PPS Pulse: January 2015

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Volume 10, Issue 5: January 2015

PPS Pulse - A monthly newsletter for families in Portland Public Schools

From the superintendent

Celebrating the successful efforts of many

This month, many of our schools celebrated Dr. King’s legacy with days of service and performances. Lou Ferrigno – who played the original Incredible Hulk and visited Vernon School last week – joined the many inspirational speakers who are encouraging our students in reading. And two years after returning to their rebuilt school, Marysville has become a standout in using yoga to teach mindfulness and calm.

In addition, we learned that our graduation rate is now 70 percent, climbing 17 points in six years. At our nine high schools and Metropolitan Learning Center, that rate is 82 percent and the gap between white students and students of color is disappearing. Our steady progress is hopeful even as much work remains.

On Feb. 19, we officially say thank you for supporting the arts in our schools with the Heart of Portland, K-12 Arts Showcase at the Newmark Theater. Thanks to the Arts Tax, we now offer music, drama, visual art and/or dance in all K-5 and K-8 schools.

Thank you for bringing out the best in our schools.

Carole Smith
Carole Smith
Superintendent

GRAD RATES

Grad rate rises six years in a row

Portland Public Schools’ four-year graduation rate increased by 3 points to 70 percent this year – a 17-point gain since Carole Smith became superintendent – the state reported Jan. 29. More

SUCCESSFUL SCHOOLS SURVEY

Thousands share views on schools

In less just a week, more than 2,300 parents and guardians took the PPS Successful Schools Survey to guide school improvement. Take the survey through Feb. 28 at Oregon's Kitchen Table or download a hard copy. More

READY TO LEARN

Marysville MindUP transforms school

A school-wide mindfulness program, MindUP, has helped Marsyville K-8 School reduce referrals, create a kind, happy, healthy school climate, and teach students to focus. More

GRANT HIGH SCHOOL

PPS Con Teams dominate state

Grant High School won the 2015 state contest and will now go on to represent Oregon in the national competition, which a Grant team won two years ago, in 2013. Lincoln, the defending state champion, won the national contest last year, in 2014. More

PPS: WHAT I SAY

Yesica Tomas Felipe: Student leader

Yesica Tomas Filipe, a Jefferson High School junior and member of the International Youth Leadership Council, is an emerging trilingual student. Proud of her Mayan heritage, Yesica will join fellow emerging multilingual students at the PPS International Youth Leadership Conference Feb. 27. More

Teaching jazz

Memory brings Grammy glow to King

Grammy winner Thara Memory formed a band with fellow musicians at King PK-8 School, adding jazz to the school's flourishing art scene. The just-released federal Turnaround Arts Report reviews the impact of a federal arts grant at King. View Video

PORTLAND INTERSCHOLASTIC LEAGUE

Coaching players about life

After a successful pilot program last year at Franklin High School, the Portland Interscholastic League will expand to all high schools the program that aims to prevent domestic violence and sexual assault. More

SCHOOL BUILDING IMPROVEMENT BOND

Modernized high schools coming

The first modernizations of our comprehensive high schools launch this summer at Franklin and Roosevelt, while Faubion prepares for its rebuild and installation of the first bond-funded elevators are completed. More

ENDING SOCIAL ISOLATION

Students, board: No One Eats Alone

Roseway Heights K-8 School and Beaumont Middle School students spoke during the Jan. 28 board meeting about the work of students and counselors to end social isolation by participating in No One Eats Alone Day Feb. 13. More

QUALITY EDUCATION FOR ALL STUDENTS

Board changes
transfer policy to
strengthen schools

The Portland School Board approved significant changes to the PPS transfer policy Jan. 20 to align the policy with the district's Racial Educational Equity Policy and strengthen neighborhood schools. More

PUBLIC INPUT

Budget work launches for 2015-16

PPS launches its public budget-crafting process for 2015-16 in February as the Oregon Legislative Session convenes. More

Get

Involved

THE HEART OF PORTLAND

PPS Arts Showcase

PPS says thank you to Portlanders for supporting the arts in our schools with a special K-12 showcase of student art and performances Feb. 19. More

CURRICULUM

Weigh in on language arts

Get involved in the adoption process for new Language Arts and English Language Development curriculum for grades 6-12. Attend a public information meeting Feb. 18. More

SPECIAL EDUCATION

PTA and Community
Forum in February

Families of students in Special Education are invited to attend a PTA meeting Feb. 4 and a community forum Feb. 18. More

RACE TALKS

Share views
with police

Race Talks co-hosts a community forum with police, and Focus on Diversity features documentarian Le Mun Wah and his film, "If these halls could talk.". More

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PPS Pulse is a publication of the Portland Public Schools Community Involvement and Public Affairs Department.
Questions, comments or story ideas: ppspulse@pps.net or 503-916-3304.

Portland Public Schools is an equal opportunity educator and employer. Portland Public Schools - 501 North Dixon Street - Portland, Oregon 97227 - 503-916-2000 - www.pps.k12.or.us