:45 PM.

Sincerely,

Jeandre Carbone

Sellwood Middle School Principal

PTA NEWS

PTA Annual Campaign

THANK YOU, Sellwood Community, for supporting the PTA Annual Campaign! Thanks to our amazing community, we raised over $7,200 to support our school! We are grateful to every individual donor and our generous matching donor who made this happen. 

If this is not the right time for you or your family, you can donate to the PTA anytime this year by clicking this link: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/general-giving-donations

Thank you again for your support!

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We Need Volunteers!

Looking to get involved at SMS?  We post current volunteer needs on Konstella.  We currently need help for:

• Staff Appreciation Breakfast on Tuesday, January 6th during the staff meeting on the late start day.  We need help getting donated or bought items like bagels or breakfast pastries and coffee.  We need help setting up around 7:45 - 8:00am and also cleaning up later in the day.  Sign up to volunteer.

You can also donate money for items by going to your SchoolPay account and click the Nonprofit Groups tab on the left and then you can click the “Donate to the 2025-2026 Sellwood Middle School PTA Here!” link and in the description section be sure to put that this donation is for Staff Appreciation. 

• PTA Clothing Closet at Marshall on Monday, December 15th.  Here is the link to Konstella and to Sign up to volunteer.

• Bingo Committee has kicked off and needs help with organizing the event and procurement. Sign up here to help make this event a successful fundraiser and fun night! 

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OBOB needs volunteers and teams!

Oregon Battle of the Books is coming back to Sellwood Middle School and will be organized by parent volunteers for the 2025/26 school year. Now is the time to start organizing a team; the deadline to register will be Friday, December 12th. Once you have a team, you can register them here.  If you have questions, email Emma Fricke at efrickecoparent@gmail.com.

OBOB is a program where teams of students read an amazing selection of books and then compete with other teams in Battles to recall details from the stories.  Battles will be organized at the school level in February 2026.  Teams are usually made up of two to four members, with one optional alternate, for a total of no more than five members. 

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SMS Dine-Out at Sebastiano’s on December 10th from 9am - 3pm

Mark your calendars and Dine Out to make a difference! They are open from 9am - 3pm so grab a coffee and pastry on your way to work or get something on your lunch break.  This is also an early release day for your kiddos so they can walk over and grab a snack.  Sebastiano’s is generously donating a portion of the proceeds from the day to support the SMS PTA. 

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PEAK Program Registration

Upcoming Winter sessions available there are 2 more Red Cross Babysitter Classes this school year.  Scholarships are available.  Register:  www.6crickets.com 

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BottleDrop Blue Bag Program - Recycle Cans and Bottles and Support the PTA!

Collect and return your empty cans and bottles to the nearest BottleDrop Location through the BottleDrop Blue Bag program. Visit the office to pick up Blue Bags for BottleDrop - or pick up from SMS community members who have blue bags on their porch. Find locations here:  Sellwood PTA - BottleDrop Blue Bag Program

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You can also connect with the Sellwood Middle School PTA via:

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/SellwoodMiddleSchoolPTA/

Instagram:  @sellwoodmiddlepta

Web:  https://sites.google.com/view/sellwoodpta

PEAK AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM

PEAK registration for Winter Term is open! The PEAK Program is a series of in-person after-school classes open to all Sellwood students. The PEAK program is totally independent of Sellwood Middle School and is under the jurisdiction of the PTA. Scholarships are available as the PEAK goal is to include every SMS student. Scholarship request form is here: https://tinyurl.com/PEAKScholarship 

Please email sellwoodpeakprogram@gmail.com or instructors/companies with questions. We are always looking for parent volunteers to help us run this program. Please email if you are interested! (In fact, we have to find someone to help this year or the program will go away). 

Registration is currently open at 6crickets.com (except 3D Printing, see below). 

Electronic Music Club is an exciting, hands-on class where students dive into the world of music production! Using real music production software (Ableton Live and more), students will create their own beats, craft melodies, and experiment with digital instruments. Appropriate for all levels. Wednesdays 1/7-3/18 (no class 1/14, 2/11, 3/11) 4:15-5:15, $215

Speech and Debate The Cleveland High Speech and Debate team is one the largest and most successful programs at the school. You will practice speaking and debating skills in preparation for local middle school competitions The Sellwood team is coached by team captains from Cleveland. Appropriate for both new and returning students.Tuesdays 1/6-3/17 (no class 1/27) 4:15-5:15, $75

3D Printing with PDX MiniMakers Students will learn how 3D printers and design software work while creating their own custom projects to take home. Through hands-on engineering and problem-solving, kids will design, print, and build real objects, all while developing creativity, confidence, and skills that connect to STEM careers. No experience needed, just imagination! All materials included and snacks will provided. Thursdays 1/29-3/19 4:15-5:45, $229. Sign up here: https://www.pdxminimakers.com/workshops-landing/p/3d-printing-sellwood-ms

Alice in Wonderland Drama Performance Come put on this classic play with Director Levi Schmid! Come to the after-school info session on Jan 6 to learn about auditions and more. Please sign-up for the free info session at 6crickets by 12/17. Rehearsals Tuesdays 1/13-3/3, 4-6 pm; tech week/dress rehearsals 3/9-3/12, performances 3/14&17. $200 (crew free). 

Red Cross Babysitting Class One-day training offered on no school days, 9 am-3pm on 1/27 (full except for the free volunteer spot) or 4/6. We can offer free tuition for one child for a PPS-certified adult volunteer to be present before and during the training. If interested, please email sellwoodpeakprogram@gmail.com. 

Chess Club registration is still open, Mondays through March! More information at 6crickets.com. 

LATE ARRIVALS AND EARLY DISMISSALS

Late Arrival Due to Appointments:   If your student arrives late to school due to an appointment, please let the office know using one of the following options:

a) sign your student in at the office

b) leave a message on the attendance line

c) email Kirstin at kbill@pps.net

d) have your student bring a signed doctors / dentists note

Their tardy / absence will otherwise be unexcused.

Early Dismissal/ Mid Day Pick Ups:   If you are picking your student up during school hours, we kindly ask that you sign your student out in the office and be prepared to allow up to 10 minutes for the pickup process.  We regret that we are unable to call your student from class ahead of time.

Please let Kirstin know if you have any questions or concerns.

SUCCESSFUL SCHOOL SURVEY OPENED MON. NOV. 3

Dear families,

Portland Public Schools begins the annual Successful Schools Survey on Monday. The Successful Schools Survey is an opportunity for students, staff, and families to provide important feedback on their school environments, learning experiences, and sense of well-being and safety at school. 

The survey is conducted once every school year to provide timely information to schools, district leadership, and the community, allowing us to make informed decisions about school climate and culture. This year, the survey window is open November 3 to December 8.

Portland Public Schools highly values the input and opinions of its families, and we welcome all PPS parents and guardians to complete this year’s survey. We use the data to help improve our schools, providing targeted feedback and training on how to create healthy school environments that are welcoming for all.

You can complete the Successful Schools Survey online using the link provided below. Please complete one survey per household. If you have more than one student at PPS, we ask that you complete the survey considering the experiences of your eldest child.

The survey will take approximately 15-30 minutes to complete and is available in English, Spanish, Russian, Somali, Vietnamese and Chinese.

https://surveys.panoramaed.com/portlandor/fall25family

For more information about the Successful Schools Survey, please go to pps.net/successfulschools.

FROM THE YEARBOOK STAFF

Families: LAST CALL for extracurricular photos! We are trying to finish the "Fall" section of the YEARBOOK, and we need your photos of cross country, volleyball, football, and other sports, as well as choir and band performances and anything else featuring Sellwood students outside of the school day. Deadline Friday, November 21. Please email (at the highest resolution) to Lsouther@pps.net  and include as much information you can about student names, team name, event, etc.  

LEWIS ELEMENTARY WINTER BAZAAR

PANTHER PAUSE (STUDENT CREATED WEBSITE)

In addition to working on our yearbook, this class has been practicing their journalism skills to produce a website. Check out the Panther Pause! 

SELLWOOD MIDDLE SCHOOL CLOTHING CLOSET

Hello Sellwood families,

We have started an in house clothing closet here at Sellwood this year.  We are looking to build up our supply of new or lightly used:

• Guys pants (all sizes and styles, especially M-L)

• Unisex shirts (all sizes)

• Rain jackets/coats (all sizes)

• New socks

If you have anything to donate please drop it off in the main office and say it is for the SMS clothing closet. 

Thank you so much!

Sellwood school counselors

COUNSELING CORNER

Students with last names A-L: Mr. KB - akennybrew@pps.net

Students with last names M-Z:  Ms. Katie - kfrancis@pps.net

MAIN OFFICE

The best way to reach us is by email.  

•  Kirstin Bill (kbill@pps.net) is our school secretary/enrollment coordinator.

• Claire Howard (choward1@pps.net) is our principal's secretary. 

• Our Sellwood website (pps.net/sellwood) has many "Quick Links" to help you immediately.   

The Office Phone Number

• The office phone number is 503-916-5656.  

• When prompted, 

• press 4 for Kirstin (School Secretary)

• press 3 for Claire (Principal's Secretary)

• press 2 for any "Attendance" matter.  It's a designated line just for attendance.  

• press 5 for Records, Registration

• press 0 for the front counter - answered by students; not a confidential line.

     Secured Building 

• Sellwood is a locked and secure building.  

• Please ring the doorbell to the right of the main doors to reach the office.  We will guide you accordingly.

Picking up your student during the day:  

• While we understand that daytime appointments are sometimes necessary, early release is discouraged.  Please try to limit your student's daytime appointments.  When early release is necessary, please ring the bell at the main door and expect to wait while your child is located.  

Guides to Help you:

• To correct your student's attendance: Log into ParentVue. 

• For changes to your student's registration profile in Synergy: ParentVue/StudentVue

• Quick Links found on Sellwood's website (pps.net/sellwood)

Please email Kirstin (kbill@pps.net)  for:

• Passwords:  If you have forgotten your password, have been locked out of your account, or do not have login credentials.

• Registration, Enrollment.

• ParentVue (if your account has been disabled).   

Please email Claire (choward1@pps.net) for:

• School Pay. 

• Bookkeeping/accounting issues.

• Administrative Support:  Messages or matters of support to the principal or assistant principal.  

IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER   PPS Calendar 2025-26

• December 10: Early Release at 1:45

• December 11: Winter Band Concert @ Cleveland High School

• December 16: Choir Concert @ Cleveland High School

• December 22 - January 2: Winter Break

• January 6: 15-minute Late Start - Due to Staff Meeting

• January 14: Early Release at 1:45

• January 15: PTA Meeting

• January 15: Art & STEM Show

• January 19: Martin Luther King Jr. Day

• January 20: Principal’s Coffee 8:30-9:30 AM

• January 22: Site Council 8:00 - 9:00 AM

• January 23: End of Semester 1

• January 26 & 27: No School For Students - Grading & Planning Days

• January 28: Start of Semester 2

Sellwood Principal's Newsletter - November 3, 2025 

NOTE: The district is working on a new website for us.  In the meantime, some spacing and bullets may be out of alignment.  

Greetings Sellwood Community,

My apologies for the late newsletter.

Today is the first day of quarter 2.  Please see below some handy instructions for viewing report cards in ParentVue.

Just a reminder that tomorrow, November 4th, will be a late start with school starting at 9:30am.

Sincerely,

Jeandre Carbone

Sellwood Middle School Principal

VIEWING REPORT CARDS

PPS has shifted to paperless report cards and families will be using ParentVue to check report cards. Here are some handy instructions to view report cards on ParentVue (thank you Duniway Elementary for the helpful graphic)

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hxWBvSxvLHxifPs9A_sPDmnoTUvrAB3y/view?usp=sharing

Also, here is a link to more detailed instructions, which, if you scroll to the bottom, show how to opt-out of paperless report cards and get a paper copy mailed.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1dVYNHNTZ0wZqDCgrAt3IKcEs2dlX_7yJwUBWyZy01XQ/edit?usp=sharing

PTA NEWS

We Need Volunteers!

Looking to get involved at SMS?  There are lots of volunteer opportunities that can be found on Konstella, including classroom help for Ms. White’s math class; Staff Appreciation coordination; and help working on upcoming events like Drag Queen Bingo and the Garden Tour.  Here is the link to Konstella and to sign up to volunteer:  https://www.konstella.com/cd/AXC2Z9

PTA Annual Campaign - Starts Next Week through November 24th!

The SMS PTA annual campaign starts Monday, November 3! This is your time to donate to support the PTA efforts this school year. We aim to raise $16,000 to support the PTA and PTA programs. Funds will support teacher and elective supplies, library books, curriculum enrichment, field trips, the PEAK after-school program, and scholarships, OBOB, and more! Stay tuned next week for more information. Or give now to kick off the campaign! https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/general-giving-donations 

Spirit Wear - Order Now Through November 26th

Get your Beanies! T-shirts! Hoodies! Zip Hoodies! Sweatpants!  This is a spirit raiser, not a fund raiser, with prices set close to production costs. We look forward to seeing this gear out in the community!  Items will be available for pick-up at Sellwood parking lot after school the week of December 15th before holiday break. Details to come closer to that time.  Questions? Send a message to SMSGearShop@gmail.com and we will get back to you ASAP.                          Store link:  design.swagnw.com/sellwood_middle_school_spirit

Drag Queen Bingo Planning Meeting - November 13th at 7pm

If you are looking for a way to get involved this is a great opportunity to help out.  Drag Queen Bingo is a fun event in February and we will have our first planning committee meeting on November 13th at 7pm.  Email sellwoodpta@gmail.com if interested.  Location TBD.

SMS Dine-Out at The Record Pub for Trivia Night - November 19th 

Mark your calendars!  Put your knowledge to the test and have a blast at Trivia Night at The Record Pub! Free to play, you’ll enjoy a night of fun with friends while helping Sellwood Middle School!  A portion of the proceeds from the night will go directly to supporting our school’s programs and activities. So, grab your team, bring your A-game, and let’s make it a night to remember—all for a great cause! 

Portland Trailblazers vs OKC Thunder - November 30th at 3pm - ORDER TICKETS BY 11/3

Join us for an exciting night of basketball in support of the Sellwood Middle School PTA as the Trail Blazers take on the defending champion OK Thunder at Moda Center on Sunday, November 30th. Show your school spirit while enjoying the game with friends, family, and fellow members of the school community. Link for tickets (order deadline is November 3): Portland Trail Blazers - Powered by Spinzo

PEAK Program Registration

Chess Club starts Monday, November 3rd and there are 2 more Red Cross Babysitter Classes this school year.  Scholarships are available.  Register:  www.6crickets.com 

BottleDrop Blue Bag Program - Recycle Cans and Bottles and Support the PTA!

Collect and return your empty cans and bottles to the nearest BottleDrop Location through the BottleDrop Blue Bag program. Visit the office to pick up Blue Bags for BottleDrop - or pick up from SMS community members who have blue bags on their porch. Find locations here:  Sellwood PTA - BottleDrop Blue Bag Program

You can also connect with the Sellwood Middle School PTA via:

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/SellwoodMiddleSchoolPTA/

Instagram:  @sellwoodmiddlepta

Web:  https://sites.google.com/view/sellwoodpta

SUCCESSFUL SCHOOL SURVEY OPENS TODAY, MON. NOV. 3

Dear families,

Portland Public Schools begins the annual Successful Schools Survey on Monday. The Successful Schools Survey is an opportunity for students, staff, and families to provide important feedback on their school environments, learning experiences, and sense of well-being and safety at school. 

The survey is conducted once every school year to provide timely information to schools, district leadership, and the community, allowing us to make informed decisions about school climate and culture. This year, the survey window is open November 3 to December 8.

Portland Public Schools highly values the input and opinions of its families, and we welcome all PPS parents and guardians to complete this year’s survey. We use the data to help improve our schools, providing targeted feedback and training on how to create healthy school environments that are welcoming for all.

You can complete the Successful Schools Survey online using the link provided below. Please complete one survey per household. If you have more than one student at PPS, we ask that you complete the survey considering the experiences of your eldest child.

The survey will take approximately 15-30 minutes to complete and is available in English, Spanish, Russian, Somali, Vietnamese and Chinese.

https://surveys.panoramaed.com/portlandor/fall25family

For more information about the Successful Schools Survey, please go to pps.net/successfulschools.

PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCES

Mark your calendars for parent teacher conferences. Parent/Teacher Conferences will be slightly different this year, with an option to schedule conferences the evening of Thursday, November 20th (the week previous to traditional conferences).  Please note that there are times and dates designated for virtual vs. in-person conferences.

Next week, I will be sharing the parent instructions and conference sign-up document so that you can easily book appointments with teachers.

Thursday, November 20, 2025

5:15-8:15 Conferences (3hrs) - Virtual

Monday, November 24, 2025 

8:15-12:15 Conferences (4hrs) - In Person

12:15-12:45 Lunch Break (0.5hr)

12:45-4:15 Conferences (3.5hrs)- In Person

4:15-5:15 Dinner Break (1hr) 

5:15-8:15 Conferences (3hrs)- In Person

Tuesday, November 25, 2025

8:15-12:15 Conferences (4hrs) - Virtual

12:15-12:45 Lunch Break (0.5hrs)

12:45-4:15 Conferences (3.5hrs) - Virtual

LEWIS ELEMENTARY: WREATH SALE & WINTER BAZAAR

LEWIS ES WINTER BAZAAR

FROM THE YEARBOOK STAFF

We are looking for photos from fall sports and extracurriculars/performances! Team photos, action shots, and candids of Sellwood students are all welcome. Please email (at the highest resolution) to Lsouther@pps.net  and include as much information you can about student names, team name, event, etc.  

HOW TO CHECK PROGRESS/GRADES IN PARENTVUE

Here is a helpful step-by-step document to guide you through checking your children' s grades in ParentVue.

HOW TO CHECK ASSIGNMENTS & GRADES IN STUDENTVUE

This year, with the new proficiency-based grade book, the process for checking grades and assignments is a little different for students.  If your child is having a hard time checking their assignments and grades, here is a slide presentation offering a step-by-step guide. Checking Assignments and Grades in Student Vue.

PANTHER PAUSE (STUDENT CREATED WEBSITE)

In addition to working on our yearbook, this class has been practicing their journalism skills to produce a website. Check out the Panther Pause! 

CLEVELAND CLUSTER MIDDLE SCHOOL WRESTLING

If your child is interested in wrestling, please check out the links to the 2025-26 Cleveland MS wrestling announcements and an invitation to the wrestling clinic on Saturday, November 8th.

Cleveland MS Wrestling Flyer

Cleveland MS Wrestling Special Invitation

SELLWOOD MIDDLE SCHOOL CLOTHING CLOSET

Hello Sellwood families,

We have started an in house clothing closet here at Sellwood this year.  We are looking to build up our supply of new or lightly used:

• Guys pants (all sizes and styles, especially M-L)

• Unisex shirts (all sizes)

• Rain jackets/coats (all sizes)

• New socks

If you have anything to donate please drop it off in the main office and say it is for the SMS clothing closet. 

Thank you so much!

Sellwood school counselors

2025-26 Grading

All middle grades students will experience Standards-Based Grading this year across all classes. The gradebook has been updated to reflect this for the 25-26 school year.

To learn more about how Standards-based grading works, please watch the following two short videos.

What is Standards-Based Grading? (3 minute video)

Understanding Proficiency Levels (2 minute video)

COUNSELING CORNER

Students with last names A-L: Mr. KB - akennybrew@pps.net

Students with last names M-Z:  Ms. Katie - kfrancis@pps.net

MAIN OFFICE

The best way to reach us is by email.  

•  Kirstin Bill (kbill@pps.net) is our school secretary/enrollment coordinator.

• Claire Howard (choward1@pps.net) is our principal's secretary. 

• Our Sellwood website (pps.net/sellwood) has many "Quick Links" to help you immediately.   

The Office Phone Number

• The office phone number is 503-916-5656.  

• When prompted, 

• press 4 for Kirstin (School Secretary)

• press 3 for Claire (Principal's Secretary)

• press 2 for any "Attendance" matter.  It's a designated line just for attendance.  

• press 5 for Records, Registration

• press 0 for the front counter - answered by students; not a confidential line.

     Secured Building 

• Sellwood is a locked and secure building.  

• Please ring the doorbell to the right of the main doors to reach the office.  We will guide you accordingly.

Picking up your student during the day:  

• While we understand that daytime appointments are sometimes necessary, early release is discouraged.  Please try to limit your student's daytime appointments.  When early release is necessary, please ring the bell at the main door and expect to wait while your child is located.  

Guides to Help you:

• To correct your student's attendance: Log into ParentVue. 

• For changes to your student's registration profile in Synergy: ParentVue/StudentVue

• Quick Links found on Sellwood's website (pps.net/sellwood)

Please email Kirstin (kbill@pps.net)  for:

• Passwords:  If you have forgotten your password, have been locked out of your account, or do not have login credentials.

• Registration, Enrollment.

• ParentVue (if your account has been disabled).   

Please email Claire (choward1@pps.net) for:

• School Pay. 

• Bookkeeping/accounting issues.

• Administrative Support:  Messages or matters of support to the principal or assistant principal.  

IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER   PPS Calendar 2025-26

• November 4: 15-minute Late Start - Due to Staff Meeting

• November 11: No School - Veterans’ Day

• November 20, 24, & 25: Parent Teacher Conferences

• November 26-28: Fall Break

• December 2: 5-minute Late Start - Due to Staff Meeting

• December 4: Site Council 8:00 - 9:00 AM

• December 10: Early Release at 1:45

• December 11: Winter Band Concert @ Cleveland High School

• December 16: Choir Concert @ Cleveland High School

• December 22 - January 2: Winter Break

• January 6: 15-minute Late Start - Due to Staff Meeting

• January 14: Early Release at 1:45

• January 15: PTA Meeting

• January 15: Art & STEM Show

• January 19: Martin Luther King Jr. Day

• January 20: Principal’s Coffee 8:30-9:30 AM

• January 22: Site Council 8:00 - 9:00 AM

• January 23: End of Semester 1

• January 26 & 27: No School For Students - Grading & Planning Days

• January 28: Start of Semester 2