DOLPHIN DIGEST 9/11/2025
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
Hope to see all Arleta Dolphins at Back-to-School Night tonight! Our Community Connect begins at 5:15 out front. In the spirit of our school motto, “I am Because We Are”, we hope you will join us!
Arleta staff and partners will be set up at tables lining our front sidewalks for families to walk along and connect with. Find a light pizza snack in the breezeway from 5:15-5:45 *Please bring your own water bottles. *For an allergy-free snack option please ask any staff member nearby the table.
Back to School Night Goals
We hope Back To School Night will feel informal and fun yet helpful and meaningful.
“Community Connect” 5:15-5:46
Welcome & Introductions on the Steps at 5:50-6:00
Open House sessions in classrooms at 6:05-6:30 and 6:35-7:00.
Children should stay with adults during the “Connect” so that at 5:50, you can all easily pause conversations and move forward for our whole community welcome and staff introductions.
We want you to receive important classroom and program information, be able to ask related questions in a casual setting, and be able to share information about your child with the teacher.
Your child’s teacher emailed you a slide presentation Tuesday or before. Our hope is you will preview it and bring any questions or information you’d like to share.
This slide has the links to all teacher slide presentations and school program slides.
Arleta 2025-2026 School Goals and Actions
Attendance: By June 2026, the overall percentage of students with good or acceptable attendance rates will increase by 5%, from 68% to 73%.
A few actions:
*Strengthen our School Climate and Culture: focus on Student Engagement, Sense of Belonging, Providing positive feedback, teaching Executive Functioning skills*Collaboration between home and school: executive functioning skills we practice at school; some to practice at home related to being ready for school on time.Here is a possibly useful tool for your child: “Keep Track of Time”.
2. English Language Arts and Math: By June 2026, all students in 100% of K-5 Language Arts and Mathematics classrooms - with a particular focus on our district’s most impacted focal students based upon our data - will (1) know and understand the learning target and success criteria and (2) successfully engage in grade-level and standards-aligned tasks from district-approved high-quality instructional materials and structures.
Within ELA and Math especially, we’ll continue last year’s focus on elevating and affirming student voices: teaching students to engage in meaningful academic conversations in math, language arts and classroom meetings. We’ll build on last year’s successes as we also focus on clarity: ensuring students understand what they are being asked to learn and understand, why that learning is important, what they’re expected to do to show they understand, and how they know they’re growing and doing well. And, Alignment: we’ll also focus on aligning practices across classrooms to support all students.
If you’re interested in volunteering in your child’s classroom this year, please look for our Instructional Coach at one of the tables tonight. She’ll be sharing information and supporting processes across our classrooms.
Warmly,
Lisa
DOLPHIN DRIVE LAUNCHES TODAY!
Goal: $8,000 to support crucial programming at Arleta!
The Arleta PTA partners with staff and teachers to fund programs that directly impact our students and community. Your donation supports:
- Teacher Grants – Classroom supplies, technology, field trips, and more.
- Events – Free family gatherings like the Fall Festival, Winter Bazaar, Movie Nights, Spring Picnic, and 5th Grade Graduation.
- Grounds & Green Team – Fresh paint, garden projects, tree planting and clean-ups.
- Special Programs – Spring play, OBOB, affinity group celebrations, wellness supplies, and sensory learning tools.
Every donation counts! Even small contributions add up to big impact.
Thank you for helping us reach our goal!
MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD IN THE PTA
Our Arleta Parent Teacher Association (PTA) is a service organization made up of community members who are passionate about supporting our kid's education. In looking at the year ahead, we have areas where we are looking to focus.
Our 2025 - 2026 areas of focus are:
- Build Community & Foster Inclusivity – Bring students, families, and staff together through events, communication, and partnerships that strengthen and celebrate our school community.
- Advocate & Communicate – Keep families informed, amplify community voices, and rally support for issues that impact our school.
- Support Through Volunteering & Fundraising – Connect people with ways to give time, talent, or resources that directly benefit classrooms, staff, and students
Please take a few minutes to help us shape where our energy should be prioritized for the 2025 - 2026 school year.
NATIONAL HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH BEGINS MONDAY
National Hispanic Heritage Month begins on Monday, September 15th and ends on October 15th.
The observation began in 1968, and September 15th was selected because it is the day that Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Nicaragua achieved independence, with Mexico and Chile following days later. This month in particular is a wonderful time to celebrate and learn more about rich and diverse histories, cultures, languages, and achievements of Latines in North, Central, South America and beyond.
Each week we will offer you resources for helping your kids explore, learn, and celebrate many different Latine cultures and communities.
You might enjoy beginning National Hispanic Heritage Month by exploring the formation of the National Museum of the American Latino, part of the Smithsonian, on their website, or exploring the people and timelines of Latine history on Kids' Brittanica, or checking out this list of books by Latine writers!
If you'd like to listen to some music to get yourself started by clicking on the videos below which include the Cuban band Buena Vista Social Club's Carnegie Hall high energy performance, the haunting Gracias a la Vida by Chilean singer/songerwriter Violeta Parra, the exquisite Luna de Xelajú sung by Guatemalan singer Gaby Moreno and Oscar Issac, a quiet moment withArgentinian guitarist Robert Lara's album Argentina: Guitar of the Pampas, and hidden gem good vibes that will get you dancing with Los Angeles band La Santa Cecilia performing live on Seattle radio station KEXP while in Mexico!
Don't forget that El Grito Portland is a free event this weekend!
TODAY - ARLETA LITTER PICK UP - SEPT 11
The Arleta Green Team hosts twice-monthly litter clean ups on second and fourth Thursdays of the month. The next Litter Pick-up is on Thursday, September 11th from 2:30-3pm.
Please meet at the picnic tables, grab a bucket and grabber, pick-up trash anywhere you see it, and drop off the bucket when you're done. We will take care of the trash. Leave whenever you need. Thank you for helping to keep our school grounds clean and safe for everyone!
TODAY - BACK2SCHOOL NIGHT - SEPT 11
Our staff is excited for our first full community event of the year coming up next week! We hope that all families will be able to attend our Back to School Night with your child(ren).
Back to School Night is such an important time to come together as a school community… to connect, share and learn about important aspects of the school year. We want to connect, listen to and learn from you, as much as we have information to share. We’ve designed the evening with that goal in the forefront. Back2School Night is a good time to ask questions or share your ideas with all/any of our staff.
From 5:30-6pm we will gather in front of the school and hear opening remarks and welcomes from Principal Lisa and others. From 6pm-7pm parents will go to their child or children's classroom for presentations, a tour of the classroom, and a chance to ask more detailed questions about your kid's learning experience this year!
Each classroom's presentation is a 1/2 hour long, so if you have more than one child (or you arrived late for the presentation) you can switch to a new classroom for the second presentation at 6:30pm!
Please come and meet your teacher(s), learn what your child will be learning this year, and celebrate the new school year with us!
TOMORROW - SE NEIGHBORHOOD BIKE FAIR - SEPT 12
Walk, Bike, Roll to School Day is coming up on October 8th! Make sure your bike is rolling smoothly and safely during the Southeast Neighborhood Bike Fair on Friday, September 12 from 2:30 – 5:00 p.m. at Woodmere Elementary School, 7900 SE Duke St, Portland, OR 97206! There will be free activities for everyone, including:
- Learn-to-ride clinic for adults and children just starting out on a bike
- Helmet fitting and distribution for being safely equipped to ride
- Bike Safety Activities for children to learn bike safety skills
- Quick-fix bike repair to make sure your bike is rolling smoothly and safely
- Guided Community Ride in the neighborhood to practice safe riding on the streets
Participants are welcome to bring their own bikes. There will be bikes of various sizes available for children and adults to borrow for the Learn to Ride clinic.
This event is hosted by the Portland Bureau of Transportation in partnership with Portland Public Schools and the Community Cycling Center. For more information, visit portland.gov/se-bike-fair-2025.
SCHOOL PICTURE DAY - SEPT 16
School picture day is Tuesday September 16th. You can order online now and for up to four (4) days after picture day. Or, check the order forms that will be in the Friday Folder!
Here are some helpful tips to make picture day great!
- Wear simple clothing. Solid shirts or small patterns, along with sleeves, photograph best.
- Avoid logos and text on clothing. Graphics or wording may not photograph completely and can become partially cropped out of your picture.
We also need parent volunteers to help bring kids to and from the classroom and photographer. Click here to sign up to help escort kids through the halls!
NEURODIVERGENT FAMILY GATHERING - SEPT 18
We're excited to resume our Neurodivergent Family Gatherings welcoming students, parents, and guardians. The first one is on Thursday, September 18th from 5:30-7pm in the Arleta cafeteria. The group offers 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.
OTTO'S PIZZERIA DINE-OUT - SEPT 23
Our next Dine-Out to support the Arleta PTA is at Otto's Pizzeria, 7122 Southeast Foster Road, 97206, from 11am-9pm on Tuesday, September 23rd.
Otto's Pizzeria is generously donating 50% of their profits to the PTA, and this applies to all orders: dine-in, take-out, delivery, and online gift certificates! Please enjoy pizza and help the PTA at the same time!
POPSCICLES IN THE PLAYGROUND - SEP 29
The PTA is hosting popsicles & yard games at the playground on Monday, September 29 from 6-7pm. We’ll have a variety of lawn games ready for you to play, but of course, you're welcome to bring any additional games you’d like.
Bring your kids, get treats, play games, connect with other parents and kids, learn how the PTA supports Arleta and find out how you can participate!
PARENT VOLUNTEER LUNCH MONITORS NEEDED
We are looking for volunteers each day to help monitor recess and lunch. This is a fun way to get to know the students and staff! It's not a long time commitment as you can volunteer for just your kiddos recess or lunch or at any that your schedule allows. See the lunch and recess breakdown below.
Can you commit to one day a week, or an occasional lunch time?
K-1 recess 10:50-11:00 lunch 11:05-11:20
2-3 recess 11:05-11:20 lunch 11:25-11:40
4-5 lunch 12:05-12:20 recess 12:20-12:35
Volunteers need to have passed a PPS background check and be fully vaccinated for COVID-19. Click here to visit the PPS website to start your application and screening process. (Once approved, your application is good for three years).
PARENT VOLUNTEERS FOR PICTURE DAY
Picture day is next week and we could use a little help getting classrooms and lines organized, as well as making sure our kids are camera ready. Each one-hour time slot is broken down by grade level, but you do not have to sign up for your child's class. We need four adults per time slot. We can use help throughout the entire day. If you're able to sign up for more than one time slot, that is even better. We're grateful for whatever works in your schedule. Thank you!
Thank you to all the volunteers!
THE EYES AND THE IMPOSSIBLE - DAVE EGGERS - 2024 NEWBERY AWARD WINNER
Named a best book of 2023 by NPR, Publishers Weekly, The Wall Street Journal, Common Sense Media, Shepherd, the New York Public Library, the Chicago Public Library, Booklist, Kirkus, and Powell’s Books. A New York Times and ABA Indie bestseller, Today Show Summer Pick and Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection
The Eyes and the Impossible is the story of a dog named Johannes. Johannes is a free dog, a fast dog—such a fast dog! He lives in an urban park by the sea, and every day, he runs through the park, seeing all, missing nothing, and reporting what he sees to the park’s three ancient Bison, the Keepers of the Equilibrium. But the Equilibrium has been disrupted.
Mysterious rectangles are hypnotizing Johannes, humans are erecting a strange new building, and an entirely new kind of animal has arrived in the park—and there are hundreds of them. Johannes must run faster, see better, and ultimately do more than run and see—he must liberate those he loves.
Gorgeously illustrated throughout by Shawn Harris (author of Have You Ever Seen a Flower? and illustrator of Her Right Foot by Dave Eggers, among many others), Dave Eggers’s The Eyes and the Impossible is a lyrical, soulful book full of wit and passion—a timeless story for readers of all ages.
Borrow the book, e-book, or audiobook from Multnomah County Library.
Buy the book at Powells Bookstore.
Purchase the edition with the wooden cover from McSweeney's.
Purchase the book on Amazon.
SUN REGISTRATION OPENS SEPT 19
Arleta SUN Community School provides a FREE after-school program that promotes student success by extending the school day through enrichment activities and academic support. SUN (Schools Uniting Neighborhoods) also provides adult classes & workshops and fun family events. Community schools serve as mini “community centers” by keeping a public building open & active during after-school hours, and bringing youth & family opportunities directly to the neighborhood. It’s an alternative way for you and the local community to connect via the school! SUN is not a childcare program. Portland Parks & Recreation manages the Arleta SUN program.
Our SUN School Coordinator Raina Bilbrew is wonderful as so many of you already know! In addition to coordinating the various aspects of our after school program, she collaborates with and deeply supports our staff, supports students within the school day, serves on Arleta Site Council, runs an intentionally designated SUN Community Space in Room 4, and collaborates with our PTA Inclusion Committee. To contact Raina directly: raina.bilbrew@portlandoregon.gov or 503-916-6332.
Registration forms for SUN School will come home in Friday Folders on September 19th, will be due by September 26th and the program starts Oct. 6.
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.
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.
WATCH CORALINE IN A PUMPKIN PATCH - SEPT 12
Enjoy family-friendly, free movie nights on the farm! Yesteryear Farms, 26801 SW Stafford Road, Wilsonville welcomes visitors to the pumpkin patch for special fall-themed events. Every Friday from September-October, the farm is open for free evening family fun. Bring your low-back chairs and blankets to cozy up among the pumpkins. While you’re there, grab a bite to eat at one of the food trucks onsite. Each movie begins at dusk, between 7:30-8 p.m. Arrive early to claim your seat.
This week's movie is Coraline! For a full calendar of the movies playing from September through October, click here.
OMSI STAR PARTY - SEPT 13
Do you love looking up at the stars? Join the experts and celebrate astronomy at OMSI Star Parties. The last star party of the summer is this Saturday, at two parks: LL Stub Stewart State Park and Rooster Rock State Park, starting at dusk and ending at 11pm.
OMSI Star Parties let you meet others interested in astronomy while you view planets, the moon, stars and other celestial sights through telescopes and binoculars of all sizes.
From beginners to experts, all ages are invited to enjoy the beauty of our night’s sky at the star party events. Be sure to pack warm clothing. You can also bring along a flashlight with red light, personal telescopes and binoculars.
These events are free to attend. Parking is $10 at each park. Arrive before sunset to get your day pass for the park. Each park has lots of fun activities you can enjoy before stargazing.
SERBIAN FEST - SEPT 13
Serbian Fest Portland is Saturday, September 13 from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday, September 14 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the St. Stephen Serbian Orthodox Church, 11447 Southeast 27th Ave. in Milwaukie.
Indulge in authentic cuisine, experience the vibrant sounds of live Serbian music and join in on the traditional kolo dance. There are family activities and dance performances.There are a number of traditional Serbian dishes, including BBQ, roast pig and lamb alongside a variety of desserts.
This all ages event is free to attend, making it a wonderful way for the whole family to spend the weekend.
More than just a celebration, the Serbian Festival plays a vital role in keeping cultural programs and activities alive. The funds raised help support Serbian heritage initiatives. For more information, visit the event website.
EL GRITO PORTLAND - SEP 14 - 15
Join us to celebrate El Grito, Mexican Independence Day, this coming September 14 and 15 at the Moda Center!
El Grito Portland, the largest free community event in the Pacific Northwest, is a unique celebration that not only commemorates the Independence of Mexico and other Latin American countries but also marks the beginning of the National Hispanic Heritage Month.
Each year, thousands of families come together to celebrate the rich and diverse Latino/a/x/e culture, honoring traditions, our ancestors and indigenous heritage.
This free and vibrant celebration is a testament to the strength of our communities, bringing us together through music, food, art, cultural pride and community resources provided by participant organizations.
Join us at the Rose Quarter Commons: 1 North Center Court St, Portland, Oregon 97227
September 14: 1:00 pm – 10:00 pm
September 15: 11:00 am – 10:00 pm
HOYT ARBORETUM TREE TOUR - SEPT 14
Explore one of Hoyt Arboretum’s three nationally-accredited collections with a knowledgeable guide. Public Tours will follow routes to highlight the Magnolia Collection in the spring, the Conifer Collection in the summer, and the Maple Collection in the fall.
Public Tours are volunteer-led and run every Sunday at 11am through October. This Sunday's tour is of the conifer collection!
- Reserve your spot in-person the day of the tour by checking-in with the front desk inside the Visitor Center (4000 SW Fairview Blvd, open 10am-4pm daily).
- Please arrive early, these tours are free and fill-up quickly!
- Each tour is 60 minutes with up to 15 participants per tour.
- Walking distance will vary and can be up to 1 mile.
Public tours are held rain or shine. Participants should dress for the weather, and wear comfortable shoes for walking on trails.
Every first Sunday of the month, our free public tour will feature the angiosperms, gymnosperms, and native trees along a fully-paved trail route. Learn more about this tour including images and full descriptions of the tour route HERE.
Hoyt Arboretum is located at 4000 SW Fairview Blvd., Portland, OR 97221 and you can call ahead with any questions at 503.865.8733
WHY & HOW TO TALK ABOUT RACE WITH KIDS - EMBRACERACE WORKSHOP - REGISTRATION CLOSES SEPT 15
It's Back for Fall 2025— EmbraceRace's Most Popular Training:
Why & How to Talk about Race with Kids!
Are you wondering how to respond to a racial comment from your child? Questioning whether or not it would be helpful to step into a conversation about skin color between kids in your classroom? When is it ok to start talking about race with kids anyway?
Our newly revised curriculum takes caregivers through the science of when, how, and what children learn about race; what communication about race and racism with kids looks and sounds like, and how caregivers can orient themselves to keep the race conversation going for the long-term.
Bring your questions, bring your scenarios, and join us for a thoughtful and practical communal training experience that will help you navigate conversations about race with your kids. Courses are five 90-minute virtual sessions, led by an EmbraceRace facilitator. **Best for caregivers of children ages 4-13.
Register by Monday September 15th by clicking here.
Questions? Reach out to us at earlychildhood@embracerace.org.
Since 2016, EmbraceRace has supported parents, guardians, educators, and other caregivers working to raise children who are thoughtful, informed and brave about race so that U.S. multiracial democracy can thrive. We identify, organize, and create the tools, resources, discussion spaces, and networks to:
- Nurture resilience and joy in children of color
- Nurture inclusive, empathetic children of all stripes
- Raise kids who think critically about race and racial inequality
- Support a movement of kid and adult racial justice advocates for all children
Love, Life, Resistance, & Solidarity: Celebrating Oregon’s LGBTQIA2S+ History - Now through Sep 21
Celebrate Oregon’s LGBTQIA2S+ History with Oregon Queer History Collective and the Portland City Archives! Through community and government created documents, we showcase Oregon’s rich queer history in political activism, social change and relationship building.
The Collins Gallery is used for exhibits created by library personnel or by community members in cooperation with library personnel. Use of space by a community organization does not constitute an endorsement of the organization's beliefs by the library.
Central Library
801 SW 10th Avenue
Portland, OR 97205
503.988.5123
Email: ArletaSchoolPTA@gmail.com
Website: arletapta.org
Location: 5109 SE 66th Avenue
Phone: 503-916-6330
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArletaElementaryK5