News from the Nest

Yearbook Issue

We received the yearbooks last week and were so pleased with how the cover design turned out, only to open the pages and find a startling amount of mistakes inside; some photos were missing, others were printed upside down, and a high number of pages were sealed together, resulting in tears when attempts were made to separate them. We worked with the publisher to rectify the situation (sticker photos to replace those that were missing, a reprint of some pages that were going to be damaged by the stuck-together pages) before we agreed to not distribute any of the yearbooks and instead reprint them and distribute them this summer.

I know this is not an ideal situation, but I do respect the team at Herff Jones for asking that this be the way we resolve this issue. Ultimately, Herff Jones is the memory-creating business and the initial publication of these yearbooks would lead to memories that are long-lasting and not representative of the experience we want our Golden Eagles to leave PCMS with. We will work out details with the publisher and share them when we know more.

Herff Jones will be sending us “signature pages” so that students have the opportunity to collect the well wishes from their friends that are a key reason we distribute yearbooks while school is still in session. These signature pages will be made in a way that will make it easy for them to be added to the yearbooks when they are distributed.

While we’re talking about yearbook signing, please know that students will receive some instruction on some “Do” and “Don’t” practices for yearbook signing. Please spend some time talking with your student about how to sign their classmates’ signature pages in an appropriate manner that will lead the recipient to want to look back at these memories fondly and to let them know to please share with an adult any entries that are not kind or appropriate.

End of the Year Event Volunteers and Supply Needs

Thank you to those that have sign-up to volunteer during field day on Thursday, 6/16. We will be sending you a confirmation email on Monday with helpful information. With that said, we are still needing 4-6 more volunteers. If you are interested in volunteering, please complete our Google Form.

Also, we have updated our supplies needs end of year events. Again, thank you to all who have signed up to provide items. If you wish to help, here is the link to sign up.

Library Books

To insure that your student does not get a fine added to their student account, please make sure they return all PCMS library books as soon as possible to Ms. Hanna

Medication Pick-up

Please remember to pick up your child’s medication from school by Thursday, June 16th. Schools are not allowed to retain medication for students over the summer. Parents need to come into the attendance office to pick up medication. It is against school policy to send medication home with students. 

Free Summer Meals for Kids

Anyone 18 years old and younger may participate. There is no registration or fee. Parents are encouraged to attend with their children but cannot eat their children’s meals; they may purchase a meal for $5.00 by check made payable to BLS for the exact amount. Click here for English and Spanish flyers for locations, hours, dates and more info!

Final Spirit Week of the Year

• Monday, 6/13: 1990’s Apparel Day (wear clothes from this era)
• Tuesday, 6/14: Neon Day (wear your brightest colored clothing)
• Wednesday, 6/15: Golden Eagle Day (wear PCMS swag or gold, black, silver, white)
• Thursday, 6/16: Advisory Theme Choice (each advisory will choose “united” theme)

Athletics Update

Volleyball Coaches Needed! We are currently hiring Volleyball coaches for the upcoming Fall 2022 season. If you or someone you know are interested, please click HERE to apply.

Fall Sports: Information regarding registration for fall sports, pre-season workouts and camps for Football, Cross Country and Volleyball is available on the PCMS Athletics website. We will continue to update the website with information regarding the fall sports season as it becomes available.

8th Grade Promotion Evening

For our students moving on to high school next year, we are hosting a ceremony we call “Leaving the Nest” in our gym from 6:00 – 7:00 pm. This is a time we can recognize the accomplishments of our students and thank them for their contributions to PCMS.

Just a few notes:

• While we want our students to be comfortable, we ask them to dress in a manner that is appropriate for this event and that will allow them to look back on the celebration with fond memories.
• Photo booths will be available in The Nest for pictures with friends and family directly following the ceremony (no photographer provided).
• Student gift bags can be picked up in the Nest directly following the ceremony (including yearbooks for those who ordered them).
• Enter through the doors closest to the gym.
• Gym bleachers are reserved for family members.
• Folding chairs are reserved for students.
• If you have any questions, contact the main office at (541) 355-7804.

Calendar Updates

• June 13 – 16 | Spirit Week
• June 14 | 8th Grade Promotion Ceremony (more info to follow soon)
• June 15 | Full Day of School | Release at 4:10 PM
• June 16 | Last Day of School | Field Day | Early Release at 2:40 PM
• June 21 | School Board Meeting
• Aug 1 – 19 | SPARKS & Base Camp Summer Learning
• Aug 1 | Fall Sports Registration Begins | PCMS Athletics Website

Helpful Links

• BLS Transportation Inclement Weather Info and Q & A
• Attendance Office (report late arrivals, early dismissals, absences)
• MS Bell Schedule
• PCMS Athletics
• BLS Información Webpage
• BLS Family Newsletter
• News from the Nest in Spanish
• Student Clubs
• BLS Family Spotlight Newsletters

National Junior Honor Society

Congratulations to the 156 Pacific Crest 7^th and 8^th graders who were inducted into the National Junior Honor Society on Wednesday evening. Each NJHS member achieved a cumulative Grade Point Average of 3.5 or higher and completed a minimum of 10 hours of community service this school year. Together, this group of exceptional student leaders completed more than 2500 hours of community service: planting trees on the Pacific Crest campus; mentoring elementary school students; cleaning up our local parks and trails; working with animals at the Humane Society, Healing Reins, and Street Dog Hero; raking and shoveling snow for elderly neighbors; collecting food and clothing for less fortunate community members; and much more.

Final Spirit Week of the Year

• Monday, 6/13: 1990’s Apparel Day (wear clothes from this era)
• Tuesday, 6/14: Neon Day (wear your brightest colored clothing)
• Wednesday, 6/15: Golden Eagle Day (wear PCMS swag or gold, black, silver, white)
• Thursday, 6/16: Advisory Theme Choice (each advisory will choose “united” theme)

Volunteer Opportunities

We are still needing parent volunteer support for last day “all-school field day”. If you are interested in volunteering, please complete our Google Form.

A Message from PCCO

2022/23 PCCO Board Positions

Our PCCO (Pacific Crest Community Organization) is currently seeking people to join the board for the 2022/23 school year. They are currently seeing a Vice-President and Treasurer. This a great way to be involved and support our school. Please contact Anne Westerhoff for more information at [email protected] or (562-225-8297). This is a great way to get involved in your student’s learning and support our community.

End-of Year Help Needed

Many of you have asked how you can offer support if you’re unable to attend an event during the school day. Here is a simple and great way to support our students and staff with two important end-of-the-year events. Our All Student Field Day takes place the last day of school, as well as, final staff gathering to send them off on summer break. Click this link to sign up to donate an item or two. Thanks in advance for making these two events a success!

One more thing…don’t forget to follow us on social media to keep up with what’s happening Facebook and Instagram @pacificcrestco.

Lost & Found Items

We will be reminding all students to check lost and found over the next couple of weeks, but please know that unclaimed items will be donated to local charities one Friday, June 17th.

Fall Sports 2022-23 School Year

Registration for our fall sports programs, Football (7th & 8th grade), Volleyball (7th & 8th grade) and Cross Country (6th, 7th & 8th grade) opens August 1, 2022. Now is a good time to schedule your athlete’s sports physical appointment to avoid the rush in August. For sports physical forms, date requirements and complete registration steps are available on the PCMS Athletics website. Questions, email Christina Johansen or call (541) 355-7807.

PCMS Fall Football Kick-off Plan

Get ahead of the game! Beginning Monday, 8/1 you may pre-register your athlete for the upcoming season on the PCMS Athletics Page.

For next year’s 7^th and 8^th grade students interested in Golden Eagle Tackle Football, the 2022 season plan is in place. Optional Pre-season Workouts will begin on Monday, 8/22, with the first official day of practice beginning on Monday, 8/29. For more details about the Golden Eagle Football program and how to sign up, see the 2022 season overview document HERE.

Calendar Updates

• June 7 | PCMS Spring Music Concert (Band, Orchestra, Choir) | 6:00 – 8:30pm | Nest
• June 14 | 8th Grade Promotion Ceremony | 6-7:30pm | PCMS Gym
• June 15 | Full Day of School | Release at 4:10 PM
• June 16 | Last Day of School | Field Day | Early Release at 2:40 PM
• June 21 | School Board Meeting
• Aug 1 – 19 | SPARKS & Base Camp Summer Learning
• Aug 1 | Fall Sports Registration Begins | PCMS Athletics Website

Helpful Links

• BLS Transportation Inclement Weather Info and Q & A
• Attendance Office (report late arrivals, early dismissals, absences)
• MS Bell Schedule
• PCMS Athletics
• BLS Información Webpage
• BLS Family Newsletter
• News from the Nest in Spanish
• Student Clubs
• BLS Family Spotlight Newsletters

More End of the Year Info

The 8^th Grade promotion ceremony, Leaving the Nest, will be held Tuesday evening, June 14th at 6:00pm in the PCMS Gym. School will be in session on Wednesday, June 15th (with a 4:10pm release) and Thursday, June 16th (with a 2:40pm release).

We are hosting the promotion ceremony on June 14 because we know that this is a particularly busy time of year for many families, including those who plan to perhaps take an early summer vacation with their students. We do expect 8th grade students to return for school on those two days and participate in iPad prep, locker clean-out, yearbook signing, and a fun-filled field day on the last day of school.

Volunteer Opportunities

We have several volunteer opportunities in the coming weeks. If you are interested in volunteering, please complete our Google Form.

Available Yearbooks

We are delighted to inform you our yearbook publisher is providing us with an “overrun” of 15 extra books above and beyond our original quantity ordered. That means, those who have not purchased a book can do so by contacting Deb Mullen at (541) 355-7801. Online purchases for overrun yearbooks. As a parent of two students who did not get yearbooks a few years ago and still hear about it. I urge you to check and ensure that you ordered one or to call Deb to purchase one of the few extra copies before they’re gone.

Wondering if you purchased one? Follow directions below to access the information from your student’s TouchBase account. Also check to see if you purchased more than one yearbook. I have been told several of you have. You can contact Deb at (541) 355-7801 if you wish to receive a refund.

• Log into your student’s TouchBase account.
• Enter user name which is your student’s ID number.
• Enter password which is your student’s last name (case sensitive).
• Click on “Purchase History” and scroll down.

Attendance Reporting Reminder

Although we have less than four weeks left of school, attendance reporting is the same each year so those who are in the know, continue the good job and for others this is the time to form good attendance reporting habits. If your student is going to be absent for the entire day, absent for part of the day, needs an early pick-up or is being dropped off late, it is not only imperative but so helpful that you contact our Attendance Office via email or voicemail as soon as possible. A suggestion is to put the following Attendance Office contact information in your cell phone right now if you have not done so.

• Attendance Email: [email protected]
• Attendance Voicemail Line: (541) 355-7820

Also, we are finding that our office staff is duplicating, sometimes triplicating, efforts when you call and leave a message on the attendance voicemail line and then call the main office because you want to speak to a human immediately. Please know that our Attendance Secretary retrieves voice messages from the attendance voicemail line every 2-5 minutes and if she is not doing that, she is responding to attendance emails or tending to a medical situation.

We can not make this any clearer; the Attendance Voicemail Line and the Attendance Email are the correct places to communicate all things Attendance-related. We have no doubt that there will be emergency or last-minute situations where you may need to call the Main Office and we will be happy to accommodate you, but we ask the you utilize Attendance Email and/or Voicemail most of the time to make things run smoother.

The Bend-La Pine Schools’ (BLS) Board of Directors will meet on May 24, 2022

• 5:30 p.m. Special School Board Meeting followed by a School Board Work Session
• Work Session will begin immediately following Special Meeting

The public is welcome to attend one or both meetings either in-person or via BLS SchoolBoard YouTube. To Request to Attend an in-person meeting, please complete the Google Form linked here. If assistance is required to complete the request to attend form, please contact the District Office, 541-355-1000. When meeting in person, audience capacity is limited to 50. Advance sign up is recommended, but not required. If more people request to attend than can be accommodated, the selection of attendees will be determined randomly from the requests received. ALL individuals wishing to attend, including staff, are encouraged to sign up in advance and are required to check in at the main entrance.

Representatives from the news media are welcome to attend without advance sign up, but are asked to check in at the main entrance upon arrival.

Members of the community who wish to make public comment may attend and speak either in-person or virtually. To provide public comment, please complete the Google Form linked here. The form will be open for sign-up until 5:00 p.m. on Monday, May 23, 2022.

The agenda and meeting packet are available here.

• May 24 | School Board Meeting
• May 30 | No School | Memorial Day
• June 1 | NJHS Induction Ceremony | PCMS | 6pm – 7pm
• June 7 | PCMS Spring Music Concert (Band, Orchestra, Choir) | 6:00 – 8:30pm | Nest
• June 14 | 8th Grade Promotion Ceremony (more info to follow soon)
• June 15 | Full Day of School | Release at 4:10 PM
• June 16 | Last Day of School | Early Release at 2:40 PM
• June 21 | School Board Meeting
• Aug 1 – 19 | SPARKS & Base Camp Summer Learning

Helpful Links

• BLS Transportation Inclement Weather Info and Q & A
• Attendance Office (report late arrivals, early dismissals, absences)
• MS Bell Schedule
• PCMS Athletics
• BLS Información Webpage
• BLS Family Newsletter
• News from the Nest in Spanish
• Student Clubs
• BLS Family Spotlight Newsletters

All Call For Volunteers

We are excited to be able to offer parent/family volunteer opportunities to help support several upcoming activities in 7th and 8th grade science classrooms and last day of school activities. If you are interested in signing up to volunteer, please click here to complete our volunteer interest Google form and our main office staff will follow up with further instructions.

All school volunteers will be required to complete a background check and submit proof of vaccination or an Oregon Health Authority approved medical/religious exception. If you completed a volunteer background form prior to March 1st of this year or prior, a new background check that includes vaccination status will need to be completed. It currently takes a week to 10 days to complete the process.

Drive and Apply Events Every Thursday in Bend, La Pine

Community members are invited to test drive a school bus on an obstacle course, enjoy a free pizza lunch and get a job interview on the spot during interactive transportation job fairs hosted by Bend-La Pine Schools every Thursday for the next six weeks. Join us: Thursdays May 19 and 26; and June 2 and 9, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Bend: 501 SE Second Street and La Pine: 16350 First Street, La Pine. Starting pay is now $25 per hour for drivers and paid training is provided to new hires looking to obtain or renew a Commercial Driver’s License. Learn more on our Jobs webpage or call 541-355-5700.

After-School Behavior

I received an email last week from the Property Manager at The Grove, the open-air marketplace on the corner of NW Mt. Washington and NW Crossing. She explained that nearly each day at 4:25, there is an influx of school-aged children, surmising that these are PCMS students. She described a situation where a majority of the patrons arriving at this time are creating a disturbance through actions – shouting, littering, throwing objects – that aren’t desirable in a public setting, from a business-owner’s or a fellow patron’s viewpoint. The actions described aren’t typical adolescent hijinks or an under-exposed customer’s naiveté, but are deliberately malicious behaviors that, frankly, would make me want to avoid such a setting were I an unbiased potential customer.

I am asking all of you who know that your student frequents The Grove – or any of the businesses in the Northwest Crossing corridor – after school to talk with them about the behaviors they witness and those they participate in. We strive to be a community partner throughout Bend and La Pine, and creating an environment that is harmful to businesses isn’t being a good partner. Thank you in advance.

• May 24 | School Board Meeting
• May 30 | No School | Memorial Day
• June 1 | NJHS Induction Ceremony | PCMS | 6pm – 7pm
• June 7 | PCMS Spring Music Concert (Band, Orchestra, Choir) | 6:00 – 8:30pm | Nest
• June 14 | 8th Grade Promotion Ceremony (more info to follow soon)
• June 15 | Full Day of School | Release at 4:10 PM
• June 16 | Last Day of School | Early Release at 2:40 PM
• June 21 | School Board Meeting
• Aug 1 – 19 | SPARKS & Base Camp Summer Learning

Helpful Links

• BLS Transportation Inclement Weather Info and Q & A
• Attendance Office (report late arrivals, early dismissals, absences)
• MS Bell Schedule
• PCMS Athletics
• BLS Información Webpage
• BLS Family Newsletter
• News from the Nest in Spanish
• Student Clubs
• BLS Family Spotlight Newsletters

Summit High School Summer Basecamp

Incoming 9^th graders are welcome and encouraged to attend starting August 1 through August 12 (M-Th) from 9am-2pm. Basecamp is a chance for incoming 9^th graders to experience Summit BEFORE jumping full swing into the regular school year. Students will get familiar with the school building, staff and teachers, other 9^th graders, and build skills to set them up for a great start to their freshman year, the most important year of high school. Transportation and meal provided. Spaces are limited, first come first served. 

Text, call, or email Summit High Grad Coach Lea Harmon with interest or questions: 971-998-2012 or [email protected].

Green Team and NJHS Tree Planting

Students from Pacific Crest Middle School’s Green Team and National Honor Society planted 92 trees around campus last Wednesday to help lower our carbon footprint. The students were awarded a grant to fund the trees based on a video they put together about carbon dioxide reduction from tree planting. Each tree was lovingly planted and given some compost thanks to Deschutes Recycling. Huge thanks to Sarah Durfee for spearheading out students’ efforts to become more aware of the impact we have on our home.

Drive and Apply Events Every Thursday in Bend, La Pine

We are looking for people interested in becoming bus drivers to apply for the open positions we have in our Transportation Department. Currently, our bus driver shortage is one of the primary reasons that middle schools have later start and release times than high schools and elementary schools, so bringing on more drivers may help our efforts to return to the pre-pandemic schedules.

Community members are invited to test drive a school bus on an obstacle course, enjoy a free pizza lunch and get a job interview on the spot during interactive transportation job fairs hosted by Bend-La Pine Schools every Thursday for the next six weeks. Join us: Thursdays May 5, 12, 19 and 26; and June 2 and 9, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Bend: 501 SE Second Street and La Pine: 16350 First Street, La Pine.

Starting pay is now $25 per hour for drivers and paid training is provided to new hires looking to obtain or renew a Commercial Driver’s License. Interest in something else? Go to BLS Learn more on our Jobs webpage or call 541-355-5700.

Calendar

• May 10 | School Board Meeting
• May 11 | National School Nurse Day
• May 24 | School Board Meeting
• May 30 | No School | Memorial Day
• June 14 | 8th Grade Promotion Ceremony (more info to follow soon)
• June 15 | Full Day of School | Release at 4:10 PM
• June 16 | Last Day of School | Early Release at 2:40 PM
• June 21 | School Board Meeting
• Aug 1 – 19 | SPARKS & Base Camp Summer Learning

Helpful Links

• BLS Transportation Inclement Weather Info and Q & A
• Attendance Office (report late arrivals, early dismissals, absences)
• MS Bell Schedule
• PCMS Athletics
• BLS Información Webpage
• BLS Family Newsletter
• News from the Nest in Spanish
• Student Clubs
• BLS Family Spotlight Newsletters

Virtual Orientation

We held our 5th Grade/New Student Orientation this week via WebEx and it was so nice to see so many new and familiar faces on screen, though I do wish it could have been done in person. I shared a bit about the Pacific Crest experience and discussed some of our offerings before taking questions from an excited group of soon-to-be Golden Eagles.

For those unable to attend (and those who were stuck in my waiting room – sorry about that!), here is the link to the WebEx recording. The password is: VmWCeyg2

The first 15 minutes or so are just me waiting for people to arrive so, go ahead and fast-forward through that to make the most of your time.

If you have questions about anything related to next year, please contact our Registrar, Renee McCoy, who will get your question to the appropriate person if she’s unable to answer it herself. (541) 355-7850 or [email protected].

BLS Nutrition Update

Nutrition Department wants to inform families as soon as possible of the following updates. Please note, the 2022/23 Free & Reduced Meals Application is currently being updated and will be available on the BLS District webpage by August 2022 for those who wish to apply.

Daily Free Meals are ending on the last day of the 2021-2022 school year.

Summer Lunch Meals are free to all children 18 years and under. Meals will have to be eaten on site. Grab & Go or Parent Pick up is NO longer an option.

2022/23 School Year School Meals will be free or at a reduced price but require an application to be completed after Aug 1^st. with the exception of 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.

The State of Oregon Student Success Act 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.

8th Grade Families

Just a reminder the deadline to order Graduation yard signs is Saturday, 4/30. A portion of the proceeds will be donated back to the PCCO to support graduation celebration. Place your order asap. We will contact you in May when they are ready for pick up. Click on the following link to purchase:

 https://www.signmeupco.com/collections/school-graduation-signs/products/5th-grade-grad-school-signs

Also, details regarding 8th grade promotion ceremony and other end-of-the-year information will come out next week. We’re in the final stages of planning and will be sharing details and a call for volunteers for some help with setup and clean up. This is a GREAT way for our 6th and 7th grade families to pay it forward!

Message from PCCO: Staff Appreciation Week May 2 – 6

It’s time to celebrate our awesome Golden Eagle staff! We’ve got lots of stuff planned throughout the week to show how much we appreciate what they do for our kids. Looking for ways to help? Here are a few things you can do:

• Donate gift cards from local businesses to be used in our staff raffle! Think anything from lunch to mani-pedis to coffee, afternoon treats, or even the go-to Target card. Donations can be turned into the main office anytime next week.
• Donate snacks and drinks: click the following link to see what would be helpful https://signup.com/go/qkOTwYz
• Donate small gift items for our staff-think spring bulbs, seeds, small succulents, any small token of appreciation.
• Encourage your students (or even yourself) to write a thoughtful personal note of appreciation or do something thoughtful for any of our staff.

Small things go a long way. Any assistance is greatly appreciated! Please reach out if you have an idea or suggestion by emailing [email protected].

2022/23 PCCO Board Positions

Our PCCO (Pacific Crest Community Organization) is currently seeking people to join the board for the 2022/23 school year. They are currently seeing a Vice-President and Treasurer. This a great way to be involved and support our school. Please contact Anne Westerhoff for more information at [email protected] or (562-225-8297). This is a great way to get involved in your student’s learning and support our community.

One more thing…don’t forget to follow us on social media to keep up with what’s happening Facebook and Instagram @pacificcrestco.

PCCO Fill Our Nest Giving Campaign

Last October we kicked off our annual Fill Our Nest giving campaign. Thank you to those families who have contributed so far. With the continued support of our families, we continue to focus on the following areas this year:

1. Teachers College Reading and Writing Project – We are so thrilled that Pacific Crest is a Partner School of Columbia University’s Teachers College Reading and Writing Project (TCRWP). Through this partnership, our Community teachers (Humanities and Science) work with a TCRWP Staff Developer to learn research-based best practices around methods of instruction in reading, writing, and critical literacy skills for our students and to create opportunities for meaningful and joyful engagement with literacy in order to transfer their learning across the curriculum and throughout their lives as they mature. This is an expensive undertaking and PCCO supporting the effort allows us to ensure that all of our programs are supported to the maximum extent possible.
2. Academic Program Enhancement – Our teachers are incredibly resourceful and squeeze every bit out of their department budgets, but having the opportunity for additional funds via Classroom Grants will allow our students to enjoy an even greater experience in their classes while also providing our teachers the opportunity to show off their creativity.
3. Culture Support – By partnering with our FAN Advocate to provide assistance to students and families in need, PCCO helps us model the idea that Golden Eagles recognize their impact on the world around them. Providing resources for Staff Appreciation celebrations goes a long way to make sure the PCMS staff sees that theirs is NOT a thankless job and that they are appreciated for the incredible work they are doing. (A great example of this is PCCO providing our staff dinner on Wednesday night during a long night of conferences – THANK YOU!)

Please consider enriching your child’s middle school experience by making a one-time, tax-deductible donation that will help support these programs at PCMS.  Contributions can be made online here or you can complete the attached form and return it to PCMS main office.  We appreciate your support, especially after last year’s hiatus. 

Calendar

• Apr. 24 | Summit Football Recruit Night | Summit HS Gym | 4:00pm
• Apr. 27 | Spring Virtual Bingo Night | 6:00 – 7:30 | Flyer
• Apr. 28 | PCMS Track Meet vs. SVMS, WSV, Realms | PCMS | 4:45pm
• May 30 | No School | Memorial Day
• June 14 | 8th Grade Promotion Ceremony (more info to follow soon)
• June 15 | Full Day of School | Release at 4:10 PM
• June 16 | Last Day of School | Early Release at 2:40 PM
• Aug 1 – 19 | SPARKS & Base Camp Summer Learning

Helpful Links

• BLS Transportation Inclement Weather Info and Q & A
• Attendance Office (report late arrivals, early dismissals, absences)
• MS Bell Schedule
• PCMS Athletics
• BLS Información Webpage
• BLS Family Newsletter
• News from the Nest in Spanish
• Student Clubs
• BLS Family Spotlight Newsletters

Pacific Crest Student Art Display Downtown

This month Downtown Bend is being taken over by local students! Throughout the whole month of April, Pacific Crest 8^th grade students will have selected works on display at The Commons Café and Taproom, alongside works from Caldera High School, High Desert Middle School, and Pilot Butte Middle School.

Congratulations to the 8^th Grade 6^th Period Fall art class, whose full-color class “Power & Perspective” print was selected for the show. 

In addition, the following 10 students’ lamps from our Education Foundation grant-funded Sculpted Lamps unit have been selected for display:

• Reese Auchman
• Liam Baird
• Jack Borovian
• Sophie Dibble
• Lyla Lanford
• Kersie Knoll
• Laney McDonald
• Audrey Price
• Nathaniel Perullo
• Makena Vandenbos

Well done Pacific Crest Art Students! Click here to see a few photos of the student’s artwork.

Upcoming Board Leadership Q&A Session

Community members are invited to attend the Spring Q&A Session of the Bend-La Pine Schools’ Board of Directors Leadership set Thursday, April 21 at 5:30 p.m. at Caldera High School in the auditorium. Address is 60925 SE 15^th Street, Bend. Individuals should use the entrance on the east side of the school to access the auditorium, where this event will be held.

Board Chair Melissa Barnes Dholakia, Vice Chair Marcus LeGrand, Superintendent Steven Cook and other members of the district’s leadership team will be on hand to answer questions submitted from community members. Individuals can submit questions for consideration in advance, as well as at the event as time allows. A moderator will ask questions of the panel, grouped by common themes.

Individuals planning to attend may register in advance to ease the check-in process. All attendees must check in at the main entrance upon arrival. To register or to submit a question, complete this form: https://bls.fyi/april21.

An audio recording will be made available following the conclusion of the event. Interpreters are available upon request.

If individuals require assistance to complete the form, or if additional accommodations are needed during the event, please contact Bend-La Pine Schools at 541-355-1000, at least 48 hours prior to the scheduled meeting date.

Calendar

• Apr. 19 | PCMS 5th Grade Virtual Move-up Night | 6:00 – 6:30 PM
• Apr. 21 | PCMS Track Meet vs. PBMS, HDMS | PCMS | 4:45pm
• Apr. 24 | Summit Football Recruit Night | Summit HS Gym | 4:00pm
• Apr. 27 | Spring Virtual Bingo Night | 6:00 – 7:30 | Flyer
• Apr. 28 | PCMS Track Meet vs. SVMS, WSV, Realms | PCMS | 4:45pm
• May 30 | No School | Memorial Day
• June 14 | 8th Grade Promotion Ceremony (more info to follow soon)
• June 15 | Full Day of School | Release at 4:10 PM
• June 16 | Last Day of School | Early Release at 2:40 PM
• Aug 1 – 19 | SPARKS & Base Camp Summer Learning

Helpful Links

• BLS Transportation Inclement Weather Info and Q & A
• Attendance Office (report late arrivals, early dismissals, absences)
• MS Bell Schedule
• PCMS Athletics
• BLS Información Webpage
• BLS Family Newsletter
• News from the Nest in Spanish
• Student Clubs
• BLS Family Spotlight Newsletters

Pacific Crest Middle School

Where Identity and Relationships are Foundational to Learning and Living in a Caring Community

We work hard each day to manifest this vision and to ensure all students and families feel seen, heard, and safe in our school.  We know that our work in intended to help students understand their role in our larger community and to understand how the impact of their words and actions is more significant than the intent of those words and actions.

Recently, we have heard from students and families that there have been an alarming amount of hateful, racist slurs being used at PCMS. I am sharing this to let you know of the steps we are taking to continue educating our students on the impact of such language, the hateful history of some of these slurs, and how we will respond to any such incidents.

Our School Board policy AC-AP outlines the relevant definitions, potential consequences, and provides a how-to on reporting such incidents. I encourage you to review it and discuss it with your student so that they are aware of the policy and how it might impact their experience at Pacific Crest. In addition to the reporting ways described in the policy, please know that students can tell a trusted adult at school if they experience or witness such incidents.

We do not tolerate the use of racial slurs. When use of these words is reported we respond swiftly and consistently following policies and procedures, and we assign both a disciplinary consequence as well as an empathy-building/learning activity for the offending student. We prioritize restorative conversations, reflective re-entry meetings, and follow-up supervision and check-ins to ensure the hurtful/hateful language stops immediately and permanently. We also communicate with the families involved, offenders and victims both.

In order to prevent the use of racist language and other bias incidents, we are mindful to create an inclusive and respectful school culture. This includes providing social-emotional learning and character trait instruction during our four-day-a-week Advisory sessions.

I say this a lot, and I say it earnestly – we cannot do this work alone; our efforts to support and provide a comprehensive learning environment for students requires a partnership with families. Thank you for your partnership in all of efforts, including our efforts to ensure students can be safe at our school.

Conferences This Week 

Parents and guardians, below are the dates for upcoming Spring conferences. Conferences will be held in-person and are 15 minutes long. Students are encouraged to attend. So you can easily find your conference locations, we have provided this campus map for reference.

As a way to prepare for them, students spent time this week building a take-home conference slideshow and will be prepared to share it with you this weekend. They should be able to articulate their successes and challenges in each of their classes. In addition to the slideshow, I encourage you to view teacher-made videos. These videos will help to clarify any common questions that you may have and provide a deeper connection to the classroom environment. You can view teacher videos here: PCMS TEACHER VIDEO LINK  

Conferences are a great opportunity to have a discussion with your student and their teachers to better understand what is happening in their learning and how you can support their efforts at home. 

• Wednesday, April 13 | 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM 
• Thursday, April 14 | 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM 
• Conference sign-ups are now open: https://www.myconferencetime.com/pcms 

REMINDER! Due to conferences, there is NO SCHOOL on Thursday, April 14th And Friday April 15th. 

5th Grade Virtual Move-up Orientation

Just a reminder that this informative introduction to Pacific Crest Middle School can be attended by any grade level guardian or student who would like an overview of PCMS. It will be held virtually and will take place on Tuesday, April 19 from 6:00 – 6:30 PM via Ryan Kelling’s WebEx Room.

Virtual Family Bingo Night

Here is our final push to raise funds for our Sparrow, Mariah. Join us on line Wednesday, April, 27 from 6:00 – 7:30. Purchase your tickets on TouchBase up until 3:00 PM on April 26. On bingo night, go to this WebEx Meeting Room to start the fun! Click on Bingo Flyer for more info.

Cell Phone and AirPod/Headphone Policy

Students were reminded yesterday in Advisory of our “off and away all day” phone policy. Please help your student remember that if they are using their AirPods/headphones during the school day, this means they are using their phones to control them. If a student is seen by a staff member with AirPods or headphones on during the day, even at lunchtime, their cell phone will be confiscated and brought to the front office. Please help us remind students about this policy.

Let’s Make Good Choices

Thank you to our students that continue to make good choices every day and modeling those for each other. Students were reminded yesterday of the consequences that can come from poor behavior choices. Sometimes we see more interesting behavior as we head into spring, and would love your support in helping our Golden Eagles finish the year strong!

A Novel Idea…Read Together!

The state’s largest community read program now offers a book selection for young readers which offers free programs and events for young readers and adult educators. Click here for more information and to learn about upcoming author visit on May 5 & 7 with Christine Day at Bend High School.

Summit Football Recruit Night

8th Grade students who are interested in playing Freshman Football next year are invited to attend Summit Football Recruit Night on Sunday, April 24th at 4pm. The event will be hosted in the gym at Summit High School. Parents and players will be able to meet coaches, the academic advisor, and learn more about the spring and summer schedules for rising 8th grade players.

Bend-La Pine Schools’ (BLS) Board of Directors Meeting

• Tuesday, April 12, 2022
• 4:00 p.m. Budget Committee Meeting
• 5:30 p.m. for a Regular School Board Meeting

The public is welcome to attend one or both meetings either in-person or via BLS SchoolBoard YouTube. To Request to Attend an in-person meeting, please complete the Google Form linked here. If assistance is required to complete the request to attend form, please contact the District Office, 541-355-1000. When meeting in person, audience capacity is limited to 50. Advance sign up is recommended, but not required. If more people request to attend than can be accommodated, the selection of attendees will be determined randomly from the requests received. ALL individuals wishing to attend, including staff, are encouraged to sign up in advance and are required to check in at the main entrance.

Representatives from the news media are welcome to attend without advance sign up, but are asked to check in at the main entrance upon arrival.

Members of the community who wish to make public comment may attend and speak either in-person or virtually. To provide public comment, please complete the Google Form linked here. The form will be open for sign-up until 5:00 p.m. on Monday, April 11, 2022.

The agenda and meeting packet are available here.

Calendar

• Apr. 12 | PCMS Track Meet vs. HDMS, Cascades Academy | HDMS | 4:45pm
• Apr. 13 | Middle School Conferences | 4:00pm – 8:00pm
• Apr. 14 – 15 | No School | Middle School Conferences
• Apr. 19 | PCMS 5th Grade Virtual Move-up Night | 6:00 – 6:30 PM
• Apr. 21 | PCMS Track Meet vs. PBMS, HDMS | PCMS | 4:45pm
• Apr. 24 | Summit Football Recruit Night | Summit HS Gym | 4:00pm
• Apr. 27 | Spring Virtual Bingo Night | 6:00 – 7:30 (see above for more information)
• Apr. 28 | PCMS Track Meet vs. SVMS, WSV, Realms | 4:45pm
• May 30 | No School | Memorial Day
• June 14 | 8th Grade Promotion Ceremony (more info to follow soon)
• June 15 | Full Day of School | Release at 4:10 PM
• June 16 | Last Day of School | Early Release at 2:40 PM
• Aug 1 – 19 | SPARKS & Base Camp Summer Learning

Helpful Links

• BLS Transportation Inclement Weather Info and Q & A
• Attendance Office (report late arrivals, early dismissals, absences)
• MS Bell Schedule
• PCMS Athletics
• BLS Información Webpage
• BLS Family Newsletter
• News from the Nest in Spanish
• Student Clubs
• BLS Family Spotlight Newsletters

Leadership Update

I am so happy to share that we will be adding an Assistant Principal to our leadership team over the next 4 weeks. Kristy Knoll, current Dean of Students/AP Coordinator/Language Arts teacher/mother of 2 PCMS Golden Eagles and future Cascade Middle School Assistant Principal (starting next year), will be serving as our Assistant Principal in order to help us through a particularly busy time period in the year. Kristy started this week and has already had an impressive impact. Please make a point to welcome her and show her  the wonderful, caring community we have at PCMS if you see her in the parking lot in the mornings or afternoons.

I continue to split my time between Pacific Crest and my Human Resources responsibilities, but can be reached via email.

Upcoming Conference Info

Parents and guardians, please save the below dates/times for upcoming Spring conferences. You will have the option to attend conferences virtually or in-person. A link will be shared with all families on Friday, April 8 to sign up for a 10 minute virtual or in-person conference. Also, students will be released at normal time on Wednesday, April 13 at 2:40 and there is NO SCHOOL on Thursday, April 14 and Friday, April 15 due to conferences.

• Wednesday, April 13 | 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
• Thursday, April 14 | 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM

8th Grade End of the Year Updates

Ceremony: We are working to finalize the details, but there will be an in-person ceremony recognizing the accomplishments of our 8th grade class as we promote them to 9th grade. It will be Tuesday, June 14th. Time and details to come as soon as we know more, so stay tuned.

Yard Signs: Our PCCO is offering for purchase Class of ‘22 yard signs which are a perfect way to celebrate your 8th grader…soon to be 9th grader. They are full color, double-sided corrugated signs that come with a yard stake. A portion of each sale will go towards gift bags and end of year celebration. Signs will only be on sale during the month of April so be sure to place your order ASAP. Signs will be available for pick up at PCMS mid-May. Don’t miss out. Click here to place your order.

Updated Covid-19 Guidance for Families

All families should take a few moments to review the attached documents for updates on what to do if your student has COVID symptoms, exposure, or tests positive. Click on the links below for details.

• PCMS Student Covid Guidance (3/12/22)
• BLS Student Symptom Algorithm (3/12/22)

5th Grade Virtual Move-up Night

This informative introduction to Pacific Crest Middle School will take place on Tuesday, April 19 from 6:00 – 6:30 PM via Ryan Kelling’s WebEx Room.

Summer School Program Information

We are happy to announce that Bend La Pine Schools will be offering a summer programs again this summer. Learning options will look very similar to last summer. Below are the details.

Jump Start (Grades 1 – 5) and Spark (Grades 6 – 8) will target learning and enrichment opportunities for our traditionally underserved student populations and help these students to get an early start on learning classroom/school routines, along with strategies that will allow them be successful learners in 2022-23 school year and beyond. 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.

Dates & Times

• Program Dates: August 1-19, Monday-Friday 
• Jump Start Times: 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM | The day will have two segments: a morning academic focus and an enrichment focus in the afternoon.
• SPARK Times: 9:00 AM -1:00 PM | The day will include academic, with enrichment built into the  schedule

Elementary School Summer Program 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
• LaPine Elementary (Students from Rosland, Three Rivers and LPES)

Middle School Summer Program 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 

Helpful Info for Parents from BLS IT Department

Struggling to keep up with the media and tech your kids are using? Common Sense’s Parents’ Ultimate Guides can help keep you up to date and answer your questions about all the latest titles and trends. Whether you’re trying to figure out if a new app is safe for your teen or if a popular game includes blood and gore, we’ve got you covered. And if you can’t find what you’re looking for, let us know!

Also checkout, Digital Citizenship Kahoot!

The Smarter Balanced Assessment (SBAC)

Testing is scheduled for all 6th – 8th students later this spring. We are highly encouraging all students to participate in the assessment this year. These tests are designed to be one tool that assesses students’ mastery of Oregon content standards. OSAS includes the English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and English Language Proficiency assessments.

We plan to conduct testing at PCMS in May 2022. We have extended the date to opt out of testing until April 8, 2022. If parents choose to opt their student(s) out of testing, please click on the link the following link, complete and return the form to our main office by April 8, 2022.

21-22 Opt-Out Form – English & Spanish

Calendar

• Apr. 8 | Deadline to OPT OUT of Smarter Balanced Assessment (SBAC)
• Apr. 14 – 15 | No School | Middle School Conferences
• Apr. 19 | PCMS 5th Grade Virtual Move-up Night | 6:00 – 6:30 PM
• May 30 | No School | Memorial Day
• June 15 | Full Day of School | Release at 4:10 PM
• June 16 | Last Day of School | Early Release at 2:40 PM

Helpful Links

• BLS Transportation Inclement Weather Info and Q & A
• Attendance Office (report late arrivals, early dismissals, absences)
• MS Bell Schedule
• PCMS Athletics
• BLS Información Webpage
• BLS Family Newsletter
• News from the Nest in Spanish
• Student Clubs
• BLS Family Spotlight Newsletters

Masking Updates

As you know, on Monday masking will no longer be required, but will instead be strongly recommended in our schools. This change has truly brought out the spectrum of emotions amongst our students and staff – some are excited, some are anxious, some are anxiously excited – and this will present us with a new challenge of ensuring all members of our community feel that their choice is respected. We will continue to foster an environment of respect and inclusion for all of our students and staff.

Please, take some time ahead of Monday to talk with your student about their feelings around the switch in requirements for masking at school and to remind them the wearing or not wearing of a mask at school is a personal choice and that it is no one’s place to make anyone feel less-than as a result of that choice.

Spirit Week

Join in the fun and spirit!

• Monday 3/14: Inside-Out Day (wear clothing inside-out)
• Tuesday 3/15: Pajama Day
• Wednesday 3/16: Sports/Jersey Day
• Thursday 3/17: Green/Gold/Rainbow Day
• Friday 3/18: Fancy Clothes Day

Lucky Mariah Coin Collection Fundraiser

Break your piggy bank, empty your coin purse, check between your sofa cushions and did into your coin stash in your vehicle. Trust me…it’s all for a good cause. Last year we raised $2,200! The week of March 14 – 17 will be an easy-peasy fundraiser for sweet Mariah. So this a a great day to bring your coins to show your support. Click here for flyer.

Save the Date: Learn About Your High School

Eighth-graders and their families are invited to learn more about high school during upcoming information nights. All info nights will take place at 6 p.m. March 14 at the following locations: Bend Senior High in the auditorium; Caldera in the Commons; La Pine High in the auditorium; Mountain View in the auditorium; Summit in the Main Gym. Attached you will find a flyer Summit High School created to showcase the event they are hosting.

Students will learn about academic offerings, activities, student life and more.

• Mar. 13 | Daylight Savings Ends @ 2:00 AM
• Mar. 14 – 18 | Spirit Week (see above)
• Mar. 14 – 17 | “Lucky Mariah” Coin Collection
• Mar. 18 | Lost-and-Found Items Donated
• Mar. 18 | Track Registration Closes | All paperwork must be received by 3:00 PM this day
• Mar. 21 – 25 | No School | Spring Break
• Mar. 28 | Track Season Begins
• Mar. 28 | Track Virtual Parent Meeting | 6-6:30pm | Coach Wallace’s WebEx Room
• Apr. 1 | Deadline to OPT OUT of Smarter Balanced Assessment (SBAC)
• Apr. 14 – 15 | No School | Middle School Conferences
• Apr. 19 | PCMS 5th Grade Virtual Move-up Night | 6:00 – 6:30 PM https://bls.webex.com/meet/annemarie.schmidt 
• May 30 | No School | Memorial Day
• June 15 | Full Day of School | Release at 4:10 PM
• June 16 | Last Day of School | Early Release at 2:40 PM

Helpful Links

• BLS Transportation Inclement Weather Info and Q & A
• Attendance Office (report late arrivals, early dismissals, absences)
• MS Bell Schedule
• PCMS Athletics
• BLS Información Webpage
• BLS Family Newsletter
• News from the Nest in Spanish
• Student Clubs
• Early Eagle Open Gym Calendar & Basketball Rules
• BLS Family Spotlight Newsletters