PORTLAND, Oregon — Students who miss any of the make-up instructional days in December will receive excused absences, according to Portland Public Schools (PPS).
Last week, PPS confirmed that winter break would be cut in half to recoup some of the 11 school days that were missed due to the nearly month-long teacher strike. Winter break was originally scheduled for Dec. 18 through Jan. 1. Now it's set for Dec. 23-Jan. 1, making it one week instead of two weeks long. Some parents and students had expressed frustration about the shortened break and said the decision shortened their holiday plans.
In an email sent to families on Wednesday, the school district outlined how it will handle any student absences during that time frame.
"We know that families have previously scheduled plans on those days which may be impossible to break, and we sincerely wish there were other options to make up the lost time with full instructional days," said Cheryl Proctor, PPS' deputy superintendent. "Since there is not, we want to offer some guidance if you are unable to adjust your prior commitments on those days."
While any student absences will be excused regardless, PPS is encouraging parents and guardians to report any missed days ahead of time through ParentVue, a web portal for parents. Families can also ask about content that will be covered during those days and any assignments their child can complete.
After winter break, PPS has six more instructional days to recoup. The school district has scheduled those days for Jan. 26; Feb. 19, which is Presidents Day; April 8; and June 12, 13, and 14. The last three days in June were previously scheduled as potential make-up days for inclement weather.