Notifying Us of an Absence:

Email admin@evergreenlearningpod.org by 8:00 AM if your child will be out.

Let us know the expected length and reason for absence.

Missed Work:

Formal make-up work is not provided.

Students will receive support reintegrating into group projects and class routines.

Planned Absences:

Please notify us in advance of any vacations or events so we can plan around group work and presentations.

Chronic Absences:

More than five unexcused absences per quarter will result in a meeting and support plan.

In the rare event the teacher is unable to teach:

Families will be notified as early as possible.

Class may be canceled and a partial refund or makeup day offered depending on the situation.

For extended absences, a plan for substitute coverage or program adjustment will be communicated.

In the event of severe weather or other emergencies, families will be notified via email no later than 7:00 AM.

Evergreen follows Portland Public Schools (PPS) for closures and delays.

If PPS has a delayed start, Evergreen will follow the same delay.

If PPS closes, Evergreen will move learning online for the day.

Online Learning Plan:

Students will receive a short assignment posted on Google Classroom.

Families will also receive an email with expectations and materials (if applicable).

Optional virtual office hours will be held that day for students needing support.

We understand that not all families have consistent access to technology during emergencies, so these days are meant to keep continuity without penalty. Students will have time to complete the work upon return if needed.

Evergreen Learning Pod offers an optional Chromebook + accessory package for $400 (valid for 3 years). Families may also bring a personal device that meets the school’s minimum requirements.

Technology Use Expectations:

Devices are used only for academic purposes, including classwork, research, and project creation.

Students are expected to stay on task and visit only school-approved websites and tools during class time.

Technology will not be monitored remotely by Evergreen staff.

Instead, families and students will sign a Technology Use Agreement outlining the following:

Students agree to stay on school-approved tasks during instructional time.

Families agree to ensure that Evergreen-assigned or personal devices used for schoolwork are not shared with others and are used appropriately at home.

Misuse of technology may result in device restrictions, a parent conference, or loss of privilege.

We believe in building digital responsibility and trust through communication and shared expectations.

Students may carry phones for emergencies. Phones may be used:

Before and after class

During breaks or lunch

For learning activities (with permission)

Phones must be kept away during instruction unless approved for use.

For safety and documentation, a classroom camera or nanny cam may be used.

Media consent forms will be provided.

Any use of student likeness (photo/video) for marketing requires explicit parental consent.

Recording is used for safety and not shared externally.

Evergreen Learning Pod does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability, marital status, or any other protected status in any of its activities or operations. We are committed to providing a respectful and inclusive environment for all students and families.

Our program serves students in grades 3 through 8 only. As a small, independent educational program with limited staffing and resources, we may not be able to meet the needs of every learner, particularly those requiring formal IEP or 504 plan implementation, intensive behavioral support, or medical accommodations beyond our training or capacity.

To help ensure a safe and appropriate learning environment for all students, a family interview is required before the July 15 application deadline. These interviews allow us to learn about your child’s needs and determine whether our team can provide the support necessary for them to thrive within our structure.

Enrollment decisions are based on program fit and capacity, not on any protected characteristic.

Evergreen Learning Pod actively affirms and supports students from diverse backgrounds, including LGBTQIA2S+ students, multilingual learners, neurodivergent students, and children from historically underserved communities.

We believe that equity is not only about access, but about meaningful participation and belonging. Our learning environment integrates identity-affirming practices, culturally responsive instruction, and opportunities for creative expression.

We are able to accommodate students who are expanding or commanding the English language, and our curriculum includes support for developing communication, vocabulary, and academic confidence. However, we are not currently staffed to support students with intensive communication needs or those who are new to English.

Because we are a small team with limited specialized staff, family interviews are required before July 15. These allow us to:

Learn about your child’s strengths, needs, and background

Discuss our instructional model and structure

Determine together whether our program is a supportive fit

When we are not able to meet a student’s needs, we will do our best to offer referrals to other programs or services that may be better suited to provide necessary accommodations.

Evergreen Learning Pod adheres to Oregon’s Every Student Belongs rule (OAR 581-022-2312), which guarantees that all students, staff, and families are entitled to a learning environment free from discrimination, harassment, and intimidation.

We have a zero-tolerance policy for hate speech, harassment, and the display of hate symbols, including—but not limited to—the swastika, noose, or Confederate flag. These actions are never acceptable and are grounds for immediate consequences, up to and including removal from the program, as outlined in our family handbook and behavior policy.

While Evergreen Learning Pod incorporates restorative conversations and trauma-informed practices as part of our community model, restorative approaches do not replace consequences for behavior that threatens the safety or dignity of others. Each situation is handled on a case-by-case basis, prioritizing the wellbeing of all students and ensuring our values are upheld.

To help maintain a safe and respectful environment, family interviews are required prior to the July 15 application deadline. These conversations help us determine whether a student’s needs and behavior history can be safely and appropriately supported within our current group structure and staffing model.

At Evergreen Learning Pod, we believe in supporting the whole child—academically, socially, and emotionally. We welcome neurodivergent students and those with unique learning needs and behavioral profiles, including those with IEPs, 504 Plans, Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs), or Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs).

Disclosure & Documentation

To ensure that we can provide appropriate support, families must disclose any IEP, 504, BIP, FBA, or known behavioral, academic, or social-emotional challenges during the enrollment process. This allows us to:

Determine if Evergreen is a good fit for the student’s needs

Design proactive supports and routines

Maintain a safe, respectful learning environment for all students

Failure to disclose relevant information may affect our ability to meet your child’s needs and maintain a successful partnership.

Our Approach

Our instructional model is rooted in:

Strengths-based teaching

Trauma-informed care

Social-emotional learning

Individualized accommodations where possible in a small-group setting

We are not a therapeutic or clinical program. However, we have experience supporting students with:

ADHD

Dyslexia and other specific learning disabilities

Anxiety and emotional regulation needs

Twice-exceptional profiles

Autism (mild to moderate support needs)

Sensory processing challenges

Students navigating nontraditional school experiences or reentry

Accommodations are integrated into the classroom as naturally as possible, including:

Alternative seating or movement tools

Breaks and calm-down areas

Visual schedules

Extended time for work or reduced output

Modified group roles

Relationship-based behavior support

Family-teacher communication plans

Ongoing Collaboration

We work closely with families to adjust strategies and ensure a positive experience for the student and the class community. In some cases, a support plan or additional meeting may be needed to review expectations and assess fit.

We foster a calm, supportive learning environment where all students feel valued and safe.

Expectations:

Treat yourself, others, and the learning space with respect.

Engage in learning with curiosity and kindness.

Seek support or use tools when feeling overwhelmed.

Behavior That Requires Intervention:

Physical aggression results in immediate pick-up. A restorative meeting is required before return.

Verbal aggression or major disruption may also require removal and a restorative conversation.

Chronic refusal to participate or follow expectations triggers a support plan and family meeting.

Restorative Practices:
We prioritize reflection, dialogue, and restoration. Students and families participate in age-appropriate restorative conversations or circles to repair relationships and build understanding.

In rare cases, if safety or disruption persists, Evergreen reserves the right to remove a student from the program.

We do not use suspension, shaming, or punitive discipline. When issues arise:

We support the student in reflecting on the situation.

We invite families and involved parties into restorative conversations to make amends.

When necessary, structured behavior plans or meetings are put in place.

Our goal is to model repair, responsibility, and growth—not punishment.