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🌱 Patch AM: Could PPS classrooms soon go mostly screen-free for younger students?

Also, don't miss Free Bra Fittings to Support Breast Cancer Awareness on the Portland Patch calendar

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Good morning Portland! We're back again in your inbox, keeping you updated with what's happening in and around town. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • Could PPS classrooms soon go mostly screen-free for younger students?
  • Which Portland schools might be on PPS's potential closure list?
  • How rising diesel prices are straining Portland Fire & Rescue's budget

Also on today's calendar: Free Bra Fittings to Support Breast Cancer Awareness and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: What do you call a belt that is made of watches? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Thursday: Mostly sunny and pleasant, with a high of 78 and low of 53 degrees.
  • Friday: Pleasant with some sun, temps: high: 77, low: 54.
  • Saturday: Sunny and very warm, with a high of 81 and low of 52 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Portland parents push for less screen time in schools (koin.com) — Portland Public Schools is working with local parents to craft a new policy that could sharply limit classroom screen time, including a proposal for completely screen-free learning in kindergarten through second grade. The parent group Beyond Screens and PPS aim to tailor rules by grade level, with older students' device use restricted to shared spaces like libraries and a draft policy expected later this school year.
   

2. Parents brace for potential Portland Public Schools closures (koin.com) — Portland families are bracing as Portland Public Schools prepares to release a first draft of possible school closures and boundary changes next Monday in response to declining enrollment. At a community meeting in Southwest Portland, parents pressed district leaders on how "rightsizing" decisions will be made, with a final board vote expected in December after more public input.
   

3. Oregon fire departments are spending more on diesel (kptv.com) — Portland Fire & Rescue reports a 20% jump in fuel costs, using tens of thousands more gallons of diesel in the last fiscal year while still maintaining emergency response readiness. Alongside Forest Grove and several nearby departments, Portland crews are absorbing higher prices, exploring future battery-powered tools, and watching fuel budgets closely so service to city residents isn't reduced.
   

4. Officials Urge Year-Round Wildfire Safety (kxl.com) — Even though National Preparedness Month has ended, Multnomah County and Portland Fire & Rescue are urging Portland residents to stay wildfire-ready through the rest of the season. Officials recommend creating a clean air room for smoke, slowly building emergency supplies, and hardening your home's exterior to reduce fire risk, with local resources available to help households take these steps.
   

5. Silicon Florist links arrangement for September 30, 2026 (siliconflorist.com) — Portland just took a big step toward government transparency, with city leaders unanimously approving a resolution to open more municipal data to outside developers and favor open-source tech in procurement. In a broader tech and startup link roundup, the post also highlights Oregon funding for entrepreneurs, national AI policy shifts, and ongoing coverage of the Portland startup scene.
   

📸 Around Portland

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Back-to-School in Portland: New Tool Helps Parents Manage Screen Time, Online Safety and Connected Devices —Jessica Bruck Read on Patch
  • Portland Is the Most Anxious Major U.S. Market Surveyed When Facing Uncertainty —Northwestern Mutual - Portland Read on Patch
  • I wish the powers-that-be at NextDoor would COPY Lost or Found pet listings from our feed to an easily consultable list in their own category so we didn't have to hunt for them if we come across a lost pet or are missing one.
    Their search tool is really inadequate, and this would help reunite more lost pets, which is really one of the best uses for this app. (Nextdoor Mill Park)
  • Found Kitten!
    Sweet grey boy kitten. Probably 10+ weeks old, still very much a kitten. He found me out on a walk and followed me home. I would keep him if I didn't… (Nextdoor Arbor Lodge)
  • Unifi posted a job opening for Prospect Cabin Agent (UA) - PDX in Portland. Apply here.
  • Advantage Solutions posted a job opening for Traveling Retail Merchandiser - Overnight in Portland. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Portland here.

Ok Portland! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: A waist of time. (Thank you Martin L. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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