Capitol Hill Weekly Update
8/14/26
Message from the Principal
I am pleased to share that the proactive work to remove asbestos-containing materials at Capitol Hill over the summer is nearly complete. Our campus will be safe, healthy, and ready to welcome students and staff for the start of the school year.
This project focused on replacing asbestos-containing flooring in Rooms 100, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 111, and 112. Final work is underway now and will be completed before staff and students return.
Throughout the project, extensive safety measures have been in place, including:
Isolation Procedures: Airtight barriers completely separate the work area from the rest of the building.
Negative Air Pressure: HEPA-filtered exhaust systems ensure air flows into the work area—not out—preventing the spread of airborne particles.
Safe Removal Practices: Contractors use specialized methods, including wet removal, HEPA vacuums, and immediate bagging of materials to safely contain debris.
Air Monitoring: Independent third-party firms continuously monitor air quality outside the work area to confirm the safety of the building.
Worker Protection: Only trained, licensed professionals wearing appropriate protective equipment are permitted inside the contained work areas.
Independent certified inspectors have monitored the project from start to finish, and these spaces will not reopen until they have received a final "all-clear." This work is proactive, and there has been no risk to students, staff, or neighbors before or during the project.
If you have any questions, please contact schoolmodernization@pps.net or visit the project webpage.
We know that summer construction, equipment, and limited access to parts of the campus have been an inconvenience, and we sincerely appreciate your patience while this important work has been completed. We're grateful to the Portland voters and the School Improvement Bond Program for making these improvements possible, helping ensure that our students return to safe, comfortable, and welcoming learning spaces.
We look forward to welcoming everyone back to Capitol Hill very soon
In service to students,
Febe Armendariz
Principal
New ParentVUE App
Community Cares Day — August 15, 9:00 AM–12:00 PM
Help us get our schoolyard ready to welcome students back to class! Join us for Community Cares Day as we pick up litter, spread mulch, prune shrubs, pull weeds, and give our outdoor spaces some much-needed care.
Bring your gloves, shovels, gardening tools, weed whackers, tarps, brooms, leaf blowers—and plenty of enthusiasm! Come for the whole morning or whatever time you can give. Many hands make light work, and we’d love to see you there!
Welcome, Kindergarten Families
We’re excited to get to know your child and welcome your family to Capitol Hill! Please complete our Kindergarten Family Questionnaire (https://forms.gle/7EyXM4adq56xSEXd6) to tell us a little about your child—their strengths, interests, needs, and anything else that will help our kindergarten teachers create thoughtful class placements and prepare to welcome each student.
A few important dates:
🍧 Kindergarten Popsicle Social — August 18, 5:00–6:00 PM on the playground. Families who have completed the questionnaire will find out their child’s teacher at the social!
👋 Kindergarten Family 1-on-1 — August 26. Your homeroom teacher will send a sign-up.
🎒 Kindergarten Ramp-Up Days — August 27 & 28. Half the class attends for a full day each day: Group A on August 27 and Group B on August 28.
And if you’d like to volunteer this year, don’t forget to complete your PPS volunteer background check: https://www.pps.net/domain/66
We can’t wait to meet our newest Capitol Hill students and families!
Supply Lists
Supply lists for each grade can be found here. Please reach out to mlight@pps.net if you have any questions.
Upcoming Events
Our school year calendar has all of the important school-related dates for your reference.
- 8/15-Community Care Day
- 8/18-Kindergarten Ice Cream Social-5-6 PM on the playground
- 8/21-Class Placements and Staff List shared
- 8/26-Kindergarten Ramp Up
- 8/26 Kindergarten Family 1-on-1
- 8/27 & 8/28 Kindergarten Ramp-Up Days
- 8/31-First Day of Kindergarten
- 9/7-No School
- 9/24-Back to School Night
Here is a link to next year's school calendar.
