FPE Community Newsletter 02/05/2025
February 05, 2025
Greetings Forest Park Students and Families,
Black History Month Families, if you get the opportunity to sign-in at the front office and walk our school hallways on any given school day, you'll notice some of the ways we celebrate Black History Month. Our previous FOFPE President, Laura Graham, prepared educational posters to accompany our celebrations. We continue to rely upon these as a source of inspiration and education.
PPS is supporting immigrant families and students Here are some helpful resources for families:
Create a Family Preparedness Plan
Information on Safeguarding Oregon Schools
Real or Rumor? How to verify Oregon ICE Raids
Know your rights information pack
In these challenging times, we want to remind everyone to prioritize self-care and support each other. Stay connected with those around you, and take time to rest and recharge. Lean on your community and remember that we are here for one another.
Together, we are stronger.
Inclement Weather My hope is that every school day this year, we attend school! We could possibly have a "late-start" or "early-dismissal" due to extreme winter conditions. We could also have buses switch to snow routes if roads become icy, but school remains open. With any of these possible scenario outcomes, PPS notifies familes early the morning of....for more information about these decision making processes, please follow this link. As we make our way through inclement weather season, it’s important to plan ahead for safe travel. Here are some tips to help you Get Home Safe!
Illness during winter months If a student or staff member exhibits symptoms outlined in the Symptom-based Exclusion Chart, they will be sent home to help prevent the spread of illness. Here’s how families can support us in keeping everyone healthy:
Keep Sick Children Home: If your child has symptoms like fever, vomiting, or diarrhea, please keep them home. If symptoms worsen, seek medical care for your child.
Report Illnesses: Let the school know if your child is sick so we can monitor for increased illness; email forestparkattend@pps.net or call (503)916-5400 and press 1 for the Attendance Line. Please provide your student name, teacher name and reason for absence.
Encourage Healthy Hygiene: Teach your child to wash their hands often, cover coughs and sneezes, and avoid touching their face.
Practice Social Distancing: If your child is mildly ill, encourage them to keep their distance from others at home. We also have masks available at school if your child would like one.
Stay Up-to-Date on Vaccines: Make sure your child’s vaccinations are current to prevent illness. Students can obtain vaccines at:
Any MCHD Student Health Center
Community Clinics such as Multnomah County’s Community Vaccination Clinic
Clean Common Areas: Regularly clean frequently touched surfaces at home.
To learn more about our health policies, visit the PPS School Health Services website or contact our School Health Assistant, Stephanie Brown (503)916-5400 press 2. Thank you for helping us keep our schools safe and healthy!
Join Lincoln High School for a Movie! PPS is excited to welcome you to a screening of “Champions” on Saturday, February 8th at 2:00 PM at Lincoln High School. This event will also include first-hand experience from PPS students. This movie highlights the journey of a basketball coach who leads a team of players with intellectual disabilities. Through humor and heartfelt moments, the movie emphasizes the strengths, individuality, and value each player brings and how inclusion enriches communities and creates positive, supportive environments. Staff, families, and community members are all invited.
Reminders:
Bus STOPPS Drill - Thursday, February 6th at 8am
4th Grade: Black History Month presentation - Friday, February 7th from 1.15pm to 2.15pm in Library and Portable 6
5th Grade Mx. Morningstar Conferences - Thursday, February 6th and Friday, February 7th.
Fire Drill - Scheduled for Thursday, February 13th at 8.45am (weather permitting)
Valentine’s Day - February 14th! A perfect opportunity to spread kindness and show appreciation for friends and peers. We can’t wait to celebrate the spirit of love and friendship together! Our word of the month is FRIENDLY – a great reminder to be kind to those around us.
President’s Day
Monday, February 17th - Schools and offices closed; No school for students *(possible snow day make-up: 2/17, 6/11, 6/12, 6/13)*
OBOB (Oregon Battle of the Books) - All volunteers must have completed volunteer background check *(email forestparkattend@pps.net to check your volunteer status if unsure)*
OBOB Pool Play #1: Portable 5 + Portable 6
Wednesday, February 12th from 11.00am - 2.15pm
OBOB Pool Play #2: Portable 5 + Portable 6
Wednesday, February 19th from 11.00am - 2.15pm
OBOB Bracket Play: Portable 5 + Portable 6 + Library + Hallway
Friday, February 21st from 11.00am - 2.15pm
OBOB Semi Finals + Finals: Library
Monday, February 24th from 12.30pm to 2.15pm
5th Grade Field Trip - Ms. Mora, Ms. Robbins and Mx. Morningstar’s students will travel to the Arlene Schnitzer Hall for a Philharmonic performance with our Music Teacher Ms. Davidson. Bus departs promptly at 8.30am and will return at 11.15am.
Early Release Day - Wednesday, February 26th at 11.50am. Please note that all enrichment activities will be cancelled on Early Release Wednesdays. After-school care will continue as usual, starting at 11:50 AM. Our staff will be attending professional development immediately after dismissal, and will not be available to supervise students after that time. Please ensure you have arranged for your child’s pick-up.
Vision & Hearing Screening - Friday, February 28th from 8am to 2.15pm in the Library (background checked Volunteers needed to cover full day or partial shifts, please sign up HERE!).
Vision Screening for K, 1, and 3 grades
Hearing Screening for Kindergarten + 1st graders ONLY
Spring Auction Gala! - Join us at “The Nines” on Saturday, March 15th, at 5:00PM for an evening of elegance. Enjoy your students' stunning artwork, celebrate our vibrant and supportive community, and raise a glass in support of our wonderful school! Get your tickets here!
Thank you, Dr. Martini
