The Guardian Gazette

Hello IBW Guardians and Families,

Today, I sat in 2D AP Art and Design and listened to upper class students share their photography portfolios. I am so impressed with their work, their ability to express themselves through their art, and the critiques given to them by their peers and their teacher Mr. Carlson. We have so many talented artists at Ida B. Wells and the best high school Visual Art Department in the city.

This Thursday, our district leaders are holding a budget listening session at 6pm in the IBW cafeteria. We will experience staffing reductions at Ida B. Wells High School as a result of a $50 million dollar shortfall in the district. I am confident we will continue to offer an incredible learning environment for our students, however, it will be with fewer staff and resources. I’ve been told that Lincoln families plan on having a presence at this meeting. I want to invite you to attend with me wearing IBW gear, ask questions, and listen to answers. Looking forward to seeing you there if you are able to do so. Please see the flyer below.

Please be reminded that school is not in session on Monday, January 26th and Tuesday, Jan. 27th. Teachers have a grading day on Monday and a planning day on Tuesday. We will be working diligently and collaboratively to receive students for the 2nd semester. There is a lot happening at the start of the semester with students forecasting for new courses. You can find the forecasting guide here: https://ibw.pps.net/academics/forecasting-information/2026-2027-interactive-course-guide Enjoy talking with your student(s) about what they plan on taking in 26-27. We have a rich offering of electives not only in visual arts, but also performing arts and CTE. So many choices!!!

See you at school and in the neighborhood,

Principal Coning

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

January 20 - Auction Planning Meeting
January 21-23 1st Semester Finals
January 22 - PPS Budget Engagement Night @ IBWHS

January 26/27 - No School for Students, Grading and Staff Professional Development

January 29 - 9th/10th grade College Night
January 30 - ADPI Student Union Fundraiser Lunch
January 31 - Electronics Recycling Drive for Grad Night
February 7 - Winter Formal
February 12 - PTA Parent Book Discussion
February 13 - 15 - SW Stageworks, Winter Play, Shelter, Opens

February 19 - 21 - SW Stageworks, Winter Play, Shelter, Continues
February 26 - PTA Clothing Closet
March 4 - FOR JUNIORS - SAT Testing
April 18 - IBW Auction

See more dates/information on the:

The Synergy ParentVUE & StudentVUE login URL has changed. The attached photo/document will guide you through how to make the change for both apps or website browser bookmarks. Somali and Spanish versions are also attached. If you need assistance with another language, please reach out to the Main Office.

COMING SOON!

Electronics Recycling Event - Saturday, January 31st

The Ida B. Wells electronics recycling drive is back - right in time for a post-holiday clean out!

Did you get new electronics over the holidays and need to recycle the old ones? Working on a New Year clean out of the garage?

Get rid of your unwanted electronics AND support Grad Night for the IBW Class of 2026!

See the list below shows items that we can and can't take.

When: 10am - 2pm Saturday, January 31st

Where: Ida B. Wells High School, 1151 S.W. Vermont St. (Front parking Lot on Vermont)

$5/item or $25/vehicle, cash or check only

Thank you for supporting Grad Night for our seniors!

OSAS (Oregon Statewide Assessment System) testing to all Juniors in February. These standardized tests assess how well students are mastering content in key subject areas (ELA, Math, & Science) aligned to the Common Core State Standards.

WHY

Why should students take the test and do their best?

• The Ida B. Wells Report Card: The Oregon Department of Education (ODE) rates all schools throughout the state. ODE will produce report cards of all schools based, in part, on OSAS performance. Lower participation and performance can negatively affect school ratings and can present an inaccurate view of our student’s achievement at Ida B. Wells

• Learning Progress: The OSAS acts as a snapshot of your child’s progress that may be considered along with other pieces of information to determine your child’s academic success

• Student and System Assessment: A balanced assessment system offers all students, especially historically underserved students, opportunities to demonstrate their progress. Ultimately, a balanced assessment system creates a shared understanding among educators and a more transparent process for parents to access and understand their student’s progress throughout their educational career. If OSAS results demonstrate that students are not meeting standards, PPS will explore why and explore potential solutions to make the necessary adjustments for improvements at a district-wide level.

WHEN

OSAS testing will happen in your student’s regular classrooms during the following weeks:

• English Language Arts - Week of February 2nd (est. 2 class periods)

• Math - Week of February 2nd (est. 2 class periods)

• Science - Week of February 23rd (est. 1-2 class periods)
  
  

WHAT STUDENTS DO

–JUNIORS must bring their CHARGED PPS chromebooks for testing!

–All students whether testing or not, will report to their regular classroom as there will be class for all.

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

In December, 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.

On Wednesday March 4, all PPS high schools will be holding the SAT School-day test in their high school for all 11th graders. This is given for FREE to all 11th graders. This exam offers an opportunity for students to demonstrate their readiness for college and career next steps. Please encourage your student(s) to arrive at school early, with their fully charged chromebook and be prepared for the test. Additional information about this test and the schedule will be coming out as we get closer. No registration needed, we have handled it for you.

Here are photos of IBW students participating in our Student Athletic Training Program. The Ida B. Wells Student Athletic Trainer Program provides our Sports Med students with a hands-on opportunity to learn about injuries, prevention, and athletic healthcare. Participants work alongside our certified athletic trainer (Monica Ng) to assist with varsity games, and basic injury care while developing leadership, responsibility, and professional skills.

A chance encounter on a bench that memorializes a student killed in a hate crime leads to an unlikely friendship… An inappropriate relationship between a student and teacher is reported, but is the accusation a fabrication?… A group of friends preparing themselves to survive the end of the world face unforeseen fractures among their ranks… AI is used in myriad ways to navigate romantic lives, advance career prospects and understand the fundamental nature of reality…

And below them…beneath the school…is a forgotten fallout shelter. When students find out they are not the first ones to uncover this derelict space, the past comes back to haunt them…
Will they put the ghosts to rest…or will past horrors made present destroy them?

Shelter sees the powerhouse partnership of award-winning writer Conor Eifler (You Cannot Undo This Action) and director Matthew B. Zrebski (The Demolition) reunite in crafting a hard-hitting story for this turning-point moment in our shared history.

Shelter is recommended for audiences aged 8th Grade and older for frequent coarse language and mature teen situations.

Experience the magic of a live performance! Reserve your tickets for Teen West Project: Year 14 - Shelter. Don't miss out on the excitement—book now and treat yourself to an unforgettable event.

February 13 - 15th and February 19-21. https://www.southweststageworks.com/online-ticket-sales

On January 17 & 18, the IBW Speech & Debate Team competed at Lewis & Clark College in the annual Jean Ward Invitational. This is the largest tournament in the state with over 1000 entries representing nearly 50 schools from Oregon and California.

Congratulations to our competitors!

Jacob Adamidov Nelson - (Octofinalist) Novice Parliamentary Debate; (Semifinalist) Novice Impromptu Speaking

Jasper DeFrain - (Finalist) Programmed Original Interpretation; Parliamentary Debate

Marcus Donovan - (Quarterfinalist) Novice Parliamentary Debate

Eliza Evens - (Octofinanalist) Novice Parliamentary Debate; (Finalist) Novice Poetry

Zach Horwitz - (Quarterfinalist & 5th in Speaker Points) Novice Parliamentary Debate; Novice Impromptu Speaking

Naima Jaitla - (Finalist) Original Oratory; Parliamentary Debate

Finn Jones - Impromptu Speaking

Robert Kaiser - Lincoln Douglas Debate; Informative Speaking

Maham Luqman - Radio Commentary

Emma Radosta - Novice Radio Commentary

Malija Stone - Parliamentary Debate; Radio Commentary

Riley Stone - (3rd) Novice Informative Speaking; Novice Impromptu Speaking

Eesa Taylor - Parliamentary Debate

Special thanks to our generous sponsor, Southwest Portland Martial Arts &

CrossFit Hillsdale, for contributing to the sustainability of our program!

Contact Coach Terese if you'd like to become a sponsor - terese.bushnell@gmail.com

Thanks to the quick collaboration with IBW leadership during flex last week, Positive Charge! IBW started out their campaign strong, making 56 Valentines Day cards for Seniors to be distributed to Meals on Wheels recipients this February. They will be making more cards during upcoming club meetings and volunteering with Positive Charge! PDX's local card making events

Our 9th and 10th Grade College Night is the perfect opportunity for students & families to learn how to prepare, plan, and succeed in your post-secondary goals. Staff from the IBW College & Career Center and College Place Oregon will have a presentation and will be available to answer all your questions!

Junior College Newsletter

https://www.parentsquare.com/feeds/68018216

Senior College Newsletter

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1OPBrK8W0W7fD62bfgQFO6waRB4mUGVJVoEpKS3XpwqI/edit?usp=sharing

Many opportunities are available this Fall for you to explore careers, go more in-depth with internship and leadership opportunities, and make an impact in the community. Sign-up for an opportunity! Read on in the January IBW Career News. It is chock full of opportunities for our students to explore their interests and gain hands-on experience!

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

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

The Ida B. Wells Booster Club is excited to announce the 2026 annual School Auction. Our 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!

The next Auction committee meeting will be TONIGHT January 20 at 6:30 PM. Please RSVP to auction@ibwboosterclub.org to attend.

Immediate Auction Needs:

• Help for procurement and sponsorship.
• Help finding and collecting VHS and cassette tapes for decorations. Do you know anyone hiding them in their basement they want to part with? Are you on a Buy nothing group and willing to post and collect?
• Please email auction@ibwboosterclub.org if you can help!
  

  
  

  Visit the Auction Website
  See much more information in the Auction Newsletter https://app.smore.com/n/wapb4

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

HELP. We Need Volunteers!

This Saturday's 1/24 Boys Basketball Games - morning and afternoon games - all shifts are open and need to be filled so our gym snack shack can open.

• Huge thank you to the students and adults who answered the call so we could open the Snack Shack last week! We raised a lot of funds for grants and want to keep it going!
• 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

Raising healthy, resilient kids in a digital world can be tough, but there are hopeful solutions.

Join other parents on Thursday, February 12, 6:30 pm in the IBW Library for a PTA-sponsored book discussion of The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt. Gain practical insights, share perspectives, and walk away with ideas of how to better support your child.

All are invited to join the conversation, whether you’ve finished the book, meant to read it, or just want to hear about it!

PPS PTA Clothing Center Volunteers Needed for Thursday, February 26 – Two times a year, IBW volunteers at the PPS PTA Clothing Center. The Clothing Center is a wonderful resource for students from across PPS, run entirely by volunteers and through donations. See here for details about the program. To sign up to volunteer, go to this link. Thank you!

Clothing donations are also welcome. At this time of year, donations of coats, beanies, gloves, and boys size 10-16 sweatpants are especially requested. Items can be dropped off in the school office for district delivery.

If your student uses PPS Transportation (not Tri-Met), the schedule will be as follows this week for Finals. Parents will need to calculate the bus's estimated arrival based on the shift in times.

Wednesday 1/21: 1:30 depart from school

Thursday 1/22: 1:30 depart from school

Friday 1/23: 12:30 depart from school

TriMet proposed 2026 service changes: TriMet is facing a $300 million budget gap in the upcoming years. They have released their proposed service reductions here. This link has current and proposed maps, explanations to go with the visuals, open house dates and most importantly a feedback link for the public to provide comments.

The PPS Transportation Department is working with TriMet to ensure students are impacted as little as possible. TriMet would like feedback from families about the proposed TriMet service reductions. Please look at the impact on your students and provide the feedback to TriMet on that impact and your concerns. TriMet has assured us that every response will be reviewed and is critical to their decision process. The deadline to provide feedback is January 31st. Here is the link one more time. TriMet proposed 2026 service changes

We are hoping to place one of our inbound students at Ida B Wells next year. We have one family committed, but need one or two more families each willing to host for 3 - 4 months.