Resources To Help Students Navigate Election And Inauguration Fallout In Portland Public Schools

Press release from Portland Public Schools:

January 15, 2021

Dear PPS Families,

We are so grateful to our educators and our community who have continued to support our students through these times of transition this year. The presidential election and its fallout, especially the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol, have been disturbing and unsettling for all of us, and the feeling of unease continues as next week’s inauguration of Joe Biden nears. We know it can be an especially difficult time for our students and we remain optimistic about the power of democracy and education as they try to make sense of the events and issues.

To help families support your students in navigating these challenges, we have gathered a pool of resources focused on the election and its fallout. They can be found on this webpage:

www.pps.net/civicengagement

In the left column of the page, you will find resources intended for students and families, with translations in all five of our supported languages. You also will find a full “Civic Engagement and Unrest Tool Kit.” While intended as a resource for PPS staff, this PDF contains information that could be valuable for families and community members, as well.

The social and political unrest that our country has witnessed has led to the violent and ultimately failed insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. We know that our students and the community are experiencing the traumatic effects of these events, which are aggravated even more during a pandemic. We want you to know that we are here to support one another.

We encourage you to use all the resources we have available to help, including speaking to your student’s teachers and school staff. Please know that our top priority is always your student’s well-being.

Thank you, and please stay safe.

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