LEWIS ELEMENTARY NEWS
September 2nd
Dear Lewis Families,
As we enter week two, I want to pause and acknowledge the broader shifts happening around us. Many of you have likely seen the headlines regarding Portland Public Schools, declining enrollment, and potential school consolidation. Lewis, like several of our neighboring elementary schools, is under enrolled and has been part of these recent conversations.
We opened this school year with honest hearts, recognizing that this may be the final year Lewis exists in its current iteration. Next year, we may welcome students from neighboring communities into our halls, or we may be asked to merge with another school.
Regardless of what the future holds, our focus right now is right here in this building. We are choosing to lean fully into the strength and beauty of our school family. Our theme for this year is Celebrate Lewis.
To honor this theme, we are making an intentional effort to bring our community together as often as possible. We are bringing back cherished traditions that have drifted away in recent years—including the school play and the talent show—because our students and families deserve a year rich with joy and connection.
Every day, I make time to step into our classrooms and witness the incredible learning and joy taking place. Here are a few moments that captured the spirit of Lewis this week:
We met our attendance goal last year! Our goal was to increase the percentage of Lewis students with strong attendance from 78% to 83% and we hit our goal in June.
Research indicates there is a direct correlation between attendance and academic outcomes. Students with consistent attendance have opportunities to build routines that reduce stress, connect with friends and teachers, and reach grade level benchmarks.
In our first week of school, 88% of our students have strong attendance. This is a great start and we are here to support our families who are still working toward consistent attendance. We are sending home calendars with Lewis events and days when schools are closed or releasing early so you can align your family planning with the school calendar to set all our students up for a successful year of learning.
Mark your calendar for these important dates:
Thursday, September 3rd - Bottle drop pick up 7:45-8:15am
Friday, September 4th - Caregiver Coffee at drop off
Monday, September 7th - NO School for Labor Day
Wednesday, September 9th - Fire Drill / PTA Meeting 7-8pm
Thursday, September 10th - Bottle drop pick up 7:45-8:15am
Wednesday, September 16th - Early Release Dismissal at 11:50AM
Thursday, September 17th - Back to School Night 5:30-6:30PM
Tuesday, September 22nd - Lockdown Drill
The 5th Grade Lewis Concert Band is open to all 5th graders. No experience is necessary. It’s free to join. Instruments are available to rent from PPS at no charge or if you have your own you can use it.
Online registration will open on Friday, September 11th. Classes begin October 2rd.
You can read a lot more about what instruments are available, the schedule, performance dates and access the online registration form (when it opens) on my blog at - tonyjamesbarry.wordpress.com/band
I will send a second announcement when the online registration form opens on September 11th.
We would like to thank and introduce our 2 family representatives for the 2026-27 Village Table.
Kelly Jacobs and Nathan Davis.
The first meeting was on September 2nd.
More information to come.
We are bringing back Site Council and are in need of new members! If you are interested in joining this committee, please fill out this google form.
Commitment - We will meet quarterly from 4:00-5:00pm at Lewis. Virtual access can be provided for a hybrid meeting if you are unable to attend in person.
Purpose - In the Fall we will discuss our community's needs regarding the district's "Rightsizing Schools" process. In the Winter we will discuss our community's needs regarding ongoing budget cuts and staffing for 2027-28. In the Spring we will be reflecting on the school year and providing feedback to the principal on what went well and what we can improve the following year.
Members - Principal Anna Davis, 3 PAT educators, and 3 Lewis parents.
Needs - We are seeking a well-balanced representation of members. Ideally our Site Council parent reps are not also filling a leadership role within the PTA as to ensure we are uplifting voices we may not always hear from.
We are currently hiring for a Temporary Duty Support position. This role supports smooth school operations by monitoring recess and lunch activities and reinforcing positive behavior expectations from 10:45am-12:10pm. If you are interested in hearing more about this position, please visit PPS Website and search for Job ID29744 or contact the main office.
Dear Families,
As we navigate the beginning of the school year, our health room has seen an increasing number of students who need a little extra energy/food before lunch. We like to get them through the morning until lunchtime with a snack.
Our current snack cupboard is running a bit low. If you are able and willing to donate, we would be incredibly grateful for any nut-free, individually wrapped snacks.
If you are able to contribute, some of our students' favorites include
- Whole grain crackers/Saltine crackers/pretzels
- Applesauce pouches
- Granola bars (nut-free preferred)
- Cheese crackers
- If you prefer to send snacks specifically for your own child, please consider tucked-away extras in their backpack. A stable blood sugar level makes a world of difference in a child's ability to concentrate and feel their best.
Thank you so much for your ongoing support.
The Lewis Health Room
If you are interested in volunteering in the school, help chaperone a field trip, or participate in a school event please make sure to submit your background check: https://www.pps.net/volunteer