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,

Dear PPS Community,

Saturday night, gunshots were fired outside of a district-wide basketball tournament held at Franklin High School. Fortunately, no one was seriously injured and the suspect is now in custody, but if you have any information about the incident please call 503-823-3333 or utilize the SafeOregon tipline.

Dear PPS Families, 

As we prepare for the winter sports season, we want to share a few reminders for our spectators.  

Dear families, students, and colleagues,

It has been a joy to visit learning spaces over the past four months and see our students reengaged in their classroom learning and school activities. I am pleased to observe our students interacting with peers and diving into new curriculum materials. 

This has been a very productive time for Portland Public Schools. My appreciation to all the dedicated Team PPS members who work everyday to make our school system better and stronger.

Dear PPS Community,

Every single person in Portland Public Schools believes that our learning spaces must be safe, stable, and secure, and that we have a shared responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of the students under our care. We recognize that recent events, both locally and nationally, have rattled our community.

Superintendent Guerrero issued a broader statement about gun violence and its impacts on our schools, but we also want to explain how we both keep schools safe, and keep you informed.