PORTLAND, Oregon — Teachers with Portland Public Schools (PPS) began the first strike in the district's history on Wednesday. The strike means tens of thousands of students in Oregon's largest school district will be out of the classroom.
Many local organizations and daycare centers are stepping up to fill the gap (see a list at the bottom of this article).
“We had community members call who were displaced from the strike at their school," said Deanna Cohen, the owner of Wow and Flutterville Play Gardens.
Cohen owns four daycare locations across the city. She was able to accommodate more elementary-aged students on the first day of the strike, and said she'll be able to accept even more as the week goes on. Wow and Flutterville is also opening a new center in Wilsonville, which Cohen said will be a short drive for students from South Portland.
“I think it’s the early days, a bit of a novelty and everybody maybe knew it was coming but not quite sure [for] how long," Cohen added.
Cohen said she's also focused on providing discounted care for low-income and single-parent households, who tend to be among the hardest hit by this type of strike.
"It's twofold, it's for the parents who are working and it's definitely for the children who need that continuity of community," Cohen said of the impacts.
Self Enhancement Inc, an organization supporting thousands of students and families in North Portland, is also ramping up services and programs for students during the day.
"We’ve heard over and over again, not just a place for my student to go but kind of the full safety net is missing," said Trent Aldridge, the Chief Program Officer for SEI. "The extracurriculars are gone, the social emotional supports that come with the school day, with its partners, those are gone.”
Aldridge said SEI is expecting to serve 400 students each day during the strike, including providing food and access to educational support. The organization assists students all ages, from elementary to high school through wrap-around services. SEI sees this as opportunity to serve those who need it most, he said.
“We are able to serve our community in any situation or circumstance, and I think what we’re doing right now demonstrates that," Aldridge said.
Cohen agreed with Aldridge that the impact for students goes far beyond a missed class. Her daycare also provides two meals for each child.
"I know the district is trying to help and many nonprofits are trying to help food insecure children and that's our concern as well," Cohen said.
Resources available
From supplemental online learning and free school meals to finding places for older students to go, below is a look at some resources for families:
Learning at home
During the strike, there is no classroom instruction for students in the district except for charter schools. The district is encouraging students to catch up on any missed work they may have. Students aren't required to complete any schoolwork and no new assignments will be assigned, PPS said. The district has optional online learning resources for students of all grade levels.
RELATED: Portland Public Schools will remain closed through the end of the week as teachers go on strike
School meals
Many students used the district's breakfast and lunch services. PPS will provide free meals for pick-up at over half of all school locations. The meals can be picked up from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. They're available for all current students in the district, and for those between the ages of one and 18.
School food pantries
All school food pantries inside PPS buildings will be closed during the strike. Anyone in need of help can call 211 or visit the Oregon Food Bank's website to find the nearest food market or pantry.
Schools Uniting Neighborhoods (SUN) Community Schools will distribute food for all PPS families at the following locations:
- Self Enhancement, Inc.
Where: 3920 North Kerby Avenue, Portland OR, 97227
When: Fridays starting Nov. 3 from 3 p.m.-6 p.m. - St. Johns Community Center
Where: 8427 North Central Street, Portland OR, 97203
When: Mondays starting Nov. 6, 1 p.m.-3 p.m. - Brentwood Darlington Community Center
Where: 7211 Southeast 62nd Avenue, Portland OR, 97206
When: Thursdays starting Nov. 9, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Childcare options and places for students to go
While not a comprehensive list, below are some places around the Portland metro area that are offering childcare or extended hours and other support for students.
Blazers Boys & Girls Club in Portland: There will be academic help, extracurricular activities, and lunch and snacks provided Tuesday-Thursday from 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. This is for students who attend Faubion, Okley Green, Tubman, Da Vinci and Roseway Heights schools. Those interested can register online.
Westside Dance and Gymnastics Academy in Tigard: The performing arts preschool said they will add temporary childcare during the strike. Current members will be prioritized first. Families have the option between a full day from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. or a half day from 8 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Anyone interested can send an email to the academy's co-owner, Simon Fallgren, at sfallgren@westsideacademy.com.
VIDA Coworking Space in Portland: VIDA's founder had created a room for its member's children. The room is filled with books, games, and arts and crafts. There will also be arts, science and creative writing classes Monday through Thursday from 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Volunteering at Blanchet House in Portland: Blanchet House is welcoming students and families impacted by the teachers strike to volunteer. Students of all ages can help from home or in-person. The nonprofit provides support for people including warm meals and clothing. More information on volunteering is available on their website.
This story may be updated with additional resources.
Correction: An earlier version of this article gave the incorrect number for 211.