THE GRANTONIAN
April 10, 2026
Dear Grant High School Community,
This week, we proudly celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week and recognize the incredible educators who make Grant High School such a special place. Every day, our teachers inspire, support, challenge, and encourage our students, helping them grow both academically and personally. We are deeply grateful for their dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment to our school community.
We also want to extend a heartfelt thank you to our wonderful families and community members who helped make this week so meaningful. Your generosity, kindness, and support reminded our teachers just how appreciated they are.
A very special thank you goes to Por Qué No? for generously sponsoring a delicious lunch for our deserving teachers. Also want to thank the many families that sent food, drinks and utensils. Your thoughtful contribution helped make the celebration extra special, and we are so grateful for the partnership and support of our school community.
To all of our Grant High School teachers: thank you for the lasting impact you make every single day. We appreciate you this week and always!
AP Exams: What to Expect on Exam Day
As AP exam season approaches, it’s important to be prepared and know what to expect. Below are key reminders to help you feel confident and ready on test day.
Arrival & Check-In
- Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes early for check-in.
- You will be directed to your testing room and may need to show ID.
- Late arrivals may not be admitted.
What to Bring
- Several No. 2 pencils and black or dark blue pens
- A watch (not a smartwatch)
- An approved calculator (if your exam allows one)
- Your College Board login information (for digital exams)
- A fully charged device and charger (if required for your exam)
Important: For digital exams, you will log in through the Bluebook app using your College Board account.
What NOT to Bring
- Phones, smartwatches, or any electronic devices (unless approved for testing)
- Food or drinks (you may access these during breaks with permission)
- Notes, books, or unauthorized materials
Bringing prohibited items can result in dismissal or score cancellation.
During the Exam
- Follow all instructions from the proctor carefully.
- Exams typically include multiple-choice and free-response sections.
- There is usually a short break between sections.
- You must remain in the testing room for the full exam time.
After the Exam
- All materials will be collected before dismissal.
- For digital exams, your responses are automatically submitted at the end.
Being prepared is the best way to reduce stress. Make sure you get a good night’s sleep, arrive early, and bring everything you need.
Need More Information?
Please review the following slideshow for detailed testing information review the slides below 🔽
If you have testing accommodations and questions, please email:
Mr. Jara — ljara@pps.net
Good luck on your AP exams!
We are proud to announce the distinguished speakers who will address the Class of 2026 at this year’s graduation ceremony.
Evan Mettler
Sonja Seidman
Brandon Solano Miranda
Kazmer Zawadzki
UPCOMING EVENTS
Class of 2026 Senior Celebration: Monday, May 4th from 10 AM to 4 PM in the College & Career Center
On Monday, May 4th, the College & Career Center will host a Senior Celebration. Seniors can stop by the CCC, room 128, to fill out their Senior Survey, enter to win prizes, put themselves on the Class of 2026 map, and grab a cupcake. Stop by so we can celebrate your plans for next year!
Essay Writing Workshop for Juniors: Thursday, May 14th at 9:55 AM in the College & Career Center
Nathan Faust, Undergraduate Admission Counselor at Loyola Marymount University, will be at Grant during Flex to present on how to start writing your college essays. This is a great way for students to get a jump on the college application process and start thinking about their essays. Students can register here!
Financial Aid for Families - Coalition for College Webinar: Wednesday, May 20th at 5 PM
Take the mystery out of paying for college. Join us for a live panel discussion with admissions and financial aid counselors from Coalition member colleges designed to help families understand options, navigate the process, and plan for college costs. You’ll hear actionable tips for how student supporters can guide conversations about cost, stay organized with requirements, and help students make informed choices. Bring your questions and leave with the knowledge and confidence to help support and fund your student’s college journey.
5 Things You Can Do This Summer Workshop: Thursday, May 21st at 9:55 AM in the College & Career Center
Juniors! Come to the College & Career Center during Flex to hear about what you can do this summer to help you feel better prepared for the college application process and upcoming fall deadlines. Snacks will be served! Students can register here.
REGISTER NOW FOR SUMMER COLLEGE PROGRAMS
Willamette University Camp College: July 22nd to 24th at Willamette University; Deadline is May 18th
Camp College is an application-based program open to rising high school juniors and seniors committed to pursuing a four-year college or university education. To be eligible, applicants must:
Be on track to graduate high school in June 2027 or June 2028;
Be enrolled and attend a high school within the Willamette Valley;
Demonstrate a solid commitment to attending a four-year college or university; and,
Display leadership experience or potential.
Camp College provides rising juniors and seniors an opportunity to spend time at Willamette experiencing college life while making progress on their college search. This three-day, two-night camp experience offers students from Salem and the greater Willamette Valley to attend a sample college class, discover the differences between college types and sizes, and attend workshops that will better prepare them for a successful college application process.
Student Academy to Inspire Learning (SAIL): July 12th to July 17th at the University of Oregon
UO SAIL pre-college immersive summer programs inspire Oregon high school students to pursue, enroll and succeed in higher education. UO is offering FREE weeklong residential (overnght) programs for rising high school juniors and rising seniors, hosted on the University of Oregon Eugene campus, where high school students learn about various subjects from distinguished University of Oregon faculty members through fun, social and interactive activities. REGISTER HERE!
Career Exploration Opportunities:
1. Spring Career Days from the Portland Workforce Alliance (PWA):
PWA Portland Fire & Rescue Career Day (Friday, May 1, 2026)
PWA Kaiser Permanente Career Day (Friday, May 8, 2026)
PWA Holst Architecture Career Day (Thursday, May 14, 2026)
2. NEW! Free, weeklong summer CYBERSECURITY camp at Portland Community College's Sylvania campus in August.
Do you love technology and are you ready for a challenge? This camp asks 8th–11th graders to step into the role of cybersecurity pros. No experience required—just a passion for problem-solving and a desire to stop digital 'bad guys.' Students gain technical skills as they solve a cybercrime in a workplace scenario.
Why is this a good thing?
Zero Cost: Completely free for all participants
Hands-On: Students use digital tools and learn to think like an adversary
High Demand: Introduces students to one of the fastest-growing, highest-wage career paths in Oregon
College Campus: A great way for students to experience a college environment and work with a Computer Science instructors and their college students
There are 48 spaces available. The application is open now and you can find all the details at nwcybercamp.org. Also, here's a list of scholarships for high school seniors interested in cybersecurity: https://nwcybercamp.org/college-scholarships/
3. Bodecker Foundation FREE summer art workshops: Space is limited and applications are required for all workshops. Students can learn more and apply at www.bodeckerfound.org/workshops. Workshops in Slam Poetry, Screenwriting, Music Production/Recording, Portrait Drawing and Printmaking.
4. Portland Metro Fire Camp for women aged 16-22 - this is a 3-day camp where you get hands-on with real firefighting skills led by professional female firefighters! Camp dates: July 17, 18, and 19. Apply today at link provided.
5. Paid summer research opportunities: Institute for Computing in Research: Summer Research Internship Program Apply now!
6. Explore Healthcare Careers at Pacific University and/or OHSU - summer healthcare experiences for rising Juniors and Seniors (Synapse) and Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors (OHSU). Registration and links are in these flyers:
- Synapse at Pacific University
Prioritizing students who don't otherwise have these opportunities for career exposure through jobs, volunteering, parents, or school programming. If you have any questions, please reach out to Annie Price, Project Coordinator, OHWI AHEC.
7. Join Future Climate Collective's Student Leadership Team: for students interested in climate action, policy making and climate literacy. Learn more here.
8. Summer Jobs:
a) 9th-grade students! This is for YOU - work with Portland Parks Golf out on the course all summer:
The EAGLE Caddie Program (Early Adventures in Golf for a Lifetime of Enjoyment) introduces students to a paid summer caddying experience. Students apply during the spring of ninth grade, and those accepted begin caddying that summer. They continue through high school, gaining valuable work experience, mentorship, and a strong sense of community. No prior golf experience is required.
At the conclusion of the program, eligible students may apply for the Evans Scholarship, which offers significant funding to help students attend select universities, including the University of Oregon. In 2025, two EAGLE Caddies were awarded Evans Scholarships, joining a strong group of current and past scholars.
Beyond financial support, the program is designed to build confidence, foster stewardship, and empower students, particularly those from underrepresented socioeconomic backgrounds, to pursue higher education and long-term success. Applications are open now through Friday, May 1.
b) Apply for OMSI Camp Counselors positions - must be 16 by June 1st to apply -
Summer Camp Counselor - Camp Gray in Newport, OR
Wellness Resources for Summer Break & Beyond
Crisis Support
Multnomah County Crisis Line Call Center at 503-988-4888
Lines for Life Youth Line Call 877-968-8491 or Text "teen2teen" to 839863 Trevor Project Call 1-866-488-7386 or Text “START” to 678678
Cascadia Urgent Walk-in Clinic Call 503-963-2575. Address: 4212 SE Division, Suite 100 24/7 Help for Self Harm Text CONNECT to 741741
Summer Events/Food Access to support your wellness
Free Summer Lunch for All Kids
Search for a Therapist
PPS Mental Health and Wellness Resources
Psychology Today Therapist Search
Kaiser Mental Health Assessment Line 503-249-3434
Culturally and Linguistically Specific Providers
Substance Use Support
Haven Counseling- Request for Support
Access Mental Health Support at College
Portland Community College Counseling
Portland State University Counseling
Oregon State University Mental Health Services
University of Oregon Mental Health Support
Southern Oregon University Mental Health and Wellness
Eastern Oregon University Student Health and Counseling
Western Washington University Counseling and Wellness Center College Mental Health Toolkit
Housing Support
Resources for students experiencing housing instability
Caregiver Support
Racial Equity Support Line 503-575-3764
Racial Equity Support Line is led and staffed by people with lived experience of racism. We offer support to those who are feeling the emotional impacts of race-based violence and microaggressions, as well as the emotional impacts of immigration struggles and other cross-cultural issues.
Reach Out Oregon Warm Line 1-833-732-2467
Let’s talk parent to parent. We are families and youth working together to promote mental, behavioral and emotional wellness for other families and youth through education, support, and advocacy.
Support Guide for Caregivers of LGBTQ2SIA+ Youth
Are you a parent or caregiver wanting to learn more about supporting a young person in your life who is or could be LGBTQ+ identified?
Tools for Coping
Student Driven Safety and Support Plan
Grief and Loss
Bereavement Support and Other Services
Physical/Behavioral Health
Summer Hours for Student Health Centers
Two student health centers will be open for health services over summer break for all Multnomah County youth ages 5-18:
● Parkrose Student Health Center, June 15-August 21, Mondays-Fridays ● David Douglas Student Health Center, June 16-August 20, Tuesdays-Thursdays only
