The Secondary Blog, May 20, 2026

To Do

Principals: Update your staffing plans.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

From Jason in IT:

Please review ALL your audits on this dashboard including the new Discipline & Attendance Mismatched audit. These audits need to be resolved prior to the end of the school year.

Additional updates for discipline audits have been added to the School Discipline Audits analytics report dashboard. Specifically, an updated version of the “Discipline & Attendance Mismatch” report is at the bottom of the dashboard (you will need to scroll down to see it).

Jason Westmoreland [[email protected]] would like additional feedback on this audit specifically. Are there changes that would be helpful, are there any false positive or incorrect entries shown, or is there any confusion surrounding how to resolve the audits?

To access the discipline audits (until we are able to publish this to a PAD Tree location), you will need to use the Quick Launch, by typing ‘Synergy Analytics Home Page’ and selecting the entry.

Once you are on the Synergy Analytics Home Page, click the ‘hamburger’ under the label, and expand the navigation links. Find the Discipline option and select it.

You may be presented with a number of options to choose from (I recommend exploring when you have time), however, to review discipline audits, you will need to select the ‘School Discipline Audits’ dashboard from the Audits group.

Once you have selected the appropriate dashboard, there will be multiple audits available on the page. The new ‘Discipline & Attendance Mismatched’ audit is at the bottom of the page (you will need to scroll down using the far-right scroll bar – multiple scrolls may be nested).

The audit is intended to show you where ISS/OSS discipline and attendance are not matched on a given day. Based on what actually happened with a specific student / disposition, you should correct either the disposition Dates & Days, or the Attendance codes for those days (and appropriate periods).

Remember that you can expand individual reports in the dashboard to expand the entire display window by using the four arrows pointing to the corners. This will expand the report to use the whole screen for easier navigation.

NOTE: If you have questions regarding how to resolve these audits (or any audits on this dashboard) please connect with Jason Westmoreland (x1222)

From Departments

From Lisa, Deputy Superintendent

Check out this Spring Update regarding Technology and Assessments for the 26-27 school year.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

From Dean:

We are currently processing curriculum requests for next year. Approximately 75% of teachers have submitted requests so far. The form will remain open, but please note that May 31 is the deadline for receiving feedback on submissions. Requests submitted in June may not receive feedback, which is especially important if a request is denied.

Please remind colleagues to complete the curriculum request form. They can find related messages from BLS Instructional Technology ([email protected] (opens in new tab)

Updates to curriculum requests are posted on the same page.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

From Kinsey – Office of Policy and Advocacy:

School Supplies:

As you know, state law prohibits us from requiring families to provide school supplies for their children’s education.  Even suggesting contributions in a way that creates undue pressure or expectation for family donations is inappropriate and doesn’t align with our equity values.  Please be sure your staff clearly understand this expectation and the reasons for it.

That said, some families would really like to contribute, and I know we’re all interested in maximizing community support to take the edge off our budgets.  To balance these competing interests, here are some recommended practices:

  • Make it very clear to families that there is no obligation for any family to contribute any school supplies. 
  • Avoid publishing classroom- or grade-specific “lists” that can create a sense of obligation. 
  • Let families know that, for those who have extra supplies at home or who simply enjoy purchasing and contributing supplies to prepare for school each fall, the school will accept voluntary donations of general, unused supplies during your fall Welcome Back/Curriculum Night events. 
  • Have school-wide “Optional School Supply Donations” buckets/tubs available in the front lobby during fall events, rather than having families take supplies to a particular teacher or classroom (where donations are more attributable to individual students, which increases pressure).  

Pride Month:

June is Pride Month!  Bend-La Pine Schools will have our regular booth at the summer Pride festival on June 6th–drop by and visit!   

Encourage your teachers to cover LGBTQIA2S+ history (supported by Oregon required standards) by implementing some of the lessons, read-alouds, and activities available on our district Equity Resources page (click on Cultural Calendar, then scroll to June).  Here are some teacher prep tips, and/or contact the Advocacy Coaches for instructional support.  

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

From Jenn:

Waypoints closes next Friday for 6-12.  If you all want to look at completion rates by school see instructions below:

For 3-12, go to the Waypoints tab; the overview shows the percent completed (make sure you are filtered to student-reported and summative). 

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

From Tami Pike:

Please review the Bend-La Pine Schools Protocol and Procedures for Management of Concussions ~ May 2026 update. More information about concussions can be found on our BLS website under Health and Wellness.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

From Student Services:

As we prepare for the end of the year, we wanted to share a new check-out process with you all!

  1. Please schedule a bookings appointment or phone call with the records clerks.
    • You may book now but these meetings will not take place until the beginning of June.
  2. During this meeting, the Records Clerks will be checking:
    • Learning Specialists:
      • All IEPs are completed and finalized
      • All progress notes are completed and finalized
      • All equipment lists are updated
      • High cost and staffing needs are submitted
      • Restraint and Seclusion paperwork have been turned in
      • If required for your role: All Senior Paperwork
    • Psychologists:
      • Evaluations finished and uploaded
      • Location of test kits have been verified
      • For PILOT participants: Medicaid logs are completed in SEAS until last day served
    • Speech and Language Pathologist:
      • All IEPs are completed and finalized
      • All progress notes are completed and finalized
      • Medicaid logs are completed in SEAS until last day served
      • Evaluations finished and uploaded
      • Audiometers have been turned in
      • If required for your role: All Senior Paperwork
    • Occupational Therapists:
      • Feeding protocols have been updated, completed, and sent to records
      • Evaluations finished and uploaded
      • Medicaid logs are completed in SEAS until last day served
      • All equipment lists are updated

When you have completed this meeting and have all of your paperwork complete, the admin who supports your site (Josh, Colleen, or Sara) will let your building administrator know that you have the GREEN LIGHT from Student Services to check-out for the year! 🙂

If you have any questions, please reach out to the coach who supports your site!

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

From Scott and Karen:

Dear Middle School and High School Teachers,

We are currently investigating the option to discontinue Adobe Creative Cloud licenses for all students in grades K–8. Instead, we are exploring a targeted approach by providing licenses specifically for CTE classes and other courses where Adobe tools are required for instruction.

Our usage data shows that student use of Adobe Creative Cloud applications outside of CTE and journalism classes is limited. As a result, we are hoping to reduce costs by focusing licensing on programs and classes where the tools are actively used and instructionally necessary.

If you currently use Adobe Creative Cloud with students in your class, please add your request to the Instructional Tools Request document so we are aware of your instructional need. Requests and approvals will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Thank you for your understanding and partnership as we work to balance instructional needs with responsible stewardship of district resources.  

This change will not impact staff Adobe Creative Cloud Accounts.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

From Rodger Moore, Director of Facility Operations
To help schools manage classroom relocations smoothly and minimize disruption to instruction, the district is developing a standardized process for both same-school and inter-school moves. The procedure is intended to outline clear responsibilities for administrators, teachers, custodial teams, maintenance, and IT staff to help ensure moves are coordinated efficiently. The district is currently testing our work order platform Hero HQ for submitting move requests and coordinating details such as scheduling, technology needs, furniture, and specialty equipment. Additional procedures, expectations, and implementation guidance will be communicated in an upcoming Level Leaders’ Blog once the workflow and support processes are finalized.  

Large-scale moves, such as the Realms transition, will be exempt from this process.

TOSA Updates:

Admin Blog- SS Updates

MS

Post week of 5/18

Social Studies Speaking CDA all grades.  Pilot.

Work during END’s to make adjustments and get feedback.

Teacher leadership on this is present and forward moving.

Post week of 4/20/26

Slides from 4/23 Horizontal 

  • Slide 6 scope and sequence link
  • Slide 7-9 scope and sequence graphics
  • From slide 11 Canvas/Syllabus statements for supplemental materials

In response to students’ learning needs, current events, or newly available sources, I will periodically supplement our major text with other materials.

If you do not want your student to read/view any supplemental  materials, please let me know. Your student can wait to read/view the material until after they have shared it with you. 

Social Science shared drive (updated access)

BLP Middle level Social Studies Guide

Upcoming PD

  • 5/29 TCI-Curriculum Full Day Training @ Ed Center

HS

Post week of 5/18

Social Science Speaking CDA for all students in a USH class including AP/IB classes.

  • State requirement: One year at the high school level. MS every year.
  • 26-27 pilot year, no Synergy entry required. 
  • 26-27 END’s will be used to adjust, review, etc. for USH teachers.
  • The task is adaptable to a current task in your classroom.  And similar enough (3-part task) to meet the state requirements.
  • Rubric language was created from ELA Speaking Rubrics/State Speaking Rubrics
  • Rubric language utilizes our standard: Communication and Argumentation with emphasis on speaking.
  • No requirements at this time to upload tasks, samples etc. to a common portal.

HS Only

From Jenn and Jess:

Reminder that all seniors need to complete the Senior Year-End Activity and Alumni Access setup in SchooLinks prior to graduation. This should be included as part of each school’s senior checkout process.

This is especially important because students need to have their alumni access set up before their SchooLinks account transitions to alumni status. Their alumni account will become their primary way to access transcripts after graduation.

I know some schools are completing this with seniors next week, but I wanted to send a quick reminder and share the current completion numbers below. Reach out to Jess with questions.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Calendar

May 25: Memorial Day Holiday, no School

May 28: Waypoints Core Skills assessment window closes for secondary

June 4: Graduation week begins!

June 15: School Design Plan Showcase 9:00 – 11:00 p.m. @ CHS

June 15: End of Year Administrator Celebration (and lunch!) @ HDMS 11:30-1:00

June 16: HS Administrator Retreat 8-4 TBD

June 19: Juneteenth Holiday!

Who in the world?

Congratulations to former history teacher Colin Bado with correctly identifying Bikini Atoll in the blog.  Bikini Atoll was the site of massive nuclear testing for the US in the 1940s and 1950s.  The impact on the native cultures to that area was long lasting and significant.  If you are a bit of a history buff, National Geographic did a documentary that covered these tests and their impact along with the physical impacts on the ocean floor.  Side brag: my brother is featured in the documentary as his team was the one to map the ocean floor.

Below is the image for this week. Send us your guess for this location by Monday, win the drawing, and Stephen or Katie will bring you your school appropriate beverage of choice:

The Secondary Blog May 7, 2026

To Do

Update your staffing plan to reflect recent changes!

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

HS Principals: Send out the senior message regarding pranks to your seniors and families of seniors next week. The message will be sent centrally from District Office tomorrow

HS Principals: Collect/bring feedback from your admin team on the ACR process proposal. Prepare to share at May 15th meeting.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

From Kinsey – Office of Policy & Advocacy:

“Do Not Schedule” Dates:    – Action required – 

Here is the updated (26-27 through 28-29 school years) list of key religious observance dates to protect when scheduling any academic or extracurricular events.  This applies to field trips, family nights, info sessions, tests and exams, special one-time assemblies or events, etc. 

Please be sure you have shared that document with all relevant staff: office managers, activities and athletics, counselors, family engagement team, PTA/Booster Club leadership, ICCL team, etc.

Those key observances are also all populated into our 26-27 district-wide Family Engagement calendar in Outlook.  If you add that calendar to your school or dept calendar, those “do not schedule” dates (along with any district-wide family events) will be visible to you, to avoid scheduling conflicts.

From Departments

From Ryan:

We are continuing our Classified staffing reconciliation process to ensure that all staff entitled to positions for next school year are appropriately placed. As we complete this work, we are going to temporarily pause posting additional Classified positions until those staff impacted are notified.

We expect communication regarding employees who will be involuntarily transferred to go to building leaders on Wednesday, May 13th, with the expectation that conversations with staff occur by Friday, May 15th.

Following that process, we will move forward with posting Classified positions for next year. In an effort to align our Certified and Classified staffing processes, we will also pause posting new Certified positions for the 2026–27 school year until May 15th.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

From Ryan:

A quick reminder of expectations under Policy GCPC/GDPC-AP: Reemployment of PERS-Retired Staff.

Policy Summary:
Employees who retire under PERS may request to continue working through the end of the school year.

Requests to be rehired upon retirement must be submitted in writing at least 30 days before the end of the school year.

Approval is based on:

  • District need
  • Satisfactory performance history

If the request is approved:

  • Continued employment is Temporary through June 30
  • There is no guarantee of continued employment beyond the current school year
  • Final decisions are made at the discretion of the Superintendent or designee

The district may choose to reemploy a PERS retiree beyond the year of retirement:

  • Employment may be offered for a maximum of one year for each hiring action
  • All employment is Temporary for the single school year
  • Licensed staff may be rehired for up to three years following retirement
  • Different rules and limitations may apply for licensed and non-licensed staff
  • A shortened hiring process may be used

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

From Scott and Kayla in Safety on behalf of Bend PD

Just giving you a heads up that your school SRO may be contacting you about gathering some student generated art that they can display in the Bend Police Department. We are unsure about the amount of space they have to display these works, so please talk with your SRO before doing anything. There is also talk that it may be themed related (Nature, animals, F1 cars–wink wink etc.) Your SRO may know about that as well.  Thanks for considering helping make their space feel fun and celebrated.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

From Jess:

Here are the school counseling program updates.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

From Gabe: Here is the weekly.  Have a great week.

May 4th-8th,2026 – Weekly 

TOSA Updates

From Monica:

SS update:

All AP and IB Social Studies teachers were given the paid (sub or curricular rate) opportunity to meet as subject area/class PLC’s to plan and discuss rubric conversions.  At this time, one person from MVHS and two from Summit were interested. BHS opted for summer work.

The TOSA/TL team hoped to facilitate this work before the start of next year.  Based on the SS teacher feedback, I need to pivot and will offer END breakout sessions or some time in the fall for SS teachers to calibrate. 

Dean’s got it; there is variation in content area rubrics, type of question and points allocated. It is not always a one rubric fit all model.  This doesn’t mean we can’t calibrate on the 0-4 BLP scale.  It will look a little different than the model presented, depending on the class.

Calibration work can happen with a shift in our timeline goal.

I added building leaders from other schools to offer them an update.  

Calendar

May 13: All Admin Training 3-4:30 @ MVHS

May 13: Excellence in Ed Awards 4:30-6:30 @ MVHS

May 14th: MS Only – TAG Admin/ICCL Meeting @ Ed Center 3:30 – 5:00

May 14: Latino Family Night 5:30 @ MVHS

May 15: HS Principal Connection 8-10 @ RHS

May 19: Secondary Administrator work session @ CHS 9-11 – focus on SBGI

May 21: Karen Mapp session on Chronic Absenteeism 8-12 – Admin lead for attendance attends

May 25: Memorial Day Holiday, no School

May 28: Waypoints Core Skills assessment window closes for secondary

June 15: School Design Plan Showcase 9:00 – 11:00 p.m. @ CHS

June 15: End of Year Administrator Celebration (and lunch!) @ HDMS 11:30-1:00

Where in the World

Congrats to Quinn McAndrews for correctly identifying the island green at Coeur d’Alene Resort. The green is surrounded by water and golfers ride a ferry out to finish the hole.  The green can be moved with a cable system that allows the distance from the tee box to change depending on the day you are there.

Below is the image for this week. Send us your guess for this location by Monday, win the drawing, and Stephen or Katie will bring you your school appropriate beverage of choice:

The Secondary Blog April 23, 2026

To Do

Complete your option sets by Monday!

Option sets for curriculum ordering are due next week! Dean ran a virtual trainings for the HS admin leads on Monday of this week. If you weren’t able to make the meeting or have additional questions, please reach out to Dean.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Thank you for updating your staffing plans as changes are occur.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

From Eric, please provide comments for the 26-27 Code of Conduct:

As we look toward the 26-27 school year, we wanted to give administators at each of our levels an opportunity to make comments/propose adjustments to the Code of Conduct.

Ideas presented within the comment copies for your level (below) will be reviewed and discussed at a district Code of Conduct review meeting and also processed through the District’s Culture & Climate Task Force.

Here are the comment copies (by Level):

Middle School Comment Copy

High School Comment Copy

From Departments

Office of Policy and Advocacy:

  1. Chronic Absenteeism: Family Engagement and Attendance:  (Action needed)

We know you are working hard to get kids to school.  As part of our broader efforts to improve student attendance under the leadership of Eric and his team, and in alignment with our ongoing work on student voice, dignity, and belonging, in addition to our school design plan improvement cycles, we will be taking a closer look at the connection between family engagement and chronic absenteeism.  Research shows that specific, practical family engagement strategies can significantly improve student attendance across K–12.

On Thursday, May 21 from 8:00–12:00 (and continuing into next school year), national expert Dr. Karen Mapp will join us in person to help us reflect on our current work, identify school-specific and districtwide coordinated efforts, and plan concrete, evidence-based strategies to reduce chronic absenteeism. This is a valuable opportunity to reflect on this year and begin planning for next year.

Your Advocacy ICCL rep will attend, with substitute costs covered by the Office of Policy and Advocacy. If there are one or two additional staff members (ex: family engagement committee members) who would benefit from participating, they are welcome as well—we can support some additional substitute costs; please contact me if interested in adding participants. Please also plan for an administrator to join us. This work will directly inform your 2026–27 school design plan and provide practical tools to strengthen attendance efforts.

More information to follow—for now, please mark your calendar.

  1. ELL/Multilingual Services (From Liza) (FYI)

Hello admin teams! I wanted to inform you about a change in ELPA test scores this school year, per ODE:

  • There is a new ELPA score called “Early Proficient.” 
  • “Early Proficient” means the student scored very close to proficient, so they may be able to exit English Language Learner (ELL) status.
  • Next steps: Language Specialists will connect with the families of students who have scored “Early Proficient” and set up meetings to discuss their options during their case management periods. See the attached family flyer.
  • The decision must be made by a parent, guardian, or by the student themselves if they are an adult (18 yrs. or older).  All forms are due by June 11, 2026. 

Your Language Specialist will be connecting with you on this new process.  If you have additional questions, please reach out to me directly. Happy to support!  -Liza

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

From Gabe:

Here is the weekly: April 20th-24th, 2026

HS Administrators Only

In regards to the Karen Mapp training on May 21, the administrator in your school who oversees attendance is required to attend. I will send them an invite to the training.

Calendar

April 22: Forestry/Natural Resources CTE PD @ COCC

April 23: Manufacturing/Natural Resources CTE PD

April 23: MS Horizontal 3-5 @ Pacific Crest

April 28: AP LA Rubric collaboration and decision making teams meeting 8:00

April 30: AP LA Rubric collaboration and decision making teams meeting 8:00

May 1: HS Principal Connection @ BSHS in Perseverance Hall 8-10

May 1: 8th Grade LA CDA Meeting

May 4: IB/AP LA CDA Meeting

May 19: Secondary Administrator work session @ CHS 9-11 – focus on SBGI

May 21: Karen Mapp session on Chronic Absenteeism 8-12 – Admin lead for attendance attends

Where in the World?

Congrats to Kelly Schmidt for correctly identifying the blog image this week.  The worlds largest prairie dog in South Dakota!

Here is the image for this week. Send us your guess for this location by Monday, win the drawing, and Stephen or Katie will bring you your school appropriate beverage of choice:

Secondary Blog April 9, 2026

To Do

Principals:

Thank you for updating your staffing plans and the FTE sheet so all information is accurate!

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Scheduling student listening sessions:

Stephen and Katie would like to meet with a group of students at each of your schools to collect feedback regarding SBGI. This can be your principal’s student advisory group or perhaps your student leadership. Please work with your level leader to get something scheduled for May.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

From Triz:

Evaluation Process:

Hope you all continue to cruise through your evaluation process and have experienced some relief in getting all the steps complete.  Just a friendly reminder that we need to have files dropped into your provided Google Files as well as the workbooks for HR to have access.  If you are having any issues with the sheet, please remember to reach out to Jessica Lamay or me.

We should be starting the summative cycle for classified staff, so if you have questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.  

Thank you again for all your work on these!

Classified Eval Guide

Certified Evaluation Guide

Helpful hints about uploading to your google drives.

Linking Files:

Once you’ve dropped your files into the shared site folders  

Please be sure to link them into the correct column of your workbook. 

See steps in the samples below:

  1. Click to select the file you are attaching in the workbook.
  2. Click the ‘chain link’ icon to copy the link to that file -OR- Ctrl/Command+C.
  1. Click on the ‘File Chip’ in the corresponding row and column for that employee/eval piece. Ctrl/Command+V -OR- Right mouse click, then click Paste, to attach the file.
  2. Tab -OR- click on the file name pop-up (as above) to complete the attachment.
  3. File is attached.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Please share this opportunity with your teachers!

From: African American/Black Student Success 
To: American Indian/Alaskan Native Student Success, African American/Black Student Success, Latino/a/x & Indigenous Student Success, LGBTQ2SIA+ Student Success, Native Hawaiian/Pacific Island Student Success, Immigrant/Refugee Student Success
Date: April 3, 2026
Re: Apply Now: NHPI Student Success Advisory Group 

Apply Now: African American/Black Student Success Advisory Committee 

The Oregon Department of Education (ODE) is currently seeking applicants for the African American/Black (AAB) Student Success Advisory Committee (Group). The African American/Black (AAB) Student Success Advisory Committee advises ODE on education matters affecting AAB students and families, in order to address systemic inequities experienced by AAB students, through focused investments and community partnerships that align with the AAB Student Success Plan. Application are due by Friday May 15, 2026 at 3pm. 

Position Details

  • Application Deadline: Friday, May 15, 2026 at 3:00 pm 
  • Applicant Eligibility: High school, college age youth and classroom teachers encouraged to apply
    • According to ORS 329.841 the Department shall form an Advisory Group consisting of individuals representing: Community members; Education Partners; and including representatives of the Department of Early Learning and Care, Youth Development Oregon, and the Higher Education Coordinating Commission. 
  • Meetings: Monthly 2-hour meetings (Zoom) from September-June, on the second Wednesday of the month, from 9:00am – 11:am PST; One in-person all day retreat in Salem, Fall 2026 TBD 
  • Length of Service: 2 year term with the option to continue for up to 4 years total  

The role of the advisory group is to advise the department regarding the AAB Student Success Plan, grant program, and related Oregon Administrative Rules (OARs). Additionally, the department will be considering other intersectional identities, roles of applicants, and regional representation to ensure equitable and diverse representation of AAB communities in the Advisory Committee. 

How to Apply

If you are interested in learning more or applying to join the Advisory Group, please complete the Smartsheet application form linked below. The application form is due no later than Friday May 15, 2026 at 3:00pm.  

Application Form

To apply by phone call, video call, written letter, or to request translation services or accommodations, please reach out to the AABSS Student Success Coordinator at [email protected] or 971-208-0483. 

Contact Us

  • Reach out to the AAB Student Success Coordinator at [email protected] with any questions regarding the Advisory Group application process.  
  • Were you forwarded this message? To be directly informed of future opportunities, please subscribe to the ODE.AABSS Student Success Listserv 

Departments

From Ryan:

Next week, we’ll be sending out the complete list of each site’s Excellence in Education honoree.

Emails inviting each honoree to the recognition event will go out on Thursday, April 23.

Before that goes out, pleaes take a moment to notify their honorees directly.

We encourage you to start thinking about how you can deliver the news in a celebratory fashion – announce it at a staff meeting, share it in front of peers, or however feels right for your setting. These recognitions reflect the incredible work happening across our system, and we want the entirety of the process to feel meaningful.

The event will take place at Mountain View High School on Wednesday, May 13 from 4:30–6:30 p.m.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

From Dean:

Optional High School Resources to prevent “Look-alike” Substance Use Policy Violations

This is an optional lesson high schools can deliver through Health 1 classes or as a recorded presentation by administration for an Advisory announcement (teachers will not have enough context to deliver on their own):  “But, is it a substance use policy violation?” Lesson

If you would like additional support to deliver the lesson, please contact Dean and/or Aimee Snyder.

This is in response to emerging issue of student use of caffeine pouches, which are designed to imitate nicotine pouch use.  

We worked with our Healthy Schools partnership to make a lesson that informs students of the Student Code of Conduct and provide scenarios that are likely to be a surprise violation for students or families. 

Stayed tuned to the newsletter content for family newsletters coming soon.  

Please work with your Public Health Specialist to coordinate the roll out of this, if you choose to deliver it as an Advisory or “whole school” announcement this Spring.  We will work on adding it to the Health 1 curriculum starting next school year.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

From Kinsey – Office of Policy and Advocacy:

May Day

May Day (May 1st) celebrates the labor movement and workers’ rights, and is often recognized internationally with protests and rallies.  This year, a national “Day Without Immigrants” is also being planned on the same date.  

Locally, there are some community groups organizing strikes and community action on May 1st.  They are hoping our educators and students will participate in their May Day Strike, and have asked the district to support by facilitating student/staff absences and allowing teams of community volunteers to do service projects on our campuses as a form of the protest on that day. 

As you know, our neutrality here is important.  If you get similar requests for your school to engage in this effort, here are a few tools:

  • Our response to their request—feel free to borrow any of this language;
  • Our guidance on participating in protests;
  • Please let us know if you believe your school will be impacted by substantial student or staff absences that Friday, so we can support you;
  • Media inquiries should be directed to Communications.  

Other Dates

For your calendars: 

  • April 13-24 = Student Voice Council visits to middle schools
  • Thurs, April 30 = GSA Day field trip (6th-12th grades)*
  • Thurs, April 30 = Life and Career Readiness Fair*
  • Fri, May 1 = Asian Family Night*
  • Thurs, May 14 = Latino Family Night and KínderFiesta*   *These can be found on our district Outlook Family Engagement calendar

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

From Gabe:

Here is the weekly agenda for Athletics and Activities. April 6th-April 10th, 2026

Calendar

April 14: HS Admin WS 9-11 @ RHS

April 14: MS Walkthroughs @ PCMS

April 15: END Session 2:30-4:00!

April 17: HS Principal Connection 8-10 @ BTA

April 23: MS Horizontal 3-5 @ Pacific Crest

Where in the World

Congratulations to Dan Curfew for correctly identifying the satellite image of Chicago.  Fun fact, did you know that in 1900 Chicago reversed the flow of the Chicago river to prevent pollution from flowing into Lake Michigan?

Here is the image for this week. Send us your guess for this location by Monday, win the drawing, and Stephen or Katie will bring you your school appropriate beverage of choice:

Secondary Blog March 18, 2026

To Do

From Paul, our COO:

Wildfire Season

Please share this information with your staff: As we enter wildfire season, it is the district’s responsibility to ensure the safety of our students, staff, and facilities. We will take both proactive and responsive actions when wildfires impact school grounds and operations.

At the district level, our Communications team will provide timely updates when wildfires impact school operations, including modifications to outdoor activities, changes to the school day, or other operational adjustments. Our goal is to ensure clear, consistent communication so that students, staff, and families can respond appropriately to changing wildfire conditions.  

————————————-

For staff, it is equally important to have a personal preparedness plan in place. We strongly encourage all staff to sign up for emergency alerts through Deschutes County and/or download the Watch Duty app, enabling notifications for areas surrounding your home. These tools provide early warnings, including “Be Ready” (Level 1) and “Be Set” (Level 2) notices, which are critical for preparation.

If a Level 3 (Go Now) evacuation is issued for your neighborhood during the workday, you should communicate directly with your supervisor or administrator. We are committed to supporting staff in these situations. As long as student safety and supervision are maintained, we will arrange coverage so you can return home as soon as possible. You may record leave on your timesheet in accordance with district procedures.

From Departments

From the BLPO Team:

Here is the information for Summer ☀️ School that you can share with high school students and families. The document includes two links, and I have also attached a separate PDF of each link for easy access.

All high school counselors have received this information and have both digital and paper copies of the summer class options and the summer agreement. High school principals have also been provided with this information.

Please let me know if you have any questions. We really appreciate you helping share this information. 🙌🏼 🏄🏻 

Best,
Lori Craft

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++From Aimee Snyder:

By April 17, Submit Sources of Strength Award Nominations

Nominations for the Sources of Strength Oregon awards will be accepted from now until April 17.  Anyone, including students, can submit a nomination. 

Consider submitting a nomination or encouraging others to submit nominations:

Previous winners are not eligible to win again.

Winning nominations usually describe how a student, staff, or team have embodied or exemplified the Sources of Strength mission as an Agent of ChangeConnector to Help, and/or centering “Hope, Help, and Strength.”

Sources of Strength nominations and awards are evidence of your school’s efforts towards student belonging, connection, inclusion, and help-seeking.

Reach out to your Healthy Schools Public Health Specialist, or Aimee, if you need help crafting a nomination.

Award winners will be celebrated in district/school newsletters in May and at Oregon’s virtual Sources of Strength Showcase on May 20th.  More details on the awards, nominations, or showcase can be found here.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

From Gabe in Activities and Athletics:

Here is the weekly agenda for Athletics and Activities. March 16th-20h, 2026

Calendar

March 19 and 20: Katie out of the office – available by cell

March 20: Excellence in Education Nominations DUE to HR

March 23-27 Spring Break: Katie and Stephen out of the office – available by cell

April 3: HS Principal Connection 8-10 @ SHS

April 7: Admin/ICCL 4:15 – 6:15 @ BSH

April 7: HS Admin WS 9-11 @ RHS

April 8: All Admin PD 3-5 @ BSH

April 14: HS Admin WS 9-11 @ MVHS

April 14: MS Walkthroughs @ PCMS

Where in the World

Congrats to Tim Broadbent for correctly identifying Chimney Rock in Nebraska!  Chimney Rock was an important landmark along the Oregon Trail.  

Here is the image for this week. Guess this image by the Monday after spring break, win the drawing, and Katie will bring you your school appropriate beverage of choice:

Secondary Blog March 5, 2026

To Do

Leave sheets are DUE to Katie and Stephen by tomorrow!

Principals, let us know if you do not have leave or submit your leave sheet to Katie or Stephen. Assistant Principals, submit your leave to your Principal.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

To Do reminders from Kinsey:

Sign up for an LCA (Community Engagement Bingo) visit

Sign up and/or share about Taking It Up workshop

Sign up for a fundraising policy listening session

From Departments

March 18 SIW:  is a building directed SIW for HS and a teacher directed SIW for Elementary and Middle

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

From Ryan in Human Resources:

Last week, I shared the forms to submit names of the Certified and Support Staff you’d like to recognize as part of our Excellence in Education program. Resharing the links here with a reminder that nominations are due by Friday March 20th. Timely submission allows the next portion of the process to move forward so that everything can be ready in advance of the recognition evening, May 13th.

If you need the names of previous honorees from your site, please email me and I will share those with you

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

From Kinsey – Office of Policy and Advocacy:

Community Engagement Visits:   -Action requested-

Don’t forget about the chance to win a gift card ($25-$49.99) to places like El Sancho, Spork, downtown shops, and more!  A little motivation and token of appreciation for getting outside your building/office and into the community we serve.  (Bingo card here.)    

Thanks to all who visited The Giving Plate and Bethlehem Inn!  (If you missed those, it’s not too late–reach out to me.)  Our next community partner visit is in April, to the Latino Community Association.  Sign up here to participate.  

While this time of year feels particularly busy, these visits (and/or the average home visit) last 30 minutes or less, and hopefully leave you re-energized and reminded of your ‘why.’  This visit is also a tangible action you can take to support your immigrant and Latino families right now.  

Also, for those of you who recently visisted the Kids’ Center with our awesome safety team: Use that as one of your “optional” spots on your Bingo card.  One step closer to your prize!  🙂

Fundraising Listening Sessions:  -Action needed-

Don’t forget to sign up to attend one of the Fundraising and Donations update sessions.  Your parent leaders, coaches, and community members will be getting this information the following week, so we want you to feel informed and be able to give any final input.  See email from Kinsey sent Feb 27 for details (one admin per building, AD, Activities, etc).    

Taking It Up:   -Action needed-

If you have not yet attended Taking It Up, please talk with your Level Leader about their expectation for your participation in this workshop (register here).  I can cover a sub for your admin duties those two days.  Please also include this invitation in your next staff communication, and encourage folks to represent your school/dept in attending.

Black History Month Door-Decorating Contest

Wow–we had great participation rates this year, with kindergarten through adult groups submitting entries!    Check out the submissions.  Tomorrow, winners will be contacted via email (we’ll copy building admin so you know if you have a winner in your building–they will also be featured on social media this month) to celebrate and get them their prizes.  

Family Nights:

Save the dates: Asian Family Night = Friday, May 1; Latino Family Night = Thursday, May 14.  (These are on our district Family Engagement calendar in Outlook.)  More information to follow!

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

From Kayla in Safety:

Reminder that Wednesday, March 11 is our Safety Cadre Training #3

  • Secondary- 8:00AM-9:30AM in the HDMS Library

We will be having an informational presentation from our Deputy District Attorney on the juvenile justice process followed by a tabletop exercise. Please prioritize the administrator who oversees safety in your building attend the session.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

From Gabe:

Here is the weekly agenda for Athletics and Activities. March 2nd-6th, 2026

Have a great 1st Day of Spring Sports.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

From Jess:

Here is the counseling update.

Calendar

March 16: Staffing discussion HS Principals 2:30 Teams

March 17: HS Learning Walk – Language Arts 9-12 @ RHS and BTA

March 18: Building Directed SIW for HS

March 18-19: MS Spring Conferences

March 20: Excellence in Education Nominations DUE to HR

March 19 and 20: Katie out of the office – available by cell

March 23-27 Spring Break: Katie out of the office – available by cell

April 3: HS Principal Connection 8-10 @ SHS

April 7: HS Admin WS 9-11 @ RHS

April 14: HS Admin WS 9-11 @ MVHS

Where in the World?

Congratulations to Stephen for stumping all of us! Benjamin O. Davis was the image from last week and no one guessed correctly! O’Davis was among the first graduating class of Tuskegee airmen and integral in implementing the Air Force’s plan to desegregate.  Stephen gets the beverage of his choice!

Guess this location by Monday morning and we will bring you a school appropriate beverage of choice!

The Secondary Blog February 19, 2026

To Do

HS principals and VP’s who oversee social studies: Schedule time to meet with your social studies departments to review the timeline for adoption and the materials available for adoption. Monica and Dean can be available to be present if requested. Please coordinate with them directly.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Facilitate an interactive discussion focused on your school’s YouthTruth data with your certified and classified staff (together or separately) and your students by the end of April. Here is the template for you to use with staff and students.

Plan to send out written communication (in English and Spanish) to your families about your two strongest and two lowest data points by the end of April.

HS Admin Only – please add your slides and parent communication to the HS Admin handbook under YouthTruth tab and the bottom.

From Departments

From Communications:

ParentSquare is coming! Thank you to the south county schools who agreed to pilot ParentSquare as their communication tool this spring. Additionally, district level communications will use ParentSquare this spring. Staff will be trained in ParentSquare this August and will be the required form of communication beginning with the 26-27 school year.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Ongoing Communication about Standards Based Grading and Instruction:

Social Media:

You may have seen our recent social media posts on SBGI.  We plan to send out a new post every Sunday between now and the end of the year featuring information as well as students, staff, and administrators talking about the change.  

The first two weeks in February we highlighted the difference between Traditional and Standards Based Grading and Instruction. Donna and Cooper, one of the Student Voice Representatives from Summit, were featured in the video. Next up: SBGI Definitions highlighting CHS students!

Make sure you’re following Bend-La Pine on our social media platforms!

Supe’s On Podcast:

Kudos to Emily O’Neill, Language Arts Teacher, and Chris Boyd from Caldera who will be featured on the next Supe’s On Podcast focused on SBGI!

COTV feature:

Check out Stephen and Shauna Johnson, MVHS Social Studies Teacher as they talk about SBGI on COTV!

Thank you to Scott and Becca for their amazing partnership on these projects!

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

From Scott in IT:

Never let an outage go to waste!

On Monday,  Clever access was restricted for students and teachers due to an outage.  We know that determining whether something is a “user error” or an actual outage can be frustrating.  

You can reduce your frustration by visiting-https://bls.fyi/status

This handy dashboard lists all of our common tools and their current operational status.  Our team will also update a custom message at the top of the site listing any known issues.

Go ahead and bookmark it now.  That way, you can check it out the next time something gets wonky!

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

From Gabe:

February 17th-20th, 2026

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

From Kinsey – Office of Policy and Advocacy:

Guidance on Email Communications and Student Information:

Here is the guidance we reviewed at horizontals recently, and the quiz activity you can use when introducing this to staff.  Please don’t only email this guidance out to staff—it’s not urgent, but take some time to review and discuss it together at some point between now and your August launch next year.  

Policy Updates

Here is the policy we reviewed and discussed together recently.  This sets out specific expectations for administrators, certified educators, and all employees.  As a reminder, it replaces and covers Staff Responsibilities, Assignment, Employee Dress Code, and more.  Worth being very familiar with!

Here is our policy on showing movies/films in class.  As discussed, it’s not necessarily intuitive in all cases—please share with your teachers. 

Ramadan and Religious Practices:

This week marked the beginning of Ramadan, which continues through March 19. Please be mindful of both employee and student needs related to religious observances:

If an employee requests accommodations for fasting or prayer (or any other religious purpose throughout the year), contact me so we can ensure we meet our Civil Rights obligations and coordinate with Benefits.

Please also remind your staff that students may request accommodations related to religious observances. This could include adjustments connected to fasting, prayer, PE participation, or assessments. When these arise, loop me in so we can support the student’s civil rights appropriately and consistently. 

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

From Jenn:

🎉In honor of School Social Work Week and Classified Appreciation Week (March 2 -6th), we want to take a moment to specifically honor our Student Success Coordinators, Clinicians, Instructors, and Educational Assistants.

The ongoing need for specialized and compassionate support for students makes the Student Success team a central role in bridging the gap between home and school, ensuring that social, emotional, and mental health needs are met with expertise and empathy.

Whether they are providing intensive care coordination, fostering family engagement, or offering a steady hand during a mental health crisis, they work to bridge between a student “getting by” and truly thriving. The effort they put into building safe, trusting relationships that extend from the classroom to the home with students is essential.

Please take a moment at your school the first week of March to thank them for their service!

🌟 You’re Invited! Mark Your Calendars!

Join us for end-of-year presentations led by our dedicated Bend-La Pine Schools counselors. During these brief school updates, each team will share progress on their annual goals, highlight key programming initiatives, and reflect on the data gathered throughout the year. These presentations offer an opportunity to see how counseling programs are supporting students academically, socially-emotionally, and in their college and career readiness. Teams will share successes, lessons learned, and how this year’s work will inform future planning within our coordinated system of student support.

This reflection helps us continue strengthening a comprehensive, responsive support system for all students across Bend-La Pine Schools. Your presence matters as we celebrate growth, learn from one another, and look ahead to the next year of impact. I will send the lead counselor over counseling a calendar invite for each school. We hope you’ll join us!


📅 Presentation Schedule

Thursday, May 21, 2026
High School | 8:00–10:30 a.m.
Location: (Awaiting Confirmation) Perseverance Hall

Thursday, May 28, 2026
Middle School | 8:00–11:00 a.m.
Location: Education Center Boardroom

MS Only

A friendly reminder to please make sure anyone helping with school traffic or crossing guard duties is wearing a high-visibility vest and/or clothing.

Wearing a vest helps reinforce safe practices for our students and families. We appreciate your attention to this and your continued support in keeping our campus safe.

If your site needs a vest, please email Andrea Wilson.

HS Only

Graduation Ceremony Expectations: High Schools are required to follow these expectations. Please reach out to Katie if you have questions.

Calendar

February 13-April 10: Pre ACT testing

February 23-26: Katie out of the office – available by cell

March 10: HS WS 9-11 @ RHS

March 13: Principal Connection 7-9 @ MVHS

March 17: HS Learning Walk – Language Arts 9-12 @ RHS and BTA

March 19 and 20: Katie out of the office – available by cell

March 23-27 Spring Break

April 3: Principal Connection 8-10 @ SHS

Who in the World?

Congrats to Kelly Schmidt for correctly identifying Bessie Coleman as our who in the world this week.  Coleman was the first licensed Black pilot in the world as well as the first Native American to hold a pilot license.

We continue our celebration of Black HistoryWho is this famous individual and what is he famous for?

The Secondary Blog February 5, 2026

To Do

Timesheets are due Monday! The time period we are recording for is 01/12/2026-02/08/2026. 

Principals, if you do not have any leave to report, please let Katie or Stephen know so we don’t expect a sheet from you.

Assistant Principals submit your timesheet to your principal.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

From Kinsey – Office of Policy and Advocacy:

Family-teacher conferences:

Please work with your language specialist and family liaison to submit ASAP your interpreter needs for conferences.  Remember to schedule blocks/back-to-back appointments for families who need interpreters, to the extent reasonable.  This helps maximize interpreter resources, which will be tight this year.

Also, please remind staff that virtual interpreters are perfectly acceptable and sometimes even better quality than in-person services.  If the Linguist Link team says an interpreter will be available virtually for your request, the teacher(s) should provide a link to their Teams/WebEx/etc account (send the link to the language specialist and/or paste into the Linguist Link request), and pull up the interpreter on their iPad or laptop during the conference.   We are prioritizing in-person interpreters for secondary conferences, given the format of those conferences.  

Someone should be available in your front office during all conference hours, to greet interpreters and point them in the direction of their assigned rooms, and/or to answer phone calls if interpreters are trying to log into a virtual appointment and getting locked out.  Interpreter no-show?  CAFE Program members can step in in a pinch, as available.

Remind teachers to honor family requests for virtual or phone conferences, within reason (if you need reminders about what’s ‘within reason,’ check in with your liaison or ELL specialist for details).

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

From Dave Van Loo:

Please read and reach out to me with questions. “Testing season” is quickly approaching. Here are a few resources to help with planning and organization.  I’m happy to come out and meet with you as is helpful, especially with anyone who may be new to testing-related roles.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

How will YOUR school honor your counselors next week?

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

ICCL/Administrator Training February 17: If you haven’t already, be sure to forward the invite to your ICCL’s!

From Departments

From Lisa:

Assessment Team: As you know, SB141 will require interim assessments in grades K-8 for reading and mathematics to begin in the fall. In mid-February, we will know the identified assessments and logistics related to their implementation. We would like a team of administrators and teachers to review tools, give input, and consider implementation plans in preparation of this requirement taking place in our district. If you would like to be considered to be part of this group, please add your name to the following sign-up sheet by February 13th. SB141 Assessment Consideration Team

Data Team: Throughout this year, we have spent time considering data related to EWS and MTSS needs for our teams. However, as an administrator it is likely that you have specific data that you’d like to be able to see about your school frequently to help guide your training, actions, and team plans. I would like to bring a team of administrators together to discuss what would be most beneficial to have access to in a dashboard format that you would be able to consistently access daily to lead your school best. If you have ideas and would like to join this team, please sign up using the following sheet by February 13th. Data Dream Team

SIF Budgets: When you receive your budget for next year, you will notice that SIF will no longer be a separate budget tab.  In the past, these dollars were governed by a grant and required specific spending approval. That is no longer the case and remains as an extra hurdle for our business office. To streamline processes, it will be included in the dollars for your general fund moving forward. Your level leader will continue to meet with you for general budgeting guidance as always.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Any new classified staff member hired after tomorrow, Friday February 6, 2026, will not need to have a summative evaluation completed for the 25-26 school year.  Classified employees hired as of February 9, 2026, through the end of the year, will participate in goal setting in the fall and be evaluated for the 26-27 school year.  Please let me know if you have any questions/concerns.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

From Student Services:

Collaborative Problem Solving Training

We wanted to reach out and share an upcoming Collaborative Problem Training for Educators this March. The training is free, and slots will be limited. 

Please check out the Collaborative Problem Solving Flyer and Registration Link to learn more!

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

From Gabe Pagano, District Activities and Athletic Director:

Here is the update for this week.

MS Only

Elementary and Middle School Admin – 

Human Resources will be sending an Extra Duty Attestation Form to employees we have on record as currently serving in the Elementary Music Director, Elementary Yearbook Advisor, and Elementary OBOB Advisor roles prior to their formal inclusion on the Extra Duty Schedule, as well as to the building principal for verification.

These roles were added to the Extra Duty Schedule through agreements between the District and BEA. 

The form is intended to document prior service – within Bend-La Pine Schools or in other districts – so that employees can be accurately placed on the Extra Duty Salary Schedule. Employees will be asked to complete, sign, and return the form, with the supervising administrator reviewing and confirming the information.

The Middle School OBOB Advisor role was also added to the Extra Duty Schedule. Because we in HR do not have a record of who may be serving in this role, Human Resources will send the attestation form to all middle school Principals to share with the individual currently performing these duties, if applicable, for completion and return.

Please let Ryan know if you have any questions.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

TAG Support:

In addition to the four elementary and middle school PD sessions offered throughout the year, Jess Scott has volunteered to meet one-on-one with the administrator in charge of TAG to provide support with complex TAG case studies or to further walk through the TAG identification process. These individual conversations can be a helpful space to ask questions and talk through specific situations. Please feel free to reach out to Jessica Scott to coordinate a time to meet.

HS Only

From Lisa, CTE TOSA:

CTE Month is coming up next month, and we’re excited to celebrate the amazing work happening across our programs!

To help us highlight and recognize CTE, we’d love your support with the following:

  • Here is the nomination form to identify exemplary CTE students. Students will be highlighted throughout the month: Student Nomination Form
  • We would also love to highlight past CTE students (alumni)—please share names or success stories on the above form.
  • Please send along photos or information about activities, projects, field trips, or events from your program that the district can feature during CTE Month to Becca Burda and Lisa Keown.

Thank you for all you do to support CTE students—we can’t wait to showcase your programs!

Calendar

February 13-April 10: Pre ACT testing

February 10: HS Learning Walk 9:00-12:00 @ SHS

February 17: HS Administrator Work Session 9:00-11:00 @ BTA

February 19: MS Horizontal – Sky View 3:00 – 5:00

Who in the world?

Congratulations to Colin Bado for correctly identifying Shirley Chisholm for Who in the World this week.  Chisholm was the first Black woman elected to congress and represented New York’s 12th district from 1969 to 1983. 

We continue our celebration of Black History! Who is this famous individual?

The Secondary Blog, January 22, 2026

To Do

Priority # 1: YouthTruth Survey closes next Friday!

Time is running out—just 7 school days left before surveys close end-of-day Friday, January 30th!

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Reminder from HR, Probationary Letters due by February 3: Those of you with third-year Probationary/Temporary certified staff being recommended for Contract status you will need to generate letters of support for each one. The School Board wants each of us to be able to articulate the specific reasons any third-year Probationary/Temporary teacher should move to Contract status, and they take time to read every letter you prepare. Please have these letters uploaded in the appropriate school folder in the google drive listed below no later than February 2, 2026. If you experience any issues with uploading your letters or accessing any of the links below, please email [email protected]

Complete and upload all your Renewal Recommendation letters into the appropriate school folder within this google drive.  You will find the list of probationary/temporary certified staff in the drive as well to assist you.

Rubrics for certified staff (link)

Here is a draft template/sample Renewal Recommendation letter for your guidance (make as many copies of the letter as you need)

Be sure your letter is submitted on your school’s letterhead and has your signature prior to uploading

Certified Professional Growth and Performance Manual here.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Curriculum Guide Audits: TOSAS and our secondary team are currently doing an audit of curriculum guides to ensure that the information shared is consistently communicated for our families.

So, far, we are finding that some schools have made adjustments to the science and math pathways. If this is the case for you, please adjust those ASAP. If you are not sure, reach out to Dean.

From Departments

From Jenn in Student Services:

🎉 National School Counseling Week 2026 (#NSCW26) is February 2–6, 2026! This special week shines a spotlight on the incredible impact of our school counselors and the unique ways they support students every day.

The 2026 theme, School Counselors Amplify Student Success, says it all! Presented by ASCA, National School Counseling Week celebrates how school counselors help students thrive academically, socially, emotionally, and as they plan for future careers.

📅 National School Counseling Week is always held during the first full week of February, and we’re excited to share several resources below to help you celebrate the amazing school counselor(s) at your site.

💙 Please note: We will also be celebrating our Student Success Staff during School Social Worker Week, the week of March 1st.

🏅 Included below is a Certificate of Appreciation you can use to recognize your counselors, along with additional ideas and resources to make this week extra special. Let’s show our counselors how much they are valued and appreciated! 😊🎉

Resources:  

Certificate of Completion

Sign

NSCW Toolkit

Promo Kit 

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

❄️ Cold Weather Reminders from Human Resources ❄️

While our winter has been relatively mild thus far, we wanted to share a few helpful reminders – just in case Old Man Winter decides to show up!

Please be sure to review our Inclement Weather Guidelines

If winter weather does roll in, remember to: 

Don’t forget to walk like a penguin – short steps, slow and steady wins the race 

Give yourself extra travel time (driving and walking),

Bundle up and wear weather-appropriate footwear,

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

From Kayla in Safety:

Reminder for recess/lunch winter weather guidance: 

When the outside temperature falls to 20°F or below (not including wind chill), the administration will use caution when allowing outdoor school activities(This information is found in the Quick Reference Guide for Emergencies aka “the Red Green”). See the NOAA Windchill chart here

Administrators have the discretion to send students outside in inclement weather. For example, it could be above 20°F but extremely icy, so you may decide to keep students inside. 

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

From Educational Technology:

AI resources for students just got an upgrade, including a new AI for Research slide deck and our AI Guide for Students, both found on the AI in BLS website. If AI instruction is on your radar, we’re glad to partner with you to support classroom conversations and provide staff learning.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

From Gabe, Director of Activities and Athletics:

January 20th-23rd, 2026 – Weekly

Calendar

January 27: Climate and Culture Task Force 8-12 @ Ed Center Boardroom

January 28: All Admin Professional Development 3:00-4:30 BSHS Perseverance Hall

February 2-6: National School Counseling Week! Celebrate your counselors!

February 10: HS Learning Walk 9:00-12:00 @ SHS

February 17: HS Administrator Work Session 9:00-11:00 @ BTA

Who in the World?

Congrats to Dave McKae for winning the where in the world contest this week!  The photo is of The Hole in the Rock formation in Papago Park near Phoenix, Arizona.  An awesome hike if you’re ever down there.  Right next to the zoo!

We celebrate Black History Month in February! Who is this famous inventor and what did he invent?

The Secondary Blog January 8, 2026

To Do:

You should have a plan in place to review Mid Year SLGGS by the end of February.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Sign up for a tour of the Bethlehem Inn – see details below!

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

From Dean in Teaching and Learning:

Building leaders, please complete these tasks related to our Health curriculum:

Sadly, we continue to have suicide attempts across our schools. Here is a reminder of the administrator asks to assure that our schools are doing all we can to reduce suicide.

  1. Reach out to Health/PE teachers (of 6th, 7th, 8th grades, Health 1 and 2) at the beginning of a semester:
    1. To confirm that they’re aware that suicide prevention education is required. 
    2. To identify when they will teach suicide prevention education. 
    3. To confirm the school’s procedure for responding to students who need mental health support, particularly if a student needs to leave the classroom because they are not ok.
    4. To see if the teacher needs any coaching support to build their confidence and skills. Connect Health teachers to school counselors for coaching, if needed. 
  2. Alert counselors, admin, and other relevant staff about 1 week before suicide prevention will be taught. Confirm who will be on standby for responding to student mental health needs. Remind these staff of the procedure for response if students need support:
  3. Recommended procedure, if able: Have another adult in the classroom during the lessons who can escort students who need support to the counseling office, if needed.
  4. If unable to have another adult in the classroom, have a plan for the teacher to call your counseling center or front office staff when a student in need of support leaves the room so that someone can follow up and ensure they reach a counselor.
  5. Always have a school counselor available during and after the lessons to respond to students’ mental health needs that may arise.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

ICCL/Administrator training this week: Our focus for this training was “SBIG: systems and strategies to move the learning forward.” We heard presentations from:

*LPHS Principal, Scott Olszweski and five teachers: Suzanne Jones, Luke Donahue, Lindsey Spring, Kent Eby and Jessica Kinzel Schneiter

*Sean Keating, PCMS Principal

*Julie Montoya, World Language TOSA

*Shauna Johnson, Social Studies Teacher at MVHS.

They each spoke to tangible examples of SBIG implementation in their schools and classrooms. Here are the slides. Please pass these along! 

Key takeaways from the sharing:

*Teacher leadership is vital in this work we are doing together

*Collaboration results in higher levels of learning

*Design to the 4! Provide exemplars and clear, specific rubrics prior to assigning

*Providing feedback (without a score) coupled with time to rework leads to high levels of learning


++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

From Steve Dennison, County Clerk:

Please share this opportunity with your students and encourage them to participate. It is an excellent way for them to engage with the democratic process and contribute to our community.

Dear Educators and Administrators: I hope this message finds you well. I wanted to bring to your attention the Deschutes County Clerk’s Office’s “I Voted” Sticker Contest for 2026. This contest offers a unique opportunity for local K-12 students to engage in a creative celebration of America’s 250th birthday while showcasing their artistic talents in a meaningful civic initiative.

Contest Highlights:

  • Eligibility: Open to all K-12 students in Deschutes County.
  • Submission Deadline: January 31, 2026.
  • Design Theme: Celebrating America’s Semiquincentennial. Original designs are encouraged to incorporate red, white, and blue colors.
  • Winning designs will be:
    • Featured on the cover of the Voters’ Pamphlets for the upcoming May Primary and November General elections.
    • Printed as actual stickers. These stickers will be distributed during the upcoming elections this year .
    • Displayed at the Deschutes County Services Building.

Submit signed entry forms to:

  • In Person: Deschutes County Clerk’s Office, 1300 NW Wall Street, Ste 202 Bend
  • By Mail: PO Box 6005, Bend, OR 97708
  • Email[email protected]

Contest entry form is here for your convenience. Additional information can be found on our website, here.

Thank you for your support in promoting civic engagement among students. Feel free to reach out with any questions.

Steve Dennison | County Clerk
DESCHUTES COUNTY CLERK’S OFFICE
1300 NW Wall Street | Bend, Oregon 97703
Tel: (541) 388-6544

From Departments:

From Kinsey – Office of Policy and Advocacy:

  1. Community Engagement:

Don’t forget about the chance to win a gift card ($25-$49.99) to places like El Sancho, Spork, downtown shops, and more!  Just a little motivation and token of appreciation for getting outside your building/office and into the community we serve.  (Bingo card here.)    

Thanks to all of you who visited The Giving Plate this fall!  (If you missed that round, it’s not too late–reach out to me.)  Our next community partner visit is in January, to the Bethlehem Inn.  Sign up here to participate.  

  1. Black History Month:

In the next few days, your Advocacy ICCL representative will share with your staff some opportunities for recognizing Black History Month and honoring our Black students, colleagues, and community members–including our fourth annual Inspiring Displays Contest.  Last year, over 18 community agencies and partners voted on the amazing contest submissions—more info here.  

When that message comes through, please reiterate it with your staff.  This will A) honor the leadership of your Advocacy ICCL rep, and B) show your staff that you care about this topic as a leader and want your school engaged.  Here’s a draft communication you can edit or copy/paste into your staff blog, or you can simply reference the message your Advocacy ICCL rep will have recently sent.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Curriculum Guide for New Choice High School: The curriculum guide for the New Choice High School is currently live on the RHS and BTA websites Here are the English and Spanish Versions.

We are preparing a “toolkit” for schools to explain the framework of the New Choice High School that we will be sharing in the coming days!

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

From our Safety Department:

We have updated our 8888-emergency phone document for schools to show which district level leaders receive the phone calls. It can also be found in our Safety Google Drive – here

Please review this information as a reminder on when and how to use the 8888 phone number for any safety/emergency related issues at schools. Reach out with questions.

We are working with Kids Center to provide a training for our fourth Safety Cadre meeting. Kids Center has graciously offered to facilitate tours of their site for our admin who are interested. If you are interested in a brief pre-training tour (multiple times will be available), please reach out to Kayla Martin so we can get an estimate on attendance.  

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

From Student Services:

As we continue to strengthen inclusive, student-centered practices across our schools, we encourage you to become more familiar with the role of school-based Occupational Therapists (OTs). OTs are key partners in supporting student access, regulation, and participation in learning and daily school routines. Reviewing the attached document will provide helpful context on how OTs support students, staff, and school-wide systems.

For full details on OT roles and responsibilities, please refer to the Bend-La Pine Schools Occupational Therapist Essential Roles and Responsibilities document. Not sure who your building’s Occupational Therapist is? Click [HERE] to find your assigned OT.

From Sara Young:

Could you all please add this CPI Trained Staff List to your Important Links/Resources for building leaders? We want to make sure they are quickly able to see the trained staff at their sites. 

Also, we try to keep up with when people leave or move sites, but if they have any updates that we haven’t caught, they can absolutely let me know!

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

From Gabe Pagano, Director of Activities and Athletics:

Here is the weekly for Athletics and Activities.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

MS Only

Please make yourself aware of this document being shared with middle school counselors.   working Middle School Forecasting document.  We will talk more at our February horizontal if you have any questions.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Look for slides about the New Choice High School to show students in next week’s advisory!

HS Only

From Jennifer and Jess:

High School Forecasting & Academic Planning: A Unified Approach Across BLS

During our recent Admin/Counselor PLC prior to winter break, we revisited our shared, districtwide forecasting framework and the systems that support academic planning across BLS. We are grateful for the thoughtful, coordinated work taking place in every building to ensure students and families are well-prepared to make informed academic decisions. Forecasting remains a critical component of postsecondary preparation and is fully embedded within our comprehensive counseling programming—not a stand-alone task or event.

Our shared vision centers on ensuring that all students and families understand the purpose and value of forecasting throughout the middle and high school years. Middle school counseling lessons introduce academic planning, high school graduation requirements, and early college and career awareness, while SchooLinks activities build readiness and self-awareness. Eighth-grade students, as well as students in grades 9–11, complete their course planners in SchooLinks at least two weeks prior to meeting with high school counselors for forecasting. In high school, annual counseling lessons continue to reinforce graduation pathways, diploma options, and postsecondary planning, with course planners updated in advance to support meaningful forecasting conversations.

Districtwide consistency for students and families remains at the core of our unified forecasting framework. It is essential that schools maintain clear, predictable communication with families before, during, and after forecasting to support understanding and engagement at every stage of the process. Before forecasting, the framework includes timely family outreach, updated materials, and classroom lessons aligned to graduation and pathway requirements, with students completing course planners in advance. During forecasting, schools provide grade-level lessons, 1:1 support, and ongoing family communication to help students make informed, goal-aligned course selections. After forecasting, schools offer family review windows, course request verification, and clear reminders about scheduling parameters and key deadlines.

We are also continuing to align our practices and communication related to BLPO and other non-district or postsecondary course options to ensure families receive clear, accessible guidance and required documentation. Ongoing alignment between middle and high school teams remains a priority, with dedicated time built into our January END to continue this work. As a result, students and families will experience consistent resources across all schools, including shared timelines, communications, lessons, and forecasting guides.

Thank you to everyone who contributes to our annual cross-level forecasting alignment that help create a smooth, predictable, and supportive experience for students and families.

Calendar

January 13: HS Learning Walk 10-1 @ LPHS

January 14: SBIG Early Adopter Virtual Drop in 8:00-8:30

January 14: New Choice High School Information Night 6:00 @ BTA Campus

January 16: Principal Connection 7:00 @ CHS

January 20: MS and HS Admin Work Session – 9-11 Summit High School

January 20: New Choice High School Information Night 6:00 @ BTA Campus

January 22: HS Only – Tier II Academic Intervention Team 2:30-4:00 @ CHS

January 23: 504 training required for ALL admin who oversee 504’s 9:00 @ Wall Street Lab

January 23: 26-27 Area Change Request (ACR) Deadline for submission

Where in the World?

Congrats to Brian Barringer of LPMS for winning this week’s where in the world.  The image was from a snowy 1960s Bend!

This week, it’s Where in the World? Any admin who correctly identifies this location by Monday morning (after break) will be entered in a drawing for coffee/tea or morning beverage of choice to be delivered by Katie or Stephen. Note: This contest will be limited to MS and HS admin.