Sustainability & Climate Justice

December 2024

Introduction

We continue to be amazed by the work that the PPS community has done to be stewards of climate action! In 2024 we have accomplished so much and we couldn't have done it without your help. As you get settled in to the winter season we want to share some recent successes with you.

This month's Newsletter has some important updates on existing programs, up and coming opportunities, and a HUGE success story for active transportation in Portland schools.

Click here to subscribe

Did a friend send this to you? Click on the button above to subscribe.

Student-Led Climate Projects

Over the last few months, students and staff members have come together to plan and submit over 40 proposals for student-led climate projects in each of their schools!!!

It has been a pleasure to see future climate leaders tackle issues that are affecting their communities!

We have had the opportunity to visit with many student groups and see the fantastic planning work they have already done. Student groups are taking on projects like green infrastructure, education campaigns, waste reduction, active transportation, and much more! We look forward to continuing to work with student groups to make their projects come to life. Be on the lookout for these projects around your schools and more stories about this work over the next few months.

If you want to learn more about this program and how to get involved, check out our website. Does your student group want to meet with our staff to learn more and get customized support for your project? Email us at studentclimatprojects@pps.net.

Climate Justice Youth Advisory (CJYA) in Full Swing

We’re excited to share that the PPS Climate Justice Youth Advisory (CJYA) orientation series was a success! High school students from across the district learned about the creation of the Climate Crisis Response, Climate Justice and Sustainable Practices Policy and the role it plays in informing climate action at PPS. CJYA members are looking forward to getting involved with climate advocacy, planning climate career fairs, and building connections within the Portland climate movement.

The CJYA is still open to join! CJYA members act as critical thought partners in defining the Climate Justice department’s goals for climate action, student leadership, and community engagement.

If you’re a HS student interested in student leadership around climate action, this is the group for you! Meetings are held from 4:30-6:00 pm biweekly on Wednesdays at the PPS district office (also known as the Prophet Education Center), with a virtual option available. Fill out this form to join!

Active Transportation at PPS

Bike Bus Grant Award!

Walk and Bike Buses are gaining traction in Portland!

This month, North Portland area schools received a $1.1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation to help bolster their active transportation programs.

PPS schools Astor, Cesar Chavez, James John, Rosa Parks, and Sitton elementary schools will receive funding. The grant will help pay chaperones to help guide walk or bike buses, pay for crossing guard equipment, and support an annual adopt-a-bike event that will provide free bike locks and helmets to students.

Walk and bike buses are a great way to get students active, build community, and reduce carbon footprint. We appreciate all of the hard work of the organizations that were involved in establishing this grant such as Oregon Walks and Community Cycling Center, Portland State University, and the Portland Bureau of Transportation, as well as a special thanks to Coach Balto who has been an inspiring champion of bike buses.

To learn more about bike buses check out Bike Bus PDX https://www.bikebuspdx.org/

Sunnyside Bike Drop

But that's not all!

Sunnyside Environmental School now has a dedicated bike drop-off station, providing a convenient and eco-friendly option for parents and guardians. This drop-off area serves as a space where parents can securely park their bicycles as they wait to drop off or pick up their children, promoting a healthier and more sustainable way to commute to school. The station was made possible through a micro-grant from Metro which was used to create signage marking off the area for bikes only. With the bike drop-off station in place, Sunnyside Environmental School is making it easier for families to choose biking as an alternative to driving, contributing to both the health of the students and the planet.

Ruby Bridges Walk to School Event

Students all over PPS joined in the Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day in honor of the historic walk Ruby Bridges made when she was 6 years old at Frantz Elementary School. Students gathered in groups and walked to school together wearing purple, holding banners and posters, all while expressing their gratitude for the inspiring Ruby Bridges. Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day is an event that remembers her for her bravery and as a symbol of change. We celebrate everyone who participated in this amazing event and thank all the organizers, volunteers, teachers, and students who made it possible.

Student and Community Opportunities

Waste Reduction Educational Programs

Metro and the City of Portland are both offering hands-on learning activities in schools this year to teach students about waste reduction and recycling.

The City of Portland offers a variety of lessons around food waste and recycling for K-5 students. Learn more about their offerings and how to sign up here.

Metro’s elementary programs focus on worm composting, toxics reduction, and moving “beyond recycling.” They also do two-day deeper dives for middle and high school classes. They also work with students to conduct cafeteria waste audits that turn into reports that can be used for math/science lessons and future sustainability actions within your school

Learn about their K-5 programming here and their middle and high school programming here.

Science Teachers Climate Book Club!

Families for Climate is holding a book club for high school science teachers! “Every second Tuesday from January to May, a community of educators committed to engaging their students in climate action will convene to discuss how to integrate climate solutions into their science curriculum.”

Registration link: https://pdnetworks.soesd.k12.or.us/public/events/view-event/12645?

Braided River Campaign

Interested in learning more about the environmental history of the Willamette River? The Braided River Campaign (BRC) seeks to realize a sustainable, diverse, safe green working waterfront on the lower Willamette that acknowledges the climate crisis, systemic racism and the health impacts of sacrificial zoning in the Portland Harbor through community-driven land use processes.

Their curated exhibit at the Lloyd Center is full of interactive ways to learn more about the historic harms to the lower Willamette and how to engage with ongoing local, climate activism campaigns.
Members of the BRC are happy to meet groups at the exhibit! Contact them at: braidedrivercampaign@gmail.com