The Guardian Gazette

We are halfway through quarter 3 and teachers are entering progress report marks this week. Your student's grades and attendance are viewable 24/7 in ParentVUE. As we continue to venture into the heart of semester 2, our building focused on some key aspects of our Climate work. We reviewed some key points with all students on Friday 2/20 which you can see here:

• 2nd Semester School Wide Climate Reminders

Congratulations to our Peak of the Week Students

Prepared: Isaac Nelson, Junior

Engaged: Adeline Karmen, Junior
Advocate: Davina Scott, Senior

Kind: Hosna Taymori, Junior

Below you will also find important announcements regarding:

• Wednesday, March 4: SAT testing day for all Juniors. There is a special test day schedule so please take a look at what all students need to do for 3/4.
• Safe Driving; Be a good neighbor: Ida B. Wells is receiving reports of dangerous youth drivers in a construction site near campus. Please see the plea for keeping construction workers safe below.

Please scroll down to find more specific information about each of these events. If there is no information, stay tuned, it's coming soon!

February 25 - Battle of the Bands

February 26 - IBW Red Cross Club Blood Drive
February 27 - Alumni Night! Double Header Basketball vs. Grant
March 2 - No School for Students
March 2 - Spring Sports Season Begins (Register NOW!)
March 4 - FOR JUNIORS - SAT Testing/Early Release Day for all Students
March 6 - Wells Madness (during Lunch) Kicks Off

March 11 - Ida B Wellness Fair
March 17 - All Sophomore Field Trip to the NW Youth Careers Expo
March 23-27 Spring Break
April 18 - IBW Auction

See more dates/information on the:

The Ida B Wells Red Cross Club is hosting our 2nd blood drive of the 25-26 school year on Thursday, February 26th. We are always appreciative of our parents and community members who donate.

Please use the link below to join our lifesaving mission and schedule an appointment today!

REGISTRATION LINK

Time: 8:00 AM - 2:30 PM

Get ready to ignite your Guardian spirit! This Friday we're taking over the IBW gym for an exciting evening of basketball, camaraderie, and celebration! Come and loudly support our surging boys and girls basketball teams as they battle it out against Grant.

The excitement doesn't stop there! Between the varsity games, we'll have a special Alumni Recognition. So if you are a WHS/IBWHS Alum, join us!!

That's not all... We'll also be celebrating a remarkable group of senior girls who have poured their hearts and souls into our program, school, and the entire IBW community. Let's send them off with the roaring applause they deserve!

Here's the game plan:

• 5:45 PM: Boys Game - Get ready for some high-flying action!
• 7:15 PM: Girls Game - Witness true grit and determination!

Alums, once the final buzzer sounds on the girls' game, the celebration doesn't end! Join us at the Old Market Pub for an alumni after-party. Let's keep the good times rolling, reminisce about the glory days, and make some new memories!

See you in the gym! Let's GO GUARDIANS!!!

Glen Coblens, Head Girls Basketball Coach, WHS Class of 1985

The IBW Wellness Committee is excited to announce the first annual Ida B Wellness Fair, coming March 11th!

If you were an IBW student a few years ago, you might remember when we had a mini Wellness Day with baby goats, pancakes and ice cream! This year we are going all out with a special two hour extended flex that will start with a brief school-wide assembly featuring a keynote speaker, followed by three opportunities to attend over 30+ breakout sessions with speakers promoting and celebrating wellness at Ida B Wells High School! Breakout session offerings include workshops on mindfulness, yoga, art, substance use prevention, mental health and more!

And yes, the baby goats will be back! We will have therapy dogs, too!

Students and families can read more in our Ida B Wellness Fair program below!

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE IDA B WELLNESS FAIR PROGRAM!

Please keep in mind that this program can be best viewed on a computer. Room numbers are subject to change. Students will have access to this document through their grade level Canvas course, as well. We will have physical copies posted throughout the school on the day of the event. Students can begin looking through the program and thinking about what sessions interest them!

The Ida B Wellness Fair has been made possible by a mini grant we received from the Youth Line at Lines for Life and because of some AMAZING community members willing to volunteer their time and offer their expertise. Thank you!

If you have questions about the Wellness Fair, you can contact our social worker, Britni Locke, via email at blocke@pps.net !

Last week, we came together as a school community to celebrate Black History Month with a special assembly featuring our Black Student Union students and honored community guests.

As part of the program, BSU students created a powerful Shadow Box presentation. Through silhouettes, storytelling, poetry, and carefully chosen quotes, they shared pieces of their lived experiences. Their voices were honest, courageous, and deeply moving, offering insight into identity, resilience, joy, challenge, and the complexity of navigating the world as young leaders in our community.

We also welcomed Noreena McCleave, Class of 2018, who shared about being part of the renaming committee and how the experiences she had in high school allowed her to grow and flourish into a successful entrepreneur and artist.

Michelle Duster, Ida B. Wells' Great-granddaughter also made an appearance via zoom and we heard the Ida B. Wells Jazz Band, led by Nick Caldwell and a visit from the Jefferson Dancers. It was a fabulous day to be a Guardian and we look forward to celebrating the remainder of Black History Month with meaningful program throughout our school community.

On March 4, we will have a B day special schedule with early release for all grades due to the SAT for Juniors. The schedule is linked here

All 9th, 10th and 12th grade students will follow their B day schedule. Periods 5, 6 and 7 all math classes will be held, but in the Cafeteria. Some other classes will be relocated and it will be posted.

Testing will be in room 18-34 and 130-133. Only testing students have access to the testing areas.

All juniors take the digital SAT on Wednesday, March 4 during school. We will be on a special schedule with early release. You have already been registered and it is FREE!

See the Special Schedule for March 4

Follow the SAT Orientation for valuable information you must know

-This is an online/digital test and a PPS issued Chromebook MUST be used

-Information about “Student Readiness Check” (i.e. getting the Chromebook ready) will be sent to students by 2/20 and recommend completing before testing day.

- If students have issues with Student Readiness Check see Meredith McCreight in main office (mornings) or 139 (afternoons) before testing day

- Once Student Readiness Check is completed, you have access to practice test in Bluebook

- Testing rooms will be posted in the main hall by Tuesday March 3. If not sooner.
.- Students need to be in their assigned testing classroom by 8:30am

OSAS testing continues

• Science - Week of February 23

Please remember:

–JUNIORS must bring their CHARGED PPS chromebooks for testing!

–All students whether testing or not, will report to their regular classroom

–These are normal days for classes (i.e. there is NO “special schedule”).
As always, see Trivory for bell schedules and daily events.

On December 19, the PPS District office sent this message to families of students in grade 11 with the ODE’s 30 Day Notice of Testing with Opt Out Form for English and Math and separate Science form and link to exemption forms and translations.

To learn more about OSAS please visit PPS’ Assessment Main Page.

Did you miss fall registration for AP classes? Are you starting a new AP class in the second semester? Between now and March 2nd students in year-long courses have a second chance to have exams ordered, but there is an additional $40 late fee, on top of the exam fee ($80), charged by the College Board. While there is financial assistance for the exam fee, there is no financial assistance for the late fee. The only students that will not be charged the late fee are the 2nd Semester only AP classes. After March 2nd, students that have not registered and paid for their AP exam will not have their exam ordered. This is the LAST chance for registrations. The url to both all things PPS AP at www.PPS.net/advancedplacement and specifically registration information https://ccr.pps.net/enroll-get-ahead/advanced-placement/ap-exam-registration-directions .

Have questions? Contact Scott Burns, sburns@pps.net or Abby Menashe amenashe@pps.net

The GNN for this week: https://youtu.be/hyyiEUVOqGc

Upcoming Wellness Fair: https://youtu.be/Q8KdM-A2iYw
Black History Month: https://youtu.be/amCJdzDMAv0

Snacks Needed! Please consider donating snacks for our IBW Social Worker to distribute to kids as needed. Donations can be delivered to the school or dropped at coordinator's house anytime. Details in the link.

Juniors, be sure to check out this newsletter with all sorts of information about getting started on with your college search. https://app.smore.com/n/thvcn

RSVP Now for Third Annual Youth Infrastructure Fair, Thursday, February 26, 2026, 3:30 PM-6:30 PM, McDaniel High School

hosted by the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), PPS CTE and PPS College & Career

This fair offers a hands-on introduction to careers that build and sustain our cities. Students will engage with professionals from diverse backgrounds representing fields such as water, electricity, transportation, sustainability, architecture, and more and enjoy:

• Career exploration with engineers and industry professionals

• Raffles, games, prizes (including gift cards, STEM kits, books, and more), and dinner provided

• Scholarships for PPS seniors (class of 2026) pursuing STEM pathways. Application Link: tinyurl.com/2026yifscholarship

• PSU & OSU application fee waivers for qualifying 11th and 12th grade PPS students

• Internship opportunities with industry partners

This event is intentionally designed to engage and expand access and opportunity for our historically underserved students by connecting them with industry professionals and pathways they may not otherwise have access to.

See the Ida B Wells Career News for additional details, registration links, and more opportunities

See this week's IBW Weekly here: https://app.smore.com/n/4k5x7

You can view this week's Athletic Schedule here:
Official Weekly Athletic Schedule

Registration is now open and ready for you to register for baseball, softball, golf, tennis, lacrosse, track and field and boy's volleyball. See our website for all the details and links needed for registration https://www.ibwathletics.com/registration

SchoolPay is also open to make the payment for the Spring PIL Pay-to-Play Fee. It is important to note the $400/individual or $800/family maximum for the year. For many, the spring season is free. Lacrosse is still a club sport and does not count towards the maximums. More information to come regarding payments for Boy's Volleyball.

We are currently at 256 spring season registrations but still have a ways to go building towards 500! Keep it up!

The Ida B Wells Awesome 80s auction will take place on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at the Mittleman Jewish Community Center. We hope you will join us to support our student community!

Here's how you can support now:

• Attend: Get your tickets now here.
• Collect donations: IBW clubs, organizations and athletic teams are collecting donations for items for the auction and they get to keep the money raised. Rally the groups you are affiliated with to start procuring! Want to learn more? Check out this video.
• Sponsorships: Does your business want exposure to our community? Auction sponsorship is a great way to reach our community. More details here or email fundraising@ibwboosterclub.org for more information.

Gym Shack Concessions: https://signup.com/go/ycboLia

• We need help during events tonight, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday this week so we can keep the Snack Shack open and raise funds for teams and clubs!
• NOTE: Students need an adult present to work a shift
  
  

Bingo

Don't miss Monday bingo every week at the Old Barn at 6:30 PM! Bring cash to purchase your cards and not only are you supporting the IBW teams and clubs, but you could win big! Follow our Instagram or Facebook for weekly updates.

Booster Membership: http://www.schoolpay.com/link/joinibw

The number of booster members and volunteer hours from a team or group is evaluated in the grant application process, so joining boosters helps your team or club!

IBW Merch

Support Booster Club by shopping online here. Guardians merch is available for sale at ComeUnity PDX. This is an Ida B. Wells family-owned shop located in Multnomah Village at 3536 SW Troy St B, Portland, OR 97219. Get the perfect gift by giving a gift card for IBW Booster Merch!

Stay up to date in real time! Instagram Facebook Favorite Links - Linktree

WINE PULL PARTY!
Do you want to support our awesome kids’ activities at Ida B Wells??? Want to support your kids but you can’t make it to the auction at the MJCC on April 18th??? Amy and Nijay Gupta are hosting a wine collecting party for the auction on February 27th from 6:30pm to 10:30pm. Join them for a game of bingo, hanging out, or just drop off a bottle and go. For the Guptas address to donate or attend - text or email Amy at 567-203-2118 or amyAgupta@gmail.com

FRED MEYERS REWARDS PROGRAM
Support our school by making 1% of your grocery dollars go toward the Ida B Wells PTA Follow this link to get signed up… https://www.kroger.com/i/community/community-rewards

OREGON PTA STUDENT 1K SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY
The Oregon PTA Teacher Education Scholarship is for Oregon residents studying for a degree in education at any Oregon public college or university. The scholarship is a one-time award of $1000 and is not renewable. Scholarship recipients may, however, re-apply in subsequent years. The application window opens on February 1, 2026, and closes on May 1, 2026 Scholarship winners will be carefully selected and notified by June 15, 2026. Oregon PTA will contact recipients via personal phone call, email, or regular mail shortly after the announcement. Additionally, we'll inform the counseling office of high school winners. A check for $1,000 will then be issued to the college or university indicated in the winner’s application before the start of classes in September. If the recipient does not proceed with their classes in September 2026, the awarded funds need to be returned to the Oregon PTA." https://www.oregonpta.org/programs/teacher-education-scholarship

PTA CLOSET VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY
The PTA closet is like a free thrift store for families in need from all of our Portland Public schools. Volunteers help fold/unpack clothes, help shoppers, and organize racks. Ida B Wells is committed to sending 5-6 volunteers on Thursday, February 26th anytime between 9:30am and 1:30pm. To volunteer please contact Julie Worley at julie.m.worley@gmail.com

What: Grad Night is an overnight celebratory event with entertainment and food at a surprise location. A quiet space will be available if students need to take a break. Ticketholders will get more details the night of graduation.

When: The night of the June 3rd graduation ceremony, students will load up on buses about 10 p.m. from IBW high school and head to surprise location.

Tickets: $150. On sale through Sunday, May 17th. No refunds after this date.

Where to buy: Buy tickets here

Scholarships: Families interested in full or partial Grad Night scholarships should contact school counselors by Friday, May 10th, to ensure the Grad Night Committee has the information before ticket sales end. Find your counselor here

Volunteers: Grad Night needs adult chaperones (!), including a medical professional to act as onsite medic. Ideally, chaperones will have a current PPS background check. Sign up to chaperone here

Congratulations 2026 Graduate YARD SIGN

Celebrate your IBW graduate with a yard sign to proudly place in your yard or window!

Yard Signs: $25

When: While supplies last.

Where to buy: Purchase yard sign here

WINE AND PURSE SALE

Have gently loved or designer purses that deserve a new home? Or a great bottle of wine ($20+) you’d like to share? Donate to our upcoming Wine & Purse Sale and help us raise funds for the Class of 2026 Grad Night Party!

When: Friday, April 3rd

Where: ComeUnity PDX - 3536 SW Troy St B, Portland, OR 97219

Time: 5:00pm – 9:00pm

To donate, please contact: alisondg@gmail.com or molly.fauske@gmail.com

FLAMINGO FLOCKING

Send a Flock! Hire a cheerful flock of flamingos to visit your friend’s yard for an entire week!

$50 for a 1-week yard visit (parent cost)

$35 for a 1-week yard visit (student cost)

Want to Avoid being Flocked?

A $25 “No Flocking” donation to keep the flamingos away and adds you to the “No Flocking List.”

Where to buy: Flamingo Flocking

Questions? Email: guardiansflock@gmail.com

HOUSE PARTIES

Support Grad Night and host a fun night with your friends! We’re looking for families willing to open their homes for casual, yet fun, get togethers that help fund our seniors’ Grad Night celebration. No pressure, no fuss, just good company for a great cause!

If you can’t think of what to host, here are some fun ideas:

BBQ or Mexican Night, Come as You Are, Cocktail Chemistry Contest, Murder Mystery, Iron Chef, Moms Night Out (or In), Lip Sync Battle, Casino Night, Dad Jokes Comedy, Chopped, Decades Party, Prom Rewind, Paint and Sip, Backyard Movie Night, Cornhole Social/Contest, Driveway Happy Hour, Neighborhood Porch Crawl, Pizza & Pajamas or Host Senior Car Wash.

If one of these sounds like something you’d enjoy hosting, we’d love to chat!

Contact: ibsgradnight@gmail.com

RAFFLE BASKETS

Donations are needed for raffle baskets!

We have several raffle baskets needing to be filled for our Grad Night Party Graduates! Some examples of the themes that remain are; OSU, UO, Dorm Room Fun, Movie Night, and more!

If you would like to take on a full basket, and/or partner with friends to fulfill a full basket, please sign up via this link: Sign up here. You’ll find a list of different themes, and suggestions for items. Let your creative juices flow as you assemble!

If you would like to contribute and/or have a hook up for theme items but don’t have capacity to assemble a full basket/the theme you want to do is already assigned and you want to add a second or have an idea for an additional theme and/or have any questions, please email Megan Melady, meganleemelady@gmail.com

BEATS, BITES & BENEFITS
Friday, March 6
See the flyer below!

The Grad Night Committee is putting together two slideshows and ask that you please submit photos as soon as possible. Submissions will be accepted through until May 15th.

1. Candid slideshow: Send candid photos of our seniors through the years with the first and last name of each person shown (please list preferred name left to right). NOTE: avoid sending photos with people who are not in the Class of '26.

2. Graduation slideshow: Send your senior's photo (can be different from yearbook photo), baby photo and plan for after graduation. Please include your student's preferred first name and full last name.

Send all slideshow submissions to: ibwslideshow@gmail.com

Parents of 2026 seniors, celebrate your senior’s accomplishments with a senior ad in the yearbook. Ads can be designed and purchased using this link: https://www.balfour.com/student-info?smi=62107. Ads are $210 for a full page, $110 for a half page, and $60 for a quarter page. Ads need to be purchased AND completed by March 14th. There will be no deadline extensions, so act now! If you have any questions or need any help, email the yearbook business department at ibwybk@gmail.com.

The Instagram account @ibwhs2026decisions is posting senior decisions.

Seniors who want to participate should message the account with their name, photo, senior decision (what they plan to do after graduation) and favorite high school memory.

Rieke Elementary has an art fair each spring featuring adult (18 years and older) artisan vendors, apply now to be a vendor! https://www.riekepta.org/art-fair-home

We are writing from the Portland Water Bureau regarding a construction project in the vicinity of Ida B. Wells High School. Recently, some traffic concerns near construction on SW Chestnut Avenue have been brought to our attention.

Safety is very important to us during construction. We have crews working in the streets, and traffic

patterns change from day to day. Our safety plan includes clear detour routes, message board signs, and flaggers who direct travelers around the closure areas during work hours. Construction crews and community members have noticed drivers speeding through construction zones and failing to stop at traffic signals on their way to the school. We want to make sure everyone in the area remains safe during construction. It is critical that students and parents stay alert and use caution when driving, walking, or biking near the construction area.

Learn more about this project and the construction process at portland.gov/water/fpmains.

Abby's Closet is having their annual giveaway of free prom dresses. Students seeking to receive a completely FREE prom dress must be registered before they can enter and space is limited, so they need to register as soon as possible. Slots are still available across both days, but they will start filling up in the last week, so act now!

For more information and to register, students can visit https://www.abbyscloset.org/giveaway

We would like to remind you that the Hillsboro Hops Dream Big Scholarship application is closing soon! This scholarship for first generation college students is accepting applications through Sunday, March 1st at 11:59 PM. We hope you are able to help us spread the word about this opportunity with your senior students. More details on the criteria and other requirements can be found on the application page. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Dream Big Scholarship (https://www.milb.com/hillsboro/community/scholarship)