Back to School

Friday, August 23

Log into PWSConnect to complete a checklist of documents for each student.

Sat, Aug 24 | 9am-1pm at PWS

Some of the most important work we can do is to model for our children that we are dedicated to hard work and care for the spaces in which we live. In preparation for the start of the school year, we welcome all parents/caregivers, students, faculty and staff for a day of caring work, community building and fun in service to the beautiful land and buildings that hold our children every school day. Morning coffee and pizza lunch will be offered.

Wednesday, August 28, 4-5:30pm, at PWHS

Students and their parents new to PWHS are welcome to join our New Student Orientation. Attendance at this event is not required, however we encourage students and parents to come as it's a wonderful way to get oriented in the high school, including meeting teachers, receiving a preview of the coming year and learning how to use the school's database, PWSConnect.

Following the orientation, from 6 - 7:30pm, will be the all High School Class Picnic in the courtyard. Please join your classmates and Sponsors for a wonderful reunion!

Grades 1-12: Tuesday, September 3, 8:30am

Early Childhood: Warming Day on Tuesday, September 3, 8:45-11am

Early Childhood First Day of School: Wednesday, September 4, 8:30am (8:45am for Water Lily)

Specific drop off and pick up instructions in class letters below.

Beforecare available from 8-8:30am and Aftercare available from 3:-5:30pm. See below for more information.

*There is no Beforecare on Tues Sept 3. There is also no EC Beforecare on Wednesday Sept 4.

Tuesday, September 3, 8:30-9:30am, at the Founders’ circle, next to the front steps.

All parents and caregivers are invited to start the school year with a social hour and celebration with community members new and old with School Director Chiaki Uchiyama.

Tuesday, September 3, 11:45am-12:30pm, PWS Gym

We celebrate the first day of each school year with faculty, staff and students gathering in the gym for our Welcome Assembly. All are welcome, special seating for parents in grades 1 and 12.

Starting September 13, join us every Friday morning in the fall and spring for Coffee & Conversation in the Founders' Circle from 8:30-9:30am. We will relocate to the Aftercare Room if there is rain. For winter months, we’ll meet monthly in the Aftercare Room.

Log into PWSConnect to complete a checklist of documents for each student that require signatures, including Medical Forms, Emergency Contacts, and Handbooks. All forms due by Friday, August 23.

Email attendance@portlandwaldorf.org to report full or partial day absences. Please include your student’s full name and grade in the subject line.

Main Office: 503-654-2200

Sarah Salas is available to help you in the Main Office.

HS Office: 503-654-2200 x218

Alyssa Grass, HS Office Administrator, and Teresa Chou, Registrar/IT Manager are available to help you in the HS Office.

This calendar highlights all of our non-instructional or early dismissal days. For a full calendar of school events, see PWSConnect.

For students in grades 3-8 and high school orchestra students, don’t forget to rent an instrument before school starts. We recommend renting from David Kerr Violin Shop or Manselle’s Music Shop. Students will need to bring their instruments on the first day of school.

Questions? Contact Mr. Redner

Our school uses PWSConnect, an online information management system where you can find helpful information including the School Calendar, School Directories, Parent Handbook, Aftercare Registration, Athletics Registration, Tuition Billing Account, Student Schedules, High School Grade Reports, Student Year End Reports, Class Pages, and Back to School forms.

Get started by logging in here. Click on RESOURCES and navigate to the “Student and Parents: Instructions for Using PWSCONNECT” tile.

For Technical Assistance, please email techsupport@portlandwaldorf.org.

Our PWS Auxiliary Programs is offering some fun after school clubs and activities this year! To register your child for an after school activity, please visit: PWSConnect>Resources>Auxiliary Programs

Theater Club (Gr 5-12)
Fridays 3:00-5:30pm
October 4, 2024 - April 18, 2025

Chamber Music Ensemble (Gr 6-8)
Mondays 7:30 am - 8:15 am
September 23, 2024 - January 13, 2025

Band Ensemble (Gr 6-8)
Tuesdays 7:30am - 8:15am
September 24 - January 14, 2025

We are proud to be partnered with My Hot Lunchbox for our school lunch service! With this program, you can order your student’s favorite meals from restaurants they know and love. The school lunch program will be offered three days per week (M/W/F) for students in Grades 1-12.

You can begin placing orders now! Orders must be placed by noon the day prior to delivery.

School Lunch FAQ

Create an Account

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The Parent Ambassador Program is designed to harness the diverse talents and passions of our parent/caregiver body to support various facets of school life, while embodying the core values of Waldorf education. Read the 2024 Development Back To School Letter and visit the Program Overview to learn more about the ambassador roles, benefits of participation, and sign up instructions.

Summary of Safety Practices and Procedures at PWS