Happy Earth Day! In recognition of this annual tradition, we would like to take a moment to acknowledge all of the incredible work that students, staff, and partners are doing across the district to further our commitment to Climate Justice.

Dear Colleagues,

The verdict handed down yesterday in Minneapolis brings a number of emotions that we and our students will need to process for some time. While I feel some sense of relief for the display of accountability for this case, I still yearn for true justice, when our systems and communities reflect our values that Black Lives Matter. We will witness true justice when brutality like that which was carried out against George Floyd is no longer a part of life in this country.

The PPS Youth Transition Program, in collaboration with Community Services Network, DePaul Industries, Meadowlark and Easter Seals of Oregon, is pleased to host a Virtual Special Education & Transition Resource Fair on April 27 and 28 from 6-8 p.m. Participants will receive information and valuable resources from a variety of local community agencies that provide support and services for students while in high school and beyond. 

Portland Public Schools is thrilled to announce the availability of $10 million to support partners who provide summer safety and enrichment programming for students this summer. 

Dear PPS Community,

As we continue welcoming our students to hybrid in-person learning, today we want to share a new resource that is available to you. For this project, we ReImagine a Digital Experience – an experience that is easy to navigate, multilingual, user-friendly and welcoming for ALL.

Dear da Vinci Community,

I am pleased to announce that Robbie Davis, a culturally responsive instructional leader, will be the new principal at da Vinci Arts Middle School starting with the 2021-22 school year.

Dear PPS Families,

We have been working hard to put the finishing touches on the safe return of students to our schools for hybrid learning, and are excited to see students in grades 6-8 starting next week! For families whose students will participate in hybrid instruction, we have included information and reminders to help you prepare for the first days of in-person learning this school year. 

We are excited to welcome our high school students back into buildings starting April 19. It will be great see students, hear the voices in the hall and connect with one another in person. The last few weeks we have been preparing for students to return and wanted to share a few reminders to students and families.

Dear Colleagues,

I am very pleased to share with you, after careful consideration over the last several months, that I am appointing Jonathan Garcia as the organization’s new Chief of Staff. Jonathan begins in this official new capacity on April 16. I am eager to have Jonathan in this new leadership role, focused on supporting our collective efforts at realizing our Vision for the Portland Public Schools.

On April 12, the Muslim community around the world prepares to start the celebration of Ramadan. PPS is a diverse district and many of our students and families will be joining in the celebrations. 

Dear PPS Families, 

As we prepare to have our middle and high school students back in buildings, the PPS Transportation Department would like to share some reminders and updates to help get your student to school safely and on time if they are riding a bus to participate in hybrid in-person learning. Bus route and bus stop information for students in grades 6-12 will be available on the PPS Transportation website on or before April 14.

Dear Lent Community,

I am pleased to announce that Nichole Berg, who has been serving as your interim principal, has been named the permanent principal at Lent School.

Dear Jason Lee Community,

I am pleased to announce that Alma Velázquez, who has been serving as interim principal at Jason Lee Elementary School, will become the school’s permanent principal.

Dear Colleagues,

I’m pleased to announce that Dana Nerenberg will serve as the district’s first Director of Learning Acceleration. Working in the Office of Teaching and Learning, Dana will play a key leadership role in our transition back to in-person learning after more than a year of distance learning during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dear PPS Families,

The countdown for in-person hybrid learning continues. We want to remind you that all staff and students are required to wear a mask during in-person hybrid learning. This helps us maintain a safe and healthy school environment for everyone and is a requirement for in-person learning.