From PCCO | Staff Appreciation Week Snack Bar Sign-ups
All next week is Staff appreciation week. The PCCO is in need of more donations for “snack day”. We would love you to sign up to donate and item or two by clicking here. Donations can be dropped off to the office anytime before Tuesday, May 7th. Teachers will be given a bag to pack with snacks to take back to their classrooms. Thank you in advance!
Bend Senior High Career Technical (CTE) Showcase
Middle school students and families are welcome to attend on May 23rd from 5:30-7:30 at Bend Senior High School to explore the innovative work of the Bend HS students in areas such as Engineering, Photography, Culinary, Business, Graphic Design & Video Arts, Woodworking/Construction, Welding, Automotive, and Education.
Engage with BHS students, view their projects, and enjoy booths featuring their creations. Selected pieces from welding and woodworking will be available for purchase, while others can be won in drawings. Additionally, the business program’s student stores will be open, and the culinary program will offer delicious food for purchase. Feel free to bring the whole family, as students from the education program will provide fun activities and games for youth and the young at heart.
Take a tour of BHS CTE classrooms and discover firsthand the exciting learning opportunities we provide. Your presence would mean a lot to us, and we look forward to seeing you at our showcase. Informational Flyer
FREE! Junior Women’s Law Enforcement Academy
This one day academy on July 10 from 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM is FREE and designed for young women ages 13-18, with an interest in future law enforcement careers. This one-day academy will include multiple activities and demonstrations allowing young women to experience the work women do in law enforcement. Lunch will be provided! Informational Flyer
We continue state testing, and students appear to be working hard and staying focused.
Our teachers report increased focused from students now that we’re using iPads only for necessary tasks. Students also report their ability to focus more and get more work done. Turns out screens are good for some things but not most things.
We continue to have little-to-no e-bike/e-scooter infractions, which is great. I feel like I’m even seeing fewer e-bikes and e-scooters out in the community.
In these new policies, might there be a commonality: heralding a technology, learning about its side effects, and then using it with more wisdom?
It’s good to be in community with you as we learn these things together!
Sean
Upcoming Lockdown Drill
On Tuesday, April 30th we will be running our spring lockdown drill at PCMS. All the drills we do are not only required by Oregon law, but prepare staff, students and our community on how to respond in the event of an emergency. We take these drills seriously, and we expect our students to take them seriously as well.
Our students and staff were trained in the fall when we did our first lockdown drill, and students will be getting a refresher on protocols by watching a Standard Response Protocol video in Advisory. During our drill, Bend Police Department will be on site to support our efforts. You can find more information about Standard Response Protocol (SRP) in the following guides.
Is your student excelling in math or has your child talked about wanting more of a challenge in math? Maybe the class teacher has indicated your child should take a placement level test for math next year? This FAQ is designed to answer most of the questions that parents have regarding this process.
This assessment will be given at PCMS on June 4th. It will be given the first part of their day while iPads are still fully charged. Your child’s middle school will coordinate the testing, so you do not need to do anything but be sure that their iPad is charged the night before. The assessment will take your child approximately 60-120 minutes
*** Please register your student HERE to take the assessment on June 4th at PCMS.
Summit High School Cheer Tryouts
Join us May 9th 5:30-6:30 at Summit High School Library for an Information Meeting regarding Cheer at Summit. Tryout clinic will be May 28-30 4:30-5:30 pm. Tryouts May 31st- 4:30pm. Cheer Tryouts is open to all incoming Freshman through Seniors. Follow us on Instagram- summitstorm.cheer. Questions? [email protected].
Summit High School Dance Team Tryouts
8th Graders/Rising Freshman Attention current 8th graders/Rising Freshman. Interested in joining the Summit High School Dance Team? Tryouts are June 3 & 4th from 4:30-6:30 PM in Summit’s main gym Email [email protected] if you have any questions or want to learn more You can also follow on IG @summitstormdancers
Today we met as a staff to review the bad news about the state budget. If the levy doesn’t pass in May, this is what it means for Pacific Crest:
With less money from the state and fewer kids attending PCMS next year, we’ll need to make some difficult cuts. These cuts will affect both classroom teachers as well as support staff.
The discretionary budget you see there is what we use for things like field trips, supplies for all our classrooms, staff conferences, and anything else not outlined by the district budget.
Notice the levy signs out front and information below to learn more.
Thanks for your partnership with our new iPad and e-bike/e-scooter policies. We’ve gotten a lot of great feedback from all of you. We’ve only been able to make these program adjustments because of your support and because of our amazing teachers and staff.
Have a great weekend with people you love.
Sean
Learn More About Upcoming Learning Levy
State Testing Reminder
We will be starting state testing on Monday. Testing will take place during class time (ELA, Science, Math). Testing dates are below:
Language Arts (7th & 8th Grade): April 22 – 26
Language Arts (6th Grade): April 29 – May 3
Science (8th grade only): May 6 – 10
Math: May 20 – 24
Testing coordinator are Anne-Marie Schmidt & Dan Curfew. We are excited to see the growth of our students and we appreciate your support!
Does your child excel and excited by mathematics?
If your child is interested in bypassing a grade level in math, we will be hosting a bypass test that could allow your child to skip a grade of Math. This test is available to 6th and 7th grade students who may want to bypass a grade. Here is a list of Frequently Asked Questions about the bypass assessment
Family Friendly Bend Bike Night
Bend residents are invited to celebrate with the City of Bend for Bend Bike Night on Monday, May 13 from 4:30-6:30 PM at The Grove (921 NW Mt. Washington Drive) for an evening of raffles, giveaways and activities including a bike safety cone course for kids and an interactive safe riding in roundabouts demonstration every 30 minutes. This block party style event is one you won’t want to miss!
Join Mayor Melanie Kebler, Mayor Pro-Tem Megan Perkins, Oregon State Representative Emerson Levy, and community partners focused on bike and pedestrian safety initiatives #inBend.
Family-friendly activities and demonstrations! Raffle prizes and giveaways! Food vendor discounts to community members who bring their helmets! Bring your bikes with you to participate in the interactive activities. Learn more at bendoregon.gov/bike-night.
*This event will close down NW Crossing Drive between NW Clearwater Drive
Calendar of Events | Mark your Calendar
April 24 | PCMS Track & Field Home Meet | 3:15 PM – 7:00 PM
Although it was a two-day week, it felt like an important one. We launched two major policies: our e-bike/e-scooter policy and our iPad policy. So far, things seem to be going well. I’m hopeful.
Of course, it’s not a “one and done” type of thing. Like any relationship or expectation, it takes daily cultivation and moment-to-moment awareness, a continual unfolding that we observe, protect, and grow. Thank you to all of you who’ve reached out with your support over the last few weeks. It means a lot.
I hope you all have nice, long weekends with your families! It was lovely to see many of you drop by these last couple of days.
Sean
Don’t Forget Sparrow Bryson
As mentioned in a previous email, fundraising has been going well for Sparrow Bryson, but there is more to do. Please remind your child to enter all of their 2023/24 community service hours, by Friday, May 31st. One hour of service equates to $10 dollars for our Sparrow with the support of many local businesses. All hours should be recorded via the QR code below or by clicking here. It is super important that your student records their hours by May 1st.
For those of you who like the easier route, you may support Bryson and his family by donating online using your credit card. If you have any questions, please reach out to Deb Mullen at [email protected]. Thank you for your continued support of this beautiful child and his family. We can’t wait introduce Bryson and his family to our students at our year-end assembly. Take a moment to learn more by clicking on the links below.
Reminder | Family Event Night | “Helping You Help Your Child”
Join us on Thursday, April 18 from 6:00 – 8:00 PM at Pacific Crest Middle School
Pacific Crest Middle School is partnering with Dr. Amy Yillik from Culture of Care and the Healthy Schools program to help you help your child be a more successful student! Amy has over 30 years of experience helping teens, pre-teens, and the adults that love them. She will share strategies for improving communication, navigating big feelings, promoting attendance, and dealing with conflict and other challenging behaviors.
Join us for an evening of learning, connecting with other families, light refreshments, and raffle prizes. This is a FREE event, but registration is required for entry. More about this event here!
Staff Appreciation Week Snack Bar Sign-ups
Do you know…the entire week starting Monday, May 6th is Teacher Appreciation Week! Let’s show our love for the PCMS Staff by stocking the staff lounge with some yummy snacks. Wyou may sign up to donate items by clicking here. Donations can be dropped off to the office anytime before Tuesday, May 7th. Teachers will be given a bag to pack with snacks to take back to their classrooms.
Yearbook Photos Needed
This year’s Yearbook is almost finished, but we are looking for some action shots and candid photos of Wrestling and Cross Country, as well as more Volleyball and Football shots, although these are less needed.
If you have any photos you would like to submit please add them via Google form before this Monday night. You might have to have a Google email to do it, but it’s the most secure way we know to collect images.
Summit High School’s Club Rugby
This club includes high school boys JV and Varsity, high school Girls Varsity, and now Middle School Boys 7/8 grade! We have players from Cascade and PacCrest currently but can have players from any of the Bend-LaPine schools. We can still add players to this season! Rugby is a spring sport, and started late February and runs through mid-May. This is our inaugural season, with hopes to expand to one team per school over the next few years. For more information, contact Lindsay Gadsby at [email protected] or 503-871-2873.
Calendar of Events | Mark your Calendar
April 24 | PCMS Track & Field Home Meet | 3:15 PM – 7:00 PM
On Monday, we have two important policies we will start to implement. The first is our new iPad expectations. No longer will iPads be the default learning tool at PCMS. We will use paper and pencil whenever possible in all of our classes. Students will also store their iPads on a special iPad shelf in each classroom. (Our math instruction will still, primarily, run through two programs on the iPad.)
The second policy is our new district-wide ban on e-bikes and e-scooters on all Bend-La Pine school campuses for any student under 16 years of age. (See the latest Bend-La Pine Family Spotlight for more info.) After our many advisory lessons and community messages, and after many concerned emails and phone calls from the community, we are pleased this policy will soon take effect. This is a public safety issue, and this policy parallels state law and plain common sense around e-bike and e-scooter ridership.
Remember we have no school Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday next week. Wednesday night is open-house-style conferences 4:00-8:00 PM (with a 5:00-5:45 PM dinner break for teachers), and Thursday is by appointment only. Because of the limited number of slots we can offer on Thursday, we ask that you reserve these appointments for students who need the most support.
If your student is earning 3’s and 4’s, your student is demonstrating grade level proficiency, and there’s no need to conference with the teacher at this time. Of course, teachers are available to address any questions or concerns you might have throughout the school year.
Finally, thank you to all of you who’ve emailed, called, or attended the parent-principal coffees this school year. Your voice has made a difference in the running of this school, and I appreciate you.
7th & 8th Forecasting Message from PCMS Counseling Team
We are excited to begin 7th and 8th grade forecasting for next year! Students will be selecting electives with their counselor via their iPad, but we encourage parent involvement. When you have a moment, please review the information below with your student to prepare them for forecasting with their counselor the week of April 15. The following forms are for reference only; please do not fill forms out. Thank you for your support.
If your student needs to be released early from school, it is critical that you contact the Attendance Office at least 30 minutes before you need your student released. Email [email protected] or call 541-355-7820 and leave a message. Rest assured your message will get picked up within several minutes and a note will be delivered to your student. If you call the main office you will be transferred to the attendance message line and the above process will take place.
If you require your student to be released within 30 minutes, please visit the attendance window to make your request. Thank you.
From Nurse Oliver | Baseline Concussion Testing
Did you know concussions are the second leading cause of childhood accidents after car accidents? We’ve seen a LOT of concussions among our Pacific Crest students this year, with 5 new concussions in March alone. Baseline concussion testing can help reduce the risk of second impact syndrome, a devastating and potentially fatal condition that results from sustaining a second concussion before the first injury has healed. Next Friday, April 12, the Center Foundation is offering group baseline concussion testing for students aged 12 and up who have not had a baseline test in the past two years. There is a fee for the test and an appointment is required. Please visit The Center Foundation’s website for more information: https://www.centerfoundation.org/concussion-baseline-testing/
Mark your Calendar | Family Event Night | “Helping You Help Your Child”
Join us on Thursday, April 18 from 6:00 – 8:00 PM at Pacific Crest Middle School
Pacific Crest Middle School is partnering with Dr. Amy Yillik from Culture of Care and the Healthy Schools program to help you help your child be a more successful student! Amy has over 30 years of experience helping teens, pre-teens, and the adults that love them. She will share strategies for improving communication, navigating big feelings, promoting attendance, and dealing with conflict and other challenging behaviors.
Join us for an evening of learning, connecting with other families, light refreshments, and raffle prizes. This is a FREE event, but registration is required for entry. More about this event here!
PCCO Message: Pasta Staff Dinner Sign-ups
Let’s have a pasta night! To support our staff during parent-teacher conferences, we are providing dinner on Wednesday, April 10th at 5:00 PM. You may drop non-perishable donations to the office anytime between now and then. Perishable food can be dropped off Wednesday before 4:30. Crockpots and other dishes can be picked up after 6:00 PM or the following day from the lobby area.
The unclaimed lost and found items will be donated on Friday, April 12. This will give parents and guardians the opportunity to take a look for and claim “missing items” that belong to your student during next week’s conference days.
Interested in Volunteering?
Honestly, we can’t do it all without community support. If you are interested in volunteering and you are not cleared to do so, please see the below QR codes for more info. When cleared to volunteer, you will have a cleared status for two years from the date you are cleared. Volunteer opportunities are list below. Thank you in advance!
Volunteer for Athletics!
We host 2 home meets this season, which requires A LOT (24+) of volunteers. If you are interested in helping as a parent volunteer, please complete this form and our PCMS Athletics office will contact you. Thank You!
Interested in learning more about the Summit Dance Team? The Summit Dance team is holding open practices and information nights EVERY Thursday from 4-5pm in Room B214 at Summit until the end of May. This is open to all rising Freshman, Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors. Dance tryouts are June 3 & 4 so come learn more about the dance team and see what it’s all about. No dance experience necessary. If you have any questions, please email [email protected]. Bring a friend or two. Hope to see you there!
Calendar of Events | Mark your Calendar
April 9 | 8th Grade Career Day | 9:00 – 11:00 AM
April 10 – 12 | Conferences | NOTE! No School for Students all 3 days
April 24 | PCMS Track & Field Home Meet | 3:15 PM – 7:00 PM
I hope you have an awesome spring break! Remember that we have two new policies starting Monday, April 8. The first is our iPad policy, and the second is our e-bike/e-scooter policy.
For iPads, these will no longer be the default learning tool at PCMS. They will be used as just one tool of the student’s tool box. At the start of class, iPads will be placed on racks in the classroom. Whenever possible, pencil and paper will be used for learning tasks.
For e-bikes and e-scooters, these will no longer be allowed on any Bend-La Pine school campus if the student is under 16 years of age. Starting April 8, students will first be warned and parents contacted. After the first warning, we will hold the bike at school and only release the bike to the parent.
Before we leave for break, I want to kindly ask everyone to purchase a school yearbook if you can. We want every student to get a yearbook, and many of you have purchased your own yearbook as well as a book for a student who cannot afford one.
But so far, only 40% of our families have purchased a book. At that rate, we will not be able to afford giving each kid a yearbook. Please help us and buy a yearbook if you can! Your student will thank you when they get in their hands at the end of the year.
Sean
Reminder! Purchase a Yearbook
There is still time to purchase a yearbook for your student(s). Each book is $22.00. To pay with a credit card, go to TouchBase and click on “Yearbook”. You may also pay with cash or check (payable to PCMS) which can be dropped off at the main office.
Spring Conferences
We will have conferences on Wednesday evening, April 10 and all day Thursday, April 11. This is a chance to speak with your student’s teacher. If your student is demonstrating grade-level proficiency and earning mostly 3’s and B’s, please consider refraining from conferences and giving your spot to a family whose student needs more support.
We will have two types of conferences. Wednesday will be open house, drop-in-style conferences from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM. (Classrooms will be closed from 5:00 PM to 5:45 PM for teachers’ dinner.) Thursday will be scheduled conferences in 15-min slots, starting at 8:00 AM and ending at 8:00 PM.
We will send conference information, including a link to sign up, on Wednesday, April 3.
A Message from PCCO | April Staff Dinner Sign -ups
Let’s have a pasta night! In support our staff during parent-teacher conferences, we are providing dinner on Wednesday, April 10 at 5:00 PM. You may drop non-perishable donations to the office anytime starting Monday, April 1 until Tuesday, April 9. Perishable food can be dropped off Wednesday, April 10 before 4:30. Crockpots and other dishes can be picked up after 6:00 PM or on a following day. Here is the sign-up!
The Results Are In! Coins for Bryson
A huge thanks to all students and families who donated to our week-long coin collection for Sparrow Bryson. Students busted into their piggy banks to give to this great cause. We collected $630.00 which includes our online donations. Every cent collected will go directly to Bryson and his family. Even though the collection ended on Wednesday, we are continuing to collect monetary donations (cash, check or credit card) for Bryson until May 1, 2024. Cash and checks payable to PCMS (w/note Sparrow Donation) can be dropped off at the main office. If credit card is easier for you, please go to TouchBase and click on Sparrow and make your donation.
Lots of Thanks!
Sending a huge THANK YOU to the Bliss, Chung, DeRose, Heimerdinger, Manresa, Meyer, Riley, Sabat, Schumacher, and Soronen families for donating to and supporting the PCMS Robotics Club! Also, we thank our PCCO for a generous $850 matching grant and to the Education Foundation for a $1,000 grant this past Fall. Through these generous donations and support from our school administration, we have been able to replace our aging robot ‘fleet’ with eight new Spike Prime robots and several accessory packs!
Welcoming Japanese Exchange Students
Earlier this week we were honored to host students and faculty from Chisholm High School in Chiba Japan. Our new friends were exited to receive PCMS swag and other items. to give them the ultimate American school experience, they enjoyed lunch from our cafeteria. In the spirit of welcoming all, some of our students shared their treats from the Snack Shack with them.
Good News | Oregon Battle of the Books
Sending out a huge congratulations to Team Salty Cheez-Its who went to the regional OBOB tournament last Saturday. They won ¾ battles in the rounds and lost by 1 question in the Sweet 16 bracket. This 6th-grade team is ready to go for it again next year for the win and for the fun of it!
Rube-a-Thon Fun!
Carey Kraybill and Dan Curfew took a group of 8th graders to the 1st Annual Rube-a-Thon sponsored by the Central Oregon STEM Hub on March 8. PCMS had four teams (shown below) out of 19 at the event. What’s super awesome is that two of our teams won prizes! The challenge was to create a Rube Goldberg in 1.5 hours that got toothpaste on a toothbrush! The team at the upper left won the “Most Innovative Chain Reaction” and the team at upper right won for “Best Overall Design”. Congratulations to all!
Spring Break Care for Families
The countdown to spring break is on and for many, it’s a time for rest and a little adventure. It also comes with stress and challenges. It’s important to stay mindful and take care of ourselves. Below are some helpful tips for a more stress-free spring break.
Consider ways to modify plans that may negatively impact your mental health.
Don’t forget the power of “no.” It’s okay to say no to plans if you are feeling overwhelmed.
Plan ahead. Keeping a calendar of events can help you stay on track and be ready.
Talk about your feelings. You might be overwhelmed or missing a loved one. Talking about your feelings with a trusted friend or family member is okay. You are not alone.
Take time for self-care. It’s important to take care of ourselves before caring for others.
It’s okay to ask for help and support is available. Acknowledge your feelings and talk to a professional when needed.
988: If you or someone you love is struggling with thoughts of suicide, call or text 988. You are not alone. Call or text 988 to connect to staff prepared to provide compassionate, accessible care and support for anyone experiencing mental health-related distress.
English: Text or Call 988
Español: Llame 988 or envia “AYUDA” al 988
YouthLine is a free and confidential teen-to-teen help line. Students are encouraged to contact YouthLine via phone, text, chat, and email to talk about anything that may be bothering them. Teens are available to help daily from 4-10 p.m. Pacific Time (adults are available by phone at all other times).
CareSolace supports the well-being of our community and can help you quickly find treatment options matched to your needs, regardless of the circumstance. If you or your family members are looking for help with mental health or substance use, this is a complimentary and confidential care coordination service provided by Bend-La Pine Schools. Call 888-515-0595. Support is available 24/7/365 in over 200 languages. Visit caresolace.com/bls and either search on your own or click “Book Appointment” for assistance by video chat, email, or phone.
SafeOregon allows students and families to report information that involves students, the safety of their fellow students or their school 24-hours-a-day. With SafeOregon, students can report anything from vandalism to cyberbullying via text, phone, email or online.
We hope you have a safe and restful spring break!
Calendar of Events | Mark your Calendar
March 25 – 29 | Spring Break | No School
April 9 | 8th Grade Career Day | 9:00 – 11:00 AM
April 10 – 12 | Conferences | NOTE! No School for Students all 3 days
We have exciting things happening at PCMS. Our 7th graders completed their field study, learning about avalanche safety, shelter building, hiking, and teamwork. We also started collecting money for Sparrow Bryson in our St. Patrick’s Day themed fundraiser we call “Lucky Sparrow.”
On April 8, we have two important policies we will start to implement. The first is our new iPad expectations. No longer will iPads be the default learning tool at PCMS. We will use paper and pencil whenever possible in all of our classes. Students will also store their iPads on a special iPad shelf in each classroom. (Our math instruction will still, primarily, run through two programs on the iPad.)
The second policy is our new district-wide ban on e-bikes and e-scooters on all Bend-La Pine school campuses for any student under 16 years of age. (See the latest Bend-La Pine Family Spotlight for more info.) After our many advisory lessons and community messages, and after many concerned emails and phone calls from the community, we are pleased this policy will soon take effect. This is a public safety issue, and this policy parallels state law and plain common sense around e-bike and e-scooter ridership.
Finally, we were very surprised and pleased that one of our 8th graders, Reese Johnson, was recognized by President Biden this week! Last year Reese wrote a beautiful and powerful essay on the gender gap and wage discrimination. President Biden cited Reese’s essay as one of the reasons he continues to fight for gender equality, saying, on his social media post, that “When women thrive, we all thrive.”
Reese’s words and President Biden’s sentiments align with our efforts this month to highlight heroic American women for Women’s History Month. This week students learned about Amelia Earhart.
I hope you all get some rest and relaxation in the beautiful central Oregon sunshine!
Sean
Important! | April 10 | No-school day for Middle School Students
We have an important calendar update to share with you for our school conference week this spring. Wednesday, April 10, will be a NO SCHOOL day for middle school students, just as April 11 and 12 are scheduled NO SCHOOL days. Students in grades 6-8 will attend school April 8 and 9, and conferences with teachers will be held the evening of April 10, during the day on April 11, and the evening of April 11.
Elementary students already have Wednesday, Thursday and Friday off during the April conference week, and now middle school students have the same three days off. This change, consistent with the recent collective bargaining agreement negotiated with the association representing our certified staff, provides teachers additional time to prepare for conferences with families.
Please update your calendars to reflect that April 10 is now a NO SCHOOL day for middle school students.
No habrá clases el 10 de abril para los de la secundaria
Tenemos una importante actualización de calendario para compartir con ustedes sobre la semana de conferencias escolares esta primavera. El miércoles, 10 de abril, será un día SIN CLASES para los estudiantes de la secundaria, al igual que el 11 y 12 de abril, que ya están programados como días SIN CLASES. Los estudiantes de los grados 6-8 asistirán a la escuela el 8 y 9 de abril, y las conferencias con los maestros se llevarán a cabo la noche del 10 de abril, durante el día del 11 de abril y la noche del 11 de abril.
Los estudiantes de primaria ya tienen libre el miércoles, jueves y viernes durante la semana de conferencias de abril, y ahora los estudiantes de la secundaria también tienen esos tres días libres. Este cambio, en línea con el reciente acuerdo de negociación colectiva con la asociación que representa a nuestro personal certificado, brinda a los maestros tiempo adicional para prepararse para las conferencias con las familias.
Por favor, actualicen sus calendarios para reflejar que el 10 de abril es ahora un día SIN CLASES para los estudiantes de la secundaria.
Mark your Calendar | Family Event Night | “Helping You Help Your Child”
Join us on Thursday, April 18 from 6:00 – 8:00 PM at Pacific Crest Middle School
Pacific Crest Middle School is partnering with Dr. Amy Yillik from Culture of Care and the Healthy Schools program to help you help your child be a more successful student! Amy has over 30 years of experience helping teens, pre-teens, and the adults that love them. She will share strategies for improving communication, navigating big feelings, promoting attendance, and dealing with conflict and other challenging behaviors.
Join us for an evening of learning, connecting with other families, light refreshments, and raffle prizes. This is a FREE event, but registration is required for entry. More about this event here!
pull as far forward as possible towards the bike racks at the north side of the school
pay attention when approaching campus and while in the parking lot
refrain from using cell phone while driving
slow it down
Students should…
exit and enter vehicle on the curb side
be prepared to safely and quickly exit and enter the vehicle at the curb
Golden Eagle Athletics
One week left for PCMS Track & Field Registration! The registration for Track & Field will close March 22nd at 5pm. LATE REGISTRATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
Registration Process
VERY IMPORTANT TO KNOW: Students become athletes only if all 3 of the following steps are complete. That means your student can not participate in any athletic events, camps, practices and/or games until they are cleared by the Athletic Secretary. Also, the registration closes per the dates listed above. No exceptions.
1. Register online through Family ID. Please do this first. FamilyID is a secure, user-friendly online registration platform that streamlines the application process and allows parents to enter information once for multiple family members and athletic teams. Need help with FamilyID, click here to view short tutorial.
2. $40 Participation Fee and any outstanding fines/fees paid through Touchbase, Bend La Pine Schools secure online payment portal.
3. Current sports physical on file. Make sure the main office has a current sports physical on file. All athletes need a current sports physical on file before the first day of practice.
New physical information: Sports physicals NOW expire 2 years from exam date and need to be renewed on a 2-year cycle to remain current. We encourage renewal between school years to avoid expiration during your sport season. Simply…for our upcoming spring sports season, physical forms must be dated on or after 6/1/2022 to be valid.
All physicals must be recorded on the OSAA Sports Physical Form or we can NOT accept it. Please be sure to print your the OSAA School Sports Pre-Participation Examination form before your appointment. Take it to your child’s sports physical appointment. When you have completed the sports physical, please turn it in to the school.
Tuesday, April 2nd – Parent/Guardian Meeting @ 5:30-6:00pm in the Nest. We ask that all parents/guardian attend to meet the coaches and get key information for the season.
We can also always use volunteers for the Track Meets. If you would like to volunteer, please use this link to sign up. Prior to any volunteering you must also be cleared with a background check. If you are not already cleared or are unsure if you are cleared, please follow this link.
Please contact Rachel Larsen, Athletic Secretary, at [email protected]or 541.355.7807 if you have questions.
7th Grade Skyliner Field Trip Update and Thanks
We had three great field trips to Skyliner over the last week. Our 7th graders built snow shelters with Counselor Sarah; did team building with Counselor Abigail; hiked with their Science teachers and learned about avalanche safety with Alan Vellutini and two awesome parent volunteers: Tim Cunningham, Lisa Christensen, and Kevin Grove from COCC. Kids used beacons and probes to rescue a buried avalanche beacon. Parents donated hot cocoa and Strictly Organic donated hot water and cups. Thanks for all of your support with getting our kids outside to learn through experience!
Calendar of Events | Mark your Calendar
Mar. 25 – 29 | Spring Break | No School
Apr. 10 – 12 | Conferences | NOTE! No School for Students all 3 days
What a beautiful day! A group of our design students just returned from a Rube Goldberg competition hosted by Central Oregon STEM Hub, and our 7th graders traveled to Skyliners Lodge this week for some team-building, snow study, and hot chocolate sipping.
We’ve already raised more than $2,500 this year for Bryson, our Sparrow. (More about Sparrows here.) We’ve raised these funds through our Halloween Dance, Valentine’s Dance, and Val-o-Gram sales. The best way to raise money for Bryson now, moving forward, is to complete service hours. (See the message from earlier this week.)
Starting Monday, April 8, we will have new schoolwide iPad expectations in all classes. We created these expectations as a staff over multiple sessions after hearing a presentation from a PCMS parent and local pediatrician. Here are the slides we’re showing to students next week:
Thank you for your input these last couple years about iPads, and thank you for your partnership moving forward. If you have any questions, please let us know.
Next year, our iPad expectations will extend beyond the classroom to cover the entire school. Students will need to keep iPads in lockers during lunchtime and will be asked to put them away during passing times.
Have a great weekend, everyone!
Sean
REMINDER! Lost and Found
Our lost and found keeps growing each and every day. Ask your child to check it regularly for items they are missing. We have all sorts of clothing item, lunch boxes, books, binders, etc. All remaining items will be donated to a local charity on Friday, March 22.
Daylight Savings | Spring Forward One Hour
Just a reminder to adjust your clocks one hour ahead this Saturday evening before you go to sleep.
Athletics | Track Registration is Open!
Last reminder! Registration for Track and Field is now open and will close on March 22 for all students. No exceptions. Registration information is available on the PCMS Athletics webpage.
Calendar of Events | Mark your Calendar
Mar. 14 | Vertical Choir Concert | 7:00 PM | Summit High School
Mar. 15| Deadline to submit 8th grader celebration yearbook message and photo
Happy March! I hope we have some more sunshine and less snow here on campus. With the sun, kids go outside, play together, and stimulate their minds and bodies. With snow on the ground, fewer kids go out at lunch, and the few that do get reminded (over and over) that snow stays on the ground.
These four weeks between Presidents Day and Spring Break can feel like a slog. Let’s work together as a team, give each other grace, and be the school community our kids deserve.
As you may know, March is Women’s History Month. We’ve invited our staff to share information with students about a woman they admire from US history. Of course, we honor women all year, but it’s important to slow down with intention and explicitly celebrate women past and present who’ve made an indelible mark on our society. Today students learned about Katherine Johnson, one of NASA’s “hidden figures.”
Have a wonderful weekend with your family.
Sean
Mark your Calendar | 8th Grade Promotion Ceremony & Reception
Our 8th Grade Promotion Ceremony (aka Leaving the Nest) will take place in the PCMS Gym on Monday, June 17, from 6:00 PM – 6:45 PM. Directly following the ceremony there will be an optional reception. We will also provide photo booths in the Nest from 6:45 – 7:15 PM. Bring your own camera or smart phone.
The Smarter Balanced Assessment (SBAC)
Testing is scheduled for all 6th – 8th students later this spring. We are expecting all students to participate in the assessment. We plan to conduct testing at PCMS in late April / early May 2024. 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 1, 2024.
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.
The move to high school in the fall makes it a big year for students and families! Join your new high school community at Incoming 9th Grade Orientation Night on Monday, March 4 at 6:00 pm.
Get familiar with your new school’s environment, culture and values. Incoming 9th Grade Orientation Night is an essential part of preparing students for a successful high school experience. The following schools are looking forward to seeing you! Click here for more info.
Summit High Main Gym – 2855 NW Clearwater Drive, Bend
Bend Senior High Auditorium – 230 NE 6th Street, Bend
Caldera High Main Gym – 60925 SE 15th Street, Bend
Mountain View High Auditorium – 2755 NE 27th Street, Bend
La Pine High Auditorium – 51633 Coach Road, La Pine
Health Reminder from Nurse Tatom
Cough and cold season is still going strong and many of our students have gone home sick in the past couple of weeks. We appreciate how disruptive it can be for families when you need to make last-minute arrangements to pick your student up early. Please take a moment to review the Bend-La Pine Schools guidelines on when to keep your student home.
We have also had several students bring medications to school without written authorization from a parent or guardian. If your student requires medication to remain in school, please make sure to fill out an authorization form and send it to the school. There is a form for students to keep and administer their own medication, and a separate form if you would like office staff to store and administer the medication in our health room.
If you have any questions, please feel free to call our consulting registered nurse at (541) 355-6922.
Don’t Forget! Purchase a Yearbook for Your Student Today!
These high-quality yearbooks are published by Herff Jones and include hard covers and 40+ full color pages packed full of memories. The cost of a yearbook is $22.00. Yearbooks can be purchased with a credit card via our TouchBase online payment system. If you wish to purchase with cash or check (made payable to PCMS), deliver it to the main office. If you have any questions, please email [email protected].
Athletics | Track Registration is Open!
Registration for Track and Field is now open and will close on March 22nd for all students. Middle school sports create opportunities for kids to try new sports, and our program is appropriate for all experience levels. Registration information is available on the PCMS Athletics webpage. Additional information regarding the upcoming season will be posted on the Athletics webpage soon.
Life and Career Readiness Night
Join us at Bend La Pine Schools’ Life and Career Readiness Night on March 5th from 6:00-7:30 pm at Caldera High School. This event, welcoming all Bend La Pine Middle and High School students and families, marks the launch of our new college and career-oriented platform, SchoolLinks.
Discover your path after high school – whether it’s college, a career, the trades, or a gap year. Explore 14 different programs from COCC and OSU right in your backyard. Engage with over 30 local career opportunities, including representatives from the Armed Forces, Saint Charles Medical Center, the City of Bend, Deschutes County, Bend Parks and Rec, and more.
Indulge in local food truck offerings and consider a culinary career while entering a raffle for a chance to win one of two laptops! The Life and Career Readiness Night at Caldera High School on March 5th, sponsored by East Cascades Works and the United States Coast Guard, is your gateway to a brighter future. Don’t miss out!
Únase a nosotros en la a Noche de preparación para la vida y la carrera de las escuelas de Bend La Pine el 5 de marzo de 6:00 a 7:30 pm en Caldera High School. Este evento, que da la bienvenida a todos los estudiantes y familias de Bend La Pine Middle y High School, marca el lanzamiento de nuestra nueva plataforma orientada a la universidad y la carrera, SchoolLinks.
Descubra su camino después de la escuela preparatoria, ya sea la universidad, una carrera, los oficios o un año sabático. Explore 14 programas diferentes de COCC y OSU directamente en su patio trasero. Participe en más de 30 oportunidades profesionales locales, incluidos representantes de las Fuerzas Armadas, el Centro Médico Saint Charles, la ciudad de Bend, el condado de Deschutes, Bend Parks and Rec, y más.
Disfrute de las ofertas de camiones de comida locales y considere una carrera culinaria mientras participa en un sorteo para tener la oportunidad de ganar una de dos computadoras portátiles. La Noche de preparación para la vida y la carrera en la escuela preparatoria Caldera el 5 de marzo, patrocinada por East Cascades Works y la Guardia Costera de los Estados Unidos, es su puerta de entrada a un futuro mejor. ¡No se lo pierda!
Calendar of Events | Mark your Calendar
Mar. 1 | Deadline to purchase 8th grader celebration yearbook space
What a beautiful day in the nest! I can clearly see Bachelor, Broken Top, and the Sisters from my office, and they look amazing! What a magnificent place to work and to call home.
Our students and staff have started semester 2 with momentum. Our grades looked pretty good for semester 1, and we are further focusing our supports for students who need it for semester 2.
A local pediatrician spoke to our staff last week about screentime, and it sparked a deep and thoughtful conversation about our approach to iPads here at PCMS. We will be creating new iPad expectations as a staff and will be sharing those with you soon. Thank you to all those folks who expressed their thoughts about iPads at our coffee-with-the-principal chats.
Finally, at the end of day last Friday, we hosted a bike safety assembly for our students. We invited a local parent, an emergency room doctor, a traffic sergeant, and a safety expert that presented to our students. Feel free to ask your student about the assembly!
This assembly previews looming policy changes regarding e-bikes on school campuses in our district. This policy has gone through a public comment period and is being finalized by senior leadership at the central office. Thank you to all of you who communicated your concerns to me, to Dr. Cook, and to our school board.
I hope you had relaxing weekend with your families.
Sean
Permission Slips for 8th Grade CTE Fly Up Day!
Our 8th graders are traveling to their high schools tomorrow, Monday, Feb 26 to preview career and technical education offerings. Any student who does not have a signed permission slip will, unfortunately, not be allowed to go on the field trip. They will have to stay here at school from 9:30 to 12:30, while the rest of their 8th grade class is on the trip.
Please make sure your 8th grader turns in their signed permission slip so they can go on the trip on Monday!
Athletics | Track Registration Opening Soon!
Registration for Track and Field is now open and will close on March 22nd for all students. Middle school sports create opportunities for kids to try new sports, and our program is appropriate for all experience levels. Registration information is available on the PCMS Athletics webpage. Additional information regarding the upcoming season will be posted on the Athletics webpage soon.
Life and Career Readiness Night
Join us on March 5th from 6:00-7:30 pm at Caldera High School. This event welcomes Bend La Pine Middle and High School students and families and marks the launch of our new college and career-oriented platform, SchoolLinks.
Discover your path after high school – whether it’s college, a career, the trades, or a gap year. Explore 14 different programs from COCC and OSU right in your backyard. Engage with over 30 local career opportunities, including representatives from the Armed Forces, Saint Charles Medical Center, the City of Bend, Deschutes County, Bend Parks and Rec, and more.
Indulge in local food truck offerings and consider a culinary career while entering a raffle for a chance to win one of two laptops! The Life and Career Readiness Night at Caldera High School on March 5th, sponsored by East Cascades Works and the United States Coast Guard, is your gateway to a brighter future. Don’t miss out!
Calendar of Events | Mark your Calendar
Feb. 26 | 8th Grade CTE Day
Feb. 27 | Vertical Orchestra Concert | 7:00 PM | Summit High School
Mar 7 | Vertical Band Concert | 7:00 PM | Summit High School
Mar. 1 | Deadline to purchase 8th grader celebration yearbook space
