The PHS Compass

I hope this message finds you well! As the weather turns colder and we settle into the heart of the school year, our campus feels full of focus, warmth, and Pirate Pride. Students are engaged in meaningful learning and they are ready to maximize the next few weeks before a well-deserved winter break. Winter athletics and activities are in full swing, and we're excited to have such awesome students representing PHS at competitions throughout the state.

This issue also includes key information about upcoming progress reports, the end of the quarter/semester, conferences and updates on our attendance goals. We hope these updates help you stay connected to your student’s learning as we move into the heart of the school year.

With gratitude,

Kalin Cross

Proud Principal

We're proud of the attendance gains our students have made, and as a result, we're seeing student learning grow too! Please reach out if you have questions regarding attendance!

Quick facts for families

• 2 days a month = at risk for falling behind

• Every class counts — even missing one period impacts learning

• Text us! You can now message our attendance office directly. Each student has a unique number attached to their student profile. Send us an email if you need that number resent to you! email hilda.pantoja@phoenix.k12.or.us for that information.

• Call works too — we’re always happy to talk. Our attendance line number is: (541) 535-1526 ext. 1

Progress reports will be mailed out next Thursday, December 11. These reports are a great way to check in with your student about how things are going as we head into winter break, especially around any missing or late work that can still be completed.

Families can also see real-time grades in PowerSchool anytime. A few things to know:

• If a student is missing an assignment, the teacher will have entered a 0 along with a missing code.
• Teachers are updating grades weekly.

🔗 PowerSchool Access:
If you need help accessing your account, please contact the Phoenix High School office at 541-535-1526 for support.

This winter, Phoenix High students will take the Oregon Student Health Survey, a statewide survey that helps schools and communities better understand student well-being. The survey asks about topics such as school climate, mental and physical health, safety, and students’ overall experience at school.

Participation is anonymous, and results help us make informed decisions about programs, supports, and resources that benefit all students. Families will receive additional information before the survey is administered, including how to review questions and how to opt out if you prefer.

We appreciate your partnership as we continue working to ensure PHS is a safe, supportive place for every student.

More information can be found here:

English

Spanish

PHS students will take Oregon’s state assessments in English Language Arts, Math, and Science (11th grade). We've included links below to official state notification and opt-out information, as required by the Oregon Department of Education.

We also want to share why we encourage students to give their best effort:
State testing is just one way we learn how our students are doing, but it gives us helpful information about what’s working and where we can improve. It also gives students a chance to show what they know and how much they’ve grown. Results on these state assessments help us improve instruction and supports- we use this data to inform our practices.

Here are links to the office notifications:

English

Spanish

Site Council is a team of parents, students, staff, and community members who work together to strengthen our school. And we are looking for new members to join our team!

Our focus this year is to improve communication about attendance! You'll notice moving forward that each edition of our newsletter includes bite-sized, easy-to-understand attendance information that is curated by our site council. We're also making sure that we're creating easy ways to get ahold of our attendance office.

We hope these updates are helpful!

The Grad Night Committee has started meeting and is busy securing donations for the class of 2026 Grad Night party.

👉 If you’d like to get involved, please send an email to 1phsgradnight2026@gmail.com

Our annual PHS Giving Tree is up and ready for anyone who would like to spread a little extra cheer this season. Families are invited to stop by the main office and take a tag to support a Phoenix Talent School District student or family in need.

Each tag lists a gift item or essential need, and all donations stay right here in our school community. If you’d like to participate, simply pick a tag, purchase the item, and return it unwrapped to the main office.

• Grad Night Committee Meeting: 12/3 at 5 PM
• Winter Band Concert, 12/9 at 6:30 PM
• Progress Reports: 12/11
• Winter Spirit Week: 12/13-12/17
• Winter Break: 12/22 - 1/02
• Return to School: Monday, 01/05
• Latino Parent Meeting: Tuesday, 1/13
• MLK Jr. Day, No School: Monday, 1/19
• End of 2nd Quarter: Friday, 1/23
• Grading Day, No School: Monday 1/26

Email: kalin.cross@phoenix.k12.or.us
Website: https://www.phoenix.k12.or.us/phs
Location: 745 North Rose Street, Phoenix, OR, USA
Phone: 541-535-1526
Facebook: facebook.com/PhoenixHighSchoolPirates