Saturday workshop focuses on high schools, buildings

More than 150 parents, teachers, students and community members offered their thoughts on a plan to create a stronger system of high schools and an initiative to modernize the school district’s outdated buildings at the first workshop, Friday, Oct. 9. The next chance will be this Saturday, Oct. 17, at Rosa Parks Elementary School in North Portland.

Both topics – high schools and school modernization – will be addressed. The workshop includes three sessions, with participants invited to attend one, two or all three:

• 9 a.m.-10:30 a.m. Building a stronger High School System

Superintendent Carole Smith proposed a plan to improve Portland Public Schools' High School System in June. Staff members will explain how this plan promotes better outcomes for students, how it would change the current high school system, what to expect in the coming years, and which questions and details remain. Participants will have an opportunity to ask questions and express their concerns and hopes about both the model and the process.

• 10:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Issues related to High School System design

Participants are invited to take part in a discussion about specific but crucial issues related to high school design: the programs and size of community schools. How many community high schools do we need? What size do they need to be to offer a consistent and well-rounded program? What are the pros and cons of different-sized community schools? Participants can weigh in on these important questions, which have profound implications for the design of the high school system.

• 12:15 p.m. -1 p.m. Lunch break (food provided free of charge)

• 1 p.m.-2:30 p.m.  Smart Sustainable Schools for Portland

Staff from the PPS Office of School Modernization will offer an update on the school district's Smart Sustainable Schools initiative. Staff members have been working for the past two years with the community and with school building experts to develop a long-range plan to renovate and rebuild PPS schools. At this session, participants will brainstorm with architects to sketch out what a safe, smart and sustainable learning environment might look like.

The school district invites current and future high school students and their families; teachers, school staff and administrators; and community members. The workshop will be in the Rosa Parks cafeteria, 8960 N. Woolsey Ave. 

At Portland Public Schools, this is our goal: By the end of elementary, middle, and high school, every student by name will meet or exceed academic standards and will be fully prepared to make productive life decisions. For more information on Portland Public Schools, call 503-916-3304, e-mail us at pubinfo@pps.net, or visit www.pps.k12.or.us. Portland Public Schools is an equal opportunity educator and employer.