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.

Yesterday, for the third time in two months, a gun was fired just outside a Portland Public Schools campus. In two of those instances, PPS students have been injured. And across the city, during this same time period, far too many Portlanders have been victims of our region’s escalating gun violence.

As a lifelong educator, I see my primary responsibility as ensuring the safety and well-being of the children and youth under our care, as well as their teaching and learning. I am grateful for the commitment and service of our educators and support staff who everyday dedicate themselves to accomplishing these goals. 

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 families,

Yesterday, gun violence threatened one of our schools. My heart goes out to not only the two students who suffered injuries, but to their families and the entire Jefferson High School community, whose sense of safety and stability is certainly shaken.

As educators, we strive to foster joyful, safe learning environments where our students will be inspired. A violent intrusion like this disrupts that important work in the building where it happened, but also across all our district communities. We are here for our community with a variety of resources and supports for anyone experiencing ​​anxiety, trauma, and distress.