Markham, a Portland elementary school, has been significantly damaged by the recent winter storms. As one of the largest and most diverse elementary schools in the Portland Public Schools (PPS) district, Markham serves nearly 450 students, with 21% of the student body having disabilities and over 17 languages spoken. The aftermath of the storms has forced us to close the school's doors and temporarily relocate students to four different elementary schools in the surrounding area.

The strain on our community, teachers, and administrative staff continues to escalate. Portland Public Schools initially transitioned to virtual learning and then relocated students while the damage was assessed. Unfortunately, we've recently learned that the extent of repairs will keep the building closed for the remainder of the year, necessitating yet another transition for our students.

While the District weighs the options, our community stands in limbo, with classrooms that have been combined, meeting in basements, and portables. Children remain in classrooms throughout most of the day for library, music, art, and general instruction. PE classes are often taught outside.

We are actively raising funds to address various needs: fostering community cohesion, supporting additional materials that the PTA historically provides, providing transportation services for field trips, and offering social and emotional support. Unfortunately, several PTA fundraising events had to be canceled due to the building's closure and our community stuggling with personal storm damage.

Our community finds itself in a funding "in-between." While we are not classified as a Title 1 school, 50% of our students qualify for free lunch and services. We lack the means to fully self-fund our current needs, prompting us to reach out to the broader community for support. Your contribution, if possible, would help bridge the gaps in our local, state, and federal funding model. During times of crisis like this, the strain on our already delicate support network is significant.

Thank you in advance for any contribution in support of this community, our children's education and our teachers support.

Donations go directly to Markham Elementary PTA, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Any donations are tax-deductible.