DOLPHIN DIGEST 1/29/2026
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
FREE BREAKFAST/LUNCH FOR ALL STUDENTS
We have breakfast available for all Arleta students at no cost. Please join us!
The doors open at 7:45 and students eat in the cafeteria. Students are dismissed to class at 7:58 in order to be ready to learn at 8:00. Kindergarteners are walked to class by a staff member.
Remember, the cafeteria is supervised at 7:45, but no other areas on campus are. If you drop your student off for breakfast, please make sure they head directly to the cafeteria. Parents are welcome to hang out in the cafeteria while their students eat breakfast.
FREE SALSA DANCING CLASSES FOR ADULTS
Arleta SUN School offers weekly salsa lessons for the adults in the Arleta community. Adult Salsa Dance Lessons are held Tuesday evenings from 6:00 to 7:00 PM in the cafeteria. These sessions are free for the Arleta community, and childcare will be provided. No partner is required, and all experience levels are welcome. This will be the final free session of the school year. Please use the link to get registered!
BIPOC LUNCH GROUP LAUNCHES
The Arleta BIPOC Lunch Group provides students with a welcoming environment to promote cultural awareness, social tolerance, and academic success. It is a safe space for students to gather and be themselves, timed with your child's lunch, and meets weekly on Fridays throughout the SUN School semester.
Please use this link to register your student for participation. Attendance is not mandatory every Friday, but once students sign in, they are expected to remain with the group for the duration of their scheduled lunch or recess period. Ms. Raina will retrieve the children from their recess and escort them to Room 32., then return them to the cafeteria for the teachers once BIPOC Lunch Group ends.
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.
TODAY AND TOMORROW: ARLETA AUDITIONS JAN 29 - 30
This year's Arleta School play is "The Excellent Adventure", an original Arleta musical production that's a fun take on "Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure"! Enjoy history, '80s nostalgia, and chaos with the Arleta theatre troupe!
Sound like fun? Come audition for the play on January 29th and 30th, 5:30-7pm in the school auditorium. Click the button below for a pdf version of the audition form or pick up a paper copy in the school office next week!
Here are the important dates to know:
Questions? Email sarah.lisa.armstrong@gmail.com!Audition Forms Available in Office: Jan 12
Auditions: Jan 29 & 30, 5:30-7pm (you need only attend one night).
Rehearsals: Feb 9 - May 13 (Mondays and Wednesdays).
Performances: May 14 & 15 (Mandatory)
TOMORROW: ARLETA FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT - JAN 30
Enjoy the new year in community, and come to Arleta Movie Night, on Friday, January 30th! We're showing Disney's "The Princess and the Frog"! Inspired in part by E.D. Baker's book "The Frog Princess" follow Tiana as her dream of opening her own restaurant takes her on an adventure of mistaken identities, metamorphosis, and magic.
Doors open at 5:30 pm and the movie starts at 6 pm. Bring picnic chairs and blankets to set up in the cafeteria for your own comfort. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times during the movie night.
PTA General Meeting - FEB 9
Come meet other Arleta community members as we go over PTA updates on February 9th, from 6-7pm, in the Arleta Library. Topics will include Dolphin Dash & Teacher Grant purchases updates, Learning Landscapes tree maintenance project update, vote in the 2025/26 Arleta PTA Nominating Committee, and review marketing plans for PTA roles and this year's connection to kindergarten events.
To help make participation easier, childcare and dinner will be provided. While we encourage in-person attendance, a remote option via Zoom will also be available (link will be sent out the week before). The meeting is open to all, though only current PTA members may vote.
We hope to see you there!
PTA Membership
Head to the Arleta PTA Store to sign up!
Note: This year state and national PTA dues went up by $1 each (now $11.50). To keep things fair and accessible, we will continue covering one membership per household. We suggest a $15 donation if you can—it helps cover dues and keeps our budget strong for events and programs.
DINE OUT AT BAR CARLO - FEB 10
Our next Arleta PTA Dine-Out fundraiser is at Bar Carlo (6433 SE Foster Road) on Feb 10. Stop by from 7am-3pm, when 10% of all their sales go to support the Arleta School community!
SCHOOL BOARD MEETING - FEB 10
The next school board meeting is Tuesday, February 10 from 6pm-9pm at the Dr. Matthew Prophet Education Center (Prophet Center), 501 N Dixon St. Portland, OR 97227.
This meeting is open for the public to attend in person up to the capacity of the Boardroom and will be streamed live under the provision of ORS 192.670 at: https://www.youtube.com/@ppsboardofeducation/live
Links to Board of Education Information:
- Board of Education Website
- Past Board Meeting Recordings
- Board Meeting Agendas and Materials
- Public Meeting Notices
Send requests for public comment to publiccomment@pps.net.
NEURODIVERGENT FAMILY GATHERING - FEB 19
Our next Neurodivergent Family Gathering is Thursday, February 19th from 5:30-7pm in the Arleta cafeteria. The group offers students, parents, and guardians. 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.
CONNECT TO KINDERGARTEN NIGHT - FEB 26
If you know any families with incoming kindergartners, please invite them by sharing the flyer below or picking up a paper copy at the school office. Thank you!
ARLETA URBAN FORESTRY PROJECT A RESOUNDING SUCCESS!
What an amazing tree planting day we had with our 5th grade students and an incredible showing of volunteers from our Arleta community!
Students braved the chill and were able to successfully plant 13 trees with the help and flawless coordination of the Learning Landscapes program. This is their Arleta legacy! Each group of students named their tree and we hope their sense of ownership and pride will have influence as we continue to work on tree care and stewardship education with all students.
Learning Landscapes will maintain the trees at Arleta for three years, providing water through the critical establishment period and replace any trees damaged or vandalized beyond viability. We hope that some of our trees survive to be giants! We also understand that not all will survive in a public, high-use space. The environmental impacts of a more densely shaded future make it all worth a try!
There are 10 remaining trees that will be installed in our playground and parking lot by a crew of contractors, hopefully in early February. They will also be removing a number of our compromised or dead trees, including the one that was, indeed, struck by lightning. The rumor is true!!
A massive thank you to everyone who contributed to this project; teachers, city staff and volunteers. Especially big thank you to our principal, Lisa Hawking, for her care and support as well as her critical role in making this project actionable.
Arleta PTA Garden Education Coordinator
FIND YOUR MISSING ARLETA LIBRARY BOOK
The Arleta Library is currently missing a few unreturned books. Throughout February, the PTA is hosting a missing book drive. For each missing book returned, students can choose one small prize from the prize bin in the office, starting February 2-27, 2026.
So start looking for those lost books at home, and let's see how many books can get returned!
PPS TAG News
SURVEY
Are you unclear about TAG in PPS? Here is a chance to let PPS know how to better share TAG information. The Portland Public Schools Talented and Gifted (TAG) Department wants your feedback. Please take a moment to complete the TAG Family Survey. Your student does not have to be identified as TAG to complete the survey: we want everyone's opinion.
The Single Subject Acceleration - Math process application window begins March 1st. This is open to 2nd - 4th grade students. The process outlined in the PPS administrative directive on acceleration and on the TAG Website, allows students who qualify to accelerate through the next grade level.
It is important to talk with your students' teacher to determine if your student might be a good candidate for SSA-M. Strong candidates are students who have met the standards of their current grade level and are proficient on a paper/pencil assessment administered at schools under the guidance of the TAG Department.
- March 1 - 31st applications accepted via the TAG Website
- April 1 - 30th evaluation process
- May 15th family notification
For questions regarding your student’s potential for SSA-M, please contact your student’s teacher. For questions regarding the SSA-M process, please contact the TAG Department at ppstag@pps.net
Access Academy is an eligibility-based, lottery-only PPS school serving students in PPS who are in need of accelerated learning. It is located at 6318 S. Corbett Avenue. Eligible students may be invited to apply and/or interested families can apply during the lottery window February 18th - March 15th. Please visit the Access Academy website for more information on the Access Academy Lottery.
SPECIAL EDUCATION PARENT/TEACHER/STUDENT ASSOCIATION (SPTSA) RELAUNCH
Parent volunteers are working with the Oregon PTA to relaunch the PPS Special Education Parent/Teacher/Student Association (SPTSA). This will be a district wide PTSA for special ed parents, teachers, and students. Some of their new goals include:
- Advocacy; working with Oregon PTA on legislative issues related to SpEd
- Social events and connection for families
- IEP training/workshops
- Sensory friendly events (movies, OMSI, etc)
- Scholarships for students; mini grants for teachers
If you're interested in being part of its reformation, please fill out this Google Document. Or, email pps.septsa@gmail.com with questions!
I BELONG STUDENT ART EXHIBIT ACCEPTING SUBMISSIONS
Oregon PTA is excited to celebrate the art, identity, and belonging of all children and teens across Oregon. We invite K–12 students statewide to submit original artwork for a special exhibition at the 2026 Oregon PTA Convention, taking place in April 2026 in Clackamas.
We are looking for submissions from a diverse range of artists from K-12 schools that showcase the creativity of our students. Students can use a variety of art forms, such as visual arts, literature, photography, music composition, dance choreography, or film production, to reflect on any and all ways they feel a sense of belonging.
With this exhibition, Oregon PTA hopes to shine a light on how powerful and essential belonging is for all of us—especially for the children and teens growing up in today’s world.
Students, PTAs, or communities can submit art electronically through this form, or please contact us to submit physical artwork. Artwork should be submitted by February 3rd, 2026.
If you are interested in helping us celebrate our artists or for any questions, please reach out to us at reflections@oregonpta.org.
Your art belongs, and so do you!
Rules
- Each entry must be the original work of a student at a school in Oregon.
- We recommend that artwork in various art forms stay within the parameters set by National PTA for the official Reflections program here.
- While we are aligning with the National PTA Reflections theme, Oregon PTA is currently not participating in the official National PTA Reflections contest.
- We intend to display a wide variety of submitted artwork; the final decision about the display of any art at the Oregon PTA convention is at the discretion of the Oregon PTA.
- Ownership in any submission shall remain the property of the entrant, but entry into this program constitutes entrant’s irrevocable permission and consent that PTA may display, copy, reproduce, enhance, print, sublicense, publish, distribute and create derivative works for PTA purposes. PTA is not responsible for lost or damaged entries.
- Submission of entry into the PTA Reflections program constitutes acceptance of all rules and conditions.
BLACK HISTORY MONTH BEGINS NEXT WEEK!
Black History Month starts this Sunday! To prepare, let's learn a little about how and why Black History Month came to be. Black History Month was established in great part due to the efforts of Carter G. Woodson. Woodson was born in 1875. His parents had formerly been enslaved and had no education. His education erractic, he was largely self-taught, Woodson entered high school at age 20 and graduated in two years. He worked as a teacher and school principal before getting his bachelors degree in education at Berea College in Kentucky and his PhD at Harvard.
Though on the faculty at Howard University and a dues paying member of the American Historical Association, he was barred from conferences. Woodson believed that the white-dominated historical profession at the time had little interest in Black history. He saw African-American contributions "overlooked, ignored, and even suppressed by the writers of history textbooks and the teachers who use them." He established the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASALH) in 1915 and in 1926 he established Negro History Week in the second week of February to coincide with the birthdays of Frederick Douglas and Abraham Lincoln. The popular event continued after his death.
In 1975 President Ford issued a Message on the Observance of Black History Week
External urging all Americans to "recognize the important contribution made to our nation's life and culture by black citizens." In 1976, ASALH expanded this commemoration of Black history in the United States from a week-long observance to Black History Month, which also has been known as African American History Month. In the same year, President Ford issued a Message on the Observance of Black History Month External. In subsequent years, presidents continued to issue messages honoring Black History Month.
In 1986, Congress passed Public Law 99-244, which designated February 1986 as "National Black (Afro-American) History Month.”
Celebrate Black History Month with Multnomah County Library's month of celebrations. Learn about more events by clicking here.
(Text excerpted from the ASALH: The Origins of Black History Month and the Library of Congress:
Black History Month: A Commemorative Observances Legal Research Guide.)
MISSING SOMETHING IMPORTANT? ARLETA MAY HAVE IT!
I have been cleaning and organizing the Main Office. I found some valuable items. If anyone owns or knows someone looking for these items, please let the Main Office know.
Thank you kindly,
Halima
BEAT THE BELL
For the week of January 20-23, we had 90% positive attendance (down from 92% the week before) and 101 tardies (down from 130 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:
- One day a week, offer your kid a “messy hair” day.
-
Take school lunch; no smelly lunch box to clean out later!
Have a family meeting and ask kids for ideas about getting out the door.
ARTS AND LITERACY NIGHT PREPARATIONS NEED VOLUNTEERS!
Additionally, we need 2-3 volunteers to help hang art on the display boards and mount the boards onto lockers. This would also be a 2 hour shift during the school day, and ideally the volunteers would all be working at the same time. Please let us. at the PTA, know if you'd be available to help and what hours would work best for you (or which hours don't work) so that we can coordinate with the other volunteers.
Our art teacher, Ms. Meyer, needs two volunteers to help label student artwork on Friday, April 3rd, anytime between 8-3pm, for about two hours (ideally both volunteers would come at the same time).
FIGHTING WORDS, BY KIMBERLY BRUBAKER BRADLEY - NEWBERY HONOR BOOK 2021
Ten-year-old Della has always had her older sister, Suki: When their mom went to prison, Della had Suki. When their mom’s boyfriend took them in, Della had Suki. When that same boyfriend did something so awful they had to run fast, Della had Suki. Suki is Della’s own wolf–her protector. But who has been protecting Suki? Della might get told off for swearing at school, but she has always known how to keep quiet where it counts. Then Suki tries to kill herself, and Della’s world turns so far upside down, it feels like it’s shaking her by the ankles. Maybe she’s been quiet about the wrong things. Maybe it’s time to be loud.
“Della’s matter-of-fact narration manages to be as funny and charming as it is devastatingly sad. . . . This is a novel about trauma [but] more than that, it’s a book about resilience, strength and healing. For every young reader who decides to wait . . . there will be others for whom this is the exact book they need right now.” —New York Times Book Review
Get The Book
- Click here to borrow the book, ebook, or audiobook from Multnomah County Library.
- Buy the book at Powell's Bookstore.
- Buy the book, ebook, or audiobook at Barnes and Noble.
- Purchase the book on Amazon.
- Read a review of the book in the School Library Journal.
- Read a news article about the book.
GOT A CHILD IN OBOB?
Click here to borrow any OBOB book from Multnomah County Library, or you can order them from Powells Bookstore (OBOB books are now 20% off at Powell's)!
Would you like to recommend a book for next year's OBOB list? Submit your recommendation here now through February 20th. Click here to read their book recommendation criteria.
Arleta's OBOB finals are on Tuesday Mar 3, 2026 ⋅ 2:30pm – 4pm.
OBOB practices are on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 2:30pm to 4:30pm starting Jan 13, through to Thursday Feb 19. OBOB will be run through SUN this year. All players need to be registered for the OBOB Tuesday/Thursday SUN session to be able to participate.
OBOB is also entirely volunteer-run, which means that we need caregiver volunteers to step in weekly to support the kids on their battle journeys. If you have the capacity to help, please immediately complete a background check through Portland Parks & Rec.
THE LAND OF COUNTERPANE
When I was sick and lay a-bed
I had two pillows at my head,
And all my toys beside me lay
To keep me happy all the day.
And sometimes for an hour or so
I watched my leaden soldiers go,
With different uniforms and drills,
Among the bedclothes, through the hills;
And sometimes sent my ships in fleets
All up and down among the sheets;
Or brought my trees and houses out
And planted cities all about.
I was the giant great and still
That sits upon the pillow-hill,
And sees before him, dale and plain,
The pleasant land of counterpane.
What did the left eye say to the right eye?
Between you and me, something smells.
One in six children in Oregon and SW Washington face food insecurity. Food insecurity can arise for anyone. Should you need a little help, or you want to give a little help, here is a list of nearby resources.
Search for food pantry by day and time open, using the Portland Free Food Calendar.
Urban Gleaners takes advantage of Oregon's bountiful harvests, making sure they don't go to waste, sharing food through a variety of free markets around the region. You can find those markets on their website. Find a location by clicking here.
St. Mark's Lutheran Church, 5415 SE Powell Blvd. Hours are on Fridays from 2-5pm and the entrance is in the rear of building. They use a lottery system to give out the initial entry numbers. Those who have arrived by 1:45 pm on Friday will be entered into the lottery. Those who arrive after 1:45pm will be given the next number available.
SVDP Our Lady of Sorrows, 5221 SE Knight street. Referral only. Call Portland Council for food box at 503-235-8431.
Groceries 4 Grout, 4028 SE 34th Ave. This food pantries is hosted every Friday at Kenilworth Presbyterian Church parking lot. The outdoor pantry is shopping-style, available to everyone and we invite people to bring their own bags. Call (503) 235-3977 with inquiries.
The Woodstock Food Pantry 4033 SE Woodstock, provides groceries on Fridays and Saturdays, between 12:00 P.M. – 2:00 P.M. to anyone who needs them. Drive-through or walk-up pantry. Cars – line up and stay in your car. Walkups – line up on the sidewalk.
The Francis Center 6535 SE 82nd provides food boxes Monday through Thursday from 10am -2pm. They ask that people gather one box per month, unless they're homeless, in which case, they can come once a week.
Kellogg Middle School Free Food Market, 3400 SE 69th Ave, is generally open on the 3rd Friday of every month (but they have added extra dates for November and December) and is open to the public (you do not have to have a student at Kellogg to attend). Please bring your own bag. The Kellogg pantry is open for these dates: December 2, 5, 9, 12, 15, 19, from 4pm-6pm. For more information, email info@kelloggmsptsa.org.
Lane Food Pantry, 7200 SE 60th, in the back parking lot, is open both to school families and the public, every Tuesday from 3:30-5pm, and offers 3-5 days worth of food, including fresh produce, to all comers. Please do not arrive more than 15 minutes early for the safety of the students. The pantry is run in partnership between the SUN program, the Latino Network, and the Oregon Food Bank.
The Equitable Giving Circle provides food boxes, compiled with Black farmers, for BIPOC people in our area and provides home delivery.
Portland Open Bible Community Food Pantry, 3223 SE 92nd Avenue Portland, has an open pantry on Tuesday 4pm-7pm and Thursday 10am-1pm except on federal holidays. Online ordering is open 24 hours per day / 7 days per week (click here to order food online). Walk in, call (503) 442-8228, or visit their website for more information.
PDX Free Fridge is a community based and informed mutual aid effort to increase access to free food and vital supplies by creating a network of independent fridges and pantries in Portland, OR. Go to their website to find a fridge or pantry near you! (Note: this map is out of date, and is currently being updaated.)
Milk Crate Kitchen delivers meals twice a month. To learn more, click here for the Milk Crate Kitchen website.
During these unprecedented times, some local restaurants are stepping in to fill the gap. Click here for a list of local restaurants providing SNAP meals.
To research more resources, go to the Oregon Food Bank Food Finder, Findhelp.org, or the Multnomah County Food Assistance page which has been updated to include resources for folks on SNAP not getting their SNAP payments. Multnomah Education Service District has a document with a list of resources for SNAP beneficiaries, translated into multople languages. To donate food, consider the Portland Food Project, which will pick up shelf-stable food from your home and deliver it to food pantries.
SE PORTLAND LITTLE LEAGUE REGISTRATION OPEN
Southeast Portland Little League (SEPLL) is a nonprofit dedicated to providing baseball and softball opportunities for youth ages 4-16 in a fun, inclusive environment. We welcome players of all skill levels and focus on skill development, teamwork, and fair play. Community is at the heart of SEPLL. By giving kids a place to learn, grow, and connect, we’re building a stronger community—on and off the field.
Registration is now open for Spring teams. Click here to learn more and to register!
READ TO THE DOGS AT HOLGATE LIBRARY - JAN 31, FEB 3, FEB 10
Improve your reading skills and make a new friend by reading aloud to a therapy dog at Holgate Library on Saturday, January 31 from 11am-1pm, Tuesday Feb 3 from 6-7pm, and Wednesday Feb 10 from 5:30-7:30pm. This event is for or kids and teens.
Call 503.988.5123 to register. The dogs and handlers are from Alliance of Therapy Dogs, Dove Lewis Portland Area Canine Therapy Teams, Paws for Love, and Pet Partners®. Click here to see the event on the Holgate Library website.
TWEEN COUNCIL AT HOLGATE LIBRARY - FEB 3
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Holgate Library
Help your librarian choose the best books, movies, comics, programs and events for you and your friends. Have fun working on special projects, making new friends, and creating the perfect library for you! This is a volunteer position and snacks will be provided. For kids ages in grades 4-6. Click here to see the event on Holgate Library's website.
CITIZEN ACTIVISM 101, MAKING CHANGE HAPPEN - FEB 4
Learn ideas for bi-partisan civic and political engagement with Donna L. Cohen, civics educator at Holgate Library on Wednesday Feb 4 from 6-7:30pm as part of our Everybody Reads programming.
In this civics for adults course, Donna will show examples of historical perspective and successful advocacy, including different types and tools or strategies for change. Learn how your voice can be heard through lessons in tracking legislation, submitting testimony, and learning who makes the rules in a governing system.
This event is first come, first served.
Donna L. Cohen, MEd, MLIS - Civics for Adults - Workshops to Enhance Civic Knowledge & Inspire Political Engagement - https://www.civicthinker.info
Donna's background is as a teacher and librarian. For the past nine years, Donna has presented nonpartisan Civics workshops for adults. Her workshops foster critical thinking skills. The content fills gaps in civic and political understanding. She encourages civic engagement by sharing how to get involved effectively. She is active in various civic/political projects.
Made possible by The National Endowment for the Humanities Fund of The Library Foundation. Click here to see the event on the library website.
KNIT NIGHT AT STARLIGHT KNITTING SOCIETY - FEB 4
In the heart of Portland’s vibrant Woodstock neighborhood lies a gem that beckons to creators, Starlight Knitting Society, 7028 SE 52nd Ave. Come together with fellow crafters during the shop’s Knit Night. Every Wednesday from 6-8 p.m., come together to craft, chat and connect. Team members Tim and Mckenzie create a welcoming environment for anyone who wants to join this free event.
Whether you’re looking for crafting advice or simply some good company, a new knitter or a seasoned pro, you’ll find it here. All crafts are welcome, so whether you’re knitting, crocheting, or something else entirely, you’ll feel right at home.
This haven for yarn enthusiasts offers more than just materials. It fosters a sense of belonging and camaraderie that transcends stitches and patterns.
Starlight Knitting Society is a gathering place where crafters from all walks of life come together to share their passion for crafting. The shop’s shelves are stocked with an array of yarns, materials, tools and accessories.For more information, visit the shop’s website.
FREE FIRST THURSDAY AT THE PORTLAND ART MUSEUM - FEB 5
Join us for Free First Thursday on next Thursday, February 5th from 10am-7pm at the Portland Art Museum (1219 SW Park Ave) featuring screenings and programs from the Cascade Festival of African Films. This event kicks off the festival’s month-long celebration across Portland and honors its 36th anniversary as the longest-running African film festival in the Pacific Northwest. Experience powerful storytelling, artist voices, and community dialogue across multiple museum spaces.
Free Day Highlights (schedule coming soon):
- Finley Studio: A painting activity with artist Jeremy Okai Davis, who was included in the previous PAM exhibition Black Artists of Oregon and has a piece on view now in Black Printmakers.
- Finley Studio: An African (Mali) sculpture activity facilitated by the organization Ko Falen, making butterflies, dragonflies and flowers out of recycled aluminum cans.
- 4th floor Northwest Gallery: Community conversation and storytelling sessions with members of the African diaspora, held in To Gather Your Leaving.
- Black Art and Experiences Galleries: Music by DJ Reese Bowes.
- Whitsell Auditorium: Short films curated by the Cascade Festival of African Films.
Free First Thursday tickets can be reserved online one week in advance and are also available at the door. Tickets to Free First Thursday programs at the Tomorrow Theater are available online.
PORTLAND WINTER LIGHT FESTIVAL - FEB 6-14
Since 2016, Portland Winter Light Festival has been an annual tradition of arts installations and events all around the city during the gloomiest time of the year! The Portland Winter Light Festival is coming February 6-14, filling the city for nine evenings with free light-based art, performances, and moments of wonder.
Ready to dive in? Explore programs, plan your route, check schedules, and discover how to be part of the glow. View the art listings and map here. Or, click here to see the performances schedule. See the theme for this year's festival, here. And look at images from past festival, here.
PUZZLE EXCHANGE - FEB 7
Do you love puzzles? Portland Puzzle Exchange hosts monthly events for you to meet fellow puzzle enthusiasts, swap ones you’ve finished and pick up new-to-you puzzles. This event takes place on the first Saturday of the month from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Matt Dishman Community Center, 77 NE Knott St. in Portland.
Bring puzzles you’ve completed and exchange them for others. Once you’ve completed a puzzle, bring it back and exchange it again.
For first-time puzzles, the front table hosts will check them in. Returning puzzles can be dropped off directly onto any of the trading tables.
Organizers ask that puzzles missing pieces be donated or recycled.
For more information, visit Portland Puzzle Exchange’s website.
GOATS AT YOUR LIBRARY - FEB 7
Come meet some adorable goats at your library, on Saturday Feb 7th from 2-3pm at Woodstock Library! In this informal experience, Kat from Goat it! will be sharing fun goat facts.
This event is first come, first served. Click here for details on the event website.
FOSTER-POWELL NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION GENERAL MEETING - FEB 9
The next Foster-Powell Neighborhood Association Meeting is this Monday, February 9th, from 6:30-8:30pm. General meetings are always the second Monday of the month from 6:30 – 8:30 PM with the exception of August. Check meeting notices for location. All neighbors are welcome at meetings. Anyone who lives, works, or owns property in Foster-Powell is considered a neighbor.
If you would like to have a topic added to the agenda for an upcoming meeting, please contact us at least two weeks prior. We publish the meeting agenda one week before and once the agenda is set there are no additions made.
FREE, ALL-AGES PORCHLIGHT DANCE PARTY - FEB 10
The Old Church is participating in the Portland Winter Light Festival with a sculpture by Sebastian Porter, and we're hosting a FREE, all-ages, outdoor dance party on February 10th from 5-7:30pm at our location (1422 SW 11th) to celebrate! Wear your glow gear and be the light show under the porte cochère out front of TOC! Beats by DJ Anjali and The Incredible Kid!
DJ Anjali and The Incredible Kid will bring the heat, inviting kids, grown-ups, families, and friends to dance, bounce, and warm up together under the winter lights. Expect a night of motion, joy, and shared energy, driven by global beats, playful movement, and a strong sense of community. Wear your glow gear and be the light show!
Come hungry: local favorite Parking Wok will be on site selling hot, flavorful street food – perfect fuel for dancing and staying cozy all evening. TOC’s bar will be open too, with Missionary Chocolate Truffles, Farina cookies, and beverages for both the over-21 and under-21 crowd.
LEND AND MEND WEDNESDAY - FEB 11
Lend & Mend Repair Cafes are now operating during open tool library hours (6pm-8pm) on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of every month. Drop in with clothing or other fabric items you would like to repair for FREE hands-on instruction and materials in creatively repairing holes, torn seams, and other common flaws in fiber goods by hand. Mending experts and novices are invited to drop in and join these repair party as supporting volunteers, as well.
This is not a drop-off repair service. Participants may expect to observe, learn and engage in the repairs.
Location
Green Lents Community Tool Library
9215 SE Ramona St. | Portland, OR 97266
MULTNOMAH COUNTY MASTER GARDENERS ONLINE CLASS - SEED SAVING - FEB 17
Saving seeds is one of the most meaningful ways gardeners can deepen their connection to the land, their food, and the generations who came before them. Join us as seed saver and educator Briana Smorstad, of Seed Savers Exchange, highlights the why and how of saving seeds from your home garden, with Seed Stewardship in the Garden on Tuesday, February 17, from 5-6pm, online. (Google Calendar ICS) Click here to register for the free class.
Whether you’re hoping to save money on seeds, select plants with traits you love, or preserve varieties with personal or cultural significance, seed saving is a powerful and accessible practice. Briana will cover the basics of growing plants for seed, harvesting seeds at the right time, and storing them so they remain viable for future seasons.
This presentation will also explore the broader impact of seed saving, from strengthening local resilience to protecting our shared garden heritage. Gardeners will leave with practical skills, increased confidence, and a deeper appreciation for seeds as living links between past, present, and future.
Click here to see more about the class on their website. Or, click here to see a full list of their free online classes.
LUNAR NEW YEAR AT LAN SU GARDEN - FEB 17
Save the date: February 17, 2026
Lan Su is home to the most iconic Lunar New Year celebration in the Pacific Northwest! Explore the garden adorned with dazzling lantern sculptures from China and take part in interactive cultural activities that bring the celebration to life. It’s a must-see both day and night!
LAST SUNDAY CRAFTING CLUB FOR ADULTS - FEB 22
12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Express your creativity with a variety of art and craft projects. All materials provided! Space is limited; this program is intended for adults. Click here to go to the event on the Woodstock Library website.
LUNAR NEW YEAR PARADE - MAR 7
The Lunar New Year Dragon Dance Parade and Celebration is organized in collaboration with the Oregon Historical Society and numerous community partners. The festivities include lion dancers, drummers, and a 150-foot dragon to lead the parade from the Portland Chinatown Museum, through the China Gate and downtown Portland on SW Third Avenue, and up to the Oregon Historical Society for a joyous conclusion. The parade is on March 7th and begins at 10 am. Click here for event page.
PORTLAND SIDEWALK JOY MAP - ANYTIME
Take a self-guided tour of local creations using the PDX Sidewalk Joy Map. This map showcases fun, interactive neighborhood galleries, exchanges and displays.
The map has more than 100 community joy spots throughout the city. All of these projects created by homeowners exist to bring a bit of whimsy and inspiration to the community.
These displays are viewable from front yards, curbside gardens, alleyways, side yards and sides of buildings.
The map shows a description, image and the location of each display. There’s also Instagram handles so you can follow your favorite Joy Map creators.
All locations on the map are free to enjoy, but you may want to bring quarters for the Super Awesome Prizes vending machine or pay for a pottery piece at the Poetry Pottery Box. View the map.
MULTNOMAH COUNTY LIBRARY CULTURAL PASSES
The Multnomah County Library has cultural passes to allow free admission to select cultural institutions around Portland. To check out a cultural pass from the library and see the list of institution, please click the button below.
ARTS FOR ALL TICKETS
Anyone who gets food relief through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and has the Oregon Trail Card or Washington State Quest Card qualifies to purchase $5 tickets to theatre, arts, and culture events around Portland through the Arts for All program.
Arts For All envisions a community where everyone—regardless of financial resources—can experience and enjoy arts and culture.
Over a decade ago, Arts For All was founded by dedicated arts leaders to ensure Oregon Trail Card/SNAP recipients could access specific arts events for just $5 per ticket.
Click here to be taken to the Arts for All Website and to purchase tickets.
MULTNOMAH COUNTY LIBRARY EVERYBODY READS 2025-26
Everybody Reads is a community-wide project that promotes shared reading, discussion and creative engagement around a single book. This year's program pick is Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson' memoir Lovely One. Click here to reserve a copy of the book (libraries often also have copies for you to keep, so check your local library branch).
From January through March, join your community at libraries for events around the book. Attend programs about history, the law and civic engagement. Celebrate the themes of Lovely One with creative activities like musical performance and art-making. Click here to see a calendar of Everybody Reads events.
Click here to buy tickets to see Justice Jackson discuss her autobiography live with Literary Arts and ask her questions, on Thursday March 12 from 7:30-9:30pm, at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall (tickets $35-$85).
RESOURCES FOR DISCUSSING VIOLENCE AND RACISM WITH YOUR CHILDREN FROM EMBRACERACE
The nonprofit EmbraceRace has put together a list of helpful resources for growing violence affecting children in our community. They write:
"The truth is as adults and caregivers we can’t 100% guarantee safety for kids. But we can let them know with our words and actions that we will do everything we can to protect them and help them thrive. We can acknowledge hard realities and provide tools for resilience, healing and community. We can create, with kids, a positive vision of the world we want to live in and take steps to get there – running when we can, walking when we must."
Action Guides & Articles
How to talk to kids after incidents of mass violence
by Anatasia Kim, PhD7 Ways to Highlight Resistance Efforts When Discussing Oppression with Children
by Mia BirdsongSame/Same/Different: How to Build an Inclusive Kindergarten
by Madeleine Rogin
Webinar Videos
Managing Racial Stress and Teaching Kids to Do the Same
with Drs. Riana Elyse Anderson and Shawn C.T. Jones
Teaching and Learning About Race: Fantastic Practice in the Early Years
with Victor Bradley and Verónica ReynosoTeaching and Learning About Race: Fantastic Practice in Late Elementary School
with Drs. Sarah-SoonLing Blackburn and Onnie RogersUsing Books to Engage Young Children in Talk about Race & Justice
with Tandem, Partners in Early Learning
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.
VACCINE RESOURCES FOR YOUR CHILD'S HEALTH FROM THE DISTRICT
Vaccines play a crucial role in protecting our students from serious illnesses and help keep our community safe. Parents/ Guardians of students who are due to receive vaccines should receive a letter in the mail. Please check if your child’s vaccinations are current, including their recommended flu shot, and contact your medical provider or any of the resources listed below.
Multnomah County Student Health Centers
Multnomah County Vaccination Clinic (English)
Email: ArletaSchoolPTA@gmail.com
Website: arletapta.org
Location: 5109 SE 66th Avenue
Phone: 503-916-6330
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArletaElementaryK5