This letter was sent to the CPPS mailing list on November 16, 2009.

Dear CPPS Supporter,

We intended for this newsletter to be an update of the work we’re doing, but the recent Marysville School event has overshadowed everything else.  Like all of you, we were deeply saddened that the building that housed the Marysville community was lost, and incredibly relieved that all the children and staff were unharmed. 
 
As Thanksgiving approaches, we are thankful to school staff, who ensured that children got safely out of the building and felt safe and cared for.  We’re thankful to the emergency responders, who came quickly and even managed to save the school pets.  We’re thankful that we live in a community that provides so much support when it’s needed — sheltering the waiting students and staff in the nearby library, providing lunch, and working almost immediately to prepare Rose City Park for its new inhabitants.
 
Yet there is more work to be done. Below are just a few ways you can help.

Help Marysville School Recover From the Fire 

Schoolhouse Supplies is accepting supplies and financial donations on behalf of Marysville at its office, located at Madison High School, 2735 NE 82nd Ave (lower parking lot). For information, call (503) 249-9933.

The Oregon PTA and Portland Council PTA are accepting coats, jackets, and sweaters, as well as supplies. Drop off donations at the Marshall Campus, 3905 SE 91st Ave, between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.
 
Hands On Greater Portland is coordinating efforts to prepare the Rose City Park grounds.  Volunteer slots have filled up quickly, but there will be other opportunities in the coming days to help Rose City Park and other PPS schools. 

Changes to the PPS High School System 

Portland Public Schools and the Portland Council PTA will host meetings at the school district’s nine high school campuses about plans for the PPS High School System. Learn more.

Meetings will run from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., unless otherwise noted:

  • Tue, Nov 17 – Grant High School, 2245 NE 36th Ave, 7:00 p.m.
  • Mon, Nov 30 – Cleveland High School, 3400 SE 26th Ave
  • Mon, Nov 30 – Lincoln High School, 1600 SW Salmon St
  • Tue, Dec 1 – Jefferson High School, 5210 N Kerby Ave
  • Tue, Dec 1 – Marshall Campus, 3905 SE 91st Ave
  • Wed, Dec 2 – Wilson High School, 1151 SW Vermont St
  • Wed, Dec 2 – Roosevelt Campus, 6941 N Central St
  • Thu, Dec 3 – Franklin High School, 5405 SE Woodward St
  • Thu, Dec 3 – Madison High School, 2735 NE 82nd Ave

We’ve also formulated ten questions for these meetings, which you can download from our website.  We encourage you to bring your own questions to the meetings, and to use or modify our questions as well.
 
Protect Oregon This Thanksgiving 

Oregonians need to come together to make sure that those who need us most–children, seniors, and struggling families–aren’t left in the cold with nowhere to turn. This Thanksgiving, that means working to pass Measures 66 and 67 in order to preserve critical funding for schools and basic services that Oregonians depend on.
 
The election is more than two months away (January 26), but here are four ways you can get involved over the next two weeks to help protect Oregon’s future.
 
1. Host a Turkey Talk on Thanksgiving
 
Why not turn your Thanksgiving Feast into an opportunity to talk to your friends and family about what’s at stake this January? To get your Turkey Talk Kit, which includes conversation starters, FAQs, and even a simple table piece, call 503-234-0444, email Christel Allen, or download it directly.
 
2. Honor a Favorite Teacher by Knocking on Some Doors
 
Show your appreciation for a favorite teacher by taking part in an I Heart My Teacher Neighborhood Walk on Sunday, November 22, 1-5pm. Learn more and RSVP at (503) 234-0444.
 
3. Attend a Vote Yes For Oregon Campaign Kickoff!
 
Attend a campaign kickoff meeting for the Vote Yes For Oregon Coalition. Hear the latest updates on the campaign, find out how you can help support Measures 66 and 67, and take home stickers, lawn signs, and more! November 17, 6-8 p.m. at the Hollywood Senior Center, 1820 NE 40th.
 
4. Sign the Vote Yes Pledge
 
If you haven’t already done so, sign the Vote Yes For Oregon Pledge. This will let the campaign leaders know they can count on your Yes vote this January, so they can focus their efforts on voters who still need to hear about what’s at stake. Sign the Pledge now!

CPPS Seeks Independent Contractor 

CPPS seeks an independent contractor for its Parent Leadership Conference (to be held in March, 2010). Job responsibilities include:

  • Recruit & train volunteers
  • Arrange all conference logistics
  • Schedule presentations & speakers
  • Facilitate volunteer PLC committee
  • Submit written report after conference

Please submit your résumé and cover letter to couch.kathy@gmail.com.

Monthly Survey 

We want to develop a closer connection with our members!  Each month, we will try to create a very simple survey exploring your thoughts and experiences regarding your children’s schools.  Our desire is to tie that information more closely to our work.

This month, we’d like to know more about which topics interest you.  Please take a few minutes to complete this short, four-question survey.

Please Support Our Work 

CPPS remains fully committed to building a sustainable network of diverse parent, family and community voices to ensure a high-quality education for all children in Portland Public Schools. Please become a member or make a donation today.
 
As always, thank you for all that you do for Portland’s children and public education!
 
Best,
Kathy Couch & Linda Olson
CPPS Co-Presidents
kathy@cppsportland.org, linda@cppsportland.org