Portland Public Schools: Is Your High School Student Facing Challenges Staying Engaged At School? You've Got Options

Press release from Portland Public Schools:

March 15, 2022

Portland Public Schools is unequivocally proud of every one of its students and their unique talents and abilities. We also know that school is not one-size-fits-all. Sometimes student talent is best supported in alternative learning environments.

PPS is a national leader in providing students with a dynamic portfolio of alternative school options. These options center innovative curricula, culturally-specific supports, wraparound services, intentional mentorship, and smaller school settings where students can build meaningful relationships. Learn more about the alternative schools in partnership with PPS at the link here. 

 Reconnection Services connects youth with alternative educational options. Central to their work is the belief that all young people can rise above seemingly insurmountable obstacles to learn, to excel in school, and to ultimately graduate. Reconnection Services works to restore their hope in the institution of education and reimagine themselves as worthy and capable of school success - and it works. In the 2020-2021 school year, 

• 884 youth were part of Reconnection Services’ outreach,
• 491 youth completed intake with Reconnection Services,
• 256 youth re-enrolled or maintained enrollment in school, and
• 97% re-enrolled students stayed in school or graduated by the end of the school year.

We also need to acknowledge that it has been a tough year. Many students took a break from school to take care of themselves and others. Reconnection Services has been playing an integral role in assisting families and students when students are ready to come back to school with follow-up support all year long to restore hope, reimagine success, and reconnect to school. The message to remember is: You’ve got options.

 If you are interested in exploring the different school options available or would like to recommend a student, please fill out the form at the link here and an Outreach Coordinator will be in touch with you.

This press release was produced by Portland Public Schools. The views expressed here are the author’s own.