SmartTrips to Middle School

Information

SmartTrips to Middle School is a Portland Safe Routes to School program offering incoming 6th grade students activity ideas and wellness tips during this important milestone.

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Back to School Text-and-Win campaign

Welcome to 6th grade!

Mobility is key to safe and fun adventuring, and Safe Routes to School is here to help you know how to get to school and all of your city adventures! Lets get you rolling with transportation tips, activity ideas and a chance to win fun prizes. If you have not do so already, text MIDDLE to 888-520-0526 to sign up. If you're unable to text, email SafeRoutes@PortlandOregon.gov with the subject line MIDDLE.

The contest is open to students in 6th grade in eligible school districts: David Douglas, Parkrose, and Portland Public.

Starting Middle School can be a big shift for your routine! We'll share some simple ideas for a fresh start to your school year. Signing up also enters you into a raffle for fun prizes like:

TriMet youth Hop passes ($5 credit)

$20 Fred Meyer gift cards

four Fred Meyer gift cards. The cards say Fred Meyer surrounded by multiple cooking ingredients like salt, onions, olive oil, pepper, and others.

Contest terms

No purchase or payment of any kind is necessary to enter or win.

Contest period

The Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) Text & Win Program. By texting “MIDDLE” to 888-520-0526 and submitting an entry, each contestant agrees to these rules. The odds of winning this contest are determined by the number of total contestants and entries.

Who may enter

This contest is open to families of kinder students, and students in 6th grade.
Eligible school districts include: David Douglas School District, Parkrose School District, and Portland Public Schools District.

How to enter

Text the word “Middle” to 888-520-0526.

Participants are automatically entered into the prize drawing.

Text messages

By texting the keyword to 888-520-0526, the contestant opts into receiving text messages from the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT). Message and data rates may apply. Contestant can always text STOP to 888-520-0526 to cancel or opt out. 

Winner selection and notification

Weekly drawings for names of winners will be conducted. PBOT reserves the right to choose which prizes are drawn in which week. Winners will be notified of their name being drawn. Winners will be notified via mail, e-mail, or text depending on information provided by contestant. If the winner does not respond within one week of receiving notification, contest organizers will select a new winner at random.

Caretakers

Dear Caretakers,

The Safe Routes to School program want to celebrate your graduating 5^th grader and promote safe travel as they transition to middle school.

SmartTrips to Middle School is a Safe Routes to School program designed to support safe travel. Students will be prompted to think about their transportation choices, plan for safety, and we’ll share resources to move around the city. They'll also have the opportunity to claim prizes (while supplies last)!

Starting May 16th, we will be contacting students via text and mail. Rest assured we will never ask your student to post or share personal information. However, to participate in our optional giveaways, we will request a name and mailing address. All information is confidential, and will never be shared, posted publicly, or given to private organizations. Participants who chose not to participate in the giveaways will still receive safe travel information.

To sign-up, text MIDDLE to 888-520-0526. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or concerns.

In solidarity,

The Safe Routes to School team

Events calendar

Free summer events calendar

Getting There

Portland's Online Bike Map
Neighborhood maps showing stairs and walking routes
TriMet Trip Planner
Getting There: How to plan your active transportation trip

You can also visit our City Explorer web page to practice trip planning, street design, and link up to videos about how other people are getting around.