The Many Rivers primary classes are grade one/two multiage configurations.  Children in grade one "loop" into grade two with the same teacher. 

The intermediate classes are grade three/four/five configurations in which each three year multiage class has a homeroom teacher.  Intermediate children usually remain in the same "homeroom" for three years.  The children move among the 3/4/5 teachers as part of their daily routine. 

Why is there a lottery?
To assure equity a lottery and a waiting list (as needed) are utilized for children initially entering first grade.  At least half of the children in the Many Rivers Program are from the Hall School neighborhood.  The other children are from school neighborhoods throughout Portland.

Who may apply to be part of the grade one lottery?
Any kindergarten child who is a permanent resident of Portland at the time of the lottery is eligible.

What is the time line for the application process?
Applications of the lottery must be received by the Friday, March 28, 2008. 

When is the drawing held?
The drawing will be held Friday, April 4, 2008. 

Who is present for the lottery?
The Many Rivers primary teachers, Many Rivers chairs, Hall principal, Hall assistant principal and the Hall secretary are present for the lottery. 

How is the lottery structured?
Many Rivers grade one slots are equitably allocated to both the district neighborhoods and Hall neighborhood until the slots are filled. 

Are Kindergarten children with a sibling currently (or formerly) in Many Rivers part of the lottery process?
Kindergarten siblings are enrolled in a Many Rivers grade one automatically by parent request.  They assume either a district or neighborhood slot depending on the location of their residence. 
 
 What is the application process for children of Many Rivers graduates?
Children are placed in the lottery based on their home address. 

What is the entry process for siblings applying after first grade?
After the grade one lottery, acceptance of siblings is the same as for other children.

Does a Hall neighborhood child attending a private kindergarten occupy a district or Hall neighborhood slot if selected in the drawing?
A child residing in the Hall School neighborhood fills a Hall neighborhood slot.

 What is the process when twins apply in the lottery?
Both children are placed on one ballot, and both are accepted when the name is drawn.

How are parents notified of lottery results?
Results of the lottery are mailed to each family the afternoon of the lottery.

What is the lottery waiting list?
Once all the names for slots have been drawn, the remaining names continue to be drawn in numbered, gender order.  These remaining names become the waiting list which is active for the school year.  The waiting list is most often activated in the weeks immediately following the lottery. 

Why is the waiting list numbered by gender?
Numbering in this manner assists with gender balancing of the newly configured Many Rivers grade one/two classes. (For example:  if a class grouping has more boys than girls and this is determined to be a factor, the family of the next girl on the waiting list would be called.) 

How is the waiting list utilized?
When a possible district slot is determined to be available, a number of considerations are taken into account before a decision to activate the waiting list is made including:

Reviewing any emerging needs of the newly configured Many RIvers Primary class (ex. gender balance, student needs, class size etc)

Reviewing any emerging needs of each of the other Hall primary classes   (ex. gender balance, student needs, class size etc.)

Can a parent of a child in grades 2-5 request placement in Many Rivers?
Yes, occasionally district slots are available above grade one.  Any parent with a child in grades 2-5 can complete the application process with the same May deadline.  Notification is in late spring or early summer after the completion of the placement process of the Hall neighborhood program.

Do the same Portland Public Schools' procedures and guidelines for student placement apply to both Hall and the Many Rivers Program?
Yes. The same procedures and guidelines apply. 

How is class size determined?
Class size for all elementary classes within Portland Schools are aligned with the Portland Public Schools class size guidelines. (ex. First grade class size range is 16-22 children.) 

Who is responsible for student placement in Portland's Schools?
The responsibility rests with the building principal.