Odle Viking News September 9, 2011

This year, Odle will be implementing a new program called the Success Initiative at Odle. This program is designed to ensure the academic and behavioral success of each and every child. The Success Initiative has several parts:

Teachers will be providing FREE additional instruction after-school on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday each week. All teachers will be available to re-teach concepts and critical material to students during tutorial from 2:37 to 3:07. In addition, Odle will pay a small group of teachers to stay from 3:10 to 4:10 to provide even more instruction to students who need it. The goal is that every single child is ready for class the next day!
Because we want every student to be ready every day for class, students may be required to stay for tutorial (until 3:07) for the extended re-teaching period (until 4:10). Students who stay can take the Activities Bus home at 4:10 or walk or get a ride home. If a teacher asks a student to stay for tutorial or extended re-teaching, the student is required to stay no matter what because that teacher is very concerned that that student is not ready for the next day or for the next important topic in class.
Students will also be given the opportunity to re-do work if it does not meet the teacher's standard. Rather than earn a D or F grade right away, teachers will give a "NY" mark which means "Not Yet." This means the teacher believes the child can do better and will give the child the chance to do the work over so they can earn a higher grade. We all know what typically happens with papers that get a D or F - they get thrown away or hidden. What we know almost never happens is that the child who got the D or F goes back and re-does the work so that it meets the standard set. The "NY" mark communicates that we want the child to learn, we believe they can do the work, and we'll give them credit for their effort because the bottom line is student learning.
Some students unfortunately, choose to not do work sometimes. We are going to give them the opportunity to do that work immediately after-school in our new Work Completion Zone in the MUR. Students with missing assignments will be assigned to the Work Completion Zone. They will be required to attend - and they can leave as soon as they turn in quality work. If the work doesn't meet standard (NY), they may be re-assigned the very next day to get the work done - or they may be assigned to Extra Instruction if they need more teaching in order to get the work done. Again the goal is that every student is ready for class the next day!

Parents are a CRITICAL part of the Success Initiative. We want your feedback - and we need your support. If your son or daughter is assigned to stay after-school for extra help or to get missing work done, we hope that you will say "wonderful - I want my child to be ready for tomorrow!" We hope that school will come before soccer practice and swim lessons and music events - because while all those are important and meaningful, one of the most important things in a child's life, other than family, is his or her education.

We will be starting the Success Initiative on Monday September 12^th and while there will definitely be bumps in the road, we hope you join the Odle staff on a journey that, with patience and persistence, will be extraordinary. My door is always open and if you have thoughts or feedback on the Success Initiative, I invite you to come see me. I have set aside the following times when you can just "drop in," no appointment necessary, to give me your thoughts and feedback and suggestions:

September 15 - 3:00 to 4:00 pm
September 21 - 7:00 to 8:00 am
September 26 - 3:00 to 4:00 pm
October 5 - 7:00 to 8:00 am

I am unbelievably excited about the Success Initiative and I truly believe we are on the cusp of something truly remarkable for our students. I hope you join me and the Odle staff as we work towards the academic and behavioral success of each and every child in our care. Together - we will truly make a difference. Margaret Mead was reported to have said: "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." We are that small, committed group at Odle and I invite you to join us!

Eric McDowell

Principal

Presidents' Message

Welcome everybody to a new and exciting year at Odle where SUCCESS is the Only Option!!! Odle has a lot to offer to our children on all fronts. Academically, the Success Initiative introduced this year should help all of our students to not only realize their full potential but also to learn essential life skills such as appreciation for effort in all endeavors. Socially, the school offers various after school activities and clubs, and your Parent Teacher Association works with the school to organize all kinds of fun events so that all of us parents, children and faculty can bond and build a strong middle school community. STAY TUNED for more information about events and for updates on the Success initiative by our Principal Eric McDowell.

We would like to extend a special welcome to all those completely new to Odle Middle School and in particular to the Parents of 6th graders. If you attended the 6th grade parent orientation on August 29th, the slides are available and can be downloaded from the PTSA website in the parent resources section.

Have a fun and rewarding School year!!

Krista Hammer and Dominique Vincenti - PTSA Co-Presidents

Odle PTSA

Odle Back to School Ice Cream Social

Date: Tuesday, September 13

Time: 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm

Place: Odle Middle School Track

(Alternate - Gym in case of rain)

All Odle families are invited to our back to school ice cream social to meet and reunite with the Odle community, speak with Principal Eric McDowell and Assistant Principal Jonathan Schearer, and have a great time! We will serve ice cream with toppings, and have fun activities. Also available will be information about the Odle PTSA, clubs, and sports programs.

It will be FESTIVE, it will be FUN, and it will be FREE!

We are in need of volunteers to help set up, serve, and clean up on the day of the event. If you would like to help, please contact Krista Hammer at kirista_hammer@yahoo.com.

PTSA General Meeting

The first Odle PTSA General Meeting will be held on Thursday, September 22, at 6:30 pm in the Odle library. Principal Eric McDowell will speak about the "Success= Odle's Only Option" initiative. Please come join us!

Curriculum Night

Mark your calendars - Curriculum Night will be held on Thursday, September 29 at 6:00 pm. More details to come in the next edition of the Viking News.

Volunteers Neeeded

Vice President of Student and Family Events

We need someone organized and enthusiastic who is able to serve on the PTSA board of directors as Vice President of Student and Family Events for 2011-12. This person would act as liaison between the PTSA and the chairs of each of our student/family events such as the Ice Cream Social and Lip Sync. For a more detailed job description contact Krista Hammer krista_hammer@yahoo.com .

Bellevue Schools Foundation Representative for Odle

Job Description: Learn about the Bellevue Schools Foundation (BSF) and become knowledgeable about how the Foundation enhances student learning at Odle. Attend a Foundation board meeting or coffee during the year. Promote the foundation at Odle events and through the Viking News. Organize a table or two of parents to attend the Spring for Schools luncheon.

Please contact Dominique Vincenti Dominique.Vincenti@nordstrom.com

or Krista Hammer krista_hammer@yahoo.com.

Spanish Newsletter Coordinator

Be Part of the PTSA's Communications Team!

Spanish Newsletter coordinator needed

You do not have to speak Spanish.

Job Description: Every two months, this coordinator would: 1) assemble the content for a Spanish version of the Viking News 2) Arrange to have the content translated by the Odle Spanish Liaison 3) Make copies and mail the newsletter to Spanish-speaking families. Estimated time commitment: 2 hours every other month.

Questions? Contact Jana Pallis janapallis@earthlink.net

Ice Cream Scoopers - Back to School Ice Cream Social

We are hoping to have lots of Dad's help scooping ice cream on Sept 13 in 1/2 hour shifts! We also need a few more people to help set - up and clean - up. Please email odelptsa@hotmail.com if you can help!

Safeway Escrip Program

Parents, teachers, friends, and families can register their Safeway grocery club cards as supporters with the eScrip program. After registering, a percentage

of ALL purchases made with eScrip merchants will be given back to Odle Middle School PTSA!

Current participants: Be sure to renew for the 2011/2012 school year! If you are already enrolled, you MUST renew annually in order to ensure that funds continue to be credited to Odle Middle School. To renew: log on to www.escrip.com. A link to instructions for renewal is located at the bottom of the page. Odle Middle School eScrip Group ID#8565400.

New participants: It is never too late to enroll! You may turn in the submittal form distributed as part of the Taking Care of Business packets at any time during the school year

Any questions? Contact Laura Techico at techico@comcast.net

Odle News

Jubilee Sports-Fall Sports at Odle

Starts Monday, September 12

Refer to the next article for more information about session dates, and how to begin each session.

Co-Ed
Will compete with other Middle Schools
Soccer (All Year) and Basketball (Spring)
Daily after school; Games Wednesdays
Open to all; No try-outs
Free!

Questions: sports@jubileereach.org

Odle Middle School Sports and Activities

Each year, specific sports and before and after school clubs and activities are determined by who is available to coach and advise these activities. Before- and After- School Activities will be determined shortly after school starts, and each new activity is announced to the students in advance, and is announced in the Viking News (parent newsletter) as well.

Below is a list of before school activities usually offered at Odle:

Open Gym

Open Library

Leadership

Jazz Band (audition only)

Green Team

Below is a list of after school clubs and activities which were offered over the past couple of years. Again, each year, this is subject to change:

Homework Club

Future Problem Solvers

Groundbreakers

Jazz Club

Fuel Up To Play 60

Yearbook Club

French Club

Service Club

Winter Musical

Archery

LatinaAcademy

Dance Club

Math Club (PTSA sponsored)

Odle Cares Club

AfricanAmericanGirlsAcademy

Each sport session begins with an informational meeting on the first date of the session; this is announced to students in advance. Any interested student is invited to attend these informational meetings; middle school sports are open to all students--there are no try-outs. Students will also receive parent permission slips and a game schedule. Below is a general timeline of middle school sports. Stay tuned to school announcements and Viking News for final sports offerings and schedule.

Estimated Dates	School Activity	Jubilee REACH Sports
9/12 - 10/21	None	Boys & Girls Soccer and Boys' and Girls' Basketball
10/24 - 1/6	Co-Ed Badminton	Boys & Girls Soccer
1/9 - 3/16	Co-Ed Volleyball	Boys & Girls Soccer
3/19 - 5/4	None	Boys & Girls Soccer and Boys and Girls Basketball
5/7 - 6/15	Co-Ed Track	Boys & Girls Basketball and (Boys and Girls Soccer?)

Picture Make Up Day and Picture Retake Day

Picture Make Up Day is Monday, September 19, starting at 7:15 am in the Odle Library. This is for students who did not have their picture taken during Taking Care of Business Days. It is not for students that want picture retakes.

Picture Retake Day is Thursday, October 20, staring at 11:00 am in the Odle Library.

BSD News

RESPECT

This year, the Bellevue School District will be celebrating a virtue each month as part of our new Bullying Prevention and Social Skills curriculum. The Virtue of the Month for September is Respect. Respect is an attitude of caring about oneself, others, and our surroundings. We show respect by speaking, listening, and acting with courtesy. We are respectful when we treat others as we want to be treated. Respect includes honoring the rules of our family and our school. We respect our environment by conserving energy and recycling.

2011 Best Workplaces for Waste Reduction and Recycling

Bellevue School District has been named one of "2011 Best Workplaces for Waste Reduction and Recycling" by the King County Solid Waste Division.

Decals at the entrace of each site will relfect this award. Congratulations!

Community News and Events

BIWA Exchange Program - Fundraiser Garage Sale

Families participating in the BIWA Exchange Program will be throwing a fundraiser garage sale on Saturday, September 10, from 9am to 4pm. Location is just southwest of the school - turn off of 140th Avenue NE - east onto NE 3rd Street into the Whispering Glen subdivision and follow the signs.

Remember 9/11

Please join the staff of Sunset Hills Memorial Park and Funeral Home for a community Memorial Program on the grounds of the Memorial Park as we remember the events of 10 years ago...

Sunday, September 11, 2011 at 11:00 AM

You are also invited to join us for a special screening of the yet-to-be-released film, REBIRTH. This feature length documentary has been created by a team of seasoned, successful Hollywood filmmakers who have been working together since 9/11. Their vision is a compelling film experience and a unique historical record and resource: a living testament to honor 9/11, and its victims and heroes. The result of a filmmaking journey into living history, the story of REBIRTH follows the transformation of five people, over the course of 10 years, whose lives were forever altered on September 11, 2001 - and simultaneously tracks, via unprecedented multi-camera time lapse photography, the evolution of the space where the Twin Towers once rose over lower Manhattan. The director seamlessly weaves these personal stories of hope and healing and reveals a universal truth; one which shows human beings will overcome and aspire to renew-al, even when the very fabric of their lives has changed.

Admission is free and you may choose to make a donation to support the work of Project Rebirth. More information on the organization may be found by visiting www.projectrebirth.org.

Screenings will be held in the Chapel at Sunset Hills Funeral Home:

Saturday, September 10, 2011 at 6:00 PM

Sunday, September 11, 2011 at 1:00 PM

1215 - 145th Place Southeast

Bellevue, WA98007

425-746-1400

Come join the Bellevue Parks & Community Services Department

Cheerleading Program, Eastside Dream Elite!

All skill levels welcome! All classes are held at Highland Community Center.

or register online at www.MyParksAndRecreation.com

Class fee scholarships available for Bellevue residents who qualify.

Some additional costs may be incurred for uniforms and accessories.

Questions? Check out www.EastsideDreamElite.com or email Coach Anne at

anne@EastsideDreamElite.com, or call Coach Anne at 425.246.9636.

TEDxRedmond

TEDxRedmond is an event by youth, for youth that combines inspirational speakers and riveting performers (all under the age of 18) to motivate students aged 10 - 18 to pursue their passions and make a difference in their communities. The event will be held on September 10, 2011, from 1 - 9 p.m. at the Microsoft Conference Center in Redmond. Free dinner will be served to all attendees. To view the full lineup of speakers and to register to attend, please visit www.tedxredmond.com.

Thank You

Thank You, Taking Care of Business Day Volunteers

We would like to THANK all of these volunteers for helping on Odle's Taking Care of Business (TCB) Days! It takes a large team of volunteers to make TCB run smoothly, and we are so grateful to all of these individuals for their time.

Alexey Avodayev, Walai Black, Yunbo Cassady, Margaret David, Linda DeBruin, Craig Devine, Whitney Devine, Adam Dibba, Linnea Eng, Dionne Gordon, Shandar Harini, Kate Haynes, Cathi Hervey, Brian Hitchens, Laura Hitchens , Abby Hu, Carl Hu, Cindy Hu, Ramou Jallow, Khadijatou Jallow, Julia Krill, Tommy Liao, Vicki Liao, Kayleigh McGuire, Jerilyn Morris, Angela Navas, Max Navas, Kaitlynn Nutting, Divya Pai, Alagu Palaniappan, Arun Palaniappan, Jana Pallis, Tanya Paszkeicz , Dan Phillips, Rachel Roberts, Mason Sayyadi, Susan Skovron, Catherine Smith, Laura VanHorn, Archana Verma, Nathan Vincenti, Ana Vincenti, Pam Way