Students in Portland Public Schools’ Community Transition Program will get to learn valuable culinary skills, thanks in a part to a donation from a legendary singer.

Student and staff safety is a primary concern for Portland Public Schools. As part of the 2017 Health, Safety and Modernization Bond, approximately $5 million was allocated to upgrade school security systems across the district. That work, known as the Secure Schools Project, uses national best practice recommendations that focus on securing school perimeters and controlling access.

Fifth-grade students will have the opportunity to visit their future middle school during open houses scheduled from January to May. This is a great opportunity for families to visit neighborhood schools, focus option and alternative programs.

Portland Public Schools marked a significant milestone in the work to bring a long-term vision to the district earlier this month, with the first meetings of the PPS Guiding Coalition. The meetings, which included about 100 participants and were themed “Let’s Dream Together,” took place Dec. 7 at the Blanchard Education Service Center and all day Dec. 8 at Faubion School.