Friends of West Sylvan News

PARENT EDUCATION EVENTS

Coffee Talk - January 17th: Ending the Silence

Join us Friday, January 17th at 9:30 a.m. in the WSMS Library for the presentation Ending the Silenceby the National Alliance of Mental Illness.

This 1-hour presentation for adults with middle or high school aged youth will teach us about the signs and symptoms of mental health conditions (depression, anxiety, eating disorders and others), how to recognize the early warning signs and the importance of acknowledging those warning signs. We will also learn about what resources are available to support our children and their friends if we recognize a mental health issue, how to work with schools and how to talk to our children about our concerns.

All are welcome to attend this presentation about a very important topic to help us support the youth in our lives. Check in at the Front Desk upon arrival.

PICK UP TIME ISSUES - WE CAN DO BETTER!

Pick Up Time Complaints from WSMS Neighbors

Our neighbors around West Sylvan are becoming very concerned with driver behavior during pick up time. We will be meeting with them to discuss specific concerns but in the meantime PLEASE be considerate of others property, follow traffic rules and take a few deep breaths before arriving at pick up. We do not want anyone to get hurt and while we understand families are in a rush to get off to their next activity almost all students are picked up and on their way by 4:10 p.m. It is becoming very chaotic during pick up and that is when accidents occur.

Please use the pick up line, don't park in front of driveways or in no parking zones, don't use driveways to turn around and please don't block lanes of traffic. Wait until after 3:45 p.m. to arrive and treat the neighborhood how you would like your neighborhood to be treated. We can all do better!

STAFF BREAKFAST - JANUARY 10th

Thank you to our First Friday Lunch volunteers for hosting a great breakfast for the West Sylvan staff this morning!

Special thanks to Henry Higgins Bagels who donated the delicious bagels and cream cheese - very appreciated!

SUPPORT BETTER SCHOOL FUNDING

After the strike last year many of us are wondering how to avoid this scenario in the future. The major issue is the need for better funding of education by the State of Oregon. Right now is a great time to push our State Legislature to fully fund our schools. Here is how to get involved:

1. Email your legislators to remind them why fully funding schools is important for your community. You can find your legislator here.

2. Get involved in one of the groups pushing the Oregon Legislature to fully fund our schools. Here are two that we are currently aware of:

3. Attend a local meeting in support of the efforts being coordinated by the above groups.

Quality Education for All: Education, Business & Housing Discussion
- 6 p.m., Thursday, January 23rd
- Bridlemile Elementary School, 4300 SW 47th Drive
- Light refreshments served, program includes a panel of experts on early education, early literacy, jobs and housing.
- Register here to attend.

We will share more opportunities as they arise. Let's all work together to support our schools!

FoWS WOLFPACK SHOUT OUT

Big thank you to Something Cycles for their support of our student bike needs! If you aren't familiar with Something Cycles they 'take a bicycle that others may look at as nothing and turn it into truly Something'.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Friday, January 17

9:30a Coffee Talk - Ending the Silence Mental Health Presentation

Tuesday, February 4

9:30a Delayed Start

Friday, February 7

10:00a First Friday Staff Lunch

Wednesday, February 26

1:45p Early Release

SUBJECT: Friends of West Sylvan News!