March Newsletter

At MESD, we recognize the vital role women play in shaping education, community, and the future. This month, we celebrate the leadership, resilience, and contributions of women—past, present, and future—who inspire change and uplift those around them. From the dedicated educators in our schools to the trailblazers advocating for culture and belonging, we honor the strength and impact of women in our communities.

Join us in celebrating their stories, achievements, and the lasting influence of their leadership. We’ve included some resources below to celebrate this month.

Local Resources:

• Reading List from Multnomah County Library

• Educational Resources from the Oregon Historical Society

• The Evolution of Women's Rights in Oregon from the Oregon Secretary of State

• Stories of 31 women who blazed trails in Oregon from the Statesman Journal

National Resources:

• 11 Inspiring Female Podcasts from Women for Women International

• 30 Famous Historical Teachers & Female Educators Who Changed The World

• Influential Women in American Education from The Fayette Education Foundation

• In Their Own Words: Oral Histories from the National Women's History Museum

• Women's History Month Resources for Teachers from the Library of Congress

In this episode of Leaders Build Leaders, Dr. Coakley interviews Michael Lopes Serrao, who has been Superintendent of Parkrose School District since 2018 after working for the district since 2002. Dr. Coakley and Superintendent Lopes Serrao speak about their influencers, the power of curiosity, and about what the future of education might look like.

• Spotify

• Apple

• Amazon Music

• I Heart Radio

• Pandora

• Blubrry

• Subscribe by email

MESD is proud to welcome Amanda Squiemphen-Yazzie to our board! A passionate advocate for Indigenous and underserved communities, Squiemphen-Yazzie brings a wealth of experience in culturally grounded leadership, community organizing, and public policy.

A Citizen of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, she is Wasco, Navajo, and Yakima and was raised in Warm Springs on her family’s cattle ranch. She holds a Master’s degree in Social Work from Portland State University, specializing in Practice and Leadership with Communities and Organizations.

Her career has been defined by strategic leadership in campaign management, coalition building, and Indigenous advocacy—always with a focus on uplifting communities and advancing social change. MESD is honored to have her expertise and vision as we continue working toward equity and inclusion in education.

Please join us in welcoming Amanda Squiemphen-Yazzie to MESD!

Learn more about Squiemphen-Yazzie and other MESD Board members here

Here is a reminder of how to manage illness to prevent the spread of contagious diseases to keep everyone safe and healthy.

What You Can Do:

• Check For Symptoms of illness before leaving your home each day.

• Stay Home If You Are Sick: Students and staff members should stay home if they have the following symptoms:

• Fever

• Cough that interferes with school activities

• Shortness of breath

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• New rash or sores

• Red eyes with drainage

• Report Illnesses: Students and staff members should let the school know if they are sick so we can monitor for increased illness.

• Wash Your Hands: or use hand sanitizer often, rubbing for at least 20 seconds.

• Do Not Share: food, drinks, or personal items.

• Cover Coughs and Sneezes: with a tissue or by completely covering your nose and mouth with the inside of your elbow.

• Stay Up-To-Date On All Vaccines: this may include COVID-19 boosters and influenza.

• Avoid Close Contact: with anyone who is sick.

• Clean Common Areas: regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home.

If symptoms last longer than 24 hours, consult with your healthcare provider. If your student does not have a primary healthcare provider, they may get care at a Student Health Center.

Thank you for your help in keeping our schools safe and reducing the spread of illness!

Join us on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at the University of Portland for a groundbreaking conference hosted by Clackamas ESD, Multnomah ESD, Northwest Regional ESD, and University of Portland.

What to Expect:

• Insightful presentations from AI experts

• Hands-on workshops with practical tools

• Strategies and policies to navigate AI in education

Let’s explore how AI is transforming learning and shaping the future of education. Don’t miss this opportunity to grow your knowledge and connect with fellow educators!

Register today at https://aiempowerededu2025.sched.com

MESD Human Resources representative Elizabeth Pomykala, alongside School Health Services team members Kimberly Marsh and Courtney Szper, attended the University of Portland’s job fair to connect with aspiring nurses. Their goal was to recruit talented nursing professionals for the 2025-2026 school year, ensuring students across Multnomah County receive high-quality care and support.

The event featured 95 organizations eager to share insights on career paths, job opportunities, and internships. MESD appreciates the opportunity to engage with University of Portland students and looks forward to welcoming dedicated nurses to our team.

If you or someone you know is passionate about making a difference in school health services, stay tuned for upcoming job opportunities with MESD!

Congratulations to the eleven students at Three Lakes for successfully earning their CPR and First Aid certifications through the Red Cross! This achievement equips them with vital life-saving skills and the confidence to act in emergencies. Their dedication to learning and preparedness is truly inspiring, and we celebrate their commitment to keeping their communities safe. Well done!

This month at Ocean Dunes, students are taking a flavorful and musical journey around the world! In the kitchen, they are mastering the art of making beignets, a delicious fried pastry popular in the Caribbean, while learning about global culinary traditions. Meanwhile, in music appreciation, they are immersing themselves in the rich sounds of vinyl records across various genres, uncovering the history behind their favorite tunes. Through hands-on experiences, these students are celebrating culture, creativity, and connection—one bite and one beat at a time!

• NEW: Supporting All of Oregon’s Students: Guidance for protecting and upholding the rights of immigrant students in Oregon’s K-12 public schools

• Oregon Public Education and Immigration Enforcement FAQ

• Department of Justice: Sanctuary Promise

• Supporting Gender Expansive Students: Guidance for Schools

• Every Student Belongs Guidance

• LGBTQ2SIA+ Student Success Plan and ODE’s LGBTQ2SIA+ Resources webpage