Principal Schachner's Notes

I know the PPS rightsizing process brings questions about the future of our schools. I encourage families to stay informed, review district resources, and participate as opportunities become available.

PPS has shared six videos explaining rightsizing. They address why the district is undertaking this work, its goals, the factors informing decisions, the decision-making process, and how community members can participate.

The next PPS Board of Education meeting is Tuesday, October 6, at 6:00 p.m. at the Prophet Education Center (PEC). You can find upcoming meetings, schedules, agendas, and meeting access information on the Board Public Notices webpage. Please check that page again the day before the meeting; PPS sends public meeting notices at least 24 hours in advance.

I will continue sharing district updates through our community newsletter. Thank you for staying engaged and bringing your questions and perspectives to this process.

Friday, October 2nd - Rainbow Picture at 1:15pm

Friday, October 2nd - Fun Run Fundraiser after the Rainbow Picture on the soccer field. 30 minute run time.

Tuesday, October 6th - School Picture Day

Tuesday, October 6th - FOFPE Community Meeting in library 6-7pm

Tuesday, October 6th - School Board Meeting @ PEC starting at 6:00pm

Thursday, October 8th -Literacy Night postponed. We will share the new date once confirmed.

Friday, October 9th -No school for students or staff —Statewide Inservice Day.

Students will have individual and class photos taken on Tuesday, October 6. Individual photos are also used in PPS’s student management system to help staff identify students and support school safety.

Families will receive a link to the photographer’s website to view and order photos after Picture Day. Purchasing photos is optional, and orders will be mailed directly to your home.

Forest Park’s Site Council held its first meeting of the year this week. Our agenda focused on district right-sizing and our School Continuous Improvement Plan (SCIP), including attendance, literacy, and math.

You can find Site Council information on the Forest Park Elementary website including the agendas and minutes from each meeting.

Thank you to our staff and family representatives for contributing their time and perspectives.

Forest Park held a planned lockdown drill on Tuesday, September 29, with PPS Security Operations Manager Domingo Urrutia present. There was no threat to the school.

The drill revealed several areas we need to strengthen: clear communication about how a drill ends, consistent participation by everyone in the building, remaining quiet and out of sight, and ensuring spaces have the necessary window coverings.

The announcement used to end Tuesday’s drill differed from the classroom door-opening procedure staff had previously practiced. That difference was not clearly communicated beforehand, and three classrooms remained in lockdown for approximately 30 minutes. This extended wait was not intentional. I am sorry for the confusion and distress this caused students and staff.

Before our next drill, we will review procedures with PPS Safety and Security, communicate expectations clearly to all staff, and confirm that every classroom has been released. We are also working with PPS and Friends of Forest Park Elementary to purchase and install the window coverings already identified.

Our counselor, Wendi Williams, visited every classroom after the drill and is available to support students. Please contact your child’s teacher, Wendi, or me if your child has questions or continues to feel worried.

Thank you to families who shared concerns. We are using what we learned to improve both our safety practices and our communication.

Thank you to the families who joined us for last night’s Talented and Gifted (TAG) Family Night! The slide deck is available below for anyone who missed the meeting or would like to review the information. Please contact Principal Schachner with questions about TAG at Forest Park.

Thank you to the families who joined us for last night’s Multilingual Learner (MLL) Family Info Night! The slide deck is available below for anyone who missed the meeting or would like to review the information. Please contact Principal Schachner with questions about multilingual learner support at Forest Park.

Why are we running?

The Forest Park Fun Run isn't just a fun day for our kids. It's one of the ways our community helps provide experiences and resources beyond what's covered by the regular school budget.

Your Fun Run donations help support:

Enrichment programs
Field trips
School supplies
School beautification
Other programs and activities for our students

And because FOFPE is organizing the Fun Run this year, more of the money we raise stays right here at Forest Park.

Our school-wide goal is $30,000.

Share your student's page by accessing it through your My Account page or via the main campaign page.

Thank you for supporting our students and our school!

Preschool Programs:

• Multnomah Early Childhood Program 2026-27 FREE Peer Preschool Classes
  (Arabic) (Chinese) (Korean) (Persian) (Russian) (Somali) (Spanish) (Vietnamese)

Camps, Classes, & After School Programs:

• Rec Tennis Tennis Afterschool Zone at Alameda (Oct. 14 - Dec. 2)

• Rec Tennis Tennis Afterschool Zone at Atkinson (Oct. 12 - Nov. 16)

• Rec Tennis Tennis Afterschool Zone at Beach (Oct. 13 - Nov. 17)

• Rec Tennis Tennis Afterschool Zone at Chief Joseph (Oct. 12 - Nov. 16)

• TeenForce at Southwest Community Center

Vaccinations, Health & Wellness:

• Free Community Vaccination Clinics (English) (Spanish)

• Multnomah County: Student Health Centers (fliers in English, Russian, Chinese, and Vietnamese):

• Cleveland HS

• Franklin HS

• Jefferson HS

• McDaniel HS

• Roosevelt HS

Community Events & Information:

• AFS Intercultural Programs: Host an Exchange Student

• Multnomah County: Common Application

• City of Portland: 311 Non-Emergency Hotline
  (Spanish) (Vietnamese) (Chinese) (Russian) (Somali)