Kenyan artist, Albert Lizah, will be our featured artist during some of our February art lessons.  Our school has been gifted one of his original artworks.  I will show the students his painting during their lesson.  Here is a link to the website where you can find many incredible African artists. 

Register for Kindergarten Online!

If you have a child who will be 5 years old by September 1, please register for kindergarten! To register, go to pps.net/kinderenroll. The process takes 20-30 minutes and school staff will follow up with you later in the summer. With schools closed, online registration is the easiest option, but paper options will be available soon. You don’t need to register if your child attends a PPS Head Start or Pre-Kindergarten program. Children with IEPs need to register using a paper form. 

Click here to access this blurb translated into the 5 supported languages

Paper registration packets will be available in multiple languages at meal sites starting Wednesday, May 27th.

Coming soon: The Early Learner Programs team is developing a family-centered kindergarten transition plan. We know families are worried about the start to school, especially kinders. We’re planning on a slower, more family-friendly approach this year. Early registration will ensure that families stay in the loop on updated plans for the start of school.

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.