You've Got Questions? We've Got Answers!

How do I find out what's going at West Sylvan?

There are two main websites with information about West Sylvan:

The PPS district website, managed by WS Staff (www.pps.net/westsylvan) 

The FOWS website, managed by WS Parent Volunteers (www.friendsofwestsylvan.org)

Where do communications come from?

Portland Public Schools (PPS) - newsletters, emails and texts

West Sylvan Administration - newsletters, videos, emails and texts - usually through ParentSquare. See the FAQ’s below for sign-up information.   

Friends of West Sylvan (parent group) - emailed newsletters/updates - usually through Membership Toolkit. See the FAQ’s below for sign-up information.

What is Friends of West Sylvan (FOWS)?

Friends of West Sylvan was created to support scholars and staff while fostering community connections through fun student activities, fundraising and volunteer opportunities! We are a 501(c)(3) organization, and all funds raised go back to the students and the school. FOWS is run by a group of parent volunteers. For the 2025-26 school year, board members are: 

President: Janette Dooley (8th gr. parent)

Treasurer: Anna Sachse (7th gr. parent)

Secretary: Meghan Mayhew (8th gr. parent)

Board Members: Natalie Maciukenas (Staff Appreciation Lead - 8th gr. parent); Anna Tachouet (Pack Parties Lead - 8th gr. parent)

How is money raised at WS and where does it go? Why can’t the money FOWS raises be used to hire more teachers?

Money is raised through individual community donations, fundraisers, corporate matches and sponsorships or in-kind donations. These funds go towards fun student activities, staff appreciation events, supplies and outreach efforts (CARES). In May 2024, the PPS school board voted to change the way school fundraising will pay for staff in the district. They revised the policy and created a districtwide foundation to take over allocations. Donations for staffing can still be accepted from school foundations, nonprofits, corporations, businesses and individuals and they are now put into one single account. Then, a parent advisory panel, within Fund for PPS, creates a formula to determine money distribution. 

Can I get involved with Friends of West Sylvan?

YES PLEASE! All current board members will be stepping down after this year, which leaves plenty of room for new volunteers! It’s a great way to get involved, meet some fellow middle school parents and have a lot of fun together. We at FOWS hope to continue to serve our community well into the future! 

With what? Currently, we are looking for helpers with Spirit Wear, fundraising events, communications efforts, community service/CARES, but all areas could use a hand. The Volunteer page lists more information on ongoing needs as well. Many middle school students tell their parent/guardians they do not want them to volunteer, but volunteer involvement is still so critical at this age and West Sylvan needs you! It’s so great to show young people that they are supported and cared for by their community. You don’t have to see your child while volunteering or you can see your child while volunteering - various opportunities abound!

How? Email hi@friendsofwestsylvan.org 

What is ParentSquare and how do I sign up for it?

ParentSquare is a new platform for PPS communications which launched in August 2025; it replaced the Remind App. With the ParentSquare App, you can get updates, messages, and school news. All families should have received an email to activate their ParentSquare account. More information on ParentSquare can be found on the PPS website here.

What is Membership Toolkit and how do I sign up for it?

Membership Toolkit is the online platform that FOWS uses for its website and communications. It allows families to receive emails and newsletters about scholar and parent events and West Sylvan donation needs, and provides our community with a family directory so that families can connect with one another. Thanks for taking a moment to register your family so that you can stay in the loop! Go here to get started and follow the directions to register your family. If you already have a registration from another school, you may log in using that information. You must register online first before downloading the Membership Toolkit App.

Can you explain the standards-based grading system at West Sylvan? 

All middle grades students will experience Standards-Based Grading across all classes for the 2025-26 school year. This is a newly adopted grading system. Additional information can be found on the PPS website. 

Are school sports offered at West Sylvan?

Information on youth sports within Portland Public Schools (grades 6-8) can be found here. Portland Interscholastic League Youth Sports Program(PILYSP) serves our 6th – 8th grade students that live within Portland Public Schools boundaries. PIL Youth Sports offers football, cross country and girls' volleyball in the fall, wrestling, girls' and boys' basketball and wrestling in the winter, and baseball and co-ed track and field in the spring. Fall season begins in late August, winter practices begin in mid November and spring practices begin in late February.  Details for each sport can be found on the PIL website under "PIL Youth Sports".

What other extra curricular activities are offered at West Sylvan?

Please visit the student activities page on the PPS West Sylvan school website to learn more about drama, band, choir, dance and other activities available to students.

What is Outdoor School for sixth graders?

More information can be found at the Multnomah Education Service District website. For the 2025-26 year, 6th grade West Sylvan students will be at Outdoor School from November 4th-7th.

What is a Pack Party?

Pack Parties are school dances, sponsored by Friends of West Sylvan, held at West Sylvan Middle School where scholars (our West Sylvan “wolf pack”) get to enjoy an evening together with a DJ and photo booth at school. They are most typically held in the spring with one pack party for 6th grade, one for 7th grade and one for 8th grade. Pack parties are a lot of fun for students and parents too! 

What is a Coffee Talk?

Friends of West Sylvan hosts monthly coffee talks with Principal Hunt in the library at West Sylvan (generally on the second Fridays at 8:45am, but check the calendar to be sure). We create space for our community to come together for morning coffee, socializing and occasional guest speakers. Please look out for information about these and join us when you can!

Have another question that isn't listed here, but should be?

email hi@friendsofwestsylvan.org