Loads of community events

Thanks to all who joined us for Renaissance Faire on Thursday. Turnout was great and everyone seemed to have a wonderful time. Tanya put a lot of work into the preparation and it showed!

Saturday (May 3) is the high school prom. If you haven't gotten your ticket(s), they'll be available at the door for $30. It'll be held at the North Star Ballroom (653 N. Killingworth Ct.) near PCC's Cascade Campus, from 7-10:30p.m.

As you know, this will be Ruth's last year with us at MLC. To celebrate her retirement, we'll be gathering together for a "Hats Off to Ruth" event on May 17. It'll be held at the school from 3-5p.m. with a dessert potluck and a special presentation for Ruth at 4p.m.

Prepping for Prom

Prom is almost here. This year it'll be on Saturday, May 3 at the North Star Ballroom with a "Roaring Twenties" theme. We're well on our way to having a great event, but we need your help with a couple of things: chaperoning and event prep.

We need chaperones from 7-10:30; you can come for an hour or for the whole night, whatever works best for you.

We also need someone to be the chairperson of the BAR. We have done Italian Sodas in the past and it will be the same this year. There's a nice little bar/bistro room off the main room and if you either know how to make Italian sodas, or would like to do a "Bartender shift" I would be grateful. I have a whipped cream maker, so we need to buy supplies. You will be reimbursed for what food you buy.

We need someone to help set up food. We could use parent help with getting the food and setting it up.

We also could use someone to help the kids with decorations. We would love to have flowers from your garden. We have some supplies for decorating, and we could use another set of eyes.

Please contact Paula Creamer at pcreamer@pps.k12.or.us or call the school at 503-916-5737.

Help needed this Friday, March 21st

We need parent volunteers to come help build shelves for the lunch trays.
Hopefully you will have very basic carpentry skills.
Friday March 21, after school in Ned's room (room 309)
Contact Penn for more info: (503) 250 3142

Letter from Ruth

March 2008

Dear MLC colleagues and families:

For over thirty years, MLC has been my work and an important part of my life. With deep affection for you all, I'm writing now because I want to tell you directly about the retirement decision I've come to. I've decided that this will be my last year at MLC, and that I will be leaving MLC, and Portland Public Schools, at the end of the 2007-2008 school year.

I've made many friends here. I've worked with you in building this rich learning community. I've had the privilege of contributing to the nurturing of thousands of students and their families. I'm profoundly grateful for the appreciation and support that you've given me over the past thirty years. Each of you in your own way is special to me. Each of you has contributed to my growth.

I've thought about this for some time now, and have come to realize that there will probably never be a "perfect" time to leave MLC. My plans for next year are not clear, but I know that I want to use my skills and energy in community service.

I'm sure that my visits with family and friends will now be more frequent, and that foreign experiences during the school year will now be possible. I also look forward with pleasure to having more time for physical adventures and challenges.

I know I will miss you deeply and in ways I am not aware of yet. I look forward to continuing my friendships with you and my support of MLC fundraising activities.

I will long enjoy my memories of the many years of Run for the Arts, PTSA auctions, Project Second Wind, staff work sessions, social events, Expeditionary Learning Outward Bound, base stations, Project Week, Camp Hancock . . . and certainly each year's elective program, school photos, newsletter articles, testing, sign-ups, health screenings, picnics, teaching about Chanukah and making potato latkes, visitor information sessions, practicum student placements, volunteer recognition events . . . and the opportunities to work with students and parents and staff in our cafeteria, auditorium, hallways, and classrooms.

I thank you all.


Love,


Ruth Frankel
rfrankel@pps.k12.or.us

The Auction is this Friday!

The Auction is this Friday, 2/29
6:30 to 10:00 p.m.
Greek Orthodox Church on N.E. Glisan (view a map)

You can also download a preview catalog here.

Here is what you can still do to help:

Buy raffle tickets. We have two fabulous raffles this year. The first is for two nights in a magnificent beach house owned by MLC Parents. The other is the Wall Of Wonder. And yes, we are still taking donations. I've heard many of you are planning on bringing your donation the night of the auction and so far we have almost 4 cases! Raffle tickets will be on sale before and after school all week as well as at the auction.

Come to the Auction. Really the easiest and best part of what your volunteer hours can do. It is truly a fun time and we hope to see many of you there. And buy something! Everything has been donated so when you buy through the Auction, you get a fantastic item or service and MLC gets the money. You can't lose! Visa and MasterCard accepted as well as cash and checks.

Check out what your child's class has put together for the Auction and help if they still need help. I know at least one class is putting a basket together and they still need items for it.

Thanks!