Demo Family Memo

Dear Jefferson Families,

It’s been a fantastic week at The School of Champions! A huge shout-out to our Theater Department for their incredible production of Cinderella! If you haven’t had a chance to see it yet, don’t worry—this weekend is your final opportunity. Be sure to check the schedule below and come out to support our talented students and staff.

Thank you as well for your partnership in helping students meet prom expectations. We know the attendance and grade requirements were challenging for some, but with the support of our amazing parent community, our students rose to the occasion and upheld our standards of excellence.

For those who couldn’t attend the recent modernization meeting led by Superintendent Dr. Armstrong, here are a few key takeaways:

• We continue to refine our modernization plans to ensure they align with our current budget constraints.

• The upcoming bond measure on May 20th is critical—your vote will help move construction forward. Please vote!

• The district is launching an initiative to boost enrollment at Jefferson High School.

• Additional opportunities for community feedback on the modernization plans will be offered in the coming weeks.

Thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey toward a brighter future for Jefferson. I look forward to continuing our work together in support of our students and school community.

In partnership,

Drake

Dear Parents and Guardians,

This is a gentle reminder that the Kerby side parking lot is designated exclusively for Jefferson staff. Recently, we’ve seen an increase in students parking in this lot.

Please be advised that beginning soon, vehicles parked in violation of this policy will be subject to ticketing and towing.

We kindly ask that you speak with your student about this policy to ensure they are parking in the appropriate student-designated areas.

Thank you for your cooperation and support

Our next Site Council meeting will be held virtually on Monday, May 12th, from 5:30–6:30 PM. I will send the virtual meeting link that morning via our text and email systems.

We hope to see more parents and students join us in this important conversation. During the meeting, we’ll be discussing:

• Attendance rates for grades 9–12

• Modernization concerns to bring to the district office

• Senior Capstone updates

• End-of-year events

This is a great opportunity to stay informed and share your voice.

We look forward to your participation!

• Monday, May 12th A Day

• Tuesday, May 13th - B Day

• Wednesday, May 14th - A Day *Flex

• Thursday, May 15th - B day *Flex

• Friday, May 16th - All 8 Day

• Monday, May 19th A Day

• Tuesday, May 20th - B Day

• Wednesday, May 21st - A Day *Flex

• Thursday, May 22nd - B day *Flex

• Friday, May 23rd - A Day

Graduation:

It’s almost time for graduation! Below are some details for the upcoming ceremony:

• Graduation is on June 2nd, from 4:30-6:00 pm in the Viking Pavilion at Portland State University (PSU).

• Seniors are expected to arrive at 3:30 pm.

• Doors for the general public open at 3:45 pm.

• Each graduating senior will receive 15 tickets. These will be handed out the week before graduation.

• There is a graduation rehearsal on June 2nd at 10:00 am at the Viking Pavilion. All seniors are required to attend.

• Guests should park in PSU Parking Structure 3. Below is a map showing where structure 3 is in regards to the Viking Pavilion. Parking is $5.

• Note the map below, which shows the graduate entrance, guest entrance, and ADA entrance, as well as the location of Parking Structure 3.

More information will be provided as graduation gets closer, so please keep an eye on the Demo Family Memo.

4th Quarter progress reports are posted and ready to view.

Questions? Ask Amy, your College Coordinator in B-35, apotter@pps.net.

Junior College Night

Parents/Guardians of juniors - learn how to apply for college and financial aid! Senior year can be a confusing and stressful time. Learn tips and strategies for getting the best aid, how to choose colleges to apply to, strategies for graduating from college debt free (or close to it), and the importance of having honest conversations about financing college sooner rather than later.

When: May 20, 2025, 6PM-8PM

Where: Jefferson Cafeteria

Who: Students and parents of students who are curious about college, financial aid and the application process.

Dinner provided!

Scholarship Resources:

• Jefferson CCC list: Scholarships & Financial Aid Currently Open

• Oregon Goes to College Scholarship page: https://oregongoestocollege.org/

• Get Schooled Scholarship page: https://getschooled.com/scholarships/

• Scholarship highlight of the week: NSBE Scholarship due on May 20th $2,000 each to eligible high school graduates and college students.

Click here for College, Internship & Job Opportunities currently open

• Opportunity of the week: Willamette University Camp College: App due May 19

Free 3 day program for rising juniors and seniors, dedicated to expanding access to higher education for students from historically underrepresented backgrounds. Camp College provides rising juniors and seniors an opportunity to spend time at Willamette experiencing college life while making progress on their college search. This three-day, two-night camp experience offers students from Salem and the greater Willamette Valley to attend a sample college class, discover the differences between college types and sizes, and attend workshops that will better prepare them for a successful college application process.

To be eligible, applicants must:

• Be on track to graduating high school in June 2026 or June 2027;

• Be enrolled and attend a high school within the Willamette Valley;

• Demonstrate a solid commitment to attending a four-year college or university; and,

• Display leadership experience or potential.

STUDENT GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS

Prom is tomorrow and we are so excited!! We will send updates of the evening in next week’s letter - but in the meantime, please keep in mind that we will start to roll out the application and campaigning process for Student Government elections for the 2025-2026 school year next week. Students will have the chance to come to an informational session and pick up an application on May 14th, during FLEX in Ms. Abby’s room (c-11).

SENIOR SLIDESHOW

WE’RE PUTTING TOGETHER THE SPECIAL SLIDESHOW FOR THE SENIOR ASSEMBLY ON MAY 30TH AND GRADUATION APSU ON JUNE 2ND, AND WE NEED YOUR HELP! TO ENSURE YOUR STUDENT IS INCLUDED IN THE CELEBRATION- PLEASE SUBMIT ONE CURRENT PHOTO, AND IF YOU WOULD LIKE--ONE BABY OR YOUNGER PHOTO BY WEDNESDAY, MAY 15TH

**SUBMIT YOUR PHOTOS HERE*

SENIOR SUNSET ON MAY 29TH

Special thanks to Jin-Ren Chinese PTA for supporting JHS Chinese class to have a field trip to the local Chinese tea house. Thanks to you, students enjoyed talking in Chinese and were able to experience Chinese tea ceremony and culture. 谢谢 Xiexie!!

D.E.M.O.S. Spotlight: Congratulations to the following students that are the recipients of the D.E.M.O.S. student highlight for the month of May. Staff nominations are reviewed by the D.E.M.O.S committee and administration.

Dedicated: Tabby Shea

Engaged: Lucas Jost

Motivated: Dyrus Dent

Open minded: Kei'Maunie Davis

Skilled :Yaphet Kurabachew

Assembly on May 16th: Next Friday we have the last Pep Assembly: the Spring Sports Recognition Assembly. Please sit with the students you were in class with that period.

Purchase a Yearbook:

It is not too late to purchase a yearbook for $40. Baby ads can also be purchased at $50 per half page. Email selliott@pps.net for more information.

Happy Mother’s Day from SUN and Latino Network! To celebrate the monumental people in our student’s lives, we’d like to invite Mother’s and Mother Figure’s to join us for a Mother’s Day Celebration on May 12th, 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm. Get to know SUN and Latino Network, play Loteria, and paint! Food will be provided.

Please register at https://forms.office.com/r/59hBnENsTC

Dear Demo Families,

Unfortunately, we had to cancel the Wednesday, May 7th performance of Roger and Hammerstein’s Cinderella. Sorry for any inconvenience.

There are still two opportunities left to see the show, however! One is on Thursday, May 8th at 7pm and the other is Saturday, May 10th at 2pm! Reserve tickets now at jhstheatrepdx.ludus.com.

And finally, I have an ask. This is my third year as Theatre Director at Jefferson, and this isn’t the first time show dates have been in jeopardy. It’s a money thing. However, there is a solution- you. We want you to come to the show. You may not know anyone in it, or care all that much for plays, or are really busy, but as the one who has been tasked with growing this program, it is difficult to watch the time, effort, and passion our students put in, only to have things like this happen. So, my plea to you, is come! Bring friends and family! Tell your neighbors! Tell the checker in line at the store! Good things are happening here and we want you to be a part of it.

The arts are crucial for our young people. Your attendance helps assure they have as many opportunities to do what they love as possible.

The doors are open. We’re anxiously waiting. See you there.

-Dan Coffey

Experience the next generation of dance talent with Jefferson Dancers II!
Join us May 15 & 16 at Jefferson High School’s Auditorium for two unforgettable evenings of powerful, passionate performance by our talented JD II dancers.

This year's concert features an exciting lineup of fresh choreography across a variety of dance styles—from African to tap to hip-hop—showcasing the skill and creativity of our dancers.

🎟️ Tickets on sale now!
$12 Adults / $6 Students
Purchase in advance here.

May 30th - BioMed seniors: We’ll be celebrating you during lunch at our annual BioMed Senior Celebration! 🎉

During the celebration, you’ll receive your cords and certificates from On Track! OHSU, BioMed, and PCC.

📌 Important: To receive your official invitation, complete your Senior Transition Interview with Sameya before May 29th.

If you haven’t scheduled it yet, please email Sameya at amme@ohsu.edu to schedule a time.

Volleyball open gyms have started! They take place every Monday from 4:00-5:30 pm in the main gym. All skill levels are welcome. See you there! 🏐 Please give the new Jefferson Volleyball Instagram a follow to stay updated on future events: jefferson_demos_vb

Jefferson Athletics Information:

Week of May 9th - May 16th 2025

It is a great time to become a DEMO! We are currently accepting athletic participation registration for the following Spring Sports: Men’s Baseball, Women’s Softball, Men’s Track and Field, and Women’s Track and Field. Please go to FamilyID.com and create an account and sign up to participate. Jefferson High School FamilyID or type in www.familyid.com/organizations/jefferson-high-school-portland

Student-athletes must complete registration, have a valid physical on file, and be cleared by the Jefferson Athletic Office in order to participate in Spring Sports.

Men’s Baseball Coach: Clarence “Tank” Richmond - crichmond@pps.net

Women’s Softball Coach: Ashley Echang - aechang1@pps.net

Men’s and Women’s Track and Field Coach: Jordan Polk - jpolk@pps.net

Name: Genevieve Tebeau

Grade: 12

Activity: Track and Field

Favorite meal before a meet?

Pad Thai

How long have you been participating in this activity?

Since 8th Grade

What famous athlete inspires you?

Tara Davis-Woodhall

Best moment of the year?

Committing to Grand Canyon University

Best part about being a DEMO?

Community

Out of Season Sports Workouts

Open Period : 4/14/25 - 5/26/25

• Limited to a maximum of six hours each week per program, not per student (including open gyms).

• Allows optional, fundamental skill development with an unlimited number of student-athletes. NO 8th graders or students from other schools may participate.

• No competitions/games or tryouts permitted.

Athletics Practice Schedule Week of 5/9/25 - 5/16/25

• Basketball 3:45 PM - 8 PM Gyms
• Baseball 3:45 PM - 7 PM Gyms/Field
• Softball 3:45 PM - 7 PM Gyms/Field
• Track and Field 3:45 PM - 7 PM Track

May 12th

• JV2 Softball @ Grant (Wilshire) 4:00 PM ER 2:30 BL 2:45

May 13th

• V. Baseball vs Lincoln 5:00 PM ER 3:15

• JV2 Softball @ Roosevelt (St John’s CC) 4:00 PM ER 2:30 BL 2:45

• Track and Field JV Districts @ Roosevelt 4:00 PM ER 2:15 BL 2:30

May 14th

• V. Baseball @ Lincoln 5:00 PM ER 3:00 BL 3:15

May 15th

• JV2 Softball @ Benson 4:00 PM ER 2:30 BL 2:45

• Track and Field JV Districts @ Roosevelt 4:00 PM ER 2:15 BL 2:30

May 16th

• V. Baseball @ McDaniel 5:00 PM ER 3:00 BL 3:15