The Howard C. Reiche Community values, embraces, and celebrates the unique talents and diverse culture of our entire Reiche community, students, staff, and parents. We believe a vibrant and effective partnership among the school, parents, and families serves as the cornerstone for educational excellence leading to achievement for all students.  We believe in open communication and parent/guardian/family involvement and encourage you to become as involved in the school community as your time permits.  Together, we can inspire all students to love and value learning.

The purpose of this Policy is to share the many opportunities that are available for families to partner with the school. 

Scheduled events in the beginning of the year to introduce families to Reiche.   

• Meet the Teacher in August  provides students and families a first glimpse of the school setting.

• Open House in September allows students to show  families their classroom and projects in progress while families have the opportunity to connect with teachers.

Events to celebrate family and community.
Almost all events are a collaboration between the staff and the PTO.  Join us at the Reiche International 5K and Yard Sale, the Winter Festival, Multicultural Potluck, Art Show, Book Night, Chorus Concerts, Talent Show, Math Night, Family Fun Day, Garden Clean up, and more.

Volunteer Opportunities.
There are many ways to volunteer at Reiche.  ALL volunteers must complete a background check with Sylvie Montello,  our Volunteer Coordinator and Partnership Developer. Forms must be completed at least 2 weeks in advance of volunteering.  Sylvie can be reached at montes@portlandschools.org or 874-8175.

Parents can: 

Volunteer in the Classroom:  help with reading and math; supervise field trips; or photocopy worksheets are some of the ways in which parents can help in the classroom.

Volunteer in School (but outside of the classroom): talk with Sylvie, our Volunteer Coordinator, about matching your skills with other ways we could use your help throughout the building.

Volunteer with Walking School Bus: help in picking up and walking with a group of students to school. 4th and 5th grade students are not eligible to ride the bus. Walking School Bus is a fun and safe way for students to walk together with adult supervision and ensure they arrive to school on time. 

Participate in Field Trips: help monitor student safety and visit locations around Portland. 

Join the Parent-Teacher Organization (“PTO”).  Reiche has an active and engaged Parent-Teacher Organization.  Connect to learn news, events, fundraising initiatives, and more.   Contact the PTO via email at reichepto@gmail.com and check out the Reiche Community School Facebook page.

Parent-Teacher Conferences
Parent -Teacher conferences are held each Fall and Spring.  Parents select a time before or after school, together with the student, to meet with the teacher to discuss the student’s progress, how the student can be supported at home, receive information on all assessments and testing, and ask questions.  Students are actively engaged in the conference as they are encouraged to discuss their progress and share their work.  Language facilitators will be available if needed.   

Maintain Communication

• Teachers and staff are available via email, or by calling the front office: 207-874-8175.  Language facilitators can be provided.

• Check out our newsletters

  • The bi-weekly newsletter is sent home with students and posted on the Reiche website.  
     

• Visit media sites such as the Reiche website and Facebook:

  • Portland Public Schools site: https://www.portlandschools.org/

  • Reiche site:  https://reiche.portlandschools.org/

  • Reiche Community School Facebook page

• Keep your phone number updated with the front desk - notifications of upcoming events and important school news are often sent via phone message.

• Review the Family Handbook

The success of our students requires support, encouragement and involvement from teachers, staff, parents and community.  It is our policy to keep families informed and involved with school.  This policy is posted on our website and parents have the opportunity to comment and provide suggestions by contacting a teacher leader or completing the annual survey.