Principal Schachner's Notes

This week, Forest Park students and staff gathered for our first schoolwide assembly of the year. Our focus was community—a group of people who care for one another and help everyone feel that they belong.

Students learned about our PAWS recognition system and how every PAW placed in the box moves us closer to a schoolwide celebration. We also recognized students who have already helped strengthen our community through their kindness, inclusion, and care for others.

Our student honorees had their pictures taken for our Fantastic Fox recognition display, located in the front hallway across from the Art Room. Families are invited to stop by and help us celebrate these students.

We also introduced our first two-week community challenge: Invite someone in.

Notice someone who is alone or new, and ask them to join your game, conversation, or learning group.

Our assemblies will continue each month, giving us regular opportunities to celebrate students, reinforce our schoolwide expectations, and strengthen our Forest Park community.

Thank you for helping us establish safe and predictable arrival and dismissal routines. After reviewing our current enrollment, traffic flow, and available staffing, we are reserving the back loop for kindergarten families.

Our enrollment does not require two general car lines, and we do not have enough staff to supervise two separate loops safely. Concentrating staff in fewer locations allows us to provide better supervision, reduce confusion, and create a more consistent routine for students. Kindergarten students are our youngest learners and need the additional support provided through the back loop.

Important Reminders

• The main parking lot car loop is for quick drop-off and pickup.
• Adults must remain in their vehicles while using the loop. Students should be ready to exit the vehicle promptly.
• If your child needs additional time or adult assistance, please turn right into the first row in parking, find a parking space and walk with them rather than using the loop.
• The front turnaround is not an exit route. Please follow the posted traffic pattern and staff directions.
• Morning supervision begins at 7:40 a.m. Please do not leave students on campus before that time.
• Classes begin promptly at 8:00 a.m.
• Students arriving beginning at 8:05 a.m. are tardy and must check in at the office before going to class.
• Please send dismissal changes to the office before the final 15 minutes of the school day. Last-minute changes are difficult to communicate safely while staff are preparing students for dismissal.

These procedures are designed to keep students safe, keep traffic moving, and make arrival and dismissal more predictable for everyone. Thank you for your patience and cooperation.

Thursday, Sept. 24 — Back-to-School Night, 5:30–7:00 p.m.

Thursday, Sept. 24 — Multi-Grade Classroom Information Session, 7:00–7:30 p.m.

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:

• TeenForce at Southwest Community Center

• Multnomah County: Common Application

• City of Portland: 311 Non-Emergency Hotline
• (Spanish) (Vietnamese) (Chinese) (Russian) (Somali)
• AFS Intercultural Programs: Host an Exchange Student