Levy code 001
Portland, OR 97219

As a parent of several Markham students, I have plenty of experience with the school, its faculty, and leadership. Over the last few years this group has dealt with so many obstacles it is hard to imagine. First, we had COVID disruptions, followed by a teacher's strike, and then arguably the most difficult...the closure of the school due to the ice storm. This third disruption was devastating. Removing the children from their school and relocating around the district was complicated, but the students did a great job adapting. The staff and faculty were faced with countless barriers while trying to deliver an effective education and pleasant experience for their students. I cannot emphasize enough what an amazing job everyone did. We all owe the staff a debt of gratitude for the extra effort put forth to accomplish this in 2024-2025. (Side comment: Portland Public Schools showed a complete lack of preparation for a disruption of this type. PPS Administration should be ashamed of the manner this was handled. $2B budget and no emergency preparedness plan. Unacceptable by PPS.)This school, led by Dr. Brown-Warrens, has incredible spirit. The character of the faculty and support staff is remarkable. Without these phenomenal people things could have gone much worse. The rebuilt school is now firing on all cylinders, and the students are flourishing. I absolutely love to see it.I will share some criticism, based on my personal opinions. I feel that the decision to eliminate homework for the 5th grade students is a mistake. These students are very capable and need to be challenged during their 5th grade year. As they enter middle school the following year the transition can be very brutal, for both academic and social reasons. Setting homework expectations during 5th grade would ease this academic transition. It was explained to me the reason for no homework in 5th grade was due to "equitable resources" for all students. Essentially that not all students are able to receive assistance with their homework from their parents/guardians. Meanwhile my students in lower grades did receive homework and seemed to gain a lot more traction in their academic progress. Please consider providing 5th grade students with homework in all subjects. As an engaged parent we would appreciate the material, so we can gauge our own student's progress and assist along the way.In closing, this is a great school. I am proud to be a parent of some amazing MARKHAM EAGLES!