Month: March 2026

SMART Reading Celebrates Five Millionth Book Donation at Hayhurst School

A celebration of SMART reading included a reading by Oregon’s First Lady and dozens of kids enjoying “The Smart Cookie.”

by Becky Bard, SMART Reading Site Coordinator at Hayhurst Elementary School

On Thursday, March 12, SMART Reading celebrated a major milestone: the 5,000,000th book given away to a child in Oregon! The celebration took place at Hayhurst Elementary School. SMART Reading staff and Hayhurst Principal DC Re-Bloom organized the celebration.

Noteworthy presenters included Oregon’s First Lady Amy Kotek Wilson, who read the humorous picture book The Smart Cookie aloud, and Dr. Kimberlee Armstrong, Superintendent of Schools for Portland Public Schools, who helped hand out copies of the book to the kids.

SMART Reading at Hayhurst
Amy Kotek Wilson, First Lady of Oregon, reads to students at Hayhurst

An adult who is a former SMART student, Stephen Phan, shared his story, which was interesting and engaging for the kids. SMART’s Executive Director, Jessica Bowersox (a former Hayhurst SMART reader) led the event. Portland Public School Board members Christy Splitt (a Hayhurst neighbor) and Rashelle Chase-Miller also attended.

Hayhurst SMART reading volunteers and principal DC Re-Bloom
Hayhurst principal DC Re-Bloom with SMART coordinators Becky Bard and Suzi Haywood

Everyone seemed to have a wonderful time – especially the kids who got to take home a book and a decorated cookie.

We already know that Hayhurst is the best – now SMART Reading, the governor’s office and the superintendent know that, too!

Amy Kotek Wilson and Dr. Kimberlee Armstrong distribute books to Hayhurst students.
Amy Kotek Wilson and Dr. Kimberlee Armstrong distribute books to Hayhurst students.
Hayhurst students reading March 2026
Hayhurst students enjoying their books

Portlanders who are inspired to kick start the next million books may get involved as a volunteer; donate new or gently used books to any SMART area office; hold a book drive; or donate to the online fundraiser, For the Love of Books, allowing SMART to purchase high-interest, inclusive books for kids across Oregon.

photo credits: Stacy Goodwin and SMART Reading

Volunteers Needed: Traffic Safety Event March 30

Volunteers are needed for the March 30 Traffic Safety event on SW Vermont Street. Who knows who will turn up? Join us!

Help promote Safe Routes to School. Join friends, family and neighbors for a public Traffic Safety Event on Monday, March 30, 7:30 to 9 am.  Adult volunteers RSVP and report to SW 50th Ave and Vermont St. Receive signage to display that encourages drivers to slow down and yield at crosswalks in this school zone as well as the Vermont corridor to the east of 50th, including the intersection at 45th.

For inspiration, check out this interview with event organizer and community volunteer Pam Fox.

 RSVP here

City Councilor Mitch Green helped local volunteers at our event in October and will join the volunteers at this spring event, along with his District 4 City Councilor colleague Eriz Zimmerman. Also, our State Representative Dacia Grayber will be joining the volunteers!

traffic safety vigil October 2025

Build community, meet neighbors and promote safe routes to school for all!  This event is brought to you by West Hills Montessori School in partnership with PBOT Safe Routes to School; Portland Police Bureau; District Four Coalition; and the Maplewood, Multnomah and Hayhurst Neighborhood Associations.
Registration is limited to adult participants, please.

Event contact Pam Fox: community@westhills-montessori.com

(image courtesy of Portland Bureau of Transportation)