{"id":960,"date":"2021-11-20T00:28:02","date_gmt":"2021-11-20T00:28:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.bend.k12.or.us\/pcms-staff\/?p=960"},"modified":"2021-12-08T16:23:08","modified_gmt":"2021-12-08T16:23:08","slug":"november-19-2021","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.bend.k12.or.us\/pcms-staff\/2021\/11\/20\/november-19-2021\/","title":{"rendered":"November 19, 2021"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

6th Graders at Miller Elementary<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I am so incredibly delighted to be sharing news about our first field trip of the year, as our 6th graders went across the street to visit the first graders at Miller Elementary on Thursday, where they read them their “Choose Your Own Adventure” stories. The Miller students were enthralled by these giant visitors and were really invested in the stories shared. What made this visit to Miller a particularly great outing was that this group of 6th graders is the first group who could have been part of the tradition full-circle; that is, when they were first graders, they were read to by then-PCMS 6th graders. It was a truly special moment and, I’m grateful for the work Lindsey, Kyle, Jane, and Jane put into it to make it so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Field Study is a big part of the philosophical foundation of Pacific Crest and, while we are sad to have missed out on all of those experiences last year and some already this year, it is an encouraging development that we could get our typically-annual visit to Miller in this week.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bathroom Usage Adjustment<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In an effort to eliminate the vandalism that is repeatedly occurring in the bathrooms, we will be moving back to the bathroom policy we had in place last year, which is that all restrooms will be closed during passing periods. This is not an ideal situation, as it means students will need to access the restroom during class time, but it needs to be done at this time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We also needing all staff to be in the hallways, actively circulating, during passing periods whenever possible, as we know that adult presence in the hallways will deter this undesired behavior. Additionally, we’d like to return to the practice of requiring teachers to do a sweep of the hallway directly after the period prior to their prep period – for those of you who have been here a while, these are the “backpack sweeps” of yore; for those of you newer to PCMS, we are asking that you, at the end of the period preceding your prep period, walk the hallways down to the office, urging students to go to their next class as you travel. This is an effective way to show students you care about them and their well-being that also has the added benefit of deterring undesired behaviors. See me or Anne-Marie with any questions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We’ll be sharing the information about the bathroom closure with students when we come back on the 29th. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

From our Friends in Special Programs:<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Educator Wellness Program<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCulture of Care is offering Free Virtual Drop-In Wellness Circles for all educators and helping professionals across the region to reduce stress, bolster resilience and build connections on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month (3:45-4:15 pm).  All are welcome! The Zoom link will be sent after you register with your email. For specific questions, email Dr Amy at amy.yillik@hdesd.org<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sessions begin Nov 15, 2021 & Dec 6, 2021 (3:45-4:15pm); then the 1st & 3rd Monday (3:45-4:15pm) thereafter.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

From our friends in Human Resources<\/em>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our School District offers an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to help staff navigate life stressors and\/or manage life changing events.  The EAP program is administered by Reliant Behavioral Health (RBH).  The services they offer at no cost to Bend La-Pine School district staff members (minus substitute teachers) are outlined below. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Portal link: https:\/\/portal.bend.k12.or.us\/employee-info\/content\/employee-assistance-program<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Portal content:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bend-La Pine School employees have access to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and Work-Life Services through Uprise Health. This benefit is free and extends to anyone living in the employees home. The following support services are available:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7    24-hour crisis support<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7    Confidential counseling<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7    Work-life services, includng finance and legal services<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7    24-hour on-demand emotional wellness support<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7    Peer support groups<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u00b7    Digital mental health services<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Call: 800-395-1616<\/p>\n\n\n\n

User access code: OEBB<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Helpful Links<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n