July 30, 2003

Dear Parent/Guardian:

Welcome to the Student Support Services Office of the Portland Public Schools. Your child may have been referred for an evaluation through the Pupil Evaluation Team (P.E.T.) at his/her school, or you may have questions about special education. The information in this website is provided to you for three reasons:

1. By law, we must make you aware of your rights of due process, your responsibilities as a parent or guardian, and your child’s right once this referral is made, and
2. We must provide assistance to you that will help you to make an informed decision about your child’s educational process.
3. We want the Portland community to be aware of special education issues and needs.

We believe that parents are a child’s best and most important advocate. It will be helpful to you to become familiar with federal, state and local laws and regulations that will protect your child’s rights. We have included links and information in this website to help you begin your own education process.

We also believe that developing an effective working partnership is essential in helping your child receive a successful education. Please feel free to ask questions about your child’s school program by calling the principal or Learning Strategist in your school. For additional information please call the Office of Student Support Services at 874-8133.