Scott Elementary School

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. 

From the beginning of the pandemic, Portland Public Schools has, and will continue to follow public health guidance. Beginning Monday, May 16, PPS recommends that students, visitors, and staff wear masks in schools and other facilities until we receive new guidance. This recommendation includes masking at important end-of-year events such as prom, school performances, sporting events, assemblies and indoor graduation events.

PPS will continue implementing layered mitigation measures including: enhanced ventilation and filtration options in classrooms and offices, onsite diagnostic testing, and will provide take-home iHealth tests for those who may have been exposed to someone with COVID-19. Additionally, schools will continue to provide masks as needed.

Please remember that the best way to protect yourself from COVID-19 is to stay up-to-date on your vaccinations to include boosters, practice good hand hygiene, and stay home when you are sick even if it is not COVID. Those who are at high risk for severe illness are encouraged to follow recommended CDC individual and household prevention behaviors and avoid crowded indoor settings.

We ask that you have a discussion with your family this weekend to determine what measures are most appropriate for your respective situations. If there are any questions, please contact Brenda Martinek at bmartinek@pps.net. Thank you.

Forward together,

Dr. Cheryl Proctor,
Deputy Superintendent, Instruction & School Communities

Brenda Martinek,
Chief of Student Support Services