In this week's PPS Pulse: REAHL initiative tackles addiction; free wi-fi for high school students

Portland Public Schools launched an initiative aimed at providing a full spectrum of care for students who are experiencing addiction and mental health issues. The initiative, announced at a news conference at the district office Thursday, comes in response to the increasing numbers of our students and families affected by the national opioid crisis, as well as other drug and mental health crises.

For high school students, access to the internet can play a crucial role in a multitude of crucial tasks, including homework and researching and applying to colleges and careers. High school students in Portland Public Schools who need it can get free internet access at home, thanks to a program that started this year.

The School Choice Lottery will be open from Nov. 8 to 30. Students interested in attending a school other than their neighborhood high school must apply to attend a focus option or alternative school. Those schools include Benson Polytechnic High School, Jefferson High School-Middle College for Advanced Studies, and the Metropolitan Learning Center.