Buckman Arts Focus Elementary School

The Buckman Marimba program is growing by leaps and bounds, and now has its own website: buckmanmarimba.com.

Another beginning group started this month (thanks to a First Octave grant), and there's also an adult marimba class in the evening. MyLinda King will also bring in a Zimbabwean marimba teacher in Jan. or Feb. to teach the kids directly.

Loveness Wesa, a Zimbabwean Buckman parent will also be involved in the marimba program as a language and culture consultant.

The Ensemble is also in full gear - watch this performance at our recent Martin Luther King assembly:

(uh-oh - technical difficulties in play here. Look for the video soon, or visit the Marimba site to see video clips...!)

Portland families are encouraged to visit Buckman Arts Focus Elementary School, take a tour, and find out why Buckman is a unique learning environment that supports creativity and academic excellence, welcomes diversity, and thrives on community spirit.

At Buckman, students study visual art, dance, drama, and music with highly trained, award-winning teachers several times each week, and the arts are woven into the academic curriculum at every grade level.

Buckman is the perfect choice for families who want their child to have an exceptional, well-rounded education that includes creative expression, critical thinking, community involvement, and the arts in every aspect of the curriculum. The Portland Public Schools transfer application deadline for elementary schools is coming up March 7, 2008, so visit us soon!

Tour Dates:

Tuesdays, February 5, 12, 19, and 26 and March 4
9:00 am and 1:15 pm
Call 503-916-6230 to reserve -- tours fill up quickly!

Kindergarten Roundup (for neighborhood families):
Thursday, February 21
6:00 to 7:00pm

If you want to get the latest news on the Buckman Auction, alerts about the February PTA meeting on 2/13, or updates on Chinook Books, Reflections contest, or our Marimba project - well, you really need to be reading the January 16th CHEER (PDF), don't you?

Mark your calendar! Line up that babysitter! Invite friends and family! It's the …

Buckman Auction!
Friday, February 8, 2008

Don't miss this year's outstanding event, where original student artwork, great getaways, party packages, gourmet dinners and much more will be up for bidding in both a silent and live auction, with dinner, wine, dessert and entertainment. Doors open at 5:30pm!!

WHERE: Melody Ballroom, 615 SE Alder
TICKETS: $35 available in the school lobby Monday through Friday, 8:45 to 9:15am. Also available for $40 at the door on February 8.

Buy a table of 10 by January 25th and get an extra bottle of wine and preferred seating!
INFO: Auction site

Don't forget the January PTA meeting Wednesday 1/9 at 6:30 - 8 pm this evening.

Amy Ruona from Portland Public Schools Parent Education dept. will be speaking on
Guiding Good Choices; a Substance Abuse Prevention Curriculum for Parents. This workshop will include:

• identifying your child's risk and protective factors
• creating a culture of communication within the family
• establishing healthy beliefs and clear standards
• helping kids make healthy choices when you aren't around, and
• handling strong emotions in a healthy and constructive manner

PTA VP Jill Bennett has requested that this material be tailored to the youngest child and discuss how parents should address issues in earlier development. The public is welcome to attend. Child care will be provided.