Apr 10, 2026 | Shelly Smith
Director's Letter April 10, 2026
Hello Alliance Community,
Have you found yourself asking the question, “Why does state testing matter at Alliance?”
It’s understandable that some families have questions about state testing, especially in a charter school setting where education often looks different from traditional models. However, state assessments play an important role in supporting our students, our school, and the future of charter education. Testing tells the world about Alliance!
Supporting Personalized Learning
At Alliance, we are deeply committed to individualized education. State assessment results help us see patterns over time and ensure that students are progressing toward grade-level standards. This information allows our staff to adjust supports, enrich learning opportunities, and ensure every student is on a path toward success.
Accountability and Transparency
As a public charter school, we are held to high accountability standards. State testing provides transparency to our authorizers, the state, and our community about how well we are serving students. State testing participation is disclosure. We want the district and state to know how well school choice serves families
Protecting the Future of Our School
Charter schools must demonstrate both participation and performance to continue operating. In many cases, schools are expected to meet at least a 95% participation rate. Without sufficient participation, a school’s ability to renew its charter and continue serving students can be put at risk. Unfortunately, Alliance scores significantly below average in the number of students who take the test.
Preparing Students for the Future
Finally, participating in standardized assessments helps students build familiarity and confidence with testing environments they will encounter in the future, whether in college entrance exams or career certifications.
All that to say, your partnership in ensuring student participation helps strengthen our school, informs our teaching, and protects the opportunities we are proud to offer. Thank you for your participation! Remember, the week of April 27-30 is no on-site classes, home learning only.
Alliance Artists Are Amazing!
Not one, not two, but EIGHT Alliance students have their work in the Clackamas Education Services District Annual Art Show! This show brings together excellent artwork from middle and high school students across 10 districts, so it is quite an honor to be chosen. You can view the show either virtually or in person through April 28! More info here!
Our hearty congratulations to finalists Adeline Rinehart, Estelle Hickman, Anneliese Bruders, Lorelei Bruders, Emma Slaughter, Dash Guenther, Owen Hamilton, and the winner Timothy Wright!
Oregon’s ‘Super Bowl of student art’ opens near Clackamas Town Center
Clackamas ESD’s regional art show prepares the next generation of artists
Mrs. Pen’s Cool Field Trip has Space Available!
Join us for an unforgettable adventure at iFLY, where students will experience the thrill of indoor skydiving while exploring real-world STEM concepts! This exciting field trip blends hands-on learning with high-flying fun. Spots are limited, so don’t miss your chance to be part of this unique experience—sign ups are due by May 1st! For more information, CLICK HERE or ask for a flyer in the front office.
Volleyball Tourney Results!
Well our Student Leadership, once again, planned a fan-favorite event…the Annual Staff vs. Student Volleyball Tournament. The students have been investing a lot of time honing their skills on Thursdays during Volleyball Club, at lunch time, and bumping the ball outside. With the help of some Alliance alumni, the Staff team won every match, dominating the tournament. These are the events where great high school memories are made!
PTO is so Appreciated!
Our incredible PTO has been busy supporting events and initiatives lately! They are playing a part in celebrations for fifth grade, eighth grade, and senior graduation, supporting departments, and will soon be donating prizes for the State Testing Raffle. You can help them help Alliance by supporting BottleDrop, the Plant Sale, Snack Corner and more!
Volunteer Shout-Out!
I’d like to acknowledge two very committed volunteers who help with our laundry. Donna Barre takes Ethel’s custodial rags home each week and returns them washed and folded. And Karen Sevy launders the rags and towels from Mrs. Johnson’s cooking class every Thursday. We appreciate you Donna and Karen!
Science Fair Helpers Please
We need Science Fair volunteers! Science Fair takes place Thursday April 16 from 3:30-5:30, and we need help with set up (2:30-3:30) and clean up as well as to help judge projects! We would also love to have a couple of parents willing to run an activity table for younger kids. Please email amandacastellano@aca.k12.or.us to let her know if you can help.
Spring Dance!
A Spring Dance for grades 6-12 will be held April 17th, 6:00pm-8:30pm. This party will be for Alliance students only, no outside guests. Great music and snacks will be provided! Tickets are $5 in the office or $7 the night of the dance. Spring Dance requires a minimum of 8 chaperones, please volunteer to help HERE.
Prom - Save the Date
Seniors and Juniors, mark your calendars for Prom on May 2. The party will be held at the beautiful Everett Hall at the Hopkins Demonstration Forest from 7:00-9:30pm. Tickets are $15 pre-sale or $20 at the door. Ninth and tenth grade students are welcome by invitation only. If you are bringing a guest from outside of Alliance, please see the office for the required permission form.
Yearbook Photos
Yearbook needs your photos. Help us get everyone in the yearbook that we can. Share the pictures you've taken to give us more to choose from. We'd love to see the moment and memories you've captured! There’s a flyer around school with a QR code or photos can be emailed to Mrs. Johnson.
Alliance Outings Update
We have over 50 people already signed up for Oaks Park and over 20 for the Zoo! Don't miss out and remember to bring cash/check to the office. These two "all ages" Alliance Outings are some of the most popular all year and offer big savings over the regular admissions prices. You are welcome to bring non-school friends and family to join the fun! $10 per person for Oregon Zoo and $18 per bracelet for Oaks Park! Sales end on April 17th for the Zoo and on May 7th for Oaks Park.
From the World’s Greatest PTO
APRIL EVENTS
- PTO Officer Applications due 4/30: We have several roles available. Please consider joining and be part of something great for our students! Find the application and officer role descriptions HERE
- Plant Sale order due date extended to Tuesday April 14th. Please submit form and payment to PTO corner. Plants will be delivered to the school May 4th. Thank you to New Leaf Greenhouse for this opportunity! ORDER FORM We are looking for volunteers to assist with the plant delivery and on-site sales, sign up HERE.
- Glow Dance Party Monday April 13th, 3:30-5pm. For grades K-5 free to attend, older siblings are welcome. Volunteer sign-up HERE.
- Chipotle Dine-Out night Monday April 13th. 4-8pm @ the Happy Valley location on Sunnyside/172nd. Please mention you’re with ACA PTO.
- Bottle Drop Give Event April 15th-26th. Earth day fundraiser, help us earn an extra 20% on all donations. This includes online account donations to Alliance Charter Academy PTO. Our blue bags can be found at the PTO desk, or search for Alliance Charter Academy PTO to donate directly from your personal account!
MAY EVENTS
- Woods Cleanup Day May 1st. Help make the wooded area north of the playground accessible to students! Signup HERE
- Teacher Appreciation Week May 4th-7th. Sign up to show your appreciation and support our wonderful staff. FORM
- Mike’s Drive-In Dine-Out night May 13th, 4-8pm, Oregon City location. Please mention you’re with ACA PTO. Online orders use code ACA26
- PTO Public Meeting May 14th, 2pm, Room 210. Join us to welcome new officers for the 26-27 school year & PTO event planning.
Remember to check the calendar on our website often, AllianceCharterAcademy.org, and don’t forget to log your volunteer hours here Volunteer Time Log
Thank you for being part of the Alliance family, and have a wonderful weekend!
Go Eagles,
Shelly Smith
ShellySmith@aca.k12.or.us
Executive Director
“The mission of Alliance Charter Academy is to nurture the innate curiosity of our students, ignite their passion for learning, and prepare them for lifelong success through personalized learning and the collaboration of school, family, and community."
April Breakfast and Lunch Menu
Volunteer Opportunities
General School Tasks Sign Up
- Senior Photo Submission Deadline
Monday, April 13
12:00 - 1:30
Gym - Elementary K-5 Glow Dance II
Monday, April 13
3:30 - 5:00pm
Gym - Chipotle Dine-Out Fundraiser
Monday, April 13
4:00 - 8:00pm
Happy Valley Location - PTO Plant Sale Fundraiser Order Due
Tuesday, April 14
PTO Desk Cafeteria - Music Assembly
Wednesday, April 15
11:15am
Gym - Science Fair
Thursday, April 16
3:00 - 5:30pm
Gym - Spring Dance 6-12
Friday, April 17
6:00 - 8:30pm
Gym - Volunteer at Oregon Food Bank (Portland Warehouse)
Friday April 17
1:25-3:30 Ages 8 and up.
*14 spots left Sign Up
Sign ups end Today, April 10 at 8PM. - Piano Recital
Sunday, April 19
2:00pm
Alliance - Drama Fun Class Performance
Monday, April 20
3:45 - 4:45pm
Gym - Senior Class Hike
Saturday, April 25
11:00am - noon
Canemah Bluff Loop Trail - SBAC Testing Week
No On-Site Classes, Home Learning Only
April 27 - 30 - State Symphony Competition
Friday, May 1
Mt. Hood Community College - Wooded Area Clean-up
Friday, May 1
Sign up HERE
9:00-noon - Class of 2026 Prom
Saturday, May 2
7:00-9:30pm
Everett Hall, Hopkins Demonstration Forest - Teacher Appreciation Week
May 4 - 7
Sign up HERE - Alliance Outing to the Zoo
Friday May 8, 2026
Entry starts at 11:00am
$10 cash/check only-on sale NOW in the office
Sales end April 17 - Mike’s Drive-In Dine Out Fundraiser
Wednesday, May 13
4:00-8:00pm - PTO Open Meeting
Thursday, May 14
2:00pm - Oaks Park End of Year Celebration
Friday May 29, 2026
10:00am- 2:00pm
$18 cash/check only-on sale NOW in the office
Sale ends May 7 - Last Day of On-Site Classes
Thursday, May 21
3:45 - 4:45pm
Gym - Home Learning Week/Academic Recovery
May 26 - May 28
