Brentwood Bulletin

The tragic school shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend has left communities reeling. Our hearts are with the Bend community and all schools that have been impacted by gun violence and relive the trauma with every new mass shooting that is reported on the news. Friday, we kept school routines as consistent and predictable as possible, supporting students by offering them what they needed. Everyone moves through trauma and grief differently; if your student could benefit from an individual check-in this week, please let us know by calling the office, emailing me, or emailing one of our counselors directly:

Gwendolyn Kaplin (6th grade), gkaplin@pps.net

Adrian Calderon (7th grade), acalderon@pps.net

Maleka Allen (8th grade), mallen1@pps.net

This Wednesday is an early release for staff professional development, so students are dismissed at 1:45 p.m. and there is no sun programming. SUN will be running as usual on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday this week.

If you are interested in engaging in discussions around rightsizing in PPS, there is a community conversation planned for the Cleveland/Franklin cohort this coming Saturday at Cleveland @ Marshall campus from 9 a.m. - 11 a.m. You will find details of this and other sessions in the sections below.

School Picture Retakes are on Monday, October 26th. If you were not satisfied with how your student's photo turned out and you purchased a picture packet, please return it to school with them on Monday, 10/26 and we will send them down to the gym for a retake. If your student missed picture day and you'd like to purchase a packet for them, please send them with a completed photo order form, or complete one online and we will be sure they get their photo taken. To complete an online order, simply go to mydorian.com and type Brentwood Middle School into the school search. Then select "ORDER" on the school retake day line.

Please look for some fun updates from student leadership! We have moved to a digital system for our rewards system and students are super excited to see their "keys" converted into points in the Minga system online. This week, WEB leaders were busily counting and recording how many keys each student submitted so they could be converted to points online. Students will be able to place online orders that our WEB Leaders will fill and deliver directly to them! Our first online shopping will take place this week and we look forward to hearing student feedback.

This is the last full week of the first quarter, as next week there is no school for grading and planning (please see the calendar at the end of this newsletter). Please check ParentVUE for student progress as time is running out to make sure we end first quarter strong!

I know there is a lot going on in our community right now, and we are strong. Please know that when you send your babies to us, we love them and care for them like our own - we know the trust you place in us and we don't take it for granted. Thank you for being our partners in the most important work of all...growing this next generation of leaders.

Warmly,

Rosemarie El Youssef

Brentwood MS Principal & Proud Mama Bear

relyoussef@pps.net

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For families and communities of the Cleveland/Franklin region.

Join Superintendent Dr. Armstrong for a regional conversation with school communities impacted by the proposed Rightsizing scenarios. This is an opportunity to ask questions, explore potential changes and share perspectives, concerns and priorities directly with the Superintendent.

Flyers: English | Español | Tiếng Việt | 中文 (简体) | Русский | Soomaaliga

Se invita a las familias de habla hispana a unirse a PPS para una conversación comunitaria dirigida a la comunidad latina sobre los escenarios de ajuste de tamaño (rightsizing) recién presentados para la escuela secundaria Hosford Middle School.

Tras la publicación de los tres escenarios de ajuste de tamaño (Situación Actual, Escenario A y Escenario B), las familias tienen ahora la oportunidad de revisar las propuestas, hacer preguntas y compartir lo que los posibles cambios en las escuelas, los programas y las zonas de asistencia podrían significar para sus hijos y sus comunidades escolares.

Esta conversación está diseñada específicamente para familias de habla hispana; la presentación, la facilitación y el diálogo se llevarán a cabo en español. Las familias tendrán la oportunidad de participar directamente en su idioma preferido, explorar los escenarios propuestos y compartir las experiencias, prioridades y perspectivas que desean que los líderes del distrito tengan en cuenta a medida que avanza el proceso de ajuste de tamaño.

No es necesario haber revisado los escenarios ni haber preparado preguntas con antelación para participar. Ya sea que estén conociendo las propuestas por primera vez o que tengan preguntas específicas sobre su comunidad escolar, son bienvenidas a unirse a la conversación.

Las preguntas sobre esta iniciativa de participación pueden dirigirse a Reina Gomez, de la Oficina de Participación de Familias y la Comunidad.

Conversatorio de la comunidad Latinx

📅Jueves, 1 de octubre de 2026

📍Hosford Middle School | ⏰6:00p - 8:00pm

🗣️ Presentación y facilitación en español | Interpretación al inglés disponible

[English Translation]

Spanish-speaking families are invited to join PPS for a Latinx Community Conversation about the newly released rightsizing scenarios at Hosford Middle School.

With the public release of the three rightsizing scenarios (Status Quo, Scenario A and Scenario B) families now have an opportunity to review the proposals, ask questions and share what potential changes to schools, programs and boundaries could mean for their children and school communities.

This conversation is intentionally designed for Spanish-speaking families, with presentation, facilitation and discussion conducted in Spanish. Families will have an opportunity to engage directly in their preferred language, explore the proposed scenarios and share the experiences, priorities and perspectives they want district leaders to consider as the rightsizing process continues.

Families do not need to have reviewed the scenarios or prepared questions in advance to participate. Whether they are learning about the proposals for the first time or have specific questions about their school community, they are welcome to join the conversation.

Questions about this engagement can be directed to Reina Gomez in the Office of Family & Community Engagement.

Latinx Community Conversation

📅Monday, October 19, 2026

📍Hosford Middle School | ⏰6:00p - 8:00pm

🗣️ Presentation and facilitation in Spanish | English interpretation available

Families can also review the proposed scenarios and learn more about upcoming engagement opportunities through the PPS Rightsizing webpage.

The PPS Board of Education will continue its discussion of rightsizing at its upcoming meeting on Tuesday, October 20th.

Following the public release of the three rightsizing scenarios (Status Quo, Scenario A and Scenario B) PPS has entered the next phase of the process: exploring the proposals, gathering community perspectives and continuing the work that will inform the Superintendent's final recommendation to the Board.

The October 20th Board meeting is another opportunity for families, students, educators and community members to stay informed as the process moves forward. Families can follow the Board's discussion, review meeting materials and learn more about the district's ongoing work.

The scenarios remain proposals, not final decisions. Community engagement will continue as PPS considers the potential implications for students, schools, programs and boundaries ahead of the Board's anticipated decision in December.

Board of Education School Board Meeting

📅Tuesday, October 20, 2026

Dr. Prophet Education Center

Webpage | 🔗Watch Live | BoardBook Materials

We encourage families to stay connected and continue following the rightsizing process as information and updates are shared. Visit www.pps.net/rightsize for the latest information.

Black and African American families and community members are invited to join PPS for a dedicated Community Conversation about the proposed rightsizing scenarios at McDaniel High School.

With the public release of the three rightsizing scenarios (Status Quo, Scenario A and Scenario B) families now have an opportunity to explore the proposals, ask questions and share what potential changes to schools, programs and boundaries could mean for their children and communities.

In partnership with Self Enhancement, Inc. and the Center for Black Excellence, this conversation creates a dedicated space for Black and African American families to engage directly with district staff and share the experiences, concerns and priorities they want considered as PPS continues exploring the scenarios.

The conversation will center Black student experiences, school belonging, educational access and opportunity, community relationships and the historical significance of schools within Portland's Black communities. Families will have an opportunity to discuss what matters most to them and what district leaders should understand as the rightsizing process moves toward a final recommendation.

Families do not need to have reviewed the scenarios or prepared questions in advance to participate. Whether they are learning about the proposals for the first time or have specific questions about their school community, their perspectives are welcome.

Black/African American Community Conversation

📅Thursday, October 22, 2026

📍McDaniel High School | ⏰6:00pm - 8:00pm

🍽️ Food and Childcare Provided

Please RSVP Here!

Families can also review the proposed scenarios and learn more about upcoming engagement opportunities through the PPS Rightsizing webpage.

Students in Brentwood leadership have been hard at work creating a mini-career fair poster. Posters have been put up around the school and are already generating some good conversations about the future!

We are so excited about our first spirit week of the school year!

Brentwood Middle School is an inclusive community, and as such we do not "celebrate" Halloween. However, some of our students have been asking about wearing their costumes to school. While we plan spirit week activities for the week as a way to include all of our students in a community building activity, it is important to remember that not everyone engages in Halloween themed activities, and all students must follow dress code and make choices that keep our community feeling safe for all.

Even when participating in spirit days we are still obligated to uphold the dress code. Students may not wear anything that...

• shows or promotes alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, or drugs.
• depicts nudity, sexual content, or vulgar/inappropriate language.
• depicts hat speech or images that target groups based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, or other protected groups.
• is considered to be gang-related (clothing or symbols).
• includes profanity.
• threatens the health/safety of others.

Students may not paint or cover their faces in a way that makes them unrecognizable, and they should not bring props to school that resemble look-alike weapons, as that is also against our PPS policies.

Let's keep our spirit week fun for all!

Student Rights & Responsibilities Handbook 2026-27

You can find the dress code on page 7

Hello BMS SUN Families!

WEEKLY PROGRAM UPDATES:

Thank you all for your patience with the bus and scheduling! Please continue to email us and let us know of any concerns.

Secondly, if your child is using the SUN Activity Bus, we have asked the bus driver to come earlier, but they are getting stuck in traffic on 82nd. The bus has been picking up our students after 5:45pm, so please be patient as they are trying to get to us on time. He is also very strict on the rule of eating on the bus and sitting in their chair. Please help him out by making sure that your child is riding the bus safely.

If your student is still on a waitlist, please be patient as some classes are full. We will let you know if a space becomes available.

Here are a few REMINDERS for after school programming:

1. If your child has a SUN class, they are expected to be in the cafeteria right after the bell rings. Any student who leaves the building will not be allowed to attend SUN for that day. UNLESS, there was an excused absence and the parent/guardian notified SUN Staff. STUDENTS WILL NOT BE ABLE TO GO TO DAIRY QUEEN OR SAWYERS BEFORE SUN STARTS.

2. Pick up time for SUN is 5:30pm.

3. Transportation check! Please look at your email for your child’s SUN schedule. In that email, I listed the transportation allowed for your child. PLEASE MAKE SURE STUDENTS AND ADULTS ARE ON THE SAME PAGE ABOUT THEIR TRANSPORTATION. Once students are released from SUN at 5:30pm, they are expected to know what the plan is whether they are walking home, catching the SUN activity BUS, or an adult is picking them up at the front of the school.

4. After School attendance is important. 3 unexcused absences will result in dropping your child from the class. Please communicate with SUN Staff when your child is home sick or will need to miss SUN for the day.

5. NEW: AT THE END OF FALL TERM, THE TOP 14 STUDENTS WITH THE BEST ATTENDANCE WILL BE INVITED THE A ROLLER RINK FIELD TRIP AT MT. SCOTT COMMUNITY CENTER!

Thank you all for reading through everything! See you all tomorrow!

Sincerely,

SUN Staff

Brentwood SUN is here to provide fun enrichment programs that are inclusive for all, while maintaining the safety for those who are participating. Therefore we have created some Brentwood SUN Expectations that all Students will need to follow.

1. Positive and Appropriate Language Use at all times.

2. Cell Phone Policy Use: Cell Phones are to be used before SUN programs, Breakfast/Lunch, and after SUN programs. Cell phones will remain on Silent during the SUN Program. Families are encouraged to contact the SUN Site Manager Chelsea Kimura 971-917-6285 or the SUN Site Assistant Will Grebner 503-896-1473 for emergencies during the SUN working hours.

3. Attendance Policy: If you need to leave the program early, you MUST have a parent/guardian permission & check out with a SUN staff before leaving. Students are to sign in and out with specific times of coming in and leaving the Brentwood SUN Program. This helps us to keep track of students and to let families know when students are leaving the program. If you are concerned about your student’s attendance, please email the Brentwood SUN site manager Chelsea Kimura (Chelsea.kimura@portlandoregon.gov). WE DO NOT NOTIFY FAMILIES IF STUDENTS SKIP SUN. SO PLEASE LET US KNOW IF YOU NEED US TO REPORT YOUR CHILD'S ATTENDANCE.

4. ZERO tolerance for bullying. Respect instructors and peers at all times to help maintain our SUN space to be inclusive and safe for all.

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The activity bus will begin operating on the first day of programming. If you have selected the student discretion option, your student will be allowed to ride the activity bus home. Misbehavior may result in loss of bus privileges.

The bus usually leaves Lane at approximately 5:45 p.m. and ends its route at approximately 6:30 p.m.

The bus makes the following stops in this order:

1) Woodstock Elementary

2)SE Lambert & SE Flavel Dr

3) SE Duke & SE 68th Ave

4) SE Duke & SE 76th Ave

5) Woodmere School

6) SE Woodstock & 86th Ave

7) Wattles Boys & Girls Club

8) SE 97th & SE Woodstock Blvd

9) SE 92nd & SE Tolman

10) Kelly School

11) SE 92nd & Crystal Springs Blvd

12) SE 92nd & SE Harney Ct

13) Aspen Summit Dr (Mt Scott Apts)

14) SE Flavel & SE 92nd Ave

15) SE Flavel & SE 84th

16) Whitman School

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Link to donate: Brentwood Middle School 100 Years of Giving Fundraiser

If you prefer to donate by check, please make checks out to Lane MS PTA (we’re still in transition to our new name.) Checks can be mailed directly to the school or dropped off at the front office.

Want to stay in the loop and help make Brentwood an even better place for our kids?

We are looking for passionate, caring parents, guardians or community members to step into our open PTA board positions for this school year. We’re in need of an Assistant Treasurer and a Vice President. You don't need prior board experience—just a willingness to show up and support our students.

By becoming a member of the Brentwood Middle School PTA, you can help us advocate for our students and families. Your involvement strengthens our community and supports vital programs that enrich the educational experience.

If you have any questions or want to learn more about how families can be involved at Brentwood, feel free to reach out to board@brentwood-pta.org.

Brentwood families help make the middle experience great for our students. There are so many ways you can choose to be involved—from chaperoning a field trip to volunteering at a school event to helping with teacher appreciation.

We encourage every family to complete the Family Interest Survey to share how you would like to engage in our school community:

Brentwood PTA Family Engagement Survey

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October

10/21 - Early Release, students dismissed at 1:45 p.m.

10/26 - Picture Retake Day, Start of SPIRIT WEEK!

10/28 - End of Quarter 1

10/29 and 10/30 - NO SCHOOL, teacher grading and planning

November

11/11 - NO SCHOOL, Veterans Day

11/23-24 - NO SCHOOL, conferences

11/25-27 - NO SCHOOL, Fall Break

Link to the PPS 2026-27 School Calendar