This letter was sent to the CPPS mailing list on September 28, 2009.

Dear CPPS Supporter,

We hope your school year is off to a good start!  We at CPPS are once again working on a number of fronts to make our schools better for all of our kids.  But we can’t do it without your help.  Please join our efforts and maximize your impact on Portland’s public schools.

Family Engagement

This year, PPS has mandated that all schools develop a Parent and Family Involvement Plan and a Family Engagement Action Plan. The action plan focuses on helping students become better writers.   Principals have been given the templates (see pp. 12-14 ) to guide schools in the process of developing and reviewing the plans.

CPPS will partner with the district to offer technical support as schools develop their plans. If your school would like assistance, please contact CPPS Co-President Linda Olson.
 
We are also selecting schools to pilot a Partnership School Model for Family Engagement based on Beyond the Bake Sale: The Essential Guide to Family/School Partnerships. This book describes compelling, practical ways to collaborate in building partnerships to make schools welcoming to all parents and create a culture of learning and achievement. One of the authors, Harvard professor Karen Mapp, is a member of our national organization, Parents for Public Schools. CPPS will provide a free copy of this book to your school upon request.

Opportunities for Involvement

So far this academic year, we have had two meetings with PPS staff on developing a coordinated approach for PPS to support its schools (clear expectations, best practices, etc.) and establish accountability. This is a huge step forward for PPS, but it won’t happen unless we all help make it happen.
 
Here are two ways you can help: 

  1. Become a CPPS School Ambassador.  We’ll provide training on how family engagement practices can be implemented at your school, which you can share with other parents and your principal at PTA and site council meetings while keeping us informed on how your school is moving forward.
  2. If you have more time and want to learn how to advocate at the district level, join our Family Engagement Team.

Please contact CPPS Co-President Linda Olson if you’re interested in learning more about either opportunity.
 
We’re also working on these other important issues, and we’ll share more information about them in the near future:

  • High school redesign
  • Principal hiring and evaluation
  • Parent Leadership Conference
  • Bond measure for modernizing school buildings

Please send us an email if you’re interested in any of these areas.

January Vote on Tax Increases

There will be a vote in January on whether the recent tax increases on corporations and upper-income households approved by the Legislature will be implemented.  
 
The CPPS Board is urging a YES vote to implement the taxes.  If these taxes are overturned, there will be immediate budget cuts in education and other essential services.  We invite you to become involved in the campaign at http://www.defendoregon.org/.

Openings on PPS Enrollment and Transfer Committee

The citizens committee that advises Superintendent Carole Smith on student enrollment and transfer issues has two open positions. School district officials will begin reviewing applications the week of Sept. 21, but will accept applications until Oct. 1.

CPPS Leadership

Long-time board member Sheila Warren has resigned from the CPPS Board of Directors. We will miss her, but we wish her all the best in her new role as the founder and president of the PPS Parent Union. Board member Gretchen Dursch has agreed to step in as the new CPPS vice-president. Thank you, Gretchen!

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