• FACE Department Banner

  • When YOU move, WE move - Just like that! 
    We Center Families. Building Bridges between Schools and Communities.

  • Welcome to the Office of Family & Community Engagement (FACE) at Portland Public Schools.

    We believe education is a shared responsibility between families, schools, and communities — and when we move together, our students thrive. FACE exists to build meaningful partnerships, foster trust, and create opportunities for connection that center family voice and strengthen school communities. Whether you're a caregiver, community partner, or school staff member, you are an essential part of this work. When YOU move, WE move — just like that.

Who We Are

  • Nichole Watson Headshot

    Nichole Watson

    Bio

    Senior Director of Family &
    Community Engagement

    nwatson2@pps.net

    971-480-2428

  • FACE Resources

  • Community in Action

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    Native/Indigenous Community Conversations

    The FACE office is currently partnering with Native and Indigenous families, educators, and community members to hold intentional conversations centered on visibility, voice, and self-determination. Through these gatherings, we are working to identify the community’s immediate needs, short-term priorities, and long-term goals within Portland Public Schools. This effort honors the sovereignty and lived experiences of Native communities and ensures their leadership guides how PPS shows up in service of Native students and families.

    Learn more:
    Native/Indigenous Community Conversations

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    Center for Black Student Excellence

    The Office of FACE is proud to support the development of the Center for Black Student Excellence (CBSE), a district-wide initiative focused on creating affirming, culturally grounded spaces where Black students thrive. This work is being shaped in deep partnership with Black families, educators, and community leaders, and reflects our shared commitment to academic excellence, wellness, and belonging. We look forward to sharing more as the vision for CBSE continues to take shape.

    Learn more:
    Center for Black Student Excellence

    FACE logo

    Family Advisory Committee on Education (FACE)

    The Family Advisory Committee on Education (FACE) has played an important role in elevating family perspectives across PPS. Under the thoughtful leadership of Joanna Tobin, the committee has fostered meaningful dialogue and connection between families and district leadership. As we move into the upcoming school year, this important work will transition under the Office of FACE, where we look forward to reimagining the committee’s structure and purpose to align with our department’s evolving vision for authentic, equity-centered family engagement.

    Learn more:
    Family Advisory Committee on Education (FACE)

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    Budget Engagement Series

    Through the Budget Engagement Series, the Office of Family & Community Engagement supports the Superintendent’s “Early and Often” commitment to community-centered leadership by facilitating honest, accessible conversations about the district’s budget. FACE plays a key role in creating space for transparency, trust, and dialogue—especially around challenging topics that impact schools and communities. Whether supporting listening sessions, co-designing materials, or ensuring historically underserved voices are present, FACE helps bridge the gap between district leadership and the community in moments that matter most.

    Learn more:
    PPS Budget Engagement Series

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    High School Modernizations

    FACE supports school modernization efforts like Jefferson, Cleveland and Ida B. Wells High School by helping families and communities stay informed, engaged, and heard throughout the process. From public meetings to listening sessions, we help ensure voices—especially those historically left out—are included in shaping the future of PPS through the upcoming bond and beyond.

    Learn more:
    High School Modernizations
    ( JHS | IBW | CHS)

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    Lift Literacy Campaign

    The Lift Literacy Campaign is one of the Superintendent’s highest priorities, focused on ensuring every child in PPS becomes a confident, joyful reader. The Office of FACE proudly supports this effort by organizing community-based reading events, mobilizing family engagement, and coordinating initiatives like the Bookmobile and “Where’s Dr. A?” literacy tour. Our role is to help bring literacy to life—connecting schools, families, and trusted community partners in service of early learning success.

    Learn more:
    Lift Literacy Campaign

  • Check The Vibes