Hayhurst School

Anyone attending a meeting of the PTA at Scott Elementary School would surely have been struck by the conversation -- in Spanish, with headsets used to provide interpretation to English. The innovative setup was a way to show English-speaking families how it feels for the school’s Spanish- and Somali-speaking families to attend meetings held in English.

The Scott PTA’s dedication to inclusion was a major reason Superintendent Guadalupe Guerrero honored the group as the 2019 recipient of the Superintendent’s Award at the PPS/PTA Volunteer Celebration at Self Enhancement Inc.

“I am an extremely lucky principal to have such a dedicated and collaborative group of parents that do so much for the school,” said Megan McCarter, Scott principal. “The Scott School PTA is a game-changer for students through their innovation, community engagement, fundraising and selfless volunteer work.”

Superintendent Guerrero also presented a new honor, the Visionary Award, which spotlights volunteer leaders who lead by example and show new ways of operating. The award went to Fred Smith and Keiona Connor, the co-presidents of the César Chavez K-8 School PTA.

“This is only the third year that César Chavez has had a PTA, and Fred and Keiona have been leading it the past two years,” Guerrero said. “They bring together the diverse school community by being culturally responsive and representative leaders.”

In addition to those awards, the Portland Council PTA, which partners with PPS on the ceremony, presented three awards at the event:

• Educator of the Year: Nicole Dalton won for her work as College Coordinator and Beyond High School teacher at Jefferson High School. She is known for her tireless dedication in helping students prepare for life after high school and serving as a bridge between staff, students and parents.
• Administrator of the Year: Scott’s McCarter joined her PTA in being honored. In her first year at Scott, she has embraced the community and built relationships with students, staff and parents.
• Hero Award: Given to a volunteer, this honor went to Christine Vial of James John Elementary, for her coordination of volunteers for events, helping staff and serving on the PTA board.

PIL athletes win state track titles: Two athletes from the Portland Interscholastic League won state championships at the OSAA Class 6A track and field championships at Mt. Hood Community College in Gresham. Benson senior Jaylen Russell won the 300-meter hurdles, and Franklin sophomore Charlie Robertson took the 3,000 meters.

Benson junior Micah Williams, who would have been heavily favored to repeat as champion in the 100 and 200, was not able to compete because of a toe injury.

All-PIL baseball, softball: The PIL announced its all-league teams for baseball and softball, selected by ballots of coaches.

In baseball, Grant senior Kenji Lamdin was voted Player of the Year, Wilson senior Tavares Tim was picked as Pitcher of the Year, and Grant's Matt Kabza was selected Coach of the Year. See the full all-league list.

In softball, Franklin senior Maggie Brauckmiller was voted Player of the Year, Franklin sophomore Edith Ailee Pederson picked as Pitcher of the Year, and Roosevelt's Faith Collar and Benson's Katie Meyer was voted Co-Coaches of the Year. See the full all-league team.            

PPS educators learn about trades: More than 220 educators, including 33 teachers, counselors, principals and administrators from PPS, learned about construction and manufacturing during Industry for a Day event, put on by All Hands Raised. The PPS educators visited such companies as Boeing Portland, ON Semiconductor, Portland General Electric and Sheet Metal Institute to learn about opportunities and pathways for students to living wage jobs.

"I appreciated finding out about specific programs that companies are actively recruiting for young people," said Beth Biagini, a science teacher at Franklin High. "This is so exciting, to open up students possible futures without getting into debt from college tuition."

Learn more about Industry for a Day