News & Events

The fifth monthly meeting of the district’s new Community Advisory Committee on Attendance Boundaries for PreK-8 Schools ("Attendance Boundaries Advisory Committee") took place on Dec. 19. The agenda included a review of crossing guard data and also a review of capacity per building. If you missed the meeting, you can catch up on YouTube: https://youtu.be/7mhiM8PbbIE

On Monday, December 9, 2024, high school leaders came together and drafted an organizational structure for the high school community that honors our district's Portrait of a Graduate and Portrait of a School Community. This structure also addresses key areas outlined in the Integrated Consolidated 9-16 Educational Facility application. Read on to view the drafted organizational structure of the school community. While we will make space for feedback and revisions, this framework provides the foundation to build out and refine the rest of the design.

Board of Public Education Chair Sarah Lentz presented the annual State of the Schools address to the City Council at its 5 p.m. meeting on Monday, Dec. 16, in the Council Chambers at City Hall. The City Charter requires that the Board chair deliver an annual address to the Council on the state of Portland’s public education system.

Rowe Elementary School physical education teacher Rene Custeau said students in grades 3 through 5 recently had an exciting opportunity to push their limits, build confidence, and experience the thrill of adventure—all thanks to the support of the FPPS Equity and Innovations Grant Program. This year, the grant, titled Empowering Students Through Outdoor Adventure: A Partnership with Ripple Effect, made it possible for all students in these grades to participate in a high ropes course challenge led by Ripple Effect, a nonprofit organization dedicated to outdoor education.

At Rowe Elementary School physical education teacher Rene Custeau shared this report on a running initiative at the school this fall: “September and October were filled with energy, enthusiasm, and a sense of community thanks to the Recess Runners Program. Kicking off on September 24th, this month-long initiative encouraged students to get moving, challenge themselves, and raise funds to support their school. And when the program culminated in a Walk-a-Thon fundraiser on October 25th, it was clear that this was more than just a fitness event—it was a celebration of student health, school spirit, and the power of working together as a community.

One returning Board member, two new members and five student representatives were sworn in at the Portland Board of Public Education’s Dec. 3 Inauguration Ceremony. The Board also voted for Sarah Lentz to serve for the third consecutive time as Board chair for the coming year and for Abusana “Micky” Bondo to be vice chair for a third year.

Flags painted on lobster buoys by multicultural students to resemble the flags of their birth countries formerly were exhibited at the Portland Jetport, but now are on display at PPS – just in time for Portland’s Dec. 6 First Friday Art Walk. The brightly colored “Flags on Lobster Buoys” display in the window of the district’s Multilingual & Multicultural Center sends a message of welcome and inclusion to Portland’s diverse students and families.