Gray Middle School Relocation

Good morning Jackson and Gray students and families,

Jackson community: you may have heard that, due to extensive damage, Robert Gray Middle School’s building must remain closed through mid-February. We have sought to relocate Gray students as close to their homes as possible, and to keep students at Portland Public Schools buildings.

Guided by these goals, and after considering the available space at Jackson, we have decided to co-locate the two schools at Jackson for the near future. This decision has been made in consultation with Principals Ferraro and Newlyn, and with staff members in our operations divisions (transportation, nutrition, security services, IT, risk management).

This morning, the Gray and Jackson staffs learned this news, and they will now begin working through the logistics. There is much to do, from moving materials to aligning schedules and adjusting spaces within Jackson to accommodate the Gray community. Plans will develop today and tomorrow, and we will share specific details with you as we have them.

However, our intention is to have Gray students begin attending school at Jackson on Tuesday, January 30. The day before, we will host a family event at Jackson to bring the two communities together and give Gray students a chance to see the school.

Further details will come from your principals. I want to thank Principal Ferraro and the whole Jackson community for stepping up to welcome Gray. I also want to thank Principal Newlyn, the Gray community and our entire team who have worked tirelessly to secure and coordinate this temporary move. In this, we are truly modeling what we expect from our graduates: that they become compassionate critical thinkers, able to collaborate to solve problems. Thank you.

We are all relieved to be approaching some temporary resolution. Please be on the lookout for further details from your principal.

Sincerely,

Dr. Jon Franco

Chief of Schools