Weeklong celebration honors teachers

Teachers played key roles in Atkinson Elementary School and Franklin High School receiving “Celebrating Student Success” awards from the Oregon Department of Education, and in King PK-8 School’s White House recognition of an expansive arts curriculum.

Teachers lifted students to other recent honors as well, including the Lincoln High School Constitution Team’s national championship and Cleveland High School’s state speech and debate and choir victories. And hundreds of students participated in the first all-PPS high school poetry slam, Verselandia!

Teachers are excelling professionally, from Markham Elementary School teacher James Hendrickson earning a coveted spot at a national conference to Rieke Elementary School teacher Jeffrey Sturges being chosen for a Fulbright Teacher Exchange.

In addition, Oregon Teacher of the Year, Roosevelt High School's Elena Garcia-Valasco, spent the week of April 24 in Washington, D.C., meeting with the president and secretary of education, and providing input on key education initiatives.

This year’s teacher appreciation efforts started April 23, when district leaders recognized 10 outstanding teachers, nominated by their peers and selected by a special committee, at a school board reception.

During Teacher Appreciation Week, please take a moment to say thank you to those who make a positive difference in the lives of our students.

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.