MLC Newsletter

1/19: No School (Martin Luther King Jr. Day); Community Clean-Up Day @ MLC 12:00-3:00 p.m.

1/20: Caregiver Workshop 5:00 p.m. (see MLC Family Resource Newsletter section for details)

1/21: 1x5 Winter Electives Begin

1/23: Quarter 2 Ends

1/26: No School (Grading Day)

1/27: No School (Planning Day)

2/6; Craft Night 5:30-7:00 p.m.

2/11: Early Release at 12:45 p.m.

2/16: No School (President's Day)

2/25: MESD Vaccine Exclusion Deadline

2/26: Kx5 Open House 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Visit MLCPTSA.org and download the online calendar to stay on top of all things MLC. It includes early release days, conferences, no school days and all MLC and PTSA events.

Hope Hitchcock, she/they, will start as our School Health Assistant on Tuesday, 1/20. Hope subbed for a bit in the fall, so you may have already connected. Welcome back, Hope!

In case you're not yet aware, there are national protests planned for 1/20/26, one of which is occurring at Couch Park at 2:00 p.m. This link will take you to information on a protest that is specifically for PPS high school students: https://action.womensmarch.com/events/portland-public-schools-free-america-walkout.

Please be aware that parking may be a challenge during pick-up time on Tuesday, 1/20.

• We recognize students’ right to free expression.

• IMPORTANT: In accordance with Oregon law and district policies, all middle and high school students must make pre-arrangements with their teachers or principals for addressing any missed school assignments (including quizzes, tests).

• Once students leave school grounds, we cannot ensure their location or their safety. In some cases, PPS staff may monitor students in an “observe and report” capacity. Due to the dynamic nature of protests we cannot ensure that staff are able to ensure student safety. We do encourage students to express their perspectives through discussions, research, testimony, lobbying, petitions and demonstrations outside the school day. Teacher facilitated in-class discussions may also be useful, and we encourage teachers to reflect on the issues related to the protest.

• High School students must make arrangements with their teachers or principals for addressing any missed school assignments (including quizzes, tests). High school students must make arrangements and have parent/guardian permission with their teachers in order to receive an excused absence if they choose to take part in local civic engagement. (In cases where no parent/guardian is available, high school students should contact their counselor for help.) This excused absence will allow them to play in athletics or other school activities.

Elementary and Middle School students will be asked to remain in the building. Parents/guardians may choose to sign their students out and participate with them. If parents/guardians plan for an adult other than parent/guardian to check out their student, they will need to update their school ahead of time that another adult is authorized to pick up their student.

• We encourage families to have conversations with their students about civic participation. We also encourage parents/guardians to discuss their expectations around student participation prior to the walkout with their students, including what to do if and when leaving school, when the walkout is over, and returning home.

• Parents/guardians of K-8 students are within their legal right to dismiss their students from school. If students decide to participate in the walkout, parents/guardians should advise the school or their child’s teacher in advance that they will be participating in civic engagement activities, and then be checked out of school by a parent/guardian in order to have the absence considered “excused”. Usual district protocol for after-school pick-up will apply for K-8 students, although parents/guardians can allow other arrangements.

All MLC parents are welcome to join a special event on Tuesday Jan. 20 at 5pm about the Signs of Suicide program and the mental health resources available at MLC. Join social worker Kate Allen as she shares components of the comprehensive SOS program before it is taught in high school health classes on Friday Jan. 23. The meeting will be 30-45 minutes and informational in nature. Click on the meeting link to join.

DAY OF SERVICE: MLC Community Clean-Up

Monday, January 19, 12-3pm

Meet in the westside staff lot

Honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s legacy and then join us to help clean up the MLC grounds. Bring your rake, broom, and leaf blower or just your heart and muscle. Kids are welcome. Hot cocoa and coffee will be provided.

NEW: SPED Affinity Group

We are launching a SPED Affinity Group that is intended to be a safe, supportive space for caregivers to connect, share best practices, problem-solve, find resources, and build community around the unique challenges and joys of special education. We’ll begin with a “Making Connections” kickoff meeting, focused on getting to know one another and hearing what kinds of support families are interested in moving forward. This will be a welcoming, informal space — no expertise or prior involvement required. If you are interested in participating, please fill out THIS Doodle Poll to help us select a date that works for the majority.

CRAFT NIGHT: Valentine’s/Galentine’s Day!

Friday, February 6, 5:30-7pm

MLC Commons

Join us for a low-key evening of creativity and connection. Bring your own craft or take part in one of our love inspired projects. Fun for all ages!

MLC ANNUAL AUCTION & SOCIAL: Save the Date

The MLC PTSA is excited to host our annual auction & social on April 18 at Polaris Hall. It’s our biggest celebration of the year and ALL are welcome!

We are seeking event sponsors! Do you own a business? Know someone who does? Have a favorite you might ask? Your tax-deductible contribution supports our school community and goes directly toward underwriting the cost of the event. This opportunity also provides excellent exposure for your organization to our school families, neighbors, and broader community. We offer several levels of sponsorships with various perks. Email Auction Chair Sierra at Development@MLCPTSA.org to learn more.

REMINDER: Stay in the know!

Check out our January Event Highlights and then be sure to peruse the MLC PTSA January Newsletter for more information about upcoming activities, important updates, and ways we can continue to show up for our students, staff, and families. As always, you can find details at MLCPTSA.ORG and in our Private MLC Community Facebook Group.

This month's MLC Family Resource Newsletter covers a variety of topics, including an event coming up soon (on 1/20/26).

All MLC parents are welcome to join a special event on Tuesday Jan. 20 at 5pm about the Signs of Suicide program and the mental health resources available at MLC.

The Synergy ParentVUE & StudentVUE login URL has changed. In case that information was lost in the winter rush, a screenshot of what to bookmark is included below.

Here's the new URL: https://or-psd-psv.edupoint.com

Vaccinations, Health & Wellness:

Multnomah County Student Health Center School Vaccine Catch Up Reminder (by Feb. 25)

There are symptoms of illness that would necessitate keeping students out of school and details when students may return. The guidance is linked here for your convenience.

If your student says they’re feeling sick but doesn’t meet the criteria to stay home, it can be helpful to refer to the district’s illness guidelines to make an informed decision together. Reviewing the symptoms and return-to-school guidance can support both student wellness and consistent attendance.