Summer Scholars registration opens May 12th!

If your high school student is behind in credits toward graduation and needs credit recovery, this is an excellent and essential opportunity. 

There will be two sessions: 

• Session 1: June 23 - July 10 (no class July 4th)
• Session 2: July 14 - August 30 
• Classes meet from 9:00 am - 12 pm
• All classes are in-person and attendance is required. 
• Locations: Benson HS, Franklin HS, McDaniel HS, Roosevelt HS 
• Exact class offerings and site assignments have not been finalized yet; however Benner recommends connecting beforehand to discuss class preferences and sites so that when registration opens up on the 12th she can register first preferences ASAP.
• To register, students must meet with their counselor (Benner) to review their transcript, because registration is done through her.
• Please contact Benner if you’d like to register or if you have any questions.  gbenner@pps.net

For families who are reconsidering enrollment for next year 2025-26.

Exploring school options to determine the best fit for a student can be both exciting and anxiety-producing. We believe getting to actually see the surrounding location and having a guided tour of the building can be very helpful in this decision-making process. To accommodate the numerous requests for tours, we offer a monthly tour for up to 10 interested families on the second Thursday of each month at 3:45 pm and will last approximately 45-60 minutes.

April 10

May 8

Please email Benner, our 7-12 counselor, to initiate the sign-up process or if you have any questions. gbenner@pps.net

6 x 12 Lottery Information 2025/26

If you are a passionate student or community member that wants to make a difference at PPS, apply to join the Climate Crisis Response Committee! This is a committee that reports to the PPS Board of Education.

On the committee you will learn about how PPS is making progress towards our climate justice and sustainability policies, provide input and recommendations to the PPS Board on how to better support PPS staff as we advance these policy goals, and connect with other passionate members of our PPS community from diverse backgrounds, knowledge areas, and lived experiences.

No previous professional experience in climate change or sustainability required! Students can apply via this form. Community members can apply here.

Deadline to apply: June 6. 

Earthstock 2025 was a huge success!

Each year, special education students from across the region gather at Portland's Crystal Ballroom for a truly unique and uniquely joyful high school dance. 

Earthstock began in 1992 at the request of a young student who was confined to a wheelchair and was disappointed he couldn’t attend the high school dances because of transportation issues. There were 60 kids at the first event. Earthstock now entertains more than 700 students, staff and volunteers, and is rapidly becoming one the largest events of its kind in the country. 

Students at Skyline school were recently treated to a visit from PPS teacher-turned-graphic novelist Aron Nels Steinke. 

Steinke is the award-winning author and illustrator behind the popular Mr. Wolf's Class series. He also taught at Skyline during the 2015-16 school year.

During his visit to Skyline, he opened up to a group of third, fourth, and fifth graders about how he got started as an author despite struggling to read and write in school. He also read a short excerpt from his newest book, Speechless. 

Speechless tells the story of Mira, a sixth grader who spends her first year of middle school finding herself and her voice. Skyline students were some of the book's first readers. We can't wait to see what Mr. Steinke writes next!

On May 2, Portland Mayor Keith Wilson delivered his first state of the city address at Franklin High School.

Members of the district and Franklin student councils had the chance to hear Wilson speak about his plans and vision for Portland’s future. Student Representative JJ Kunsevi opened the panel with a powerful question about education funding and the impact on students. 

It was an evening that put public education front-and-center and a chance for PPS student leaders to shine.