|
|
Helping families stay connected to Bend-La Pine Schools |
|
From grad rates to family connections: Engagement matters |
We are currently at the halfway point in our school year and that means it’s a good time to step back and reflect on where we are at and what we have before us. I see so much for which I am grateful.
We recently received good news about our graduation rates. The Class of 2022 recorded our second highest graduation rate on record (83.5 percent) and our rate has steadily climbed 11 percentage points in the past decade. While we will not be satisfied until all of our students walk across the stage with their diploma, this trend is certainly worth honoring.
One data point within these graduation rates connects to a larger theme I see throughout our schools and that’s the power of engagement. Students who enrolled in at least one hands-on Career Technical Education course (like welding, forestry, computer science, culinary, etc.) had a significantly higher graduation rate than those who didn’t. Engagement is something we are focused on within our schools and we know that it can take many different forms: performing arts, athletics, clubs and student organizations or CTE courses to name just a few.
|
|
A dance performed during Latino Family Night. |
|
A performance during Asian Family Night |
|
Bend-La Pine Schools Celebrates Black History Month |
|
February is Black History Month. In Bend-La Pine Schools, we spend the month studying and celebrating the accomplishments and contributions of Black Americans.
This year, we were also excited to co-host an event with our Black Student and Family Union on Feb. 1. During the Flip the Script event, our families served as experts - sharing information about Black history and culture - while our administrators and staff members served as the students. It was a wonderful experience designed to honor and celebrate the rich knowledge of Black Central Oregonians. Thank you to everyone who participated and we are excited to learn and grow the event in the future.
Our schools will also be honoring Black History Month, as it’s a great opportunity to teach with intention, honoring the tradition and showing students its importance, along with the importance of Black history and culture. This year, our schools are taking part in a door decorating contest to showcase inspiring Black historical and cultural figures, from inventors to authors.
One of our students, Lincoln, suggested the idea, saying “As a Black person, to walk down the halls of my school and see my history, my culture, and my identity represented and visible on the walls would really mean a lot to kids like me, who don’t typically have that experience at school.”
|
|
|
News from the Board of Directors |
|
Board policies in review: learn what's up next at Feb. 14 meeting
The Board of Directors will review policies and regulations focused on elementary early entrance guidance and administrative hiring and general personnel practices at their Feb. 14 board meeting.
|
|
Stay up-to-date with Bend-La Pine Schools’ Board of Directors and Policies in Review
Individuals interested in receiving updates about the work of Bend-La Pine Schools’ Board of Directors can sign up to receive additional news. The information will include agendas and packets for upcoming board meetings, links to policies in review and other board-related news.
|
|
|
Bear Creek Kindergarteners learn coding with Bee-Bots
Could these kinders be any cuter with their new Bee-Bot robot friends?
Kindergarteners at Bear Creek Elementary recently learned about coding and overcoming challenges using the Bee-Bots. The little guys are pretty fun and allow students to improve their skills in control, directional language and coding. Oh, and the bots also talk and record sounds!
|
|
Mountain View students receive hands-on welding training
Students in Mountain View High School's metals class recently received some hands-on training at the COCC Redmond Campus, where they were able to use some next level welding equipment and learn new techniques like pipe welding. Weld done, Cougars, we love to see it!
|
|
Book sharing is caring at Elk Meadow Elementary
Elk Meadow Elementary’s Parent Teacher Organization recently hosted a book swap where students donated books they were done with and were able to choose a “new-to-them” book!
|
|
Celebrating National School Counseling Week February 6-10 |
It's time to celebrate the contributions of our school counselors! Bend-La Pine Schools has 45 school counselors.
"A lot of times, there’s an assumption counselors only do scheduling or only do mental health. We are there to support the whole student. Counselors offer programming, through classroom lessons, small groups, parent groups. We show up in a variety of ways for students," said Jennifer Hauth, Director of Social, Emotional and Mental Wellbeing.
We thank our school counselors for their contributions to our students and school communities. School counselors help students succeed in school and plan their careers while encouraging them to set healthy goals, mindsets, and behaviors. They have a huge impact on our entire school community.
Join us in saying "Thank you" to our school counselors during Feb. 6-10 - or any day!
|
|
|
Spanish teacher goes Above and Beyond the Call of Duty |
|
It’s time to celebrate a staff member who went above and beyond to support a student and for just the second time we are giving out our Above and Beyond the Call of Duty Award.
Madeline Ranstrom is a Spanish teacher now in her third year with our schools. She splits her time between Cascade and Pacific Crest middle schools. She is known for her kindness and enthusiasm.
On a day before Winter Break this year, Madeline stepped up, showing her quick thinking, presence of mind and calm.
On that day, Madeline was alerted to a student in class who was choking. She had been eating a hard candy and it had gotten caught in her throat and she couldn’t breathe.
Luckily, Madeline’s great training kicked in at that moment. For many years, she served guiding outdoor trips with students and had been trained in crisis response and first aid. Never before had Madeline had to perform the Heimlich before, but she knew that was just what was needed.
It all worked just as it was supposed to - the candy came out and the student was able to breathe again. Madeline got a big hug from a very grateful student.
Madeline says she loves her job, sharing “I love my students! I love helping them foster empathy and curiosity about cultures around the world and being able to connect with kids every day.”
Madeline, thank you for your service on that day during a crisis and every day, when you tirelessly and warmly serve our students in your classroom.
You are a most deserving recipient of the Above and Beyond the Call of Duty Award and we are thrilled to celebrate with you!
|
|
Do you know of someone who is a Champion for Students?
Let us know:
|
|
|
Upcoming key dates and days of recognition:
FEBRUARY
- February – Black History Month, Career Technical Education Month
- Feb. 6-10 - National School Counseling Week
- Feb. 14 – School Board Meeting
- Feb. 14 - National Love the Bus Day
- Feb. 18-25 - National FFA Week
- Feb. 20 – Presidents Day Holiday, No School
- Feb. 21 – Becoming a Board Member - Learn more about serving on the school board; 5:30 p.m. at the Education Center in downtown Bend
- Feb. 28 – School Board Work Session
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
