Spring Forward: Updates, Insights, and Opportunities at MESD
With Spring Break behind us, we hope you return refreshed and invigorated for the months ahead. As we move forward in 2025, we remain committed to fostering connection, transparency, and continuous improvement across MESD. In this edition, we are sharing key updates, including the results of the Staff Climate Survey, upcoming professional learning opportunities, and highlights from across our programs. Thank you for the incredible work you do every day to support students, families, and our community. We hope you find this newsletter informative and engaging!
New Podcast Episode: AI Empowered Education with Katy Tibbs
In this episode of Leaders Build Leaders, Dr. Coakley interviews Katy Tibbs, who has been an educator, a teacher librarian, and currently Digital Learning & AI Integration Specialist at Multnomah Education Service District. Dr. Coakley and Katy discussed artificial intelligence - how to start using it, its potential impact on education, and resources to learn more, including MESD's upcoming collaboration for the 2025 AI Empowered Education conference.
Learn more about the conference at aiempowerededu2025.sched.com
Tune in to hear his interview and catch up on other episodes:
Explore the Future of AI in Education!
Join us on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at the University of Portland for an innovative conference hosted by Clackamas ESD, Multnomah ESD, Northwest Regional ESD, and the University of Portland. Gain insights from AI experts, engage in hands-on workshops, and explore strategies to navigate AI in education.
Register today: aiempowerededu2025.sched.com
Connecting Communities Through Art - An MESD Exhibition
Multnomah Education Service District (MESD) is proud to launch "Connecting Communities Through Art," an art exhibition designed to celebrate student creativity and strengthen connections across our district.
Art is a powerful tool for education, providing students with a means of expression, cultural exploration, and personal growth. This exhibition will showcase student artwork, highlighting a diverse array of styles, techniques, and perspectives. By bringing together these artistic voices, we aim to foster empathy, understanding, and appreciation for the rich and fresh cultural experiences within our communities.
When: Thursday, April 10, 2025
Time: 4:30 to 6:30 PM
Where: MESD Auditorium
Survey MESD Staff Climate Survey Results Now Available
The results of the MESD Staff Climate Survey are now available, providing valuable insights into job satisfaction, workplace relationships, communication, equity leadership, and professional learning opportunities across the district. With a 62% response rate and participation from 473 staff members, these findings will help guide decision-making and continuous improvement efforts. A detailed report and infographic summarizing key takeaways are now accessible to staff. We appreciate everyone who took the time to share their experiences and perspectives—your input is essential to shaping a stronger MESD community.
View takeaways here or read the full report below.
Three Exciting Opportunities from East Metro STEAM Partnership
East Metro Student Financial Challenge
This is an opportunity for students to learn about finances and investments in a safe, fun environment. Teachers and other educators who would like to register a class to participate may use this form. Educators with 10 or more students participating may be eligible for a $500 stipend for participating in the concurring Professional Learning Community.
Students will receive a registration link for our Personal Finance Lab challenge, which includes a Budgeting Game and a Stock Market Game.
- April 15 – May 13: Students will complete four simulated months in the Budgeting Game and related assignments to qualify for prizes, including a laptop and a Nintendo Switch.
- May 14 – June 3: Students will participate in the Stock Market Game, trading simulated money. Prizes will be awarded for top portfolios, and an essay contest will offer additional prize opportunities for students who share their strategies and insights.
- Bonus Prizes: Students can earn extra prizes by attending two online talks with industry professionals—one during the Budgeting Game and one during the Stock Market Game. Prize details will be announced before each session.
Teachers in the PLC will explore financial education topics and provide feedback on the challenge.
Next East Metro Student Financial Challenge Information Session - Online
Tuesday, April 9th at 4pm
Register Here to attend the information session on Zoom
Questions? Contact Jarvez Hall at jhall@mesd.k12.or.us.
2025 East Metro Esports Championship & Expo
East Metro Esports connects students to computer science and related fields through esports in schools and afterschool programs.
Program Highlights:
- Teacher/Coach Professional Development – April
- Regular Season Online Exhibitions – April
- Tournament & Expo (In-Person) – Saturday, May 10, at Mt. Hood Community College
Who Can Participate?
Schools and afterschool programs across the east metro region and Oregon are welcome, with no participation fees. New coaches may qualify for stipends for professional development, and schools may be eligible for technology grants to support participation.
How It Works:
- April: Middle and high schools form teams and register by game title. Teams will scrimmage to gain competition experience before the championship.
- May 10: The Championships & Expo at MHCC will feature tournament play, a mini college fair, a STEM fair, an industry panel, and the Intel Gaming Lounge. (see Eventbritelink here)
Titles for 2025 (Subject to change)
- Rocket League
- Marvel Rivals
- NBA 2K25 (Only at In-person May 10th Expo)
- Street Fighter 6 (Only at In-person May 10th Expo)
Next East Metro Esports Information Session - Online
Monday, April 8th at 4pm
Register Here to attend the information session on Zoom
Learn more at https://www.youtube.com/@eastmetrosteam
For questions, contact Jarvez Hall at jhall@mesd.k12.or.us.
EMSP Hosts Local Version of "The Edit" Digital Storytelling Challenge
EMSP is bringing a local edition of "The Edit", a national digital storytelling challenge by Adobe and NBCU Academy. This free opportunity allows middle and high school students to create 90-second news reports on topics that matter.
How to Participate:
- Teachers can sign up at NBCU Academy’s The Edit to access free materials.
- Local submissions are due to EMSP by May 23.
- Stipends and technology mini-grants may be available for participating teachers.
An Information Session will be held later this month—email Jarvez Hall (jhall@mesd.k12.or.us) to be notified. For questions or to get involved, reach out to Jarvez Hall.
Angel Outside: An Outdoor School Story
Angel feels uncertain about what to expect at Outdoor School, and his family shares his nerves. Despite their worries, they embrace the adventure ahead. As Angel embarks on this transformative experience, he builds meaningful friendships, discovers a sense of belonging, and flourishes in a supportive community. Follow his inspiring journey of growth and discovery.
English: youtube.com/watch?v=baCJzJzdGZQ
Ángel no sabe qué esperar de la escuela al aire libre, y su familia comparte su inquietud. Sin embargo, todos aceptan el desafío de esta nueva aventura. A lo largo de esta experiencia transformadora, Ángel forja amistades, encuentra un sentido de pertenencia y crece en una comunidad que lo apoya. Acompañe a Ángel en su inspirador viaje de aprendizaje y descubrimiento.
Spanish: youtube.com/watch?v=We8C_zR2E6E.
In both versions, you can click “Preferences” at the bottom of the video to select English or Spanish captions for the entire film.
