Capitol Hill Weekly Update

Message from the Principal

Happy Fall, Capitol Hill families!

This week, PPS shared two Rightsizing scenarios for community review. I know many families have been eager to understand what these proposals might mean for Capitol Hill and for schools across Portland.

As I shared in my ParentSquare message on October 5, Capitol Hill is not proposed for closure in either scenario. Under Scenario A, Capitol Hill's attendance boundary would change and our school would welcome approximately 30% of the students currently attending Stephenson Elementary. Under Scenario B, there are no proposed changes to Capitol Hill.

As we take in that information, I also want to hold some care for our larger community. Many of us have friends, neighbors, colleagues, and family members connected to schools facing very different possibilities. For some communities, this week's announcement brought difficult and emotional news. Our Capitol Hill values call us to meet moments like this with inclusivity and kindness, respect, and care for one another, recognizing that we are part of a larger PPS community.

These are scenarios for consideration, not final decisions. This next part of the process includes opportunities for families, students, educators, and community members to learn more, ask questions, and share feedback before final decisions are made. I’ve included several upcoming opportunities below, and families can also find current information and resources on the PPS Rightsizing website.

I’m also sharing the six-part Rightsizing video series below for families who would like more context about the process and the considerations guiding this work. As we learn more, I will continue to share information specific to Capitol Hill.

As we navigate changes, I want to hold a moment from this week. Watching families gather for Walk + Roll to School Day and make our way to school together, I was reminded of what connects us as a community: our love and care for our children and the hopes we hold for them. That remains the same. There is so much to celebrate at Capitol Hill, and we will keep learning, growing, and caring for one another as we meet what comes next.

In service to students,

Febe Armendariz

Principal

farmenda@pps.net

Rightsizing Video Series

We know there are many questions and concerns about Rightsizing and what it could mean for students, schools and communities across Portland. We also know this is a lot of information to take in, and we want to make it easier to understand why PPS is doing this work, what is guiding the process and what happens next.

That is why we’re sharing a series of six short videos featuring PPS leaders who are helping guide different parts of the Rightsizing process.

The videos answer some of the questions we are hearing most often from our communities:

What is Rightsizing and why is PPS doing it?
How did we get here?
What factors are being considered?
What are we trying to accomplish?
How will decisions be made?
How can students, families, staff and community members stay informed and engaged?

Our goal is to give you clear information about this process and help build a shared understanding of the work ahead. We will continue to share information, answer questions and create opportunities for our communities to participate as the Rightsizing process moves forward. You can learn more about Rightsizing and watch all six videos on the PPS Rightsizing webpage.

Thank you for continuing to stay engaged and share your questions and perspectives with us.

Rightsizing: Ways to Learn More & Participate

PPS is continuing to gather community input as the Rightsizing process moves forward. Families who would like to learn more, ask questions, or share feedback have several upcoming opportunities:

Friday, October 9 — Board of Education Community Connection, Roosevelt High School, 1:00-4:00pm
Tuesday, October 13 — Community Voice: Special Education Families, Kellogg Middle School, 6:00–8:00 p.m.
Wednesday, October 14 — Village Table, Jackson Middle School, 6:00–8:00 p.m. (dinner at 5:30; childcare provided)
Saturday, October 17 — Board of Education Community Connection, McDaniel High School, 11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.

Visit the PPS Rightsizing website for the scenarios, maps, updates, and additional opportunities to participate.

October Newsletters

Kindergarten Mrs. Connelly

Kindergarten Mrs. Parker

First Grade Mrs. Jendrzejek

First Grade Mrs. Casey

Second Grade Mrs. Bolgioni

Second Grade Mrs. Vo

Third Grade Mrs. Caron

Third Grade Ms. Fronk

Fourth Grade Mrs. Standish

Fourth Grade Ms. Younie

Fifth Grade Ms. Dorris

Fifth Grade Ms. Anderson

Core Enrichment

A Quick Volunteer Reminder

We love having volunteers at Capitol Hill! When you arrive, please sign in through Raptor, wear your volunteer badge, and connect with the staff member you’re scheduled to support. Every volunteer activity at school should be part of a plan made with a staff member or the principal, and volunteers work under staff direction rather than independently supervising students or starting activities on their own. We’ll have a quick checklist at the volunteer sign-in station to help everyone know where they’re going and who they’re connecting with. Thank you for helping us keep volunteering organized, safe, and joyful for everyone!

The Book Fair is Next Week

Get ready, book lovers! The Scholastic Book Fair is on its way to Capitol Hill Elementary from October 12–16. This is a great opportunity for students to discover new books and help our school earn funds for new resources.

Here are two ways you can prepare now:

Set up a Student e-Wallet: This is a safe, cashless way for your student to shop. Simply create an e-wallet at this link. It's a great option for family and friends to contribute as well!
Donate to Our Book Fair: We believe every student should be able to go home with a book. You can help make that happen by donating to our "Capitol Hill - Donation" e-wallet. All funds go directly toward students in need, across all grade levels being able to purchase a book

We are looking for volunteers to help set up, take down and cashier during shopping hours. We are especially in need of volunteers this Thursday morning for setup! Please Click Here to volunteer at the fair.

Book Fair Hours In Room 105

Monday Oct 12th - 2:30 pm to 3:30pm

Tuesday Oct 13th - 7:53am to 8:15am & 2:30pm to 3:30pm

Wednesday Oct 14th - 2:30pm to 3:30pm & 5:30pm to 7:30pm

Thursday Oct 15th - 7:53am to 8:15am & 2:30 to 3:30pm

Friday Oct 16th (VIP Day) - 2:00pm to 3:15pm

VIP Day — Friday, October 16

A big thank you to our PTA for organizing VIP Day! We’re excited to welcome our students’ Very Important People—grandparents, family members, friends, and other special people—to Capitol Hill for an afternoon together. VIPs may begin checking in at 1:25 p.m. and will gather in the cafeteria. Principal Armendariz will welcome everyone at 1:30, share a little about Capitol Hill and our hopes for the afternoon, and then VIPs will join students in classrooms beginning at 1:45 p.m.

In classrooms, VIPs and students will spend time together on a craft and in conversation—an opportunity for some wonderful multigenerational connection. In the spirit of our school value of Inclusivity & Kindness, teachers will pair students so everyone is part of the experience, whether or not they have a VIP visiting. Classes may also visit the Scholastic Book Fair during their scheduled window:

📚 Grades 4–5: 1:45 p.m.
📚 Grades 2–3: 2:00 p.m.
📚 Grades K–1: 2:15 p.m.

Planning to attend? Please add your VIP’s information here so we know who to expect and plan for snacks accordingly. Questions about VIP Day? Please contact Julia Chan, our parent volunteer lead for the event, text or call at 503-914-7534.

Dismissal: VIP Day ends at our regular 2:30 p.m. dismissal. Please follow your child’s usual dismissal routine and meet their teacher/class in their regular dismissal location. If you would like to leave with your child before 2:30, you must first sign them out through the main office.

Volunteering Isn’t Scary- The Boo Bash Needs You

The Boo Bash is Friday, October 23, and we need a frighteningly fun crew of volunteers to make the magic happen!

Volunteering is not scary! Just choose a manageable shift, bring a friend, and join the fun. We need many helping hands before, during, and after the event to assist with activities, games, refreshments, setup, cleanup, and more.

Whether you enjoy being in the middle of the excitement or prefer working behind the scenes, there is a spot for you. No special skills or prior experience are needed, and instructions will be provided.

Please take a shift and help keep this beloved Capitol Hill tradition alive:

Sign Up to Volunteer at the Boo Bash

No tricks, just the treat of coming together to create a memorable evening for our students and families. Thank you for helping make the Boo Bash possible!

OBOB Reminder

Hello 3rd/4th/5th Grade Families!

If your student is interested in participating in OBOB (Oregon Battle of the Books), please make sure that they complete an Individual Permission Form and turn it into the school office by the end of October!

Additionally, each team will be required to turn in one Team Contract, completed by the adult team coach, also by the end of October.

The forms are found on the OBOB bulletin board (at the entry of the 3rd/4th hallway at the bottom of the stairs) or in the library.

Questions? Email me (mariannemajors@gmail.com) or Bri Dewey (brisuedew@gmail.com).

Lunch Menu

Monday 10/12-Orange Chicken with Brown Rice

Tuesday 10/13-Cheesy Garlic Twists

Wednesday 10/14-Beef, Bean & Cheese Burrito or Bean & Cheese Burrito

Thursday 10/8-Cheese or Pepperoni Pizza

Friday-10/16-Chicken Fillet Sandwich

Upcoming Events

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

10/12-10/16-Scholastic Book Fair
10/14-PTA Meeting, 6-7 PM
10/16-VIP Day
10/21-Early Release (11:50 AM)
10/23-Big Boo, 6-8 PM
10/27-Picture Re-Take Day
10/29-No School
10/30-No School

Here is a link to this year's school calendar.

Capitol Hill Weekly Update

10/9/26

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Communicate quickly and effectively with interactive newsletters.

Message from the Principal Message from the Principal

Rightsizing Video Series Rightsizing Video Series

Rightsizing: Ways to Learn More & Participate Rightsizing: Ways to Learn More & Participate

October Newsletters October Newsletters

A Quick Volunteer Reminder A Quick Volunteer Reminder

The Book Fair is Next Week The Book Fair is Next Week

VIP Day — Friday, October 16 VIP Day — Friday, October 16

Volunteering Isn’t Scary- The Boo Bash Needs You Volunteering Isn’t Scary- The Boo Bash Needs You

OBOB Reminder OBOB Reminder

Lunch Menu Lunch Menu

Upcoming Events Upcoming Events