I know these last few weeks have been unprecedented in terms of end year. I want to acknowledge your effort and hard work keeping everything afloat. I don’t want to pretend I know what it is like because this year has been like no other. I appreciate you.
As things continue to shift, and slide swiftly, don’t hesitate to reach out for support. Please don’t ever feel like you are taking too many “life” lines. That is one thing I love about our group, the willingness to step up and help one another. Remember to take a break when you can, and definitely take some time for yourself on the weekend!! With that being said, “have a restful weekend!” ~Juan
To Do
From Stephanie Bent’s Email
Due: Monday, May 23rd
Please review the ACR google doc I have shared with you. If you could let me know the maximum grade counts you could comfortably manage for your school, I would appreciate it. We have approved students based on the priorities of Sibling in Attendance and Student of BLP employee. We are trying to determine approval levels for the students currently pending or waitlisted for your school. Per Lora’s earlier communication, we cannot prohibit attendance based on students’ behavior or special program needs.
From Jennifer Hauth
Please recruit: Jennifer Hauth is in need of 2 middle school teachers to be part of the new health scope and sequence training in June.. Please see if you can recruit anyone from your staff to participate and reach out to let Jennifer know. Here is the registration link for more information.
This and That
From Lora Nordquist
Here is the information about next year’s pre-service week that we discussed at our meeting on Monday. By next week, information will be going out to staff regarding district inservice requirements and options. Please wait to share this calendar with staff until they have that information. Let me know if you have any questions!
From Steve Cook
All admin are invited to breakfast at the Education Center Tuesday, June 21st, from 8:00-9:30 AM. This is a chance to honor our retirees and recognize leaders who are leaving the district. Hope you all can make it!
Calendar
June 2-Principal Only Breakfast at Original Pancake House on the West Side 7:30am-9:00am
June 13th-Middle School Principals @7:30-9:00 at Sky View Middle School
June 16th-Last day of school with students
June-17-Middle School Principals Social @4:45 (place TBD)
June 17th-Last day with teachers
August 10th & August 11th Leadership Training Academy Sessions 1 & 2
we are rescheduling our final session of preparing to lead equitable schools to Monday, 5/16, from 3:30-5:00 in the boardroom. This may cause conflicts for some of you. Just let your level leader know if you will be unable to attend. Otherwise, we’ll see the rest of you on the 16th! Chapters 7-10 are the assigned chapters for this meeting.
IPads and Summer:
The End-of-Year iPad Checklist has been added to the BLS Summer iPad Plan. Ideally a staff member at each school will be given time to walk students through these end-of-year steps to clean up storage and update the iOS. As always, reach out to instructional technology or your school’s site tech with any questions. Please note, all students doing summer school need to keep their iPads this summer and will not turn them in.
This and That
From Lora – New ACR process update:
Historically, building principals have had the right to revoke Area Change Requests (ACR’s) if they had concerns about students’ grades, behavior, and/or attendance. In reviewing our ACR policies and practices, our district leadership determined this practice is at best open to inconsistent application and at worst subject to bias. Whether students come to our schools as neighborhood residents, ACR recipients, or inter-district transfer students, they should be considered part of our student population and be treated equitably. Therefore, the district has decided to discontinue the practice of revoking (taking back after being approved) ACR’s.
From Kinsey: District Equity Stance:
Now that each horizontal group has had time to discuss the first draft of the district Equity Stance, we’d love to capture any additional feedback you’re willing to offer! Draft here, and feedback tool here.
More from Kinsey District pronoun pins:
We now have Bend-La Pine Schools’ pronoun pins for your lanyards! See this image. These are entirely optional, for folks who want to demonstrate allyship with the LGBTQIA+ community and who feel prepared to model responding to ‘why pronouns‘ if asked about their pin (don’t forget you can link that webpage in your email signature if you’re interested, too). If you want one, connect with your building’s LEAD Cohort rep or GSA advisor. We don’t have enough for our entire district workforce yet, so we’re starting with key leaders, to launch support and dialogue.
Kinsey is popular: CFEE Workshop:
Coaching for Educational Equity is a truly impactful and intensive experience that will definitely change your perspective on education in Oregon. It’s two-day version, “Taking It Up,” is wonderful, but the full four-day version is a pretty unique experience. To date, many of our administrators, and some teacher-leaders, have attended CFEE. We would love to see everyone attend.
We have two more opportunities coming up this summer–8:00am-3:30pm, virtual format, costs covered by district, 4 spots left for each of the following sessions: June 27-30, or July 19-22. First come first served–please reply to me ASAP if you’re interested in one of those dates!
From Patrick in IT:
Below is the timeline of tasks that will be completed over the summer. The tasks affect Synergy and our third party systems such as Clever and Canvas. Additionally, the timeline describes when student class assignments will be exposed and shared on ParentVue, StudentVue, Canvas and with Clever apps. Now that we have additional services such as Canvas and the applications through Clever, along with providing opportunities to students over the summer, the need to expose student class schedules has shifted to earlier dates.
Date
Task description
July 8, 2022
Last day of setting the Next Year School field in Synergy.This includes Bend – La Pine Schools Online summer school extension.
July 10 – 15,2022(Sun – Fri)
Services turned off:Synergy (core) for all usersSynergy ParentVue and StudentVueSynergy Online EnrollmentSynergy: New year rollover final tasks, patches, new release loaded.· All Synergy user accounts are disabled.
July 10, 2022 through August 22, 2022
Services turned off:Synergy TeacherVue/Grade BookSynergy Teacher login accountsData ServicesStudent data shared with these services is ‘frozen’ (not refreshed) with 2021-22 data.Clever (provides data to DreamBox, PEAK/FuelEd, Lexia, etc)Canvas
July 18, 2022
Synergy: Synergy will be set to the new year, 2022-23.Synergy core user accounts will be enabledServices turned on:Synergy (core)Online Enrollment*ParentVue and *StudentVue*The following menus/views in PVUE and SVUE remain OFF as they display class schedules:AttendanceGrade Book and GradeSchedule including homeroom assignment information
August 1 – 19, 2022
Summer SchoolServices turned on:Synergy summer school staff accounts (limited users)
August 22, 2022
High schools and middle schools: Master scheduling tasks completeElementary schools: Class assignments complete
August 22, 2022
ALL SCHOOLSServices turned on:Synergy teacher login accountsClass schedules are visible in Synergy TeachervueParentVue and StudentVue: Attendance, Schedule, Grade Book and Grade views. This includes turning on class schedules for all schools, including elementary schools.Data ServicesStudent data shared with these services is turned on and the data will reflect 2022-23 data. The data provided to these services will include class schedules.Clever (provides data to DreamBox, PEAK/FuelEd, Lexia, etc)Canvas
Much of these dates are similar to last year, however, I did add in the summer school window. Also, we are planning to have students be able to access Clever and Canvas year round, unless there is guidance that contradicts that thinking. If you have questions or concerns about this information, please contact Patrick
Reminder
A Reminder from Lora re: Personal Days
According to our collective bargaining agreement, certified staff may NOT take personal leave the last two weeks of school (June 6-17), unless there are “unusual or highly extenuating circumstances.” If you have a certified staff member request personal leave during that time, PLEASE MAKE SURE to forward the request to HR. We want to be consistent about what is approved. Additionally, remember the limit for personal days is 5% of your teaching staff. For most of you this is 2 teachers.
From HR regarding ICCL hiring
Don’t forget to read Candy’s email from yesterday re: ICCL hiring. The goal is to have the ICCL hiring completed by June 30, 2022. HR understands this is a very busy season for all of you. If you are not able to complete your ICCL hires by June 30, 2022, please just communicate that with Candy and let her know what your plan is and your estimated timeline. The stipend for the ICCL’s begins in September.
From last week’s blog post:
It is that time of year for evaluations. Please go into your TalentEd and complete your self-evaluation by Sunday (Midnight) May 15. Soon thereafter I will have April Jorgenson reach out to you to calendar an appointment with you. After May 15th we can keep our regular scheduled meeting to complete your evaluation. If that time or date doesn’t work for you, we can schedule another date and time. Let me know if you have any questions.
Calendar
May 15th-Complete Self-Evaluation by Midnight
May 16th-Preparing to Lead Equitable Schools-3:30pm-5:00 pm in the Board Room
May 16th-Middle School Principals Meeting-@7:30am-9:00am at Cascade Middle School
May 19-Principal Only Breakfast at Original Pancake House on the West Side 7:30am-9:00am
June 2-Principal Only Breakfast at Original Pancake House on the West Side 7:30am-9:00am
June 17th-Last day of school with students
August 10th & August 11th Leadership Training Academy Sessions 1 & 2
Fish On…
I want to thank Chad Lowe for sharing this music video. I totally feel this way about this year!!
It is that time of year for evaluations. Please go into your TalentEd and complete your self-evaluation by Sunday (Midnight) May 15. Soon thereafter I will have April Jorgenson reach out to you to calendar an appointment with you. After May 15th we can keep our regular scheduled meeting to complete your evaluation. If that time or date doesn’t work for you, we can schedule another date and time. Let me know if you have any questions.
I hope you have a wonderful weekend, and I wish you all a great Mother’s Day!! ~Juan
To Do
From Lora Nordquist
Principals,
According to our collective bargaining agreement, certified staff my NOT take personal leave the last two weeks of school (June 6-17), unless there are “unusual or highly extenuating circumstances.” If you have a certified staff member request personal leave during that time, PLEASE MAKE SURE to forward the request to HR. We want to be consistent about what is approved.
Also, on a subbing note, once seniors have graduated, teachers of all-senior classes can be assigned to cover classes if subs are needed. As long as a teacher retains their normal prep period, these assignments do not need to be compensated.
Lora
From Candy Gelatt (Also refer to her email sent on 5/5/22)
For those new to ICCL hiring, here are few things that will help you better understand the process.
All ICCL positions are two year positions.
If a teacher has completed their two year term they may apply for subsequent terms, but will be subject to the hiring process.
You will need to communicate to all of your certified staff that you have open ICCL positions and that they will need to submit an application if they are interested. The ICCL position will be posted on the district jobs page under Internal Applicants.
Column G on the spreadsheet shows the number of district paid ICCL positions at each school.
If you decide to hire more ICCL’s than what the district has allocated, those positions will be paid for out of your school improvement funds. This will still be a two year contract.
If you have an open district paid position and have an ICCL leader being paid out of SIF funds, instead of hiring to fill that open position, you can choose to move the SIF paid ICCL leader into the district paid position and leave the SIF paid position open, saving you money in your SIF account. You just need to notify [email protected] so that the change can be processed.
Once you have completed the screening process and conducted interviews, you will make the request to hire through Frontline Recruit/Hire.
New Changes to the ICCL Hiring Process
Interested teachers will submit an application through Frontline Recruit/Hire. This is a one page application that should only take them a few minutes to complete. https://www.applitrack.com/bend/onlineapp/
A colleague recommendation form will no longer be required.
Paper applications will not be accepted. Applicants must apply through Frontline Recruit/Hire.
There will be an option for applicants to upload a cover letter, resume and letter of recommendation, but this will not be required.
Once they start their application they will be able to select what school they are applying to.
If you need help navigating the large pool posting to only see the applicants for your school, please watch these instructional videos on how to access, sort and filter pooled postings (part I and part II).
Equitable Schools Training – On May 9th, a special gathering has been planned by other groups for our graduating seniors entering the military. Steve, Katie, and I, along with many of our high school principals, really want to attend this important event. SO…we are rescheduling our final session of preparing to lead equitable schools until Monday, 5/16, from 3:30-5:00 in the board room. I understand this may cause conflicts for some of you. Just let your level leader know if you will be unable to attend. Otherwise, we’ll see the rest of you on the 16th!
From Rachel Mavis
ATTENDANCE ADVISORY TEAM MEMBERS Looking for building admins, office staff, and teachers to participate in a Bend-La Pine Schools Attendance Advisory Team.A group of 28 BLS secondary staff members met on 4/27 to collaborate on attendance practices and policies. Changes at the District level were discussed, thus realizing that this group needs to expand to include elementary representation. Facilitating (not leading) is James Colestock who has 10 years of teaching experience, working within three of the nation’s largest school districts; Patrick Elliott who has 25 years of experience teaching and Student Information Systems as well as facilitating Springfield SD Attendance advisory team; Rachel Mavis 16 years BLS, knowledge of Oregon Attendance laws/policies and BLS attendance history. Changes in attendance practices and policies must be driven by the people who are in the schools. We need YOU to take the lead. Our next meeting is May 11 at 2:30 EDU Wall St lab. Due to the end of the year, meetings will resume next school year.
From Tracy Howk:
The End-of-Year iPad Checklist has been added to the BLS Summer iPad Plan. Ideally a staff member at each school will be given time to walk students through these end-of-year steps to clean up storage and update the iOS. As always, reach out to instructional technology or your school’s site tech with any questions.💡
From Jennifer Hauth
Hello MS Admin
We are having our culminating school counselor meeting/celebration for middle school counselors on:
June 8th from 2:00-4:30 at High Desert MS
The counselors are looking forward to coming together one last time before the school year ends to celebrate the year and begin the process of planning for the next year.
Draft Agenda:
First:
Celebration Power Point The slide will allow schools to showcase either a Tier 1, Tier 2, Tier 3 intervention/program that they are excited about or that was successful. See slide deck for examples.
Second:
Review Tiered interventions currently being implemented by school counselors at their site.
Third:
Annual Calendars for collaborative work around tiered programming at each site
From Austin James:
The time to request new instructional tools (both physical and digital) for next year is here! We currently plan to send each teacher an email on Monday, May 9 outlining their classes for the current year and tools that have been inventoried. As shown below, the email will include links to request new resources for next year via Google Form. There will also be a link to request instructional tools for new classes. As requests are received, we will evaluate each request using updated criteria. It is our sincere hope that we provide a response for every request before teachers leave for the summer.
A few scenarios and questions might arise. Here are a few we have thought about:
What if I’m teaching at a different school next year? Please fill out the form as if you were teaching these classes next year so that the new teacher is equipped and ready.
What if I don’t yet know what I’ll be teaching next year? You have until June 3 to fill out the form. We can extend this date on a case by case basis.
Will long term subs get a copy of these emails? We are making every effort to deliver to long-term subs but if a sub does not receive an email, please have them contact Austin James.
How do I let you know which classes will not be taught next year? You don’t need to! If the current class isn’t on next year’s master schedule, we know it isn’t taught.
If you have any questions regarding the process or criteria, please contact Dean Richards or Austin James.
From Kinsey Martin
Student/Family Handbook: As you update your student/family handbook for 22-23 publishing, please make sure to include some key equity-related information:
Indicate the location and access for all gender-neutral bathrooms in your building
Check that your dress code language aligns with district policy
Consider adding information about expectations around bias incidents, to raise awareness on our district policy
Skim for binary language (“girls/boys”) and replace with neutral options where possible (students, learners, they)
Review your personal leadership Equity Stance document, and reflect on how clearly that stance shows up in language throughout your handbook
Track your changes so you can submit the updated portions for translation
Share other ideas for making handbooks more inclusive!
From Alandra
Reminder: From Alandra:Nominate a Student to be Featured in the Calendar
We are excited to feature students in our annual Calendar & Handbook, which is mailed home to all families in English and Spanish. The 2022-23 calendar will include professional portraits of students taken this spring as well as a short bio/quote. Our goal is to represent a wide range of students by highlighting a variety of backgrounds, ages, abilities and interests. Who would you like to see featured? Nominate an outstanding student today: https://bls.fyi/nominate (Due May 6). I’m happy to answer questions – Alandra.johnson@bend.k12.or.us.
From Dean and our Secondary TOSA team
We have all seen students who are not engaged in school. One way to increase their engagement is to increase their voice and choice in the their daily interactions in school. This week’s blog gives a few instructional ideas to increase student agency.
May 9th-Preparing to Lead Equitable Schools– Postponed to May 16
May 16th-Preparing to Lead Equitable Schools-3:30-5:00 pm in the Board Room
May 16th-Middle School Principals Meeting-@7:30-9:00 at Cascade Middle School
May 19-Principal Only Breakfast at Original Pancake House on the West Side 7:30-9:00
June 2-Principal Only Breakfast at Original Pancake House on the West Side 7:30-9:00
August 10th & August 11th Leadership Training Academy Sessions 1 & 2
Fish On…
As we get to the end of the school year, think about your why?? Do you remember it? We get tired, short with folks, and simply worn down. Remember your why…I hope this short video inspires you and gives some more juice.
I appreciate each and everyone of you. Especially with the everyday challenges that you face, big or small and often. I recognize the often with no lag in between. Be sure to take of yourself when you have the time. And I want to acknowledge your flexibility, and patience with all the meetings I’ve called lately. I appreciate you!
Here is the visitor update I shared in our WebEx yesterday. Starting Monday, May 2, visitors will be allowed in schools at your discretion, for educational purposes and by invitation Only, which is district policy. Follow this link for more details and to the conditions for visitors.
Lastly, remember, be kind to yourself and have a wonderful weekend. ~Juan
To Do
A note about Safety Drills from Julianne and Scott:
Thanks for making sure these drills are completed monthly.
Additionally, several school leaders have not completed lockDOWN, Secure, Shelter, Earthquake drills this year – those need to be completed by the end of the year. A full drill is required, standing up in front of students to talk about the protocol is not a substitute for a drill, by the way. We are counting on your support to ensure these get done. Thank you!
From our website…
In accordance with ORS 336.071 and OAR 581-022-2225 all schools in the district (including those operating a Comprehensive Distance Learning model) are required to instruct students on emergency procedures in the school setting and conduct drills to practice emergency procedures. Emergency drills will continue throughout the COVID-19 Pandemic as per existing rules, statutes, and board policy.
Drills can and should be carried out as close as possible to the procedures that would be used in an actual emergency. For example, a fire drill should be carried out with the same alerts and same routes as normal. If appropriate and practicable, COVID-19 physical distancing measures can be implemented, but only if they do not compromise the drill.
Staff should be trained in changes to drills prior to return to school and conducting any drills in the school setting. All standard collaboration (i.e. fire department, alarm company) and documentation remains required.
Sub shortage: We are continuing to struggle to cover classrooms during the ongoing sub shortage we are experiencing. We are deploying Ed Center staff every day to try to support, but we are far from able to keep up. The current situation is more challenging than when we returned from winter break. Our priority is to staff schools that have more than one unfilled position. I appreciate the fact that our you generally cover your sub needs internally. Our team is trying to balance supporting schools while also doing the things required for our own jobs. The mantra for this year continues to be patience and grace!
From Dana
FAN Evaluation Feedback: If you received an email from Dana Pedersen last week regarding FAN Advocate evaluation feedback, please get her the information as soon as you can. For those of you that replied, Thank you!
From Alandra Johnson
Nominate a Student to be Featured in the Calendar
We are excited to feature students in our annual Calendar & Handbook, which is mailed home to all families in English and Spanish. The 2022-23 calendar will include professional portraits of students taken this spring as well as a short bio/quote. Our goal is to represent a wide range of students by highlighting a variety of backgrounds, ages, abilities and interests. Who would you like to see featured? Nominate an outstanding student today: https://bls.fyi/nominate (Due May 6). I’m happy to answer questions – [email protected]
From Kinsey Martin
New Process for Bilingual Staff: The blurb below will soon be shared via the district Spotlight newsletter. This process applies to all staff (admin, classified, certified). Admin and supervisors are receiving this information now, as a heads-up. Once the Spotlight has been shared out, please reiterate the information to your staff via your blog or in a staff meeting.
Blurb to be shared with your staff after May 2:
Are you bilingual? Interested in earning a stipend to support occasional communication with our multilingual families? To learn more about this new opportunity for bilingual employees in Bend-La Pine Schools, see our CAFE Program overview. To indicate your interest and to be contacted regarding a chance to ask questions and complete next steps, please complete the interest form (see item #6 of the overview).
From April Jorgenson
Earlier this week, I shared everyone’s HSS Planning documents for next year. In order to keep things aligned with the three categories outlined by ODE, we are categorizing everything into three investments…1 – CTE Programs…2 – College-Level Programs…3 – Dropout Prevention. You may have as many subcategories as you wish under these investments, but each subcategory must meet the requirements for one of these areas. If you have any questions or if you need assistance with these documents, don’t hesitate to contact me.
From Alandra Johnson
Nominate a Student to be Featured in the Calendar
We are excited to feature students in our annual Calendar & Handbook, which is mailed home to all families in English and Spanish. The 2022-23 calendar will include professional portraits of students taken this spring as well as a short bio/quote. Our goal is to represent a wide range of students by highlighting a variety of backgrounds, ages, abilities and interests. Who would you like to see featured? Nominate an outstanding student today: https://bls.fyi/nominate (Due May 6). I’m happy to answer questions – [email protected]
From Julie Montoya, World Language TOSA
We have all had that experience where we hear another language and wonder what is being said. For some of us it is during travel, others while we are in our home and come across a TV show with actors speaking other than English.
We have a number of students who have this experience every day as they move toward becoming biliterate and Bicultural. World Language TOSA Julie Montoya shares a look through the eyes of our native and non-native English speakers and how our worlds open up when we engage with other languages.
The summer iPad plan is ready. There’s a one-pager for staff and one for families. When and exactly how this plan is implemented is up to each school. Ideally a staff member at each school will be given time to walk students through end-of-year steps to clean up storage and update the iOS. Doing these things now will lead to an easier launch in the fall and lend to digital literacy in general. Please reach out to Instructional Technology or your school’s site tech with questions.
Notes from Kinsey about our Autistic Students:
Although Autism Acceptance Month is coming to a close, we thought it valuable for our instructional leadership to educate ourselves regarding our autistic community, as part of our efforts to increase inclusion and belonging.
Did you know:
there are currently over 200 autistic students* in Bend-La Pine Schools;
over 30 BLS employees identify as disabled and/or neurodivergent (not autistic specifically, but the closest data we currently have);
the suicide rate is 40% higher for autistic compared to neurotypical people.
*(Wondering why we didn’t say ‘students with autism’? Check out this discussion of identity- vs. person-first language.)
Here are some learning resources for you (if you don’t have much time, the two videos are your best bet).
As you will see, this topic spans social-emotional learning; diversity, equity, and inclusion; instruction and differentiation; college and career prep; and inclusive workplace climate.
Thank you for taking the time to reflect on the experiences of our autistic students, and how your leadership is key in promoting inclusion, belonging, and equity for our students with disabilities.
Staffing plans are taking a bit longer than expected to review. My goal is to be done with them by the end of the day on Monday, April 25th, with feedback. My review is taking longer than expected, as I am reconciling that your numbers match up, and that your staffing allocation is maximized in the most effective way. I will check that the SIA funded SSC and HU is being used correctly for your SSC people, counselors in some cases, and HU for class size reduction first before anything else if you have large classes. I appreciate your patience.
Also, remember that I cancelled Tuesday’s, April 26th, Principal meeting in La Pine. We will meet on Monday, April 25th at Bend SHS 8:00-9:30 am.
Lastly, I apologize for the late delivery of the Fish Basket as I subbed today at PCMS.
Have a great weekend~Juan
To Do
Middle School Summer School Student List
Remember, Monday, May 2, is the due date for sending names to Dean Richards from your school. There is some flexibility with your numbers, but attempt to fill your slots.
The list you send to Dean will be crossed checked with synergy and transportation. The overview of the middle school summer school program is below. Use it to answer questions for your students and families. You will also see another important step below. Do not ignore the below task.
As your school begins to know and confirm the names of students for summer school you will now have your registrar matriculate those students to their pointed summer school.
Here is what you need to share with your Registrar to point your school’s students to summer school. It contains all the pertinent information to complete this critical step.
Because of the shortage of subs we cannot have schools bringing in subs for meetings, assessments, or releasing teachers for school business (ie supplemental subs for ECSE meeting, progress monitoring, team planning…). Every day this week we’ve had numerous unfilled jobs so we need to reduce the impact by not scheduling subs for these things
This and That
From Jennifer Hauth
We have posted a full time counselor on special assignment (COSA) position for next year. The focus of the work will be K-12 but with a heavy emphasis on high school at first. The position will focus on program alignment, coaching, professional learning and adopting a comprehensive school counseling program at each site. Please send people my way if they have any questions.
From Kinsey
Bias Incidents: Curious about next steps with our bias incident work? This timeline shows where we’ve been in recent years (a celebration of our collective efforts, considering the pandemic happening in the ‘background’), and where we’re headed next: short-term actions for this spring, as well as longer-term/ongoing work.
Your LEAD teacher (if you have one) will be trying out a lesson on Bias in their class. Ask them about it and pop in if you get a chance. These will not be taught schoolwide this year (except in the case of HDMS who is piloting it school wide).
Note that the bold items occurring this April and May 2022 (second page) include some action needed on your part. If you would like a mini-PD/calibration activity or protocol for re-visiting this topic with your staff, please reach out to Kinsey. Remember that this tool is as much intended to facilitate partnership in responding to incidents, as it is to track and record data on the incidents themselves. Thank you!
From Garra
Nutrition News!!
Regulations for summer lunch and next school year have changed significantly. All waivers extended during the pandemic emergency will end on the last day of the 2021-2022 school year.
For summer lunch meals will continue to be free to all children 18 years and under but now the meal will have to be eaten on site and grab and go or parent pick up is no longer an option.
For next school year, school meals will be paid, free, or reduced price which will require an application to be completed after Aug 1st, except for students attending community eligibility provision (CEP) schools. The CEP schools for 2022-2023 are: Bear Creek Elementary, Ensworth Elementary, Pilot Butte Middle, Bend Tech Academy at Marshall High, Three Rivers, La Pine Elementary, La Pine Middle, La Pine High, and Rosland Elementary.
More people may qualify for the meals program due to the Student Success Act. The State of Oregon supports students who do not qualify for free and reduced meal benefits using federal income guidelines. It provides meal benefits to households with incomes above 185% but not exceeding 300% of the federal poverty guidelines. This means that a family of 4 with an annual income of $79,500 could qualify for meals at no cost. Families are encouraged to apply if they think they may qualify.
And
Alandra is working with Garra in Nutrition Services to communicate changes to summer meals as well as meals for the 2022-23 school year. Watch for that info in English and Spanish next week to share. (If you already shared communication from Nutrition Services, that’s great. This is likely one that we will share multiple times because it marks a significant change for families.)
From Austin James
The time to request new instructional tools (both physical and digital) for next year is quickly approaching. We currently plan to send each teacher an email in early May outlining their classes for the current year and tools that have been inventoried. The email will include links to request new resources for next year via Google Form. There will also be a link to request instructional tools for new classes. As requests are received, we will evaluate each request using updated criteria. It is our sincere hope that we provide a response for every request before teachers leave for the summer. If you have any questions regarding the process or criteria, please contact Dean Richards or Austin James.
From Aimee Snyder
Pilot for Vaping Prevention Education
The district has approved for schools to pilot CATCH My Breath, a vaping prevention curriculum effective at preventing youth experimentation with vaping.
The curriculum includes four 35-min lessons for 5-8th grades and 9-12th grades. It is a free curriculum, available through the CATCH.org online portal.
School staff interested in piloting the CATCH My Breath program can follow this step-by-step guide. The guide provides instructions on how to access and navigate the most useful resources in the portal. The guide also provides all the links needed for the parent letter, teacher eval form, and student pre-/post- tests.
A parent/guardian notification letter, with an opt out option, should be provided to parents/guardians before piloting the curriculum and administering student pre-/post-tests, according to BLS policy KAB-AP. The parent notification letter included in the step-by-step guide provided everything needed to comply with this policy.
We are testing and reviewing this curriculum as a part of our process to develop a K-12 Health scope and sequence. The K-12 Health scope and sequence and a thorough review of current and potential supplemental Health curriculum to adopt will be done through a workgroup this summer, June 20-23 (8:30am-3:30pm). School staff will receive curriculum pay for their time. School staff interested in joining this workgroup should email [email protected]or [email protected].
This pilot and the scope and sequence development this summer is part of our Healthy Schools program, a 50/50 partnership between Bend-La Pine Schools and Deschutes County Public Health’s Prevention and Health Promotion. More info about Healthy Schools is included at the bottom of the step-by-step guide for this pilot project.
Calendar
April 25th, Staffing meeting with HS principals at 8:00-9:30 at Bend HS-Please bring your Staffing Plans
Aril 26th-Middle School Horizontal Meeting @La Pine MS@7:30-9:00 am Canceled
May 2nd-Principal Only Breakfast at Original Pancake House on the West Side 7:30-9:00
May 9th-Preparing to Lead Equitable Schools– Principals only 3:30-5:00 location TBD
May 16th-Middle School Principals Meeting-@7:30-9:00 at Cascade Middle School
May 19-Principal Only Breakfast at Original Pancake House on the West Side 7:30-9:00
June 2-Principal Only Breakfast at Original Pancake House on the West Side 7:30-9:00
August 10th & August 11th Leadership Training Academy Sessions 1 & 2
HR had a great meeting with the HS principals the other day that highlighted prospective openings and the possible reductions. With that process in mind Ryan Kelling wants to meet with the MS principals to do the same. Please plan on being at the Ed Center on Wednesday, April 20th at 1:00pm. This meeting will get us prepared for our next meeting on Monday, April 25th at 8:00 am-9:30 am. We’ll meet with the HS principals at BEND HIGH that morning to finalize any movement that may happen.
Please bring your staffing plans, and FTE allocations so that you have all the information to guide our decisions. So, I am canceling our Tuesday, April 26th, principal meeting in La Pine. I know this is a lot of movement and change, but we need to get this right. I also know that some of you requested to move our 25th meeting to the 26th but our staffing process will have to take precedent. I appreciate your flexibility.
I appreciate you~Juan
To Do
Middle School Summer School Student List
Remember, Monday, May 2, is the due date for sending names to Dean Richards from your school. There is some flexibility with your numbers, but attempt to fill your slots.
Staffing Plans
Please continue to work on your plans. Complete these these by Monday, April 18th. I will be reviewing them. Let me know if you have any questions.
This and That
Personal days
It’s that time of year where people will be cashing in their personal days. Please remember the 5% rule. No more than 5% of your bargaining unit (certified) can be out on the same day with personal days. It is up to the school to keep track. Rule of thumb is that for larger schools, It’s 2 people. Please pass this information on to your office managers so they can help you manage these requests so you don’t approve too many for one day.
Update from Jennifer Hauth
Optional Educator Network School Counselor Professional Learning
Please encourage your school counselors to attend the optional training on Wednesday from 2:30 to 4:00 pm at Caldera High School in Room 210. We will be reviewing school specific Youth Truth data in the social-emotional and engagement categories. The goal is to support counselors in using this information to take the next steps in building a data informed, comprehensive school counseling program.
From Dean Richards
Next week is the voluntary Educator Network Day which provides an opportunity for you to meet with teachers in the same content area. The Educator Network Days are led by ICCLs in each content area. You will be time sheeted for your time collaborating with your peers.
I know you are in the middle of running your buildings and working on your staffing plans at the same time. It reminds me of having one foot in this year while starting to place the other in next year. Please take a look at your classified staffing plan. April has updated some information that will make you happy.
I look forward to seeing you on Monday, April 11 at 9:00 am in the board room. Here is our agenda:
Transfer process
Student Advisory Council
Advisory
Summer School Selection List
Please be on the look out for an email from Paul Dean around postings. Let me know if you have any questions.
Thank you~Juan
To Do
From Scott Bojanowski
It has been brought to our attention that some schools have their secure vestibule unsecured and propped open. We need to ensure that schools are meeting the expectation that their school entries are locked and that vestibules are being secured properly.
It is unacceptable to prop doors open or left unlocked for the sake of convenience. Safety must be a priority at all times. The district works hard to create a culture of safety and we appreciate your attention to this important detail.
From Level Leaders
We know you are all looking at your staffing plans and working hard to create configurations that work for your students and teachers. We understand this is a stressful task so please don’t hesitate to reach out and use me as a thought partner. I may not have the answers but sometimes it just helps to talk things through.
The Level Leaders (Katie, Skip, Tammy, and I) have a meeting with Paul today to discuss the transfer process so we are all following the same process.
After that meeting, we will ask you to send out the survey Ryan sent to you on Tuesday for your review. The purpose of the survey is to get input from teachers about their level of interest in transferring or staying put. Hopes for next year
Our intention is for teachers to be where they choose to be. We may not be able to meet this goal for every individual, but that is our plan. We want people to be where they want to be. Reach out with questions.
LEAD Cohort in from Lora
The LEAD Cohort is part of our district’s key strategies to support staff in promoting dialogue on equity and anti-racism, so that teachers can facilitate positive and safe critical conversations in all classrooms. We cannot wait for bias incidents to occur to communicate our values of inclusion and equity: we must be proactive and intentional in ongoing work, and in normalizing conversations about tough stuff before incidents occur-or better yet, to prevent them happening at all.
Please ensure that teachers in your building clearly see your explicit support for their implementation of LEAD Cohort strategies. They will know you expect them to engage in this work when you…
are familiar with the LEAD website strategies and resources yourself,
share those resources with them directly,
encourage peer sharing and engagement with district LEAD Cohort representatives,
look for the strategies in practice during mini-observations, and
reflect alongside your teachers and ask questions about LEAD strategies during debrief conversations.
The resources on the LEAD website are constantly changing and being updated. (Coming soon: more video examples of the lessons, and specific Ethnic Studies, Language, Health, and other standards identified throughout the links and descriptions.) Check it out here, and consider bookmarking and/or sharing via your own staff blogs.
Job Fair
Just a reminder that the job fair will be April 11 from 12:00 – 6:00 pm, with lunch provided for administrators. We will be meeting with candidates from 1:00 – 6:00 and are continuing the past practice of asking all administrators to be present to interview candidates for a two-and-a-half hour shift. Buildings with two or more administrators need to have at least one admin present at all times during the event.
This and That
From Dean Richards-Secondary Instruction Blog
Do you and your students get high anxiety this time of year due to end of the year summative assessments? If so, read on about ideas that can be used in your classroom to help reframe and reduce that anxiety.
Linda Adams, Mathematics TOSA, shares a personal story about how she helped her students excel when the pressure was high.
re: Home Bound Tutoring – Teachers, if you are interested in making a few extra dollars this spring, or long term we are in desperate need for Home Instructor/Tutors. If you have any interest or questions, please reach out to Josh Marks via email or phone for specific details. [email protected] or 541-355-1060.”
Calendar
April 11th-Middle School Staffing/Placements/Transfers Principals only 9:00-10:30 pm Location; Board Room
April 11-Central Oregon Job Fair 12:00-6:00 @Redmond Fair Grounds
April 15th, 18th &19th -Juan out of office (available by phone or text-limited email)
Aril 26th-Middle School Horizontal Meeting @La Pine MS@7:30-9:00 am
May 9th-Preparing to Lead Equitable Schools– Principals only 3:30-5:00 location TBD
June 20th & June 21 Leadership Training AcademyThese dates are no longer on the books. The training will happen in August. The dates will be decided soon! So, there is no Leadership Training happening in June!
Staffing season is a time for change and shifting. I have spoken with most of you about your staffing and some of your challenges that you might face, but think about the learning opportunities you are going to create for your students! We make difficult decisions in favor of our students and place them at the center of what we do!
To that end, we are going to meet on Monday, April 11th at 9:00-10:30 in the board room (principals only). You will not be getting your staffing plan template today. There were too many discrepancies on the document and rather than answer a bunch of questions, level leaders decided to wait and hand them out when they are accurate. We are targeting Tuesday, April 5th, to send out. As mentioned above, complete the attached form by April 11, so that we are ready to discuss where you might have openings to post. I appreciate your hard work and all that you do for students and staff. Let me know if you have any questions.
Have a restful weekend~Juan
To do
From Ryan in HR
Here is the link to the Central Oregon Job Fair sign-up sheet for administrators. The job fair will be April 11 from 12:00 – 6:00 pm, with lunch provided for administrators. We will be meeting with candidates from 1:00 – 6:00 and are continuing the past practice of asking all administrators to be present to interview candidates for a two-and-a-half hour shift. Buildings with two or more administrators need to have at least one admin present at all times during the event.
Principals’ PD Session Monday
All principals, please remember that we will have our second spring session on Leading Equitable Schools next Monday, April 4th, from 3:30-5:00 PM in the board room. Snacks will be served! Remember to read chapters 4-6 beforehand and be prepared to discuss these.
From Lora
When you were given your staffing allocations, your schools received a specific allocation for “HU,” or staffing to reduce class size so that we can better serve our historically underserved students and families. This staffing was determined according to the number of HU students attending your school.
It’s important to remember that funding for this HU staffing comes from our Student Investment Account (SIA). We were required by the state to engage in a lengthy process (our excellence and equity review 1.0) to prioritize our SIA spending, and class size reduction emerged as one of our two top priorities (the other being the social, mental, and emotional wellbeing of our student, where we’ve put our highest level of SIA $$). If you want to use your HU staffing for purposes other than class size reduction, please consult with your level leader for approval.
This and That
Check out Summer professional learning opportunities – Click here!
Visitor Update
Starting Monday, April 4th, you may have a visitor come to school that fits the “Guest Speaker and Outside Presenter” Administrative Regulation definition. They must sign into Raptor and wear the name tag. Guests and Visitors must be supervised by school staff at all times and may not work alone with students.
Student Teachers
FYI – if you have a university reaching out to you or to teachers directly for student teacher placement please refer them to Ryan Kelling in HR. He is going to be the point of contact for our universities on this topic. We are being very purposeful in our placements, as great teachers are grown by working with great teachers.
From Transportation
Transportation can now offer field trips on a limited basis between route times, 9:30 AM- 1:30 (buses must be back to your school by 1:30)Transportation for field trips is NOT available on Wednesdays. Trip requests must be submitted (by teacher or office manager) and approved (by office manager or principal) no later than 3-4 weeks prior to the trip date.Trip requests are then forwarded to Executive Directors for prioritization approval. From the prioritization and approval list, transportation will look for availability. This is the FINAL approval step. Transportation will then approve/decline 1-2 weeks prior to the trip.
LEAD Cohort Promotion
The LEAD Cohort is part of our district’s key strategies to support staff in promoting dialogue on equity and anti-racism, so that teachers can facilitate positive and safe critical conversations in all classrooms. We cannot wait for bias incidents to occur to communicate our values of inclusion and equity: we must be proactive and intentional in ongoing work, and in normalizing conversations about tough stuff before incidents occur-or better yet, to prevent them happening at all.
Please ensure that teachers in your building clearly see your explicit support for their implementation of LEAD Cohort strategies. They will know you expect them to engage in this work when you…
are familiar with the LEAD website strategies and resources yourself,
share those resources with them directly,
encourage peer sharing and engagement with district LEAD Cohort representatives,
look for the strategies in practice during mini-observations, and
reflect alongside your teachers and ask questions about LEAD strategies during debrief conversations.
The resources on the LEAD website are constantly changing and being updated. (Coming soon: more video examples of the lessons, and specific Ethnic Studies, Language, Health, and other standards identified throughout the links and descriptions.) Check it out here, and consider bookmarking and/or sharing via your own staff blogs.
From Tracy Howk
March is coming to an end, but digital citizenship carries on all year long. Here’s what we’ve been working on… Looking for purposeful options for iPad choice time? Prevent Passive iPad Time has ideas to get you started. We also explore why so many of us get lost in the land of scrolling. Check out Making Screen Time Work For You for maintaining focus. Family communication: Parents Ultimate Guides for everything from TikTok to Fortnite. And of course, something fun (great for everyone but especially looking at you, awesome advisory teachers!) A Digital Citizenship Kahoot!
BLS district safety Team
As you may be aware, the BLS district safety team meets regularly (about once a month) to discuss questions, concerns, ideas, and strategies connected to student and staff safety. Our MS admin rep is Nole Kennedy. If you have any big-picture questions/ideas or simply are curious about why we do something the way we do related to safety, please let Nole know and
Volunteers
If you have a parent signed up to volunteer, they must abide by our volunteer rules, meaning that they need to go through the volunteer application system, upload vaccination card/exception paperwork and be approved. They also need to sign in and wear the Raptor sticker when they are there to volunteer. There have been some parent volunteers that work with the ESD and BLPS, that have come in using their work credentials/name badges and argued about needing to sign in the system. All volunteers need to follow the same protocols. he can bring that to this group
From Marsha Baro (PACE SAM Prevention Webinar)
Our claims team has handled claims in our program over the years and more recently it seems daily there is a report in the news of sexual harassment and sexual conduct related to students all over the country in our schools, which is why we are continuing to focus on this important topic.
Below is The PACE webinar presented by McKenzie R. Nix as well as memo that provides the framework for topic review.
I share these items with you today as a refresher course, feel free to share with your level teams, as this continues to be an important topic,
April 4th-Preparing to Lead Equitable Schools-Principals only 3:30-5:00 location: Board Room
April 11th-Middle School Staffing/Placements/Transfers Principals only 9:00-10:30 pm Location; Board Room
April 15th, 18th &19th -Juan out of office (available by phone or text-limited email)
Aril 26th-Middle School Horizontal Meeting @La Pine MS@7:30-9:00 am
May 9th-Preparing to Lead Equitable Schools– Principals only 3:30-5:00 location TBD
June 20th & June 21 Leadership Training AcademyThese dates are no longer on the books. The training will happen in August. The dates will be decided soon! So, there is no Leadership Training happening in June!
Level leaders have received staffing allocations from Brad and April will soon be putting together the templates for the staffing plans. I sent you all your allocation in an earlier email.
It will take time for April to create the template. As stated in my earlier email, we expect to have the template to you by April 1st. Don’t hesitate in reaching out to me if you have any questions. I will be available over the break by limited email, but you can call or text.
Take a break! You deserve it! I will see you soon.
~Juan
To Do
Process for requesting a field trip from TLC
We are actively looking for the best way to support teachers who are looking to take field trips during a time of limited subs and limited transportation. We keep working to find the way to make it as simple and effective that we can. Submitting a transportation request does not mean the field trip is approved. There are three steps to having a field trip approved
Teachers submit a field trip request form to their principal (approval pending)
Submit a transportation request to Transportation (approval pending)
TLC will cross reference with any substitute needs for that day via Absence Management System in Frontline
Level leads will meet once a week (Thursdays) to approve the field trip and communicate approval. (Approved!)
Transportation will need to begin routing buses at least 3 weeks ahead of time. We recommend that you get any transportation requests at least 4 weeks before the field trip. Please communicate to your teachers that they should anticipate a month lead time when requesting a field trip
This and That
From Kinsey
Thank you for the recent and ongoing conversation around bias incidents, and for ensuring that all staff in your building have access to the reporting tool.
Here are tips for managing the reporting logistics.
Here are sentence frames staff can use to interrupt when bias happens. If you would like partnership on a quick training/calibration conversation at your upcoming staff meeting, please reach out.
Here is the DEI Department newsletter from a few weeks ago, with additional resources for having difficult conversations. Feel free to share these with your staff.
Conferences
As you know and you have probably communicated, our conferences will be in person with the parents having the option to request a virtual conference. I have had a couple teachers reach out about doing fully virtual conferences because of health concerns. An ADA accommodation will need to be requested in order for this to be approved. To initiate this, the teacher needs to email HR Benefits ([email protected]) with his or her request. It would also be helpful in this email to include any note from a doctor. They are probably going to ask for that anyway so this will just reduce the emails going back and forth.
A request from Maintenance
Can you please talk to the principals about feminine hygiene products not being flushed down the toilets? We are getting sewer backups daily, sometimes multiple the same day. We are pulling tampons out of the drain lines. Their wrappers, and the “flushable wipes” which should never be flushed either. Our maintenance team members estimate they pulled over 1500 tampons/pads out of the drain lines last month. Let’s be kind to our maintenance workers.
Reminders
Just a reminder
Here is the link to some frequently asked RSSL Questions. This is not for public consumption so please don’t send it out to families. There are new questions and answers being added weekly.
COVID Corner (from last week)
As promised – Here is an update around some frequently asked RSSL Questions. This is not for public consumption so please don’t send it out to families.
Summer School Update from Kevin Milner(from last week)
Programming for summer programs is off and rolling. Kevin Milner is taking the lead on this, with summer learning options looking similar to last year. Programming (Jump Start (Gr. 1-5) and Spark (Gr. 6-8) will target learning and enrichment opportunities for our district’s traditionally underserved student populations (gr.1-8) and help these students to get an early start on learning classroom/school routines, along with strategies that will help them to be successful learners in the year ahead. In addition, we will offer participating students with enrichment opportunities that they normally would not experience during their time when they are outside of school.
The process to select students for Jump Start and Spark will be coming up in April.
Some details:
Programming Dates: August 1-19, Monday-Friday
Times:
Jump Start – (8:00-3:30) Day will have two segments: a morning academic focus and an enrichment focus in the afternoon.
SPARK – (9:00-1:00) Day will include academic, with enrichment built into the schedule.
Elementary Sites:
Ensworth: Students from Juniper, Silver Rail and Ensworth.
Pine Ridge: Students from Elk Meadow, Miller, Jewell and Pine Ridge)
Buckingham: Bear Creek, Ponderosa and Buckingham
High Lakes: Students from High Lakes, Highland, North Star and Lava Ridge
Elementary LaPine Site:LaPine Elementary (Students from Rosland, Three Rivers and LPES)
Middle School Sites:
Pilot Butte (Students from PBMS, Realms,…)
Cascade: (Students from Pacific Crest and Cascade)
Sky View: (Students from High Desert and Sky View)
LaPine Middle School
Postings for Jump Start Students Services and Spark Deans of Students will be coming out soon, with postings for classroom teachers, enrichment teachers, educational assistants, office managers, food service, nurses and other positions to follow in April. (Please share this hiring with staff)
March 29th-Juan in Portland for Job Fair (available by phone, text and email)
April 4th-Preparing to Lead Equitable Schools-Principals only 3:30-5:00 location TBD
April 15th, 18th &19th -Juan out of office (available by phone or text-limited email)
Aril 25th-Middle School Horizontal Meeting @La Pine MS@7:30-9:00 am
May 9th-Preparing to Lead Equitable Schools– Principals only 3:30-5:00 location TBD
June 20th & June 21 Leadership Training AcademyThese dates are no longer on the books. The training will happen in August. The dates will be decided soon! So, there is no Leadership Training happening in June!
Fish On…
This was the pic that Matt was talking about at our meeting on Wednesday! This is one way of saving on gas!!
Leave sheets are due to the business office on Monday, March 14th. The period we are recording for this time is 02/14/2022 – 03/13/22. Please record your leave on your Google leave record and let me know when you are done. If you do not have any leave to report this period, please email me and let me know. If you have any questions, please let me know.
COVID Corner
As promised – Here is an update around some frequently asked RSSL Questions. This is not for public consumption so please don’t send it out to families.
Programming for summer programs is off and rolling. Kevin Milner is taking the lead on this, with summer learning options looking similar to last year. Programming (Jump Start (Gr. 1-5) and Spark (Gr. 6-8) will target learning and enrichment opportunities for our district’s traditionally underserved student populations (gr.1-8) and help these students to get an early start on learning classroom/school routines, along with strategies that will help them to be successful learners in the year ahead. In addition, we will offer participating students with enrichment opportunities that they normally would not experience during their time when they are outside of school.
The process to select students for Jump Start and Spark will be coming up in April.
Some details:
Programming Dates: August 1-19, Monday-Friday
Times:
Jump Start – (8:00-3:30) Day will have two segments: a morning academic focus and an enrichment focus in the afternoon.
SPARK – (9:00-1:00) Day will include academic, with enrichment built into the schedule.
Elementary Sites:
Ensworth: Students from Juniper, Silver Rail and Ensworth.
Pine Ridge: Students from Elk Meadow, Miller, Jewell and Pine Ridge)
Buckingham: Bear Creek, Ponderosa and Buckingham
High Lakes: Students from High Lakes, Highland, North Star and Lava Ridge
Elementary LaPine Site:LaPine Elementary (Students from Rosland, Three Rivers and LPES)
Middle School Sites:
Pilot Butte (Students from PBMS, Realms,…)
Cascade: (Students from Pacific Crest and Cascade)
Sky View: (Students from High Desert and Sky View)
LaPine Middle School
Postings for Jump Start Students Services and Spark Deans of Students will be coming out soon, with postings for classroom teachers, enrichment teachers, educational assistants, office managers, food service, nurses and other positions to follow in April. (Please share this hiring with staff)
Spring conferences are in person. If a parent/family/guardian requests a conference please have your teacher(s) work with them. The appointment doesn’t necessarily need to be on the same day.
This and That
From Instructional Tech
This month is all about digital citizenship. We all know it’s important but hardly have time to fit it in. Check out Digital Citizenship Made Simple. This week we’re looking at social media. Our latest post, Instagram Ready, includes a quick social media Kahoot all ready to go. As always, visit our blog for more bright ideas.💡 (And to our subscribers: please pardon the broken link this morning. This email will get you where you need to go.)
March 29th-Juan in Portland for Job Fair (available by phone, text and email)
April 4th-Preparing to Lead Equitable Schools-Principals only 3:30-5:00 location TBD
April 15th, 18th &19th -Juan out of office (available by phone or text-limited email)
Aril 25th-Middle School Horizontal Meeting @La Pine MS@7:30-9:00 am
May 9th-Preparing to Lead Equitable Schools– Principals only 3:30-5:00 location TBD
June 20th & June 21 Leadership Training AcademyThese dates are no longer on the books. The training will happen in August. The dates will be decided soon! So, there is no Leadership Training happening in June!
