THE GRANTONIAN
April 10, 2026
IMPORTANT DATES TO ADD TO YOUR CALENDAR
April 22β24 β One Act Play Festival, 7:00 PM
April 25 β Prom, 7:00 PM (Crystal Ballroom)
April 29 β One Act Play Festival, 7:00 PM
April 30 β One Act Play Festival, 7:00 PM & Verselandia (at the Schnitz)
πΈ May πΈ
May 1 β Furlough Day | No School (Building Closed)
May 4β15 β AP Testing
May 13β14 β Spring Dance Showcase, 7PM
May 14 β Student Art Show; Reception 4:30-7:30pm in the ART BUILDING
May 15 β Student Art Show; Open Gallery 8:30-3:30 in the ART BUILDING
May 20 β Athletic College Signing Ceremony - During Lunch
May 21 β Spring Choir Concert. 7PM |
Clothing Swap, Room 199 During Lunch
May 22 β Clothing Swap, Upper Commons During Flex
May 25 β Memorial Day | No School
May 26β27 β Senior Finals
May 27 β String Orchestra Concert, 6 PM
May 28 β Seniors' Last Day
π©΄ June π©΄
June 3β5 β Finals
June 4 β Seniors *required to attend* Rehearsal 10am @PSU
Class of 2026 Graduation (PSU), 7:30 PM
June 5 β Last Day of School
School Calendar Changes- Finalized
Dear Grant Community,
The school board has approved furlough days and the revised schedule for the remainder of the school year is below.
- Monday, May 1: No School
- Monday, May 4: All 8
- Tuesday, June 2: All 8
- Wednesday, June 3: Finals for Periods 1, 2, and 4
- Thursday, June 4: Finals for Periods 5, 6, and 8
- Friday, June 5: Finals for Periods 3 and 7 & Last day of school
There are no changes to the senior calendar. Senior finals will still take place on May 26th and 27th, with seniorsβ last day on May 28th. Graduation is still scheduled for June 4th, 7:30 pm @PSU.
Thank you for your continued support and flexibility as we adjust to these changes. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.
GRANT BOWL CLOSED
Lighting Installation and Temporary Field Closure at Grant Bowl
The lights are up! We are expecting full access to the track and field on Thursday this week. Please remain respectful of the workspace and stay off of the track and field until full access is available.
Field Closure: There will be no public access about a week. Schedules are subject to change.
Unauthorized personnel must not cross construction barriers or fencing. Entering the active work zone poses a significant safety risk and may result in costly project delays. We have already experienced several instances of the temporary fencing being torn down, causing delays.
Access to the field via the southeast entrance will be restored after the full closure. Fencing around the rest of the field will remain as crews finish up final tasks. The field will be open for planned athletic events.
Work to prepare the lights for operation is expected to continue through mid-May. Construction schedules are subject to change.
See Athletic Facility Upgrades for regular project updates.
GRANT SPOTLIGHT
We are proud to announce that the following students from Grant HS have been recognized as 2026 PPS All Star Award winners:
All Star Honorees:
Nevaeh Thomas - Young, Gifted & Black Diaspora Award
Amari Karia - Community Champion Award
Amica Dorfman - Community Champion Award
The All Star Awards honor students who demonstrate leadership, courage, and a commitment to uplifting their communities. These students represent the very best of our school, and we celebrate their impact both inside and outside the classroom.
Please join us in congratulating them on this incredible achievement!
A Cappella Choir Wins PIL!
Last Thursday, Grant's varsity choir, A Cappella, performed at and won the annual PIL Choir Festival! It's the first time A Cappella has been PIL Champs in four years. The win gives them an automatic berth to the State Choir Championships on May 9th. The choir had the highest scores of the day from all three judges and also placed 1st in sight reading!
The festival had over 300 students participating from 7 different PPS schools. Four other schools also qualified for state β a huge testament to the incredible work PPS choirs/teachers are doing. Below is a photo of all the choir together on stage. You can also watch A Cappella's full performance HERE.
Choir auditions for next year are happening now β if anyone wants to join this wonderful community of musicians, head to www.grantchoir.org for more information about how to sign up. Or, email Mr. Eisemann at jeisemann@pps.net. No experience needed, all are welcome!
Congrats to A Cappella β on to State!
CON TEAM IN D.C.
Grant Students Earn Top Honors in Statewide Stock Market Game
Grant High School students have achieved outstanding success in the 2025β2026 year-long session of The Stock Market Game, sponsored by the SIFMA Foundation and the Oregon Council on Economic Education.
Two Grant teams placed at the top of the High School Division:
- First Place: "Investing Vruz": Israel Tesfamariam, August Augustaf and Bennett Ferguson
- Third Place: "GOAT Investors": Zander Stultz-Bruggeman, Case Moran-Kuhn, Sawyer Brakken, Nat Weiner
These results highlight studentsβ strong skills in investing, financial decision-making, and teamwork through a real-world stock market simulation which are key components of Grantβs Career and Technical Education (CTE) Business courses.
Both teams will be recognized at the Oregon Council on Economic Educationβs awards event in Spring 2026.
Congratulations to our students on this impressive achievement!
SENIOR DIRECTED ONE ACTS
SENIOR NEWS
SPRING DANCE SHOWCASE
ATHLETICS
Athletics Schedule for the Week of April 20th
Athletics for the Week of April 27th Monday April 27th Baseball JV v Lincoln @ Gabriel Park 5pm, JV2 @ Irving 4pm Softball JV v Benson @ Wilshire 4pm Boys Tennis @ Wells @ Gabriel Park 415pm Boys Golf @ Seaside Invitational @ Astoria Country Club Girls Lacrosse @ Wells 745pm Tuesday April 28th Baseball Varsity v Lincoln 500pm Softball Varsity @ Wells 5pm, JV v Lincoln @ Wallace Park 4pm Boys Golf @ Redtail 1pm Girls Golf @ Heron Lakes 1pm Boys Lacrosse v Wells @ Delta Park 730pm Wednesday April 29th Softball Varsity @ Lincoln @ Wallace Park 430pm Baseball Varsity @ Lincoln @ Hillsboro Stadium 430pm Girls Tennis v Cleveland 415pm Boys Tennis @ Cleveland @ PTC 415pm Track and Field v Wells @ Wells 4pm Boys Volleyball @ Wells 5pm Girls Lacrosse @ Lake Oswego 730pm Thursday April 30th Softball JV v McDaniel @ Wilshire 4pm Baseball v Lincoln JV @ Irving Park 4pm, JV2 Gabriel Park 5pm Boys Golf @ State Preview @ Emerald Valley Golf Course 1200pm Friday May 1st Baseball Varsity v McDaniel 4pm Softball Varsity v Franklin 630pm Boys Tennis @ Bigfoot Invite Eugene, Oregon Girls Lacrosse v OES @ Grant Bowl 600pm
Please note that many of our spring sports are weather dependent.
Spring Sports Coach Info
Baseball - Matt Kabza - mkabza1@pps.net
Softball - Miranda Tamayo - mtamayo@pps.net
Track and Field - Kent Siebold ksiebold@pps.net
Boys Tennis - John Carolan - jcarolan@pps.net
Girls Tennis - Tiffani da Cunha - tidacunha@pps.net
Boys Golf - Aanen Trelstad - aatrelstad@pps.net
Girls Golf - Amanda Spanish - amspanish@pps.net
If you are interested in Club Lacrosse (Boys and Girls) Please see their websites for more information
Join us for a Gender-Affirming Clothing Swap for Grant students on May 21st during lunch in Room 199 and May 22nd during flex in the Upper Commons.
Clothing is an important way for many to express and affirm their gender identity, especially for trans and gender-expansive folks. However, clothing can be costly and hard to access, which creates barriers for students. This clothing swap aims to help remove those barriers, providing students with the opportunity to find clothes that align with their gender identity and feel more connected to their community.
Students and staff are encouraged to donate gently used clothing, whether itβs no longer your style or no longer fits. Please drop off your donations in the bin located in the Counseling Center by Monday, May 18th.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Catrina Knoerzer, cknoerzer@pps.net or Nicky Byram, nbyram@pps.net. We hope to see you there!
LIBRARY NEWS
Students to the Schnitz
Thanks to Literary Arts and donors to their Youth Programs, students who participated
in the Quarterly Book Study received copies of Keefe's book Empire of Pain as well as
tickets to the final Portland Arts and Lectures event of the season.
After hearing the lineup of authors for next season, we have already started compiling
our "Want to Read" lists!
VERSELANDIA - April 30th
Cheer on student poets Gio and Harriet as they represent Grant at Verselandia
(annual high school poetry slam presented by Literary Arts) on
Thursday, April 30th at 7 p.m. in the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall.
FREE student tickets are available in the library! Additional tickets can be purchased at this link.
Experience Art
The art building is about to be taken over for a massive display of talent on Thursday, May 14th & 15th for our annual visual arts show. About 1,000 students take part in the art program at Grant and everyone will have something to show. We truly hope you can join us.
As a fundraiser we are requesting a $5 entrance per person. Please join us in recognizing our students' talent, creativity and hard work!
Experience Art
Located in the Grant High School Art Gym
Student Art Show
May 14th & May 15th, 2026
Reception: May 14, 4:30-7:30
Open Gallery: May 15, 8:30am-3:30pm
$5 Donation Appreciated
NEW GRANT GEAR
STUDENT STORE
COLLEGE & CAREER CENTER
UPCOMING EVENTS
Portland PNACAC Spring College Fair: Sunday, April 26th, from 12 to 3 PM at the University of Portland
Free and open to the public, PNACAC fairs connect you with colleges and universities in one convenient location. Admission representatives from various schools across the country are all gathered in one place. Their goal: To encourage you to learn more about their institutions, and help you sort through the qualities youβre looking for in a college. Use your visit to explore your options, ask questions, and gather information.
11th Grade College & Career Information Night: Monday, April 27th, from 6:30 to 8:30 PM at Grant High School
Grantβs College & Career Information Night for Juniors and their families will include an opening presentation by representatives of the Counseling Team and College & Career Center, as well as a keynote on "Starting the College Search" and various sessions hosted by local college & career experts. There will be two sessions of each college & career presentation, and each attendee will have the option to select which sessions they attend. Students and parents/guardians are welcome to split up and participate in different sessions. Register now at bit.ly/GHS-CCNight26!
MaiaLearning & Common App Workshop for Juniors: Thursday, April 30th at 9:55 AM in the College & Career Center
This hands-on workshop during Flex will help juniors get a head start on how to use MaiaLearning and the Common App in their college application process. Snacks will be served! Students can register here.
The College Place: Virtual College Night: Thursday, April 30th at 6:00 PM
A presentation designed to help high school students and their families understand how education can change their lives, how to choose their education path, and learn how to pay for college. Identify what steps they can take now to prepare for education beyond high school. Presenter: Jenn Satalino, Director of The College Place-Oregon (ECMC). Click link to register.
Class of 2026 Senior Celebration: Monday, May 4th, from 10 AM to 4 PM in the College & Career Center
On Monday, May 4th, the College & Career Center will host a Senior Celebration. Seniors can stop by the CCC, room 128, to fill out their Senior Survey, enter to win prizes, put themselves on the Class of 2026 map, and grab a cupcake. Stop by so we can celebrate your plans for next year!
Essay Writing Workshop for Juniors: Thursday, May 14th at 9:55 AM in the College & Career Center
Nathan Faust, Undergraduate Admission Counselor at Loyola Marymount University, will be at Grant during Flex to present on how to start writing your college essays. This is a great way for students to get a jump on the college application process and start thinking about their essays. Students can register here!
Financial Aid for Families - Coalition for College Webinar: Wednesday, May 20th at 5 PM
Take the mystery out of paying for college. Join us for a live panel discussion with admissions and financial aid counselors from Coalition member colleges designed to help families understand options, navigate the process, and plan for college costs. Youβll hear actionable tips for how student supporters can guide conversations about cost, stay organized with requirements, and help students make informed choices. Bring your questions and leave with the knowledge and confidence to help support and fund your studentβs college journey.
5 Things You Can Do This Summer Workshop: Thursday, May 21st at 9:55 AM in the College & Career Center
Juniors! Come to the College & Career Center during Flex to hear about what you can do this summer to help you feel better prepared for the college application process and upcoming fall deadlines. Snacks will be served! Students can register here.
REGISTER NOW FOR SUMMER COLLEGE PROGRAMS
Willamette University Camp College: July 22nd to 24th at Willamette University; Deadline is May 18th
Camp College is an application-based program open to rising high school juniors and seniors committed to pursuing a four-year college or university education. To be eligible, applicants must:
Be on track to graduate high school in June 2027 or June 2028;
Be enrolled and attend a high school within the Willamette Valley;
Demonstrate a solid commitment to attending a four-year college or university; and,
Display leadership experience or potential.
Camp College provides rising juniors and seniors an opportunity to spend time at Willamette experiencing college life while making progress on their college search. This three-day, two-night camp experience offers students from Salem and the greater Willamette Valley to attend a sample college class, discover the differences between college types and sizes, and attend workshops that will better prepare them for a successful college application process.
Student Academy to Inspire Learning (SAIL): July 12th to July 17th at the University of Oregon
UO SAIL pre-college immersive summer programs inspire Oregon high school students to pursue, enroll and succeed in higher education. UO is offering FREE weeklong residential (overnight) programs for rising high school juniors and rising seniors, hosted on the University of Oregon Eugene campus, where high school students learn about various subjects from distinguished University of Oregon faculty members through fun, social, and interactive activities. REGISTER HERE!
SCHOLARSHIPS
We encourage students to start looking for scholarships now! The College & Career Center website features a running list of scholarships, as well as resources for finding additional opportunities.
Grant-specific scholarships:
2026 Hollywood Senior Center Scholarship: Deadline May 1st at 3:30 PM
The John and Eline Goss Scholarship: Deadline May 1st at 3:30 PM
The Jerry Exley Scholarship: Deadline May 1st at 3:30 PM
Additional scholarships with upcoming deadlines:
Sigma Phi Epsilon Balanced Man Scholarship: Deadlines Vary
Black United Fund of Oregon Scholarships: Deadlines Vary
Julie A. Keil Women in Hydro Scholarship: Deadline April 24th
2026 NAACP Scholarship: Deadline April 26th at 11:59 PM
National Center for Learning Disabilities Scholarships: Deadline April 26th
#RAREis Scholarship Fund: Deadline April 28th at 11 AM
The National Grocers Association Foundation Scholarships: Deadline April 30th
βUnboxing Your Lifeβ Video Scholarship By Sttark: Deadline April 30th at 11:59 PM EST
Red Egg Marketing Scholarship: Deadline April 30th
Orthopedic + Fracture Specialists Future Medical Professionals Scholarship: Deadline May 1st at 5:00 PM
University Of Oregon - Balanced Leader Scholarship: Deadline May 1st
Renaissance Scholars Program: Deadline May 1st
Oregon PTA Teacher Education Scholarship: Deadline May 1st
David Foster Memorial Scholarship: Deadline May 1st
Got a Spine Scholarship: May 2nd at 11:59 ET
Area I Inside Electrical Jatc Electrical Education Trust Industry Scholarship: Deadline May 4th
Elijah's Helping Hand Scholarship Award: Deadline May 12th
Ted & Holly Rollins Scholarship: Deadline May 15th at 11:59 PM
Women In Stem Empowerment Scholarship: Deadline May 15th
2026 Portland Federation of School Professionals (PFSP) Scholarship: Deadline May 15th at 5:00 PM
Women In Stem Empowerment Scholarship: Deadline May 15th
The Maude and Alexander Hadden Scholarship: Deadline May 15th
βCollege Here I Comeβ Essay Scholarship for High School Seniors: Deadline May 31st at 8:59 PM
American Indian College Fund Scholarships: Deadline May 31st
Richard R. Silver Memorial Scholarship: Deadline May 31st
2025-2026 Moda Health Scholar Athlete Scholarship: Deadline May 31st
βBroad Horizonsβ Scholarship for High School Juniors: Deadline May 31st
βCaretakers on the Climbβ Scholarship for Nursing Students: Deadline May 31st
Live it Upβs Community Health Ambassador Scholarship for Nursing Students: Deadline June 1st
Amie Dansby Women in Technology Awards: Deadline June 1st
SchoolHouse Connection Youth Leadership and Scholarship Program: Deadline June 2nd
Horatio Alger Career & Technical Education Scholarship Program: Deadline June 5th
2026 Portland Relocation Council Scholarship: Deadline June 15th
Teaching Like Teri Scholarship: Deadline June 16th
College JumpStart Gratitude Scholarship: Deadline June 30th
Detox.com Fall 2026 College Scholarship: Deadline July 31st
Career Exploration Opportunities:
1. Spring Career Days from the Portland Workforce Alliance (PWA):
PWA Law Career Day @ Tonkon Torp (Wednesday, April 29, 2026)
PWA Entrepreneurship Career Day with OEN (Wednesday, April 29, 2026)
PWA Portland Fire & Rescue Career Day (Friday, May 1, 2026)
PWA Kaiser Permanente Career Day (Friday, May 8, 2026)
PWA Holst Architecture Career Day (Thursday, May 14, 2026)
2. NEW! Free, weeklong summer CYBERSECURITY camp at Portland Community College's Sylvania campus in August.
Do you love technology, and are you ready for a challenge? This camp asks 8thβ11th graders to step into the role of cybersecurity pros. No experience requiredβjust a passion for problem-solving and a desire to stop digital 'bad guys.' Students gain technical skills as they solve a cybercrime in a workplace scenario.
Why is this a good thing?
Zero Cost: Completely free for all participants
Hands-On: Students use digital tools and learn to think like an adversary
High Demand: Introduces students to one of the fastest-growing, highest-wage career paths in Oregon
College Campus: A great way for students to experience a college environment and work with computer science instructors and their college students
There are 48 spaces available. The application is open now, and you can find all the details at nwcybercamp.org. Also, here's a list of scholarships for high school seniors interested in cybersecurity: https://nwcybercamp.org/college-scholarships/
3. Bodecker Foundation FREE summer art workshops: Space is limited, and applications are required for all workshops. Students can learn more and apply at www.bodeckerfound.org/workshops. Workshops in Slam Poetry, Screenwriting, Music Production/Recording, Portrait Drawing, and Printmaking.
4. Portland Metro Fire Camp for women aged 16-22 - this is a 3-day camp where you get hands-on with real firefighting skills led by professional female firefighters! Camp dates: July 17, 18, and 19. Apply today at link provided.
5. Unique Opportunity for JUNIORS and SENIORS to explore careers working on the water: Shipping Education: Opportunities on the River is taking place on April 29th!
This course is designed for high school juniors and seniors, and early college students who are looking into a career in the maritime industry. The course is divided into two parts:
Networking & Presentations: Where industry professionals will share their background and offer advice on how to break into the industry.
Boat Tour: Guided boat tour of the Columbia River showcasing important locations to the local maritime industry, such as Port Terminals, the Vigor shipyard, and more.
Feel free to reach out if you have any questions: li@pdxmex.com
6. Paid summer research opportunities: Institute for Computing in Research: Summer Research Internship Program Apply now!
7. Explore Healthcare Careers at Pacific University and/or OHSU - summer healthcare experiences for rising Juniors and Seniors (Synapse) and Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors (OHSU). Registration and links are in these flyers:
- Synapse at Pacific University
Prioritizing students who don't otherwise have these opportunities for career exposure through jobs, volunteering, parents, or school programming. If you have any questions, please reach out to Annie Price, Project Coordinator, OHWI AHEC.
8. Join Future Climate Collective's Student Leadership Team: for students interested in climate action, policy making and climate literacy. Learn more here.
9. Summer Jobs:
a) 9th-grade students! This is for YOU - work with Portland Parks Golf out on the course all summer:
The EAGLE Caddie Program (Early Adventures in Golf for a Lifetime of Enjoyment) introduces students to a paid summer caddying experience. Students apply during the spring of ninth grade, and those accepted begin caddying that summer. They continue through high school, gaining valuable work experience, mentorship, and a strong sense of community. No prior golf experience is required.
At the conclusion of the program, eligible students may apply for the Evans Scholarship, which offers significant funding to help students attend select universities, including the University of Oregon. In 2025, two EAGLE Caddies were awarded Evans Scholarships, joining a strong group of current and past scholars.
Beyond financial support, the program is designed to build confidence, foster stewardship, and empower students, particularly those from underrepresented socioeconomic backgrounds, to pursue higher education and long-term success. Applications are open now through Friday, May 1.
b) Apply for OMSI Camp Counselors positions - must be 16 by June 1st to apply -
Summer Camp Counselor - Camp Gray in Newport, OR
Summer Camp Counselor - Camp Hancock in Fossil, OR
More sizes available. Please email grantbrothersofcolor@gmail.com to request.
GRANT GIVES
GRANT CHOIR FUNDRAISERS
GRANT GRAD AFTER PARTY!
SENIORS! EARLY BIRD tickets are now available on SchoolPay for the GRANT GRAD AFTER PARTY! Itβs a Grant tradition with a NEW secret location this year (promise!) Weβll be rolling details out as the event gets closer - in the meantime, rally your friends and snag your seat! Buses leave immediately following the grad ceremony, and we get you back in time to sleep, then beach (if that's your thing).
AFTER SCHOOL TUTORING
**Please note that the date may be adjusted to best support the needs of our students. We look forward to connecting with you and continuing conversations!
Thank you for your continued support!
REPORT UNSAFE BEHAVIOR
CERTIFIED DRUG AND ALCOHOL COUNSELOR
Jennifer Siegel, CADC2, is the Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor at Grant, here to support students in navigating substance use and recovery. Whether you need clear insights into substance use and abuse, help identifying sober skills, or support through screenings and assessments, Jennifer is available to assist you. She also can offer support groups, family consultations, and guidance for students returning from residential treatment, as well as help with discipline referrals to Insight and connections to helpful resources. If youβre looking for someone to listen, help you create a plan, and support you in developing sober skills, donβt hesitate to reach out. To schedule time with Jennifer, complete the self-referral form.
STUDENTS TAKING MEDICATION
If you have a student that requires medication while at school or has a health condition that the school needs to be aware of, please reach out to Nurse Tegan Leipzig, RN, NCSN tleipzig@pps.net
or call 503-916-5160 to be connected.
Please note, forms and parent authorizations need to be updated annually.
ALL PPS STUDENTS GET FREE BREAKFAST/LUNCH
Every Grant Student may get one free breakfast and one free lunch each school day from the school cafeteria.
