News Story and Weather Related Question (Portland, Beaverton: homes, transfer, school districts)

[philwithbeard]

This story was in the Local Daily newspaper on Saturday April 16th, 2011

Intel surprises Beaverton and Hillsboro schools with influx of Israeli families | OregonLive.com

News story was about the surprise large influx of students that are temporarily overwhelming a few west side school districts as 300 families have been temporarily transferred to Portland area from a country overseas.

My question is, after reading so many posts and threads about families from 'sunny' climates (like So Cal) and then meeting Portland's overcast winters, how will 300 families from the sunny western shores of the Mediterranean Sea find Portland's green and cooler weather?

Anyway, I don't know if any of these families are on City-Data, but I do welcome them to Portland. Enjoy your stay in the Portland area.

Rental rates for homes in Beaverton area must have taken a hit on this influx of so many.

Phil

[PNW-type-gal]

The fact that the stay is temporary will help - it's not a permanent adjustment.

I hope they enjoy their stay and the kids have a great time, but this was a really obnoxious thing for Intel to do to the local school system, and with virtually no notice. Plus, it'd be one thing if the families were here permanently - or at least for a year or two - but this has the school really scrambling for just six months of benefit.

[Nell Plotts]

Some of the children may be enrolled in the Jewish version of parochial school. We don't have much to offer in the way of Yeshiva School but they may, as a practical matter, bring their own teachers. I saw a Jewish Orthodox family at the Zoo today, a rarity in Portland. I agree Intel should have coordinated with the Hillsboro and Beaverton School Districts, actually they probably did as there is a long lead time for visas particularly when the employees are bringing their families.

It is possible that Intel was told that the kids would be home schooled but when the families got here the parents changed their mind. Things could get interesting as most have Kosher diets.