Unlike other funds raised at the PTC Auction, the money contributed by the community during the paddle raise is used solely to fund these school requests.

Join us on Saturday, April 9 for a night under the stars at PTC’s Starlight Gala at the Ironlight from 6-11 p.m. to raise a paddle for our students. Read the full Paddle Raise message here to learn more about our much-needed technology upgrades. More auction information can be found here.

We hope that all who celebrate had a wonderful ​​Nowrúz and Khordad Sal.

March 31st was Cesar Chavez day, which honors his legacy and contributions.

March 31st was Trans Day of Visibility, which celebrates the accomplishments of  transgender and non genderconforming people, while also acknowledging the continued struggle for rights and justice.

April is Arab American Heritage Month. See below for details about how to honor this month.

April is Genocide Awareness month. The purpose of the month is to honor the victims and survivors of mass genocides.

April 3rd – May 2nd is Ramadan. We hope that all who observe have a meaningful fast. 

Happy Palm Sunday, Holy Thursday, and Good Friday to our Christian community.

We wish our Hindu community a lovely Rama Navami.

Happy Vaisakhi to our Sikh community.

Here are some resources and events where you can celebrate and learn about Arab American heritage and history:

26 Books for Kids About the Arab World is a compilation of picture books, books for middle readers, and books for young adults. 

Check out the Arab American Cultural Center of Oregon for information about upcoming community events.

Arab American Heritage Month Slideshow is a resource I developed for teachers and students.  It has been shared in K-8 classrooms at Riverdale Grade School.

Arab American Foundation has created a comprehensive slideshow of information and historical background for educators and community members.

Travel Portland has assembled a list of delicious Middle Eastern Eateries.

Read the Multnomah County Board of Commissioners 2021 recognition of Arab American Heritage Month.

- Abby Rotwein (she/her), Director of Equity & Inclusion

Karen has been a life long advocate, role model and standard bearer that proclaims DOWN SYNDROME IS A LIFE MEANT TO BE LIVED! And, as she often says, DOWN SYNDROME IS A LIFE MEANT TO BE SAVED!

Karen graduated from St. Mary’s Academy in Portland, Oregon and earned a two-year Associates of Science degree from Portland Community College. She successfully swam the English Channel as part of a six-person relay team. She also swam 9 miles, non stop straight across the width of Lake Tahoe, in 59-degree water to raise money for the National Down Syndrome Congress and to show the world that people with Down Syndrome are more alike, rather than different, from everyone else. She has countless open water swims on her athletic resume, including swimming 8 miles across Lake Champlain for the North County Down Syndrome Association and 5 miles from Molokini to Wailea Beach in Maui for Best Buddies of Hawai’i.

Karen travels the country speaking to a wide range of audiences about overcoming limitations and about what can be accomplished with positive expectations. Karen tackles any challenge she faces with determination and commitment, knowing she has limits, but not allowing them to limit her drive to succeed.