DOLPHIN DIGEST 9/18/2025
Weekly Newsletter by Arleta School and Arleta PTA
WELCOME TO ARLETA'S WEEKLY NEWSLETTER!
We’re so glad to have you as part of our school community!
This weekly newsletter is developed and sent in partnership between school administration and the PTA. If you have information you'd like shared in the newsletter, please email it to ArletaSchoolPTA@gmail.com. Keep scrolling for the latest.
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
It’s Hispanic Heritage Month! We invite our families who identify as Hispanic and Latino to share ways you might appreciate feeling seen and valued during this month and always. This next month brings an opportunity to both celebrate Hispanic and Latino history and culture, and give extra recognition to the many contributions made to the history and culture of the United States, including important advocacy work, innovative science, vibrant art, popular and traditional foods, and much more.
Our goal as a staff is to weave heritage month celebrations into learning experiences to create student centered, culturally affirming celebrations and teaching. We want to highlight the identities and experiences of our own students throughout their experience at Arleta.
We’ve planned some special elements into the school day for our monthly Early Release Days this year. All students learned about our “Cross-Age Buddies” program, an important component of our Caring School Community resource that fosters friendships across grade levels. Third graders are paired with kindergartners, fourth graders with first graders, and fifth graders with second graders.
Classes will visit each other and do a special activity for the first time during next month’s Early Release Day, October 22. Throughout the year, buddies will come together on Early Release days for specially planned learning and social experiences. Older students take on the role of mentors, helpers, and friends, while younger students gain confidence and joy from having a caring, older buddy to look up to.
We also held our first all-school assembly of the school year. Mr. Cooke’s class led our Arleta School Song, we learned about our school motto and wearing our school shirts, Ms. Doyle taught our Arleta Auditorium Expectations, then grade levels and new students and staff gave each other silent but enthusiastic waves. It was exciting to bring our whole student community altogether to build community and sense of belonging.
At our next three school-wide assemblies, K/1, 2/3, and 4/5 grade bands will present something important they’re learning as part of their grade level standards, also highlighting connections to various heritage, cultures or identities.
After students were dismissed our staff engaged in a variety of team collaboration and professional learning: ways to strengthen our student’s senses of belonging through positive acknowledgement and feedback, processes for improving attendance, and annual trainings including Child Abuse Prevention and Reporting, Emergency Preparedness and School Suicide Prevention. Earlier this week during a different meeting structure, we focused on science standards and our new science resource this year, Amplify.
All of our professional learning sessions are critical in ensuring we provide a safe, supportive, and responsive environment for all students. And, in the time for our staff to prepare thoughtfully and collaboratively. I hope this gives you a sense of why Early Release Days are such a valuable part of our school year—for students and staff alike. Thank you for your continued partnership and support!
Warmly,
Lisa
MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD IN THE PTA
Have something you love about Arleta and its community?
See something you wish was different?
Have a cool idea for the school?
CELEBRATE NATIONAL HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH WITH RECIPES AND CRAFTS
Kids are naturally curious about the world around them and National Hispanic Heritage Month offers a fantastic opportunity to dig deeper into Latine culture and history. In last week's digest we offered some museum and music resources. This week let's talk food and crafts!
For hands on exploration, consider making some simple recipes to celebrate this month such as:
Colombian arepas (like Julieta Madrigal in Disney's Encanto),
Or a comforting and filling Colombian Arroz con Pollo (Rice and Chicken).
If you've never made it before, try this Lomo Saltado recipe from Peru, a food that blended indigenous Peruvian and Chinese cooking and became Peru's national dish,
or if you're up for a challenge, make Chiles en Nogada, a dish popularly made to celebrate Mexico's Independence Day on September 16,
or a simpler chicken mole recipe from Mexico,
or a dessert of Argentinian Alfajores (sandwich cookies with dulce de leche)!
To dive deeper into this history of latino cooking in the US, see this Tasting History on the Mexican American origins of chili in Texas, (and get insight into the beans/no beans controversy) or check out ancient tacos and hot cocoa with Ancient Recipes on the History Channel with host Sohla El Waylly or for something more modern watch Chef Saul on Epicurious make enchiladas from his childhood.
If crafting is more your thing, consider these resources below:
Museum of International Folkart's curriculum on Papel Picado from Mexico
Crafty Chica's list of forty crafts you can do with your kids, clicking here!
Make a Muñeca Maria (a rag doll from Mexico) watching this tutorial here,
or a diadema Lele from Mexico.
Make an alfombra (Guatemalan sawdust carpet) together as a family,
or explore this Taino petroglyphs craft with your kids here!
For a broader exposure, check out these resources to learn together as a family:
The Smithsonian's Virtual Exhibits and Blog Posts exploring Latin American history and culture
Art, Stories, and Podcasts on the National Park Service website celebrating Latinos in the parks!
BEAT THE BELL
For the four-day week of September 8th, Arleta had a 93% attendance rate (down from 97% the week before) and 93 tardies (up from 65 tardies the week before).
Looking for some tips to help you get out of the door on time? Check back here each week for ideas.
This week's tips:
- Get to bed on time, including grown-ups!
- Fill backpack the night before, set by door.
- To get sluggish kids moving, try dance music.
TODAY - NEURODIVERGENT FAMILY GATHERING - SEPT 18
We're excited to resume our Neurodivergent Family Gatherings welcoming students, parents, and guardians. The first one is on Thursday, September 18th from 5:30-7pm in the Arleta cafeteria. The group offers a safe space to talk, connect, and play. Come join us the cafeteria. Pizza dinner and kid activities will be provided. Please let us know if you would like a translator.
GIRLS ON THE RUN, START YOUR ENGINES!
The first practice for Girls on the Run, at Arleta, is on September 22, from 2:45-4:30pm.
You'll see our Girls on the Run around Arleta every Monday and Wednesday, from 2:45-4:15pm from Sep. 22-Nov 12. Go Girls!
ARLETA LITTER PICK UP - SEPT 25
The Arleta Green Team hosts twice-monthly litter clean ups on second and fourth Thursdays of the month. The next Arleta Litter Pick-up is at 8am on Thursday, September 25th.
Please meet at the picnic tables, grab a bucket and grabber, pick-up trash anywhere you see it, and drop off the bucket when you're done. We will take care of the trash. Leave whenever you need. Thank you for helping to keep our school grounds clean and safe for everyone!
POPSCICLES IN THE PLAYGROUND - SEPT 29
The PTA is hosting popsicles & yard games at the playground on Monday, September 29 from 6-7pm. We’ll have a variety of lawn games ready for you to play, but of course, you're welcome to bring any additional games you’d like.
Bring your kids, get treats, play games, connect with other parents and kids, learn how the PTA supports Arleta and find out how you can participate!
BIPOC FAMILY GATHERING - OCT 16
On October 18, 5:30-7pm, we’re excited to have our first Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) Family Gathering of this academic year, welcoming students, parents, and guardians. The group offers a safe space to talk, connect, and play. Come join us in the SUN Room, which is located in the main building past the gym. Dinner and kid activities will be provided.
Please RSVP and send any questions to Arleta's SUN Recreational Coordinator, Raina Bilbrew at rbilbrew@pps.net. Please let us know if you would like a translator.
VOLUNTEER FOR ARLETA'S DAY AT THE PTA CLOTHING CLOSET
The PTA Clothing Center operates at the Marshall High School Campus. Operated by the city's PTA since 1964, the Center serves over 2000 students each school year, providing them with clothing and shoes so that they can feel good about attending school. It relies on volunteers from each of the schools to help organize the clothing, as well as, to help families "shop" for what they need.
Arleta is assigned two days throughout the school year to manage the Clothing Center at Marshall High School Campus, 3901 SE 91st Ave • Room C-56. Our first day to volunteer is Thursday, October 2 from 9:30am-1:30pm. A more detailed description of the volunteer shift can be downloaded here.
If you are available to volunteer for ANY of this time (even it it's just an hour), please sign up for a slot. I broke it into two 2 hour time slots, but if you have different hours that work better for your schedule within operating hours, just sign up for one of the slots and make a note of what time you actually plan on being there. Also, if you plan on being there the entire day, please sign up for both time slots.
It is truly a rewarding and fun experience! Thank you for considering!
EAGLE DRUMS BY NASUĠRAQ RAINEY HOPSON - 2024 NEWBERY HONOR
A magical realism middle grade adventure about a boy in the Arctic who faces a series of challenges presented to him by a family of eagle gods. Through this, he learns important lessons about respecting nature, building compassion, and bringing a community together. With beautifully hand-drawn full color art throughout!
As his family prepares for winter, a young, skilled hunter must travel up the mountain to collect obsidian for knapping―the same mountain where his two older brothers died.
When he reaches the mountaintop, he is immediately confronted by a powerful eagle god named Savik. Savik gives the boy a choice: follow me or die like your brothers.
What comes next is a harrowing journey to the home of the eagle gods and unexpected lessons on the natural world, the past that shapes us, and the community that binds us.
Eagle Drums by Nasuġraq Rainey Hopson is part cultural folklore, part origin myth about the Iñupiaq Messenger Feast, a Native Arctic tradition that is still celebrated in times of bounty among the Iñupiaq. This story is based on the oral tradition of how Iñupiaq people were given the gift of music, song, dance, community, and everlasting connection. Hopson's full-page illustrations and spot art, rendered in colored pencil, accompany this memorable story.
Click here to borrow the book, ebook, or audiobook from Multnomah County Library.
Try the audiobook preview on YouTube.
Buy the book at Powell's Bookstore.
Buy the book, ebook, or audiobook at Barnes and Noble.
Purchase the book on Amazon.
SUN REGISTRATION OPENS TOMORROW - SEPT 19
Arleta SUN Community School provides a FREE after-school program that promotes student success by extending the school day through enrichment activities and academic support. SUN (Schools Uniting Neighborhoods) also provides adult classes & workshops and fun family events. Community schools serve as mini “community centers” by keeping a public building open & active during after-school hours, and bringing youth & family opportunities directly to the neighborhood. It’s an alternative way for you and the local community to connect via the school! SUN is not a childcare program. Portland Parks & Recreation manages the Arleta SUN program.
Our SUN School Coordinator Raina Bilbrew is wonderful as so many of you already know! In addition to coordinating the various aspects of our after school program, she collaborates with and deeply supports our staff, supports students within the school day, serves on Arleta Site Council, runs an intentionally designated SUN Community Space in Room 4, and collaborates with our PTA Inclusion Committee. To contact Raina directly: raina.bilbrew@portlandoregon.gov or 503-916-6332.
Registration forms for SUN School will come home in Friday Folders on September 19th, will be due by September 26th and the program starts Oct. 13.
SUN SCHOOL IS HIRING A FIRST GRADE CHESS INSTRUCTOR
We're bidding a fond farewell to our previous first grade chess instructor as he heads off to college! Arleta SUN School is looking for a new first grade chess instructor to immediately fill the roll so that the first grade chess program can continue. Class time is 3-4pm on Mondays and Wednesdays (2 hours a month) for our Fall term (October 13 - December 18th). Pay range is $19.04-$24.43, based on experience. You must be able to pass a background check. Please click here for more information. Please click here to apply through the Portland Parks and Recreation website. If you are a teen applying for the first grade chess instructor or adult you will be applying as a counselor. If you have a teaching degree or have worked as a teacher, please apply for the job as a specialized art instructor.
ARLETA FOOD PANTRY, CLOTHES CLOSET, & FAMILY TOILETRIES
Arleta has a small food pantry, clothes closet, and a variety of toiletries available for the use of any Arleta family. To set up an appointment to use the pantry or the closet, please email our SUN School Coordinator, Raina Bilbrew at rbilbrew@pps.net or raina.bilbrew@portlandoregon.gov or call or text her at 971-803-8986.
NW CHILDREN'S THEATRE SPOTLIGHT FAMILY FESTIVAL - SEPT 20-21
The program manager at Northwest Children's Theater has invited Arleta families to come to their Spotlight Family Arts Festival next weekend at The Judy...FOR FREE!
They have three different stages with different performers and artists from our region - all for kids and families.
Performances include Taiko drumming from enTaiko, music from Mo Phillips, Bharatanatyam dance from Sarada Kala Nilayam, performance from Maeve Stier, mariachi from PSU's Mariachi Ensemble, musical theatre from NWCT's teen program, Catalyst, and more!
Master Lego Artist Jeff Sanders and Brickbending will be back by popular demand, with a day long community lego build on both Saturday and Sunday. Kids will also have a chance to meet characters from upcoming NWCT shows, all weekend long.
They would love to invite the Arleta community to attend Spotlight for free! There are plenty of extra tickets, so just fill out this form and you'll be on the list at the door:
https://forms.gle/EQWpMUvhDG4kHpJS6
What: Northwest Children's Theater's Spotlight Family Arts Festival #5
Where: The Judy - 1000 SW Broadway
When: September 20th & 21st from 11am - 3pm
For More Info and Artist Schedule: https://nwcts.org/spotlight/
Best enjoyed by students PreK-5th Grade.
Love, Life, Resistance, & Solidarity: Celebrating Oregon’s LGBTQIA2S+ History - Now through Sep 21
Celebrate Oregon’s LGBTQIA2S+ History with Oregon Queer History Collective and the Portland City Archives! Through community and government created documents, we showcase Oregon’s rich queer history in political activism, social change and relationship building.
The Collins Gallery 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.
Central Library
801 SW 10th Avenue
Portland, OR 97205
503.988.5123
PORTLAND MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL - OCT 4-5
The White Lotus Foundation will once again host Portland’s largest Mid-Autumn Festival, a two-day event drawing thousands of visitors to Southeast Portland.
Taking place on October 4-5, from noon-8pm at Shun Fat Supermarket, 5253 SE 82nd Avenue, the festival will feature more than 100 vendors selling Asian food, snacks, drinks and handmade crafts.
Families can join the free lantern parade and sample mooncakes at the event. More than 10 cultural performances, from traditional dance and martial arts to live music, are scheduled across the weekend. An after-hours party is planned for both nights, offering extended programming until midnight.
Go to the event website by clicking here!
Noon-8 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Oct. 4-5; Shun Fat Supermarket, 5253 S.E. 82nd Ave.; free; eventbrite.com/e/portland-mid-autumn-festival-2025-tickets-1584440587449
ATTENDING SCHOOL BOARD MEETINGS
The School Board meets regularly at the school district's Dr. Matthew Prophet Education Center (Prophet Center), 501 N. Dixon Street, at 6:00 pm on select Tuesdays of each month - and on certain other occasions. Some scheduling changes do occur; if you plan to attend, please see below for the upcoming public meeting notices.
Under the provision of ORS 192.670 all meetings will be live-streamed at http://www.youtube.com/@ppsboardofeducation/live, except for those meetings that fall under the provisions set forth for executive sessions.
To subscribe to email notifications of public meeting notices, email kbradshaw@pps.net to request to be added to the email list. After an email address has been subscribed to the mailing list, a notice of a Public Meeting of the School Board will be sent before each scheduled meeting.
Email: ArletaSchoolPTA@gmail.com
Website: arletapta.org
Location: 5109 SE 66th Avenue
Phone: 503-916-6330
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArletaElementaryK5