Dear PPS Students and Families,

We want to make you aware of posts circulating on multiple social media platforms that include a graphic suggesting there was a threat of gun violence to a school.  The school in question had the initials RHS.  This post appears to be circulating across the country and is believed to have originated in Fresno, California.  The post was not directed at a PPS school and there is no viable threat towards PPS students or staff.  Please know that we take every threat seriously and initiate our response protocols that include notifying the Portland Police Bureau and investigating the source of the rumor or social media threat.  

The shooting in Texas and the increase in gun violence in our community this year, have understandably increased fear and anxiety for students, staff and families.   If students need to talk with someone or need resources, they can go to their school counseling office or social worker office to connect with someone.  

Student safety is our highest priority. As a community and as a school district, we have a responsibility to ensure our schools and our community provide a caring, supportive environment. If you are ever aware of anything you think could be a threat to student safety, please always let us know. You can also report with your name or anonymously  to the SafeOregon tip line via text or call: 844-472-3367; email: tip@safeoregon.com; or download the SafeOregon app. Trained staff are available to respond 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. 

Margaret Calvert

Regional Superintendent

Esther Omogbehin

Regional Superintendent

May 27, 2022

Dear PPS Community,

Earlier this year, the PPS School Board unanimously adopted one of the most aggressive school district climate crisis response policies in the nation.

We are now looking for PPS students and members of our community to join the district’s efforts to cut greenhouse gas emission in half by 2030 and make other meaningful progress on important sustainability initiatives.

Dear PPS Community,

As images have emerged of the 19 fourth-grade students and their teachers killed at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, they break my heart. As a parent and educator, hearing of this latest tragedy brings up heavy emotions for me. I share the grief and anger at the death of innocent children and selfless educators. This is a tragic and senseless act, and I keep each of the victims’ families in my heart.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month: Information and Resources from PPS Student Support Services

While focusing on mental wellness is essential every month, May has been designated as Mental Health Awareness Month. Portland Public Schools is committed to uplifting wellness and to supporting all of our students to stay healthy, mentally and physically. 

Dear PPS families and staff, 

This week, Multnomah County health officials made an announcement about masking, due to the current COVID-19 surge.   The Health Department is asking people to wear masks indoors until new coronavirus case counts and hospitalizations start to fall, and strongly recommend that people wear masks in schools. The current increase in COVID-19 cases is expected to peak in mid-June, when PPS’s school year ends.