September Newsletter

Our amazing staff at the Back to School event - special thanks to our photographers!

Additionally, we would love your feedback! Please take a moment to respond to our 5-question after-event survey — your input helps us continue to improve our future events.

Exciting News! We are thrilled to announce the launch of our brand-new website! The new MESD website is a secure, accessible, and user-friendly platform designed to enhance communication, streamline processes, and provide valuable resources for our community. With its modern design and intuitive navigation, the site ensures that information is easy to find and accessible to all users, including those with disabilities. Additionally, the website is built with robust security features to protect sensitive information and maintain user privacy.

We’re Still Evolving. While the site is live, we’re continuing to add new features and content over the coming months. Some teams are still developing their sections, so stay tuned for updates.

We Value Your Input! If you have any feedback (specific to the website), we’d love to hear it. Please use this form: https://www.multnomahesd.org/staff/feedback

Are You the Tech-Savvy Person in Your Team? Let your supervisor know! You can receive training to help manage and support your section of the website. More information coming soon.

If an individual is ill they should stay home if they have any excludable symptoms. Individuals that have tested positive for COVID-19 do not need to report their positive test to their employer and may remain at work/work events if they have been fever free for 24 hours (without the use of meds) and all other symptoms are improving. It is recommended that they mask for 10 days after their positive test or when symptoms began (whichever occurred first) but not required.

As part of his activities to kick off the new school year, MESD Superintendent Dr. Coakley delivered the keynote speech at the Leadership Institute of Portland Public Schools. He shared stories, insights, and practical advice for school administrators.

Benefits and Wellness Event

Thank you for helping to make the 2024 MESD Benefits and Wellness Event a resounding success! We had representation from Moda, Kaiser, American Red Cross, and Damon King Fitness, along with sound bath and yoga demonstrations provided by Oregon Education Association Trust.

The event, held at Ainsworth Building after the Back to School event, was well-attended and well-received. We are grateful for all of the vendors that participated in the event. A special shout out to Diana Shukri, Benefits Coordinator in HR, and to Cynthia Niedermeier, Administrative Assistant for Equity and Inclusion, who spent time planning over the summer for the return of staff.

Jump Start to Success Event

Human Resources is excited to share that our recent Jump Start to Success, one of our largest new hire onboarding sessions to date, was a great success! Jump Start to Success is an event to welcome our new hires and provide a warm introduction to the District’s mission, values, and ongoing commitment to centering equity by ensuring a culturally and linguistically responsive workforce that represents the communities we support.

A big thank you to Superintendent Dr. Paul Coakley and Director of Regional Equity Initiatives and Partnerships Dr. Reiko Williams for leading the way with inspiring messages about MESD’s goals and culture. HR was excited to see representatives from all employee groups, including AFSCME, MEA, and leadership roles, making this event not only informative, but a great opportunity to build connections and community. The pairing of Jump Start to Success with the Wellness and Benefits Fair was a fantastic way to demonstrate MESD’s committed, inclusive, supportive, and welcoming working environment for all.

Check out these two recent articles about MESD and our programs:

• MESD offers teen summer program for future educators
• New addiction recovery schools planned for Portland out of $2.6M state funds

Visit www.multnomahesd.org/pd to see all available professional learning opportunities this month!

The first day of school is filled with nostalgia and excitement — many of us remember trying to capture that perfect back-to-school photo, marking the start of new classes, new friends, and new opportunities. Heather Severns tapped into that energy this year and shared this Back to School Note:

"Working in education year round never stops, but I count today as the first day of the school year because staff are back in the buildings getting ready for the kiddos.

First day of year 25 working in education. Beginning year 11 at Multnomah ESD. I love my job, it was the best decision ever to move to this district.

Cheers to everyone on their way back for the 24-25 school year! Send your pictures and celebrate!"

Heather L. Severns

Executive Assistant/Board Secretary

District Assessment Coordinator

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!

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.

Know anyone who would be a good fit for an MESD career? Share our current opportunities!