Demo Family Memo

Demo Families,

Thank you to our entire Jefferson community for your incredible support through what has been a challenging week. As a learning community, we remain focused on moving forward—supporting the growth and academic acceleration of our students in everything they do. Whether in the classroom, on the stage, on the court, or on the field, we take every opportunity to guide and empower our young scholars.

As you read through this week’s newsletter, please take a moment to review our Cell Phone Policy Update. In line with the Governor's Executive Order, our school will be continuing the enforcement of a electronic-free environment requiring the daily use of Yondr pouches. Please review these expectations with your student(s) as we make this transition heading into Quarter 2.

A quick reminder: this week marks the end of Quarter 1. For those who received emails or phone calls from teachers regarding academic progress, we appreciate your partnership and support in helping your student finish the quarter strong.

The sun is still shining here in Oregon—what a treat for late fall! Have a wonderful and restful weekend!!!

Drake

Monday, October 26th

• A day-FLEX
• SUN

Tuesday, October 27th

• B-Day- FLEX
• College and Career Night
• SUN
• SHAC

Wednesday, October 28th

• All 8 Day
• SUN
• Cross Country PIL League Championship

Thursday, October 29th

• Grading Day/ No School
• Theatre Fall Show 7pm-9pm

Friday, October 30th

• Planning Day/ No School
• Theatre Fall Show 7pm-9pm
• Football Game @Roosevelt

Dear Demo Parents and Guardians,

At Jefferson High School, maintaining a safe, engaged, and distraction-free learning environment is our top priority. As we enter the new quarter on November 2nd, we are writing to inform you of enhanced enforcement regarding our electronic device policy- Yondr Pouches

Over recent weeks, we have seen a significant rise in electronic device violations during class time. To ensure all students remain focused on their academics and respectful of school expectations, we will strictly enforce the use of Yondr pouches starting November 2nd.

Key Details for Families:

• Daily Requirement: Every student must bring their school-issued Yondr pouch daily and lock their phone/smart devices upon arrival.

• Random Compliance Checks: School staff will conduct random checks throughout the day to ensure full compliance.

• Disciplinary Consequences: Students who fail to lock their devices, carry untampered pouches, or adhere to the policy will face formal disciplinary action.

• Contacting Your Student: If you need to reach your child urgently during the school day, please call the main office and our staff will deliver a message or bring your student to the office promptly. Also, if students need to make an urgent phone call they can request a pass to the main office or student services

We ask for your partnership in discussing these expectations with your child before November 2nd. We made reminder announcements this week and will continue into next.

Thank you for your continued support in keeping our school a productive space for learning.

Principal Drake Shelton

Jordan Brooks is this week's PCC Student Spotlight! This term, Jordan has challenged herself by taking a Japanese 101 course. As Middle College students, the expectation is to learn, transcend, and explore. In a short period of time, Jordan has exhibited excellence in all of these categories by being true to herself, and what she needs to be successful.

The PCC-MC staff had this to say when asked about Jordan, "We are so incredibly impressed with Jordan's ability to advocate for herself when challenges arise. Jordan has leaned on strong communication skills as she has navigated a very difficult course, and we look forward to seeing where this path takes her. Keep up the great work, Jordan!" - Mr. Rodriguez, Ms. Lisa Smith, and Mr. Deaundrea Tanner.

All parents and students, 9th - 12th grades, are invited to Jefferson’s Annual College and Career Night, Tuesday October 27, 5:30pm-8pm, pizza served 5:30-6pm! Details in the flier below:

The following career days still have space. There are 2 new ones as well. Remember - you need to apply, be accepted, and provide your own transportation.

• Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2026: Veterinary Medicine Career Day

• Friday, October 29, 2026: Holst Architecture Career Day

• Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2026: Turner Construction/Engineering Career Day(new!) -- includes a jobsite tour of the Portland Timbers training center, under construction

• Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2026: BRIC Architecture Career Day (new!)

We're kicking off the first career mentor lunch of the year next week on Tuesday, October 27th during lunch in the Blazer room.

Our Career Mentor Lunches are CRLE (Career Related Learning Experience) activities. You need to:

• sign up (link below)

• show up on time during lunch

• get a free meal

• hear about different careers and the speaker's journey getting there

• ask questions, be involved, have fun!

Our topic will be careers in public health, and our guest speaker is a Jefferson alum! This lunch is sponsored by our partners at OnTrack OHSU.

Space is limited. If you'd like to attend, please Sign Up.

SAT Info/Prep meeting

Nov 5, during FLEX, Stumptown Test Prep is offering a free class to share details about the SAT, including how adaptive scoring works and why accuracy is more important than speed for the first module. There will also be some guidance on how to prepare/study for the SAT test. Interested students should sign up in StudentView. Please note this class is one hour long and will be excused from the first 20 minutes of period 4.

Financial Aid

FAFSA/ORSAA

Most of our Jefferson seniors have successfully submitted their part of the FAFSA/ORSAA applications. Now it’s time for parents/guardians to submit their part of the FAFSA application! Have questions or would like help?

• Schedule an in person or zoom meeting with Amy (apotter@pps.net), the College Coordinator

• Attend Jefferson’s College and Career Night on Oct 27, 5:30pm-8pm, and get expert advice on the FAFSA application

• Drop by the College and Career Center anytime between 8:30am-4pm on October 29 & 30 (no school for students those days)

Upcoming Scholarships, see complete list here.

• U.S. Bank Student Scholarship: Due Oct 30

• Nordic Northwest - Official Oregon Lucia Scholarship Program: Due October 30

• Voice of Democracy Scholarship: Due Oct 31

• AGC (Construction Association) Scholarship, for the trades: Due Nov 1

• Hispanic Heritage Youth Awards: Due Nov 1

• Cooke College Scholarship Program: Due Nov 11

• Elks Most Valuable Student Scholarship: Due Nov 12

This is a reminder that both Monday 10/26 and Tuesday 10/27 are going to be FLEX days. Please make sure that students sign up in their StudentVUE for classes that they need support in as we approach the end of quarter 1.

Tickets are on sale now for the Fall show Red Sky at Morning, by local playwright Claire Willett. Centered around a group of teens navigating the rough seas of their social lives both in real life and online, the play is sharp, funny, and emotional. Runtime approx 75 min.

Tickets:

Additionally, we would like to take a moment to say that The Democratic Dramatics strive to produce timely, entertaining, and relevant theatre here at Jefferson, but we receive no financial support from the district. This QR Code takes you to our Schoolpay donation site. Please help us to continue to grow the program and give these wonderful young actors and techs opportunities to shine. No amount is too small!

Donations:

We’re excited to kick off the 2026–27 season with SOAR 2026—our first performance of the year! Join us on Friday, November 13, to support our talented dancers. Get your tickets now: https://charityauction.bid/soar26

Jefferson Athletics Information:

Week of October 23rd - October 30th 2026

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WINTER SPORTS REGISTRATION IS OPEN!

It is a great time to become a DEMO! We are currently accepting athletic participation registration for the following Winter Sports: Basketball, Wrestling, Swimming. Please go to FamilyID.com and create an account and sign up to participate. Jefferson High School FamilyID or type in www.familyid.com/organizations/jefferson-high-school-portland

Student-athletes must complete registration, have a valid physical on file, and be cleared by the Jefferson Athletic Office in order to participate in Sports.

• Boys Basketball: Michael Lee - mlee5@pps.net
• Girls Basketball: Andre Lawrence -- alawrenc@pps.net
• Swimming: Janice Lucas -- jlucas@pps.net
• Wrestling: Montral Brazile -- mbrazile@pps.net

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Out of Season Sports Workouts

Open Period : Started - 9/28/26

• Limited to a maximum of six hours each week per program sport specific training, not per student (including open gyms).

• Allows optional, fundamental skill development with an unlimited number of student-athletes. No 8th graders or students from other schools may participate.

• No competitions/games or tryouts permitted.

• No Tryouts permitted

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Athletics Practice Schedule Week of 10/23/26 - 10/30/26

Football 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM Field

XC 3:45 PM - 6:00 PM Track

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Upcoming Events: 10/23/26 - 10/30/26

October 23rd

• Varsity Football @ McDaniel 7:00 PM

October 28th

• XC District Meet @ Lents Park 2 PM ER 12:15 BL 12:30

October 30th

• Varsity Football @ Roosevelt 7:00 PM

Name: Ramaya Jackson

• Grade: 12
• Activity: Volleyball

Favorite meal before a competition?

Jersey Mike’s Italian Sandwich

How long have you been participating in Volleyball?

I have been playing volleyball since 5th Grade

What famous person inspires you?

Simone Biles

Best moment of the year?

Finishing my Common App for College

Best part about being a DEMO?

Our Supporters!