High School Plans, Building Modernization

Posted on by

Big-Ideas-meeting-at-Jefferson_smallFamilies and students are encouraged to take part in two community workshops focused on creating a stronger system of high schools, as well as to modernize the school district’s outdated buildings. The workshops will be Friday, Oct. 9, at the Marshall Campus in Southeast Portland and Saturday, Oct. 17, at Rosa Parks Elementary School in North Portland.

The two workshops will follow the same format, with three sessions offered at each. Participants can attend one, two or all three of the sessions:

•9 a.m.-10:30 a.m. Building a stronger High School System
Superintendent Carole Smith proposed a plan to improve Portland Public Schools’ High School System in June. Staff members will explain how this plan promotes better outcomes for students, how it would change the current high school system, and what to expect in the coming years. Participants will have an opportunity to ask questions and express their concerns and hopes about both the model and the process.

•10:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Issues related to High School System design
Participants are invited to take part in a discussion about crucial issues related to high school design: the pros and cons of different-sized community schools and the criteria for determining locations of community and magnet schools.

•12:15 p.m.-1 p.m. Lunch break
•1 p.m.-2:30 p.m. Smart Sustainable Schools for Portland
Representatives of the PPS Office of School Modernization will offer an update on the Smart Sustainable Schools initiative. Staff members have been working for two years with the community and school building experts to develop a long-range plan to renovate and rebuild PPS schools. At this session, participants will brainstorm with architects to sketch out what a safe, smart and sustainable learning environment might look like.

PPS invites current and future high school students and their families; teachers, school staff and administrators; and community members. Students and school staff have the day off because of statewide in-service, and a free lunch will be available for everyone at the Oct. 9 gathering.

The Oct. 9 workshop will be in the cafeteria of the Marshall Campus, 3905 S.E. 91st Ave. The Oct. 17 workshop will be in the cafeteria of Rosa Parks School, 8960 N. Woolsey Ave.

Free child care will be available for children ages 3 and over. Reservations are requested: Please call 503-916-3304 or e-mail pjohnson@pps.k12.or.us. Interpretation services will be available in Spanish, Chinese, Russian, Vietnamese and Somali.

Learn more about the High School System Redesign and Office of School Modernization.

Community Warehouse Open on Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd

Posted on by

community warehouseCommunity Warehouse, a non-profit that collects and redistributes furniture and household items to people in need is moving to the former location of Hanna Bea’s at 3969 Martin Luther King Jr. and Shaver Street.

To ensure that our shelves stay stocked, businesses, families, schools, and other professional and social groups throughout the metro area host collection drives for the Community Warehouse for one week in 2009. We encourage you to consider helping local families in need by agreeing to gather items for the Warehouse.

During your week, you and your group will collect needed items. Community Warehouse helps coordinate these efforts, picking up items from a central donation drop-off point, providing guidance on items needed and flyers to publicize collection efforts. For more information or to adopt a week in 2009, contact Roz, our Community Connects volunteer, at (503) 329-5588 or e-mail roz755@aol.com

Willamette Pedestrian Survey

Posted on by

Walkers!

How do you feel walking around your neighborhood? Do you feel safe? Are there problem-areas that could be improved with better signals, lighting, crosswalks? Do you like the pedestrian “bump-out” aprons to get better visibility? What would make you walk more? Help the nonprofit Willamette Pedestrian Coalition (www.wpcwalks.org) initiate these changes to make your walking-world better. Fill out the Getting Around On Foot survey at the following website:

www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=A8fndSO2E56DzWF_2fDoSP2g_3d_3d

GAOFHeader

Neighborhood Small Grants

Posted on by

This is a great funding opportunity for neighbors with innovative projects – planting trees, shooting documentaries on neighborhood landmarks, spiffing up parks, creating community gardens, starting new neighborhood projects/programs with seed money, and so on. The money comes from the City and is distributed by the Northeast Coalition. From the NECN website: “the NE Coalition will be awarding $20,913 in grant funds for projects that build community, attract new and diverse members and sustain those already involved.” Last year, the King Neighborhood Association worked with Board Member Allyson Spencer to start The Blue Door Project, tidying up and replanting the yards of seniors and single-parent families in the King area. Do you have any innovative ideas? If so, you can go directly to the Coalition website to check out the Small Grants application, or you can come to the next King Neighborhood Association meeting (Wednesday, October 14th) to find partners/feedback for your project.

Small Grant website:

http://portland.necoalition.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=165&Itemid=89

Discover Creative Solutions at Welcome the Rain!

Posted on by

Welcome the RainWelcome the Rain! highlights an array of innovative, eye catching and practical stormwater solutions that will help you address wet weather concerns like leaky basements, wet spots in the yard and urban flooding.

Many workshops are offered throughout the day and cover helpful topics such as rainwater harvesting, how to build an ecoroof, wet weather bicycling tips (followed by a stormwater bicycle tour!), disconnecting your downspouts and more.

Indoor & Outdoor activities promise FUN for all ages!
Daycare provided at no cost to you!
Live Marimba music
Local businesses & community groups offering materials, resources & tips
Storytelling by Will Hornyak
Stormwater Bicycle Tour – bring your helmet!

Next Saturday, September 26th from 10am – 3:30pm

Rigler School
5401 NE Prescott Street
Portland, OR 97218

________________________________

Click here to learn more and to view the activity & workshop schedule.
Welcome the Rain is FREE and open to the public. No registration is necessary.
________________________________________

Check out our fall Landscape Design Workshops!

That’s right, fall workshop season is upon us at last! We have scheduled a plethora of Naturescaping and Rain Garden workshops and registration is now open! Advanced registration is required.

Visit our workshops & events page to learn more and register online.
katie@emswcd.org • East Multnomah SWCD