DOLPHIN DIGEST 10/28/2026
Weekly Newsletter by Arleta School and Arleta PTA
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
ARLETA PTA'S RIGHTSIZING COMMUNITY PERSPECTIVES SURVEY
The Arleta PTA is seeking feedback from our school community on the current rightsizing proposals. Both PPS Scenarios A and B propose closing Marysville as a K-5 school in fall 2028 and moving much of its school community to Arleta. The other local option, so far, is keeping the schools separate.
This is an opportunity for you to share questions, concerns, potential positives, requests for more specific information. Mixed feelings and a few words welcome. This isn’t a vote. The Arleta PTA will bring themes and questions to PPS and the School Board and share what we learn back with both communities.
The Marysville community is being invited separately to the same survey.
Respond by Sunday, November 1 for our first summary. Later responses are welcome.
Thank you for taking a few minutes to share your thoughts and perspective with the PTA!
THE SEPTSA REPORT ON RIGHTSIZING NOW AVAILABLE
The Portland Special Education Parent Teacher Student Association (SEPTSA) is a city-wide PTSA for parents, teachers, and students working with special education needs. The SEPTSA supports local PTA/PTSAs in engaging special education families and student, provides trainings, purchases neuroaffirming books for school libraries, organizes resource fairs, hosts social events for families, and provides advocacy.
SEPTSA has written a report on how rightsizing could affect students who receive special education services. It covers our questions and concerns about school closures, program moves and how changes would be carried out. Our members voted to approve the report. We sent it to the PPS School Board, Rightsizing Committee and Superintendent on Tuesday, October 20.
FIND WHAT YOU SEEK AT THE LOST AND FOUND
The Arleta Lost and Found is overflowing! Help!
Recover your lost items today!
BEAT THE BELL
For the week of October 12-16, we had 94% positive attendance (slightly down from 95% the week before) and 113 tardies, averaging to 22.6 tardies a day (lower than last week's 24 tardies a day).
Getting kids in their seats and ready to learn on time starts them out on the right foot, in sync with their peers instead of starting the day already struggling to catch up. This column will give you weekly tips and tricks for getting to school on time.
This week's tips for getting to school on time:
Make sure everything your kid needs for the day is right by the door the night before.
Designate turns in the bathroom in the morning, set a timer for fairness
Get kids an old-fashioned alarm clock for their room and help them practice using it.
To Report Your Child's Absence
Call the Attendance Office - 503-916-6334
Call Arleta's Main Office - 503-916-6330
Email: arletaattend@pps.net
TODAY: COSTUME EXCHANGE ENDS - OCT 28
We still have costumes looking for new homes, so if you have a last-minute need, the final costume exchange is today, Wedneday, October 28th from 2:20–2:40 p.m., during and just after pickup in the breezeway.
Contact sustainability@arletapta.org with questions.
ARLETA FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT - THE INCREDIBLES - NOV 6
It takes a will of steel to hide your superhero talents from a world that still needs you, yet no longer appreciates what you can do. Bring your kids to the cafeteria enjoy the action-packed adventures of an unusually talented family for our next Arleta Family Movie Night, Friday, November 6th, doors opening at 5:30, movie starting at 6pm. The next movie selection is Pixar's The Incredibles!
Bring camping chairs for seating. There will be concessions for sale, including pizza and popcorn. Students must be accompanied & supervised by an adult.
PICTURE RETAKE DAY - NOV 10
Pictures can be ordered through the Dorian website-- https://mydorian.com/ --or you can pick up a paper order form from the Arleta office.
RUBY BRIDGES WALK TO SCHOOL DAY - NOV 13
Join Arleta families for a special community walk to school honoring Ruby Bridges and the walk she should have had, surrounded by support and community.
Two organized walks on Friday, November 13 will leave at 7:30 a.m. from Eastside Kern Park and SE 67th & Ramona, arriving at Arleta in time for breakfast. Along the way, students will encounter Ruby’s story through posted displays as we walk together in her honor.
Parents are welcome to walk with us, but they don’t need to. Families may also drop students off at either starting point, where adult volunteers will walk with them safely to school.
Questions? Contact saferoutes@arletapta.org.
COMMUNITY CARE DAY - NOV 14
Help us care for the school we share! Join us for our Fall Community Care Day as we tackle fallen leaves, tidy up our school grounds, and get things ready for winter.
9am to 12pm on Saturday, November 14th. Tools, hot coffee, and donuts will be provided.
Whether you can lend a hand for 30 minutes or a few hours, we'd love to see you there. Every little bit of help makes a big difference!
PPS BOARD COMMUNITY CONVERSATION - NOV 14
Board of Education Community Connection
November 14, 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Franklin High School
An informal, open-house style opportunity for students, families, staff and community members to connect with Board members, review "rightsizing" information and share feedback.
RSVP FORM Please RSVP for this engagement opportunity or for other opportunities that work best for you. Your RSVP helps us anticipate participation and plan for interpretation and other available accessibility supports.
SEASON OF GIVING DRIVE STARTS - NOV 16
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ARLETA GENERAL PTA MEETING AND SPECIAL ELECTION - NOV 16
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DINE-OUT AT PIZZERIA OTTO - NOV 18
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DINE-OUT AT FRIED EGG I'M IN LOVE ON HAWTHORNE - NOV 20
Who? Fried Egg I'm in Love (on Hawthorne)
Where? 3549 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Portland, OR 97214
When? Friday, November 20, 2026 from 7:30am to 3:00pm.
What? Come grab breakfast or lunch and fundraise for the PTA while doing so! A portion of the day's profits will be donated to Arleta.
TEACHER SUPPORT PROGRAM STILL SEEKING VOLUNTEERS
Volunteer with the Teacher Support Program! We are always needing more volunteers and we particularly NEED support in all of our PE classes with Ms. Hannah.
-Please ensure you have completed the following:
- Get your PPS background check completed (will be required).
- Join us in an Arleta parent run teacher support model by filling out this form.
Poems are little packets of creative writing: stories, details, thoughts that quickly and intensely explore little and big life experiences. Reading a poem to your child is a great way to promote literacy and to start conversations about things that your child notices and what's important to them. Each week, we feature a different poem that you are your child can read together.
Squash!
SIGN UP TO BE A VOLUNTEER WHEELCHAIR REPAIR MECHANIC - VARIOUS DATES, OCT
When a wheelchair breaks down, users often face weeks or months-long wait times for simple repairs from corporate DME (Durable Medical Equipment) companies. This isn't just an inconvenience; it is a crisis of independence that leads to social isolation, health complications, and lost autonomy.
The Wheelchair Repair Shop is creating a system where the community takes care of its own. Together, we are building a world where no one is left stranded.
Volunteer with The Wheelchair Repair Shop in Montavilla neighborhood, learn skills and help your community all at the same time. No experience necessary. All volunteers will be partnered with experienced technicians. Volunteer tasks may include - disassembling donated items, cleaning, labeling, inventory, and other hands on tasks as needed during the shift.
The Wheelchair Repair Shop is located at 403 SE 80th Ave, Portland, OR 97215.
Email inquiries to info@wheelchairrepair.org or call (503) 208-4244.
MEMORIES OF SUMMER AT COLLINS GALLERY
The Collins Gallery on the third floor of the Multnomah County Main Library (801 SW 10th) is used for exhibits created by library personnel or by community members in cooperation with library personnel. Use of space by a community organization does not constitute an endorsement of the organization's beliefs by the library.
Memories of Summer (running Sept 17 - Nov 29, 2026) tells the story of three Latin American artists: Guisy Tello from Guatemala, Orlando Almanza from Cuba, and Erick I. Rodriguez from Venezuela. They explore memory, belonging, and identity through reflections on their childhood homes and will revisit moments that shaped who they are today in painting and photography.
Artist: Guisy Ceballos- Guatemala
website: www.guisyfineart.com
Instagram: guisyfineart
Artist: Orlando Almanza - Cuba
Website: www.orlandoalmanza.com
Instagram: orlandoalmanzaart
Artist: Erick I Rodriguez- Venezuela
Website: www.criollopaintings.com
Instagram: criollopaintings
FREE MOVIE NIGHTS IN A PUMPKIN PATCH - EVERY FRIDAY IN OCTOBER
Yesteryear Farms hosts free movie nights every Friday in October in their pumpkin patch. Yesteryear Farms is located at 26801 SW Stafford Rd. Wilsonville OR 97070. The remaining movie schedule is as follows:
- Oct 30: Haunted Mansion (starts at 7pm)
Movie Night Details:
Dogs are welcome to movie nights. Please note they can get busy, plan accordingly.
This is a family friendly event. Outside food is allowed. Absolutely NO outside alcohol.
Everyone is welcome to join!
Movie nights are every Friday throughout the Fall season and free!
Please bring your own chairs or blankets to sit as they will not be provided.
The movie is in the patch and is uncovered.
LOCAL PUMPKIN PATCHES
Bella Organic & Portland Pumpkin Farm
Corn maze: August 22-October 31, 2026
Pumpkin patch: September 26-October 31, 2026
Bella Organic Farm is at 16205 NW Gillihan Rd. in Portland. Visit their website for more details.
Plumper Pumpkin Patch
September 19-November 1, 2026
Plumper Farms is at 11435 NW Old Cornelius Pass Rd. in Portland. Visit the Go to their website for more details.
The Pumpkin Patch
Late September-October 2026
The Pumpkin Patch is at 16511 NW Gillihan Rd. in Portland. Get more information on their website.
Topaz Farm
Fall Harvest begins September 26-27, 2026, followed by October weekends.
Topaz Farm is at 17100 NW Sauvie Island Rd. in Portland. Go to their website for more details.
Lee Farms
September 19-October 31, 2026
Lee Farms is at 21975 SW 65th Ave. in Tualatin. Go to their website for more details.
$5 DAY AT OMSI - NOV 1
Once a month OMSI drops the price of general admission to $5 per person. This gives you access to OMSI’s permanent exhibits and labs. Most free days take place on Sunday. The next $5 day at OMSI is Sunday, November 1st.
You’ll also get $5 tickets on special exhibitions, Empirical Theater and Kendall Planetarium shows, and tours of the USS Blueback Submarine.
MODERN KINTSUGI REPAIR WORKSHOP WITH REPAIR PDX - NOV 1
Modern Kintsugi Repair Workshop
Sunday, Nov. 1, 2-5 p.m.
Leaven Community, 5431 NE 20th Ave., Portland, OR
Kintsugi (金継ぎ, gold joinery) is the Japanese craft of repairing ceramics. Fractures are no longer weak points, but beautiful elements. This philosophy is often taught as embracing imperfections in our life, the beauty of human flaws. During the three-hour workshop, you will learn how to repair ceramics with the modern Kintsugi methods, finishing the joints with gold powder.
TWEEN COUNCIL AT HOLGATE LIBRARY - NOV 3
Tue Nov 3 2026
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Holgate Library
Help your librarian choose the best books, movies, comics, programs and events for you and your friends. Have fun working on special projects, making new friends, and creating the perfect library for you! This is a volunteer position and snacks will be provided. For kids ages 9-12.
MT. SCOTT/ARLETA NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION MEETING - NOV 4
The next Mt. Scott-Arleta Neighborhood Association Meeting is October 7th from 6:30-8:30pm. This is a hybrid meeting...in person and virtual. To attend in person, go to Mt. Scott Community Center, Suite 203 (Mt. Scott Community Center is located at 5530 SE 72nd. Access the Zoom Meeting Link here. To check out their website, click here!
LEGO CLUB AT HOLGATE LIBRARY - NOV 6
Fri Nov 6 2026
3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Holgate Library
Join us for a fun and imaginative LEGO building session. We'll provide the building blocks, you bring the creativity! Ideal for grades K-5, but younger and older siblings are welcome.
READ TO THE DOGS AT WOODSTOCK LIBRARY - NOV 6
Fri Nov 6 2026
4:30 PM - 5:30 PM
Woodstock Library
Improve your reading skills and make a new friend by reading aloud to a therapy dog. For kids and teens. Call 503.988.5123 to register.
PRINTMAKING FOR KIDS AT HOLGATE LIBRARY
Sat Nov 7 2026
2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Holgate Library
Kids, come learn the art of printmaking from artist Jess Graff. Design and create your own prints using repeat and mono-printing techniques. This program is aimed at kids (grades K-4)
WHISKERS FOR WELLNESS AT WOODSTOCK LIBRARY - NOV 7
Whiskers and Tails: Bunnies for Wellness!
Sat Nov 7 2026
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Woodstock Library
Join Whiskers and Tails for a heartwarming day of rabbit-assisted wellness and learning. Experience the calming presence of rabbits through guided interactions. A gentle, enriching event designed to promote relaxation, connection, and emotional well-being for all ages.
FOSTER-POWELL NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION MEETING - NOV 9
The next Foster-Powell Neighborhood Association Meeting is this Monday, November 9, from 6:30-8:30pm.
General meetings are always the second Monday of the month from 6:30 – 8:30 PM with the exception of August. Check meeting notices for location. All neighbors are welcome at meetings. Anyone who lives, works, or owns property in Foster-Powell is considered a neighbor.
If the FPNA website hasn't been updated, generally meetings are hybrid (in person with a virtual option) and are held at Mt. Scott Community Center (map) with the virtual option at this Zoom link Dial-in Number: (253) 215- 8782 | Meeting ID: 839 5449 4883 | Passcode: 500305.
LEGO CLUB AT WOODSTOCK LIBRARY - NOV 10
Tue Nov 10 2026
3:30 PM - 5:00 PM
Woodstock Library
Join us for a fun and imaginative LEGO building session. We'll provide the building blocks, you bring the creativity! Ideal for grades K-5, but younger and older siblings are welcome.
GRAPHIC NOVEL CLUB FOR GRADES 4-5 - NOV 10
Tue Nov 10 2026
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Holgate Library
Kids in grades 4-5 are invited to talk about graphic novels and eat snacks! Every meeting includes a short activity related to this month's book. A limited number of books are available for pick up at the library.
CRAFTERNOON FOR ADULTS - NOV 11
Wed Nov 11 2026
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Holgate Library
Join a make-and-take crafternoon! Each craft will be selected from the library's craft book collection.
This event is first come, first served.
LITTLE WOMEN THE MUSICAL AT CLEVELAND HIGH SCHOOL - NOV 11-14
Cleveland HS: Little Women...the Musical
Nove 11-13 at 7pm and Nov 14 at 2pm.
Marshall Campus, 3905 SE 91st Ave, Portland, OR 97266, USA
Based on Louisa May Alcott's life, Little Women follows the adventures of sisters, Jo, Meg, Beth and Amy March. Jo is trying to sell her stories for publication, but the publishers are not interested – her friend, Professor Bhaer, tells her that she has to do better and write more from herself. Begrudgingly taking this advice, Jo weaves the story of herself and her sisters and their experience growing up in Civil War America. Music by Jason Howland, Lyrics by Mindi Dickstein, and book by Allan Knee.
Read more about the musical at their student newspaper, here!
DJ SKILLS FOR BEGINNERS AT HOLGATE LIBRARY - NOV 12
Thu Nov 12 2026
3:30 PM - 5:30 PM
Holgate Library
Step into the world of beats, rhythms, and melodies as you learn what it means to be a DJ. This program offers an immersive and hands-on introduction to the craft of DJing. Both tools of the trade and strategies of the art will be studied.
This event is first come, first served.
TWEEN COUNCIL AT WOODSTOCK LIBRARY - NOV 13
Fri Nov 13 2026
4:15 PM - 5:15 PM
Woodstock Library
Help your librarian choose the best books, movies, comics, programs and events for you and your friends. Have fun working on special projects, making new friends, and creating the perfect library for you! This is a volunteer position and snacks will be provided. For kids ages 9-12.
TORTILLA, SOPE 7 GORDITA MAKING WITH FRESH CORN MASA - NOV 14
Tortilla, Sope & Gordita Making with Fresh Corn Masa
Sat Nov 14 2026
2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Woodstock Library
Compartiremos nuestras recetas favoritas y hablaremos sobre la historia del maíz en las culturas indígenas de América, así como los beneficios para la salud del método tradicional de procesamiento del maíz, la nixtimalización. Este evento es de cupo limitado y requiere inscripción previa. La inscripción se abre el 10/24 a las 10:00 am.
GRAPHIC NOVEL CLUB GRADES 2-3 AT WOODSTOCK LIBRARY - NOV 19
Thu Nov 19 2026
3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Woodstock Library
Kids in grades 2-3 and their favorite adults are invited to talk about graphic novels and eat snacks! Every meeting includes a short activity related to this month's book. A limited number of books are available for pick up at the library.
READ TO THE DOGS AT WOODSTOCK LIBRARY - NOV 20
Fri Nov 20 2026
4:30 PM - 5:30 PM
Woodstock Library
Improve your reading skills and make a new friend by reading aloud to a therapy dog. For kids and teens. Call 503.988.5123 to register.
LAST SUNDAY CRAFTING CLUB FOR ADULTS - NOV 29
Last Sunday Crafting Club for Adults
Sun Nov 29 2026
12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Woodstock Library
Express your creativity with a variety of art and craft projects. Library staff will provide all materials necessary.
Space is limited; this program is intended for adults.
FRANKLIN HIGH SCHOOL'S ANNUAL WINTER DANCER PERFORMANCE - DEC 10 THROUGH 12
Franklin HS: Dance at Franklin's Annual Winter Dance Performance
December 10-12·7:00 – 10:00pm
Franklin High School Auditorium, 5405 SE Woodward St, Portland, OR 97206, USA
Organizer Name & Email: Sonia Kellermann, amwagner@pps.net
Demonstrations of dance technique in multiple styles, strength routines, flexibility and spatial awareness exercises as well as excerpts of repertory, works in progress, and original student choreography. This performance is the principle fundraiser for Arts Alive.
https://www.danceatfranklin.org/
Email: ArletaSchoolPTA@gmail.com
Website: arletapta.org
Location: 5109 SE 66th Avenue
Phone: 503-916-6330
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArletaElementaryK5