As we head into a new month and evolving seasons, I find myself reflective of what has been accomplished by our team already this year and focused on the momentum that is building as we learn about and connect with our students over time.

This past month I have personally learned a lot, and know there is much more to learn. From my earliest conversations to today, I am hearing many shared goals and hopes for how school will support each of our students in being affirmed, confident, prepared, and finding joy in learning. A clear sentiment has also emerged about feeling the loss of celebration and tradition after multiple years navigating important safety measures and pauses on how we come together.

As a school, we are committed and energized by the ability to rebuild and re-imagine our school experiences and opportunities that bring us together, in community. We are actively working to design school specific events as a staff and through partnership with other organizations, such as the BCU. Our actions will be guided by the commitment to inclusivity and being mindful of how our decisions contribute to a sense of belonging and learning.

I am hopeful and confident that what we will create will expand and honor the spirit of our shared goals for each of our students. No matter the day of the year, this is what we are always seeking to accomplish.

We look forward to sharing more and appreciating the contributions of ideas for what brings us together!

- Kelli

Hello Friends of Beach Gardens,

Today was disappointing – for us but, most importantly, for our students and families. The Portland Association of Teachers offered no counter proposals – and yet declared impasse.

Today, we offered compromises that would both reward our educators and further our students’ success. We were able to raise our compensation offer substantially. We are not there yet, but we are committed to the hard work of finding common ground.

Today, we started the state-led mediation process with one priority: our children’s success. We offered compromises that would keep that vision at the heart of our work – and maintained our position on proposals that would negatively impact students.

On behalf of the Board of Education and district leaders at PPS, our best wishes for a positive and joyful start to your school year!