Test your Kanji Level
October 30, 2008
Auction News
October 27, 2008
Remember to buy your Auction Ticket before October 30 to receive your
complementary “free tuition” raffle ticket. To buy tickets online visit
www.intlschool.org/auction. If you prefer to pay by check, you can drop one off in one
of the red boxes located in each of the reception areas. Remember that
there are no paper tickets to the event and your raffle tickets will be
included in your registration packet upon arrival. Tables (seating 10 people) may be purchased by check only, for an additional $100 per table. You must
have 10 people in your party to purchase a table.
It’s not too late to donate an item. Yes, you missed the deadline, but
that’s ok. If you have a fantastic item to donate, please do so. Donations
bins are located in each reception area.
Volunteers are still needed for the night of the event. If you are
interested in helping out, please contact kate@northrimpdx.com
RFA Reprieve! Turn in Forms by October 31
October 27, 2008
Did your child have a blast on Run Day, helping the school fund our Arts program? Is he or she counting on a cool Run for the Arts t-shirt?
Guarantee your child helped make a difference, and guarantee that RFA shirt by turning in your collections and your pledge sheet by October 31 at the latest!
If your child didn’t get enough pledgers to earn a shirt, don’t forget to turn in an order form for a t-shirt, too! Forms and pledge sheets can be turned in to your child’s teacher or a front desk receptionist.
If you have any questions, or need your child’s laps, email Joan Francis, RFA Co-chair at taurlileo@comcast.net.
French American School Hosts Alexandre Poussin
October 27, 2008
Please join the French American International School
as we welcome Alexandre Poussin
Thursday, November 6, 2008 6:30 p.m.
Africa Trek is the incredible journey of husband and wife Alex and Sonia Poussin. For three years the French couple walked 8,700 miles across Africa, from the Cape of Good Hope to the Sea of Galilee. During their journey, which they personally filmed, they endured fatigue, extreme thirst, blazing sun, prowling hyenas, malaria and more.
A runaway bestseller when first published in France in 2004, Africa Trek has only recently been translated into English and published by local Portland publisher Inkwater Press.
The Poussin’s epic journey has also been made into a twelve-part miniseries, currently being aired on PBS in over 200 markets across the United States.
Books and videos available for purchase and signing.
French American International School
8500 NW Johnson Street • Portland, OR 97229 • (503) 292-7776 • www.faispdx.org
PE Announcement: Hollywood Bowl Night
October 27, 2008
Back by very popular demand is our Hollywood Bowl night!
Where: Hollywood Bowl, 4030 NE Halsey St., Portland, OR
503-288-9237
When: December 5th, Friday after school starting between 3:45 and as close to 4:00 PM as possible. End time is anytime before 6:00 PM.
How much: Shoe rental is $1.00 and each game bowled is $1.75.
There are kiddie lanes with bumpers and lightweight balls, so all ages are welcome.
Food is also available for purchase.
I have done this every year for the last 4 years and it is a blast. The children love it.
Parents are responsible for arranging rides to Hollywood Bowl and home. Carpools work wonderfully.
An RSVP with the number of people is a must to ensure that we have enough lanes reserved.
Please check your calendars and let Coach Robert Briglia know.
Send an email to: robertb@intlschool.org
P.S. Watch for a message from your room parent regarding Blazer Night!
Stephan Grasmuck’s Update
October 27, 2008
Auction
As we draw very near to the Auction date, please remember to make your contribution of an auction item. This event plays a highly significant role in the financial well-being of the school. Auction proceeds enable TIS to move forward in key areas of school operations. It is imperative that we all support the auction individually and collectively. Thanks to everyone for your generosity!
Corbett Playground
We now anticipate that the long-awaited playground deck construction will commence on Tuesday October 28th. I want to acknowledge, in particular, Facilities Manager Frank Bojanowski for his sustained effort, determination, and skill in bringing this project to fruition. The permit process with the City was very long and involved. We can now look forward to having a beautiful new structure in place for the children attending class in Corbett. The pre-K teachers have their plans in place regarding recess activities that will take place while the deck construction is in progress.
Slope replanting
As I have mentioned, an analysis of the slope between the Modular classroom and the main playground indicates that the area is stable. Moving forward, to prevent erosion from winter weather, the jute covering and growing medium are in place now. Replanting of the slope is at or near completion thanks to the work done on the weekend. Click on the link below to view a timeline for this project:
MODULAR #2 - WESTERN SLOPE PROJECT
Other Construction Updates
Beyond the work done at Corbett and the Modular slope area, of course, the school continues with the other projects as enhancements of the property. The good news is that we are very near completion of the new Main Building Reception area. This also includes new space for Admissions and the Business offices. The whole area will be completed by Friday of this week.
Please note that the newly created entrance door on the lower level of the Main building now becomes the main access point to the building. The former entrance located atop the hill on the Naito side of the building will no longer function as an entry door. It becomes an emergency exit for the building.
The large tent that normally stands on the playground area is soon to reappear on-site. Interstate Special Events will be at the school on Thursday, October 30th, in the morning to set up the tent for us.
Room 16 in Modular #3, the building immediately behind Stearns Hall, will have a new carpet installed soon. This will remedy the situation in that classroom
A Trailblazing Idea from Coach Robert
October 27, 2008
Here’s a new opportunity to meet other TIS families while rooting the Portland Trailblazers on to victory. TIS Physical Education Specialist Robert Briglia is currently coordinating a group ticket purchase for his daughters’ soccer teams to watch the ‘Blazers thrash the L.A. Clippers on December 12. As a big believer in the power of extra-curricular activities to build community, Robert is extending the offer to TIS families too. “I’ll take care of all the details,” he says, “but if you’re interested, you’ll need to act soon.”
Due to the team’s resurgence, tickets are going fast. Robert says he is reserving a block in the 300-level, with tickets priced at around $17 each. No payments are due yet, but Robert hopes to place his order as soon as possible. Room parents will be coordinating the number of tickets needed in each class.
“I think this is a great opportunity to get to know your fellow TIS families while supporting the comeback of Portland’s hometown favorites,” he says.
If you have any questions, contact Robert at robertb@intlschool.org.
Picture Retake Day-10/28
October 27, 2008
Picture Retake Day is Tuesday, October 28th. Our school photographer will be on site in the morning to take the photo of any child absent last picture day as well as students whose parents have requested a retake. If you would like to have a retake of your child’s photo and have not yet signed up, please contact Stearns Hall receptionist, Lauren, by 9am Tuesday morning to have your child’s name added to the list.
Children in the Corbett building will have their photos taken first thing in the morning, so please arrive on time if your child is to have a picture retake.
503-226-2496 x121
Holiday Staff Party
October 27, 2008
Every year the parent community at TIS rallies together to throw a wonderful holiday party for our teachers and staff. It’s our way of thanking them for their hard work, dedication, and love for our children. This year’s party will be on Saturday, December 13th at the beautiful home of Alan and Victoria O’Kain. This is the third year the O’Kains are opening up their home for this event and we appreciate their generosity.
Since this event is sponsored entirely by the parent community, we are relying on you for help. Here are ways you can contribute:
1. serve at the party - it is an incredibly fun evening and being a server is the only way a parent can attend the party
2. create a homemade appetizer, salad, entree or dessert for the party - we can give you specific suggestions for what we need
3. donate beverages - wine, beer and non-alcoholic beverages are needed
4. donate cash - this helps us buy items that are not donated
The holiday party is a wonderful evening that the staff look forward to every year, and is made possible by the generosity of our parent community. Thanks in advance for your support!
Heidi Fouser
fouser@comcast.net
Susan Marcus
obanmarcus@comcast.net
Unclaimed Lost and Found Items To Be Donated
October 27, 2008
At the end of each month, we take unclaimed lost and found items to Goodwill. This is your last chance to pick up those missing jackets and sweaters before they are donated. Please take a moment this week to look through our overflowing lost and found bins located in the reception area of Stearns Hall and next to the gym.

