In this week's PPS Pulse: Julie Esparza Brown sets example as PPS's first Latina Board member; Superintendent reflects on first year.

When Julie Esparza Brown was growing up, she never envisioned a future in academia serving generations of future teachers. Esparza Brown is a third-generation Chicana who grew up in Encinitas, a beach community in San Diego County, where her blue collar parents fought to break the mold of what was expected of their children.

Portland Public Schools is committed to creating safe and welcoming schools for our lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning students. Recently, schools across the country participated in Ally Week, in which LGBTQ students led conversations about what they need from their allies in school.

Eighth-grade students in Portland Public Schools will have a chance to see their future high schools when informational sessions are held throughout the district from October to January. Neighborhood, focus-option and alternative high schools will give students and families the opportunity to tour the campus, meet staff and learn more about the academic and athletic programs offered.