Update on Travel Policy
JDLI Community,
Here’s a quick update on the PPS field trip policy revisions and the evolving situation. Many of you saw the WW article that came out this week. We’ve reached out directly to the journalist to formally call out the misinformation, lack of context and over-sensationalized coverage.
However, besides the misleading facts about our program, the article also completely mis-conveyed the status of the current discussion at the committee level. ONK’s singular focus has been continuing our engagement with the PPS board and superintendent to maintain our core programming and assist the district in creating a policy that ensures the safety of students while at the same time, grows comparable experiential learning opportunities (both DLI and non-DLI), particularly in middle school and 8th grade. It was confirmed this morning at the PPS Committee of Policy and Governance that the ONK endorsed revised policy we sent to the JDLI community last week will move forward to first reading at the 2/26 PPS board meeting. Please find the latest revision here.
After first reading of the revised policy, there will be a 21 day comment period. If no substantive changes, it will move forward to a 2nd reading and a vote. ONK will continue to voice our support of the district’s efforts to provide focused educational opportunities for all students by creating capstone (or experiential learning) programs across all middle school curriculum as the best path to closing the opportunity gap and achieving equity.
Stay tuned for updates. https://oyanokai.org/advocacy/
Update: Travel Policy Revisions
Yesterday, we received a revised foreign travel policy proposal from Julia Brim-Edwards, the PPS Board member who chairs the Policy & Governance committee. Please take a few minuted to read it.
More info about the travel policy revisions can be found on our Advocacy Page.
PPS Travel Policy Meetings
Please join us for one of the informational meetings listed below to to discuss PPS’ proposed policy changes on travel programs which could affect 5th, 8th, and 10th grade cultural exchanges. ONK board members will be available to answer questions about these proposed changes.
Wednesday 2/6
6:15 pm
Richmond Cafeteria
Thursday 2/7
5 pm
Mount Tabor Cafeteria
ONK Auction – February 23, 2019
The Oya No Kai Auction will be held Saturday, February 23rd at Leftbank Annex. There will be silent auctions, live auctions, raffles, live music and much more. The Auction is our most important fundraiser of the year to support having Japanese speaking interns in our classrooms, lower the cost of our cultural exchanges to Japan, provide trip scholarships, and welcome our sister schools from Japan. Just one example . . . auction proceeds have allowed us to provide more than $125,000 in scholarship support to families in need over the past five years!
Early Bird Tickets on Sale Now. Save $10 per ticket when you order today! https://onk.tofinoauctions.com/auction2019/homepages/show
We Need Your Donations! Donations of Sports/Entertainment tickets; Art; Restaurants; Services; Massage/Accupuncture; Getaways/Vacation Homes; Technology; Wine; Unique Experiences; or Sign-up Parties. Nothing is too big or small! Contact us for other arrangements or questions – auction-procurement@oyanokai.org. Deadline is February 2nd.
Merchandise on Sale Now. Auction tees, hoodies, hats, and bags are available for purchase every Tuesday and Thursday morning in the breezeway through the auction.
Need More Info? For more information or to volunteer to help with the auction, just contact auction@oyanokai.org.
5th Grade Parents – Mandatory Meetings
5th Grade Parents: If your child is planning to go on the trip to Japan in June, we have two mandatory meetings coming up in October so please mark your calendars now (and spread the news).
Oct. 2, 6:30-8p: PARENTS only.
There will be a short meeting after the mandatory meeting for those interested in chaperoning.
Oct. 16, 6:30-8p: ONE parent & child.
Please bring TWO COLOR COPIES of both your passport and your child’s passport to the Oct. 16th meeting.
Both meetings are in Richmond’s Cafeteria.
Any questions? Contact Saori Clark at saoriclark[at]gmail.com or Alison Walcott at onkculturalexchange[at]gmail.com. Thank you!
Camp Westwind
Camp Westwind Information and Updates
In order to help you plan and be ready for Camp Westwind we have created a set of pages with detailed information about departures/arrivals, directions, packing, meals, sleeping arrangements, and activities.
Departure Planning: Camp Westwind is normally a TWO HOUR drive from Portland. This page will provide vital information on when to pick you kids up from school, parking, and ferry crossing times.
Packing: Plan for rain, think about rain proof luggage (heafty bags), and make sure you have walking & beach shoes. Check out this page for many other packing suggestions.
Directions: Meeting us at the ferry on Friday or hiking in on Saturday? This page should provide everything you need to know.
Cabins: You will not be roughing it, but you will likely be sharing a living space. Details on the cabins, the lodge, bathrooms, etc can be found here.
Meals: Find out more about meal preparation, serving, and cleanup. Also if you have not already done so make sure to register your dietary preferences in the Westwind Portal.
Activities: Hiking, sandcastles, beach volleyball, campfire night, find out more here.
