DOLPHIN DIGEST 4/23/2026
Weekly Newsletter by Arleta School and Arleta PTA
WELCOME TO ARLETA'S WEEKLY NEWSLETTER!
We’re so glad to have you as part of our school community!
This weekly newsletter is developed and sent in partnership between school administration and the PTA. If you have information you'd like shared in the newsletter, please email it to ArletaSchoolPTA@gmail.com. Keep scrolling for the latest.
INDIGENOUS LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
We acknowledge Portland rests on traditional village sites of the Multnomah, Kathlamet, Clackamas, Chinook, Tualatin Kalapuya, Molalla and many other Tribes who made their homes along the Columbia River. #HonorNativeLand https://youtu.be/ETOhNzBsiKA
Art & Literacy Night was amazing! So many contributions across our community create the smiles, laughter and connections that fill us all up. Thank you to all who attended and to all who made the various great parts happen! From children’s beautiful art and work, the Zine Workshop with our former Mr. Andrew who is (almost!) now a published author, the Alex Addy and Woshishijee African Drumming Performance, to all our staffs’ wonderful activities for children: Bird Garland, Finish the Drawing, Fence Art Project, Painted Rocks, Making Stamps, Making Bookmarks, Marionette Performance, Foil Statues, Mad Libs, Sidewalk Chalk Paint… so much creativity and fun. Thank you to all who helped by displaying student work, picking up and serving pizza, setting up and cleaning up, fundraising, Bingo Card Production and organizing the event. (Special Thank You to Ms. Havran, Ms. Meyer, Ms. Williams, Ms. Hannah and PTA Leads Sadie Bach, Megan Dilday, Arley Laman!)
The PPS Art Showcase “HeART of Portland” kicked off Wednesday, April 15th at the Portland Art Museum and is open until September 20th. It displays visual art from students across the district. The theme for this year, “Windows of Our Future”, draws inspiration from multiple exhibitions and honors key milestones within the Portland arts community. This year holds particular significance as students who began Kindergarten during the first year of the Arts Access Fund are now graduating as seniors. Your Portland Arts Tax goes toward this! (And our wonderful art and music specialists Ms. Meyer and Mr. Cunningham, too.)
A New Piano, and 3 old ones gone! Our fantastic community! Our SUN piano teacher Amy Vanacore located the piano Arleta needed (via donation), drove out to play it and ensured it was in good condition. A slice of our Dolphin Dash funds (thank you!) paid for the delivery as well as the removal of our three broken pianos. No more broken keys at SUN Showcase student performances! Thank you to all our parents who offered donations and ideas along the way. Here’s our new piano on its way in then on stage with Arleta mom Katje Chiller who made it all come together!
Warmly,
Lisa Hawking
Katje Chiller and our new school piano!
Moving the pianos around!
ARLETA BOOK FAIR SEEKS VOLUNTEERS
Arleta's Spring Book Fair is from May 11-15th this year! Ms. Street splits her time between Arleta and Llewlyn and we always need parents to help set up the book fair and keep the doors open for the kids! Relive your own book fair days by helping students choose their perfect next book. Sign up to volunteer today!
Set up for the book fair is May 8th from 11am-1pm. Packing up the book fair is May 15th from 3:30pm to 4:30pm. The book fair is open from 7:45-3pm (with a break for lunch). Volunteer shifts average about an hour long!
BRING FOOD FOR TEACHER & STAFF APPRECIATION WEEK!
Teacher Appreciation week is coming up! The full itinerary comes out next week, but we need help to create a staff brunch and dessert bar on Monday, May 4th and Wednesday, May 6th. Can you contribute some sweet or savory treats to help support our amazing staff? Click Here!
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED AT THE DASH
We need adult help during the event. Sign up here to cheer, track laps, or hand out treats!
Please plan to arrive 30 minutes early for quick instructions and setup. It’s a short shift and a super fun way to support our students!
Volunteer requirement:
- All volunteers must have a current PPS background check.
- Apply here: pps.net/volunteer
- (Approval is often quick and valid for 3 years.)
Questions? Email arletaptafundraiserchair@gmail.com
BOTTLEDROP EARTH WEEK WRAP-UP
Don’t forget—return your Blue Bags by Sunday, 4/26 for Arleta to receive 20% more through the BottleDrop Give match!
Last fall, we earned an extra $600—let’s see if we can top that!
No account needed, just scan the sticker on your bag at any BottleDrop return location and you’re good to go.
Find a convenient drop location by clicking here.
Check out the flyer for info on what can and cannot be included in the bag!
KEEP COLLECTING YOUR JAR LIDS FOR FIRST GRADE FLOATS
Calling all recyclers! The first graders will soon be working on creating their floats for the parade and we need all your metal jar lids for the wheels...think sauce jars, pickle jars, jam jars, pepper jars, peanut butter jars, you get the idea. Anything that comes in a glass jar will have a metal lid and we want it!
There will be a tote bag for collection set up at the entrance of the main building or you are also welcome to send them directly to Teacher Katherine. We will continue collecting lids up until the end of April. Thank you for helping our First Graders out!
SUN SCHOOL SEEKING SNACKS TO SHARE
SUN School is seeking donations of snacks to help feed kids in the program. Please make sure donations of kid-friendly snacks are healthy and shelf-stable. Donations can be collected in the school office! Thank you so much.
ARLETA FOOD PANTRY, CLOTHES CLOSET, & FAMILY TOILETRIES
Arleta has a small food pantry, clothes closet, and a variety of toiletries available for the use of any Arleta family. To set up an appointment to use the pantry or the closet, please email our SUN School Coordinator, Raina Bilbrew at rbilbrew@pps.net or raina.bilbrew@portlandoregon.gov or call or text her at 971-803-8986.
BIPOC LUNCH GROUP RESUMES
The Arleta BIPOC Lunch Group provides students with a welcoming environment to promote cultural awareness, social tolerance, and academic success. It is a safe space for students to gather and be themselves, timed with your child's lunch, and meets weekly on Fridays throughout the SUN School semester.
Please click the button below to register your student for participation. Attendance is not mandatory every Friday, but once students sign in, they are expected to remain with the group for the duration of their scheduled lunch or recess period. Ms. Raina will retrieve the children from their recess and escort them to Room 32., then return them to the cafeteria for the teachers once BIPOC Lunch Group ends.
FREE SALSA DANCING CLASSES FOR ADULTS STARTED APR 14
Starting now and running through May 26, Arleta SUN School will offer weekly salsa lessons for the adults in the Arleta community. Adult Salsa Dance Lessons will be held Tuesday evenings from 6:00 to 7:00 PM in the cafeteria. The entire class series costs $42. No partner is required, and all experience levels are welcome. Please use the link to get registered!
TOMORROW- FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT - FERNGULLY - APR 24
Our final Family Movie Night of the year is next Friday, April 24th, doors opening at 5:30pm and the movie starting at 6pm. In this 1992 animated movie, the magical inhabitants of a rainforest fight to save their home, which is threatened by logging and a polluting force of destruction called Hexxus. Enjoy a cast including Robin Williams, Tim Curry, Christian Slater, Cheech Marin, and Tommy Chong!
Bring camp chairs/blankets for seating. There will be concessions for sale. Students must be accompanied & supervised by an adult.
GAME AND CRAFT NIGHT - APR 30
The PTA Family Engagement Coordinator and SUN are hosting a Game and Craft Night in the Arleta cafeteria on Thursday, April 30th from 5-7pm. Come with the family to play some board games and/or get creative with some crafting. We'll have a variety of games for a wide range of age groups: Apples to Apples, Parcheesi, Chutes and Ladders, Mexican Train Dominoes, etc. People are welcome to bring their own favorites as well and bring them back home at the end of the night! Crafting materials will also be provided for the artsy among us.
You can come and go as you please - whatever time works for your schedule, and light refreshments will be available. We really just want to bring families together in our community space for some family fun and mingling.
NEURODIVERGENT FAMILY GATHERING - MAY 7
The last Neurodivergent Family Gathering is coming up on Thursday, May 7th - please join us! We'll be meeting in the cafeteria starting at 5:30pm, with dinner provided, and we'll play and socialize until 7:30pm.
CPPS SCHOOL FUNDING FORUM - MAY 7
SCHOOL FUNDING FORUM - THURSDAY, MAY 7
WITH SPECIAL GUESTS SENATOR KATE LIEBER AND REPRESENTATIVE TAWNA SANCHEZ.
Hosted by Community and Parents for Public Schools
Join Community and Parents for Public Schools (CPPS) as we ask questions about the state of school funding with the co-chairs of the powerful Joint Committee on Ways and Means, Senator Lieber and Representative Sanchez. The event will bring together families, educators, school leaders, and policymakers from across the region to engage in a meaningful dialogue about how our public schools are funded. The event aims to build a shared understanding of the current funding landscape, highlight the real-world impacts on students and classrooms, and explore pathways toward more equitable, sustainable investment in public education in our district and across the state.
📌May 7th, 2026, Lincoln High School, 1750 SW Salmon Street
6-8 pm (dinner available at 5:30 pm)
Childcare available, please RSVP here
DOLPHIN DASH - MAY 8
Our students are getting their legs ready for Dash laps—let’s cheer them on and support their effort with a donation!
We’re just two weeks away from May 8 and have reached 10% of our $11,000 goal. There’s still plenty of time to make an impact!
How you can help:
- Donate and share the link with friends & family https://givebutter.com/arleta-dolphin-dash-fun-run-2026-hht9de
- Text or email—it’s quick and really makes a difference
- Ask your employer about donation matching
Not sure what to say? Try something simple:
“My child is participating in the Arleta Dolphin Dash fun run! If you’d like to support their school, here’s the link: https://givebutter.com/arleta-dolphin-dash-fun-run-2026-hht9de When donating, please select their teacher’s name/class. Thank you!”
We can reach our school goal of $11,000 if each student raises about $40, but donations of any amount truly help. Giving is completely optional, and all students will participate and receive a Dolphin Dash t-shirt regardless of fundraising.
Every dollar helps us provide another incredible year of events, classroom support, field trips, and enrichment opportunities at Arleta.
Thank you for supporting our students!
ARLETA BIKEAPALOOZA - MAY 8
When: Friday, May 8 • 4:30–6:30 PM
Where: Arleta blacktop
What: A fun, family friendly bike event to get ready for spring riding. We’ll have quick bike safety checks (air, brakes, chain), a simple skills course, karaoke, and more! We’ll wrap up with a short neighborhood group ride, a great way to see how Bike Bus works and build confidence.
Who: Kids and adults of all abilities, whether you ride often, are just getting started, or just curious. No bike? Come anyway!
Hosted by the Arleta Bike Bus in partnership with SUN and the Arleta PTA.
FINAL GENERAL PTA MEETING OF THE SCHOOL YEAR - MAY 11
🤝 Join us on May 11th from 6-7 PM at the Arleta Library to connect with other community members and hear the latest PTA updates!
📋 We’ll review the draft PTA budget for 2026-27, Principal Hawking will give an update on how blended classes will work next year, vote in incoming PTA Board Members for 2026-27, and more!
🍕 To make it easier for everyone to participate, we’ll provide childcare and dinner.
🗣️ While we encourage you to attend in person, a remote option via Zoom will also be available (link will be shared the week before).
☑️ Everyone is welcome to join, but only current PTA members can vote. Make sure to become a PTA member before May 11th!
PTA Membership: Sign up at arletapta.givebacks.com/shop! A suggested donation of $15 helps cover expenses for membership dues to the state and national PTA chapters. However, to ensure everyone can participate, the Arleta PTA will cover the membership cost for one person per household each year.
🖐️ Please submit questions ahead of time by emailing the PTA at: arletaschoolpta@gmail.com
We look forward to seeing you there!
The PTA Crew
SCHOOL PLAY - THE EXCELLENT ADVENTURE - MAY 14-15
Join us for an unforgettable journey in The Excellent Adventure! Arleta’s talented students bring humor, heart, and imagination to the stage in this lively production. When Bill and Ted travel back in time to create the most bodacious history project ever, they encounter famous figures, unexpected challenges, and plenty of hilarious moments along the way. Packed with fun, creative storytelling, and totally excellent surprises, this is a show the whole family will enjoy. Don’t miss the adventure!
The play runs from May 14 to May 15th, starting at 6pm each night in the school auditorium. Be sure to arrive early to grab a seat with a friend—seating is first come, first served. All tickets are available by suggested donation, so everyone has the opportunity to attend. Your support not only helps make this production possible but also funds future performances by our talented students. Pay what you can, enjoy the show, and join us for an unforgettable evening!
The Excellent Adventure is directed by Sarah Johnson, Amanda Jones and Greta West. Dan Jones is the Technical Director. Adinah D'Andrea is the Costume Designer/Shop Manager. Marek Zbiegien is the videographer, Joseph Wilde is the photographer, and poster design is Matthew Halbert-Howen. Skye Weadick is organizing backstage helpers. It takes a village to make a show!
THE PPS BOARD ADDS TWO MORE LISTENING SESSIONS FOR COMMUNITY FEEDBACK
Arleta is one of 8 schools on the list to be considered for school closure as a measure to reduce PPS's budget deficit. The board has added two more community listening events which can be attended live or via Zoom. It is so important for parents to be able to voice their opinions and we hope you will attend.
Saturday, April 25 from 2:00 pm -3:30 p.m. at Benson Polytechnic High School
Join via Zoom here: https://pps-net.zoom.us/j/87110389300?pwd=7wYr3wVf2yC58AbCdujujM1npjUpXw.1
Monday, April 27 from 6:00 pm -7:30 p.m. at Roosevelt High School
Join via Zoom here: https://pps-net.zoom.us/j/87674445229?pwd=g1bw063XU5Xykar7wGraAyP2dVbaRa.1
Please RSVP here to help us plan for childcare and accommodation needs. (RSVP is much appreciated but not required.)
CELEBRATE PEOPLE DURING NATIONAL ARABIC AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH!
This week, help your kids learn about Arabic Americans who have helped shape the science and culture of our country! Click on each name below to be taken to a biography to learn more about these amazing Arabic Americans!
Science
Hunein Massab, inventor of the nasal spray flu vaccine.
Mostafa el-Sayed, chemist researcher in spectroscopy who discovered the El-Sayed rule showing that electrons change orbitals more readily when the frequency they vibrate at is preserved during the change.
Huda Yahya Zogbhi, neurologist who discovered the causitive genes for Rett Syndrome, spinocerebellar ataxia 1 and medulloblastoma.
Omar M. Yaghi reticular chemist who invents filters for water and air.
Ahmed Hassan Zewail, Nobel Prize winner and the father of femtochemistry. (Femtochemistry studies chemical reactions that occur over the course of a femtosecond, or approximately .000000000000001 seconds.)
Dina Katabi, computer engineer.
Ali Hasan Nayfeh, physicist and inventor.
Arts and Letters
Stephen Adly Guirgis, Pulitzer Prize winning playwright.
Ameen Rihani, the father of Arabic American literature with quite a varied and exciting life story.
Nasib Arida, founded the first Arabic arts and literature magazine in the US.
Gibran Khalil Gibran, writer, poet, and visual artist.
Helen Thomas, reporter and author who served in the White House press corps through ten US Presidents.
Danny Thomas, actor and founder of the St. Jude's Children's Hospital.
Rami Malek, Academy Award-winning actor.
Salma Hayek, actress.
Tony Shaloub, actor.
Others
Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple.
Paul J. Orfalea, founder of Kinko's.
Allen Adham, co-founder of Blizzard Entertainment.
James Jabara, WWII war hero and the first jet fighter ace in America.
Excited to learn more history? Click here to learn about Fatima, the founder of the world's oldest university! Or, see the seven oldest examples of writing! Click here to get an overview of the dynasties of the Middle Eastern region, 224 C.E. onward, courtesy of the Metropolitan Museum of Art!
Or to celebrate spring, read about national flowers of Middle Eastern countries here, and also here!
REGISTRATION FOR KINDERGARTEN IS NOW OPEN!
You can sign up at arleta.pps.net/kindergarten/connect-to-kindergarten
Enrolling early helps us secure the resources and staff our school needs. Click below to download the flyer for details on our upcoming Arleta Kinder Connects and New Student Open House! Thank you!
BEAT THE BELL
For the week of April 13-17, we had 92% positive attendance (same as the 4-day week before) and 108 tardies, averaging to 21.6 tardies a day, which is an improvement from the week before (104 tardies for the 4 day week averaging 26 tardies a day)..
Looking for some tips to help you get out of the door on time? Check back here each week for ideas.
This week's tips:
Fill backpack the night before, set by door.
-
Get to the whole family to bed on time.
To get sluggish kids moving, try dance music.
THE GRACE OF WILD THINGS BY HEATHER FAWCETT
Grace has never been good at anything except magic—not that anyone believes her.
While other children are adopted from the orphanage, nobody wants Grace. So she decides to make a home for herself by running away and offering herself as an apprentice to the witch in the nearby woods. After all, who better to teach Grace to use her magic? Surely the witch can’t be that bad.
But the witch is that bad—she steals souls for spells and gobbles up hearts. So Grace offers a deal: If she can learn all 100½ spells in the witch’s grimoire, the witch will make Grace her apprentice. But if Grace fails, the witch can take her magic. The witch agrees, and soon an unexpected bond develops between them.
The spells are much harder than Grace expected, and when a monster from the witch’s past threatens the home Grace has built, she may have to sacrifice more than her magic to save it.
Get The Book
- Click here to borrow the book from Multnomah County Library.
- Buy the audiobook on Libro.fm.
- Buy the book, ebook, or audiobook at Barnes and Noble.
- Purchase the book on Amazon.
- Read a review of the book.
Fuzzy Wuzzy, Creepy Crawly
Fuzzy wuzzy, creepy crawly
Caterpillar funny,
You will be a butterfly
When the days are sunny.
Winging, flinging, dancing, springing
Butterfly so yellow,
You were once a caterpillar,
Wiggly, wiggly fellow.
-Lillian Shulz Vanada
SECOND GRADE KADINSKY ART LESSON
Learn a little bit about Vasily Kandinsky and synesthesia and have fun making abstract art. You will need a sheet of white paper, a sharpie, and crayons/paint/markers.
What insects can tell time?
Clock-roaches.
One in six children in Oregon and SW Washington face food insecurity. Food insecurity can arise for anyone. Should you need a little help, or you want to give a little help, here is a list of nearby resources.
Search for food pantry by day and time open, using the Portland Free Food Calendar.
Urban Gleaners takes advantage of Oregon's bountiful harvests, making sure they don't go to waste, sharing food through a variety of free markets around the region. You can find those markets on their website. Find a location by clicking here.
St. Mark's Lutheran Church, 5415 SE Powell Blvd. Hours are on Fridays from 2-5pm and the entrance is in the rear of building. They use a lottery system to give out the initial entry numbers. Those who have arrived by 1:45 pm on Friday will be entered into the lottery. Those who arrive after 1:45pm will be given the next number available.
SVDP Our Lady of Sorrows, 5221 SE Knight street. Referral only. Call Portland Council for food box at 503-235-8431.
Groceries 4 Grout, 4028 SE 34th Ave. This food pantries is hosted every Friday at Kenilworth Presbyterian Church parking lot. The outdoor pantry is shopping-style, available to everyone and we invite people to bring their own bags. Call (503) 235-3977 with inquiries.
The Woodstock Food Pantry 4033 SE Woodstock, provides groceries on Fridays and Saturdays, between 12:00 P.M. – 2:00 P.M. to anyone who needs them. Drive-through or walk-up pantry. Cars – line up and stay in your car. Walkups – line up on the sidewalk.
The Francis Center 6535 SE 82nd provides food boxes Monday through Thursday from 10am -2pm. They ask that people gather one box per month, unless they're homeless, in which case, they can come once a week.
Kellogg Middle School Free Food Market, 3400 SE 69th Ave, is generally open on the 3rd Friday of every month and is open to the public (you do not have to have a student at Kellogg to attend). Please bring your own bag. The Kellogg pantry is next open on: April 17, May 15, & June 5 from 3:30-5pm. For more information, email info@kelloggmsptsa.org.
Lane Food Pantry, 7200 SE 60th, in the back parking lot, is open both to school families and the public, every Tuesday from 2:30-4pm, and offers 3-5 days worth of food, including fresh produce, to all comers. Please do not arrive more than 15 minutes early for the safety of the students. The pantry is run in partnership between the SUN program, the Latino Network, and the Oregon Food Bank.
The Equitable Giving Circle provides food boxes, compiled with Black farmers, for BIPOC people in our area and provides home delivery.
Portland Open Bible Community Food Pantry, 3223 SE 92nd Avenue Portland, has an open pantry on Tuesday 4pm-7pm and Thursday 10am-1pm except on federal holidays. Online ordering is open 24 hours per day / 7 days per week (click here to order food online). Walk in, call (503) 442-8228, or visit their website for more information.
PDX Free Fridge is a community based and informed mutual aid effort to increase access to free food and vital supplies by creating a network of independent fridges and pantries in Portland, OR. Go to their website to find a fridge or pantry near you! (Note: this map is out of date, and is currently being updaated.)
Milk Crate Kitchen delivers meals twice a month. To learn more, click here for the Milk Crate Kitchen website.
During these unprecedented times, some local restaurants are stepping in to fill the gap. Click here for a list of local restaurants providing SNAP meals.
To research more resources, go to the Oregon Food Bank Food Finder, Findhelp.org, or the Multnomah County Food Assistance page which has been updated to include resources for folks on SNAP not getting their SNAP payments. Multnomah Education Service District has a document with a list of resources for SNAP beneficiaries, translated into multople languages. To donate food, consider the Portland Food Project, which will pick up shelf-stable food from your home and deliver it to food pantries.
INVITE HOPE: MARCELO FONATANA AND WAVE CONTEMPORARY AT THE COLLINS GALLERY - NOW THROUGH JULY 5
Central Library is transforming into a space for poetic resistance. Marcelo Fontana and Wave Contemporary invite the viewer to see hope as an active power rather than a passive wish. Eighteen artists will create small and shareable acts of hope displayed in the Collins Gallery. The title for the exhibition, Invite Hope, comes from a Maya Angelou quote: “Hope and fear cannot occupy the same space. Invite one to stay.”
The Collins Gallery, at the top floor of the Central Library, is used for exhibits created by library personnel or by community members in cooperation with library personnel. Use of space by a community organization does not constitute an endorsement of the organization's beliefs by the library.
Central Library
801 SW 10th Avenue
Portland, OR 97205
503.988.5123
TWEEN COUNCIL AT WOODSTOCK LIBRARY - APR 24
Fri Apr 24
4:15 PM - 5:15 PM
Woodstock Library
Help your librarian choose the best books, movies, comics, programs and events for you and your friends. Have fun working on special projects, making new friends, and creating the perfect library for you! This is a volunteer position and snacks will be provided. For kids ages 9-12.
READ TO THE DOGS AT WOODSTOCK LIBRARY - APR 24
Fri Apr 24
4:30 PM - 5:30 PM
Woodstock Library
Improve your reading skills and make a new friend by reading aloud to a therapy dog. For kids and teens. Call 503.988.5123 to register.
82ND AVENUE ROSE PARADE - APR 25
The 82nd Avenue of Roses Parade is celebrating our 20th year. It's going to be a full weekend of events featuring interactive activities with the Funtastic Carnival happening for three days, Festival food cart fun, a farmer’s market, and a classic car show plus, of course, the Parade on Saturday, April 25 at 9:30 AM. Click here to see a route of the parade!
The 82nd Avenue of Roses Parade is organized by the 82 Roses Community Enrichment Coalition and sponsored by local businesses and civic organizations whose goal is to intentionally builds spirit and public involvement in support of the community around 82nd Avenue. Join friends and neighbors on 82nd Avenue - thank you!cFull list of SPONSORS here
Seeking Volunteer Stars - We are offering free HOP passes, commemorative T-shirts, coffee & donuts, and much love and appreciation to Parade Marshal volunteers who watch the Parade go by at cross streets along the 1 mile route. Please see more information and sign up here.
ARLETA TRIANGLE WORK PARTY - APR 25
Make a good place better with your neighbors! The Arteta Triangle summer work parties are back for the season. Meet at the Arleta Triangle to help weed, paint, and support the community. Gloves, tools, and drinks provided. The work parties meet on the last Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. throughout the summer. On days with excessive heat warnings, the work parties start and end times each move to an hour earlier. The Arleta Triangle Square is located at 5961-5999 SE 72nd Ave, 97206.
If you’ve ever walked or driven through the intersection of SE 72nd & Woodstock Boulevard, you noticed an unusual street pattern. A wide, sweeping curved road creates a triangular island of land. On that space are trees and plants as well as a decorative wall with a canopy.
If you’re like me, you passed this spot and wondered, “Who is in charge of this space?”
The answer is you are. And now is the time to help make it even better. You are invited to join in. We’re working with a landscape planner this year to make the landscape more resilient and beautiful. Work parties on the site are also planned for every last Saturday of the month starting in April, through at least September. Help plant, maintain, or give guidance to the future of this site!
SPRING FOR ZENGER - APR 25
Zenger Farm is a a nonprofit urban and organic farm that models, promotes and educates about sustainable food systems, environmental stewardship, community development and access to good food for all. Join them on Saturday, April 25th, 2026, from 10-2 PM at our annual Spring for Zenger celebration!
Bring the whole family and enjoy Oaxacan Cuisine prepared by Chef Paula of La Cuchara, guided tours, a drop-in volunteer stewardship project, propagation workshops, and more fun farm activities!
This event is FREE and open to the public! Please register by clicking here. Zenger Farm is located at 11741 SE Foster Road • Portland, OR 97266
OPEN NATURE CLASSROOM EARTH DAY - APR 25
- Saturday, April 25, 2026
- 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM
- Friends of Tryon Creek11321 South Terwilliger BoulevardPortland, OR, 97219United States (map)
On Saturday April 25th, join Friends of Tryon Creek in our Nature Classroom space. Open for parents and children visiting the park to come and experience nature-themed arts and crafts, and learn about animals, plants, fungi, and water. Kids can interact, learn together, and make new friends.
Free public event. No Registration is required.
Future Open Classroom Events: May 30: Natural Ink
READ TO THE DOGS AT HOLGATE LIBRARY - APR 25
Improve your reading skills and make a new friend by reading aloud to a therapy dog at Holgate Library on Saturday, April 25th from 11am-1pm. For kids and teens. Call 503.988.5123 to register.
INTERCAMBIO LANGUAGE EXCHANGE - APR 25
Intercambio / Language Exchange
Sat Apr 25
3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Woodstock Library
Practique inglés o español y ayude a los demás que están aprendiendo en un ambiente amable. Los participantes hablan la mitad del tiempo en inglés y la otra en español. Están bienvenidos los principiantes.
Practice English or Spanish and help other learners in a friendly atmosphere. Participants speak half the time in English and half in Spanish. Beginners welcome.
LAST SUNDAY CRAFTING CLUB AT WOODSTOCK LIBRARY - APR 26
Join us at Woodstock Library on Sunday, April 26th from 12-2pm and express your creativity with a variety of art and craft projects! Library staff will provide all materials necessary.
This event is first come first served due to limited space.
INTRO TO DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY AT THE HOLGATE LIBRARY - APR 26
Join us on Sunday, Apr 26 join us from 3:30 - 5:30pm at the Holgate Library for Intro to Digital Photography! This introductory course is designed for absolute beginners and those looking to move beyond automatic camera settings. Participants will learn the fundamental technical and creative principles that underpin great photography. Over the the course, we will demystify the core functions of a camera and explore how to use light, composition, and exposure controls to capture compelling images. Click here to see the photography class on the Holgate Library website.
ECOS DEL SUR AT HOLGATE LIBRARY - APR 28
Disfrute de los sonidos de Ecos del Sur mientras interpretan música folclórica de América Central y del Sur, en Biblioteca Holgate, martes, 28 de Abril, desde 6:30-7pm. Vea el calendario a la página de la biblioteca.
Enjoy the sounds of Ecos del Sur as they perform folk music from Central and South America at Holgate Library, Tuesday April 28th from 6:30-7:30pm. See the event on the library website.
CREATIVE LEARNING: BAMBU 3D PRINTER AT HOLGATE LIBRARY - APR 30
Come to Holgate Library on April 30th from 4-5:30pm to use our 3D printer and get help from staff on creating a project of your choice (subject to time limits). No experience necessary! A selection of colors of PLA will be available for you to use.
Space is limited and registration is required. Click here to register.
Children in grades 5 and under must be accompanied by an attentive teen or adult. Click here to see the event on the Holgate Library website.
READ TO THE DOGS AT WOODSTOCK LIBRARY - MAY 1
Fri May 1
4:30 PM - 5:30 PM
Woodstock Library
Improve your reading skills and make a new friend by reading aloud to a therapy dog. The dogs and handlers are from Alliance of Therapy Dogs, Dove Lewis Portland Area Canine Therapy Teams, Paws for Love, and Pet Partners®.
INDIGENOUS CULTURE DAY AT TRYON CREEK STATE PARK - MAY 2
- Saturday, May 2, 2026
- 9:00 AM 2:00 PM
- Friends of Tryon Creek11321 South Terwilliger BoulevardPortland, OR, 97219, United States (map)
Culture Day is a celebration of the reclamation of traditional lands for Indigenous Peoples that provides an accurate cultural experience for the whole community. This free, all-ages event offers the chance to listen and learn from Indigenous educators in the culturally rich land now known as Tryon Creek State Natural Area.
In its 8th year, this annual event is our Tryon Land Acknowledgement in action.
In a short forest walk, participants can go from the Nature Center and surrounding trails to see first-hand the traditional lifeways of Northwest Tribes. Indigenous leaders and educators will share a variety of traditional lifeways such as cordage and bag making, carving, Chinook Wawa language, basketry, first foods, and dentalium beads.
Culture Day Activities
Open Ceremony
Cultural Lifeways Community education tables
Guided Plant hike
Salmon Bake (samples)
Storytime
Door Prizes!
YOGA+ART+STORIES FOR KIDS - MAY 2
Sat May 2
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Woodstock Library
Yoga + Art + Stories ignites children's creativity, enhances their well-being, and fosters a love for self-expression through the fusion of yoga and art. Through a series of engaging stories, playful yoga poses and art activities that correspond to the themes of the stories, this unique program promotes physical development, emotional well-being, and cognitive growth. Led by Lauren Danner from Sculpted Lotus Yoga.
HOLGATE LIBRARY TWEEN COUNCIL - MAY 5
Tue May 5
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Holgate Library
Help your librarian choose the best books, movies, comics, programs and events for you and your friends. Have fun working on special projects, making new friends, and creating the perfect library for you! This is a volunteer position and snacks will be provided. For kids ages in grades 4-6
READ TO THE DOGS AT HOLGATE LIBRARY - MAY 5
Tue May 5
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Holgate Library
Improve your reading skills and make a new friend by reading aloud to a therapy dog. For kids and teens. Call 503.988.5123 to register.
MT SCOTT-ARLETA NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION MEETING - MAY 6
The next Mt. Scott-Arleta Neighborhood Association (MSANA) General & Board Meeting is Wednesday, May 6th, from 6:30-8:30pm. This is a hybrid meeting, in-person with remote viewing option.
In-Person: 72Foster Community Room (5005 SE 72nd Ave)
Remote Zoom Meeting Link: https://bit.ly/3Oq59jZ
View the Meeting Agenda
Read Past Meeting Minutes
Agenda Item Submission:
To add an item to the agenda, email the details to the Chair at least two weeks before the meeting. Clearly state what you want the association to do.
CREATIVE LEARNING: INTRO TO 3D PRINTING - MAY 7
Creative Learning: Intro to 3D Printing
Thu May 7
3:30 PM - 5:30 PM
Holgate Library
Learn to prepare an existing model for 3D printing on one of the library's Bambu P2S printers, then start experimenting with 3D modeling. All materials will be provided.
Space is limited and registration is required. Registration opens April 16.
MAD HATTER'S TEA PARTY - MAY 9-24
Mad Hatter's Tea Party at Northwest Children's Theatre
May 9 - 24
Black Box • Weekends at 10am, 12:30pm & 3pm • Most enjoyed by ages 4 and up
Box Office Phone Number: 503-222-2190
1000 SW Broadway, T-100
Pdx, OR 97205
Back by popular demand!
You are cordially invited to join the Hatter for tea. Travel through the looking glass to enjoy an interactive extravaganza filled with music, magic, and just a touch of madness. Enjoy tea and treats as the Hatter takes you through interactive stories, songs, and a magic show!
Costumes/tea party attire encouraged!
Youth tickets include tea and a variety of treats!
Adult tickets include tea and coffee!
Northwest Children’s Theater is proud to participate in the Arts for All Program. Oregon Trail/SNAP Card holders can purchase up to 4 tickets at $5 each. Additional tickets are full price.
Arts for All tickets can be reserved beginning two weeks in advance of each production and must be purchased over the phone or in person at the Box Office.
For closing weekend performances, Arts for All tickets are only available for purchase via walk-up at the Box Office one hour prior to the start of the performance. To check availability, please email us at info@nwcts.org with your preferred show dates and times or call the Box Office at 503-222-2190, option 1.
Important: NWCT’s Box Office is currently staffed on weekends and other show days. If you call during the week, please leave a message and we will call you back as quickly as possible. We check Box Office emails and phone messages daily.
READ TO THE DOGS - MAY 9
Sat May 9
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Holgate Library
Improve your reading skills and make a new friend by reading aloud to a therapy dog. For kids and teens. Call 503.988.5123 to register.
MULAN DRUM TEAM - MAY 9
Sat May 9
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
Holgate Library
The Mulan Drum Team is an all-women drumming group comprised of community members from diverse backgrounds. The sound of their drums is entrancing, powerful, and impactful, echoing the beauty and strength of Chinese women and contributing to the celebration of Chinese culture in our community.
KEIKI STORIES WITH HAWAIIAN CIVIC CLUB - MAY 12
AANHPI: Keiki Stories with Hawaiian Civic Club
Tue May 12
6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Holgate Library
Join a ʻAha Lāhui O ʻOlekona, Hawaiian Civic Club of Oregon & SW Washington, for an hour of stories and crafts celebrating Native Hawaiian culture and traditions!
This program is intended for children up to six years old with their grown ups.
Made possible by The National Endowment for the Humanities Fund of The Library Foundation.
CRAFTERNOON FOR ADULTS - MAY 13
Wed May 13
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Holgate Library
Join a make-and-take crafternoon! Each craft will be selected from the library's craft book collection.
This event is first come, first served.
WILDFIRE AWARENESS AT THE WORLD FORESTRY CENTER - MAY 17
“Be Wildfire Aware” at World Forestry Center
As wildfire season approaches, Oregonians must take steps to protect their homes and communities. This event offers residents a unique opportunity to learn how to reduce wildfire risk in their homes and communities. Attendees can get involved in protecting our state from wildfires. There will be expert speakers, interactive exhibits, and hands-on demonstrations.
Admission to Be Wildfire Aware at the World Forestry Center, 4033 SW Canyon Road, 97221 + Google Map, is free for the whole event thanks to support from Hampton Lumber and Portland General Electric. Host partners include: Oregon State Fire Marshal, Portland Fire and Rescue, Portland General Electric, and the World Forestry Center.
Date: May 17, 2026
Time: 10 am – 4 pm
Add to calendar: Be Wildfire Aware - Free Day at the Discovery Museum/World Forestry Center
PORTLAND SIDEWALK JOY MAP - ANYTIME
Take a self-guided tour of local creations using the PDX Sidewalk Joy Map. This map showcases fun, interactive neighborhood galleries, exchanges and displays.
The map has more than 100 community joy spots throughout the city. All of these projects created by homeowners exist to bring a bit of whimsy and inspiration to the community.
These displays are viewable from front yards, curbside gardens, alleyways, side yards and sides of buildings.
The map shows a description, image and the location of each display. There’s also Instagram handles so you can follow your favorite Joy Map creators.
All locations on the map are free to enjoy, but you may want to bring quarters for the Super Awesome Prizes vending machine or pay for a pottery piece at the Poetry Pottery Box. View the map.
MULTNOMAH COUNTY LIBRARY CULTURAL PASSES
The Multnomah County Library has cultural passes to allow free admission to select cultural institutions around Portland. To check out a cultural pass from the library and see the list of institution, please click the button below.
ARTS FOR ALL TICKETS
Anyone who gets food relief through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and has the Oregon Trail Card or Washington State Quest Card qualifies to purchase $5 tickets to theatre, arts, and culture events around Portland through the Arts for All program.
Arts For All envisions a community where everyone—regardless of financial resources—can experience and enjoy arts and culture.
Over a decade ago, Arts For All was founded by dedicated arts leaders to ensure Oregon Trail Card/SNAP recipients could access specific arts events for just $5 per ticket.
Click here to be taken to the Arts for All Website and to purchase tickets. I
ATTENDING SCHOOL BOARD MEETINGS
The School Board meets regularly at the school district's Dr. Matthew Prophet Education Center (Prophet Center), 501 N. Dixon Street, at 6:00 pm on select Tuesdays of each month - and on certain other occasions. Some scheduling changes do occur; if you plan to attend, please see below for the upcoming public meeting notices.
Under the provision of ORS 192.670 all meetings will be live-streamed at http://www.youtube.com/@ppsboardofeducation/live, except for those meetings that fall under the provisions set forth for executive sessions.
To subscribe to email notifications of public meeting notices, email kbradshaw@pps.net to request to be added to the email list. After an email address has been subscribed to the mailing list, a notice of a Public Meeting of the School Board will be sent before each scheduled meeting.
VACCINE RESOURCES FOR YOUR CHILD'S HEALTH FROM THE DISTRICT
Vaccines play a crucial role in protecting our students from serious illnesses and help keep our community safe. Parents/ Guardians of students who are due to receive vaccines should receive a letter in the mail. Please check if your child’s vaccinations are current, including their recommended flu shot, and contact your medical provider or any of the resources listed below.
Multnomah County Student Health Centers
Multnomah County Vaccination Clinic (English)
Email: ArletaSchoolPTA@gmail.com
Website: arletapta.org
Location: 5109 SE 66th Avenue
Phone: 503-916-6330
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArletaElementaryK5