PICS, working in partnership with Portland Public Schools, is an alternative high school that provides an effective learning environment for students of diverse cultural experiences. At PICS, students can work at appropriate skill levels, attend classes designed to meet their needs and receive the academic and personal support they require to succeed in school.
On May 6, 2004, PICS received an Excellence on Partnerships for Student Learning award from Portland State University. PICS was one of only two such award recipients this year, the other being the Forest Park Stewardship Program. Along with a plaque presented by Vice Provost Michael Driscoll to Rachel Baldwin, PICS assistant director, the program received a $250 award to enhance the school's Capstone Volunteer project.
The school serves up to 75 bicultural, bilingual students (ages 14 to 20) who are not succeeding in a mainstream school. All classes at PICS emphasize English literacy skills. Classes offered include math, health, computers, science, art, physical education, history, literature, speech, yearbook and women's studies. PICS teachers come from varied backgrounds. They are qualified, dedicated professionals, experienced working with youth in multi-cultural settings. Many are bicultural and/or bilingual.
• Accredited diploma program
• Morning and evening classes in English as a Second Language (ESL)
• Staff experienced with multi-cultural education
• Bilingual staff
• Classes limited to 15 students
• Individual attention
• Extra academic support
• Up to eight transferable credits per year
• Free bus tickets for those who qualify
• School lunch program
• Access to free health care
• Child care funding for those who qualify
• Field trips and recreational activities
"If I hadn't come to PICS, I would still have problems reading and writing."
"I love this school."
"This school has saved my life."
"If it weren't for PICS, I wouldn't be in school."
"I have gotten more attention. I also get trust. The teachers here make us feel comfortable, and that makes it feel like a second home."
"I have really learned a lot."
"I have improved my attendance and my grades."
To make a donation of any of the following, please call the school at (503) 232-5334.
| Dry erase markers |
Chalk (white and colored) |
| Pencils |
Pens |
| Notebook paper (college rule) |
Two-inch, or less, three ring notebook binders |
| Spiral notebooks |
Kleenex |
| Paper towels |
Used exercise equipment (inquire) |
| Basketballs |
Computers (inquire) |
| File folders |
Copy paper (new or one sided recycled ok) |
| Printer cartridges ( HP 49,29,15,17 or 26) |
Tri-Met bus tickets |
| Scissors |
AA batteries |
| Band aids |
Tylenol |
| Neosporin |
Cleaning supplies (cleanser, sponges, Windex) |
| Used TV or VCR (inquire) |
|
Volunteers at PICS assist in the classroom and tutor daytime and evening ESL students. For more information, contact Cecilia McCoy, Volunteer Coordinator, at (503) 232-5334 or e-mail cmccoy@emoregon.org.
Portland International Community School (PICS) provides culturally relevant education in collaboration with Portland Public Schools for refugee, immigrant and at-risk high school students. Volunteers assist in the classroom and tutor daytime and evening ESL students.
Volunteer Positions
ESL Instructor - Teach evening ESL classes for either beginning or intermediate levels.
Tutor - Tutor PICS students one-on-one.
For more information about PICS or to register for classes, contact:
Portland International Community School at 2728 NE 34th Ave. (near Knott), Portland, OR 97212
Skip Adams, Program Manager
phone (503) 232-5334
fax (503) 232-5394
e-mail pics@emoregon.org
Portland International Community School