October

Hi there Stephenson Families!


During the month of October, we will be focusing on how to be a good student and friend. If you would like to continue these conversations at home, here are more specifics of what we are focusing on with each grade level, and some conversation starters-


  • Personal Space (K)

    • What is Personal Space?

    • Can you show me how big your space bubble is for strangers?

    • How does it feel when others get inside your personal space?

    • Do you think others like it when you are in their personal space?


  • Big Problems vs. Little Problems (1st-3rd)

    • Who takes care of little problems?

    • Who takes care of big problems?

    • What are some examples of little problems? What can you do to solve them?

    • What would a big problem look like?


  • Trouble Talk and Gossip (4th-5th)

    • Can you say whatever you want to someone if you start by saying, “No offense”? Why or why not?

    • What are some examples of trouble talk?

    • Do apologies make others’ hearts feel better?

    • Have you ever felt like you were in a friendship tug-of-war? What did that feel like?


  • Expected vs. Unexpected Behaviors (K-5th)

    • What is an example of expected behavior at school?

    • What is an example of unexpected behavior in the classroom?

    • What is an example of unexpected behavior on the playground?

    • Are there expected behaviors at home that are unexpected behaviors at school? Can you give me an example?


October’s Theme of the Month is Persistence! In the classroom, this may look like trying our best, even in a hard event or

never giving up or getting back up after you fall


Good, Better, Best!

Never let it rest!

Until your Good is Better.

And your Better is BEST!


On October 17th we announced the 5th graders who were accepted into Stephenson’s Student Leadership opportunity. This is something we hope to continue each year with our 5th graders, and teach them life skills of responsibility, leadership, and how to create a welcoming environment for all students at Stephenson. Let’s hear it for our awesome 5th graders who went through the application process and were accepted! This is a huge achievement and responsibility, and we are so excited and proud of you all!!


If you have a 5th grader, and are interested in learning about Portland Public Schools' Middle School Options Programs, please visit our Middle School Transition Schools page, or you can find it under the 5th Grade Resources page.