December Newsletter
from Multnomah Education Service District
Celebrating Growth and Looking Ahead
As 2024 comes to a close, we celebrate the resilience, achievements, and connections that have defined this year. From milestone anniversaries to new initiatives, MESD continues to grow in its mission to support students, families, and staff.
In this edition, we highlight key accomplishments, share resources, and look ahead to opportunities in the new year. Thank you for being an essential part of our MESD community.
District Updates
Podcast Spotlight: Superintendent James Hui
For this episode, we want to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude to Superintendent James Hiu of Gresham-Barlow School District, who this month will be retiring after many years of dedicated service to our community. His leadership and vision have greatly impacted our schools and the lives of countless students, educators, and families.
To celebrate his contributions, we are resharing his insightful podcast, which highlights his experiences and the initiatives he has championed during his tenure. We invite you to listen and reflect on his legacy. Thank you, Superintendent Hiu, for your commitment and service. We wish you all the best in your future endeavors!
Catch up on previous episodes and subscribe to stay up-to-date:
Program & Department Highlights
MESD Staff Climate Survey
Your voice matters! On December 3, MESD will launch our annual staff climate survey. This 10–15 minute survey is your opportunity to share your experiences and help shape a more equitable and inclusive organization.
Be sure to complete the survey by Friday, December 13. Keep an eye on your email for the survey link. Together, we can drive meaningful change.
Questions? Please reach out to Bernadette and/or Amanda:
- Bernadette Adeniran, Director of Human Resources
badeniran@mesd.k12.or.us
- Amanda Shannahan, Research and Evaluation, Sr. Program Administrator
ashannaha@mesd.k12.or.us
Bridges Programs Receive Prestigious Grants
This fall, our Bridges programs—Bars to Bridges and East County Bridges—secured four competitive grants to support youth who have experienced the justice system, hospitalization, or disconnection from education.
These grants will enhance our culturally specific, trauma-informed services and allow us to reach even more youth, ensuring they receive the advocacy and support they need to succeed. These grants are:
Office of Juvenile Justice and Prevention Grant: Bars to Bridges was one of only 5 nationally to receive this federal award for a project entitled "No Bars to Bright Futures: HerPath" which will expand our services to include culturally specific girls group support and curriculum.
African American Black Student Success Plan Grant: One of the original AABSS grant awardees, Bars to Bridges was again awarded this competitive state grant in recognition of the successes serving justice impacted African American and Black youth. This award will allow us to continue our programming for four more years.
Latino/a/x and Indigenous Student Success Plan Grant: We were again awarded funds from this highly competitive state grant (over 60 organizations applied and only 17 were awarded) to provide culturally specific services to disconnected Latino/a/x and Indigenous students through our East County Bridges program.
Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (NHPI) Success Plan Grant: We were awarded the NHPI grant as part of a slate of awardees in the inaugural year of this state grant. Funds from this grant will support our East County Bridges outreach efforts to youth and family who identify as NHPI who are disconnected from education.
Happenings at Ocean Dunes
Ocean Dunes' thriving Greenhouse and Garden program continues to yield remarkable results, while their Barbering program is preparing students for successful careers in the beauty industry.
Additionally, the Trail Cam Data Collection program has revealed fascinating wildlife activity, including rare footage of bears and cougars, enriching our students’ understanding of local ecology.
The Heavy Equipment, Flagging, Culinary, and CPR certification programs are empowering participants with valuable skills and knowledge for future opportunities.
Helensview Teacher Apprentice Spotlights
Torian Thompson,
Registered Teacher Apprentice
Prior to my apprenticeship, I worked as a campus monitor, where I provided valuable support and mentorship to students. As an apprentice, my focus has shifted to creating lessons and curriculum while assisting with high school instruction, particularly for students with disabilities. Looking forward, I aspire to stay at Helensview as a licensed teacher, committed to serving the community and its students that I hold dear. Thank you for your unwavering support!
Fartun Osman,
Registered Teacher Apprentice
In my previous role as a bilingual student attendance liaison I provided essential case management support, including monitoring attendance and assisting with school procedures. My responsibilities also included offering translation and interpretation services to communicate with students and families and I provided essential classroom support for high school students. In my current role as an apprentice, I am developing lessons and curriculum while assisting with instruction for high school students, including those with disabilities. After completing my program, I aim to continue my journey at Helensview, where I can actively contribute to fostering an inclusive environment. I am committed to building strong connections with the community, gaining a deeper understanding of our student population, and contributing to the overall growth of the school.
MESD in the News
MESD’s Rivercrest Academy was recently covered in an OPB article about House Bill 2767, which laid the groundwork for Oregon to establish and support recovery schools across the state.
December Events & Resources
Professional Learning Opportunities this Month
- Dec 17: Caring for Students with Diabetes
- Jan 6: Initial Medication Administration to Oregon Students (Remote)
- Jan 12: "Counted Out" Film Screening
- Jan 21, Jan 28, and Feb 4: TSEL: In Your Own Words
- Jan 28 - March 18: Introduction to the Science of Reading and Structured Literacy (Remote)
Visit www.multnomahesd.org/pd to see all available professional learning opportunities this month!
December is Also...
Dec 2: National Special Education Day
Dec 3: International Day of Persons with Disabilities
Dec 10: Human Rights Day
Dec 18: International Migrants Day
Dec 25: All MESD Facilities closed for Winter Break
Jan 1: All MESD Facilities closed for Winter Break
Household Product Drive
The Migrant Education Program is holding a Household Product Drive to benefit migrant families living in the Portland area. The drive will be held from Nov. 25 to Dec. 18th. All donated essentials should be new and/or unused products. Needed items include laundry detergent, toilet paper, body soap, garbage bags, and disinfectant wipes. Items can be dropped off in the lobby of the Ainsworth Building, or sent via PONY to the Ainsworth Building ATTN: Migrant Education Program.
New Resource Hub: Support for Families
MESD is here to support our community during challenging times. Check out our new Support for Families and Employees webpage for resources on mental health, housing, food assistance, educational tools, and more.
This site is a one-stop hub to connect families and staff with the support they need. Visit today and share it with others who may benefit. Together, we can strengthen our community!
Tribal History/Shared History Resources
The Oregon Department of Education's Office of Indian Education reminds districts of the requirements under Senate Bill 13, also known as Tribal History/Shared History (TH/SH). Resources and lesson plans for 4th, 8th, and 10th grades are available on the ODE TH/SH Resources webpage. These lessons align with Common Core standards, each lesson is also aligned with one or more Essential Understandings of Native Americans in Oregon which were developed in partnership with the Tribes.
In collaboration with Tribes, the lessons incorporate Essential Understandings of Native Americans in Oregon and place-based curricula. Tribal-specific lesson plans are also available for districts near tribal homelands, providing a richer understanding of tribal history and culture. Explore these additional resources here: Tribal-Specific Lessons.
All lessons must be used as provided and should not be modified.
Holiday Mental Health Resources
For many, the holiday season can be a time of joy, community and celebration. However it may also bring anxiety and overwhelming stress. To support our employees, we have put together some tips and resources for managing mental health and wellness during this upcoming holiday season.
Kaiser Permanente:
EAP:
Local Resources:
National Resources:
- NAMI Holiday Tips
- American Psychiatric Association - Seven Ways To Cope With Holiday Stress
- Anxiety & Depression Association of America - Managing Holiday Anxieties
Podcasts:
We Value Your Feedback!
Communications Survey
The MESD Communications team is committed to keeping our community well-informed and engaged. To better serve you, we are conducting a survey about our communication department. Your input is invaluable in helping us enhance the effectiveness, clarity, and relevance of our communications. Please take a few minutes to complete our survey and share your thoughts. Your feedback will guide us in improving our services to meet your needs. Thank you for your participation and continued support!
Share Your News with MESD
Thank you to the MESD staff who shared their stories with us this edition!
We want to continue sharing your stories and happenings across our district. To submit photo(s) or content for consideration, please email commsteam@mesd.k12.or.us by the 20th to be included in next month's newsletter.
MESD is Hiring!
Know anyone who would be a good fit for an MESD career? Share our current opportunities!