FAQ

Sections of this FAQ page in order

Skyline-specific Q & A:

How do I let the school know my child's after school plan? And what if it changes?
Use this Google Form to inform the school of both permanent and temporary after school plans. Note that any temporary changes must be submitted by 12pm noon the day of the change.

Can someone other than a family member pick up my student from school?
Yes, but you MUST have that person listed as a contact in ParentVue. In the app, you'll need to go to OLR Online Registration / Yearly Verification to add additional trusted adults in the system. The Skyline office will not release your child to anyone not listed in ParentVue.

I'm new to Skyline School, how do I register my child?
Contact the Skyline Office - 503-916-5212 / skylineoffice(at)pps.net. Our awesome staff will help you get your child registered and supply a log in for ParentVue which is where our district, Portland Public Schools, holds current student data. Skyline is a K-8 school that feeds into Lincoln High School. PPS provides registration information here as well.

Once registered, your student will be assigned a six digit ID number. They will have this number throughout their entire time with PPS. You'll need this number very occasionally and it can be found by going to ParentVue, clicking on your child's name, then Student Info. It is listed as a Perm ID.

Where do I find out what's going on at school?

For Skyline neighborhood information, visit the Skyline Ridge Neighbors website and follow SRN on Facebook.

Why am I not receiving emails from the school?

Email is Skyline's preferred way to contact families with important info throughout the year. Make sure you have NOT BLOCKED any of the following / they are not going to a spam folder: skylineoffice(at)pps.net, lgreenwood(at)pps.net or smalone(at)pps.net.  If you need additional help, reach out to Lisa in the Skyline Office. The repeated contact from PPS regarding bus routes causes a lot of folks to block numbers or emails. It is imperative that you allow emails & texts from Skyline to stay updated.

How do I access Skyline's family directory, DirectorySpot?
The directory has been updated for the 2023-2024 school year. Information is pulled from ParentVue, where families are required to update their students' details each year. 

Directory Spot access instructions:

New users should just have received instructions as to how to set up their password, if you didn't:

1. EITHER go to the website www.directoryspot.net OR Download the DirectorySpot app

2. Enter your email as the username

3. Click "reset password" to get a link to set up your password 

(If you are an existing user, you do not need to change your password)


All users:
1. Download the Directory Spot app and/or log in to the website.
2. Check to make sure your information is correct.
3. Please report any needed changes to Linda Mechling (info to come September 2023)

Remember, the provided data is not always correct but it is easy to fix. Please note the directory is NOT updated throughout the year.


If you have opted out of the school directory in your start-of-the-school-year paperwork, you will not be listed in Directory Spot this school year.

I'd like to volunteer. Where do I sign up?

Volunteering at school: To participate in a PTA event where students are present at the school or to volunteer in a classroom / lunch / recess / field trip / library, you'll need to sign up through the Raptor system (PPS-managed) every school year. You must register with PPS and have a cleared/confirmed background check to volunteer within our school or events during school hours. Parents, caregivers, grandparents and community members are all invited to volunteer! Register as a volunteer here. (2023-2024 school year: stay tuned for lunch / recess sign up from the office coming in the fall from the office)

Volunteering for PTA: Descriptions of PTA volunteer positions and sign ups are found under the Volunteer tab. Sign up or reach out with questions anytime during the school year! skylineschoolpta(at)gmail.com. Whether you can be on site for one event per year or can give time weekly, all volunteering is greatly appreciated.

Where will I be most helpful as a school volunteer?
Our staff can almost always use extra adults at lunch / recess. Volunteering for a lunch / recess shift is a great way to say hello to your child and allow our teachers to fully use their planning periods and lunch breaks. It also permits office staff to stay current with incoming calls, etc. Be on the lookout for a signup coming early fall.

Classroom volunteer opportunities vary by teacher. They will communicate with you directly at the beginning of the year. Please be patient as everyone settles into their new routines.

How does my child purchase lunch at Skyline?

At all PPS schools, lunch payment is run through SchoolCafe. SchoolCafe is an app you'll want to download to keep track of balances throughout the school year. Funds can be added to your account anytime and you can opt-in for notifications when balances get low.

Your child will go through the lunch line and then at "check out" will provide their six digit school ID. This is a PPS-assigned number (received at time of registration) and every child has their own throughout their time in our school district. There will be a list of students and numbers available for our cafeteria staff and students on site so do not worry about your child remembering their number!

There will be plenty of staff members in the cafeteria during the first weeks to guide Kinders and new students through the process.

Monthly lunch and breakfast offerings can be found here: https://www.pps.net/Page/214.

2023-24 MENU PRICES

Grades Breakfast Lunch
PK-8 $1.60 $3.00
9-12 $1.60 $3.50
Adult $3.00 $5.50
Milk $0.50 $0.50

How do I sign up my child for free / reduced lunches?

Visit this page on the Portland Public Schools website to apply for free / reduced lunches for the 2022-2023 school year. The rules tend to change yearly, so do take a look and see if this is an option for your family.

What's the best way to let the school know my student will be absent or late?
Students are expected to attend school and classes regularly and on time. Parents/guardians are legally responsible to have their children in school. Notification of an absence must occur within three (3) days of the absence and should include:
-Student Name
-Date(s)
-Reason
-Parent/Guardian signature

The parent/guardian may notify school staff of absences or tardiness by:
-ParentVue app (must be done before the start of the school day
-Leave a message on the main school line (503-916-5212) which is checked each weekday or the Attendance Line - 503-916-5212 (option 2) which is checked when the p/t school secretary is  in.
-Email skylineoffice@pps.net
-Signed note

The following absences are excused when the parent/guardian informs school staff of:
-Student illness
-Family illness requiring student's presence
-Religious holidays
-Death in a family
-Pre-arranged appointments

More information about PPS attendance and policies can be found in the Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook

Where do I get Bus pickup and drop off info?
PPS handles our school's bus routes, not Skyline. Click here and find your nearest pickup location. There is one PDF for AM routes and one for PM. If you have questions or concerns, contact PPS  transportation@pps.net or 503-916-6901. Again, PPS manages routes, not the school.

Can my student ride the bus home with a friend?
Please contact the school directly: lgreenwood(at)pps.net and skylineoffice(at)pps.net as soon as possible to request and confirm. All guardians involved will need to approve any bus changes and there must be adequate space on the bus. Please give the Skyline office and the bus drivers a few weeks to settle in to the new school year before requesting your child rides home with a friend.

Where do I find my student's school supply list?
 For 2023-2024 school year, supply lists will not be distributed to parents. To level the playing field for all students, the school is purchasing supplies in bulk for our kids. This means the teachers get the quality supplies they want and parents do not need to spend time shopping. (HOWEVER, If you want to shop for supplies on your own for your student, feel free to do so!) Some staff may send out wish list items as well.

If you can donate to the Skyline school-wide supply fund, it is greatly appreciated. Donate here. $50 per child should easily cover expenses and help purchase items for those who are not able to donate. If you have questions about this program, contact the office please: skylineoffice(at)pps.net.  

What events are led by the Skyline PTA?

Annual events include:

Cornfest - welcome event for all families in September

Used Book Sale - fundraiser for school library in November

Skyline Auction - held in partnership with the PTA & Foundation, live and silent auction plus dinner and dancing at our always-fun community party

Field Day for the PTA - Skyline kids run, dance, and play in support of the PTA!

Carnival - bounce houses, carnival food, games & prizes to celebrate the end of the school year

In addition, the PTA leads fundraising for the Giving Tree, where community members purchase holiday gifts for students in need. We also brought back the Skyline Pop Up Shops in spring 2023, which helped raise funds for the Skyline Cares Fund. Other yearly efforts include the Skyline Yearbook, Skyline Steward program, Spirit Wear coordination, Community Event partnerships and Staff Appreciation. To get involved, please email us at skylineschoolpta(at)gmail.com and be sure to subscribe to the PTA calendar from the Events page.

What extracurriculars are offered at Skyline?
Stay tuned for any club activities that may come in 2023-2024. They may be parent-led or managed by an outside party.

Skyline sports teams are mostly run through Lincoln Youth Sports (LYS) which is part of the Portland Interscholastic League (PIL). Skyline K-8 is a feeder school for Lincoln High School. 

Skyline Soccer Club  skylinesoccerclub(at)gmail.com

Lincoln Youth Baseball   lincolnyouthbaseball(at)gmail.com
Lincoln Youth Football   registrar(at)lincolnyouthfootball.info
Lincoln Youth Wrestling   lincolnpdxyouthwrestling@gmail.com



Additional sports are offered for Skyline 6-8 graders through teams at West Sylvan Middle School. All details can be found on the PIL website:
FALL SPORTS OFFERED (Begins Late August) : Football, Volleyball, Cross Country

WINTER SPORTS OFFERED (Begins Late October/Early November): Boys Basketball, Girls Basketball, Wrestling.
SPRING SPORT OFFERED (Begins Early March):  Track & Field

How do I access PTA & Skyline calendars?
--The Skyline School calendar (created by the office staff) is found here
--The Skyline PTA calendar (created by the PTA) is found here. Scroll to the bottom of the page for instructions to subscribe from any device.

Can the PTA help fund students in need?
National PTA non profit rules mandate that PTA money cannot be given directly to individuals. However, in 2023 we developed the Skyline Cares Fund, which is designed to help our most vulnerable students. Money contributed to the Skyline Cares Fund is converted to Visa gift cards, which are held in a secure location at the school. If a staff member sees a student lacking necessities (clothing, food, supplies), they are empowered to use the gift card to purchase items for the child at any time. Any purchases made are done so with the utmost privacy for all parties and PTA members are not at all involved. Questions? Reach out to our counselors anytime. Donations always welcome to the Skyline Cares Fund, thank you!

Is there after school care offered?
The Champions program is unfortunately closing Fall 2023. Please contact the Linnton Community Center for details on their before & after school care programs: 

What does it mean that Skyline is an IB school?

PTA-specific Q & A:

Why should I join PTA?
PTA offers all parents and caregivers the opportunity to be engaged in their child’s potential. Being a member of PTA means that you are part of a powerful association and action plan that is focused on programs and initiatives that strengthen your child’s education.

PTA membership and dues support your child by funding essential educational and curriculum needs; advocating on behalf of children and educators at the local, state and national levels; and building an inclusive school community for all families. Join PTA for your child because increasing our membership, even by one, makes it possible to provide important educational resources, speak up on important issues and create a stronger school community. Join today!

Where does my money go when I pay membership dues?

PTA dues directly support your child. PTA dues help fund essential school resources and curriculum needs. PTA dues support advocacy efforts at the local, state and national levels, impacting decisions affecting your child’s health, safety and quality of education. PTA dues support our work to strengthen connections between your family, your child’s classmates and their families, and teachers to build a thriving and inclusive community for everyone. 

Does PTA membership require volunteering and attending meetings?

The only thing required of you to be a member of PTA is to pay the annual membership dues. Beyond that, however you choose to PTA is up to you. PTA offers all parents and caregivers the opportunity to be engaged in their child’s potential. From volunteering at school events to participating in local, state and national advocacy efforts to holding PTA leadership roles – the level of involvement is up to you. 

How much time do I have to commit to being a member of PTA?

Membership in PTA can involve as much or as little time as you have to offer. There is no wrong or right way to be involved – anything you can give, whether it’s time or money, will support your child’s potential.  

Isn’t PTA a social club for stay-at-home moms?
First and foremost, PTA is for every family who has a child at the school. PTA is for moms, dads, caregivers, grandparents, teachers and the broader community!

While some of the work done by PTA may appear purely social – including family events like that are organized to strengthen the school community – much of PTA’s work focuses on funding essential school resources and curriculum needs, as well as advocating at the local, state and national levels, impacting decisions affecting your child’s health, safety and quality of education.

How does PTA ensure it represents every child and family at the school?

We encourage every family in the school to become a PTA member to support the success of their child. We want a diverse membership base that reflects all of the families and needs of students at the school. PTA strengthens connections between your family, your child’s classmates and their families and teachers to build a thriving and inclusive community for everyone.

What's the difference between PTA & Foundation?

A very short differentiation is that Foundation funds staffing for our school and PTA funds experiences & resources for our students.

Skyline School PTA (and all PPS schools) are chapters of the Oregon PTA.  

Oregon PTA
Portland Council PTA
National PTA

8th Grade Parent Resources:

PPS 8th Grade Information Page - links to all high schools