Dear Rieke Rocket community,

I wish everyone a wonderful weekend and then Thanksgiving break. I know many families have been battling various illnesses. We all hope the break allows for health to return and for families to gather and give thanks for our abundance and generosity. For November we are focused on the skill of being responsible and the students are doing an amazing job. One of the ways they will be showing this skill is with our change to arrival procedures. Due to the cold windy weather I have asked teachers to bring students in earlier, between 8:35 and 8:40, so that our children are not waiting out in the cold. If a class has already entered we will have staff at the front and side door to let kids in. The school day starts at 8:45. In an effort to keep extra germs out of the building we ask parents to please just say goodbye to their children outside the building rather than having parents in the hallways. Thank you for your cooperation on this. We know our students are responsible enough to get to class on their own.

Our latest Rieke Student Video News show is up on our YouTube channel. https://www.youtube.com/c/RiekeStudentNews    Check it out and share with loved ones to see the joys of the children at Rieke. We will not have an episode next week but we always welcome talent show submissions at Riekenews@gmail.com.

Speaking of braving the cold for school spirit….After school today Friday, November 18 at the covered playground area at Rieke, the PTA is providing donut holes and cider to kids and grownups who are willing to brave the winds for the sake of sugar and community togetherness! All are welcome. Donations are optional. We hope to see you there!

OHSU will be pausing Covid Test kit pickups next Tuesday due to Parent Teacher conferences. Families are encouraged to drop their kits off at the OHSU Primary Care Clinic near Gabriel Park. ( 4411 S. Vermont Street). 

Parent Teacher Conferences: On Monday and Tuesday teachers will be meeting with parents/guardians to discuss student progress, goals, strengths and areas for targeted growth. This important piece of teachers and families working together to benefit students is so vital and we thank you in advance for being on time and respecting the teachers busy time frames on these days. We will be leaving the front door unlocked but monitored so parents can come in without delay. Please check the Lost and Found while here.

Reading Buddies program returns: We are bringing back a fantastic community tradition at Rieke, our reading buddies program. We are seeking parent and community volunteers to read each week with a designated student. This relationship, based in literacy, between adults and children offer students another way to feel valued and understood here at Rieke. If you or someone you know is interested please email Josie Parker at josie.d.parker@gmail.com 

From the Rieke Foundation: Mark your calendars! Our biggest fundraising event of the year, the Rieke Auction, will be held on March 11, 2023 at the Mittleman Jewish Community Center. Save the date now and join our amazing school community for an evening of fun in support of Rieke. Many more details to follow in the coming months!

Cheers!

Jon Jeans-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.