September Newsletter

As we continue to evolve as an organization, it becomes increasingly vital for us to communicate our goals, progress, and achievements with utmost clarity. The Blueprint’28 lays the foundation for our collective efforts, and this website represents a leap towards enhancing transparency and accountability as we navigate the path to a brighter future together. Explore the latest updates, success stories, or ways to get involved - this website has it all. You can actively engage with our journey towards success!

MESD TRIO students from alternative schools in the Upward Bound program attended Portland State University’s Inquiry for Justice Program through MESD TRIO.

34 students from Rosemary Anderson, Helensview, Alliance, McDaniel, Roosevelt, and Reynolds High Schools participated in this intensive, dual-credit residential course designed to introduce students to college-level academic work in a supportive environment. Led by Portland State University faculty Dr. Sarah Dougher and Dr. Sonja Taylor, Inquiry for Justice invites students to explore ideas about justice from multiple perspectives and historical contexts while earning two university credits from Portland State University.

Students read texts, visit sites, and meet instructors from diverse academic and social backgrounds. They develop college-ready skills through the practice of formulating and expressing ideas with written and spoken language, images, and creative expression.

MESD TRIO Program Director Geof Garner served as a co-coordinator during the summer program. Three Upward Bound staff (Alice Beseau, Mary Lao, and Courtney Woods) joined Inquiry for Justice as daytime mentors in the classroom. Funding from Upward Bound made it possible to increase access by nearly doubling the size of the program.

“We will work through the coming year to open opportunities for Inquiry for Justice students through coordination at MESD school programs. We will collaborate on college-going support as well as opportunities for city discovery, activist civics projects, wellness activities and socializing,” said Director Garner.

The program takes an asset-based approach to learning and builds on student experience and knowledge, aiming to facilitate communication and critical thinking about justice in contemporary and historical contexts, such as Vanport, and the 1942 incarceration of Japanese Americans. Portland State University will invite students back during the 2023-24 school year in order to foster community, get help and support on college-going activities, and coordinate community action projects as part of their high school coursework.

This program prioritizes first generation college students and students of racial/ethnic groups historically excluded from higher education. Admission to this program takes a holistic approach - considering attributes of interest, curiosity, and enthusiasm rather than relying on GPA as an indicator of success in school.

We are very proud of our very own Ashley Olivas. She is this year's Correctional Education Association, Region 6, Teacher of the Year. Ashley Olivas is the top teacher selected from 6 states in the US and 3 provinces of Canada. There are four teachers selected across the nation this year and we are really proud of Ashley!

Pictured here are Joy Koenig, Noah Shelton, Ashley Olivas, Brandy Nelson, Cameron James (all part of the MESD Alliance) along with Sam Ko from the Oregon Department of Education.

We want to extend a heartfelt round of applause and deep appreciation to our incredible Facilities Team for their tireless efforts over the summer. Their hard work and dedication have ensured that our schools and classrooms are fully prepared to welcome students this fall. The attention to detail and commitment to creating a conducive learning environment are truly commendable. Thank you for your outstanding work that will undoubtedly make a positive impact on our students' educational journey!

Last month The Oregonian published an article about one Outdoor School mentor's experiences - check out "Learning to Let Go: What Being an Outdoor School Mentor Taught Me".

Fair Housing of Oregon Bus Tour

On August 15th, MESD administrators took the Fair Housing of Oregon Bus Tour. This was a great opportunity to learn more about housing justice and equity in Portland.

Multnomah Educators Rising Summer Academy & Thank You Event

On August 3, we celebrated the 60+ high school students who completed the MER Summer Academy. They had paid internships working with students in summer school classrooms while also taking Intro to Education and Multicultural Education courses at Portland Community College. We are grateful to the African Youth & Community Organization for graciously hosting the event, and to the Nike Social & Community Impact for investing in the future of education!

Mental health and substance use disorders can affect all communities nationwide. With commitment and support, those impacted can embark on a journey of improved health and overall wellness. The focus of National Recovery Month this September is to celebrate everyone who makes the journey of recovery possible by embracing the theme of “Recovery is For Everyone: Every Person, Every Family, Every Community.” By participating in Recovery Month, you spread the message that people can - and do - recover every day.

Students and staff at MESD's Rivercrest Academy, a new recovery high school located in Portland, are celebrating Recovery Month throughout September with special events. Rivercrest Academy is a comprehensive alternative education school designed to meet the needs of students from across Multnomah County who experience substance use disorders and co-existing conditions.

The Rivercrest Academy team is preparing an open house - more information about this event will be shared soon.

Open Enrollment began on Tuesday, August 15th and the last day to enroll and make changes during Open Enrollment will be on Friday, September 8th, 2023. Visit OEBBenroll.com to make your elections or decline coverage by your enrollment deadline.

In 2022, we began convening Employee Resources Groups, also known as Affinity Spaces. We began with foundational training to provide staff an opportunity to understand our purpose. Affinity groups are meant to be safe spaces for educators or students who share an identity, such as a common race or heritage, to discuss mutual concerns and help each other navigate systems where they are often in the minority.

You are invited to apply to be a member of the MESD Employee Resource Group/Affinity Space Planning Committee! We will meet in-person (lunch provided) once monthly to plan district-wide convening of Employee Resource Groups. Please respond to each question. Our first meeting of the Planning Committee will take place in early September. You will be notified if you are selected to participate. If you have any questions or concerns, please email Dr. Reiko Williams at rwilliams@mesd.k12.or.us.

Interested in learning more about Affinity Space training? Check out this article from Education Week.

Thank you to the MESD staff who shared their stories with us this edition!

We want to continue sharing your stories and happenings across our district. To submit a photo(s) for consideration, please email commsteam@mesd.k12.or.us by the 20th to be included in next month's newsletter.

Keep in touch with our latest news and updates!