Families 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workshops focused on creating a stronger system of high schools, as well as to modernize the school district’s outdated buildings.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.