Capitol Hill Weekly Update

I wanted to share a brief update and keep you all informed about the districtwide process Portland Public Schools uses to determine staffing and what families at Capitol Hill can expect in the coming weeks.

Each February, PPS principals participate in a central office process where we receive enrollment projections, staffing allocations, and program requirements for the upcoming school year. These staffing allocations are determined at the district level and are based on projected enrollment. They guide decisions such as the number of classrooms and instructional guidelines required at each school.

Using this information, schools develop schedules and staffing plans within PPS guidelines for instructional minutes, curriculum, and program requirements. These plans are then reviewed by central office to ensure consistency and equity across schools.

At Capitol Hill, our Instructional Leadership Team (ILT) and Site Council engage in this district process by reviewing school data and determining priorities. If Capitol Hill is allocated any discretionary staffing by the district, these teams provide input on how those limited resources could best support students.

As many families are aware, PPS—and districts across our region—are navigating budget reductions, and some schools may experience staffing changes as a result. Families across the district, including Capitol Hill parents, have been participating in community listening sessions to share their perspectives, and we are grateful for the time, care, and thoughtfulness families have brought to these conversations.

I will share updates at our Principal Coffee on Friday, February 13 at 8:10 a.m. and at the PTA meeting on Tuesday, February 11 from 6:00–7:00 p.m. We are moving through this district process thoughtfully, keeping students and our school community at the center of our decisions. Thank you for your continued partnership as this process moves forward.

In service to students,

Febe Armendariz

Principal

farmenda@pps.net

We’re happy to share an update about our school counseling program.

Erika Moller, our school counselor, has returned from leave and is now back at Capitol Hill half time. Erika was assigned to our school last May, and we’re glad to welcome her back to our community.

During her leave, Martin Yonn served as our school counselor, and we’re grateful that he has accepted a half-time position to continue supporting our students and provide continuity in our counseling program.

Together, our counselors support students in many important ways, including:

Teaching Tier 1 social-emotional learning lessons
Collaborating with teachers on SEL curriculum and classroom supports
Facilitating Tier 2 small groups, such as friendship skills and self-regulation
Managing 504 plans and supporting students’ access needs

Moving forward, Erika will serve as the 504 case manager for 4th and 5th grade students, while Martin will continue case managing 504s for students in grades K–3. Erika and Martin will have overlapping time on Wednesdays, allowing them to collaborate and consult to best support students.

Erika’s schedule: Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday afternoon
Martin’s schedule: Wednesday morning, Thursday, and Friday

Below is a brief message from Erika and Martin, who are excited to continue supporting Capitol Hill students and families together.

We’re grateful to have both Erika and Martin working together to support the social, emotional, and academic success of our students.

If you have questions about counseling supports, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Hi, my name is Erika Moller and I going to be joining Mr. Martin here in the counseling office at Capitol Hill Elementary School. I was born and raised in SW Portland, moved away for a little bit, and have been back for nearly 20 years now! I previously worked as a counselor at Sabin Elementary School in NE Portland, took a little time off to care for my family and myself, and now I am back and excited to be here. I look forward to meeting your children and all of you as time goes. Please come say hello anytime. When I am not here at Capitol Hill, you might find me on Mt Hood hiking or snowboarding, exploring hot springs, reading a book, cooking, walking my dogs, running, and likely with my own two kids! Again, I look forward to meeting everyone. Feel free to contact me at emoller1@pps.net or by calling the school.

Erika Moller

School Counselor

I have had a wonderful year watching our students learn and play throughout Capitol Hill, and I’m truly thankful for the opportunity to continue working with them through the end of the school year. It has been a privilege to work with such a vibrant, empathetic group of students, and being part of the Capitol Hill community has been a highlight of my first year in the counseling profession. While changes in routines can sometimes be challenging, they can also bring new opportunities for connection and growth, and I’m excited that students will benefit from having two counselors working together to support them. I’m grateful to remain at Capitol Hill and look forward to continuing to support our students and families.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me at myonn@pps.net or through ParentSquare.

Martin Yonn

School Counselor

Melissa Hamilton is joining the 3rd grade team for the second semester as an Educational Assistant, working with students in the mornings during both math and language arts.

Many families may recognize Melissa from her time as a Capitol Hill parent (Maddy is now a senior at Wells, and Evelyn is in 7th grade at Jackson), a 5th grade classroom teacher, or as a regular substitute teacher here at Capitol Hill. Melissa is a licensed teacher with a master’s degree in education, has been teaching since 2005, and is currently earning a master’s in clinical mental health.

She is excited to be working with our 3rd graders—many of whom she has known since kindergarten—and to continue supporting students’ learning and growth.

OBOB Teams and Supporters!

This is a reminder that the OBOB Pool Play Battles and Tournament are quickly approaching!

This year the schedule looks a little different:

Pool Play Battles: February 2-9 during lunch recess (11:15am - 11:45am)

Tournament: February 18 (2:30pm - 5:15pm-ish)

OBOB Supporters (parents, guardians, family members) are welcome to come support OBOB teams during the Pool Play Battles and Tournament! Remember that you will need to check in at the office prior to viewing so please allow enough time to do so. Also please note seating in the battle rooms will be limited so be prepared to stand.

Monday: Cheese Tortellini with Marinara

Tuesday: Chicken Tenders

Wednesday: Pancakes with Chicken Sausage and Berry Compote

Thursday: Cheese or Pepperoni Pizza

Friday: Grilled Cheese with Tomato Soup

Here is the link for the page that has monthly menus for both breakfast & lunch:
https://www.pps.net/departments/nutrition-services/menus

Our school year calendar has all of the important school-related dates for your reference.

2/11-Early Release 11:50 AM
2/11-PTA Meeting 6-7 PM
2/13-Principals Coffee-8:30 AM (New Date)
2/16- No School
2/20 Family Fun Night- School Dance, 6-8 PM

Reminder: When picking up students early please make sure you (or whomever is picking them up) brings their ID so we can check to make sure you are approved to pick up the student.

Capitol Hill Weekly Update

1/30/26

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Message from the Principal Message from the Principal

Counseling Program Update Counseling Program Update

Educational Assistant for Third Grade Educational Assistant for Third Grade

OBOB Update OBOB Update

Lunch Menu Lunch Menu

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