Principal Schachner's Notes

Dear Forest Park Families,

As we wrap up our beginning-of-year events, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to our Forest Park community! From our back-to-school activities and family gatherings to our recent Fun Run, it has been wonderful to see so many families participating, connecting, and supporting our students and school.

As your new principal, these first weeks have been especially meaningful. I've appreciated the opportunities to meet families, hear your perspectives, and experience the strong sense of community that makes Forest Park such a special place.

Now, I'd love to hear from you!

With our beginning-of-year events behind us, this is a perfect opportunity to reflect on what worked well and what we could improve. I invite all families to complete a short Beginning-of-Year Events Feedback Survey. Your feedback will help us plan events that are welcoming, meaningful, and accessible to all our families.

Thank you for your partnership, your engagement, and the many ways you contribute to our school community. I'm looking forward to all that we will accomplish together this year!

Principal Schachner

All PPS schools are required to complete their duck, cover, and hold earthquake drills in October. When shaking begins or an earthquake alert is received on a cell phone:

• Drop immediately on your hands and knees.

• Cover your head and neck with one arm and hand (using the other to hold on to something sturdy if available). If a sturdy table or desk is nearby, crawl underneath it for shelter. If there is no nearby shelter, crawl next to an interior wall away from windows.

• Hold On until the shaking stops. If under shelter, hold onto it with one hand and be ready to move with the shelter if it shifts. If there is no shelter, hold onto your head and neck with both arms and hands.

• If you use a wheelchair or other mobility device, lock the wheels if applicable, remain seated, and protect your head and neck with your arms or another available object until the shaking stops.

• October is Earthquake Preparedness Month – chosen to align with the annual Great ShakeOut Drill, which is the world’s largest earthquake drill.

• The Great ShakeOut started in 2008 in Southern California and now has millions of participants worldwide every October.

• Oregon typically has hundreds of registered participants each year, including schools, businesses, and families practicing their earthquake plans.

• Small earthquakes happen all the time — Oregon averages ~20 earthquakes per day, most too small to feel.

• Scientists say practicing drills actually helps your brain respond faster during real emergencies — reducing panic and confusion.

• The ground in some areas of Oregon can shake like Jell-O because of soft soil layers — making it even more important to 'Drop, Cover, and Hold On.'

What a fantastic afternoon at Forest Park! Our Fun Run was a wonderful celebration of school spirit, community, and having fun together.

A huge thank you to Friends of Forest Park Elementary (FOFPE) for organizing this event and to all the family volunteers who helped make it such a success. We are grateful for the time, energy, and enthusiasm you bring to our school.

Thank you also to our teachers and staff for supporting students throughout the afternoon, and to our families for cheering everyone on!

Most importantly, congratulations to all our Foxes! It was wonderful to see students encouraging one another, showing determination, and having so much fun.

Events like the Fun Run remind us what makes Forest Park special—our strong community and the many ways we come together to support our students.

Thank you for making our Fun Run a success!

Y'ALL Summit 10/17 - Registration Open!

Fall Y’ALL Summit Registration is Open! The free Youth Advocacy Liberation and Leadership (Y’ALL) Summit will be held Saturday, October 17, 2026, from 10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. for K–12 LGBTQIA2S+ youth, families, educators, school staff, community partners, and allies to connect, learn, build leadership skills, and celebrate. Registration is required for all participants for safety purposes, so please share the registration opportunity with students and families who may be interested. Teachers, school staff, and community members can also register to volunteer, host a resource table, or lead a workshop; the event location will be shared with folx upon registration

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:

• Rec Tennis Tennis Afterschool Zone at Alameda (Oct. 14 - Dec. 2)

• Rec Tennis Tennis Afterschool Zone at Atkinson (Oct. 12 - Nov. 16)

• Rec Tennis Tennis Afterschool Zone at Beach (Oct. 13 - Nov. 17)

• Rec Tennis Tennis Afterschool Zone at Chief Joseph (Oct. 12 - Nov. 16)

• TeenForce at Southwest Community Center

Vaccinations, Health & Wellness:

• Free Community Vaccination Clinics (English) (Spanish)

• Multnomah County: Student Health Centers (fliers in English, Russian, Chinese, and Vietnamese):

• Cleveland HS

• Franklin HS

• Jefferson HS

• McDaniel HS

• Roosevelt HS

Community Events & Information:

• AFS Intercultural Programs: Host an Exchange Student

• Multnomah County: Common Application

• City of Portland: 311 Non-Emergency Hotline
  (Spanish) (Vietnamese) (Chinese) (Russian) (Somali)