FAQ
SKYLINE-SPECIFIC FAQ
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.
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?
Once you are registered with the school, check any email spam folders to make sure you are getting the school's bi-weekly email newsletter (normally out Friday afternoons). It will come from the Skyline Office email address. Most emails will come from skylineoffice@ but some will come directly from Principal Malone (smalone@)
Check student backpacks for flyers. Visit this website often for updates too.
There is a closed Skyline Events Facebook page that is a great resource for community questions and connections. All current community members are welcome to join. Submit a request to be added to the page and one of the page Admins will follow up with you.
For Skyline neighborhood information, visit the Skyline Ridge Neighbors website.
How do I access Skyline's family directory, DirectorySpot?
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 ap
2. Enter your email as the username
3. Click "reset password" to get a link to set up your password (I know, not intuitive, but I didn't design it)
(If you are an existing user, you do not need to change your password)
All users:
1. Download the app and/or log in to the website.
2. Check to make sure your information is correct.
3. Please report any needed changes to kristin@kristinrader.com
Remember, the provided data is not always correct but it is easy to fix. Please note the directory is NOT updated throughout the year.
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 for the 2021-2022 year cause a lot of folks to block numbers or emails. It is imperative that you allow emails from Skyline to stay updated.
I'd like to volunteer at the school. Where do I sign up?
To participate in a PTA event at the school or volunteer in a classroom / lunch / recess / library, you'll need to sign up through the Raptor system (PPS-managed) every school year. Parents, caregivers, grandparents and community members are all invited to volunteer! For the 2022-2023 school year, PPS is requiring volunteers to be fully vaccinated for Covid-19 (this is a PPS mandate, not Skyline) Register as a volunteer here. Once you are registered through Raptor, use this Calendly link to access lunch and recess shifts & sign up.
Where will I be most helpful as a volunteer?
Our staff can almost always use extra adults at lunch / recess. For the 2022-2023 school year, there will be three lunch / recess rotations instead of four (K-2, 3-5, MS). 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 through Calendly coming early fall.
Classroom volunteer opportunities vary by teacher. They will communicate with you 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. This 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. 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 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 so do not worry about your child remembering their number! Monthly lunch and breakfast offerings can be found on this page.
2022-23 Menu Prices
Grades Breakfast Lunch
PK-8 $1.60 $3.00
9-12 $1.60 $3.50
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.
How do I let the school know my child's after school plan? And what if it changes?
Long term, regular after school dismissal plans need to be entered in this Google Form from the school.
Temporary changes to your child's dismissal plan need to be submitted on this Google Form BEFORE NOON on 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.
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. The numbers of the routes have changed for this school year, please take the time to research the appropriate route. If you have questions or concerns, contact PPS transportation@pps.net or 503-916-6901.
Can my student ride the bus home with a friend?
Please contact the school directly: lgreenwood@pps.net and skylineoffice@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.
Where do I find my student's school supply list?
For 2022-2023, school supply lists were not 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, please click here to do so with School Pay. $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 lead 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
Move for the Arts - kids dance, run and play at our version of a field day in May
In past years, the PTA has held holiday Pop Up Shops and a Carnival. We hope to bring these events back for the 2022-2023. In addition, the PTA leads fundraising for the Giving Tree, where community members purchase holiday gifts for students in need. Other yearly efforts include the Skyline Yearbook, Skyline Steward program, Spirit Wear coordination, Community Event partnerships and Teacher Appreciation.
Descriptions of 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.
What extracurriculars are offered at Skyline?
Stay tuned for any club activities that may come in 2022-2023. 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
PTA-SPECIFIC FAQ
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.
What are the PTA's goals for 2022-2023 school year?
Be a welcoming and safe space for ideas and collaboration with families / staff / students. All are invited to participate, always. Encourage more families and staff to join PTA. More members = more volunteer hours = more ideas = more opportunities for funding and experiences for our kids.
Foster community connections through events, concise monthly meetings and consistent communications.
As we enter a new phase past Covid restrictions, the PTA board and general membership will collectively assess the programs we've managed in the past and decide if they should continue / be altered for the current state of our community.
PTA event and committee chairs will be given clear parameters on funding provided (if applicable) and will be held responsible for all aspects of their project commitment. The PTA board will be available as a resource, but individual volunteers will be empowered to manage programs throughout the year.
Work with staff to secure in-class art instruction through the Vibe program. The funding for this is tied to the Move For the Arts fundraiser held each spring. Goal is to have this established by late fall 2022.
Once budgets are set, collaborate with instructors on beneficial ways to use PTA general funds that enhance education and IB curriculum goals (field trips, special lessons, materials, etc). These opportunities are being fulfilled currently!
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.
