DOLPHIN DIGEST 10/30/2025
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
SCHOOL BOARD MEETING - NOV 4
Time: 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Location: 501 N Dixon St. Portland, OR 97227, Dr. Matthew Prophet Education Center (Prophet Center) Mazama Conference Room (Floor 2)
This meeting is open for the public to attend in person up to the capacity of the room (25 total people) and will be streamed live under the provision of ORS 192.670 at: https://www.youtube.com/@ppsboardofeducation/live
Links to Board of Education Information:
- Board of Education Website
- Past Board Meeting Recordings
- Board Meeting Agendas and Materials
- Public Meeting Notices
Send requests for public comment to publiccomment@pps.net. More information on Public Comment can be found on the Board’s Meeting Protocols and Public Comment web page.
Board Office Staff
- Rosanne Powell – Senior Board Manager (rpowell@pps.net - 503-916-3741)
- Kara Bradshaw - Executive Assistant (kbradshaw@pps.net - 503-916-3741)
¿POR QUÉ NO? DINE OUT FUNDRAISER - NOV 5
Wednesday, November 5 • 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
4635 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Portland, OR 97215
Join us for a delicious day out at ¿Por Qué No? Taqueria — the sunniest place in Portland! Enjoy lunch, dinner, or happy hour (Monday–Friday, 2:30–5:00 PM) while supporting our school.
Dine in, take out, grab a gift card, or order catering — 10% of all sales all day go directly to Arleta! Both locations offer indoor and heated, covered outdoor dining, plus open-air seating.
ARLETA FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT - NOV 7
Roll back the clock with Pixar's fourth ever feature film, Monsters Inc! Travel to a world of proud, productive Monsters whose lives are powered by the screams of children. Fun for the whole family (really), as the Monsters learn about the impacts their technology has and are inspired by an adorable, adventurous little girl to find a new source of power.
Come join us November 7th in the cafeteria, doors open at 5:30 and the movie starts at 6pm. Bring camp chairs/blankets for seating. There will be concessions for sale. Students must be accompanied & supervised by an adult.
PICTURE RETAKE DAY - NOV 12
Did Picture Day find your child making a weird face? Someone not happy with what they were wearing? Never fear, you can get a do-over!
Picture Retake Day Picture is the morning of November 12th. You can place an order for retakes as of October 22nd. Click here to order retakes, or go to DorianStudio.com and type "Arleta Elementary" in the search bar. You may need your student's ID number. You can access that by logging into ParentVUE or by calling the office.
We will also have order forms available in the office.
ARLETA LITTER PICK-UP - NOV 13
The Arleta Green Team hosts twice-monthly litter clean ups on second and fourth Thursdays of the month. The only Litter Pick-up in November is on Thursday, October 9th from 2:30-3pm.
Please meet at the picnic tables, grab a bucket and grabber, pick-up trash anywhere you see it, and drop off the bucket when you're done. We will take care of the trash. Leave whenever you need. Thank you for helping to keep our school grounds clean and safe for everyone!
RUBY BRIDGES DAY - NOV 14
Students are invited to walk to school in celebration of Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day. The walkways around the school will have information/pictures along them. Students can collect small incentive items for participating in front of the school before heading to class.
Ruby Bridges was 6 years old when she became the first Black student to integrate an all-white elementary school in New Orleans in 1960. Join us as we walk to school and reflect on Ruby's story together on 11/14. Find more resources for learning about Ruby Bridges and activities such as coloring pages here: Ruby Bridges Resources
For a quick guide for children on who Ruby Bridges is, see this video by Scholastic!
SHOUT-OUTS TO THE ARLETA COMMUNITY MAKING IT ALL HAPPEN
A huge thank you to Megan Dilday for organizing and executing an amazing Fall Festival! And to all the volunteers that made it work!
Big thanks to everyone that enjoyed bagels from Henry Higgins — We raised $320 for Arleta!
HELP FUND SCHOOLING THROUGH MEDICAID
School Districts can receive money from Medicaid to help pay for important services like speech, occupational therapy, and counseling provided at school. The Medicaid money helps school districts to keep these resources available for students with disabilities or behavioral health needs without changing the services they receive. This helps PPS get money back from the government for the work our staff is already doing. Because of the current budget situation, this funding is more important than ever. Click here to learn more!
FREE BREAKFAST FOR ALL STUDENTS
We have breakfast available for all Arleta students at no cost. Please join us!
The doors open at 7:45 and students eat in the cafeteria. Students are dismissed to class at 7:58 in order to be ready to learn at 8:00. Kindergarteners are walked to class by a staff member.
Remember the cafeteria is supervised at 7:45 but no other areas on campus are. If you drop your student off for breakfast please make sure they head directly to the cafeteria.
SIGN UP TO SELL AT THE WINTER BAZAAR
Is your kid creative? Have they been asking for an opportunity to earn some pocket money?
Each year, Arleta School hosts our Winter Bazaar. Kids sell crafts, the PTA hosts a bake sale & raffle, and we all get to hang out in community, while doing a little winter shopping and enjoying each other's creativity and skills!
Tables are available to reserve starting now. If your child wants one, reserve quickly because space runs out fast!
NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH BEGINS NOV 1
November is Native American Heritage Month! In 1990 President George H. W. Bush approved a joint resolution designating November 1990 “National American Indian Heritage Month.” Similar proclamations, under variants on the name (including “Native American Heritage Month” and “National American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month”) have been issued each year since 1994. This was the result of over 100 years of advocates arguing that setting aside time and space to celebrate Indigenous Americans' accomplishments and culture is important and vital to the nation.
Each week in the newsletter we'll highlight different topics of interest and provide different resources for you to learn about and explore indigenous cultures, history, and accomplishments with your kids.
This week, we're giving an overview of some basic resources and local events that offer you simple ways to support, learn about, and share native culture!
Find out whose land you live on by using this interactive map!
Read suggestions on how to celebrate Native American Heritage Month from First Nations Development Institute.
Buy from local businesses run by indigenous peoples using The Portland Indigenous Marketplace as a guide!
Virtually explore the Smithsonian's National Museum of the Native American!
Watch shows on OPB that celebrate Native American Heritage Month!
Check out the National Park Service's resources on Native American Heritage Month!
Read this history on the Confederated Tribes of Grande Ronde and explore their website!
Go to an event at the Multnomah County Library!
Search Multnomah County Library's indigenous collection.
Mark your calendar to attend the Northenders Powwow Drums gathering at Midland Library on Saturday, November 1st, 2025.
If you know a kid under age 6, bring them to Native Friends and Family Storytime at Holgate Library on November 4th!
Go to the Frybread Fest, a free event at Director Park on November 8th!
And keep an eye of for the City of Portland's public art installations celebrating Native American Heritage Month!
BEAT THE BELL
For the week of October 20-24, we had nearly 92% positive attendance (down from nearly 94% the week before) and 121 tardies (up from 119 the week before).
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:
- One day a week, offer your kid a “messy hair” day.
- Take advantage of free school breakfast; it’s earlier but some people swear by it!
- Have a family meeting and ask kids for ideas about getting out the door.
THE FEDERAL SHUTDOWN - WHAT IT MEANS FOR SCHOOLS AND HOW TO HELP
The National PTA has put together an action center on their website with steps that you can take to help ensure functioning schools during this time. Click here to go to the National PTA Action Center. Lawmakers have been unable to reach an agreement to fund government programs and operations for the next fiscal year, which led to a shutdown of the federal government that is already beginning to impact school operations and programs serving children across the country. At a time when our education system and families are strained, it is the time to increase, not decrease federal investments in programs like IDEA and Title I that uplift our nation’s families and schools. Take action today and urge Congress to end the government shutdown and reach an agreement that prioritizes our nation's children, families and schools!
MAKE A DIFFERENCE WITH THE PTA
We still have a few open PTA leadership positions and would love your help in filling them for the school year. There are regular and one-time or occasional positions that can accomodate a variety of schedules. Please consider the incredible impact that you can make by taking one of these on!
Open positions include:
- Someone to organize the Lost and Found Racks once a week.
- Office volunteers to support Nicole and Halima in the office.
- Weekly volunteers in the school library to help check books in and out.
- Regular volunteers to help monitor lunch and recess and to serve fruits and vegetables.
- Event volunteers (you can indicate a willingness to be added to a contact list as an occassional event volunteer)
- Volunteers to help teachers prepare for Arts and Literacy Night (which will be in March, but takes some preparation)
- Volunteers for the PPS PTA Clothing Closet on March 2
DONATE ITEMS FOR THE WINTER BAZAAR RAFFLE
We need your help to make the raffle extra special! We’re looking for fun and unique items to raffle off—think spa or beauty services, vacation rentals, local craft goodies, and tasty food and beverage treats. If you or someone you know can contribute, we’d love to hear from you!
All donation offers should be sent to Arley Laman at arleyann@me.com.
ARLETA BAKERS UNITE FOR THE WINTER BAKE SALE
Calling all Arleta Bakers to bring their delicious gifts to bear on the Winter Bazaar. The Winter Bazaar Bake Sale is always a collection of delectable holiday treats and we hope to include yours. Sign up by clicking the button below!
IVELIZ EXPLAINS IT ALL, BY ANDREA BEATRIZ ARANGO - 2023 NEWBERY HONOR
Except is that what happens? Of course not. Because no matter how hard Iveliz tries, sometimes people say things that just make her so mad. And worse, Mimi keeps saying Iveliz’s medicine is unnecessary—even though it helps Iveliz feel less sad. But how do you explain your feelings to others when you’re not even sure what’s going on yourself?
Powerful and compassionate, Andrea Beatriz Arango’s debut navigates mental health, finding your voice, and discovering that those who really love you will stay by your side.
- Click here to borrow the book from Multnomah County Library.
- Buy the book at Powell's Bookstore.
- Buy the book, ebook, or audiobook at Barnes and Noble.
- Purchase the book on Amazon.
- Go to the author's website!
What do you call the ghost of a chicken?
A poulty-geist.
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.
DIA DE MUERTOS CELEBRATIONS IN THE PORTLAND METRO AREA
Teatro Milagro
Portland’s longest-running Día de los Muertos celebration turns 30 this year! Each year, Milagro observes Día de los Muertos with the premiere of a new production, altar displays, and community events with the 5th annual Central Eastside Muertos Celebration. Visit their website to see event offerings including performances, workshops, bike decorating and more. The celebrations take place on Oct 31, Nov 1, and Nov 2. Teatro Milagro is located at 525 SE Stark Street, Pdx, 97214.
Beaverton City Library
On Sunday, November 2, from 1-4 p.m., head to the library for a teen art show, contribute to a community art piece and participate in crafts to celebrate Día de los Muertos. All ages are welcome at this free event. Beaverton City Library is at 12375 SW 5th St. in Beaverton.
Esther Short Park
On Saturday, October 18, from 2 to 8 p.m., Luminarias Dia De Muertos, invites the community to experience beautiful luminarias, traditional Mexican dancing, live music, guest artists, catrinas and activities for all ages. This event is free. Esther Short Park is at 605 Esther Street in Vancouver ,Washington.
Forest Lawn Cemetery & Mausoleum
On Sunday, November 2 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., enjoy food, face painting, an altar, dancers, a mariachi band and more at Forest Lawn Cemetery & Mausoleum, 400 SW Walters Dr. in Gresham. This event is free.
Gresham Arts Plaza
Join the Gresham Center for the Arts Foundation at the Gresham Arts Plaza on Saturday, November 1, from 4-8 p.m. for a Dia de los Muertos celebration. Here’s what you can expect:
- Live performances and music.
- Participate in family-friendly crafts and fact painting.
- Show off your best Catrina or Catrin attire to earn prizes.
- Get dinner and treats from food carts onsite.
The Gresham Arts Plaza is at 401 NE 2nd St. in Gresham. This event is free to attend.
M&M Marketplace
Join a Día de Muertos celebration with live music, beautifully decorated altars, contests, a photo booth and face painting on November 1 and 2 from 3 to 6 p.m. This event is free to attend. M&M Marketplace is at 346 SW Walnut St. in Hillsboro.
MESO Makers Market
On Saturday, November 1, from noon to 5 p.m., stop by the Dia de los Muertos Mercado celebration. This free event features Hispanic artisans, live music, traditional food and more. There’s also a catarina flower crown station for $20. MESO Makers Market is at 376 NE Sumner St. in Portland.
Zenger Farm
On Saturday, November 1, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., head to Zenger Farm for a Día de los Muertos celebration including farm activities, Oaxacan Cuisine prepared by La Cuchara, live performances, marigold harvesting and a community altar. This event has a sliding scale admission structure from $5-$100 per family. Zenger Farm is at 11741 SE Foster Rd. in Portland.
I AM FRANKELDA - NOV 2
Hollywood Theatre is screening I Am Frankelda at 3pm on Nov 2. Click here for a preview of the movie and tickets to the showing.
Cinema Fantasma’s I Am Frankelda (Soy Frankelda) — directed by Roy and Arturo Ambriz — has officially brought Mexico its first full-length stop-motion feature film.
Frankelda, a determined 19th-century Mexican writer, journeys into her subconscious to face the monsters she's written about. Guided by a tormented prince, she must restore the balance between fiction and reality before it's too late.
Built by hand with over 200 puppets and 50 miniature sets, Frankelda is a gothic fantasy celebrating imagination, craftsmanship, and Mexican artistry.
The Portland Latin American Film Festival (PDXLAFF) serves the community as a non-profit cultural promoter under the guidance of the Hollywood Theatre. We are dedicated to showcasing perspectives of Latin American culture through an exploration of Latin film and increasing the visibility of Latin American cinema locally. PDXLAFF presents films with universal appeal that can be enjoyed by native Spanish, Portuguese, and English speakers, and other lovers of the Latin culture.
FULLY FUND OUR SCHOOLS FORUM - NOV 6
November 6, 2025, 6 pm
Fully Fund Our Schools Forum (working title)
@ Sunnyside Elementary, 3421 SE Salmon St, Portland, OR 97214
Co-hosted by Community and Parents for Public Schools (CPPS) and Sunnyside ES Advocacy Parent Group
Agenda: Gather with our lawmakers and educational leaders, convene with fellow community members to learn how we can work towards supporting our students and public schools.
On behalf of the Community and Parents for Public Schools board, thank you for your engagement and interest to work to support our public schools together! Please reach out if you have any questions or if you are interested in a leadership role.
Email: cpps@cppsportland.org
Phone: (503) 220-0577
Website: https://cppsportland.org/
Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/cppsportland/
FREE FIRST THURSDAY AT PORTLAND ART MUSEUM - NOV 6
On the first Thursday of each month, the Portland Art Museum and PAM CUT Tomorrow Theater offer free admission from 10am-7pm. The museum brings global and regional art, culture and history to our city.
The museum also offers quarterly free admission day, usually on Sunday. Another way to get free admission to the museum is through Bank of America’s Museums on Us program. You can also get two free tickets from the Multnomah County Library Discovery Pass.
Children 17 and under always receive free admission along with veterans and active-duty military.
RPDX REPAIR CAFE - NOV 8
On Saturday, November 8, from 12-3 p.m., volunteers fix broken small appliances, repair bikes and mend clothing. There’s also tool and knife sharpening available.
The event is at Leaven Community Center, 5431 NE 20th Ave. in Portland. Sign up your item here.
For more information on upcoming events, visit the Repair PDX website.
LONE FIR CEMETARY HISTORICAL TOUR - NOV 8
Lone Fir Cemetary's Historical Tour highlights Portland’s founders, pioneers, famous and infamous figures, and interesting headstones and monuments.
The event takes place on the second Saturday of each month at 10 a.m. The tour will begin at the Soldiers Monument, located in the center of the cemetery, and will last about 2 hours.
Here are the dates left in 2025 for the Historical Tours.
- November 8
- December 13
Admission is a suggested donation of $10 and you can reserve a spot in advance online. Space is limited.
PORTLAND YOUTH PHILHARMONIC - RISING WINDS - NOV 8
Rising Winds Performance
Conducted by David Hattner, Musical Director:
- Percy Grainger - The Duke of Marlborough Fanfare
- Percy Grainger - Lincolnshire Posy
- Lisbon
- Horkstow Grange
- Rufford Park Poachers
- The Brisk Young Sailor
- Lord Melbourne
- The Lost Lady Found
- Gabriela Ortiz - La Calaca
Intermission
- Beethoven - Piano Concerto No. 5 in E-flat Major "Emperor", Op. 73
- Featuring Lucy Joo, piano
- Lucy Joo is the winner of the Portland Youth Philharmonic and Portland Piano International's 2024 Piano Competition
- Featuring Lucy Joo, piano
PORTLAND YOUTH PHILHARMONIC - CADENZA SERIES - NOV 16
PYP's Cadenza Series performance is on Sunday, November 16th, at 4pm, in George Fox University's Bauman Auditorium. Click here for tickets!
Three of Portland Youth Philharmonic’s ensembles—Portland Youth String Ensemble, Portland Youth Wind Ensemble, and Portland Youth Conservatory Orchestra—join forces for a fall concert that blends youthful spirit with dynamic storytelling.
The program opens with Xinjiang Folk Song Dance of Youth and Haydn’s lively Presto from Symphony No. 1, performed by the Portland Youth String Ensemble under the direction of Inés Voglar Belgique.
Next, the Portland Youth Wind Ensemble, led by Giancarlo Castro D’Addonna, performs a vibrant set that spans centuries and styles, including Mozart’s serene Ave Verum Corpus, Vaughan Williams’s Folk Song Suite, Yukiko Nishimura’s shimmering Winter Milky Way, and Todd Stalter’s rhythmically bold Rephrygeration.
David Hattner and the Portland Youth Conservatory Orchestra bring the afternoon to a stirring close with Nicole Buetti’s Restless Winds, Mendelssohn’s String Symphony in C Minor, and Giancarlo Castro D’Addonna’s sweeping Journey—a contemporary work that unites all three ensembles in a finale filled with color, energy, and emotion.
FREE CRAFT NIGHT AT COLLAGE ON DIVISION - NOV 18
Every third Tuesday, collage, the independent craft store at 3701 SE Division St., Portland, OR 97202, has a free craft along from 5-7pm.
FREE CONCERT AT THE OLD CHURCH - NOV 19
On the first and third Wednesdays of the month at noon, The Old Church concert hall hosts free Lunchtime Concerts. Built in 1882, The Old Church in downtown Portland is on the National Register of Historic Places. The concert venue hosts events meant to enhance the cultural life of the community and celebrate the building’s historic architecture.
The 2025 season invites audiences to view the show at the venue and from home. Each event will be open to the public, livestreamed on Youtube and broadcast on TV. Each concert program is one hour.
On Wednesday, November 19 at noon Musicorum Medicorum will perform is a trio of doctors by day and musicians by night. The trio consists of a piano, violin, and violoncello/
PROGRAM
J.S. Bach (1685-1750): Concerto in d minor (c.1730), BWV 1043, arranged for piano trio
II. Largo ma non tanto
Ernest Bloch (1880-1959): Three Nocturnes (1924)
I. Andante
II. Andante quieto
III. Tempestoso
Arno Babadjanian (1921-1983): Trio (1952)
I. Largo; Allegro espressivo
II. Andante
III. Allegro vivace
The Old Church is at 1422 SW 11th Ave. in Portland. For more information, visit TOC’s website.
LIST OF NEARBY(ISH) FOOD PANTRIES
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.
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!
Milk Crate Kitchen delivers meals twice a month. To learn more, click here for the Milk Crate Kitchen website.
To research more resources, go to the Oregon Food Bank Food Finder, Findhelp.org, or the Multnomah County Food Assistance page. For a comprehensive, city-wide list to check out, click here.To donate food, consider the Portland Food Project, which will pick up shelf-stable food from your home and deliver it to food pantries.
TRYON CREEK FREE GUIDED NATURE WALKS
Join Oregon State Park Rangers, volunteer naturalists and a park guide on free nature walks. Explore Tryon Creek’s forest and learn about the plants and animals that call the natural area home.
The activity is geared toward ages 5 through adult, but all ages are welcome. Kids must be accompanied by an adult.
The walks take place every Saturday from 10-11 a.m. and occasionally on Sunday.
Here are the upcoming guided hikes:
- October 11: Ask a Ranger
- October 18: Creepy Creatures
- October 25: Ghosts of Oregon State Parks
- November 1: Mushrooms
- November 8: Owls
- November 15: Fall Scavenger Hunt
No registration is required to participate in the free guided nature walks. Meet at the front of the Nature Center.
Tryon Creek Natural Area is located at 11321 S Terwilliger Blvd. in Portland. For more information, visit Friends of Tryon Creek’s website.
MULTNOMAH COUNTY LIBRARY EVERYBODY READS
This year's "Everybody Reads" program pick is Lovely One by Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson. Click here to buy tickets to see Justice Jackson discuss her autobiography live at Literary Arts and ask her questions, on Thursday March 12 from 7:30-9:30pm, at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall (tickets $35-$85). Click here to reserve a copy of the book (libraries often also have copies for you to keep, so check your local library branch).
From January through March, join your community at libraries for events around the book. Attend programs about history, the law and civic engagement. Celebrate the themes of Lovely One with creative activities like musical performance and art-making. Click here to see a calendar of Everybody Reads events.
Oregon PTA Releases Family-Centered Guidance Amid School Consolidation Talks -
As various school districts across Oregon consider consolidating schools in response to shifting enrollment and budget pressures, Oregon PTA is stepping in to support families with guidance around closure discussions.
Aligned with our PTA mission of "engaging and empowering families and communities to advocate for all children", this guidance aims
- to help families understand why a district might consider school closures
- to summarize research around the impact of school closures
- to provide guidance to families and districts about factors and processes to be considered for potential school closures.
The full guidance, which includes links to additional resources, can be found at https://www.oregonpta.org/advocacy/our-positions/school-closure-guidance
Oregon PTA encourages its members and families across the state to proactively, respectfully and collaboratively engage with their districts and with elected officials on issues affecting their children and their communities, including the case of school consolidations.
For questions and feedback, please reach out to our VP of Legislative Advocacy, Robin Roemer, at legislation@oregonpta.org.
RECORDING OF OREGON PTA EVENT ON SCHOOL LIBRARIES NOW AVAILABLE
On October 8, we talked with Kate Weber, Ayn Frazee, and Jean Gritter of the Oregon Association of School Libraries (OASL) about the dire state of school libraries in Oregon and what we can do.
You can now watch the full recording on our website.
Read the "State of School Libraries in Oregon Report".
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.
Email: ArletaSchoolPTA@gmail.com
Website: arletapta.org
Location: 5109 SE 66th Avenue
Phone: 503-916-6330
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArletaElementaryK5