PPS Health and Adapted/Physical Education

  • Celebrating Lifelong Wellness

    Health and Physical Education are both strongly linked to the increased academic success of youth. A young person's ability to learn is also linked to their ability to feel safe in the classroom, relate to lessons, and have fun.

    PPS Health, Adapted Physical Education and Physical Education programs use evidence-informed best practices to foster safe, supportive and fun learning environments that engage diverse students in their development of skills, knowledge and attitudes needed to thrive academically, and to celebrate lifelong wellness.



Updates & Announcements


Our Vision & Mission

  • Vision:

    All Portland Public School students will engage in equitable, inclusive, skills-based health and adapted/physical education so they may become confident, resilient, and empathetic advocates for themselves and others.

    Mission:

    All PPS students will participate in equitable, inclusive, and skills-based Health and Adapted/Physical Education in a safe and supportive environment.  The PPS Health and Adapted/Physical Education team will:

    • Provide authentic, skills-based health and adapted/physical education professional learning opportunities to students, families, teachers, and building administrators,
    • Facilitate the adoption and development of inclusive and  culturally relevant and responsive evidence-informed curriculum,
    • Engage the collective community by including students, families, building administrators, community partners, and government entities in the health and adapted/physical education of all young people.

Our Team

Dr. Jenny Withycombe
pronouns: she/her
Assistant Director for Health & Adapted/Physical Education PK-12
Vanessa Peña-La Torre
pronouns: she/her
SAY Wellness Grant Program Manager, 9-12 Sexual Health
Alana Burny
pronouns: she/her
Adapted Physical Education TOSA
Lonzo Urbina
pronouns: he/him
Adapted Physical Education TOSA
Elena Beeck
pronouns: they/them
Business Operations Specialist
Rachel Toback
pronouns: she/her
Program Manager CDC Mental Health Grant YRBS Coordinator