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| Volume 5, Issue 8: April 2012 |
| Building a better future for students |
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This week I met with PTA leaders from schools across PPS. Once again, I was moved by the commitment so many parents show to their schools, in so many ways. I was also heartened by their energy for change. All around Portland, I'm hearing a growing sense of urgency to create a better educational future for our students and improve school funding.
Oregon has struggled in recent years. Many families have less. So does the state. Legislators avoided further school cuts this year, yet the shrinking share of the state budget allocated to schools means that Portland, Beaverton, Salem-Keizer and every other Oregon district is making difficult cuts. But even with a smaller state budget, PPS could have 350 more teachers this year if K-12 schools received the same share of state dollars as they did in 2005.
We still have much to celebrate at PPS. While we are frustrated and saddened by what we are losing, I am glad that so many people are energized to make things better for students. Let's continue to work together to make it happen.
Carole Smith, PPS Superintendent |
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Recommendations being finalized could help remake Portland Public Schools' aging facilities. Nancy Hamilton, chair of the volunteer committee that helped to create them, explains why school buildings — and a long-term plan — are critical.
[Read more] |
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| King PK-8 School is receiving national attention with actress Sarah Jessica Parker's announcement on the "Good Morning America" show that the school has been selected for a presidential arts education program. [Read more] |
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The Portland School Board will vote May 14 on the 2012-13 budget. Want to learn about the impact of the superintendent's proposal on students and schools? A new Q-and-A answers questions about high schools, kindergarten, Outdoor School and more. [Read Q-and-A] |
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The Portland School Board's decision to close one school and consolidate two others poses a larger question: Can Portland Public Schools continue to afford a system of small, neighborhood schools? [Read more] |
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Oregon's top education official has recognized Atkinson Elementary School and Franklin High School, calling them "shining examples" of how education can work for all students. [Read more] |
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| Skyline K-8 School has won International Baccalaureate certification for its middle-grade curriculum — making it the only public school in Oregon with a full K-8 IB program. [Read more] |
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| For the third year, Portland Public Schools has recognized its black students as a way to tell the counterstory of black achievement. [Read more] |
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| It's been a "record-shattering year" for Cleveland High School's speech and debate team, culminating in a decisive victory in the 5A state championship. [Read more] |
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| A dance for special needs students across the region — created and led by a Harrison Park K-8 School secretary — celebrated its 20th year at the Crystal Ballroom in April. [Read more] |
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| Join Portland Public Schools — and 15 outstanding Latino students — for a celebration of Latino achievement at ¡Sí Se Puede! ("Yes, we can!"). The inaugural student recognition event will include music, food and children's activities, and will take place 6 p.m.-8 p.m. Thursday, May 10, at Blanchard Education Service Center, 501 N. Dixon St. [Read more] |
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