Rise in graduation rate shows resolveJanuary 27, 2012
The Oregon Department of Education announced that Portland Public Schools' on-time graduation rate rose 5 points to 59 percent last year, and the achievement gap narrowed by the same amount.
The results call out that we have work to do. Yet they also affirm that the focused efforts of our schools and community are gaining traction — for all students. [Read More]
Funding outlook for next school yearJanuary 17, 2012
I want to let you know that next year is going to be another difficult budget year for Portland Public Schools, as it will be for nearly every school district in Oregon.
Tonight our school board heard the first general fund budget forecast for the upcoming 2012-2013 school year. At this early stage of our budget process, we estimate that we will be facing a gap of $27.5 million next year. [Read More]
Best wishes for the new yearJanuary 3, 2012
To the families and community of Portland Public Schools: I hope your winter break was a chance to relax and recharge. Welcome back!
Happy Holidays!December 14, 2011
A busy season is upon us, but winter break and the new year bring a chance for rest and reflection.
Visits to schools this fall have heightened my optimism for our students. I see new waves of parents and grandparents investing in their schools, and schools creating a welcoming environment where families can contribute to their children's success. And I see increasing collaboration among teachers and a willingness to reflect on and refine their teaching to improve learning.
I hope the season brings a chance for you to celebrate your student's efforts and to recharge together for the remainder of the school year.
Best to you in the new year!
Focus on facilitiesNovember 30, 2011
Our school buildings are the focus on two fronts in December.
First, we are beginning work on an update to our long-range facilities plan. We’re also offering an evening information session about our buildings and soliciting your opinions on last May’s bond measure.
Both efforts rely on the insights and expertise of our families, neighbors, business leaders and staff. Thank you in advance for your involvement.
Conferences: Your presence requested!November 21, 2011
This week is a busy one, with both parent-teacher conferences and the Thanksgiving holiday.
Conferences are a valuable time for families and teachers to share information, solve problems and find ways to work together to support students' progress. I encourage you to look at these helpful tips to get the most out of your conversation.
Thank you, families, for your investment in your children's success, and thanks to our teachers for preparing and sharing a snapshot of students' work. I hope you have good discussions and a great Thanksgiving holiday.
Marysville will rise againNovember 10, 2011
Two years ago today, Marysville Principal Lana Penley and her staff deftly guided their students to safety as fire engulfed a portion of their beloved school.[Read More]
Sharing more of our school news and trendsOctober 24, 2011
I’m expanding my monthly Superintendent’s Report to the school board to highlight more of the exciting things going on in and around our schools as well as the trends shaping our school district. My goal is to recognize the many factors and efforts involved in student success.
Growing enrollment, nearly universal full-day kindergarten classes, gains in diversifying our work force, student achievement progress, energy savings, bond listening sessions and the great support of partners from Nike School Innovation Fund to Multnomah County Public Library are among items that may interest you. [Read the full report]
Teacher of the year embodies our aspirationsOctober 19, 2011
As Elena Garcia-Velasco made her way to the Roosevelt High School stage to accept the Oregon Teacher of the Year award from state leaders Oct. 13, hundreds of students leaped to their feet in applause. [Read More]
Student gains honor work of manyOctober 12, 2011
This week I gave the school board an update on our annual Milestones student achievement results. I'm pleased that our schools hit or exceeded five of six targets to improve student learning and narrow the achievement gap. [Read More]
Carole Smith's previous messages are archived by school year.
To view past messaages, click here.
