April 25, 2025

Posted on April 25, 2025 by Sean Keating

Principal’s Hello

Dear Golden Eagle Families,

After lunch supervision today, Assistant Principal Schmidt said to me, “I love how much our kids enjoy playing outside.” It’s true: our students enjoy being active and healthy. You’re a big part of that. Thank you for teaching them the value of movement, outdoor life, and community.

As I live my life here in Bend, I often see students enjoying their lives outside. I see them riding bikes, playing in the park, and practicing on the soccer fields. One of the joys of working at PCMS is seeing how much our students and staff celebrate this engagement with life. Our students learn to treat others with kindness, to express themselves through art, and to appreciate other cultures.

On any given week, I walk around and experience peer mentors, plant-growing experiments, chamber music, French cheese tasting, 3-D printing–the list goes on. What a joy it is to work in a place like PCMS. And what a joy it is to share a life in a place like Bend with all of you!

Enjoy the time with family this beautiful weekend.

Sean

Reminder | Yearbooks on Sale

It is not too late to purchase a yearbook. Simply go to TouchBase via the BLS District Website to purchase. If you don’t remember if you purchased one yet, follow these seven easy clicks to check your student’s purchase history.

  1. Go to https://www.bend.k12.or.us/district
  2. Pull down “parents” tab
  3. Click on “parent tools“
  4. Click on “fines & fees“
  5. Enter “user name” and “password” per instructions in the upper left corner
  6. Click on your “student’s name“
  7. Click on “purchase history“

2025-26 School Year Holidays & Breaks

The 2025-2026 school calendar for Bend-La pine Schools is not yet solidified but we can confirm the dates of holidays and major breaks for next school year.

  • Mon, 9/1 | Labor Day
  • Wed, 9/3 | First day of school for grades 1-6 & 9 with staggered K start
  • Thr, 9/4 | First day of school for grades 7-8 & 10-12
  • Fri, 9/5 | All student attend school at all grade levels
  • Tue, 11/11 | Veterans Day
  • Mon, 11/24 | Fri, 11/28 – Thanksgiving Break
  • Mon, 12/22 – Fri, 1/2 | Winter Break
  • Mon, 1/19 | Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
  • Mon, 2/26 | Presidents Day
  • Mon, 3/23 – Fri, 3/27 | Spring Break
  • Mon, 5/25 | Memorial Day
  • Thr, 6/11 | Last Day of School

Smoke During Prescribed Fire Season

Deschutes National Forest and Deschutes County Public Health are sharing information about prescribed burning planned for this spring, and how people can prepare for possible smoke.

Prescribed burns are an important tool to reduce wildfire risk and protect our communities. However, they can also create smoke that affects air quality and may impact health—especially for older adults, children, people with medical conditions, and pregnant individuals.  No matter where it comes from—wildfire, prescribed burning, or campfires—smoke can be harmful. The best way to stay safe is to limit exposure.

How to Protect Your Health During Spring Prescribed Burn Season:

  • Stay informed: Visit www.CentralOregonFire.org and text COFIRE to 888-777 for updates
  • Close windows and doors at night—smoke often settles overnight
  • Talk to your doctor about how to manage health conditions when it’s smoky
  • Check air quality and adjust outdoor activities as needed
  • Change the timing of outdoor activity—consider afternoons instead of mornings
  • Keep indoor air clean: use an air purifier, upgrade HVAC filters, or make a DIY filter fan
  • Consider wearing an N95 mask outside during heavy smoke
  • Call 211 or visit this page to find cleaner indoor air spaces
  • Learn more about protecting your health from smoke

Mark your Calendar

  • Apr. 30 | Home Track Meet | 3:15 PM
  • May 14 | Bend – La Pine Ed Foundation Trivia Night | 6:00 – 9:00 PM
  • May 26 | No School | Memorial Day
  • June 4 | Math Bypass Testing | 9:00 AM
  • June 11 | Full Day of School | 3:45 PM Release
  • June 11 | 8th Grade Leaving the Nest Celebration | 6:00 – 7:45 PM
  • June 12 | Lost & Found is donated to local charity
  • June 12 | Field Day | Last Day of School

Helpful Links

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