Summer Forecast #1

It is hard to believe that you all left for vacation 24 days ago. I hope you are embracing the sun (okay it has been tooooo hot for me) and are enjoying your well deserved time off. I absolutely do not expect you to read this Forecast, but in an effort to meet the needs of those people who like updates I am sending it out. If you are one of those seeing this in August before we return that is fine!

• I went into the building this week. Progress has been made in the Special Education wing and the back three classrooms. LOTS of demolition has happened. The power is out today as they are pulling wires. I am trying to be optimistic. There were A LOT of people working so that is good news, but there is a long way to go.

• On the topic of facilities, I was told that the furniture is on backorder. This means those of you who had old furniture will not get new furniture until December. Some pieces may be coming in, but as of right now old furniture will be used for a portion of the year. 

• We have been busy with interviews, reference checks, etc. as of today (7/12) we have submitted names for all three open positions. I will not share names until things are finalized with HR. These positions include: 1.0 6th/7th Math Teacher, 1.0 Temporary 6th Grade Science Teacher and .60 PE Teacher. 

• As you know we are not working in the building, but Regina, Spencer and I are working from home. Regina and I are headed to the AVID Summer Institute on Sunday and return Wednesday. If you need anything feel free to email or call our cells. We are taking vacations as well so allow time for a response. 

• Target is offering a store wide 20% off coupon for teachers and staff members. Thank you to Sachi, our PTA President for sharing. Here is the link: https://www.target.com/l/target-circle-teacher-appreciation/-/N-2dktv

• This was sent out by the district. Please note you will get some time to accomplish this task once you return.  I clearly don't expect you all to do this, but if it is done you would recoup the time when we return.  I have made it a personal goal to get these done while I sit outside on my deck because if I have to sit and do them I would rather do them in a peaceful and relaxing place! 

You now have access to complete all of your mandatory training. It is each employee’s responsibility to complete the training by October 31, 2024* for the 2024-2025 school year. These required trainings ensure employees understand their employment rights, safety practices, and mandated reporting responsibilities. The total estimated time to complete these training sessions is approximately 4 hours, but they do not all have to be completed in one sitting or in any specific order. PPS employees are required to complete these trainings, including all limited term staff, interns, student teachers, and practicum students. All PPS employees, with the exception of Portland Association of Teacher members, will be given time during the workday (timing at the discretion of their manager) to complete these trainings. Note: if you already completed these as part of being hired for summer school, you do not need to complete these again.

Courses will be automatically assigned under “My Current Courses” in Pepper, the district’s professional learning management system. You can access Pepper at pepper.pps.net.

If you are receiving this notice outside of your work year, please be advised of this requirement once your work year begins. Additionally, you are not required to print your certificate.

*Exceptions:

PPS Athletic Coaches must complete the training sessions by August 7, 2024. If hired after 

August 12, 2024, coaches will have one week to complete the mandatory training.

PPS Substitutes must complete the training sessions by August 15, 2024 or by the date given to you from the Substitute Office.

Mandatory Online Trainings:

• (PC1051) Child Abuse Prevention and Reporting

• (PC1052) Discrimination, Harassment, Bullying and Retaliation

• (PC1053) Emergency Preparedness Training

• (PC1054) Employee Handbook

• (PC1055) Supporting Students and Families Experiencing Homelessness

• (PC1056) Risk Management and Hazard Communication

• (PC1057) Adult Sexual Misconduct: Staff to Student/ Title IX

• (PC1058) Professional Conduct Training

• (PC1059) Information Security Awareness training

• (PC1060) School Suicide Prevention Training

• (PC1061) Heat Illness Prevention Training

• (PC1062) Wildfire Smoke Protection Training

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