Julie Omelchuck, MHCRC Community Grants Program Director, visited Grout Elementary School, in participation of the October 27th All Hands Raised annual event, Principal for Almost a Day (PFAD). Grout Elementary School is a one of five Portland Public Schools engaged in the MHCRC TechSmart Initiative grant to the district focused on K-3rd grade reading and English language learners’ progress. Highlights from the visit included participating in a professional learning planning session with third grade teachers for the literacy adoption currently underway in the district and observing classrooms where teachers are using technology tools and rotation station strategies to differentiate learning to meet individual student needs.
PFAD brought together 138 business executives, civic leaders, and non-profit CEOs who walked alongside nearly 120 principals, superintendents, and other school administrators from five school districts. PFAD was originally created with the goal of building understanding, awareness, and partnerships between schools and community leaders and the event continues to serve a critical role to improve community responsibility with local schools today. Thank you All Hands Raised for organizing this worthwhile event!