Our School

Hello Gilbert Heights Families

Congratulations on finishing another year! I am so proud of our students and teachers for persevering through a year filled with uncertainty. It is my great hope that our 22-23 school year will be impacted far less by the COVID-19 pandemic and we can begin to build true stamina for learning. Our goal is that we can condense our lunches and recesses (currently they last about three hours!), improve our master calendar to spread instructional support in a more equitable manner, and reinvigorate our PBIS model and strengthen our school wide expectations. It is exciting work!!

There have been some substantial staffing changes to Gilbert Heights next year as well! I would like to welcome our new Vice Principal of Restorative Practices, Natalie Wolf to our building! Natalie joins me from Gresham-Barlow School District and brings a wealth of knowledge as an instructional coach and classroom teacher. Natalie will be supporting our exciting work in restorative practices–a process involving students and staff in determining how best to repair the harm done in a school community. It is solution oriented and focused on strengthening relationships and accountability, with an emphasis on caring for the school community and each other. Natalie will be a wonderful addition to our staff and an exceptional candidate to lead this work. We are still looking for a school counselor, if you know any good candidates with their school counseling license, we would love for them to apply! As we all know, student mental health needs are only increasing, and having the right fit for this position is crucial. 

For fall, the plan is that we welcome our families back with gradual entry similar to last year. School starts the week of September 5th. Your students will receive a letter in August with their assigned day to come that week (only one day!) and their assigned teacher. We know this is very exciting! We plan on hosting a more traditional Back to School event during this time as well. Our school office will reopen Monday August 18th with any needs you may have. As always, I am reachable by email to help answer any questions you may have. 

I hope you have a safe and restful summer break. Our family will be doing a couple long beach weekends and a trip to Sunriver but otherwise just enjoying the time together at home. It’s never dull with a six, four, and two year old! Take care and we will see you next September!

Go Mustangs!

Shannon Deems, 

Principal of Gilbert Heights Elementary

shannon_deems@ddsd40.org

503-256-6502

Gilbert Heights Elementary School Mission Statement
Gilbert Heights will provide meaningful, equitable and highly effective instruction so that each student will grow and thrive socially, emotionally and academically.  We will ensure this occurs in a safe, respectful and culturally responsive environment where all students, families and staff feel welcomed and supported. 

GET CONNECTED!
Most district communication and updates for families will occur via email and online platforms, and all student education will occur in this format.  If you need assistance with this, please reach out via DDSD family support for technology: Phone number-503.261.8391, Email: family_help_desk@ddsd40.org. The district is currently applying for grants to help provide Wifi to families in need.