Who is going to wake up everyday this year rooted in our purpose and ready to lead with dignity? We are! Who is going to be a steward, a learner, and a nurturing leader? We are! Who is going to see that students have effective teachers, a strong curriculum, and the time they need to learn? We are! Who is proud to be a part of Bend-La Pine schools? We are, of course!
Thank you all so much for a fantastic start to the year, as we spent the first two days, solidifying our why, learning the 10 elements of dignity, and committing to the belief that, with an effective teacher, a strong curriculum and enough time, all students can learn. We are looking forward to our time together on Monday, August 11 at the High Desert Museum, from 9:00-5:00, as we continue to collaborate, learn, and plan for a wonderful year. For those of you who are out healing or caring for ailing family, know that you were missed and we look forward to the day you can be with us again.
From Tammy and Karen
Here are links to the slides we had access to from our leadership launch these past two days. We know there are more, and as we get them (or you remind us what else you need) we’ll add them here.
Elementary Commitments to Learning, Day 1
Life and Career Readiness Presentation
Elementary Prioritizing and To-Dos, Day 2
Teaching Smarter: Science Driven Techniques. (Dave and Liza’s presentation)
We forgot to add one important tab to the bottom of our “teams” document, and that is for the admin who is the rep on the safety cadre. There will be more in the blog next week about the days and times, but for now, if you could please add your admin name to this list, that would be amazing! Thank you.
Important Links
- June 4th Elementary TLC Update
- 1-Page Student Management guide
- Topics of Interest/Problem of Practice *New space for the 25-26 school year (24-25 are archived and you can access those conversations here too)
- FAQs for Special Education Inclusion Topics—Keep checking in here! BEA and BLS supported
- Check out the new Administrator Hiring Guide —Go to UKG, recruitment tab, and choose the hiring guide on the right hand side of the page.
Notes from our Team:
From Tami Pike, Director of Health Services
To ensure a safe and successful field trip experience, review the Field Trip Checklist in advance. It is essential to notify your school nurse at least two weeks prior to any field trip. If a student requires direct nursing support during the trip, please complete the updated Request for Direct Care Nursing Services form at least two weeks prior to any field trip. Thank you!
From Kim Crabtree, Director of Transportation Services
Your school principal may receive an invite from Commute Options to meet. Commute Options partners with us to help deliver education regarding safe walking/rolling to school. Commute Options has a great bike safety program (they provide the bikes/helmets). We work closely with them to create safe walking paths to schools for our non-bus riders. Our department has hired an Active Transportation Coordinator (Michelle Rhoads) through a 2 year grant. The grant is very specific on where Michelle’s work must be directed (5 Title 1 schools).
We hope to build a robust program district wide to support those that do not ride a bus. If you have questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to me. If you are looking for education for your students- Commute Options is your go-to at this time (we are happy to coordinate that for you also through them). Have a great safe start to the year!
From Tracy Howk, Instructional Technology. AI PD & Resources in One Place
Everything you need for the Artificial Intelligence PD is on the new AI in BLS website, including the full slide deck for your upcoming staff training.
The training takes about 90 minutes. We’ve scheduled it during August in-service so staff can explore AI early, with the hope that leveraging it can help lighten their workload as the year gets rolling.
There’s no need to be an AI expert. Just open the deck and guide your staff through it. The goal is to share accurate, useful, and timely information as we navigate the meaningful use of AI across the district. Questions? Reach out anytime: [email protected]
Action Items
- Review your priority matrix and complete the important and urgent items now if they are not done already
- review field trip checklist with your office staff and be ready when field trips arise
- Meet with Commute Options if/when they call
- Check out the AI training link and email the IT help email for Robbie and Tracy if you have questions
- Come ready to enjoy the day Monday (inside and out) at the High Desert Museum, 9-5.
Important Dates
- August 11: Elementary Horizontal at High Desert Museum from 9:00 a.m to 5:00 p.m.
- August 18: Title 1 Kick Off for all Title Schools 8-10 @ ELK Meadow
- August 21: Optional Wayfinder Training for Admin, 2:30-3:30 at North Star
- August 25 – 29: Inservice Week
- August 26: Welcome Back Kick Off – Virtual 8:30 a.m – 10:00 a.m.
- September 2: Optional Teacher Work Day
- September 3: FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL
- September 9: Elementary Leadership Meeting, 3:00-4:30 at the Ensworth Media Center
- September 16: PLCs 1 and 2, 3:00-4:30 (you will learn about these on August 11)
- September 23: PLCs 3 and 4, 3:00-4:30 (you will learn about these on August 11)
- September 22-24: Rosh Hashanah–no scheduling of evening events on these days.
And finally….zoom in and check out how we are showing up this year, rooted in our purpose and steady in growth.
