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Originally delivered on 3/6/2025 3:30 pm

SUBJECT: March News & Events at WSMS

Friends of West Sylvan News
VOLUNTEER & SUPPORT OPPORTUNITIES
Lunch Luau - Sign Up for Final Items

Signups still open for a few final items to help create a lunchtime escape for our hardworking WSMS teachers and staff at our First Friday Lunch Luau.

Please bring items in disposable containers so you won’t need to pick anything up after the lunch. If you do use your own items, label them clearly so they don't accidentally get donated to the staff room!

**LIST ALL INGREDIENTS ON A STICKY NOTE OR NOTE CARD SO WE CAN KEEP ANYONE WITH FOOD RESTRICTIONS FEELING GOOD! 

Food should be delivered to the front office by 9:30 AM, March 7th.

If you'd like to contribute money instead of food, go to First Friday Staff Lunch and we'll put it to good use!

MAHALO!

Questions? Contact us: wsfirstfridaylunch@gmail.com

8th Grade Pack Party Leader Needed!

Help plan and execute the 8th Grade Pack Party! Work with the 8th grade leadership class to develop the theme, decoration ideas and promotion at school via posters.

Email hi@friendsofwestsylvan.org to join in the fun!

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Mark your calendar! Our 2025 dine out series continues this month on Wednesday, March 19. Stop by Chipotle Portland between 4-8pm, located at 1201 NW Lovejoy Street, where 25% of sales will be donated to WSMS Band! Be sure to show the event flyer for each to ensure your contribution counts. And share the flyers for our upcoming restaurant fundraisers with neighbors, friends, and family! There is no tastier way to show your support. 


WSMS Band Dine Out Calendar 2025


MARCH

Wednesday, March 19
Chipotle, Portland
1201 NW Lovejoy Street

25% of sales!

*must show event flyer or order with code 3L6FHXC

APRILTuesday, April 22
Pizza Thief @ Great Notion
2444 NW 28th Ave


15% of sales!


MAY
Thursday, May 15
Pastini Downtown
40% of sales!
*for FoWS General Fund*
Save the Date: Pack Parties are Coming!

Mark your calendar for your student's pack party, coming to WSMS next month!

6th Grade - April 25th

7th Grade - May 9 *updated*

8th Grade - June 6th

Pack Parties are held in our upper gym and are free (no cost) for all West Sylvan students this year. Scholars will enjoy music and a photo booth provided by DJ Smiles during a festive evening with friends. Please save the date(s) and keep a lookout for more information plus fun parent/ guardian volunteer opportunities to come!

Snow Day Calendar Adjustment

As a result of our two snow days last month, the last day of school will now be Thursday, June 12.

PARENT EDUCATION

The draft budget for the 2025-26 school year has been released, and if finalized as written, could bring significant impacts to your school. For our WSMS school team, this looks like a potential overall reduction of five total Educator positions for 2025-26, no class size reduction for DLI classes, and possible blending of grades in some electives (7th/8th electives). 


As a "draft” of budget decisions, these budget allocations can be updated, as the state budget adjusts over these coming months in response to feedback. Please consider lending your voice! Direct advocacy from PPS families to our state representatives in Salem could help shift the final numbers as they work to finalize the Oregon budgets which impact the funds allocated to public schools in Oregon. 


PPS has prepared a toolkit is shared here, with information about how to effectively advocate for funding for public schools. Plan your phone call, letter of support, or arrange a meeting with like-minded parents to share your concerns in person! 

Our state representative for WSMS is Dacia Grayber - District 28, SW Portland/Beaverton. Contact information can be found here.

UPCOMING EVENTS
Friday, March 7
10:00a First Friday Staff Lunch
Wednesday, March 19
1:45p Early Release
4:00p Music Fundraiser - Chipotle Portland Dine Out
Tuesday, April 8
9:30a Delayed Start
Tuesday, April 22
Music Fundraiser - Pizza Thief Dine Out
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