May is Mental Health Awareness Month: Information and Resources from PPS Student Support Services

Portland Public Schools is committed to celebrating student identity as a part of uplifting wellness and to supporting all of our students to stay healthy, mentally and physically. More Information.

Information and Resources, click here.

NAMI - National Alliance on Mental Illnesses

"NAMI Multnomah provides free, peer-led education programs, support groups, and advocacy initiatives that actively support community mental health. We passionately promote improved access to services, increased opportunities for recovery, reduced stigma and discrimination, and increased public understanding of mental illness. We strongly believe in our peer-led services. We know what you are going through and we are here to help" Click for the website.

https://www.namimultnomah.org/nami-walks

NAMI walks "is a truly incredible and unique event. Each year we bring together thousands of people from all backgrounds with one common goal; to help fight stigma around mental illness in our community. Mental illness is an issue that needs to be talked about more. This event brings together many people – donors, walkers, captains, volunteers, friends, and family members – who are demanding that mental health is a priority. "

OFSN - Oregon Family Support Network

"We are families and youth working together to promote mental, behavioral and emotional wellness for other families and youth through education, support, and advocacy. Link for more information."

PPS is pleased to offer a range of engaging learning opportunities for students all summer long. The theme of our summer programming is Create ∗ Learn ∗ Play! There are opportunities for students of all ages including academic support, credit completion for high school students, enrichment activities, culturally specific learning experiences, and specialized supports for our students with disabilities. These programs are offered by both licensed PPS staff and community partners. Please click in tis link to see the menu of options.

Dear Students and Families,

We are excited to share the 2022 Planning My Way to Work transition guide. The Oregon Department of Education and the Oregon Council on Developmental Disabilities published this manual with help from the Oregon Department of Human Services, Office of Developmental Disabilities Services and the Vocational Rehabilitation program. This guide will help you be a leader in your life and stay organized as you transition from school to your adult life. Click here to see the guide in 5 different languages.

Dear PPS Families,

New Meal Distribution Sites for Summer

From June 21 through August 20, grab-and-go meal sacks, with breakfast and lunch, will be available between 3 and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday at 15 PPS sites for all children in the community ages 1-18 (this includes PPS students as well as children not enrolled at PPS).

Please note that meals will not be distributed on Monday, July 5, as the district will be closed in observance of the Independence Day holiday. For locations to pick up. Click here.

Other food resources:

Sunshine Division Programs: https://sunshinedivision.org/programs/

Oregon Food Bank: https://www.oregonfoodbank.org/

Accessible Parks

• Multnomah County In this page you can filter parks by sites, accessibility, picnic area, paths and trails and more. Link here

• Harper's Playground. (6 Parks in Oregon)

"We build inclusive playgrounds where everyone can play together. And we put our seal of approval on playgrounds that succeed in being naturally inclusive. That means they are physically, socially, and emotionally inviting. Below are playgrounds carrying Harper’s Playground seal of approval. Some we’ve built. Some we’ve consulted on. Some were inspired by us. All are inclusive." Link to their website.

• Metro Accessible Trails and Parks. Click here to see the map.

Other Activities:

• Cultural Passes (Library) - Visit local museums and cultural institutions for free with My Discovery Pass, available to Multnomah County Library cardholders. (Library card is free of charge). Click here for more information and questions and answers.

• Spring 2022 with Portland Park and Recreation District.

Click Here for information. Spring 2020 Activities Guide, here.

• Bridgeport Village - Movies sensory friendly- Upcoming My Way Matinee films include: Bad Guys - May 3rd .For a list of participating locations and additional information, click here.

• Kids Bowl for Free - This program is designed by bowling centers to give back to the community and provide a safe, secure, and fun way for kids to spend time this summer. Children whose age does not exceed a limit by a participating bowling center are eligible to register for 2 free games each day of the KBF program, all summer long, courtesy of the participating bowling centers along with the schools and organizations. Look for Oregon and the bowling places close to you, you can also buy the family pass and play with your children, here.

You can contact one of our Special Education Family and Community Engagement Specialist Noelle Sisk and Paulina Larenas (Bilingual Spanish). Our job is to support families in understanding the special education process, how to more effectively advocate, finding resources, and/or anything related to disability. Noelle and I are both parents of students with disabilities and understand how challenging can be for families to navigate the special education system. We are here to support you!

You can contact us at : spedfamilysupport@pps.net or directly at: nsisk@pps.net 971-533 - 6477 and plarenas@pps.net - 971-413-8802 via email, call or text (Spanish-Español)