From Jeff Waters, Assistant Principal

Dear Parents and Families,

This week, we launched our 2022-2023 School Climate Survey. Each year, we survey our students multiple times, collecting data about their perception of school, our core values, and our initiatives. Administrators, teachers, and students use this data to prioritize action as we strive to improve our school climate and learning outcomes together. This work is often described as "Improvement Science" or using a "PDSA Cycle." Plan. Do. Study. Act.

Robert Gray Middle School has been engaged in this work since the beginning of the 2019-2020 school year. During this time, we have sought to improve student voice and sense of belonging while reducing incidents of harassment and bullying. We are heartened by the data that came in yesterday! Take a look below:
System-wide, we appear to be improving toward a safer and more inclusive school environment, and we want to celebrate the impact of the various school-wide initiatives that have helped move our community in the right direction.

One such initiative is our No Place for Hate partnership with the Anti-Defamation League. The student-driven No Place for Hate club launched this week as a lunch club, with students meeting in Mr. Nowland's room during Lunch 1 and Mr. Mead's during lunch 2. I had a chance to stop by Mr. Meads room, and it was a packed house! Students will learn valuable skills in this club about how to create community by being an advocate for justice. 

We're proud of this work and proud of the results, knowing that when students feel safe and included, they can better learn and succeed in school. 

Have a great weekend!

Jeff Waters
Assistant Principal

In Gratitude

November 17, 2022

Dear PPS families and students,

Every week, I am filled with joy and gratitude when I visit our school communities. We have a community that continues to demonstrate a commitment to the success of our children and youth. We have adults who care deeply for our students, and who work hard to ensure each child thrives.

Dear PPS Community,

I want to recognize, on this Veterans Day, all those individuals who have served our country, especially those members of our families and local community who have previously worn a uniform. I want to take this moment to also thank the many veterans who continue their public service by choosing to work in the Portland Public Schools.

Dear PPS Families,

There has been a surge in pediatric respiratory illnesses other than COVID-19 such as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), rhinovirus/enterovirus, and influenza around the country this fall. Health departments in other states have seen children presenting with multiple respiratory illnesses. According to the Oregon Health Authority, rates of respiratory disease are currently relatively low in our state, but that could change based on the arrival of winter weather, and any increase in rates has the potential to overwhelm our hospital system.

PPS takes these steps to ensure healthy school environments so that in-person learning can continue. In accordance with CDC guidance, we are also urging families to take steps to protect themselves and minimize the spread of communicable diseases in our schools. 

Dear PPS Families,

Every special education student deserves a high-quality and equitable learning experience. This belief is born from my lived experiences as an educator, and from my relationships with students receiving special education services and their families. Students that receive special education services are our community’s children, and the reason why many of us became educators.