Teacher: Ms. Sierra Faoro
Contact Information: [email protected]
Welcome ​message from Ms. ​Faoro goes here and any info to include.

Curriculum

Teacher: Ms. DeVaney-Wilkes, (Ms. D.)
Contact Information: [email protected]

Welcome

My name is Suzanne DeVaney-Wilkes, but I'm better known as Ms. D. at Holy Cross. In my family, I'm also known as Grandma Suzy. I have three awesome grandsons, Xander (9 yrs.), Rowan (6 yrs.), and Theo (1 yr.), and one amazing granddaughter, Sophie (4 yrs.). God is good!

This is my forty-fifth year of teaching, my thirty-seventh at Holy Cross. I can hardly believe how quickly time has passed! Most of my career has been spent teaching second grade. It's such an incredible year of academic, social, emotional, spiritual, and physical growth. I still have fond memories of being a second grader myself in Mrs. Edlund's class at The Madeleine School in Northeast Portland. My hope is that your child will feel the same way I did, and still do, about this special year of elementary school.

We all know that teamwork makes the dream work! I am thrilled to have an amazing team working with the second graders. Mrs. Jen Washburn is the full-time instructional assistant, and Ms. Karen Kim will be completing her Student Teaching experience in order to fulfill the requirements to become a certified teacher. Ms. Kim, who is currently enrolled at the University of Portland, will be in the classroom during the fall semester.

Students need a safe, respectful, and faith-filled classroom environment where they can feel comfortable and confident in their learning. Effective classroom management directly enhances the learning environment. Students who consistently demonstrate behaviors that reflect the Schoolwide Learning Expectations (SLEs) become Busy Bee Self-Managers. The children really take these expectations to heart and do their best to become Busy Bees!

Second graders who have been baptized have the opportunity to receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist during the school year. Please contact Andrea Swanson, the parish Director of Religious Education, if you are interested in having your child participate in the parish program. This is an important mission of the parish. We hope to deepen the children's knowledge of Catholicism and put their faith into action. The children come with open minds and hearts in order to more fully participate in the Church, the Body of Christ. Even though I am no longer directly involved in teaching the Sunday sacramental preparation classes, I will offer support by planning with Mrs. Swanson and teaching lessons about these Sacraments in the classroom.

It's wonderful to be part of the Holy Cross community. It feels like a home away from home. There's no place I'd rather be!

Teacher: Mrs. Brenda Martin
Contact Information: [email protected]

Welcome

My name is Brenda Martin. This is the beginning of my 27th year teaching at Holy Cross. I love teaching third grade! I am a proud graduate of Western Oregon State College.  My husband's name is Tim. I have three adult children...all of them recent graduates of Oregon State University. In my free time I enjoy running, walking, reading, and watching sporting events. I hope your child has a year that is filled with fun memories of third grade.

 

Teacher: Ms. Keelin Burk
Contact Information: [email protected]

Welcome

Hello, my name is Keelin Burk. I am so excited to be working at Holy Cross as the new fourth grade teacher. I recently graduated from University of Portland with an undergraduate degree in elementary education. As a product of Catholic school since kindergarten, I am excited to provide that education to the students at Holy Cross. I previously did my student teaching in a third-grade classroom at Durham Elementary, which was so much fun. I'm originally from Auburn, Washington, but I grew up camping along the Oregon coast. I enjoy reading mystery novels and getting to meet new people. I have also worked as a camp counselor throughout high school and college, and I have extensive background nannying with children of different age groups. I am looking forward to getting to know the Holy Cross community and all that it has to offer!

Teacher: Ms. Sally Butzer
Contact Information: [email protected]

Welcome

My name is Sally Butzer, and I am so excited to join the Holy Cross community as the new fifth-grade teacher. I grew up in North Portland and attended Catholic school through high school at St. Mary's Academy (Go Blues!). I graduated from Knox College with a degree in English Literature, then completed the PACE program at the University of Portland with my Master of Arts in Teaching. I taught fifth grade at St. Mary's School in Boise, ID, before moving home to Portland this May. In my free time, I like to run in the forest, drink coffee, hand quilt, and read!

Technology

At this level, tech class isn't just about buttons and screens; it's about empowering our students to become responsible digital citizens and problem solving pioneers of tomorrow.  Students dive into the digital realm learning the importance responsible online behavior.  They are introduced to working with documents and slides to convey ideas and presentations.  And they learn the language of the digital universe through coding activities that spark their imaginations and challenge their problem-solving prowess.

Holy Cross has invested in technology In every classroom to ensure students have the latest tools - smart boards that turn lessons into interactive adventures, Chromebooks and iPads that transform learning into a touch-and-swipe journey

Physical Education

Our dedicated PE teacher Mrs. Brant is renowned for making every class a thrilling adventure where learning meets laughter. From dribbling in basketball to spiking in volleyball, and even the finesse of hockey, our students not only gain skills in a range of sports but also develop a deep love for physical activity.

Our PE program not only helps students stay active and healthy but also fosters teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship. It's a place where kids can be kids, where they discover their physical abilities, and where the joy of movement is celebrated.

Music and Art

We recognize the profound impact that music and art can have on a child's development, and that's why we incorporate these enriching experiences right into the heart of our classrooms. Our elementary students enjoy twice-weekly music classes that take them on a global journey through the captivating world of music.

They learn about renowned musicians and composers, discovering the diverse styles of music from around the world. In these classes, they also delve into the language of music, decoding notes and symbols, and exploring the joy of singing.

Moreover, music isn't just an abstract concept here; it's an integral part of our community. Our students actively prepare for Mass by learning and performing sacred songs. And when it comes to celebrating the Advent season, they shine brightly as they prepare and present a heartwarming concert, filling our beautiful church with their voices and the resonance of various instruments. This annual event is a cherished tradition that truly captures the spirit of Holy Cross, as our students' talents and enthusiasm light up the season.

Library

All students come to the library each week for a read aloud novel and to check out books. Reading or being read to each night at home is a key to success in school.

As early as first grade, our students have the exciting opportunity to participate in CYO sports like basketball, volleyball, and track, allowing them to play and grow alongside their classmates from a young age. Unlike many schools where organized sports begin later, CYO provides an early introduction to teamwork, skill development, and the joy of competition. Beyond the game, it also fosters character and sportsmanship that will last a lifetime.

We understand that kids need more than just academics, so we weave in breaks during the school day and provide two recesses, allowing kids to refocus, recharge, and get those wiggles out.

Choir

Choir is available to students as early as in 4th grade.  Choir performs during Mass and special events.  Here the Holy Cross Choir performs during the Annual Donor Dinner at the University of Portland. 
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